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In accordance with the laws of this land, the Small Council cannot be dissolved by the Hand, unless the King is unable to rule. This power stays only with the monarch himself or his regent, acting as the protector as the realm. As the keeper of laws of the realm, I have to state that - and the advisors of the King would continue to act as such, until His Grace rules otherwise. The Hand cannot substitute the Sovereign, when he is capable of reigning and is present in the capital.
Regarding Lord Tully, if the case is so controversial that a number of great lords of the realm protest it, I would advise calling a represenative court, in which a number of most influental and impartial nobles of the realm (which would not benefit from this or that decision) would participate, the King himself presiding and having the final decision. In the past great councils of the land were called to solve most dire problems.
- Beric Darklyn, the Lord of Duskendale, Master of Laws
Regarding Lord Tully, if the case is so controversial that a number of great lords of the realm protest it, I would advise calling a represenative court, in which a number of most influental and impartial nobles of the realm (which would not benefit from this or that decision) would participate, the King himself presiding and having the final decision. In the past great councils of the land were called to solve most dire problems.
- Beric Darklyn, the Lord of Duskendale, Master of Laws
Should the King veto my decision, the office of the Hand should be at His disposition.
My lord Lannister,
The realm can exist even for one moment without the Small Council, otherwise anarchy would take place. Who would govern the realm, if there is no Small Council? The advisors to the Crown can give away their powers only when the new advisors are announced by His Grace.
- Beric Darklyn, the Lord of Duskendale, Master of Laws
Lord Darklyn,
It's clear for me, by experience, that the current configuration of the Small Council is a hinderance to the duties of the Hand, but not only that, they're directly responsible for the escalation of the current situation. As such, my decision is legitime, should the King demonstrate no confidence in my actions, then there is no reason for me to remain in the office without the suport of my King. I hope you understand that.
Lord Willem Lannister
It's clear for me, by experience, that the current configuration of the Small Council is a hinderance to the duties of the Hand, but not only that, they're directly responsible for the escalation of the current situation. As such, my decision is legitime, should the King demonstrate no confidence in my actions, then there is no reason for me to remain in the office without the suport of my King. I hope you understand that.
Lord Willem Lannister
Ronnel entered the tent that had been set up outside the walls of the Gates of the Moon, his sword on his hip and his light mail armor hanging off his shoulders. Inside the tent, Maester Kaeth worked to bandage a man who lay on one of the cots.
“Another two broken arms today.” The maester said with a chuckle and a wry shake of his head without even looking up. Since he was a boy Ronnel had noticed that the maester tended to laugh when he was serious, employing a humorless tone when he joked.
“You’ll be provided with whatever you need Maester, just make sure the men stay healthy.” For two weeks now levies from the vale had been training in the practice fields outside the castle, sharpening their skills under the guide of several knights.
“It better be.” He laughed again. The tent serving as the maester’s treatment room was occupied by four men lying on cots, bandaged and sleeping, in addition to the patient he was currently tending to. “Keep driving these men like you have been and there won’t be any left to face battle a month from now.”
“Battle is a hard business maester, you know this. Soft training will make for soft soldiers who will never make it back to their families.”
Maester Kaeth snorted. “You think war is truly coming then? You’ll need to send these men into battle?”
War seemed to be the question on everyone’s lips as of late. The decision to name Lord Tully an outlaw had upset the realm, followed by the resignation of Lord Tyrell and the decision of Lannister to dissolve the small council. Ronnel wasn’t even sure if that was legal and had yet to hear about the fallout that would inevitably follow, but was sure that it wouldn’t help the situation, whatever happened. Rumors had begun circulating as well, news that the Reach had called its banners and planned to take King’s Landing, that the Ironborn had begun raiding shipping along the Westerlands. Everywhere the air seemed think with uncertainty and tension, making Ronnel push the men as hard as he dared. If battle were to come the Vale would be ready.
“I cannot say Maester Keath, you’ve seen the letters and heard the news just as I have.” He said, trying to assure the white-haired man. “Is there anything you need? I can send a caravan to Gulltown to get supplies.”
“My stocks are sufficient for now Young Falcon, the castle’s herb garden has been a great help.”
“Then I’ll leave you to your work.” He left the Maester to the wounded and went outside. All around him men were training, clustered into companies and squads as knights trained them as best they could to learn the skills they had learned over years. From Ronnels own experience the task could be frustrating, the recruits seemed slow and clumsy, ignorant of even the most basic knowledge of battle. Still, Ronnel refused to allow his knights to cane those who made mistakes, demanding that any punishment came in the form of extra training. Still, it seemed to be doing some good, and as the weeks passed the training began to take hold as the men grew stronger, no doubt aided by the healthy diet they were provided.
As Ronnel walked the camp he saw Gyles teaching the bow to a group of their more capable recruits. Over the past two years Ronnel and Gyles, a knight from House Grafton, had grown to be good friends during their time hunting the mountain men throughout the Vale. Gyles had seemed haunted by the killing that was necessary at times, but he had never left Ronnel’s side throughout the campaigns.
All levies that had arrived at the Gates had been tested on their archery, and the few that showed skill or potential were being provided with further instruction. They only numbered a hundred or so at the moment, but Ronnel was sure the number would grow as more men answered the call to arms, and even a small number of skilled bowmen could be a valuable asset in battle. Gyles had unsurprisingly proven to be a capable teacher, and all of his charges could hit the center of a target at forty paces.
“Pull the string behind your ear, not to your mouth.” Gyles told one of his men, a lithe man that Ronnel remembered had apparently been a hunter of some renown in one of the nearby towns. The man did as he was told and let the arrow fly to the target where it hit a few inches to the left of the bull’s-eye. “Fair enough.” He noticed Ronnel’s approach and spoke up to get the archers’ attentions. “Practice at fifty paces, first man to get a bull’s-eye gets double rations.”
He turned and gave Ronnel an overly extravagant bow as he men moved back ten paces. “Greetings, my lord.”
“Don’t do that Gyles.” Ronnel glanced at the men who seemed to be taking to the bow well. “They’re well trained, no doubt they’ll be very useful if we end up needing to see battle.”
Gyles nodded and Ronnel took a closer look at his friend, seeing the familiar haunted look that seemed to cloud his eyes since their time in the mountains. He seemed tired and distant when he wasn’t training, taking an excessive interest in wine and rum. Ronnel sighed, unsure how to help his friend. “Where’s my uncle? He’s supposed to be teaching the men to use the pole-axe.”
“In the castle smithy again I think.”
Since news that arms were to be raised Ronnel’s uncle had spent most of his time in the smithy, aiding the smith to fashion new weapons that would undoubtedly be needed by the levies. The castles armory had been extensive, but it was a long time since the forces of the Vale had seen the threat of war on such a scale and they were not entirely prepared.
Ronnel nodded and looked over at the bowmen again. “How long until they’re ready?”
“In a few years they may be as good as you or a half decent noble, maybe another ten until they’re as good as me. You think that the realm will wait that long?” Gyles smirked but didn’t seem amused.
“I have to hope that they will. But will they stand and fight? We can’t have them breaking at the first sign of battle.”
Gyles looked at his men, his eyes seeming distant as he no doubt pictured them like the men who had died in the mountains, hacked and bloodied. After a long pause he spoke. “They’ll fight, the poor bastards.”
Ronnel sighed and placed a hand on Gyles shoulder as he looked at the men. “I won’t be coming to King’s Landing to make Lord Tully’s case, there’s too much risk involved, but perhaps if one of these calls for a fair trial comes to fruition they won’t need to fight.”
Glyes shook his head slightly. “No, at some point they’ll need to fight, just a matter of time I suspect.”
((Lord Ronnel Arryn has called on his levies and banners to begin training in the event that peace eludes the realm. He also has decided not to go to King’s Landing to speak in Lord Tully’s defense unless plans for a fair trial are produced and agreed upon.))
The Winds of War
How things change. It was not so long ago that Theodore was circling the crowd in King's landing celebrating his victory in the King's Tourney with excitement and joy. Gladys had never looked more beautiful then on that day when he crowned her the queen of love and beauty in front of half the lords of Westeros. In that moment he felt exultation and glory. Now, that was long gone. He had raised his banners in defiance of the king whose glory and name he fought for in that tourney. Now he sat at the port in Oldtown watching the entire naval strength of the Reach assemble. The Redwyne's fleet had just arrived and he had rode out with Quentin to meet his father.
The largest of the warships docked in the harbor and several men began to exit the ship. It wasn't hard to figure out which one was Lord Mathis Redwyne. The middle aged man had not come dressed for war, instead he was wearing an intricately designed doublet in the colors of his house, blue and burgundy. Lord Redwyne was a spitting image of his son, except his freckled face had become wrinkled with age and his red hair now had wisps of grey in it. Theodore got off his horse and walked out to greet them and Quentin and the rest of his guard followed. When they got closer, Lord Mathis came forward and greeted them warmly. "Ah, you must be Lord Hightower. I had heard your father say that his first son was a giant of a man and, well, you live up to the rumors. Shame about your father's death. He was a close friend of mine. We served together in Dorne and we saved each other's lives far too many times to count." He sullenly looked to the ground for a moment. He took a deep breath and then looked up again and smiled. "And here is my son, my own pride and joy. How goes your studies Quentin? Where's your wife? I was hoping to meet the whole Hightower family while I was here."
Quentin looked embarrassed and refused to meet his father's gaze. "Well, father, I, um, I . . . What I mean to say is that my studies are going quite well." A blatant lie and everyone here can tell. Based on the letters Margaery sends, Quentin is still struggling with his numbers. I hope Lord Redwyne has some good advisers for his son when he passes away. That would be a worry for peace time, when it comes. If it comes. Quentin continued, "And as for my wife, well, Theodore thought it was best that, I mean, I thought that it was best for her to stay back at our manse. This is men's business and is no place for a delicate lady like Margaery."
Mathis shot Theodore a queer look. Theodore shrugged and feigned ignorance as to what Quentin was talking about. Truth be told, he had told Quentin to not let Margaery join them. He hadn't seen his sister in nearly a year and he didn't want this to be how they were reunited. Lord Redwyne said, "Well then I'll just have to meet her later tonight. She must be truly delicate if the sight of warships and some talk of war makes her weak in the knees. So Theodore, I've brought you one hundred ships. How does the fleet look?"
Theodore looked out at the harbor. The fleet that they had assembled was massive. If he hadn't kept the records himself, he might not believe the size of the fleet they had assembled. 200 finished warships, with 50 more in the harbor almost finished. "Well, once we get all of our ships, I think we could easily take on the Royal Navy. We might even be able to smash the Ironborn against our navy if it comes to that. Normally I would reject the notion, but they've been bloodied by their recent fighting. Either way, we're a force to be reckoned with, but I don't like our position."
Lord Mathis raised a questioning eyebrow. "How so my young lord?"
"We will talk about it later. You must be tired after such a long journey. Come Lord Redwyne, let me show you the hospitality of Hightower." Lord Redwyne agreed and they left the chaos of the port. War was looming over Westeros and Theodore could not help but reflect on it. The last time Westeros fought itself was the Dance. The Hightowers gave everything to help the greens and Aegon II, including most of their lives. I hope that if war comes again that we are not expected to have to pay so steep a price.
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Royal Pronouncement of King Aegon IV of the House Targaryen
To my Loyal subjects
I have decided to the trial of Lord Tully will be held in Tumbleton, with Lord's Lannister, Arryn, and Tyrell serving as judges. Lord Frey may present his evidence. If Lord Frey refuses to present evidence or his evidence is poor, the judges have the power to judge Lord Frey a traitor. I shall remain in King's Landing during the trial awaiting the results.
Also, while appreciate Lord Lannister's suggestion, I would like to remind him I'm perfectly capable to ruling the realm. While I'll let this indiscretion slide, I will not allow the next one to go unpunished. However I will go forward with the motion to dissolve the Small Council, a new one will be announced once the trial of Lord Tully is done.
~King Aegon IV
Grand Maester Vymen
"You overstep your bounds, Lord Lannister. Only if our King was indisposed would your action be legal. I do agree that this council has become defunct, however. For each Councillor brings his own agenda to this chamber. Let us restore the King's Peace, firstly, and then a new council be chosen. If it pleases Your Grace, I will make some recommendations."
((BB I'd really like to speak with you if at all possible do you think it would be possible to play a certain character/faction in Essos.))
At Willem's chamber in the Tower of the Hand...
Willem sat confortably in a ellaborate chair in his private chambers. His left hand slowly caressed his perfectly shaved chin. Damon remained aloof, as he seemed to meditate through the sight of the window, his eyes scanning the far away garden from the Tower of the Hand. Suddenly, the Lannister Lord attacked the jar full of wine that lied above the table, no more than a foot of distance. The golden cup, with a lion engraved, slowly filled itself with the scarlet fluid.
"It's difficult to be the Hand, my son." Lord Lannister remarked, as his face seemed tired. "Especially in these times..." The great lion interrupted his tirade in order to quench his thirsty, as Damon turned back to pay attention to his father.
"The King is indecise, he's often tossed around by his subordinates. It fell upon me take the burden to dissolve the council, since had the King done it, these petty lords would complain until the end of times."
The tall lion raised from his position, carrying the golden cup of wine with him. A fine tunic, as dark as ebone covered the stunning scarlat fabric that so well propagandized the Lannister walth. "Still, the King threatens me! That is, he does nothing at first, then I'm obliged to act and put the lords in their place..." Dark green eyes scanned his beloved son and heir, as they found some symphaty. "...the King appreciates my orders but threatens me! He don't understand at all! I put myself in the line of fire of these annyong lords in order to save the King's face! And that old Maester Vymen too! He agrees with me that council has become defunct but he still complaims!" The words were spit out of fury. More than often Willem urged to take a sip of the wine, but a new string of violent words seemed to resist the impulse. Damon remained quiet.
"They are men of words; they shy away from action! And when someone takes an severe action to stop this absurd, ill designed political game that's hurting the entire realm, they complain! Do they think that I don't know the extention my power as Hand? Are they really imbecile to think that I've dissolved the council without prior consideration?" The words apparently had become stronger and stronger with time and Damon simply noded to the comments of his father.
"Only in this ridiculous court Frey's claim would've been taken seriously...without evidence...anything at all. The court even forgot to demand evidences from the Frey. Lord Utherydes would've been judged based fabricated specutaltion..."
"...still the King and the old maester threaten me after I dare to stop this ridiculous situation..."
Willem sat confortably in a ellaborate chair in his private chambers. His left hand slowly caressed his perfectly shaved chin. Damon remained aloof, as he seemed to meditate through the sight of the window, his eyes scanning the far away garden from the Tower of the Hand. Suddenly, the Lannister Lord attacked the jar full of wine that lied above the table, no more than a foot of distance. The golden cup, with a lion engraved, slowly filled itself with the scarlet fluid.
"It's difficult to be the Hand, my son." Lord Lannister remarked, as his face seemed tired. "Especially in these times..." The great lion interrupted his tirade in order to quench his thirsty, as Damon turned back to pay attention to his father.
"The King is indecise, he's often tossed around by his subordinates. It fell upon me take the burden to dissolve the council, since had the King done it, these petty lords would complain until the end of times."
The tall lion raised from his position, carrying the golden cup of wine with him. A fine tunic, as dark as ebone covered the stunning scarlat fabric that so well propagandized the Lannister walth. "Still, the King threatens me! That is, he does nothing at first, then I'm obliged to act and put the lords in their place..." Dark green eyes scanned his beloved son and heir, as they found some symphaty. "...the King appreciates my orders but threatens me! He don't understand at all! I put myself in the line of fire of these annyong lords in order to save the King's face! And that old Maester Vymen too! He agrees with me that council has become defunct but he still complaims!" The words were spit out of fury. More than often Willem urged to take a sip of the wine, but a new string of violent words seemed to resist the impulse. Damon remained quiet.
"They are men of words; they shy away from action! And when someone takes an severe action to stop this absurd, ill designed political game that's hurting the entire realm, they complain! Do they think that I don't know the extention my power as Hand? Are they really imbecile to think that I've dissolved the council without prior consideration?" The words apparently had become stronger and stronger with time and Damon simply noded to the comments of his father.
"Only in this ridiculous court Frey's claim would've been taken seriously...without evidence...anything at all. The court even forgot to demand evidences from the Frey. Lord Utherydes would've been judged based fabricated specutaltion..."
"...still the King and the old maester threaten me after I dare to stop this ridiculous situation..."
GM Notice
((There are some changes being made to the mechanics of the game - some where notice is overdue and others more fresh.
Firstly, some character traits are being adjusted. Elusive Shadow is staying the same.
Masterful Steward - as well as increased roll to succeed in an economic order, stewards will now have a chance to increase both their treasury and income in one turn.
Charismatic Diplomat - Diplomat stay the same. Their well liked demeanor gives them absolute loyalty among their bannermen, unless effected by events or player orders as well as an increased chance in manipulating, or charming NPCs.
Skilled Tactician - As well as an increased chance of winning military campaigns, tacticians can now become masters of their terrain. Spending an order on learning the lay of their fief will give a major defensive bonus to a tactician's titles.
Something new to be added are culture traits. Some players begin the game already holding a large advantage over other players due to the mechanics of an importance on troop numbers and economy. While this is still to be an advantage, martial prowess will be added to give a bonus to the cultures that lack the huge numbers and gold reserves.
The North, The Stormlands, and Iron Isles will now boast a martial prowess to better reflect the fierce warriors their cultures' breed. Dorne and the Vale already hold great defensive advantage for their terrain. Crownlands, Westerlands, the Reach all hold powerful economies and/or large numbers of troops. And the Riverlands... well... they must rely on their allies.
Once I finish the update, I will start a mini for the Tully's trial. Lots left to do on the update yet, give me a couple more days.))
((There are some changes being made to the mechanics of the game - some where notice is overdue and others more fresh.
Firstly, some character traits are being adjusted. Elusive Shadow is staying the same.
Masterful Steward - as well as increased roll to succeed in an economic order, stewards will now have a chance to increase both their treasury and income in one turn.
Charismatic Diplomat - Diplomat stay the same. Their well liked demeanor gives them absolute loyalty among their bannermen, unless effected by events or player orders as well as an increased chance in manipulating, or charming NPCs.
Skilled Tactician - As well as an increased chance of winning military campaigns, tacticians can now become masters of their terrain. Spending an order on learning the lay of their fief will give a major defensive bonus to a tactician's titles.
Something new to be added are culture traits. Some players begin the game already holding a large advantage over other players due to the mechanics of an importance on troop numbers and economy. While this is still to be an advantage, martial prowess will be added to give a bonus to the cultures that lack the huge numbers and gold reserves.
The North, The Stormlands, and Iron Isles will now boast a martial prowess to better reflect the fierce warriors their cultures' breed. Dorne and the Vale already hold great defensive advantage for their terrain. Crownlands, Westerlands, the Reach all hold powerful economies and/or large numbers of troops. And the Riverlands... well... they must rely on their allies.
Once I finish the update, I will start a mini for the Tully's trial. Lots left to do on the update yet, give me a couple more days.))
((Noticed that Stormlands and Reach had gotten updates. I would like to point out that it was Edric, who had been MoS, and he left King's Landing, and it wasn't in anger, just with unanswered questions, and because he was ordered to do so by his father. Edric is much more level-headed than Duncan))
((Ah yes, of course. In the future please include such specifics in your orders to avoid such confusion. Something as obvious as this might be lost on me in the rush to get the update out.
Also, many of you aren't including the name of your ruler and their trait. If you want your trait to be counted in your order, than you better start providing it.))
((Well, Edric leaving King's Landing was not really part of the orders, that was simply IC. It was however meant to Duncan who went to try and get more to accept the protection of the Stormland lords, lands that were once under Stormland protection, but Edric works fine too.
))
The Nights Watch Represents
Kirth and his entourage strode in too the court, he nodded to his ten men who formed guard positions around him, before he presented himself the the judges.
"My lords," he proclaimed as he bowed, "I attend this trial as a representative of the Nights Watch, it would be my honor to represent my order and assist in carrying out any punishment which may come from this trial, until then My men and I are at your services, to be used with your discretion" with that Kirth and the fellow brothers turned and departed to set up camp.
(Kirth and 10 NW brothers are attending the trial)
Kirth and his entourage strode in too the court, he nodded to his ten men who formed guard positions around him, before he presented himself the the judges.
"My lords," he proclaimed as he bowed, "I attend this trial as a representative of the Nights Watch, it would be my honor to represent my order and assist in carrying out any punishment which may come from this trial, until then My men and I are at your services, to be used with your discretion" with that Kirth and the fellow brothers turned and departed to set up camp.
(Kirth and 10 NW brothers are attending the trial)
House of Royce
In Runestone
Maester Merwyn stops Darren trainings with Ser Halden Stone, "I got urgent news, My Lord, the realm boiling a bit it seems." Merwyn said. Darren lowers his sword " Yes I know, I have heard rumors mostly and now you just confirm them." Darren greets Ser Stone and ends the training. "I´ll need to send a letter" Darren turns and leaves inside castle with Merwyn.
"Merwyn send word to my vassals to be ready if needed." Darren ordered and Merwyn left. Then he writes following letter.
A raven reaches The Eyrie.
((House of Royce has called his levies and banners to be ready if needed. ))
((BB, this might be my fault, but Alestar is dead and buried. Update should talk about Theodore since he's the current lord of Hightower. If I gave you the wrong name in the order then I apologize.))