Seven Kingdoms - A Game of Thrones MultiplayAAR

[cyrileom]

Chapter 4 - Harren IV

17 - 25 AL

Harren stood on the prow of the Iron Storm, looking out at the approaching grey walls of Pyke. It had been longer than he had planned, and the detour into Dorne had only exacerbated it. He idly noted Qarl Orkwood as the man approached.

Waving at Pyke without turning to face Qarl, Harren spoke. "Behold my humble abode. It's where you will be working. I'll have my Castellan escort you to your new office when we arrive." A long silence passed before Qarl spoke, pointing at the docks. "Say, who's that?" I followed his gaze to a woman dressed in black standing on the docks. "Ah. That would be my irate Lady Wife, I imagine." Refusing to notice the look Qarl no doubt directed his way, Harren started to slowly walk towards the port side of the ship. He tried to walk slowly enough to make it there as the ship was pulling up to dock, but missed it by a few minutes.

When the ship finally docked and the plank lowered, Harren strode off the ship towards Falia who, as expected, wore a face of smoldering fury. As he approached, Harren raised his left hand to block Falia's slap, as she favored her right hand, and completely missed her left. "I'll be back in a year." Falia spoke in a mocking imitation of Harren's voice. "You lying bastard." Harren massaged his jaw a little, then spoke. "I don't suppose we can continue this discussion inside, over a glass of wine?" Falia huffed, turned, and strode away.
__________________________

Harren sat in a chair directly across from his wife. Both of them swirled goblets of wine in their right hands, and a lit fireplace blazed a few feet away from them both. Falia spoke first. "Five years. Five bloody years. You bastard." She took a sip. "I left you a gift, if you recall." Harren interjected. Falia stared angrily at her husband. "Your whore was a nice gift, yes, but it is nowhere near enough compensation for the grief you've caused me. I admit, putting her on the rack and having a turn with the flaying knives was enjoyable, as was her drowning, but it is nowhere near enough." She spoke the last few words with a heavy emphasis. Harren sipped from his wine and hummed thoughtfully.

"I suppose, then, that this is a poor time to inform you of my other three 'whores', as you so call them, and my newest bastard daughter." Falia's eyes bulged and threatened to pop out of her head, and she clutched the goblet so hard it would've shattered had it been glass. She spoke in a deathly flat voice. "Three?" Harren shrugged. "Well, none now I suppose. One of them died in the brig and the other two suffered unfortunate accidents after they refused to continue serving me, but yes, there were three at first."

Falia glared for another few moments before speaking quietly. "They call you a child-killer, you know." Harren cocked his head. "Oh really? What for?" "Ordering the death of Lord Cromm of Blacktyde." Harren closed his eyes in thought. "Lord Cromm of Blacktyde. Cromm. Cromm. No, doesn't ring a bell." "He was an only child with no family." Harren nodded, eyes still closed. "And upon his death, I would inherit Blacktyde. Very clever. Your idea, I presume?" Harren didn't need to open his eyes to know that Falia nodded. "Admittedly, I would have preferred the assassination to stay silent, but the fool that was hired to throw the boy got caught and confessed. However, given recent events, I can't say I'm too sorry about your reputation." Harren shrugged. "I would have done it anyway."

"Now, is there anything else you want to tell me about what happened while I was gone?" Harren could hear Falia sipping from her goblet. "Lord Yohn of Lordsport committed some minor offense. I ordered his imprisonment and, as he wasn't terribly sympathetic to your cause to begin with, sent him to the Wall." She took another sip. "Oh, and Gwyneth has taken up quite the interest in swordsmanship. Her trainers tell me she's quite proficient at it." Harren opened his eyes in surprise. "Really?" Falia nodded. "They say she can beat most boys her age. She's even trounced Nute a few times, though I doubt the legitimacy of those bouts." "Hm."

"Oh, and one last thing. The old Lord Harlaw died, and his replacement is quite the problem. He finagled his way into the position of your spymaster, and has made himself quite the cozy nest. Moreover, he put himself forward as a candidate for the Kingsmoot, and it seems that most of the important lords favor him."

Harren's eyes showed a little surprise. "The Goodbrothers are backing him?" Falia nodded, and Harren whistled. "Well, that is unfortunate. Still, it is a problem that has a solution. I recently acquired an impressive diplomat. It seems that the Lord of Orkwood's brother is discontent with serving a minor lord, and has pledged himself to my service." Harren downed his goblet. "He is quite excellent at his job, I must say." He wiped some wine from his mouth before continuing. "I think I have a... solution, to the problem of the Harlaws. Something that will secure absolute power for the Greyjoys." Falia raised an eyebrow. "Oh really?"

Harren's only response was to smile wolfishly.

______________________________
As a side note, Falia acquired depression somewhere during this period, but I'm not entirely sure when. It becomes a semi-relevant plot point later. This marks the end of the 2nd session of play for me.

 

[Wolf6120]

I think perhaps what I find most hilarious in all of this is that Harren isn't actually lustful in-game. If this is what the average Greyjoy lordling gets up to in his bedchamber, I shudder to think what a truly perverse one might do :rofl:

 

[cyrileom]

I think perhaps what I find most hilarious in all of this is that Harren isn't actually lustful in-game. If this is what the average Greyjoy lordling gets up to in his bedchamber, I shudder to think what a truly perverse one might do :rofl:

I wanted sons until I realized that Gwyneth was a better fighter than Harren. Then I decided that creating an elective dictatorship was more alluring.

 

[Specialist290]

Harren and Falia's domestic life almost reads like a sitcom plot, although to be honest I don't know of too many sitcoms where the husband and wife plot to murder people and steal their lands.

 

[oxfordroyale]

Harren and Falia's domestic life almost reads like a sitcom plot, although to be honest I don't know of too many sitcoms where the husband and wife plot to murder people and steal their lands.

Kind of like House of Cards

 

[Saxon125]

Quick Update regarding House Tyrell.

Saxon here, the new player for House Tyrell, just a quick note to say that I will try and get a chapter out in the next few days. But, I have 97 images to work through, (this includes images from 19AL to 25AL). 63 of those 34 from the last play session. Also, I am doing revision for my AS Mocks at the moment so chapters may be a bit sporadic over the coming weeks.

Saxon.

 

[Specialist290]

Awesome. Glad to have you aboard, and best of luck on your mock exams!

 

[lordofdemacia]

Oh man, I kind of want to feel like part of this game.

A minor High Lordship mayhaps?

 

[Saxon125]

Oh man, I kind of want to feel like part of this game.

A minor High Lordship mayhaps?

Pretty sure we are only playing as Lord Paramouncys

 

[Saxon125]

HOUSE TYRELL

---

Bryan Tyrell
20th through 21st Years Since Aegon's Landing​

---

Following the Death of Owen Tyrell, the house now stood at the brink of extinction. The current lord was now Bryan Tyrell, Bryan was a nephew of late Harlan Tyrell, a cousin of Gyles and Owen. Bryan also had three sisters Jeona, Melera, and Lysa who was born only a few months into his reign in August 20AL. Bryan despite being given a martial education lacked the ability to lead men on the battlefield, but he was known to be humble, kind and temperate and was respected for his fighting ability. Yet, he was not respected for his total lack of justice nevertheless he was on good terms with virtually all his vassals save the Florents of Brightwater keep.

Bryan in order to strengthen the Tyrell line, needed to marry. Fortunately the Highgarden Maester found a match in Cyrenna Morrigen, the firstborn daughter of the current lord, Lewys. Cyrenna herself was known for her good looks and skill at intrigue. Following this betrothal news reached Highgarden that Garth Florent had been executed by King Aegon, by all accounts he had been caught bribing officials in Highgarden in order to thwart the ascension of Bryan to the lord paramouncy. It may have won the Iron Throne the loyalty of the Reach but it caused even more friction between the Tyrells and the Florents.

By April 20AL, summer was over and winter had come to the Reach. During these cold months Bryan found comfort in the arms of a woman named Freya, yet this affair seemed born out of lust rather then love as their was no love between these two individuals.

In December 20AL, Cyrenna and Bryan were to be officially married, and a wedding feast was organized in Highgarden. The Reach did not lack in coin and so a great sum of money was spent to show the wealth and splendour of the Tyrells. Invitations were sent out and the vast majority of the nobility of the Reach come to Highgarden for the wedding. Yet, four lords refused to even enter the confines of the beautiful castle. Igon Leygood, Elwood Tumbleton, Axell Florent and Theodore Redwyne. Their replies were short and blunt stating their refusal to be in the same castle as Bryan. Bryan could understand the absence of the Florents given the enmity between the two houses, yet the absence of the other lords concerned him, was it his arbitrary nature that prevented these lords from attending the feast, or was it their hatred of Bryan?

Such were the extensive preparations for the wedding that it did not occur until March 20AL. Highgarden already a beautiful castle, was transformed into a truly majestic sight. Cyrenna looked wonderful in a green and black dress studded with green jade, and Bryan was dressed in a fine silken doublet of green and gold. The wedding ceremony itself was short but sweet and so the two houses were brought together when Bryan draped the arms of house Tyrell around his bride.

The feast that followed was a truly wonderful meal, in fact Bryan feared that the tables would collapsed given the amount of food on them. Wine from the Arbor was consumed in great quantity and Ganton Grimm stood up and praised the food and wine acquired for the nobility of the Reach.

Following the feast only the bedding remained and Bryan and Cyrenna were stripped of the garments and left alone as newly weds. Following the marriage, Bryan was approached by a Septon who anointed him a knight. No longer would he be Bryan Tyrell he would be Ser Bryan…

---

Here it is my first Tyrell chapter, i'll fix the chapter title once I find out what the formatting is from Andrzej I. Hope you all have a good Christmas.

 

[Wolf6120]

A good read, Saxon, and I must say I'm quite glad the CK2 Gods haven't already smitten poor Bryan out of existence like the rest of his family

On a side note, does this mean Andrzej will carry on as the Hightowers or..?

 

[Saxon125]

A good read, Saxon, and I must say I'm quite glad the CK2 Gods haven't already smitten poor Bryan out of existence like the rest of his family

On a side note, does this mean Andrzej will carry on as the Hightowers or..?

I cannot remember who Andrzej is going to be switching to but I do know he will still play a role in the AAR. and, let us hope the gods are merciful.

 

[Andrzej I]

On a side note, does this mean Andrzej will carry on as the Hightowers or..?

Nope, I will actually be playing as...

Spoiler

Balerion the Black Dread.

Nah, you'll see

 

[Wolf6120]

I would actually love to see that, impossible as it may be XD

 

[cyrileom]

Chapter 5: Harren V

25 - 30 AL

Harren sat on the balcony, looking out at his daughter. She was trying to dance the finger dance, and was doing quite well for herself.

"Hm, this should be interesting." The dry voice of his spymaster spoke, and Harren had to stop himself from snarling. The fact that that damnable bastard was still out of his grasp irked Harren immensely, but at least it was only a matter of time until Qarl fabricated some pretense to take his titles.

"It seems that the Conningtons desire your assistance. They want to forge some documents that would allow them to lay claim to the Stormlands, and they want the backing of a powerful individual."

That caught Harren's attention, and he turned to face the aging Harlaw. "Who is the lord of Griffin's Roost at the moment?" "Lord Roland Connington." Emmond replied. Harren nodded. "Then kindly inform Lord Roland that if he wishes to commit suicide, there are better ways to do it, preferably ones that don't involve me. Plotting against Orys Baratheon would've been dumb enough. Plotting against the King's nephew is a sure fire way to get eaten. Tell him that he should be thankful I'm not offering him up on a silver platter, and that he owes me for this stupidity."

Shaking his head, Harren was in the process of turning back to look at Gwyneth when Emmond Harlaw spoke again. "Oh, a raven from the King arrived this morning. I just received the letter." He reached into his robes and pulled out a fine letter. Barely suppressing a glare, Harren took the letter and carefully cut it open.

Harren smirked, and then started to giggle. Within seconds, the giggle turned into full-throated laughter. When he finished, he turned to the Harlaw. "Tell my Castellan to prepare me for an extended stay at King's Landing." He threw the letter down onto the table as he left.

"And what about your youngest daughter?" Harren stopped. "What of her?" "She will be of the age soon where she will need a private tutor. Who should I call for?" Harren gritted his teeth. "No one. Because she doesn't need one, and because you won't be in charge." Harren completed his exit.

_____________________
Harren was busy penning a letter when Falia entered. He barely glanced up to acknowledge her entry, and then waved at an empty chair a few feet away. Falia sniffed and proceeded to sit down.

"You need to stop letting Gwyneth play with the guards. She's starting to do the finger dance with two of them at once, and one of these days she's going to get hurt."

Harren continued to pen his letter as he spoke. "She won't; she's a natural. And if she does, limits are an important thing for a child to learn."

Falia snorted. "Funny thing for you to say, Lord tyrant-in-the-making."

"If you're referring to my plans for the Iron Islands, that is not, strictly speaking, tyranny."

Falia's only response was to laugh lightly.

Setting down his quill, Harren smoothed out the paper and passed it off to Falia. "Here, read it."

Falia imperiously took it with her right hand and started to read. When she reached the end of the letter she laughed. "A brilliant play, sending that snake beyond the wall to antagonize the wildlings. Unfortunately, I think Emmond Harlaw is too clever to get caught like you hope. The 'King Aegon commands it' part is a nice touch."

Harren shrugged. "I need him out of my hair while Qarl does his work."

Falia's lips thinned into a line. "Yes, about that Qarl. He recently sent a letter, saying that he was sorry and that he had accepted a position among the King's court."

Harren's face froze. When he spoke, his voice was flat. "What?"

Falia nodded.

Snarling, Harren stood up. "Come on, we have a king to meet." "Why?" "To incur a debt."
_____________________________

Harren stood on the docks, watching the ship that was supposed to bear Qarl Orkwood sail into the bay. It took approximately another half hour for the ship to dock and start disembarking, and Harren waited the whole time. When he finally spotted Qarl Orkwood, Harren smiled and strolled off to meet him.

When Qarl spotted Harren, he froze like a deer startled at an unexpected sound. He glanced nervously from side to side, but there was nowhere to run.

Harren put on an amiable face and the appropriate tone to go with it. "Greetings Lord Orkwood! It's so nice to see you make it in time for the tourney!"

Qarl cleared his throat nervously and spoke. "Yes Lord Harren, indeed." His eyes continued twitching from side to side.

"Oh cheer up Qarl. I'm here to congratulate you on your new post!" Qarl froze completely at that, and a raw animal fear appeared in his eyes.

Savoring the sight, Harren clapped Qarl on his back. "Lord of Torturer's Deep! I'm impressed Qarl, King Aegon must think highly of you."

"W-what?"

"Yes, King Aegon has seen fit to provide me a base in the Stepstones from which to operate, and he and I have agreed to name you as the overseer." Dropping into a cold whisper, Harren continued. "You will never again leave my service, Lord Qarl Orkwood."

After waiting a minute to ensure Qarl understood, Harren resumed speaking in a jolly tone. "Come now, don't be upset! You'll come to enjoy the life of a lord. Now, come along. The tourney's in a few days and we have a lot of work to do, seeing as how I'm Aegon's Master of Whisperers."

Harren was none too subtle with the threats.
___________________________

Harren and his family sat a few tables away from the king, watching the last joust of the tourney. While the Crown Prince Maelon had made it far, securing third place for himself, the final contenders of the tourney were relatively minor nobles - a Westerman and a Reachman, to be exact.

A horn signaled the start of the tilt, and the two jousters galloped at each other. Harren had never quite understood why this sport was valued, but it was an impressive sight. Fortunately for the tension, they both stayed on their horses. The second time, however, the Reachman hit the Westerman square in the chest, and the latter practically flew off his horse. A loud combination of cheering and booing erupted from the crowd.

"Who is that?" Gwyneth asked, pointing at the victor. "That, my dear, is Lord Alliser Chelsted. He a minor local lord that served on the King's Council at some point, as the Master of Laws I believe."

Gwyneth looked at me. "How do you know that?" Falia smiled and answered for me. "It's his job to know dear." She turned to face Harren. "Say, husband, my cousin Bryen is hosting another tourney at Highgarden a month from now. We should go." Harren shook his head. "I have too much work here, unfortunately. Maybe another time."

_________________________

_________________________

Harren nodded to the guard, accepted the torch, and ducked inside the cell after the guard opened the door.

Joseran Goodbrother sat in the cell, chained to wall. When the door opened, he turned to see who it was, and bared his teeth when he realized.

"What, come to gloat?"

Harren shook his head and sat down a safe distance away from the imprisoned High Lord.

"No, I don't gloat. I just educate."

Looking Joseran in the eyes, Harren continued. "You betrayed me. You backed that snake Harlaw instead of me, and then you plotted further against me. Granted, the offence was minor, but enough."

"What's your point Harren?"

"That's Lord Harren, Joseran. Don't forget it. My point is that you've lost. Before the night is done, I will hold absolute voting power in the Iron Islands. I will soon be able to nominate whoever I want as my successor and be unopposed in my decision. I'll make my announcement at the climax of the feast."

Joseran laughed. "And how do you intend to do that?"

Harren stood up. "Rather simply. Joseran Goodbrother, I hereby strip you of the High Lordship of Great Wyk, and furthermore, I dictate that henceforth you will call Lord Emmond Harlaw your liege, not me."

Joseran glared at me, eyes full of hate. "I demand a trial by combat, bastard."

Harren nodded. "Of course you do. Alas, there is nothing you can do to change your fate."

"I'll kill you you bastard!"

"Joseran, stop making threats. They're as empty as your cell."

Harren turned to leave and paused at the door. "Oh, and when I said I could nominate whosoever I chose, I meant my daughter Gwyneth."

________________________

The next morning, still hungover from the last night's revelry, Harren sat on his seat as an old man hobbled towards him. Harren's guards stopped the man a good distance away from him, and Harren took the opportunity to speak. "Yes? What are you hear for? My guards tell me you've been here since last night." The old man looked up, and his eyes were strange. "I can fulfill your deepest desire, Lord." Harren smirked. "And what is that, old man?"

Reaching into his voluminous robes, the old man spoke with a terrible finality. "A sword like no other, crafted of Valyrian Steel."

Harren froze in anticipation as the old man drew out a scroll and unfurled it. It was obvious even from this distance that it was a map. Without hesitation, Harren made his decision. "Guards, seize that man and throw him in the dungeons. Bring me that map."

The old man started in surprise, but he never stood a chance as three guards grabbed him and dragged him off. A fourth guard forcibly took the map and brought it forth.

Thanking the guard, Harren turned to his captain and asked "Who's the best soldier under your command Captain?" The man thought for a moment and then answered. "An odd man by the name of Fashbinder, my lord. He's an excellent swordsman."

Harren clapped his hands. "Very well then. Inform this Fashbinder that he is to accompany me. In addition, ask my daughter to pack for a return to King's Landing."

"Why, my lord?"

"I've been trying to secure an alliance with the Targaryens, and that pompous zealot of a crown prince demands any who marry into his family be 'faithful.' She's going to be tutored by someone of his choosing while I'm gone."

The captain inclined his head. "At once then, my lord."

____________________________

The next part's going to be a shorter one focusing solely on the quest.

 

[Wolf6120]

The Spongebob transition made me laugh way too hard at poor Falia.

Spoiler

Tyrell curse is still going strong, eh?

 

[Dr Pearceson]

House Tyrell - Failing Strong (Poor Falia, although the new lord has potential)

Harren is definitely one of my favourite characters. He's such a cunning and ruthless bastard. Can't wait for more updates from everyone.

 

[cyrileom]

The Spongebob transition made me laugh way too hard at poor Falia.

Spoiler

Tyrell curse is still going strong, eh?

I kept trying to write something in the style I was going with and just gave up. I decided on slapstick because really, Harren's entire life can be summed up with the word "sitcom."

 

[Andrzej I]

Where as the Tyrell tale can be summed up, perhaps, as "Shakespearean tragedy"

 

[Specialist290]

I kept trying to write something in the style I was going with and just gave up. I decided on slapstick because really, Harren's entire life can be summed up with the word "sitcom."

Where as the Tyrell tale can be summed up, perhaps, as "Shakespearean tragedy"

I think I've said it before, but to reiterate in light of these remarks: I can honestly say that one of my favorite bits of this AAR is the different writing styles that emerge from the different points of view. IMO, it makes the setting feel a lot larger and more diverse.