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A Dragon of the North VIII: Whispers of War

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Violation of CC III.2.2 - Easy on the threats, Major. Time Out.
I will hunt you fucking otaku bastards down and destroy your computers. What the hell did you guys do to piss Droman off?
 
As far as I can tell, they were just really annoying.

But really, andy's right - a break was long overdue. There was the break after the Cleganebowl, after which Droman has been writing...basically nonstop? Not including the "hiatus" during which content was still being produced.
 
I'll miss it, but at the same time, I'm relieved. I've been telling him to take some fucking time off for himself since I first started participating.
 
Ironforge said:
Well damn, this is some sucky news. :(

An to think I was expecting just goods things today after getting my copy of Witcher 3.
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From experience I can say you will be busy with the Witcher every second of your free time, wouldn't have any time for the quest for quite a while anyway :V

@inirlan below

I play TW3 pretty comfortable with 2x AMD 6870 in CF on low-mid settings with some fancy stuff like sun shafts enabled. A single 7700 might be pushing it, but I reckon if you can play TW2 you have a fair bet TW3 will run as well.
 
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Look on the bright side, you actually got the Witcher 3 to play until Droman updates again. I can't play it since my graphic card is a AMD GPU Radeon HD 7700 series and the minimum is a 7870.

Well, I could always dig out DA:I or Skyrim. Or actually finish either of the previous two games...
 
Droman deserves a break from writing this whether or not the reason is suspect, imo. If you go far enough back in Rolz chat you'll see worse shit, trust me. He's been giving us soo much awesome that he deserves as much time as he needs or wants. We shouldn't begrudge him that. How many stories does every one follow that update even a quarter of the amount that ADOTN does at nearly the superb quality that Droman writes over the same period that he's been writing this? I can't think of too damned many I'll tell you that.

As far as TW3 and Graphics cards go I'm playing it on a single 3 yo card, the Nvidia 680 GTX, on mid to max settings in each category with only one graphical hitch so far. One of the cut scenes froze for a few seconds. Other than that no stuttering or freezing at all. If your card is comparable or better then you should at least be able to play on decent settings. One note is that I haven't tried to find what my cards max settings are with this game, I just messed with them once and left them that way.
 
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Update 183: A Grieving Viper
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    • 183: A Grieving Viper​
    "This is not something to be said aloud," you say in warning "I would not-"

    "Then to an alley," he says with a wave of his hand "So that you might loosen your lips."

    With a small sigh, you turn to your right, entering a small, abandoned alleyway.

    "Well?" he says in demand "Answers, boy."

    "Call me boy one more time," you tell him bluntly "And I'll put my foot so far up your ass I'll be able to tickle your nostrils."

    He chuckles a little at that, despite himself.

    "I see you've not lost your spirit, at least. Now..."

    "An archmaester," you say in allowance "Marwyn the Mage, they called him. Found himself some ritual of magic, meant to summon something. Whatever he was looking for I don't know, but it's gotten several people killed, and House Hightower has monsters running around Oldtown, with demon corpses stacking up at the Hightower itself. That'll do for your proof, Oberyn. If you'd give it, we'd welcome your assistance in finding those left."

    "Demons..." says Oberyn with a sigh as he looks at you more intently "Demons."

    "I swear to you."

    "Did you see what they did to the dead?"

    "I did."

    "Then you saw. You saw what they did to her. My beautiful little girl. Her sisters could not even look upon her. My paramour fainted. I... I can believe demons to have done that... to my daughter. My beautiful daughter."

    "Oberyn," you ask carefully "What was she doing in Oldtown? With the maesters?"

    "Playing a game," he said with another sigh, as his eyes watered slightly "My daughters love to follow in their father's footsteps, boy. Some are warriors, others are poisoners.. but Sarella was the wise one, the student. She wanted to be the first woman in history to earn a maester's chain. I gave her my blessing for it. Had I known..."

    "You couldn't have."

    "No, I suppose not," he says as he turns away from you "You have my thanks, then. And my apologies, I suppose. You've avenged more of my family, it seems. I seem bound to owe you for ever, Lord Stormcrown."

    "There are others yet living, Oberyn. Your vengeance can yet be delivered. Water demons, lurking in Oldtown."

    "Water demons... very well. I will speak with House Hightower, then. I doubt they will be pleased to have another join their little hunt, however."

    "You've the right of kin," you say with a shrug "No man can deny that."

    "No... I suppose not."

    "Should they refuse, then come to me again," you say in compromise "And I will mediate."

    "... My thanks."

    "Good. And Oberyn..."

    "Yes?"

    "Should you ever think to pull a weapon on me again, I won't be as civilized as I was now. Consider that your first and only warning."

    With that as final word, you leave him in the alleyway, signifying to your men to move onwards, as Oberyn's guards stepped aside.

    --

    "Oberyn Martell," said Ser Daven with a grunt as he passed you his wineskin "Man's dangerous. Unpredictable."

    "As ever, my brother excels in stating the obvious," said Cerenna teasingly before turning her attention to you "Are you sure he didn't scratch you?"

    "Yes," you said again, offering her a slight smile to calm her nerves "And no pinpricks either. I'll not be shitting myself to death in the near future, have no fear."

    "Mind your language, Stormcrown." said her brother chidingly "I'd have a more considering man for my sister's husband."

    "You might well yet have it," you shoot back with a snort as Cerenna glared at the Lannister knight "If she cannot handle a little foul language in close company. I can speak far fouler than that, Daven."

    "Mind not my brother," said Cerenna as her glare held unbroken upon him "He seems to think Myrielle and I are still six years old, running after him for stories. He and my father both all too easily forget the mettle of a Lannister woman."

    "A woman, she says, for all that she's only a few years flowered."

    "Daven-"

    "You did so enjoy the stories though," continued her brother in amusement "Or being a part of them. Dare I mention the harpist from Lys?"

    "I'd rather you didn't."

    "Well, in that case... It all began-"

    "Don't you dare!"

    --

    Note to self: If you do end up marrying Cerenna, sending for a harpist from Lys will not be taken kindly.

    Though really, it was hardly as embarrassing as she made it out to be...

    "I have long since learned that the outrages of women need not make sense," said Arlan with a chuckle "Only that you need know that they are outraged. Understanding the particulars can always wait, I've found."

    "Hm..."

    "Jon," said Willas Tyrell to you, looking up from his examination of Valonqar's gaping maw "Jon...?"

    "My apologies," you say with a sudden start "I was lost in thought, I'm afraid. Some matters from earlier in the week, you see."

    Which was true, for reasons bad and good. Still, not quite good enough reasoning to ignore your host pointing his head into your dragon's mouth for a look.

    "Some matters," said Willas with an air of grim amusement as he stood up and moved away from your dragon "Concerning Oberyn Martell?"

    "How did you-"

    "Who do you think informed him of your involvement with my uncle?"

    "Dare I ask why?"

    "Oberyn..." said Willas as he trailed off, his gaze momentarily directed to his father, arguing over something with the Lady Olenna "Oberyn is a friend, if you care to believe it. Despite our the history of our families and my father's penchant for holding a grudge, I've never bore him any ill-will for my injury. So when he came to me late last week, speaking of a dead daughter... I promised to help him find answers."

    "Answers your uncles might have preferred gone unoffered."

    "Perhaps," acknowledged the Tyrell heir "I imagine my uncle Garth will be looking to have words with me. But we've never been close, he and I."
    "Oh?"

    "A difference in temperament," he confided "My father sent me to Oldtown when I was old enough to act as page and squire to him. He thought serving under him would toughen me up, make me a knight worthy of the Hightower and Tyrell legacies. Uncle Garth did his best, but in the end... well, here I am.."

    "You've a candid way to go about bitterness," you said in consideration "Especially to a complete stranger."

    "Not so much a stranger as you were two weeks ago," said Willas with a humouring smile "But if you're wondering as to my honesty... well, I've no reason not to be, have I? But if you must have a reason, then consider it an equitable exchange: I learn more about your living breathing dragon, and you learn a little more about the state of the great houses of the Reach. Hardly the worst bargain in the world."

    "Any man could tell me of the Reach," you shoot back with a slight grin "Few men could tell you of living dragons."

    "Then I'll have to simply provide more unique details," he mulled in response, humming under his breath as he sought "Well, I can tell you I'm far closer to my oldest uncle Baelor than any others."

    "How close?"

    "Close enough, that should the worst come to pass and I find myself cast aside for Garlan as Lord Paramount... I might yet still find myself a highborn lord in time."

    "... Willas Hightower?" you guessed in surprise "But I thought-"

    "That my uncle Garth is the de-facto heir? He is, and he might well yet become lord in time. But there was a time, after my injury, when I was laid up for months, struggling to recover. My father had already begun to think of casting me aside in favour of Garlan or Loras, of consigning me to a life at the Citadel as soon as I was healed. My uncle and grandfather both, bless them, took to words with my mother. Of how I would always have a place with House Hightower, regardless of my father's decision."

    "And he decided to let you remain on as heir?"

    "No," said Willas with a small, bitter smile "He decided not to decide. Between my Hightower kin, my own mother, and his own mother... he elected to let the matter rest. Time went on, and the decision has yet to be made. It's a curious thing, waiting for your own father to make up his mind as to your worth."

    "Willas, I-"

    "A little too personal?" he said with a raised eyebrow "Worry not, then. I'll endeavour to speak of less awkward matters in our discussions."

    With that said, he turned again to Valonqar, crouching so as to examine his teeth.

    "That man disquiets me."

    --

    "Lady Margaery," you said with all the politeness you could muster "My best wishes to Ser Loras. I trust he remains well after his defeat in the brackets last week?"

    "Yes my lord," said Margaery with equal politeness and charm "He remains able enough to continue his duties, and intelligent enough to avoid my presence, after I'd spoken so boldly of his presenting me with the garland crown. You must think me a fool."

    "Merely a trusting sister," you say with a shrug "believing in the invincibility of her brother."

    "I have long since learned," she said with a nod to distant Willas, who remained yet at Valonqar's side "that the invincibility of brothers is no sure thing. Loras's defeat is humiliating enough on it's on merits, however."

    "And you without a champion to bear your favour further in the tourney. Will Garlan take it up, then?"

    "My dear good-sister would drown me in the nearest well if I so imposed. And cousin Theodore is out of the running as well. But I do have other cousins to call upon."

    "Besides Hobar and Horas?"

    "There's Leo Tyrell," recalled her handmaiden with a slight smile "Cousin to the main branch. And of course, Sers Bryan and Jon Fossoway as well. Beyond any kin, there's also the visiting lords and knights. Lord Baelor Blacktyde is competing, a former ward to House Hightower. Ser Parmen Crane as well might well ride far in the tourney."

    "As you see," said Margarey gently "I am not lacking for suitors."

    "Yet you will lack in a garland crown if you choose Ser Parmen," you retort confidently "The man might well be the finest knight his family's ever produced, but it'll matter not once we trade lances."

    "My lady's not yet chosen a champion," said Sera Durwell boldly "And already you find reason to undermine those yet vying."

    "I'm only offering warning," you said with a small smile "One champion losing is bad enough. How scandalous would it be, if the lady Margaery saw two champions bearing her favour losing before the final bracket?"

    "Boldly said, from a man who's not yet competed," said Margaery Tyrell herself as Sera stepped away to allow her mistress your attention "But I'll be fair to you as any other seeing my favour, Lord Stormcrown. Should you make it to the finals, then I will consider your proposal. But I will expect equitable damages should you fall in the first."

    "Proposal?" you say in brief confusion, before the direction of the conversation catches up to you "My lady, I-"

    "Oh, no backing out so quickly," she said with a fiendish smile "You did boast to getting the better of Ser Parmen Crane, while having not yet met the man nor seen him at lance. A knight so dismissive can hardly think better of any other in this tourney, and as bold as you have been in petitioning for my favour, I feel I must reach for a little humility. Should any man unhorse you before the finals, then it will be they that will receive my favour, Excepting Garlan of course, for reasons most obvious."

    "My lady-"

    "You've my best wishes Lord Stormcrown," said Margaery Tyrell with a quick curtsy and quicker smile "Win or lose, I've no doubt you'll give us something to talk about when your turn in the tourney comes."

    With that she retires from your presence, her handmaiden following after.

    "I am both impressed and unsurprised that you did not see where that was going."

    "... Shut up."

    --

    "So..." said Ser Garlan Tyrell in greeting as he shook your hand firmly "I hear you've a wager with my little sister."

    "A misunderstanding," you offer plainly "But a wager I do not care to lose, either way."

    "Your pride's been struck, has it?" said the Tyrell knight with a warm laugh as a beautiful noblewoman came forward "Lord Stormcrown, if I might present my lady wife, Leonette Fossoway."

    "A pleasure and honour both my lady," you say with a deep bow as you kiss her hand "I expect to be told only great things of you."

    "If you sit here speaking to Garlan alone, perhaps." said the Fossoway noblewoman with a chuckle "My dear husband would extol my few virtues to a golem if he thought it might hear them."

    "Your virtues are as few as the count of every man, woman and child in the Reach," protested Garlan as his wife rolled her eyes in good humour "And are as lowly as the heavens themselves."

    "As you can see my lord," said Leonette with a wave of her hand to her husband "My dear Garlan thinks himself a poet. I do not have the heart to tell him otherwise."

    "Thus you see her mercy," murmured Garlan as he took her in his arms "Accounting as one of her many virtues."

    "Arlan, are you as uncomfortable as I am?"

    "Bah," whispered the ethereal wraith in hushing "You've no appreciation for young love."

    "... I'm going to ignore you said that."

    "Forgive me," said Garlan with a grin after a stealthy pinch from his lady wife "Leonette does so arouse my passions. A feeling I am sure you will know in time, when you take a wife of your own."

    "Perhaps," you said politely "That day may yet be years away."

    "Come now," said Garlan in honest interest "At the very least you might hope for a legitimate heir, one to succeed you in rule of Harrenhal, should the worst comes to pass."

    "My claim to Harrenhal came from House Tully," you replied with a shrug "Their own waived in my favour. Should the unlikely come to pass, then Harrenhal would default to them. I've a young brother yet without title who might claim the seat, with a castellan's rule for the remainder of his minority. Besides him, I've loyal retainers who might find themselves appointed, in respect for loyal service."

    "You're quite the practical sort, aren't you?" said Leonette with a studying glance "Dare I even ask as to any bastards?"

    You flushed slightly at that, and from the slight chuckle she gave, you knew she'd picked up the truth.

    "Ah. A rare knight, then. An honour to your future wife, that is to be certain."

    "A rare knight regardless," said Garlan pointedly, as his gaze wandered to Blackfyre's hilt "one of great capability."

    "I suppose you'll find that out in the tourney," you offer with a cheeky grin "Should we have fortune to trade lances in the finals."

    "I'd rather not leave it to chance," said Garlan in musing "As much as Loras had done otherwise."

    "Ser Garlan?"

    "How might it sound..." said the Tyrell knight suddenly "were we train together for the next few weeks? Loras's duties as a Kingsguard will be keeping him away unfortunately, and as talented as Ser Theodore and Leo are, I doubt they hold a candle to your own skill."

    "Lance or sword?" you say after a few moments of consideration "I know Ser Loras excells with the lance."

    "And I with the sword. But we could easily train in both, yes?"

    "Well..." you offer slowly as you think it through "I suppose..."

    [] Yes - You will train with Garlan Tyrell in presence of various Tyrell family members and in-laws for the next two weeks (Note: This will not lock down in Week 3 event choices, but will be available for choice)
    [] No - You will not train with Garlan Tyrell, and merely finish up your training with Daven Lannister.
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    --
    Author's Note: So yeah, that was a funny few days on Rolz. Appreciate all the love, though.
     
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  • Threadmarks
    • Of course, it wasn't an Earth year you fools.

    Droman for alien confirmed.


    [X] Yes - You will train with Garlan Tyrell in presence of various Tyrell family members and in-laws for the next two weeks (Note: This will not lock down in Week 3 event choices, but will be available for choice)

    So just to confirm - the "two weeks" are Week 2 and 3?
     
    Van Ropen said:
    Of course, it wasn't an Earth year you fools.

    Droman for alien confirmed.


    [X] Yes - You will train with Garlan Tyrell in presence of various Tyrell family members and in-laws for the next two weeks (Note: This will not lock down in Week 3 event choices, but will be available for choice)

    So just to confirm - the "two weeks" are Week 2 and 3?
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    Week 3 and Week 4.
     
    Couldn't stay away :).

    [X] No - You will not train with Garlan Tyrell, and merely finish up your training with Daven Lannister.

    My mind could be changed on this vote.
     
    Droman said:
    Author's Note: So yeah, that was a funny few days on Rolz. Appreciate all the love, though.
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    Be careful mate. We might get the impression you actually like us.

    [X] Yes - You will train with Garlan Tyrell in presence of various Tyrell family members and in-laws for the next two weeks (Note: This will not lock down in Week 3 event choices, but will be available for choice)
     
    How time flies. Has it been a year already?

    [X] Yes - You will train with Garlan Tyrell in presence of various Tyrell family members and in-laws for the next two weeks (Note: This will not lock down in Week 3 event choices, but will be available for choice)

    Van Ropen said:
    Of course, it wasn't an Earth year you fools.

    Droman for alien confirmed.
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    Interestingly there's one planet where each 'year' is just over two hours long.
     
    [X] Yes - You will train with Garlan Tyrell in presence of various Tyrell family members and in-laws for the next two weeks (Note: This will not lock down in Week 3 event choices, but will be available for choice)
     
    [X] Yes - You will train with Garlan Tyrell in presence of various Tyrell family members and in-laws for the next two weeks (Note: This will not lock down in Week 3 event choices, but will be available for choice)

    I figured Droman wouldn't do this to us. The panic from some people was hilarious though. :D
     
    [X] Yes - You will train with Garlan Tyrell in presence of various Tyrell family members and in-laws for the next two weeks (Note: This will not lock down in Week 3 event choices, but will be available for choice)
    Anyone else feel like talking to Lora about the whole fawn knight thing?
     
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