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A Dragon of the North VIII: Whispers of War

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Brandark said:
So.

Leyton Hightower and his daughter is dead. Alongside a maester.

And our name was scrawled across their quarter. With their own blood.

Keep calm and proceed to panic in an orderly fashion.

Edit: Aaand ninja'd.
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Seems a little Dan Brown to me.

Okay, so three people trying to summon something in Oldtown and failed horribly. If the summoning failed, does that mean that whatever was summoned never made it to Planetos or it did and was uncontrollable? We're obviously going to have to deal with some kind of crazy, I just want to know what kind of crazy. Murder mystery or evil demons?
 
Ah shit, the seekers are searching for jon or jon is being framed.

The seekers might have read books about current lord and pinpoint jon due to having stormcrown last name AND dragon.
 
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It's a daedra. Depending on what kind we could either be in for the fight of Jon's life or we could snag a valuable ally who was just pissed that three dickbags woke them up.
 
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Update 173: Travelers
  • Threadmarks
    • 173: Travelers​
    Your travels were remarkably boring.​

    You'd have thought something would have happened, some small engagement or concern or distraction or something...

    But no.

    Even Valonqar was acting abnormally polite.

    Valonqar.

    Oh, Yohn had been furious with you for thinking to bring him along, but it had worked out all right.

    He didn't even bite anyone.

    Really, much better than what you could have hoped for.

    Ho hum.

    --

    When you had finally docked at Oldtown (having taken ship from the mouth of the Mander around the coastline rather than go overland), you were left more than a little agape.

    Oldtown...

    Oldtown is certainly impressive.

    ​

    Very impressive.

    As was your attending hosts at the landing.

    "Lord Stormcrown," said a knight standing upon the docks, surrounded by Hightower guards "You are him, yes?"

    "Yes," you warily confirm, your hand slipping to Blackyre's hilt as you address him "And I have the pleasure of speaking to..."

    ​

    "Ser Humfrey Hightower, my lord. One of your hosts for the festivities to come."

    "Ser Humfrey," you with a polite bow of your head "Your family's generosity honours us all."

    "Would that my father be alive to hear your words," said Humfrey sorrowfully "Then we would all be of much lighter heart."

    "Your father?" you say curiously, your hand dropping away from your hilt "Has something happened to Lord Leyton?"

    Hesitating slightly as he looked at his men, he bid you to join him a little way apart.

    As you joined him, he spoke further.

    "In a manner of speaking," revealed the youngest of the Hightower sons "He threw himself into the sea from atop the Hightower, dashing his skull upon the rocks. My older sister Malora, is also dead. Another suicide, my lord."

    "My condolences, ser. I cannot profess to know to have known them personally, but I too have lost loved ones."

    "My thanks," he says with pursed lips "But I have not come for your condolences."

    "Ser?"

    "Your name was found scrawled upon the walls of my sister's room. And my father's quarters. And those of a maester in the Citadel, whose remains had been scattered across his quarters. Scrawled in their own blood."

    "My name?"

    "Yes," said the Hightower knight "Stormcrown."

    "Stormcrown."

    "Arlan?"

    "I... I don't know."

    "My father, my sister," said Ser Humfrey carefully "Were fond of the occult, of ancient books and half-written spells and the like. My sister was born mad, my lord. A madness that fixated on such heresies and claims. They both consulted quite frequently with maesters of the Citadel, including the deceased. An archmaester Marwyn, a fringe scholar on such matters. All of whom are now dead, with their blood in writing upon walls, naming you. Or your surname at least."

    "Ask him if anything was taken."

    "Arlan?"

    "Do it."

    "Was anything taken," you repeat dully "Weapons, gems, priceless possessions?"

    "No," said the Oldtown knight carefully "Nothing but books."

    "Books?"

    "Arlan-"

    "I've ideas, boy. Terrible ideas... We must help this man, and his family. Whatever- Whoever had a role to play in these deaths... they will not have gone far."

    "Are you sure?"

    "Very sure."

    [] Offer Assistance - Though Arlan is as mysterious as ever, you will offer your services to House Hightower in getting to the bottom of this. Roll 1d100+20, DC 40 #Assistance Accepted, DP applicable

    [] Say Nothing - You're really not sure what assistance you can provide, and Arlan's reluctance isn't helping. You'll keep your mouth shut, and try to leave it at that with House Hightower. Roll 1d100-20, DC 20 #You'reInvolved, DP applicable (failure desirable)

    --

    With that matter... sorted for the time being, for lack of a better definition, you and your party head further into the city. While many lesser knights and lords have elected to camp outside the city and closer to the tourney grounds, many of those more esteemed in the royalist circles had acquired (however temporarily) manses within the city.

    Which is what brought you to Lord Arryn's manse, deep into Oldtown.

    Much to Valonqar's displeasure, as the bullish dragon resigned himself so close quarters for the time being.

    "Lord Stormcrown," said the elderly Lord Hand by way of greeting as he clasped your arm. "Lord Royce. Lord Upcliff. Lord Belmore. Ser Brightblade. Ser Redfort. Cousins. Welcome to Oldtown."

    "Lord Arryn," you respectfully say as he continues to personally greet the others of your party "Am I correct in assuming..."

    "Yes, yes." he says to you "But it'll be discussed in a moment, if you'll allow me that."

    "Joffrey?"

    "And more. Much more."

    --

    "You're sure of this?" said Lord Uther doubtfully "Enough to bring this before the king?"

    "I was not the first to consider it," admitted Jon Arryn to those assembled "That much was done by the Spider."

    "And considering his allegiances," suggested Robar Royce "This seems quite suspect."

    "But very possible," pointed out his overlord "Enough that I would bring this before Robert's purview."

    "The Queen," said Marwyn Belmore distastefully "And her brother..."

    "Which makes the royal children bastards," you mutter in concern "Including Myrcella and Tommen. Dare I ask what is to happen to them?"
    "Joffrey is of an age and culpable for the actions done against Mya Stone, as well as House Royce. Execution will be his fate. As for his siblings... I cannot hope to guess what Robert might intend. His tempers have been mixed of late. He might well call for their deaths."

    "I cannot stomach that, my lord." You protest, even as your mind flashes to days long passed, to men now only memories "I cannot."

    "Swear to me, Jon. Swear to me that you shall forswear your claims and desires upon the Iron Throne, that you will not challenge Robert nor his children nor even his children's children."

    "Only three generations?" you scoff dryly as you seat yourself "You think I can't wait? I've seen things, uncle. Dreams of darkness, of dead men who darkened the barrows and rose to fight the living. Of gods once forgotten and returned. Kings in rags returned to splendour. Even if Robert's children and their children have a thousand more children, I could still claim the throne. "

    "No, I will not allow this, Dayne. I do not, and I will not condemn the murder of innocents. If I am to claim the seat of kings, then it will be through battle alone."

    "There is yet time to persuade Robert," Jon Arryn says kindly "Hiding them amongst the faithful might yet prove prudent. Lives away from House Lannister, from the throne."

    "How likely are we to have them to even decide that?" pointed up Ser Sturm Brightblade, the elderly knight having sat in a tranquil rage at revelations of royal cuckolding "Their own kinsman sits as Master of Whispers at Dragonstone as we speak. He could well steal them away before the king's return north."

    "Ser Lyn Corbray stands as Kingsguard at Dragonstone," revealed the Lord of the Vale "A man of our own and skilled enough to see any moves by Kevan Lannister stymied. The children will not be leaving Dragonstone, I assure you."

    "So what now?" you asked, still uncomfortable with the entirety of this discussion "Where do we proceed from here?"

    "There is a book that I seek," said Jon Arryn patiently "That I have need of, before Robert meets with the new High Septon. There was meant to be a copy at Storm's End, but the maester there professed no knowledge of it, and I did not find it in Dragonstone. It is a genealogical record, listing the various marriages between House Baratheon and Lannister through the years, and their descendants. I hope to use it as part of my argument and evidences when I approach both the High Septon and Robert with this."

    "Accusations of incest, casting aside the Lannisters, denouement of the royal children," you count off to those in the room "We'll be at war with Tywin Lannister in less than a month."

    "We'll have too many hostages for that. His grandchildren, his son, his nephews, his brother at Dragonstone, several of his nieces... No, he cannot act against us, not with half the realm ready to put Casterly Rock to ruin. Especially not if House Tyrell sides with us."

    "... You're looking to give them the king?"

    "Or Renly, if Robert proves too ungrateful. As it is, I half-fear he'll legitimize his Florent-born bastard if given opportunity. Though perhaps Edric and Margaery would not prove too difficult a coupling..."

    "My lord... what is it you wish of us, then?"

    "Three matters most important. The first, that the prisoners be kept under guard at all times, in order to assure their presence when needed. The second, that this book, "The Lineages and Histories of the Great Houses of the Seven Kingdoms, With Descriptions of Many High Lords and Noble Ladies and Their Children", that it be acquired from the Citadel grounds immediately. The third, well.."

    "Lord Arryn?"

    "Until the voting for the High Septon is resolved, Robert's attention will be on the festivities, which buys us a few weeks to prepare ourselves and keep everything in order. Upon the High Septon's naming, he and Robert are to visit the Starry Sept together to pray, a sign of the continued support the gods keep in House Baratheon. Afters, the negotiations regarding loans, grants, the new religious seat in the rebuilt capital, a whole bevy of things are to be discussed... including the annulment. It is there however, that I will bring to light our own charges. When Robert is persuaded and the High Septon gives his blessings, you'll have charge to take the Crown Prince into custody, along with any of his retinue who dare resist."

    "I-"

    "I trust that last will not be too difficult?"

    "No," you say with a small smile as you struggle to restrain your joy "No, not too difficult at all."
    Click to expand...
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    --
    [] Attend the first bracket of the Jousting Tourney of Oldtown
    [] Attend the first installment of the grand melee
    [] Attend upon the Hightower murders
    [] Attend upon the Dornish
    [] Attend upon the Lannisters
    [] Attend upon the Redwynes
    [] Attend upon the Rosbys
    [] Attend upon the Tyrells
    [] Attend upon the Valesmen
    [] Attend upon the incest allegations
    [] Travel around Oldtown (Business)
    [] Travel around Oldtown (Religious)

    You may select 4.

    Lord Uther Upcliff (1d100+13) vs. Ser Lucion Lannister (1d100+13)
    Ser Theodore Tyrell (1d100+18) vs. Ser Narbert Grandison (1d100+23)
    Ser Peter Plumm (1d100+13) vs. Ser Imry Florent (1d100+18)
    Lord Lucias Vyperen (1d100+13) vs. Ser Balon Swann (1d100+23)
    Ser Gunthor Hightower (1d100+28) vs. Ser Dennis Plumm (1d100+13)
    Ser Loras Tyrell (1d100+38) vs. Ser Robar Royce (1d100+13)
    Ser Olyvar Rosby (1d100+13) vs. Lord Bryce Caron (1d100+13)
    The Fawn Knight (1d100) vs. Ser Creighton Redfort (1d100+13)
     
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  • Threadmarks
    • [X] Offer Assistance - Though Arlan is as mysterious as ever, you will offer your services to House Hightower in getting to the bottom of this. Roll 1d100+20, DC 40 #Assistance Accepted, DP applicable

    FUCKING CALLED IT!
     
    So, shit be going down. In every possible way, and some impossible ways, too.
     
    [X] Offer Assistance - Though Arlan is as mysterious as ever, you will offer your services to House Hightower in getting to the bottom of this. Roll 1d100+20, DC 40 #Assistance Accepted, DP applicable
    -[X] 4 DPs

    Holy shit. Things are heating up.
     
    Awesome... Just awesome.

    [X] Offer Assistance - Though Arlan is as mysterious as ever, you will offer your services to House Hightower in getting to the bottom of this. Roll 1d100+20, DC 40 #Assistance Accepted, DP applicable
    -[X] 4 DP
     
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    [X] Offer Assistance - Though Arlan is as mysterious as ever, you will offer your services to House Hightower in getting to the bottom of this. Roll 1d100+20, DC 40 #Assistance Accepted, DP applicable
     
    [x] Offer Assistance - Though Arlan is as mysterious as ever, you will offer your services to House Hightower in getting to the bottom of this. Roll 1d100+20, DC 40 #Assistance Accepted, DP applicable
    -[x] Four DPs

    I want to be sure we're in on this.

    And shit. It looks like the Cerenna Lannister ship might be about to burn. Dammit.
     
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    Can you hear that? That's the sound of a 250k dowry vanishing into thin air!

    The question is, will a very desperate Tywin(or Tyrion/Kevan/Steffon, you new know how wars go) replace it with a bigger dowry once all is said and done?
     
    [X] Offer Assistance - Though Arlan is as mysterious as ever, you will offer your services to House Hightower in getting to the bottom of this. Roll 1d100+20, DC 40 #Assistance Accepted, DP applicable
    -[X] 4 DPs
     
    Also :
    [X] Offer Assistance - Though Arlan is as mysterious as ever, you will offer your services to House Hightower in getting to the bottom of this. Roll 1d100+20, DC 40 #Assistance Accepted, DP applicable
    -[X] 4 DPs

    Warhammer Mode activated. KILL THE MUTANT, BURN THE HERETIC, PURGE THE CLEAN!
     
    [X] Offer Assistance - Though Arlan is as mysterious as ever, you will offer your services to House Hightower in getting to the bottom of this. Roll 1d100+20, DC 40 #Assistance Accepted, DP applicable

    Incoming 500k dowry offer for Cerenna's hand! /fingerscrossed

    Jon's gonna need a Scrooge McDuck style swimming pool to put all his gold in.
     
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    [X] Offer Assistance - Though Arlan is as mysterious as ever, you will offer your services to House Hightower in getting to the bottom of this. Roll 1d100+20, DC 40 #Assistance Accepted, DP applicable
    -[X] 4 DPs

    Well, sounds like the Lannister's stocks are about to go down the sink.
    And dammnit, we have to trust Lyn for this and he is LF's man...I don't like it.
     
    [X] Offer Assistance - Though Arlan is as mysterious as ever, you will offer your services to House Hightower in getting to the bottom of this. Roll 1d100+20, DC 40 #Assistance Accepted, DP applicable
    -[X] 4 DPs
     
    [x] Offer Assistance - Though Arlan is as mysterious as ever, you will offer your services to House Hightower in getting to the bottom of this. Roll 1d100+20, DC 40 #Assistance Accepted, DP applicable
    -[x] Four DP


    I vote to not help bring the incest to ligth.

    Killing Jofrey is a given, but not the incest.
     
    [X] Offer Assistance - Though Arlan is as mysterious as ever, you will offer your services to House Hightower in getting to the bottom of this. Roll 1d100+20, DC 40 #Assistance Accepted, DP applicable
    -[X] 4 DPs
     
    Isn´t it highly ironic that Jon Arryn will be responsible for the rebellion... a man who seemingly did everything to keep the realm together will cast it into Chaos, for now reason other than the reports of a Targrayen loyalist and a book ( that he doesn´t have) about a science he doesn´t understand.

    And with us being in the middle of it I see no way this won´t end in a massive clusterfuck.


    [] Offer Assistance - Though Arlan is as mysterious as ever, you will offer your services to House Hightower in getting to the bottom of this. Roll 1d100+20, DC 40 #Assistance Accepted, DP applicable
    -> No DP

    I feel lucky.


    [X] Say Nothing - You're really not sure what assistance you can provide, and Arlan's reluctance isn't helping. You'll keep your mouth shut, and try to leave it at that with House Hightower. Roll 1d100-20, DC 20
    -10 DP

    I really don´t want to deal with demons while the other shit is going down.
     
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    [X] Offer Assistance - Though Arlan is as mysterious as ever, you will offer your services to House Hightower in getting to the bottom of this. Roll 1d100+20, DC 40 #Assistance Accepted, DP applicable
    -[X] 4 DPs
     
    I say we bring the incest to light, but defend Tommen and Myrcella, even if we need to literally knock some sense into Bobby B and take them as wards in Harrenhal.
     
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