A Lion's Pride (Closed Quest / ASOIAF)
- Thread starter Mazrick
- Start date
- Location
- ABQ--- Taos, NM
[X] Defer to Ser Barristan. He is a living legend and your senior by almost 30 years.
There is a reason the man is the most famous knight in the realm.
There is a reason the man is the most famous knight in the realm.
So I finally have time to pay full attention to this again. Yay.
On the current topic, if I've read the update correctly, we have Jaime, Barristan and fifteen guardsmen against ~20 potential bandits. Those... aren't terrible odds (assuming, of course, that Toyne and/or the Smiling Knight aren't present). Not mad keen on a mass brawl in the street, though. Leaning towards the ambush option, perhaps with a sub-vote asking Barristan if there's anything we failed to consider. Going to mull things over for a bit.
On the current topic, if I've read the update correctly, we have Jaime, Barristan and fifteen guardsmen against ~20 potential bandits. Those... aren't terrible odds (assuming, of course, that Toyne and/or the Smiling Knight aren't present). Not mad keen on a mass brawl in the street, though. Leaning towards the ambush option, perhaps with a sub-vote asking Barristan if there's anything we failed to consider. Going to mull things over for a bit.
Cxjenious
The Young Lion
[X] Ride to the tavern, bar the doors and windows, and send two guardsmen to collect a considerable number of men; surely there are hedge knights and such in the city itching for the opportunity to serve a lord - and thus make their living.
-[X] Have another two men collect at least a dozen or two of the City Watch to keep order in the streets.
-[X] Have Ser Barristan and your men storm the tavern. They will defer to his command.
OR
[]Ride to the tavern and have a few of your guards enter and buy everyone drinks. Get the men roaring drunk, then storm the tavern.
Ser Barristan is too noble by half. He'll probably just storm the tavern and demand the men turn themselves in, or some other chivalrous tripe. We are the Young Lion of Lannister. We don't apprehend bandits, our men apprehend bandits, and we get all the glory. Ser Barristan has thirty years experience of defending kings, riding in tourneys, and being spectacularly talented with a sword. Let's make use of his name and his sword.
Not let him make use of his name and his sword.
-[X] Have another two men collect at least a dozen or two of the City Watch to keep order in the streets.
-[X] Have Ser Barristan and your men storm the tavern. They will defer to his command.
OR
[]Ride to the tavern and have a few of your guards enter and buy everyone drinks. Get the men roaring drunk, then storm the tavern.
Ser Barristan is too noble by half. He'll probably just storm the tavern and demand the men turn themselves in, or some other chivalrous tripe. We are the Young Lion of Lannister. We don't apprehend bandits, our men apprehend bandits, and we get all the glory. Ser Barristan has thirty years experience of defending kings, riding in tourneys, and being spectacularly talented with a sword. Let's make use of his name and his sword.
Not let him make use of his name and his sword.
Last edited:
- Location
- Here
- Pronouns
- They/Them
[X] Defer to Ser Barristan. He is a living legend and your senior by almost 30 years.
- [X] Be ready to offer your own suggestions and ideas, though.
In addition to what everyone else has already said on the matter, we'd probably need his approval for any plan we come up with anyway. The guy has way more authority than Jaime, after all. However, I don't want Jaime to seem completely incapable of handling this and is counting on Barristan to do all the hard work. There's an important distinction between "May I have the benefit of your wisdom and experience?" and "I have no idea what to do, help!"
- [X] Be ready to offer your own suggestions and ideas, though.
In addition to what everyone else has already said on the matter, we'd probably need his approval for any plan we come up with anyway. The guy has way more authority than Jaime, after all. However, I don't want Jaime to seem completely incapable of handling this and is counting on Barristan to do all the hard work. There's an important distinction between "May I have the benefit of your wisdom and experience?" and "I have no idea what to do, help!"
Quite like the second option. The first, however, seems to me to risk some or all of the bandits escaping- assuming that they are in fact the Kingswood Brotherhood, their likely first reaction to the exits being sealed would be break out and scatter.
Cxjenious
The Young Lion
That's perfectly fine. Twenty men trying to fight through a doorway into a wall of blades? Sounds like a fun time. It's easier to kill a man trying to flee than a man trying to fight.
And then we're left with no prisoners and the strong possibility that whoever is backing the Brotherhood knows they're being investigated, leaving the whole thing an exercise in futility at best and actively counterproductive at worst. (Also, we'd have to cover all the potential exits, while they can concentrate on one, so it probably won't be a wall of blades.)
Cxjenious
The Young Lion
It's a tavern. How many exits could there possibly be? Why would they all be dead? It's already a given that we need prisoners.
We've been riding around all day asking about the brotherhood. If their backers don't know someone is investigating by now, they likely never will.
Depends on how it's constructed but even two is enough to tilt the balance sufficiently in favour of our targets. And while it's a given that we need prisoners, that's much easier said than done so long as they're upright and fighting or scattering through the streets. I'm not saying that the plan can't work, merely that having them incapacitated by sleep or drunkenness when Jaime, Barristan et al knock on the door increases our odds of success.
Yes, that shoe has dropped but I can live with it if this gives us useful information.
Cxjenious
The Young Lion
I disagree. Barristan could probably guard one door on his own.
Well yeah. That's why I suggested getting them drunk!
Corvus Black
The Inestimable
- Location
- England
[X] Defer to Ser Barristan. He is a living legend and your senior by almost 30 years.
- [X] Be ready to offer your own suggestions and ideas, though.
Really like this option with the sub-vote to offer our own opinion on the matter. My master is wise to point out that Ser Barristan is very noble, but the man is still our senior so us just giving him a...nudge in the right direction seems best.
- [X] Be ready to offer your own suggestions and ideas, though.
Really like this option with the sub-vote to offer our own opinion on the matter. My master is wise to point out that Ser Barristan is very noble, but the man is still our senior so us just giving him a...nudge in the right direction seems best.
Mazrick
Shai'tan
- Location
- The Pit of Doom
Preliminary tally. If there's a strong majority and/or no real discussion as of mid-day, we will close the vote in ~5 hours. As always, I'm more than happy to answer questions.
Vote Tally : A Lion's Pride (Closed Quest / ASOIAF) | Page 55 | Sufficient Velocity
##### NetTally 1.1.15
[X] Defer to Ser Barristan. He is a living legend and your senior by almost 30 years.
No. of Votes: 5
[X] Defer to Ser Barristan. He is a living legend and your senior by almost 30 years.
- [X] Be ready to offer your own suggestions and ideas, though.
No. of Votes: 2
[X] Ride to the tavern, bar the doors and windows, and send two guardsmen to collect a considerable number of men; surely there are hedge knights and such in the city itching for the opportunity to serve a lord - and thus make their living.
-[X] Have another two men collect at least a dozen or two of the City Watch to keep order in the streets.
-[X] Have Ser Barristan and your men storm the tavern. They will defer to his command.
No. of Votes: 1
Total No. of Voters: 8
##### NetTally 1.1.15
[X] Defer to Ser Barristan. He is a living legend and your senior by almost 30 years.
No. of Votes: 5
[X] Defer to Ser Barristan. He is a living legend and your senior by almost 30 years.
- [X] Be ready to offer your own suggestions and ideas, though.
No. of Votes: 2
[X] Ride to the tavern, bar the doors and windows, and send two guardsmen to collect a considerable number of men; surely there are hedge knights and such in the city itching for the opportunity to serve a lord - and thus make their living.
-[X] Have another two men collect at least a dozen or two of the City Watch to keep order in the streets.
-[X] Have Ser Barristan and your men storm the tavern. They will defer to his command.
No. of Votes: 1
Total No. of Voters: 8
Last edited:
[X] Defer to Ser Barristan. He is a living legend and your senior by almost 30 years.
- [X] Be ready to offer your own suggestions and ideas, though.
As long as his plan of attack isn't 'shoot them all dead, bub', we'll be able to improvise. Eh, Barristan knows his stuff.
- [X] Be ready to offer your own suggestions and ideas, though.
As long as his plan of attack isn't 'shoot them all dead, bub', we'll be able to improvise. Eh, Barristan knows his stuff.
- Location
- Australia
[X] Defer to Ser Barristan. He is a living legend and your senior by almost 30 years.
- [X] Be ready to offer your own suggestions and ideas, though.
He's not entirely dumb and it's basically the art of avoiding true responsibility with this which is always good :3
- [X] Be ready to offer your own suggestions and ideas, though.
He's not entirely dumb and it's basically the art of avoiding true responsibility with this which is always good :3
Silveraith
Argent Phantasm
- Location
- Terra Atlantus
[X] Defer to Ser Barristan. He is a living legend and your senior by almost 30 years.
- [X] Be ready to offer your own suggestions and ideas, though.
- [X] Be ready to offer your own suggestions and ideas, though.
- Location
- United Kingdom
I'm not a fan of deferring to Ser Barristan as I don't really like the precedent it sets. While Barristan is obviously very experienced Jaime has been placed in charge of this investigation by both Tywin and Rhaegar with Barristan there to help. Taking advice is all well and good but Jaime needs to know how to make decisions and not just let those around him do it for him.
[X] Ride to the tavern, bar the doors and windows, and send two guardsmen to collect a considerable number of men; surely there are hedge knights and such in the city itching for the opportunity to serve a lord - and thus make their living.
-[X] Have another two men collect at least a dozen or two of the City Watch to keep order in the streets.
-[X] Have Ser Barristan and your men storm the tavern. They will defer to his command.
This seems like a pretty good plan, the greater number of men should ensure both victory and that no one escapes and give us a decent number of prisoners for questioning.
[X] Ride to the tavern, bar the doors and windows, and send two guardsmen to collect a considerable number of men; surely there are hedge knights and such in the city itching for the opportunity to serve a lord - and thus make their living.
-[X] Have another two men collect at least a dozen or two of the City Watch to keep order in the streets.
-[X] Have Ser Barristan and your men storm the tavern. They will defer to his command.
This seems like a pretty good plan, the greater number of men should ensure both victory and that no one escapes and give us a decent number of prisoners for questioning.
[X] Ride to the tavern, bar the doors and windows, and send two guardsmen to collect a considerable number of men; surely there are hedge knights and such in the city itching for the opportunity to serve a lord - and thus make their living.
-[X] Have another two men collect at least a dozen or two of the City Watch to keep order in the streets.
-[X] Have Ser Barristan and your men storm the tavern. They will defer to his command.
Ser Barristan is a great knight, but great knight does not always mean great commander or tactician, and he is too chivalrous by half, what if he wants us to just march in there and arrest them?
-[X] Have another two men collect at least a dozen or two of the City Watch to keep order in the streets.
-[X] Have Ser Barristan and your men storm the tavern. They will defer to his command.
Ser Barristan is a great knight, but great knight does not always mean great commander or tactician, and he is too chivalrous by half, what if he wants us to just march in there and arrest them?
- Location
- Brazil
[X] Ride to the tavern, bar the doors and windows, and send two guardsmen to collect a considerable number of men; surely there are hedge knights and such in the city itching for the opportunity to serve a lord - and thus make their living.
-[X] Have another two men collect at least a dozen or two of the City Watch to keep order in the streets.
-[X] Have Ser Barristan and your men storm the tavern. They will defer to his command.
A sensible plan, if relying too much on local circumstances. The drinking plan is even worse on that regard, if very ballsy.
-[X] Have another two men collect at least a dozen or two of the City Watch to keep order in the streets.
-[X] Have Ser Barristan and your men storm the tavern. They will defer to his command.
A sensible plan, if relying too much on local circumstances. The drinking plan is even worse on that regard, if very ballsy.
Mazrick
Shai'tan
- Location
- The Pit of Doom
And we're done. Vote Closed. Update posted soonish.
Vote Tally : A Lion's Pride (Closed Quest / ASOIAF) | Page 55 | Sufficient Velocity
##### NetTally 1.1.15
[X] Defer to Ser Barristan. He is a living legend and your senior by almost 30 years.
- [X] Be ready to offer your own suggestions and ideas, though.
No. of Votes: 6
[X] Ride to the tavern, bar the doors and windows, and send two guardsmen to collect a considerable number of men; surely there are hedge knights and such in the city itching for the opportunity to serve a lord - and thus make their living.
-[X] Have another two men collect at least a dozen or two of the City Watch to keep order in the streets.
-[X] Have Ser Barristan and your men storm the tavern. They will defer to his command.
No. of Votes: 4
[X] Defer to Ser Barristan. He is a living legend and your senior by almost 30 years.
No. of Votes: 3
Total No. of Voters: 13
##### NetTally 1.1.15
[X] Defer to Ser Barristan. He is a living legend and your senior by almost 30 years.
- [X] Be ready to offer your own suggestions and ideas, though.
No. of Votes: 6
[X] Ride to the tavern, bar the doors and windows, and send two guardsmen to collect a considerable number of men; surely there are hedge knights and such in the city itching for the opportunity to serve a lord - and thus make their living.
-[X] Have another two men collect at least a dozen or two of the City Watch to keep order in the streets.
-[X] Have Ser Barristan and your men storm the tavern. They will defer to his command.
No. of Votes: 4
[X] Defer to Ser Barristan. He is a living legend and your senior by almost 30 years.
No. of Votes: 3
Total No. of Voters: 13
A Royal Mission in Action
Mazrick
Shai'tan
- Location
- The Pit of Doom
"Ser Barristan," you said, "you are the senior knight here. I'm inclined to bow to your experience. How do you wish to proceed?"
It felt odd deferring to anyone. You had been trained and groomed to lead. You were clear sighted enough to recognize that you were good at it, but if there was one person you would allow to take charge, it would be the greatest knight alive. The Living Legend certainly knew what he was about.
The Kingsguard nodded thoughtfully. "We cannot risk the chance that any escape with information that could make a difference. Two men to cover each entrance and the rest of us enter. The men we take prisoner can be interrogated after the fighting ends."
It might have sounded risky with anyone else, storming into a tavern likely filled with bloodthirsty cutthroats and bandits. Less so when it came from the lips of Ser Barristan the Bold.
"What of the gold cloaks? Should we bolster our numbers with them?"
"Many of the men have their allegiance for sell. We cannot trust such men nor can we take the chance that we'll tip off our targets in any way."
You nodded your assent, and your men moved into position. Thirty seconds later Ser Barristan opened the door and casually strolled inside, sword in hand. You followed in his wake with Lionheart held in your gauntleted hand.
For a moment there was only stunned silence as the various patrons eyed the shining white armor of a Kingsguard knight. At the far end of the room, a man stood up. He was almost plain in appearance, with a mop of brown hair and pale blue eyes. But as he rose he began to smile, and you felt your blood turn to ice. It was a horrible thing to behold, too wide by far and filled with murderous intent.
"Ser Barristan," said the Smiling Knight. He seemed caught between amusement and nonchalance. "We were not expecting you."
Twenty men drew swords and daggers as they stood, and the air filled with the clashing of steel and violence. Blood roared within you, and you charged in. The press of battle was everywhere, and a burly man with a thick black beard came at you.
Slow, you thought, and Lionheart cleaved the man's head in twain. Another brawler came at you with a cudgel. You pivoted, and passed him with a horizontal slash to the stomach. He fell to his knees clutching his guts.
Then the Smiling Knight was before you. You struck. He parried. His blade cut against your breastplate and left a trail of sparks.
"That's some fine armor and a magnificent sword, baby Lannister!" He laughed, even as you tried to skewer him. He faded away, and it was all you could do to turn aside the blow. Then he was on you. A rain of blows rained down upon you. Despite his mad smile, the Smiling Knight's speed, strength, and skill pressed you. Your every strike was countered, every feint ignored. Never before had you fought a man of such skill. Never before had you been so outclassed.
Fear nipped at your mind. The Valyrian Steel shook in your hands, and then a crafty cut sent Lionheart careening through the melee. Then a kick sent you sprawling to the floor.
"A magnificent sword," he chuckled, "It's a shame you're not its equal."
You would never forget the dead look in his eyes as a lethal overhand cut struck down at you. You were pinned down as fear sank into you.
The ring of steel on steel sounded through the tavern like salvation.
Ilyn!
"Jaime-" Ilyn said. The guard captain's blade had caught the Smiling Knight's deadly stroke. They engaged as you rolled away. Then you found your feet, pulled a dagger, and made your way towards where Lionheart had fallen. You slit one bandit's throat, and his blood sprayed over your battered armor.
Ser Barristan was cutting a swathe through the scum, and the day would be yours. Near three quarters of the bandits had been killed or otherwise defeated.
You picked up Lionheart, and turned to face Ser Ilyn and the mad bandit. Only to see Ilyn impaled by his opponent. The Smiling Knight's laughter pierced through the din and echoed through your mind.
"You FUCKER!!!" your hoarse scream ripped from your throat, and anguish, fury, and hatred welled up within. For as long as you could remember Ilyn had been with you. His tongue wagging even when it shouldn't. The man had been as close to you as any, and taught you much and more. This lowborn piece of filth would pay.
The Smiling Knight gave a mocking bow, and fled through a nearby door. As you made to follow, you hesitated. Ser Ilyn was groaning in pain. Still alive.
Thank the Seven!
The fighting came to an end. Three bandits had been taken prisoner. Ser Barristan was leading a trio of men to the door. It was heavy oak. They picked up a table and used it as an impromptu battering ram. Once. Twice. Thrice.
Then the door smashed inwards. A fire was blazing in the room.
The Smiling Knight was nowhere in sight.
[] Put out the fire, and save as many of your men as possible.
[] Ser Ilyn saved your life. You will see him cared for before all else.
[] You will lead men to harry the Smiling Knight. You owe him a debt.
It felt odd deferring to anyone. You had been trained and groomed to lead. You were clear sighted enough to recognize that you were good at it, but if there was one person you would allow to take charge, it would be the greatest knight alive. The Living Legend certainly knew what he was about.
The Kingsguard nodded thoughtfully. "We cannot risk the chance that any escape with information that could make a difference. Two men to cover each entrance and the rest of us enter. The men we take prisoner can be interrogated after the fighting ends."
It might have sounded risky with anyone else, storming into a tavern likely filled with bloodthirsty cutthroats and bandits. Less so when it came from the lips of Ser Barristan the Bold.
"What of the gold cloaks? Should we bolster our numbers with them?"
"Many of the men have their allegiance for sell. We cannot trust such men nor can we take the chance that we'll tip off our targets in any way."
You nodded your assent, and your men moved into position. Thirty seconds later Ser Barristan opened the door and casually strolled inside, sword in hand. You followed in his wake with Lionheart held in your gauntleted hand.
For a moment there was only stunned silence as the various patrons eyed the shining white armor of a Kingsguard knight. At the far end of the room, a man stood up. He was almost plain in appearance, with a mop of brown hair and pale blue eyes. But as he rose he began to smile, and you felt your blood turn to ice. It was a horrible thing to behold, too wide by far and filled with murderous intent.
"Ser Barristan," said the Smiling Knight. He seemed caught between amusement and nonchalance. "We were not expecting you."
Twenty men drew swords and daggers as they stood, and the air filled with the clashing of steel and violence. Blood roared within you, and you charged in. The press of battle was everywhere, and a burly man with a thick black beard came at you.
Slow, you thought, and Lionheart cleaved the man's head in twain. Another brawler came at you with a cudgel. You pivoted, and passed him with a horizontal slash to the stomach. He fell to his knees clutching his guts.
Then the Smiling Knight was before you. You struck. He parried. His blade cut against your breastplate and left a trail of sparks.
"That's some fine armor and a magnificent sword, baby Lannister!" He laughed, even as you tried to skewer him. He faded away, and it was all you could do to turn aside the blow. Then he was on you. A rain of blows rained down upon you. Despite his mad smile, the Smiling Knight's speed, strength, and skill pressed you. Your every strike was countered, every feint ignored. Never before had you fought a man of such skill. Never before had you been so outclassed.
Fear nipped at your mind. The Valyrian Steel shook in your hands, and then a crafty cut sent Lionheart careening through the melee. Then a kick sent you sprawling to the floor.
"A magnificent sword," he chuckled, "It's a shame you're not its equal."
You would never forget the dead look in his eyes as a lethal overhand cut struck down at you. You were pinned down as fear sank into you.
The ring of steel on steel sounded through the tavern like salvation.
Ilyn!
"Jaime-" Ilyn said. The guard captain's blade had caught the Smiling Knight's deadly stroke. They engaged as you rolled away. Then you found your feet, pulled a dagger, and made your way towards where Lionheart had fallen. You slit one bandit's throat, and his blood sprayed over your battered armor.
Ser Barristan was cutting a swathe through the scum, and the day would be yours. Near three quarters of the bandits had been killed or otherwise defeated.
You picked up Lionheart, and turned to face Ser Ilyn and the mad bandit. Only to see Ilyn impaled by his opponent. The Smiling Knight's laughter pierced through the din and echoed through your mind.
"You FUCKER!!!" your hoarse scream ripped from your throat, and anguish, fury, and hatred welled up within. For as long as you could remember Ilyn had been with you. His tongue wagging even when it shouldn't. The man had been as close to you as any, and taught you much and more. This lowborn piece of filth would pay.
The Smiling Knight gave a mocking bow, and fled through a nearby door. As you made to follow, you hesitated. Ser Ilyn was groaning in pain. Still alive.
Thank the Seven!
The fighting came to an end. Three bandits had been taken prisoner. Ser Barristan was leading a trio of men to the door. It was heavy oak. They picked up a table and used it as an impromptu battering ram. Once. Twice. Thrice.
Then the door smashed inwards. A fire was blazing in the room.
The Smiling Knight was nowhere in sight.
[] Put out the fire, and save as many of your men as possible.
[] Ser Ilyn saved your life. You will see him cared for before all else.
[] You will lead men to harry the Smiling Knight. You owe him a debt.
