Now, character creation is topped off with a little bit of luck, maybe circumstance. A d4 has been rolled for each of Aron's 6 Attributes, and the number rolled has been added in. These represent any knacks or natural talents he might have had, or knowledge he's picked up as he grew, but haven't focused on in his education and lifestyle. Forming his full statline, which he will start off with and need to work with and improve going forward. For the full picture, view the Character Sheet.
Last night was one you do not remember well… Not for lack of trying, either, for it was your 16th nameday. Now, it was the day after, and you awoke with a great startle as warm water splashed across your face. Jolting up, and sliding off the table you'd apparently used as a bed, you tumbled to the floor to the sound of rumbling laughter from the one who decided you'd slept long enough.
"My boy," The familiar baritone begins. "You did a number on this place. You and your brother both." Your father says as if scoldingly, but after you wipe the morning grogginess out of your eyes, you can see a slight amused smirk under his beard of soft browns with a few stray grays. He nudges your brother, who was under the table you were on top of, with his boot. The tavern was a mess of empty cups and pitchers strewn across the place or tipped over, half-eaten dishes of food forgotten about on the tables, discarded playing cards and sets of dice, and not a few who were getting as rude an awakening as you were. "Now Doran, I'd expect this from your brother, but you? You're supposed to be the responsible one." He tutted playfully as Doran shuffled out from under the table, groaning.
"I regret everything." He mutters… You cannot help but concur as the roaring hangover thuds with dull aches in your skull. Stumbling as you pull yourself to your feet. "W-what happened last night?" You managed to ask. Father barks a single "HA!" And opens his mouth to explain, yet before he could continue, the woman from behind the counter intercedes. "You came in here already sloshed on whatever was in your wineskins no doubt, saddled on that new horse of yours. Roped in about everyone ta' celebrate whatever it was you were goin' on abouts. No'un denies drinks when someone else is payin' 'em, so naturally you drank basically all of mi' months worth o' ale an' wine, ate everything else, and half o' the party decided to sleep in here after making a mess of everything. The other half went Seven knows where, but I'd suspect the stables." She finishes her brief rant, wiping a wooden cup with her cloth.
Father naturally continues the story. "So Ysilla came to get us to come fetch you two." He said, patting you and Doran on the shoulder and motioning for you two to follow him as he began making his way to the door. Ser Bors was stoic as ever, even if you could tell he wanted to chuckle at the sight of the situation. "Speaking of, you have my thanks for keeping the boys in one place. I'll send a purse over to cover the expenses here soon." Dad says in farewell to Ysilla, who merely looks done with this whole mess, as he dips out into the summer sun. You squint as the brightness briefly assaults your unadjusted eyes, before they settle and you can stumble after Father with Doran at your side and Bors behind you. He offers his waterskin, and you drink greatly from it before handing it off to Doran.
"Quite the celebration, eh, Aron?" Bors begins evenly. "First day as a man grown, how much do you even remember of it?" When all you could muster was a shrug, the old knight finally laughed. You mounted your name day gift, a Sand Steed with a coat of dapple gray, you don't recall naming him.. Probably lost in a haze of wine infused partying. You and the others finally begin riding for home.
When you arrived home, a bath had been drawn for you and you spent a while freshening up before joining your family for lunch… Really, breakfast for you and Doran, but midday it was, so to the rest it was lunch. A slice of roast duck rubbed in spices with an assortment of fruits. Whilst you and Doran nursed cups of water and ate to try and get over your hangovers, Father and Lady Sylvenna talked at the end of the table.
"Whilst the boys were deep in their cups last night, a rider came in from Starfall. Brought news from Sunspear." Father began as he cut a piece of duck. "Prince Martell has decided his son is to marry, and found a match with the Fowlers. My Lord Brother's been invited to attend, along with his children and other entourage, and bids me look after Starfall as Castellan whilst he's away." He said, biting into the piece of lunch he'd forked, even as you looked up from your meal and paid keener attention.
"Fowler, hm?" Your Father's wife replied. "Smart match, no doubt about that. However, is it right to pull so many lords away from their keeps? I've heard you speak with Bors about this year's raids. The Marchers are more aggressive this year than in the last few. What's not to say the Gardeners or Durrandons might do something brash whilst they are all away? And while you look after Starfall, who shall look out for High Hermitage?"
"Most obviously Bors will be Castellan here while I'm gone. Seven knows he does the role better than I anyway. Our home will be in good hands, rest assured." Ser Dayne laughed a bit, before quieting down to continue, much more serious. "As for the Marches… King Gardener is campaigning north against the Lannisters. Or the Lannisters are campaigning south against the Gardeners, news hasn't been clear about that. Storm's End has been quiet from what news has traveled here, however."
"So… What is to happen with us?" You raise your voice, causing both Lady and Knight to turn their gaze over in your direction. "Will we be going with you to Starfall?" You post the question, and Father leans back in his chair.
"Doran will. He'll learn how to manage a proper castle, instead of a mere Holdfast."
Doran splutters a moment, before giving a single nod. "Very well." He says, but you tilt your head, looking at your Father… He hadn't mentioned what you would be doing in all of this. He catches onto the unasked question from your look and continues. "As for you, Aron. It's up to you… You're a man grown now. It'll be your decision what you'll be doing now. You might stay here with Ser Bors and look after High Hermitage. Going with my Lord Brother and your cousins to the affairs and celebrations at Sunspear is also available, if you can convince Gulian to allow you to go. Maybe if you conduct yourself well, impress my Brother or some other Lord or Lady, they might be willing to take you into their service. Could be games in celebration, but I wasn't given details. Might come with Doran and I to Starfall yourself. But in the end, it is up to you. A man must make their own decisions."
You sit there a moment as it sinks in. The rest of lunch was uneventful, other than being informed the wedding at Sunspear will be in half a year. You have time to see to some things here at High Hermitage, but if you are to be travelling, preparations must be made some time beforehand. Otherwise, your father has given you the reins on your life for now, more so than ever before. What will you do with it?
You have 4 Actions per turn, and 2 Social Actions. Each turn represents 3 months. Actions represent a portion of time dedicated to the pursuit or work you've assigned the action to, be it training, ruling, fighting or whatever else. Social Actions work similarly, but are used mostly for interactions with individuals. Time will be abstracted, and turns will represent more or less time depending on the circumstance Aron finds themself in.
Please vote in Plan Format
[ ] Name your Sand Steed. (Free Action)
- [ ] Write In:
[ ] Course and Direction: Some big things are going to be happening in the near future, where will you be as they happen? (Pick one)
- [ ] High Hermitage: It's your home, or has been thus far. You will stay here and assist Ser Bors with whatever he might need as Castellan until your father returns.
- [ ] Starfall: Your Father and your brother will be riding to Starfall to assume their posts as Castellan of the family's main castle until your Lord Uncle returns from Sunspear. Join them for the duration of their stay.
- [ ] Sunspear: The wedding between the Prince's heir, and a daughter of House Fowler marks an important occasion, and will no doubt have a lot of big names attending. Maybe even games or a tourney. Join your father and brother on the ride to Starfall, and try to convince Lord Gulian to let you attend.
- [ ] Traveling Abroad: Whilst it would certainly be unexpected by your family, you're a man grown now, able to go out and see the world. Experience it. For better or worse.
[ ] Something to Do:
- [ ] Patrol the Torrentine: Join a few riders as they go out and patrol the length of the Torentine, see the lay of the situation and the land. Get to know a few men, mayhaps.
- [ ] Taking Stock: Offer to work with Father or Ser Bors in taking stock of the High Hermitage's armory and granary.
- [ ] Master-at-Arms: Whilst Ser Bors usually fills the role and trains the men, maybe he'll let you help train some of the newer guards.
- [ ] Stables: Help around at the Stables with training and taking care of the horses.
- [ ] Training: You've got some skills, but they could always be better. Dedicate time to train a skill you have!
-- [ ] Write In:
- [ ] Visit the Tavern(s): Maybe not Ysilla's! But theres certainly some others around here. Visit them, maybe you'll hear some interesting news or rumors while playing cards. Maybe win some coins as well.
Social Actions: Who do you spend time with?
[ ] Ser Michael Dayne, your father.
[ ] Doran Dayne, your legitimate half brother.
[ ] Rowan, your smallfolk mother.
[ ] Sylvenna Ladybright, your father's wife.
[ ] Ser Bors of the Torentine, household knight to your father.
Notes: ALRIGHTY! I hope the characterization is something in line with the idea of a Noble Wastrel. Trying to also get into the flow of this quest running stuff, so, not too many options compared to what I would've wanted. But I'm taking this one step at a time. Questions and such, please feel free to ask, and maybe if there's an option you'd believe to be available but isn't on here, throw the idea out there and if it's reasonable enough, I'll update the options to include it.
Big choice this update is the direction our Aron will take his first steps as his own person.
