[Actual Play AGoT] Swords of the North!


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Maester Luwin

First Post
Session #2 Part 1

The next day after the attempted kidnapping of Jasson, Castle Winterfell looked like an anthill stirred with a stick. Pages were running to & from their Lords & their pavilions just outside of town. Laborers & carpenters finished the grandstands where the tilts will take place. Merchants & peddlers haggled with mercenaries & sellswords for this item & that. Smallfolk wagered for his favorite champion & argued his merits. Through all of this Lord Artos traveled with the purpose of the Implacable. His destination was clearly in sight. There was no mistaking the “flayed man on the blood red field”. The banner of House Bolton blew briskly in the strong northern wind. The pavilion was quite large Artos noted, striped red, white, & pink.

A knot of freeriders huddled just outside the huge tent. Upon seeing Artos, they made way for the nobleman. Some bowed & others merely nodded. Artos walked by without a backwards glance. At the pavilion’s opening Artos said “Ronnel Bolton I would have a word with you.” Suddenly the opening was filled with the gigantic form of Ser Cregan Snow. Even without his armor he was enormous! Artos was a finger width above six feet himself & broad of chest with arms of a swordsman but even he must look up to the man dubbed “The Wall!” The large man just looked down with his queer, almost disturbing ice blue eyes. White hair fell to his shoulders. His face was impassive, giving no hint of emotion. Artos was about to speak when a almost sardonic voice spoke up “Oh do let Lord Stark in Ser Cregan, the least you can do after he provided for your merriment yesterday eve,”

Without a word Ser Cregan stepped aside & Artos pushed his way in. Without looking back & with a voice used to command Artos said “Close the flap Wall! What I have to say will not go beyond this place” A small smile crept upon his lips as he stated “You know of my honesty Ronnel.” * (1) Ronnel Bolton did not even look up as he broke his fast & merely nodded with his mouth full. Artos continued “What is said here stays between you, me, & the Wall.” Artos paused for only a moment without interruption from either man & said “I have a proposition for you… the both of you. I only ask that you answer my questions honestly.” At this Ronnel looked up from his meal & Ser Cregan only snorted. Artos stated “The proposition & the questions are both simple enough. The proposition is I need good swords for I travel north to find the truth of this wildling king, Raymun. Those that ride with me will find the chance for both glory & great reward. I have need of you Ronnel & of you Ser Cregan!”

Notes:

1.) Lord Artos split his Rep as follows: +1 honesty; +1 loyal, +1 Implacable.


Will post more later. Maester Luwin
 

Maester Luwin

First Post
Now to session2 part 2.

Ronnel wiped his mouth daintily & stated matter of fact “It would appear Lord Artos that your proposition is rather one sided… noble of course but altogether unappealing. Now if you’ll excuse me I’ll wish you good luck & good hunting for my eggs catch a chill.” Artos smiled for he knew he had the man’s interest. Artos cleared his throat & went on “Pray let me finish Ronnel. I know you are the second son who is likely to inherit little more than a meager holdfast not unlike the ones who have been raided. I also know that your older brother was aptly named (Ronnel’s older brother, Mace, was noted as being as dull & blunt as his namesake). Your noble father need only see that merit out shines age. I have the ear of my brother & I myself am not without some influence with your father. If you serve me well I would not begrudge you your due nor would I ill serve my brother if the better man one day resides in Dreadfort. You know me Ronnel, I’m known for my loyalty as well as my honesty.”

Ronnel stopped chewing his eyes narrowing in suspicion. He swallowed hard then said “I aid you in ridding the North of some savages with recompense and all. Then you will speak in my stead to both your brother, Lord Willam, & my father of my merits to rule Dreadfort? You will dismiss my brother as unworthy? What is the rest of it Lord Artos, for I clearly see a dagger in the shadows!”

Artos said “Answer me one question & make a promise easily kept! It is not an untruth that you & Ser Cregan are good swords. Nor is there any doubt of my need of them. However, I would ask a question & a boon. First I will ask the question Ronnel. Remember no one will know the answer but the three of us. I can accept trouble. As long as I know of it I can deal with it. Are you responsible for the raids of Lord Mathell’s lands? If so you must stop at once!”

Ronnel sat stunned for a heart beat or two then laughed- a nervous laugh that Artos noted at once! Ser Cregan too shifted uneasily behind Artos but it was Ronnel who spoke “ Lord Artos your offer is not without merit but my father sired only one fool & he sits not before you. I’ll see to your boon Milord. I can say that all shall be done that I can do in the matter of the bandits. I feel certain they will trouble old Mathell no more. And I will add another boon for the sake of the question unanswered… if you will accept it?”

Artos said simply “Go on & let me hear this boon.”

Ronnel smiled before saying “ I will seek out my Lord father, Lord Bryce, & get his word that he shall do all in his considerable power to put an end to the banditry on our borders since Flint appears unable to do so himself. I will also ask for & will no doubt be given 200 freeriders. No doubt House Stark will take up their payment as they will be serving you & not my father. I shall be their commander & I, Milord, will answer to no one but you. The question you asked should not matter if Ser Cregan & I serve you to the north… well beyond the holdfasts in question.”

Artos had his answer he was sure but he hoped the Flints would be satisfied with the raiding stopped & compensation (whether it was Stark gold or Bolton’s) given. He would also have Ronnel & The Wall with him where they could be watched. Ser Cregan was worth 10 men alone. Ronnel Bolton would provide 200 more & something more important to Artos Stark. Something the smug noble wouldn’t know. Lord Artos was sure the moonturn it would take for his party to reach Karhold would be time enough to use his considerable influence on Ser Cregan Snow. He had little doubt the man would be better suited with a direwolf upon his breast rather than a flayed man. So it was with a broad smile that Artos bellowed “DONE!”
Enough for now. Will post more later. Thanks Maester Luwin
 

linnorm

Explorer
Good stuff! One suggestion: Put the date of the last update in the subject, It'll make it easier to spot new goodness.

Looking forward to more!
 

Maester Luwin

First Post
[Actual Play AGoT] Swords of the North! Updated 9/18/05

Hey everyone! Here is session 2 part 3.

Lorrick Poole walked with a quick step through the nearly empty halls of the First Keep. He was already a busy man seeing to the Lists for the joust, planning the menu for the feast, & making sure that all visiting nobles, both of the south & the north, were comfortable within Winterfell’s walls. Naturally he was annoyed by Maester Pelion’s request to seek out the Wildling woman Helga & escort her to the library. The Karstark’s maester had some news for her. ‘What could a maester want to tell a savage anyway’ thought Winterfell’s steward. Alas he spotted her!

“Mistress Helga Maester Quelion has need of you & asked me to escort you to the library” Lorrick said. Helga nods to the man “You have my Thanks Steward but doesn’t the library lie inside the Great Keep itself?”

“Aye Mistress it does” confirmed Lorrick “But if we leave this instant we should be able to avoid Lady Stark as she, Lady Dustin, & Lady Crewyn are in the Glass Gardens. They should remain there for some time.”

“Aaah” Helga said “I see. Then let’s not keep the good maester waiting. Lead on good Steward!”

Helga was soon turned around in the winding halls of Winterfell & if not for the expert guidance of Lorrick Poole she would have been lost. Helga was certain the Steward was taking the back ways & little used corridors of the castle. ‘All to avoid that woman’ thought Helga her temper rising. She had been warned by Artos to do just that. “The seven hells hath no fury” or some other he had said. She had faced worse she was certain still no need to stir up trouble needlessly. After some time they came to the Stark’s impressive library. Karhold had a library though not nearly so big. ‘The musty smell of dust & old parchment was the same though’ thought Helga who had never learned the “magic” of reading. The two maesters were huddled over a pile of books & scrolls unaware of their presence until Lorrick cleared his throat.

“Mistress Helga as you requested Maester Pelion” Lorrick Poole nodded.

The Stark’s Maester was older & thinner than Quelion. The chain around his neck was thicker & longer by half. This disturbed the freedom loving wildling that thought one should never be a salve to anything, even to knowledge! However, she was happy to hear from the maester. The dream had troubled her & she would have at least one trouble behind her.

Maester Pelion returned the stewards nod with one of his own & said “Greetings Mistress Helga. I hope you & your son are well.”

“Well enough Maester” Helga shot back. “If you will excuse us Maester Quelion has news for me!” Helga was uneasy around the Stark’s maester. She couldn’t place the cause- it was just a feeling. But she had no intention of allowing these strangers to hear what Quelion had uncovered. The perceptive Maester sensing her unease excused himself & Lorrick leaving them alone in the vast library.

All for now will post more later. Maester Luwin
 

Maester Luwin

First Post
Maester Quelion looked up from his books & said “Greetings Mistress Helga. I trust young Snow is well? I am sorry to hear about your misadventures”

Helga stated matter of fact “He is well maester… more than I can say of his would be abductors. Now, tell me what you have found.”

Quelion Woolfield, Maester to house Karstark, cleared his throat & said “I should have known the answer straight away.” The maester shook his head & with a slight shrug of his shoulders he continued “The horned fish you asked about are not fish at all. They are called narwhales. Stylized as “unicorns of the sea” by some, they can be found off the coast of Skagos in the Bay of Seals. The sava… ah inhabitants of the isle harvest these narwhales for oil, food & the ivory of their horns. In fact the lords of Skagos use just such horns, though intricately carved, as a badge of their office.”

Helga thought a moment before asking her questions “Maester Quelion what does the Isle of Skagos have to do with Karhold? And what of the Isle itself I know it not?”

The maester’s expression became thoughtful as he stated “Skagos has nothing to do with Karhold that I know Mistress. Though they are both bannermen of Lord Willam & many seem to think his sword is not long enough to reach it. It is said they are … less civilized than the mainland folk. Rarely indeed is it that they leave their rugged island & rarer still are their visits to Winterfell. Why do you ask Mistress? Suddenly Helga noted the curious tone in the maester’s voice.

“It is nothing really Maester Quelion. Just something … I remembered from long ago. I thank you maester. I have taken too much of your time.” Helga said & started to leave when Maester Quelion called out “Mistress Helga there is something I thought you should know. Lady Sheria has been visiting the library as well. There is nothing strange in this alone but mainly in what she has been reading…”

Knowing that this woman & The Blood Raven have taken an interest in her son, Helga was curious enough. “What was she reading maester?”

“Books of dragon lore Mistress. Specifically on the birth cycle & the hatching of eggs” said the maester his eyes narrowing in concern.

Helga now interested said “There are no more Dragons maester.”

Maester Quelion nodded & said “This is true in Westeros Mistress but legend has it they may yet live in the East…. Beyond Asshai of the shadow!”

Lorrick Poole called from the doorway “Mistress Helga, forgive me but we should really be returning to First Keep. I have other duties you well know & one should never tempt fate needlessly.”

Helga nodded to the maester & said “My thanks Maester Quelion. Please keep me informed about … our friend.”

Maester Quelion stated “Mistress our order lives to serve!”

Helga left the library lost not only in Winterfell’s maze of halls but also in her own thoughts.


Will post more later. Thanks Maester Luwin
 

Maester Luwin

First Post
Hey everyone! Here is session 2 part 5. Here enters Septon Heward a Godsworn who may be more than he appears.

Septon Heward prayed to the Mother for mercy & the Crone for wisdom as he headed to the suite that Lord Willam had given over to the King’s Hand, Lord Nestor Butterwell. He was tired from his long trip from distant Karhold yet there was work to do. He was to receive a package from the High Septon himself. This told him it was much too important or private to trust to a raven. Lord Buterwell was to deliver this package. Septon Heward knew the man when he served the High Septon in King’s Landing. Those memories did not reassure him now. Lord Butterwell was known as something of a bumbling dandy. However, his latest correspondence with the High Septon hinted at something more dire.

The High Septon had charged Septon Heward with not only retrieving the package, which contained codes used for correspondence, but to judge the Hand of the King himself! There were rumors in King Daeron’s court that Lord Butterwell had a foot in both the King & the pretender’s camp. He would not be the first noble that wished to hedge his bets in the upcoming civil war nor would he likely be the last. May the Father allow him to judge the man with fairness!

As Septon Heward arrived at the Hand’s chambers he was met by Lord Butterwell’s man, Orrin, better known as “ClubFoot”. The man had a misshappened left foot, which made him drag it when he walked. Also Orrin’s right shoulder rode higher than the left & his head was held downward tilted to the left. Through stringy gray hair his dark brown eyes met the Septon’s. With an exaggerated bow Clubfoot stated “The Lord Hand awaits you Septon.”

Septon Heward nodded & said “thank you & may the Mother bless & keep you Orrin, man of the faith!” Clubfoot led the way inside with the slow shuffling gait he was so noted for. Septon Heward found the King’s hand having brunch with what appeared to be roasted fowl, mayhap a duck, in a honey butter sauce. Around a mouth full of food Lord Butterwell said” Oh do come in Septon ole friend… please sit & join me!” He wiped his stubby fingers on a silken napkin pointing to a comfortable chair across from him

Stepton Heward bowed & said “Thank you Milord but I have already broken my fast but pray continue. I am sorry to interrupt you at all but the High Septon bid me meet you at first opportunity.”

Thanks Maester Luwin
 
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Maester Luwin

First Post
Hey everyone! Here is session 2 part 6.

Lord Butterwell ripped off a small leg & waved it in the air “Nonsense, nonsense I say. No bother at all Septon. I am only too happy to be of some assistance to his holiness in this matter. Not hungry then? Then at lest some wine…. A fine vintage from the Arbor most rare these days since the troubles with the Black Dragon you know.” Daemon Blackfyre had taken the black dragon as his sigil & it was rumored that Lord Tyrell (& Lord Redwyne of the Arbor) favored him over the King.

“Then the Seven hath blessed you truly Milord for having such a vintage when others go without!” Heward said “How did you come by such a wonderful vintage?”

Lord Butterwell choked & sputtered a bit before answering, the Septon judged him nervous. “I saved it for just such an occasion Septon! Yes. Yes a special occasion indeed. Let us drink to the health of the King I say!”

“Yes to the King & may the Mother keep him & the Crone guide him!” said Septon Heward but to which King do you toast my dear Hand he thought!

“You came for the package no doubt” said the Hand “Never fear Septon safe n’ sound it is I assure you. CLUBFOOT! TO ME! Excuse me I will have Clubfoot fetch it straight away.”

Orrin shuffled in dragging his left foot & bowing “Milord, how may I be of service?”

Butterwell puffed up like a popinjay & said “The package Clubfoot…you know the one!” He winked & Clubfoot limped off to do his master’s bidding.
Septon Heward watched the man drain his wine & finish off the leg, his neatly trimmed beard dripping with grease, honey & wine. ‘And this is the second most powerful man in the Seven Kingdoms’ the Septon thought with distaste. T’ was time to fish for answers & may the Crone guide him!

“What word from King’s Landing Milord? How fares Daeron the Good?” the Septon asked & watched for a reaction of any kind.

“Oh yes our beloved King is well & why not… His Holiness, the High Septon, guides him as you well know. The Council has sent me & The Bloodraven to gather support at Riverrun & here to the North. A nasty trip! I was sore for days. Baelor was sent to Storms End while Maekor travels to Summerhall. All spread far & thin I must say. The Vale stands with us of course. CLUBFOOT DO HURRY! Yes… where was I?” stuttered the Hand
“And what news of Daemon?” said the Septon
“Daemon?” said the Hand taken aback before continuing “Oh yes… the pretender. CLUBFOOT WHERE ARE YOU MAN! Yes… who’s to say for certain? Only the Seven know for sure. Some say the Free Cities… others say Highgarden… CLUBFOOT!

Finally Orrin came back trailing his left foot carrying a packet sealed in wax adorned with the High Septon’s seal. Unbroken & intact as far as Septon Heward could tell.

Lord Butterwell wiped his mouth a final time & lurched to his feet “There you have it Septon. Safe as was promised. You will inform his Holiness for me wont you? There’s a good man! I must beg your pardon Septon. I need to freshen up & prepare for my meetings with Lord Willam. Hand’s business you know!” Without another word he waddled off, leaving Clubfoot in his wake.

Septon Heward stood & said “I can see myself out Orrin.” The Crone would guide him. The Father would judge the Hand. And may the Mother grant him Mercy. The Septon would study the codes for he must get a raven off to King’s Landing & the High Septon!


Thanks Maester Luwin
 

Maester Luwin

First Post
Here is session 2 part 7 where Jasson Snow makes his entrance!

Young Jasson Snow watched the squires play at swords in the practice yard below from one of the narrow windows of First Keep. Some of the boys were his age. He wished he could be among them. However, he knew that a bastard had no place among them. Also his attempted abduction had placed fear in both his mother & father. They warned him to stay inside & stay put. The towering guardsman, Little William, was there to make sure this happened. Though simple minded, Little William had become ever more vigilant! Even so both Jasson & Little William were startled by the quiet voice behind them “Greetings Jasson Snow!”

The man was both familiar & yet odd in appearance. Jasson had seen him before across the court yard but never this close. He was an albino of average height with the milk white hair & skin of his kind. The black velvets & scarlet silks stood a stark contrast to his white skin & hair. Though this was odd, it was his eyes, blood red in color that disturbed him the most. They seemed to peer straight through him. He also had a birth mark, the color of blood as well, in the shape of a bird in flight across his right cheek. They had dubbed it a raven at court & so he as named The Blood Raven!

In a quiet voice the man said “I beg your pardon Jasson. I hope I didn’t startle you. May I speak with you?”

Jasson struggled to remember the proper way to address the man before him. Maester Quelion & Lord Karlon had both seen to his education. At last he found his voice & the words “Of course Ser. Ser Brynden isn’t it?”

A slight smile played along the man’s lips as he said “Yes. Yes it is. Ser Brynden Rivers.
Do you long to be amongst the squires trying your hand at swordplay?”

Jasson wasn’t sure how to answer or even if he should trust the man. His mother said a wise man listened more than he talked in any case. “I have no place among them Ser despite my wishes.”

Ser Brynden appeared pleased with his answer. He stated & not unkindly “Yes I know something of what you speak Jasson.”

Suddenly Jasson remembered his surname was Rivers, a bastard’s name from the Riverlands! Yet he was a knight & had the King’s ear if the rumors were true. Jasson looked the man over once more & stated simply “Forgive me if I have offended you Ser. It was not my attention.”

Rivers smile grew broader as he said “Nonsense Jasson! No harm intended & no harm done. And as for your place amongst the squires, that could change as well. I will ask permission of your father to squire you to myself!”

Jasson’s mouth grew wide in surprise! Try as he might he couldn’t speak or even move. It was a great honor he knew. Yet something about the man bothered young Jasson.

Ser Brynden sensing his unease smiled & stated gently “ Relax Jasson. I will not be leaving for some days so you have time to make up your mind & I must have your father’s blessing as well.”

Jasson merely nodded & stood there. He had often wanted to see Kings Landing & the castle of the Targaryen Kings.

With a slight nod of his head Ser Brynden said “Just think on it boy. I’ll have my answer soon enough. I’m off to see your father. I bid you good day!”


Little William & Jasson watched the knight leave. Both noted his boots made no sound. But it was Little William who spoke as Jasson remained stunned “I’ll be ah son o’ a Septon Jas! E’s a weird un fer sure. Miss Helga will nay let you go lest ways. So don’t ya worry none! White as ah Other ‘e was!”

Jasson knew Little William was slow, he often counted on this very thing when he wanted to “slip” away, but he was wise enough to be sure!
Thanks Maester Luwin
 

Maester Luwin

First Post
Hey everyone! The following posts will be a summary of the remainder of session 2.

Session 3 Summary part 1!

Lord Artos was met by Ser Brynden Rivers upon returning to Winterfell. The Blood Raven asked if he might take young Jasson Snow as his squire. Ser Brynden explained all the advantages that this would entail for Jasson: good education under the Grand Maester himself; being seen at the court of the King; being taught the sword & lance by him; & would guarantee his safety (which is in question considering his near abduction).

Artos not wanting to commit to man he didn’t really trust states that he has already granted this honor to Rickon Karstark. He explained he didn’t want to affront the son of a friend & loyal liegeman. However, he would think on it.

Ser Brynden also asked another boon. Lady Sheria asked for a private audience with young Jasson in the Stark’s Godswood- alone! He guaranteed Jasson’s safety with his own private guard- The Raven’s Teeth!

Artos agrees to this. He does not want to deny The Blood Raven twice in one day. Artos knows through rumors of the reputed sorceress’ interest in his son. Artos hopes that Jasson himself may provide some answers about Sheria’s intentions.
Thanks Maester Luwin
 
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