Into the Kingdoms' heart - Touring the Crownlands

[Kevan Lyras]

Kevan's travel will take place in the months between 126/2 and 126/7. The following map provides an overview of the individual stops along the journey. Details to the various adventures follow in this thread.




Prologue
After Kevan returned from Dorne and the campaign against House Wyl, he unfortunately had only little time to enjoy some time with his small family. Soon, Robbin would celebrate his first birthday. As much as he would have loved to stay longer and see his young son grow up, it was once again duty, who called him onto the road. If you want peace, you have to prepare for war. Befitting for his standing, Kevan was not travelling alone like a year ago, but was accompanied by a small entourage of guards in the black and white tunics of House Lyras.

Kevan took a look on the parchment he had received from Maester Ronnel. The young man had written him a detailed list of the Lords and Ladies he was to meet as well as the dates of the few events he wanted to attend. The red-haired maester had not made the best first impression, but in the time since he had arrived, Kevan had grew to like him, the man was diligent in his work, passionate and with a great thirst for knowledge.

It was a rainy day when the small trek left Hartsbridge and followed the road along the river, before turning to the south east passing the high seat of House Arryn and crossing all of the Vale in direction of the Gulltown peninsula. They met other travellers frequently. Courtiers on their way to neighbouring castles, merchants leading packed donkey carts to the next market and even groups of smallfolks were on the road.

[Kevan Lyras]

(1) The Great Tourney of the Gull


[size=85:3q1epw0p]Picture from moddb.com/mods/a-game-of-thrones-wb/images/gulltown

The Marsten knight arrived in Gulltown a few days later just as the sun was rising over the Narrow Sea. The journey had been uneventful and the roads had become fuller and fuller with every mile they got closer to the large Harbour - the first planned stop on their journey. It was House Grafton that had sent out invitations for their great Tourney of the Gull and Kevan together with Maester Ronnel had decided that this was a perfect kick-off to the tour. The participant list was expected to feature various knights of the Vale as well as a few visitors from the crownlands itself - exactly the type of gathering, Kevan was looking for;
an opportunity to improve his profile among his peers and make the acquaintance of various Lords and Ladies of the Crownlands.

The small group of soldiers made their way through the city gates and found itself a calm inn, which could serve as their base for the upcoming days. 'The silver gull' was certainly not the most creative name for such an establishment, but the guesthouse would serve its purpose. After that was taken care of, Kevan visited the central market yard to enter the lists and see who else was already present. Taking a look at the competition was certainly worth his time. Unlike other Tourney's House Crafton had not built up the Tourney Grounds outside of the town, but had rather cleared the whole central market yard, expelling the various merchants to the lesser markets around and built up wooden stands within the city. The whole build-up created an impressive atmosphere as the Tourney Ground was surrounded by woodend stands on three sides, with the fourth side giving way to the large inner harbour of Gulltown.

[Kevan Lyras]

Despite the beautifuly scene setting, the tourney at the harbour was actually quite small at least compared to events like the Tourney at Riverrun. Ser Kevan one his first few matches with ease, as his competition consisted either of relatively inexperienced young knights eager to prove himself, or older men trying to catch some last glory too stubborn to accept their aging. The first two days at the tourney went by quickly as Kevan spent his time between bouts socialising with other nobles or inquiring about the entourages of noble families attending. After all, there was more than one purpose to this journey.

The last day of the Tourney started with the competition being down to 16 knights. Ser Kevan drew Ser Henry Hardyng. The man seemed somehow familiar to Kevan, didn't he participate at Riverrun as well? If memory served right, he was defeated by the Shieldmaiden during the melee. The Marsten knight entered the tourney grounds on his trusted black steed and waved at the stands. As the signal was given, he charged forward and lowered his lance

Passive Ride: 15
Health 12/12
AR 11
F/I/W: 0/0/0
Tactics: Posted in personal forum

[Could somebody please post Ser Henry Hardyng's actions rolls and tactics? He is an average knight as per the book]

[Baelon Drakeson]

Such rotten luck!
To be paired against Ser Kevan, who had only been outmatched by the old Aurochs himself.
Conflicting thoughts about how best to oppose the superior knight led in the end to Ser Henry taking a balanced approach.
His lance connects with Ser Kevan's shield, shattering, though lacking sufficient force the harm the Lyras knight.

[url=Kevan PS Pass 1 (Balanced)][/url]: 7d6k3 16 vs PR 15, 1 DoS, 7 - 11AR = 0 damage and a TN 9 Ride test.
PR 9
9/9 health

[Kevan Lyras]

His opponent landed a solid hit but it required little effort by Kevan to counter the blow and stay in his saddle. His own hit was more effective, lifting the other knight from his saddle before letting him crash to the ground.
The crowd cheered, but the more experienced spectators knew that this bout had been no real contest. Kevan turned on his horse in a small circle, bowing to the seat of Lord Grafton, before leaving the tourney ground to prepare for his next round.

[url=Offseason Joust (R1 Hardyng)][/url]: 10d6k4 20: 3 DoS*9=27
[url=Stay in the Saddle][/url]: 6d6k3 15

With the field of jouster being reduced to the final eight, it was only a short time later, when Kevan returned to the lane once more. His opponent was Ser Dannel Marinor, an old knight who had shown exquisite technique during his previous rounds, pointing his lance with accuracy, but lacking the strength of his youth to hit as hard as other knights. His shield depicted a springing fish above water.
Kevan nodded in respect to his opponent, before closing his visor and preparing for the round.

[To any volunteer: Same stats as before, same technique on my side]

[Reader]

Ser Dannel Marinor struck well, but fatigue was beginning to tell in his tired old limbs. Still, he struck a telling blow, shivering his lance to splinters on Ser Kevan's shield and drawing a cheer from the crowd for the old favourite.

PR 9 ->
7 due to stance
9/9 health
AR 7

[url=Aggressive][/url]: 7d6k3+2 18
[url=Stay in the saddle][/url]: 3d6k2 6

[Kevan Lyras]

Once again, Kevan had little trouble staying in the saddle, deflecting the old man's blow with his shield. Ser Dannel had it worse. The lance struck him hard and after reiling in saddle for a few moments, he fell from his horse. Unlike last time, Kevan stopped his horse and dismounted to check on his opponent. The man was clearly in pain but stayed conscious. The Marsten knight offered the old favorite a hand and helped him to get on his feet. "
You did well Ser, it was an honour to ride against you."

The old knight was a bit puzzled by Kevan's words, but quickly recovered: "
Thank you Ser. I rode a lot of Tourneys in my youth, but it pains to know that I never won a larger event. Our tilt shows me that this might never happen as my body is not as strong as it once was. It is the young ones ruling the Tourney Grounds it seems"
, a sad smile on his face.

[url=Stay in the saddle][/url]: 6d6k3 17
[url=Offseason Joust (R1 Dannel Marinor)][/url]: 10d6k4 22

[Kevan Lyras]

While waiting for his match in the semi-finale, Kevan took the opportunity to talk to several nobles from the Crownlands, among them Lord Celtigar himself, who was on visit from his island seat. They were standing in the stands, when Ser Gareth Royce defeated another challenger with his fine technique. The man was a fine tourney knight, but it was the green handkerchief hanging from his left shoulder that enraged the Lord of Claw Isle. "
Look at that green fool showing off. I hope you defeat him and clean that arrogant smile off his face."
, the words were said quiet enough only for Kevan to hear, but it was probably only due to the well-known fact that Kevan was serving a black house and wed to a Blackwood that caused them to be said at all.

And indeed, the draw decided as Lord Celtigar whished and Kevan's opponent in the semi-final was Gareth Royce. With Runestone being close by, there were many supporters in the crowd supporting the Royce knight...

For anybody to step in:

Gareth Royce
PR: 14
AR: 10
Damage: 9
Joust: 9d6k4

Kevan: Jousting decision in private forum
Edit: I misunderstood Reader regarding the description of the knights and thus had to adjust

[Reader]

Ser Gareth was as committed a Green as he had ever been, but while his defeat in a duel with Lord Drakeson had not shifted his political colours it had altered him as a man.

He greeted Ser Kevan was a nod from his courser's back and dipped his lance in salute. Ser Kevan was his foe in the lists and in the courts, but that did not mean he should not be treated with dignity and respect.

Gareth Royce
PR: 14
AR: 10
Damage: 9
[url=Eyes fixed][/url]: 9d6k4+1 21
[url=Stay in the saddle][/url]: 5d6k3 17

[Kevan Lyras]

Kevan returned the gesture and prepared for the charge. The Tourney seemed dominated by greens, which was somewhat surprising given the location. He did not know about House Grafton's political shading, but if Kevan had his way, Lord Grafton had to live with a win by a black knight. The signal was given and both knights lowered their lance. The lances broke, but neither man was unhorsed. Kevan turned around, inhaled deeply, while receiving another lance and prepared for the second round.

Rolls
[url=Offseason (R1 Gareth)][/url]: 10d6k4 21: 2DoS*10=20-10AR=10 ->
2/12
[url=Stay in the saddle][/url]: 6d6k3 18
[url=Catch your breath][/url]: 4d6 17: +4
Kevan Health: 9/12

Technqiue for second round posted in personal forum

[Reader]

Gareth Royce - Pass 2
PR: 14
AR: 10
Damage: 9
Health: 6/12
[url=catch your breath][/url]: 4d6 19
[url=High in the saddle +2][/url]: 9d6k4+2 22 - 2 DoS = 18 Damage before AR
[url=Stay in the saddle][/url]: 5d6k3-2 13

[Kevan Lyras]

The two knights ride again and again both knights are placed accurately. As the dust settles on the Tourney Ground, it is the green knight who lies in the dirt, while the black participant still sits on his horse. The crowd is pleased, clapping and hollering and Kevan believes to hear Lord Celtigar's voice among them, although he is not sure.

[url=Offseason (R2 Gareth)][/url]: 10d6k4 23, take BotA (+2): 25: 3 DoS*9 =27-10= 17 ->
TN15 ride check failed
[url=Stay in the saddle][/url]: 6d6k3 16
Kevan Health: 1/12

In the final:
Adrian Redfort
PR: 15
AR: 10
Damage: 9
Joust: 10d6k4
_
Kevan starts with anointed (+5PR) and aggressive

[Reader]

Adrian Redfort
PR: 15=>
17
AR: 10
Health 12/12
Damage: 9
Joust: 9d6k4+1 [default]
[url=Braced][/url]: 9d6k4-1 22
[url=Stay in the saddle][/url]: 5d6k3 14

[OOC: narrative to follow]

[Kevan Lyras]

And finally, there were only two knights left. Ser Adrian was a tourney knight of high renown. He had won several tournaments in recent years, notably an event in Saltpans and he was also the champion of the last tourney in Gulltown and Kevan was the only knight standing between him and a second consecutive championship in Gulltown, some people even talked about him being a potential Kingsguard in the future.
At least, no matter who would win the final, Lord Celtigar and the other pro-black guests would be pleased, as Ser Adrian and the Redford family were notable black-supporters, who were constantly lobbying the neutrally minded Arryns to share their political shading.
The first round went by without a decision, as both lances connected, but the two knights held on.

[url=Offseason (R1 Adrian)][/url]: 10d6k4+2 25 2 DoS ->
8 damage after AR
[url=Stay in the saddle][/url]: 6d6k3 14[/quote]

Narration of Adrian based on Readers input, please not that I had to adjust my previous post.
Technique for next round posted in my personal forum

[Reader]

In the first pass, both men had proved as solid as the castle that stood proudly on House Redfort's shields.

Having got the measure of his opponent, Ser Adrian adopted a more balanced approach for the second pass, determined to achieve the rare feat of defending his title.

He kicked his white stallion in to the charge for the second pass with a cry of "
As Strong as Stone!"


Adrian Redfort - pass 2
PR: 15
AR: 10
Health 7/12 [post catch your breath]
[url=catch your breath][/url]: 4d6 10 = 3 health restored
Damage: 9
Joust: 9d6k4+1 [default]
[url=Balanced][/url]: 9d6k4+1 22
[url=Stay in the saddle][/url]: 5d6k3 17

[Kevan Lyras]

Ser Kevan opted for a simple "
Marsten!"
, as he kicked into a charge. Again, neither knight fell from his horse, but it seemed like Kevan's blow hurt his fellow pro-black opponent a bit more than vice-versa. Nevertheless, both men received new lances and prepared for a third, decisive pass.

[url=Offseason (R2 Adrian)][/url]: 10d6k4 22: 2DoS: 8 damage after AR ->
1 injury for Adrian
[url=Stay in the saddle][/url]: 6d6k3 12
->
2*9=18-11=7
[url=CYB][/url]: 4d6 11
Health Kevan: 8/12

[Reader]

Aware that he was behind in proceeding, Ser Adrian stood high in his stirrups for the final pass, seeking the momentum and aim to dislodge his stubborn opponent.

Adrian Redfort - pass 3
PR: 15
AR: 10
Health 7/12 [post catch your breath]
[url=catch your breath][/url]: 5d6k3 15 - missing a dice and injury penalty, but minimum 4 DoS anyway.
I/W/F: 1/0/0
Damage: 9
Joust: 9d6k4+1 [default]
[url=High in the saddle +2][/url]: 9d6k4+3 24
[url=Stay in the saddle][/url]: 5d6k3-3 11

[Kevan Lyras]

Adrian's additional momentum from standing high in the saddle pays off, as his lance hits his opponent a lot harder than Kevan's lance does. However, both knights remain in their saddle, even after three passes. It is a close call as the two participants are unsure how to proceed and look up to the box of House Grafton. The crowd is likewise uncertain about what is to follow and calms down for a moment.
Lord Grafton stands up from his seat and steps to the edge of his box. He raises his hands and shouts: "
Both knights did well and proved to be great riders. The winner of this tournament shall be decided by a fight on foot!"

The crowd roars, as it realizes that there is more to come, while Ser Adrian and Ser Kevan dismount their horses and prepare their weapons, before slowly narrowing the distance between each other.

[url=Offseason (R3 Adrian)][/url]: 10d6k4-2 17
[url=Stay in the saddle][/url]: 6d6k3 17

1/12
[url=Offseason CYB][/url]: 4d6 14

[url=Initiative (Adrian)][/url]: 3d6-4 11
Will spend fatigue to ignore AP if Adrian goes first and attacks or tries knockdown

CD: 10
AR 11
Health 4/12
F/I/W: 0/0/0

[Kevan Lyras]

As the two knights are close enough, Kevan speaks to his opponent, so that only he can here him: "
I rather would have faced a green knight in this finale, but the Seven have decided differently, let the best man win! He raises his sword and charges his opponent. His sword catches the man's right knee with a vicious uppercut, which causes blood to trickle from the armour's seam.

Ser Adrian
CD: 10
AR: 10
Initiative: 3d6-4 (+Injury -1)
Attack: 6d6k5 (+Injury -1)
Damage: 5

Health: 10 /12 (after CYB)
F/I/W: 0/1/0
[url=CYB][/url]: 4d6-1 11
[url=Initiative][/url]: 3d6-5 8
Adrian does not take a conditional fatigue point, as per Readers decision

[url=Charge Ser Adrian][/url]: 6d6k4+1 21 vs CD10 = 3DoS*7=21-10AR= 11damage ->
needs to take another injury
Adrian:
Health: 3 /12
F/I/W: 0/2/0

Kevan will spend fatigue to ignore AP if Adrian goes first and attacks or tries knockdown
Any volunteer: Please roll Ser Adrian's attack

Full stats, if necessary:

Final - Ser Adrian Redfort 3 3 4 3 2 2 4 5 2 2 3 2 3 4 2 2 2 3 3 Knight, Queen R Loyalist (Queensguard) Tourney Knight, Tournaments 1B, Spears 2B, Ride 2B, Longblades 2B, Shields 1B, Strength 1B

[Reader]

Ser Adrian
CD: 10
AR: 10
Initiative: 3d6-4 (+Injury -1)
Attack: 6d6k5 (+Injury -1)
Health: 7/12
I/W/F: 3/0/1
Damage: 5
Takes two injuries from Ser Kevan's charge
Takes a point of fatigue to ignore injury penalties
[url=Knockdown][/url]: 4d6-1 14
[url=Attack (foe knocked down)][/url]: 7d6k6-1 22 - 5 Damage per DoS

[Kevan Lyras]

The reigning champion answers Kevan's charge with a brute bull rush knocking over the Marsten knight. However, the following overhead strike is met by Kevan's shield and deflected to the side. Instead of getting up, Kevan kicks Ser Adrian in the previously injured bloody knee, sending the man tumbling to the ground. He then hits him with a backhand slash across his breastplate. At this point the attack looks more like a deadly brawl on the dusty ground rather than a proper fight between knights. It is nevertheless fought with full effort.

_
Due to the spent fatigue point, Adrian's attack is only 2 DoS ->
soaked up by the AR

CD: 10
AR 11
Health 4/12
F/I/W: 1/0/0
Kevan will spend fatigue to ignore AP if Adrian goes first and attacks or tries knockdown

[url=Knockdown Adrian][/url]: 4d6-1 14
[url=Attack (Adrian knocked down)][/url]: 7d6k6+1-1 29: 4DoS*5=20-10=10 damage

[Reader]

Wrestling in the mud, Ser Adrian was experienced enough to drop his shield and adopt a half-swording technique with his bastard sword in an attempt to defeat Ser Kevan's stout armour.

Ser Adrian
CD: 6 [dropped shield] = 10 ex armour penalty
AR: 10
Initiative: 3d6-4 (+Injury -1)
Attack: 6d6k5 (+Injury -1)
Health: 1/12
I/W/F: 4/0/3
Fatigue to ignore injury penalties
Free action: drop shield
Lesser action: aim
Lesser action: [url=Attack (foe knocked down) - 2h][/url]: 8d6k6-2 20
7 Damage per DoS
Fatigue to ignore armour penalty

[Kevan Lyras]

This time Ser Adrian's sword connected with his armor rather than his shield, but the blow was not strong enough to truely hurt Kevan. It iwa obvious that the loss of blood and the efforts of the tourney had slowed down the Redfort knight who had the reputation as a strong fighter. Feeling that the end of the fight was close, Kevan once again neglected to get up to his feet, but rather rammed his knee into the knight's side and brought his sword down on his exposed left.

_
Again 2DoS*7=14-11=3, armor mastery was already useful!

CD: 10
AR 11
Health 1/12
F/I/W: 2/0/0
Kevan will spend fatigue to ignore AP if attacked

[url=Attack (Adrian knocked down)][/url]: 7d6k6+1-2 22 at 5Damage per DoS ->
3DoS= 5 Damage after AR, even the last injury is not enough. Can/Will Adrian take a wound?
Btw: that is some poor rolling two rounds in a row by that Redfort fella!

[Reader]

Ser Adrian Redfort opened his visor, shouting "
Enough Ser, I yield!"


Perhaps in a matter of life and death he could have found the strength to struggle on, but there was no point risking severe injury or worse against a political ally.

The crowd applauds loudly. Lord Grafton had the Black champion he sought and his tourney had ended on a high point, a storied match men would talk of for years. He raised his goblet in salute to Ser Kevan. A fine day!

Ser Adrian
CD: 6 [dropped shield] = 10 ex armour penalty
AR: 10
Initiative: 3d6-4 (+Injury -1)
Attack: 6d6k5 (+Injury -1)
Health: 1/12
I/W/F: 4/1/3
Takes a wound (that answers that question).
Greater action: yield.

[Kevan Lyras]

Ser Kevan got back up to his feet and offered his opponent a hand in getting up as well. As he pulled the man up, he brushed off the dirt from Adrian's shoulder - a gesture of respect towards the defeated knight. Then, after shortly waving to the cheering crowd, the Marsten retainer turned towards Lord Grafton and bowed his head. As it was custom, Kevan went on to choose a queen of love and beauty, Lady Gynevere Grafton, the daughter of Lord Grafton. She was a young, tall maid of about 17 years old, with dark hair and it was seldom a wrong move to honor the family of the organisator...
The subsequent feast was lavish and Kevan had the opportunity to converse to several Lords and Ladies extending his social connections among the important as well as the less important houses of the southern Vale and the visiting Crownlanders.
It was well after midnight, when Kevan returned to his small room at the 'Silver Gull'.

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