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Post by Maester Percival on Oct 6, 2016 14:07:04 GMT
Percival slowly clasped his hands in front of himself. He leaned forward into his seat and closed his eyes. "It is child's play. I took in these lessons with my mother's milk. All men rule through love or fear. So there are four broad options for you."
Percival slipped easily into teacher mode. His tongue become confident as he continued his lesson. "You make Tully harder to love. Spread rumors about him, preferably true ones that cover his name in dirt. You goad him into stupid acts. You cause discord between him and his allies."
"Alternatively you can make his allies love you more. You act generously and loyal. You make strong marriages. You make your tournaments and feasts the talk of the Riverlands. You bring wealth to Harrenhal. You listen to all the lords and give sage advice." Percival snorted at this one.
The Maester continued his lecture, "You cause his enemies and allies to fear him less. You insult him openly. You arrange for his forces to be defeated on the field. You remove warriors of note who serve him."
"The last option is that you cause people to fear you more. This I think it's the area you are already strong in. You are a deadly warrior with an earned reputation. You live in a large keep with a dark past. You have a Targaryen witch for a wife. You should get the King to visit as soon as possible. Win a battle. Have a knight win a couple of tourneys."
Percival opened his eyes slowly and looked at Belric. "I know these are rather general but I do not know the Riverlands like I know the West. I know the names of all the players but not who they are. And your first step must be putting a book to each man. Knowing every little thought and desire. I assume you have some one creating a network in every household."
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Post by Lord Belric Blackfort on Oct 11, 2016 22:00:04 GMT
Belric listened to Percival, keeping his composure. However, inside his mind raced with ideas on how to turn Medgar's isolationism back on him. This was perhaps the first time the Maester's words had brought pleasure to his ears, Belric enjoyed it while it lasted.
"We are both at a disadvantage it would seem. I only have a good mind for half the lordships of the Riverlands, and half again is but rumors and reputation. I plan to do much of what you advise however, the tournament and Violet's marriage a fair foundation. The other generalities you speak of will come in time. Though I will not be resorting to shaming the Lord Paramount publicly. Not that it is beneath me, I simply have never been a quick enough wit for public mockery. That, and his pride does not seem easily broken."
Belric was hit by inspiration, "Do you have strong relations with your house, Maester?"
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Post by Maester Percival on Oct 12, 2016 13:17:53 GMT
"Yes. Very strong. It is filed with hate on both sides. The day I decided to become a Maester my father first tried to beat me to death. I only survive because he was interrupted long enough for me to escape." Percival kept his face neutral even as he spoke of his own brush with death. "It would be wise if you have dealings with my house we down play my involvement. It will not aid you. To gain favor with any great house though you will need more then a Maester. Even though my uncle is a weak fool most of his advisors are not. And they will not allow an alliance with house of your low station with out a great reason. I can think of nothing you could currently offer Lannister."
Percival nodded though and added with a small smirk, "That is exactly the kind of thinking you should be using. The Lannister's would be a powerful ally if you could find a commonality. To be honest I am shocked to my deepest depths that your mind is capable of such thoughts."
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Post by Lord Belric Blackfort on Oct 12, 2016 23:54:13 GMT
"My father used to beat me with his gauntlets on." He recollected memories of past beatings, they seemed so distant now he could hardly remember the pain. "I expect you deserved the discipline your father intended, though I cannot lend support to kinslaying. I know I earned every beating I've been given, and I'm sure I've avoided a fair score more. Did you reject your birthright when he intended to marry you off?"
"Nevertheless, I hadn't intended your good name to earn me House Lannister's sword. They are sure to be deeply invested in Tully. Though to what extent remains a mystery to me." Belric tossed his purse onto the table. It made a please jingle as the coins struck his desk. "Gold is our pivoting point. Tully is relying on Lannister good will, his high taxes are a reflection of his financial trouble. All of the lords are predicting loss through the winter, Harrenhal will not starving alone. Yet if I can convince the other lords that Tully is bleeding them to repay his personal war debts, they will be far more willing to sit at our table." Belric folded his arms and stared at Percival for a moment, "Can you find out what kind of debt Medgar owes to your family?"
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Post by Maester Percival on Oct 13, 2016 13:43:36 GMT
Percival thought a long moment and then shook his head negatively. "The only one I would trust to answer that question would not have the answer." Percival leaned back in his chair. "I assumed even a jumped up peasant would have employed a Spymaster by now. Do you not have the coin?" He smirked suddenly in amusement, "Because a well forged letter could gain you that information easily. And if that letter asked for a deferral of payment you might even be able to cause some small amount of tension between the two houses."
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Post by Lord Belric Blackfort on Oct 13, 2016 20:13:59 GMT
"I have no knowledge of such things, nor do I know anyone capable enough to hold the position of Spymaster." Belric spoked with a touch of personal defeat. "Do you know anyone fit for the job?"
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Post by Maester Percival on Oct 13, 2016 20:43:57 GMT
Percival replied instantly with out any thought. "I know several who are quite capable but none who would be willing to employ with such a small house." He gripped his chin as he pondered that predicament. "Perhaps your wife knows some one." He thought another moment and then added, "I would wager there are several truly great Spymasters who were on the wrong side of the war and are desperate to find employ with a house in the rise who is desperate enough to employ a recent traitor."
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Post by Lord Belric Blackfort on Oct 13, 2016 22:25:05 GMT
"I cannot simply go looking for a Spymaster, it would be easy for my small house to be taken advantage of." He glared at Percival, "I will ask Saesha. I know Edmure had his whisperers as well, though he never told me what he used them for."
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Post by Maester Percival on Oct 14, 2016 17:17:40 GMT
"I imagine Edmure did not have much use for his whisperers. He is the kind of fool who only hears the truths he wants to. Anything else is simply dross." Percival snorted knowingly thinking of that fool. "Your wife would be a better option but she would surely have more theory then practice. If you could even convince her to be present. It seems like months since I saw her in Harrenhal."
Percival thought a long moment before continuing the education of Lord Piggy, "Criminals. Find a skilled criminal or a couple of them and offer them a pardon and rewards for information. Are there any Targaryen collaborators who rot in prison? It would be a risk to employ one but better than no eyes at all."
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Post by Lord Belric Blackfort on Oct 15, 2016 0:02:11 GMT
"Lady Saesha has been dealing with the sickness associated with early pregnancy, I have not seen much of her myself." Belric tried to make it come across like he wasn't simply covering for his wife. In truth, her absence was as much a mystery to him as it was to Percival. "I have heard it said that Targaryan pregnancies are far more aggressive than normal."
Belric thought on Percival's second point, and though he did not disagree, it was a poor solution. "I have as much access to harden criminals as I do worthy Spymasters. If there are any Red spies rotting in prison, I have no knowledge of it. I could make an inquary with the King, but I'm wary to give a Targaryan supporter that kind of power over my house."
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Post by Maester Percival on Oct 15, 2016 14:21:35 GMT
"I will admit my suggestions are desperate but that is because your house's possible fates are dire." The Maester stared behind Belric his eyes not really seeing the room as he spoke. "The king pissed a giant target onto your chest. Any lord who wants to rage against the new monarch can now take aim at you. Your house is weak and a perfect surrogate for the king. You can be insulted, belittled and punished with no danger of the King reacting."
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Post by Lord Belric Blackfort on Oct 15, 2016 20:20:37 GMT
"Aye," he said, resolve in his voice. "But they will soon learn there is more to fear than the King's retribution."
"Daemon may have..." He looked to Percival, "How did you put it? Pissed a target across my chest?" He shook his head, the Maester's imagery was crass at best. "But he also gave me a great gift. There is potential in these lands, and in my rule. Potential for anyone willing to do the work."
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Post by Maester Percival on Oct 17, 2016 12:45:41 GMT
Percival smirked but decided not to say anything. The farm boy was right. Even if there was only a miniscule chance of him surviving, it was far better than staying a peasant your whole long life.
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