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Post by Lord Belric Blackfort on Jan 30, 2017 7:26:05 GMT
"I can empathize," he responded, letting out a sigh. "Maintaining a keep is a daily battle for which I'm only now growing accustom." Belric shrugged, "However, the prospect of wealth and glory is a tried and true distraction for most men. If we can convince the King, the others will follow for fear of missing out."
He took a strong gulp of ale, "I've heard it told that their warriors don't fight in plate. And that the best of them are cockless slaves, bought and traded like silk or spice." He spoke as if these points alone were all the proof needed.
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The Gambler
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Post by The Gambler on Feb 9, 2017 0:17:43 GMT
"As I said, if His Grace calls the banners, House Mallister will be among the first to answer," Joseth grinned at the thought. "But as you said, you are still learning the lay of the battlefield at home. A fool fights a war on two fronts. Besides, many of our peers long for peace."
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Post by Lord Belric Blackfort on Feb 9, 2017 1:48:50 GMT
"Time will fix both issues," he replied. "Harrenhal has fallen in line swiftly, what rabble remains hardly constitutes a warfront. It won't be long until Lothson's filth is washed from these lands. In that time, you will see many of these Lords grow bored or obstinate."
"In the meantime," he said with a breath of fresh air. "We should discuss a merger of our houses. With your control over the western coastline and my access to King's Landing, we both sit in pivotal seats amongst the River-Lords." He looked Joseth in the eyes, "It is the right move to be made if we want to silence the Targaryen loyalists, once and for all."
(Persuasion: 54)
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The Gambler
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Post by The Gambler on Feb 9, 2017 5:13:55 GMT
(+1 Persuasion)
"Not all wars are fought with steel and blood," Mallister reminded him, saying it with a hint of distaste. "Though life would be far less tedious if they were."
"You do cut straight to the heart," he added, though unlike most lords, it sounded like praise coming from him. "Very well, you have my attention. What do you propose?"
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Post by Lord Belric Blackfort on Feb 9, 2017 6:19:39 GMT
"A betrothal would seem the obvious choice," he said, though it was not so simple. "However, I have lost both of my true-born brothers. And though I'm thankful for my father's licentiousness, only my bastard brother remains." He scratched at his chin.
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The Gambler
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Post by The Gambler on Feb 9, 2017 6:38:13 GMT
"And you think a bastard to be a fit husband to the heir to Seagard?" he inquired in reply.
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Post by Lord Belric Blackfort on Feb 9, 2017 6:47:30 GMT
"I have been around enough bastard born men to know there is no difference. If a bastard is fit to be king, I don't see why a bastard would be unfit to sit at your daughter's side." His reply was very businesslike, offering and taking no offense. "I imagine the real problem lay in finding someone worthy of Joanna, whom she trusts. As a father, is that not your priority, blood or not?"
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The Gambler
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Post by The Gambler on Feb 10, 2017 7:36:58 GMT
"Daemon had the benefit of being legitimized, something I presume your bastard kin does not," Joseth paused, seeming to weight the matter. "Fortunately, as I would demand a matrilineal marriage, name matters far less to me than ability. I had considered holding a tourney for her hand to find such a man."
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Post by Lord Belric Blackfort on Feb 11, 2017 0:08:40 GMT
"No, he is not. But I plan on requesting his legitimization from the King. He is one of the finest fighters I have ever seen, a slayer of beast and giant alike. I was hoping he might win an event here, to bolster his accomplishments. Though, either way I think His Grace will find it within his heart to grant another bastard a chance. Not to mention that Harrenhal lost two of its heirs recently, one in direct service to the King." Belric shrugged, "Don't get me wrong, a tournament is a fine idea. But you have to live with the outcome."
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The Gambler
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Post by The Gambler on Feb 11, 2017 5:48:06 GMT
"I would advise against that, especially with when your wife is with child," Mallister remarked. "If the war has taught us anything, it is that having too many in the line of succession can bring down dynasties. Best not tempt the fates, especially in this keep."
"Aye I'd have to live with the outcome, with that outcome being my daughter and keep entrusted to a man who will not balk at the need to throw reavers back into the sea. I knocked your bastard brother into the lake, if memory serves. That is hardly a point in his favor."
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Post by Lord Belric Blackfort on Feb 11, 2017 23:55:09 GMT
Belric laughed, "You did, did you? I must have missed that. I was preoccupied with my own bout." He shrugged, waving a hand in the air. "Very well, if Jormun is not the right fit then so be it. I am reluctant to lose my Master of Hunt anyways. We will just have to find another way to align our houses."
"I will also consider your advice on asking the king for legitimization. I trust my brother with my life. However, in truth, it is my sister Dacey that has the talent for leadership."
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