The Gambler
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Alea Iacta Est
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Post by The Gambler on Feb 9, 2017 5:11:22 GMT
"I have made a fool of you?" Lucamore replied, with vitriol. "I have made a fool of you?!" he asked again, this time raising his voice. "After all I have done for you, this is how you repay me and at an event celebrating the union of our houses?"
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Post by Lord Belric Blackfort on Feb 9, 2017 5:53:01 GMT
Belric took a step back. "Explain yourself."
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The Gambler
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Post by The Gambler on Feb 9, 2017 6:41:00 GMT
"How is it you think I make my coin, Belric?" he asked, rubbing his temples a sof dealing with a terrible migraine. "How is if you think my vassals make their coin?"
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Post by Lord Belric Blackfort on Feb 9, 2017 7:58:48 GMT
"You control western sea trade for six Lordships in the Riverlands." Belric replied, dismayed by Lucamore's demeanor. If only they had spoken sooner... "You have a direct connection to five of them, and the ability to build a proper harbor in the Bay of Crabs, suitable for warships. Are you this upset with me for taking control of the God's Eye? Would you rather it had been Lord Piper?"
(Persuasion: 55)
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The Gambler
Administrator
Alea Iacta Est
Posts - 1,984
Likes - 612
Joined - December 2015
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Post by The Gambler on Feb 10, 2017 7:23:37 GMT
(You rolled a 3. Failed.)
"That weasel Piper looked smug as could be when he informed me that he had negotiated alternative access to the sea," Lucamore replied, with a pointed glance at his ex-vassal. "Negotiated at a lower rate with you, undercut by my own good brother to be. You reached into my pocket to steal my coin Belric and did not even have the courtesy to fondle my balls while you were in the vicinity."
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Post by Lord Belric Blackfort on Feb 11, 2017 0:01:07 GMT
"How many lordships pay your tax for access to the Bay of Crabs?" Belric remained non confrontational, for the moment. "You knew Harrenhal was going to be added competition in the Riverlands, and I told you I intended to win Piper over." He lowered his voice, "The whole point of our alliance is to manipulate the other houses onto our side so we can build a wall around Tully."
Belric through up his arms, "If you would have met with me before now, we would have spoken of this. Instead you choose to strike me down in my own tournament. Right after I'd sent Torren into the lake, no less." He gave Lucamore a stern look. "That's a fine way of showing our solidarity."
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The Gambler
Administrator
Alea Iacta Est
Posts - 1,984
Likes - 612
Joined - December 2015
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Post by The Gambler on Feb 11, 2017 5:54:48 GMT
"During the war, none did," Lucamore replied, in a dark humor. "You think that was a boon to my coffers? You think my tariffs are high because I enjoy pissing in the face of each inland lord? The war was hard on us all and your competition, undercutting me for the sake of winning that weasel over will hamper my ability to raise troops when the time comes. Piper will use the discount you have afforded him to raise more troops and spit in your face when you challenge Tully."
"You think what happens on that tourney field matters?" he asked, incredulous. "It is a game, a diverting one, but a game nonetheless. The real war will be fought with ledgers and coin, but you have never waged a war as a lord. A strong sword arm is well and good, but deep pockets are better, and you have cut holes in mine before the first arrows have even been loosed."
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Post by Lord Belric Blackfort on Feb 12, 2017 1:20:06 GMT
"Undercutting you?" Belric asked, heat in his voice. "You own a monopoly on the entire region, yet you chastise me for negotiating rights with my neighbor? We are all recovering from the war, Lucamore. However, you didn't have to start from nothing. I don't have trade relationships spanning generations to fall back on, and if my house is going to survive I have to build them myself."
It was clear Belric was frustrated, but instead of letting it build, he poured them some wine. "I made a move to secure the Gods Eye, a strategic boon for both of us. Now we get to control what goes east, now we can regulate the market in our favor. Do you even realize what the alternative was? If Piper owned these waters he would undercut you entirely, solidifying loyalist control and bankrupting your house. Instead, you now get to negotiate with your goodbrother, who is far more reasonable man who wants to see his sisters family flourish." Belric handed a cup of wine over to Lucamore. "Do you really think I would betray you for a pittance of gold? I am playing in Piper's favor to gain face and credibility with other lords who may still have their reservations. I have no doubt that he will betray me eventually, but when he does, I want to leave him isolated and alone."
Belric grimaced, "Do you believe I'm fighting the real war yet, m'lord? Or were you so focused on beating me that you forgot our real enemy? I'm sure Yesult wonders why her father attacked the man who had just defeated her rapist." Belric wondered if he had pushed back too hard, but it was difficult to deal with Roote's nearsightedness.
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