A Song of Ice and Fire: Tourney at Ashford Previews

[Kitsu Takashi]

So, SO excited!

[Ide Samai]

Come to House Forrester! We have trees!

[Kakita Nanami]

House Algood
Vassals of House Lannister :: "With Virtue, We Stand"


HISTORY
Established in the mists of the Age of Heroes, House Algood is a perfect warning to the rest of Westeros of a house overstepping its bounds. Through sheer luck, the Algoods managed to remain free from both the Kingdom of the Isles and the Rivers and the Kingdom of the Storm while avoiding most of the conflict between the two powers.

When the Targaryens came from Dragonstone with their massive dreads, the wise of Lord of Algood was amongst the first to bend the knee to Westeros’ new Valyrian king. This gave them something of a favoured status among the united Seven Kingdoms; in the early days before Loren Lannister knelt, it was believed that the Algoods might even be given Casterly Rock when the war eventually ended. Even when that fell through, the Algoods continued to expand their lands, quickly becoming one of the largest houses in the Crownlands.

But the infamous Algood luck was not to hold out; with so much wealth, Karl Algood found his family approached by agents of Daemon Blackfyre. As the last snows of winter were melting, Karl Algood and Aegor Rivers came to agreement that the Algoods would provide money and men to Daemon Blackfyre when the time inevitably came; in exchange, the Algood heir, Arryk Algood, was to be betrothed to one of Blackfyre’s daughters. Thus, when the time came some six months later, Lord Algood led his forces westward to secure the Goldroad and waylay any support coming to or from the Lannisters, allowing Quentyn Ball to lay siege to Lannisport and rebuking an attempt to resupply the battered forces of Damon Lannister.

As Ball turned south towards the Mander, the Algood army marched after Damon Lannister’s pursuit force. Soon, though, Lord Algood found his force surrounded as the Lannister force turned to face the pursuers and the armies of Edmund Reyne appeared from the north, having resupplied fully at Lannisport. What followed was a series of battles best described as a fighting retreat for the Algood forces who soon found themselves pushed all the way back to Riverwatch as the combined Lannister force pushed eastward towards King’s Landing. Although they were able to hold Riverwatch from being captured, the town of Blackwall was burned to the ground during the siege. Eventually realizing he would be needed elsewhere, Damon Lannister simply had the castle bombarded with burning pitch and rubble; the resulting fire destroyed most of the magnificent castle that had housed the Algoods for generations.

At the war’s eventual conclusion, the Algoods were stripped of most of their lands; Karl Algood was executed for his part in the rebellion. House Algood itself might have been rendered extinct had it not been for the intercession of Damon Lannister himself; instead, he suggested, why not make them vassals of the Lannisters, putting the boy Arryk in charge of the house with a Lannister overseer and to take his younger brother and sister as hostages. With that, Brynden Algood was sent to King’s Landing and Cassana Algood sent to Lannisport. The Lord Arryk would be betrothed to one of the Lord Tarbeck’s daughters to help control them further.

With the help of his little court, Arryk has consistently – yet quietly – worked with the limited tools he had to slowly rebuild the family’s fortunes. While a Lannister overseer from a house loyal to Damon was always present, serving as Arryk’s regent, the position seemed to be dangerous; by the time Arryk had come to age and thus took control of his house, no less than five overseers had died in the position though all were believed to have been natural causes.

With the marriage of Arryk Algood to Moira Tarbeck, it was believed that, finally, the overseers might finally be removed. If anything, the grip on the Algoods was tightened; with Arryk now a full-fledged lord, the Lannisters believed he could possibly pose a worse threat. When it was reported that Arryk sought to reopen one of the disused mines on Algood lands, a Lannister delegation arrived, leaving behind a new overseer and Arryk’s until-then hostage sister. In exchange, Arryk’s two children – his heir Mathieu and daughter Rosling – were taken to serve as hostages and keep the ambitions of the Algoods in check…

HOLDINGS
Redwall, a short distance north of the Goldroad on the fringes of the Westerlands where it borders the Corwnlands, is dominated primarily by the tower fortress that, during the past, had been known as Riverwatch. The only portion of the old Riverwatch still standing, the tower is backed by the ruins of the larger castle destroyed during the Siege of Blackwall during the Blackfyre Rebellion. Despite the relative wealth of his house, Lord Algood keeps his halls sparsely decorated and showing little of that wealth. The top floors of the tower are reserved exclusively for the Algood family – with two rooms kept empty as a reminder of the currently absent children.

Despite their status as subservients to the Lannisters, the Algoods are fairly well respected throughout the rest of Westeros; through a series of quiet alliances and trade agreements, the Algoods have managed to rebuild some of their lost stature. As of yet, however, Lord Algood has not betrothed either of his children to others – some say to keep from angering the Lannisters with poor decisions.

With a majority of their lands seized at the end of the Blackfyre Rebellion, House Algood has been striving to make the most of the territory it retains. Small shepherding communities exist throughout their lands and the small town built at Redwall serves as a central point to gather the wool and wheat from outlying farms; most of those goods are then sold at market to other houses, particularly those in the Crownlands with whom the Algoods have had traditionally good relationships.

Positioned at the edge of the Westerlands and the Crownlands, the lands of Algood are subject to a usual level of banditry; the nearby Goldroad, however, sees frequent patrols by both the Lannister forces and the various houses of the Crownlands themselves. This has saved most of the population of Algood lands from any serious problems with bandits – and also served as a way for the Lannisters to keep an eye on the Algoods.

The wealth of Redwall, while not a match for the Lannisters or even many other houses of the Westerlands, is still surprisingly large; with the help of Moira Algood, the house has managed to carefully manage the resources it does have to good ends, slowly expanding the reach of the house. Lately, work has begun to reopen an old iron mine on the northern edge of the lands that was closed when the Lannister army rampaged through during the end of the Blackfyre Rebellion.

LORD ARRYK ALGOOD

Lord of House Algood from a young age due to the execution of his father as repayment for House Algood’s allegiance during the Blackfyre Rebellion, Arryk Algood almost perfectly fits the average description of the Andals; with blonde hair, an athletic build, and a neatly trimmed beard, Arryk has slowly and quietly been rebuilding House Algood since he came to power after the Blackfyre Rebellion. So slowly and quietly, in fact, that many see Arryk as a coward with no direction.

Lord of Redwall since the age of ten, Arryk has spent most of his reign under the bootheel of various observers appointed by the Lannisters; in fact, it wasn’t until his fourteenth birthday that he truly became the power in Redwall, having had a regent appointed for him until that point. Growing up in such a situation has led him to become an quiet and reserved individual. That isn’t to say he isn’t without martial talents; Arryk is an accomplished tournament knight, having been knighted by the now deceased Ser Edmund Tarbeck, the previous overseer.

Despite claims to the contrary, Arryk has steadily been increasing his house’s fortunes; with the aid of his wife and her head for numbers, he’s been able to triple the income of the house from trade over the last two years, leaving the house with enough excess wealth to reopen a long abandoned mine in the north of the house’s lands.

Where many thought that the marriage between Arryk and his betrothed Tarbeck wife, Moira, would be loveless, the reality couldn’t be anymore the opposite; the two greatly admire on another and tales of the love between the two have spread through the nearby houses as something other lords can only hope to aspire to. The union has so far produced two children, Mathieu and Roslin, both of whom were doted upon by their parents. Since both were taken to be wards, Arryk has become more withdrawn then normal – something many point to when claiming that he’s a coward; after all, what lord would let his children be taken without resistance?

PREGENERATED CHARACTERS
Moira Algood
Lady of House Algood and wife to Lord Arryk, Moira is a cunning and ruthless negotiator with a head for numbers – traits Arryk has put to good use by appointing her his steward. There are some, though, who say the Lady Algood – formerly of House Tarbeck – is the true power behind House Algood; unlike Lord Algood – who seems to be meekly accepting the punishment handed to his house by the Lannisters – Lady Algood has quietly been gathering allies amongst other houses…

Casanna Algood
Taken as a ward-hostage after the Blackfyre Rebellion by the Lannisters, Casanna Algood is the youngest sister of Lord Erryk. Raised for the last thirteen years at Casterly Rock and recently replaced there by her niece, Alyssa, Casanna’s education by the Lannisters has left her with a strong distaste for her family’s actions in the past. Now back at Redwall, she must come to terms to living with a family she detests.

Ulrich Reyne
With the agreement that saw House Algood’s survival, an overseer was installed at Redwall. The latest such overseer is Ulrich of House Reyne; the younger brother of Lord Robert Reyne and appointed through quiet alliance with Moira Algood, Ulrich is currently the heir of House Reyne (though his brother’s wife is pregnant and he does not expect that status to remain for long). Although he loyally serves House Lannister, it’s whispered that Ulrich sees the treatment of House Algood as being perhaps a bit too harsh.

Maester Emmet
Maester Emmet is a solitary, brooding, and frail old man. Spending most of his time in the rookery of Redwall where he maintains his rooms, Emmet mostly distances himself from the day-to-day running of House Algood. Being brought to the tournament with his lord’s household has left him crotchety. While some say his old age has just gotten the better of him, others believe that his service to Algood reminds him of glories lost to him by joining the Citadel.

Septa Braya
One of the newest member of Arryk Algood’s household, Septa Braya was brought to Redwall to assist with the education of the Algood children. Unfortunately, she has found her services less necessary; soon after her arrival, both children were taken. After voicing her opinion on the matter to the Lady Algood, Braya was kept on at Redwall to, as Lady Moira put it, tend to the family’s faltering spiritual needs.

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

I've been hoping to claim Cassana Algood for awhile now. If someone else takes her then that's totally acceptable but I hope to at least state my intent to everyone ^^

[Ichiro Daisuke]

Other's might have interactive sheets or something but... This is what I've been using to put my character together. If anyone wants it.

Name:
Age Group:
Age:
Gender:
House:

Destiny Points:
Invested:
Current:

ABILITIES:

Agility: 2
-

Animal Handling: 2
-

Athletics: 2
-

Awareness: 2
-

Cunning: 2
-

Deception: 2
-

Endurance: 2
-

Fighting: 2
-

Healing: 2
-

Language: 2
-

Knowledge: 2
-

Marksmanship: 2
-

Persuasion: 2
-

Status: 2
-

Stealth: 2
-

Survival: 2
-

Thievery: 2
-

Warfare: 2
-

Will: 2
-

QUALITIES:
-
-
-

DRAWBACKS:
-

MISCELLANEOUS:

-Intrigue Defense =
-Composure =

-Combat Defense =
-Health =

EQUIPMENT:

Armor:

Weapon:

Additional Gear:

Coin:

[Kitsu Takashi]

Come to House Forrester! We have trees!

And a pre-gen character that sounds a lot like what I was planning to build from scratch. I'm very tempted. But from the original descriptions, it was House Terrick that most caught my eye, so I'm not-patiently awaiting that preview to see what I most want to do.

Are the pre-gens who aren't picked/assigned to players still appearing as NPCs or will they just turn out to have not made the trip?

[Usagi Tsukimi]

Are the pre-gens who aren't picked/assigned to players still appearing as NPCs or will they just turn out to have not made the trip?

They'll become NPC's.

[Kakita Nanami]

Are the pre-gens who aren't picked/assigned to players still appearing as NPCs or will they just turn out to have not made the trip?

They'll become NPC's.

For clarification: the ones integral to being attached to the party will be. Some might just not attend the tournament. Moon Moon and I shall discuss which ones will make it to the tourney.

[Kakita Nanami]

What follows is a rough draft of the Grand Melee event. While some of it's yet to be finished (I want to rewrite the fiction and possibly clean up the text a bit), this is essentially the format that the Grand Melee event will follow; the intent is to provide a combat-ish event that simulates a lot of people fighting at the same time without actually having to run a combat event with a lot of people fighting at the same time.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In the early afternoon, the rain finally abates and the sun peeks through the clouds; the lists are removed from the jousting field and the churned, blood-tinged mud is fenced by a seven-pointed star. The crowds are no less thick, though, as Prince Maekar takes a seat in the stands with his son, Aerion, at his side; it seems, unlike the tournaments, that Lord Ashford and the Breakspear have elected to not oversee the grand melee, leaving it to the younger Maekar.

Aerion, for his part, seems bored, lounging in his chair with chin rested on his hand. He yawns, “This should be a dull affair, father.” His violet eyes fall over the gathered participants, “Not a one looks as though they could stand against a true knight.” Suddenly, the younger prince sits up straight, “Perhaps I should –“

“You wish to fight?” Maekar snorts. “You’d last less time than a man-maid on his wedding night on the field. You’ve been slacking. I refuse you.”

Aerion’s eyes flashed, his mouth opened to respond. A wave of Maekar’s hand, however, silenced the young prince. Maekar glanced at the field, “Let’s get this farce underway, shall we? I have other matters to attend to ere the sun sets.”

[EVENT DESCRIPTION GOES HERE]

All rolls made during this event count as combat rolls; any Qualities, either Benefits or Drawbacks, which apply to combat will apply to these rolls. When you take damage, you may elect to take Injuries and Wounds as normal.

Time Slot: Early Afternoon
Participants: Any attendants at the tournament, regardless of status, may participate in the Grand Melee. However, Lord Ashford has determined that he doesn’t want to risk the safety of the Champions in the chaos of the melee; for ease of continuity, anyone jousting today will be unable to compete. While strongly discouraged, there are no rules disqualifying female participants.

The melee begins!

… I choose you!: Many participants in the grand melees say the fight is often decided before it even begins. Each participant selects a weapon and a piece of armor they own; only these items may be used during the rest of the event. Your weapon and armor must be clearly stated in your post.

Because of the muddy field, some weapons and armor will make it harder to fight in the melee. Characters wearing armor with an armor rating of 5 or higher suffer a -1B to all Fighting tests during the event; if they have no bonus dice, they suffer -1D instead. Additionally, characters using a weapon that determines its damage through Agility find it harder to hit, suffering a -1B to all Fighting tests (-1D instead if they have no bonus dice), but easier to hit where they intend as their opponent has trouble moving, increasing their damage by 1.

Engage!: The grand melee is a chaotic fight – it’s hard to keep track of a single enemy and honor often goes out the window in favour of removing an enemy. Keep fighting until you’re the last man standing – or can no longer stand.
Make a Standard Attack (SIFRP GoT Edition p. 163) against a Combat Defense of 6 and calculate damage as normal against an Armor Rating of 5. If your total damage dealt this round is equal to or greater than 9, take a Victory Point; otherwise, take 5 damage (reduced by your Armor Rating) and repeat until your total damage dealt equals or is greater than 9 (or your Health has been reduced to 0).

At the point, you may yield; this removes you from the event with a final score equal to your total Victory Points. If you choose not to yield, begin from the Engage step again; raise the target Combat Defense number and the damage target by 3 and the damage dealt to you by 1. Repeat this until you yield or have been reduced to 0 health.

If you’re reduced to 0 Health, lose a Victory Point; your final score is your new total Victory Points. If this would still leave you with the most victory points, you will instead place second and rewards will be granted based on your score being second place.

To the Victor, the Spoils!:
Rewards will be posted when the event goes live.

[Otaku Imane]

Nice preview, this looks great!

For the purposes of the melee, will weapons with the Vicious quality still count as killing people, or is it assumed your opponents burn destiny points to live? Or are they banned entirely?

[Ide Amaya]

LORD ARRYK ALGOOD

*seriously considering abandoning my entire character concept and applying for the Lady Algood pregen*

[Ide Samai]

So, out of curiosity... what's the difference between Lord Paramount, Warden and Prince? Are they just different titles but roughly of the same rank?

Also.... I count 8 kingdoms listed earlier... or are the Iron Islands counted under the North usually? Or?

[Yogo Yuichi]

So, out of curiosity... what's the difference between Lord Paramount, Warden and Prince? Are they just different titles but roughly of the same rank?

Also.... I count 8 kingdoms listed earlier... or are the Iron Islands counted under the North usually? Or?

There are 9 regions in Westeros, though only 7 are kingdoms. The Riverlands and the Crownlands are not considered kingdoms because they were not controlled by 'kings' during Aegon's conquest.

There are 7 Lord Paramounts for each regions of Westeros, except for Dorne. Tully (Riverlands), Stark (North), Tyrell (Reach), Lannister (Westerlands), Greyjoy (Iron Islands), Baratheon (Stormlands), Arryn (The Vale)

There are 4 wardens, Traditionaly they are given to the great houses of each region. The Warden of the North (Starks), East (Arryns), West (Lannisters) and South (Tyrells). These are military titles, so the warden of the north is responsible for defending westeros from Northern threats, as the Tyrells are the ones that defend the realm from Southern threats (Like Dorne, before it was part of Westeros). But this title is not hereditary as for example Robert Arryn didn't become warden of the east when his father Jon Arryn died. Robert Baratheon was thinking in giving the title to someone with more military might than a sickly young kid.

Prince is the title for those of the Royal house or of House Martell of Dorne. Dorne is special because it was integrated peacefully via marriage during the reign of Daeron II. The Prince of Dorne married Daenerys (Sister of Daeron) and Daeron married a Martell. Because of this, the Martells kept their privilage to be princes and princesses. Also the traditional Rhoynish title was prince back when the Rhoynar were still living in Essos and were driven out by the Valyrians.

[Ide Samai]

So one can be both a lord paramount and a warden, just it seems that lord paramount is left off when you're a warden.

Thanks.

Still confused why it's called seven kingdoms when I count 8

[Yogo Yuichi]

For example Eddard Stark full title is Lord Paramount of the North (Head house of the entire North), Lord of Winterfell (Personal title and seat of his house) and Warden of the North (Commander and Protector of Westeros to northern threats). When he went south he added Hand of the King (The chief administrator of the Realm) and when Robert was in deathbed he also was named Protector of the Realm (Chief commander of the Armies of Westeros) and Lord Regent.

There were 7 independent kingdoms during Aegon's conquest.

The Kingdom of the Rock (Lannisters) , The Kingdom of the North (Starks), Kingdom of the Mountain and Vale (Arryns), Kingdom of the Isles and Rivers (House Hoare of Harrenhal), The kingdom of the Reach (House Gardener), The Kingdom of the Storms (House Durrandon) and Dorne (House Nymeros Martell. Technically a Principality but still counts as a Kingdom)

The riverlands were under ocupation by house Hoare of the Iron islands, while the Crownlands were disputed by the Durrandons and the Hoares. So there are 7 kingdoms.

Making the Eight (like Robert Baratheon said) is having sex with a woman of each of the 7 kingdoms + the riverlands for example hahaha