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@MrDidact Some questions for you, good sirah!!!!! So, I've been busily doing some deductive research and reasoning, so anyhow, I wanted to bounce some ideas and propositions off of you. So, according to cannon based off the books, certain Crownlands Houses rose in rebellion against House Lannister/Baratheon when Stannis stated that Robert had no true born heirs from Cersei. Specifically Houses Chyttering, Farring, and Follard. All three houses suffered heavy losses at the Battle of the Blackwater, and then would have been wiped out completely after Stannis's loss at the Battle of Winterfell, with few if any survivors. We know from the books and the show Cersei is completely merciless, as well as House Lannister's history of completely wiping out entire families. ((Houses Tarbeck and House Reyne))

Coupled with these Houses, are the Houses that make up the High Lordship of Blackwater Rush. Houses Thorne, Mallery, Cressey, and Chyttering comprise the region known as the Blackwater Rush, with House Thorne having the High Lordship. ((Rayonet, Chyttering Brook, Mosborough, and Byford. The individual sub-regions that make up this area.))

House Thorne had no heirs, and upon the death of its Lord, its lands and titles would revert to the Iron Throne. House Chyttering is dead, as the First Lord died at the Battle of the Blackwater, then his son, the new Lord, died with Stannis at Winterfel. ((If there were other family members, dependent upon Cersei, Lannister Armies, folks loyal to the Iron Throne, they would have been put to the sword or married off.)) House Mallery, Byford, is led by Lord Tristifer Mallery, who is unmarried, and without issue. His current heir, if he were to die during the reconquest, would have been his Great-Aunt Annara Tristifer, who was unmarried, and 53 at the time of death of Stannis. She'd be very unlikely to be able to make any babies at her age. As for House Cressey, Mosborough, Lord Raynor Cressey leads the house, unmarried and without issue. If he were to die, his titles would revert to his Uncle, Duncan Cressey, unmarried and aged 54. He might be able to produce some heirs, dependent if he didn't die during the reconquest.

Are any of these houses still alive and about, or have they gone extinct? Are their lands currently open/under crown rule, or have had new families placed in rule over these lands? In my post, I am going to have Aerion asking a line of questions along this path, of what lands have no lords/families ruling over them, what problems currently face the realm, bandits, rebels, etc. He is trying to see if he can gain the title to a lordship, if not a High Lordship, though I know/he knows that such rewards would have to hard earned and well fought for. The Blackwater Rush is nice, especially for a new House to start, due to it being on the river, allowing trade, fresh water for farming, and food via fish/aquatic animals. Plus it allows for quick access to the ocean and the world beyond. But far enough from the coast to not have to worry about bad storms, though flooding would be a inescapable thing.

@MrDidactFor sure, for sure. Just was curious about the state of things since the wars ended. I wasn't sure how brutal it would have been, what houses would have sided with who, who would have been wiped out completely, who would have had their lands reduced or taken completely for their support of the losing side. And if any blood feuds wiped out a family completely as well.

((Going by the books, and the show to a certain degree, the Riverlands and the Northern Westerlands were hit the hardest during the wars. The North to a degree through the Ironborn, and Roose Bolton's violent rule over it. I don't know of any Reach Houses being wiped out, unless they supported Cersei during the reconquest of the Targaryen's. The Stormlands may have had some folks wiped out during Aegon's conquest of the region, unless that it not being used so to speak. While the Stepstones are nice, and are a viable option, I just want to see what areas are even open, if there are still bandit holdouts, abandoned castles, forts, holdfasts, towns, etc.))

I know it is also possible to cede pieces of land from different folks to create a new lordship/land/region. Lorewise this has been done when a house is in disfavor with their high-lord, lord-paramount, or the crown. Worst case, is I return to the Stepstones, through the course of RP and sheer luck, perhaps end up with a landed title on one of the islands, or a Lordship over the entire isle... etc etc. Well, I will patiently see what happens through the course of time.
@MrDidact@kingkonrad I am trying to have it so Ser Aerion is either seated near, and next to the Tyrells during the Jousts. I have to smooze a wealthy patron, and with the Baratheons not fully in yet, the Tullys not spoken for, the Starks not spoken for, the Lannisters sorta spoke of, and the Arryns not having lost any lands/lords/families during the war, not much in the way of open land to try and gain as a reward. Some Riverlands lords/families were completely wiped out, but I am not sure if the timeline has seen to either new lords taken those titles and lands, or if a bastard/cousin has taken over. I.E. House Darry. I am curious if there are any other lands that would be open, or if something could be created out of the lands of existing houses.
Royal Pavilion, aftermath of the Pirates

Ser Aerion waited patiently for each of his friends to introduce themselves to the King, each one bowing their heads in reverence, saying "It was our honor," or "It was our duty your Grace," words along that line, showing their respect and fealty to the king, even if they were not directly sworn to him, or lords that were sworn to him. They had been sellswords, men and women without a true master, wandering wherever war and pay took them. But perhaps today would be the start of something different, a return to a time in the past when their families laid claim to lands and castles, with their own families and knights and men at arms sworn to them, and their fealty sworn to their Highlords, and from them, to the Lord Paramount's, and from them, to the Crown. The King certainly for all appearances was the honorable and dutiful man from stories and tales that had circulated for years now, but it was nice to actually put a face and voice to those stories.

"Your Grace, I am Ser Aerion Goldfyre, of House Goldfyre. It was a great honor to have been able to come to your defense. I speak for my friends, we are all deeply honored by your generosity, and would be forever in your debt to be allowed such an honor. We look forward to meeting once again, when you deem it fit. Your Grace." Ser Aerion bowed deeply once more before King Jon Targaryen, before stepping back to allow the King and his entourage to make their way to the Grand Melee. The Band of Seven followed suit, all bowing deeply before the King and his retainers as they made their way past them, looking to one another is profound surprise at this sudden change of fortune, even if it only came to having their names spoken among the people of power and prominence for a few weeks.

Once the King had departed, Ser Aerion and his friends turned to one another, looking over Ser Oswell and Ser Uther, both of whom would need to head to the medical tents, and get some bandages and care for their wounds. Nothing serious, but enough to where both men would need to stay out of combat for a few weeks. Ser Oswell chuckled softly as Lady Cerenna looked over him, holding his hands up before him, "My Lady, these wounds are hardly worth fussing over, just some cuts and bruises..." before he was cut off.

"Cuts and bruises Ser Oswell, do you think me a concerned mother, clucking over her baby?" Lady Cerenna smiled, shaking her head. "You will let me tend to your wounds, along with your wounds as well, Ser Uther. I will not have anymore argument in this matter. The smallest of cuts can get infected, if either of you remember, those pirates and brigands don't exactly keep their weapons and gear clean, let alone if not tainted by other things. So hush your belly aching, and we will head to the medical tents, and I, not them, will look after you." Lady Cerenna finished, not even bothering to let either man speak another word. She hurried over to her brother Ser Lorimer, sharing a few words with him, and sharing an embrace.

"Don't worry brother, if I come to any danger, I will whistle for you, and you can come save me like brave Ser Florian." She smiled, twirling away from her brother, and moving back to help both Ser Oswell and Ser Uther to the medical tents. Lady Cerenna and her two charges made their way, soon vanishing in the teaming crowd of people.

Ser Lorimer sighed, and walked back over to his other friends, turning now with everyone left to face the beautiful and dangerous Baratheon bastard, Lady Visenya Storm, though most of the common rabble referred to her as Black Visenya. She had the striking black obsidian hair of any pure-born Baratheon, but in contrast to every other Baratheon, high and natural born, Visenya had striking indigo eyes, a mix of purple and browns to create a striking set of eyes.

Ser Aerion watched with careful reverie, almost studying everything about Lady Visenya. It would appear that he was not the only bastard of ancient Valyria, and that the blood of the dragons flowed through Lady Visenya's blood as much as his. Though hers had the tell tale streak of the Stag and Storm Kings of old. Her armor fit well, a princess in her own right. Ser Aerion wondered if she had a dragon of her own, or if the Targaryen's did not bequeath such honors unto the "lesser" bloodlines. He listened to her speak, and found her voice to be alluring, seductive, whilst being powerful and threatening all at the same time. Aerion watched her closely, noting to himself that this would be someone he would not want to get on their bad side.

As she turned to address Ser Aerion, his remaining friends, and the Freys, their eyes met for a few passing moments, almost as though she held her gaze upon him for a few seconds longer than normal. Aerion swallowed hard, his sense of calm and collection being warped, before Black Visenya's eyes moved elsewhere. She spoke in a polite commanding tone, inviting those to choose their own destination, what revelries to take part in.

"As the king decreed, you shall all have places of honor in these merriments. If you wish you may compete, but you may also observe in comfort with fine food and drink. It would be my honor to guide you to where you wish to go. The jousting is still ongoing, and the next round of archery will begin soon. Perhaps you wish to see the king compete in the melee." Lady Visenya would pause, before a shadow of a grin crossed her face, her tone changing as she spoke of another alternative set of choices, "Or we could forgo the formal events entirely. The commons have their own array of amusements, and there is many a young noble or knight who are engaged in all manner of folly. Finger dances, duels, dagger throwing, wrestling, gambling, drinking, a woman or two, all can be found here. Although I am not certain the young lord Bolton can stomach more drinks."

Ser Aerion looked over to see the current Lord Bolton having thrown up recently... no doubt from heavy drinking, as the wind shifted wafting over the aroma of booze and half digested food. Aerion looked away from that sight, back to Black Visenya, watching her as she held a smile on her face whilst looking on at the dismal sight of the Lord Bolton. He turned to his friends, chatting with them quickly, nodding at a few suggestions, before sighing.

They were right, it was his turn to go hob-knob with the landed gentry and nobility. Ser Aerion bowed before Lady Visenya, before speaking for his friends. "Your Highness, it would be a great honor if you could ensure that my companions enjoy themselves amongst the commons. They would surely enjoy themselves in your company, and I have no doubt that you would see them all to the best array of amusements there are to offer." He sighed, Ser Harwin and Ser Lorimer may have been joking with him when they said he had to address Lady Visenya with formality, but better to error on the side of caution rather than risk offending their hostess.

"Ser Harwin, Lady Lyvia, and Ser Lorimer look forward to seeing how the people of Westeros occupy their time, and would certainly enjoy some good food and drink. Not to mention Lady Lyvia is an accomplished wrestler and duelist, she should prove to be a fun companion for the time being. Ser Lorimer and Ser Harwin have expressed interest with some drinking and as they put it, 'Some innocent carnal activites'." Ser Areion turned his head, smiling at his friends. He mouthed 'Go enjoy yourselves, stay out of trouble.' He turned back to face Lady Visenya, before speaking again.

"If you'd be so kind, would you either escort me to the lists, or point the direction. I have been 'chosen' to spectate these royal events, and intermingle with those of importance. I am but a landless knight, like my friends, and we are in need of a patron to help see us raise our fortunes for the better." He smiled, bowing his head forward slightly, before finishing with, "If it pleases you, your highness." Ser Aerion straightened back up, and awaited for Black Visenya to respond in kind, knowing today was but the start of many adventures to come.

@kingkonrad@Gowi Comrades, shall I wait to post for you to make your posts, or you okie dokie with me crafting a wall of text?
I am posting this for review by @MrDidact. It is the Band of Seven, minus Aerion, as his CS is approved and posted to the Character Tab. This is a work and progress, and will be updated over the course of the coming week.



Posted comrades.
The River Gate, King's Landing

Ser Aerion Goldfyre steadied himself as the "Grouchy Seagull" bumped against the docks of King's Landing, jostling the ship about for a few moments, before the harbor men deftly tied the ship up safe and sound. Aerion looked overhead, looking at the massive walls of King's Landing, the Red Keep, and the lands that belonged to his Great Grandfather's family. The tales his mother told him, were no lies. It truly was as large as the bed time stories he'd enthusiastically fall asleep to. His reverie was distracted by the harbor master, who was already present to collect the dock fees.

"That'll be two gold dragons, and not a penny less. You damned merchants always try and cheat your way out of payin, but I will have none of your misgivings and complaints. That's the law here, and the Goldcloaks will enforce it by my word... yah filthy shems." The rough harbor master spoke in an in-grateful tone, and judging by the majority of the docks being occupied by military vessels, and Blackwater Bay jam packed with ships as well, Aerion could see why the man was so gruff. He thought to himself as he fished about for the dock fees, 'The poxy old fool is probably hurting in that he can not swindle as many vessels as he usually does... best to pay him and be on my way.'

"Two gold dragons, as requested. I apologize for it being in an assortment of coins, but this should suffice Harbor Master." Ser Aerion spoke politely, handing the change over to the older man. "For a few silvers more, could you perhaps be so kind as to direct some weary travelers to a clean inn with good grog and warm food?" He moved six silver stags in his left palm, with a seven playing across the fingers of his right. "My friends and I would be most, most appreciative."

The greedy harbor master's eyes looked hungrily at the coins, going so far as to lick his own lips, perhaps already savoring the wines he would be able to drink with the extra coin. Running his hands through his beard, the man smiled a grimy smile. "Well, since you put it that way, I'd be happy to send you to a decent establishment, one that don't have dog or other unsavory meats being served." He beckoned Aerion closer, and spoke quietly to him. "You warm me heart, no dickering, and then a little gift, well, suffice to say, you'd be safest away from the harbor and River Row, less you fancy a bit of danger. But, I doubt that. There is a royal tourney going on... and far be it from me to keep that bit of information from you." He took a few of the silvers, and then pointed to across the harbor, to the West.

"Follow the road about the outer walls, it'll be quicker and easier to get to the tourney grounds. Them nobles and lords will be hogging the grounds by the walls, but just beyond their tents, is a cousin of mine. Quarren Hamshanks, best cook in all of King's Landing, and I don't lie about that... the bloody bastard can even out cook them fancy pricks who serve the royals. Piss on them, piss on em all, those cooks and food folks, for Quarren will make you the finest food you'll ever eat. Perhaps that is why he got the spot he did. Serve the lords an ladies, the royals, the rich, and he gets to shame their personal cooks. Ha, I tell you, if I had a son like him, well, I wouldn't need to work ever again." He smiles, his ale intoxicated breath filling the air, "Though... for my name, and a discount from Quarren... well, and even ten would be ever so fine."

Aerion couldn't help but smile. His mother had spoken of King's Landing well. You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. At least the pirates and sellswords of the Stepstones were honest about who they were. They were hard men, who chose hard lives and never took anything for granted. Here though, people hid behind masks and stations, doing what they could to prevent their true colors from spilling out.

"An even ten stags it shall be... Master...?" Aerion asked questioningly, looking at the Harbor Master for his name. The man greedily took the coins, pocketing them, before turning back to Aerion. "Call me Darren, Darren Shanks. You take care now you fine Ser, and you ever need anything... well, you come to me. I know damn near half the city, and can get you anything you want... and I mean anything, within reason of course. Everything comes with a price." Darren smiled, tipping his straw hat, before sauntering off, counting his money, and no doubt heading for a nearby inn.

Aerion held up his hand, already sensing the protest from his compatriots. "Not here... remember... we are guests here, even though we've lived here in past lives. Come, lets head to this tourney. We will find out more along the way." Aerion smiled to his friends, and together, the seven men set off to the tourney grounds. Aerion knew what his friends were thinking, they had been fleeced, been robbed, yet, such things to Aerion... and the greater good of the Band of Seven mattered little in grand scheme of their desired goals. He donned his kettle helm, and set forth a brisk pace to the Tourney grounds. What a day to make landfall he surmised, something big was surely going on.

As Aerion made his way about the throngs of people, passing all different colors and cuts of men and women, he learned a great deal of what was transpiring. A royal wedding. A nameday for a new grandchild of the King and Queen, a royal baby. Trade disputes. Taxes... funny with that one, even in peace, no one ever was happy about taxes. Food shortages concerning imported fine Essosi delicacies. A dispute between some houses in Dorne. Pirates, thought that came as no suprise to Aerion, he had spent his entire life in the Stepstones, and they were the only home he knew, and the main stomping ground of the Company of the Cat. Something that caught Aerion's ear was the talk of Black Visenya, said to be a beautiful warrior maiden... a bastard too. How fitting, always such colorful talk about the surprise offspring of nobility. One thing that was common though, was everyone's fear of another war... but who could blame them. The Stepstones and its constant pirate and peasant rebellions, the stirrings in Essos, with New Valyria, the Three Daughters... and who knows when another screaming horde of Dothraki would come... Aerion looked to the sky, seeing the dragons flying about, perching, and generally not caring.

'Perhaps one day... one day my great grandsire's egg will hatch, and I too could soar aloft with them... carefree, able to just be free, if only for a few moments.' Aerion moved his shield about on his back, before continuing onward, making his way to the Tourney grounds. The king and queen were there, and countless other nobles. Perhaps even the Hand of the King, Lord Tyrion... but his best hopes was to be granted an audience with someone who could help the Band of Seven raise their standing in Westeros, and change the fates of their respective houses.

Ser Oswell Whent, the unlanded heir to House Whent and their claim to Harrenhal. Oswell had his reservations about ever regaining that castle, but perhaps one of the many smaller castles about it could one day be his.

Ser Harwin Stong, another claimant to Harrenhal, whose family fled to the Stepstones after losing everything during the Dance of Dragons. He and Ser Oswell were close friends, and both sought to help out the other.

Lady Lyvia Clegane, the sole remaining heir to House Clegane. She said her mother was Layna, a server in an Ale House that Lord Gregor had stopped in after his loss at a tournament... her mother was the unfortunate victim of a gang rape. She certainly had the look of the Clegane's, and she was almost six feet tall, and was a better fighter than any within the Band of Seven.

The brother and sister of House Lefford. Ser Lorimer and Lady Cerenna Lefford, both seeking to reclaim the Golden Tooth, since its loss during the reconquest of the Westerlands by the Targaryen forces. Their mother and father had died fighting alongside Queen Cersei's forces, and were spared the same fate due to them being in tutelage in Lannisport. Ser Lorimer was deeply protective of his sister, and swore that a thousand hells awaited anyone who would are harm her. Lady Cerenna was kind and gentle, and most importantly, a very skilled healer. She was the reason why all of the Band of Seven were still walking, and able to fight. She saw to their wounds and hurts, and nursed them back to health many a time.

Last was Ser Uther Tattershall, a Stone Dornishman who claimed to be the true claimant of the Prince's Pass and the Tower of Joy. As he said, his family was nearly exterminated, and its survivors fled to the Stepstones, and had lived there ever since. He never lied about anything, and Aerion had no doubts that what he said was true. Ser Uther perhaps had the darkest heart of the seven, having carried the family blood feud for generations, his shield passed down for decades. Upon its back held numerous scratches, each one representing the years that House Tattershall had been forced from home.

The Band of Seven was an interesting lot, but then, who wasn't these days?

The Tourney Grounds, Food tent of Quarren Hamshanks, across the clearing from the Targaryen Encampment

Ser Aerion and his friends sat quietly, eating their food happily. The grouchy Harbor Master hadn't lied, the food was to die for. They all talked quietly, enjoying the company, the festivities, and the warm weather. It was a sunny day, and that alone was something to smile about. Aerion himself looked across the pavilion, across the clearing, to the Targaryen encampment. The tents were numerous and all marvelous. He laughed to himself, thinking of how those tents had probably never traveled farther than King's Landing, and certainly had not seen a battlefield in a long time, if ever. What caught his eye though, was a curious sight indeed, and one that he was accustomed to, but not here in Westeros.

Aerion motioned his friends to the Stepstoners gathering about a rather large tent. Pirates and mercenaries... their lot had been causing a great deal of trouble for the realm. They had taken part in every uprising and rebellion, and no matter how many were killed, they seem to always come back. What reason they'd have to leave their pirate havens, the sheltered coves and caves, the holdfasts and villages that they clung to like fleas on a dog, and brazenly stroll to the royal encampment, well, was beyond anyone in the Band of Seven. They had been fighting this kind of villainy for decades, either through their own deeds, those of their forebears, or the exploits of the Company of the Cat, which had been almost unceasingly under the employ of local lords or the Iron Throne.

Before Aerion could say 'Roasted Lamb Sauce', a violent fight had broken out. The pirate leader collapsed headless, whilst their band drew their weapons and joined combat with the royal guard of someone important looking. The cry of a man in white armor drew Aerion and his friend to arms, rushing to lay aid to who they now knew to be the King. "To the King!" was bellowed by perhaps none other than a Kingsguard, but that was more than enough for Aerion to answer to.

The fight ended as any would, dead and wounded on both sides. The King stood, unscathed save a scratch or two... or perhaps it was just the blood of the defeated. The pirates and brigands had lost, with most of their number dead, though a few had been saved, perhaps through Aerion and his allies sense of honor, and sensing that these unfortunate fools would certainly have some information. 'Pirates,' Aerion thought, 'Little honor exists among these scum, and they will sell out their own mother to save their skin.' Ser Oswell and Ser Uther had been the unlucky ones this time, and would no doubt have to spend a week or two healing from their new sets of scars. Thank the gods though, that another group of soldiers had been nearby. Freys, by Aerion's guess, had provided a large amount to the defenders of the King, and they fought like hell.

Looking back to the King, and the Kingsguard... Aerion quickly knelt down, taking a knee, and his comrades followed suit. They would be judged by their actions today, and breaching etiquette would do no good. The Band of Seven pointed their blades into the ground, and bent their heads to the King and his retinue. Best to let the King and his guards sort the rest of the situation out, and let him address them first, for they were but knights and two ladies before the King of Westeros. Ser Harwin guarded the three pirates that the Band of Seven captured, having quickly tied their hands behind their backs, before taking a knee as well. Aerion hoped that he had not made a grievous mistake, and awaited the King's judgement.

Well, I am going to start writing a post, if no one objects.




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