[D4 MN] No Lords, No Masters - A Father's Shame

Brother Kyle and Lord Baelon Drakeson arrived at the cavern complex, with the remaining royal investigators fanning out between the additional entrance the trackers and the hound hound badger had uncovered, or staying back to handle the inevitable flood of non-combatants.

Wisdom had prevailed over sending in legions of dismounted cavalry and sturdy infantry, with the royal investigators wisely fearing prompting ignitition of the suspected remaining wildfire cache.

Baelon and Brother Kyle followed the holy brother's instincts, and were rewarded with a shouted challenge from the other end of one cavern, illuminated by sputtering torches.

"
LORD DRAKESON! Curious that you should come for me. The Targaryens have allowed this place to fall to wrack and ruin as much as Blackwood or Bracken."


He spits.

"
Now a Targaryen bastard finally blesses us with his attention. Too late."


Ser Hugh rivers is clad in a well-maintained brigandine jack, with a tall shield emblazoned with a blindfolded dove in his right hand. A well forged arming sword was already in his right hand.

He did not appear to have noticed his father as yet...

[OOC: simple intrigue TN 9, multiple DoS required to get the multiple points we discussed via PM]

"
Ser Hugh, such insults do not become a man of honor - and that is what I had been led to expect from you, from what I had heard of your deeds with the smallfolk around Warrior's Seat and you, and from your father. That you would participate in such an attack as the one at the Green Door Inn is beneath you. Most of the victims of that attack were the very smallfolk you believe yourself to be protecting."


He shakes his head.

"
I have no doubt that in mere minutes others from the King's peacekeepers will arrive, and possibly Prince Aemond on his dragon. The last thing the people of this region need is another massacre. What good would that do? More senseless deaths that will be nothing but a passing mention in some Maester's history book. Please - I see innocents, women, children - do not let them suffer for this misdeed. Let Brother Kyle here lead them to safety. Any who wish to leave this area will be welcomed to my own lands - I will guarantee safe passage, and better treatment than they could hope for in a warzone like this - but they must leave here now, before anyone else arrives - lest someone more hotheaded than myself deem them equally guilty of treason and slaughter them in a perversion of justice."


He meets Ser Hugh's eyes.

"
There is one more matter. It is clear to me that you have been used. It is, sadly, too late to save you from this scheme, but I ask you to hand over to me any information, any evidence you may have of who has arranged this. This quantity of wildfire - it is simply too much for you to have procured on your own. I believe that you and everyone here were intended to die before you could reveal whomever else is involved - but those who would throw away so many lives for their own gain must not be allowed to."


OOC:
[url=NLNM-AFS Charm Ser Hugh][/url]: 6d6+2 24 2#2d6 7 10 ->
29
Typo on the attractive rerolls, but as Orokos does not re-order if all are kept (as can be seen in the initial 6), we can just ignore the extra two.
Of course, as I was at 4 DoS before the attractive reroll, it's kind of a moot point.

This cavern was better lit than the others, perhaps used for meetings by Ser Hugh's uprising. The torches cast long shadows as the hedge knight strode towards Lord Drakeson. The mention of his father's glowing words gave him pause, with Baelon's follow-up words on the desperate situation the non-combatants found themselves in somehow hammering way their way through his despair and fanatacism.

"
Let them flee then, they have my blessing. Let nothing detract from the glorious stand that me and mine make here, lighting a fire to inspire the smallfolk across Westeros to throw off their Lords and Masters! Their rulers have failed them and the time for freedom has come!"


He slams his visor shut, and what follows comes less confidently.

"
Let my fa... the good brother walk the path of righteousness then. Lead them clear, to foster the flame!"


At Baelon's final question he begins to advance on his foe once more.

"
The justice of our cause has spread beyond the grasp of the failed King Viserys. The Dornish bear your sister-fucking Targaryen Kings no love and have supported our cause with arms and munitions. Mark it well my loyal men, our cause has friends in the south with coin and missives in my chambers affirming their loyalty."


The remarks on his support seem part confession, part designed to inspire or instruct his followers should he fall. Perhaps they had been kept in the dark as to their mysterious benefactors until now?

"
The Seven-abhor such deviance, as do I. Come Drakeson, or should that be Dragon bastard and face the justice of the common folk!"


He seems keen to rile Baelon now, the vulgarities sounding unnatural in his educated accent, hoping to provoke him in to a deadly combat rather than striking to disarm or subdue.

Hugh Rivers
CD 10
Health 12/12
I/W/F: 0/0/0
[url=Initiative][/url]: 3d6-4 1
Equipment: castle forged arming sword (drawn), bastard sword (on back), large shield, brigandine armour
Contingent fatigue if attacked/knockdown

"
It saddens me that you are not the man I had been led to believe you to be. Do you think this rebellion has any chance of anything other than a massacre of small-folk? No, it is nothing but foolishness. Dorne. You are indeed a fool. Those letters are likely fake, forged by those who would use you and blame Dorne to hide their own involvement."


Baelon positions himself some four yards from Ser Hugh and draws his dragon-wing sword.

"
Enough words. Come, steel will decide this now."


Greater Action: Counterattack/prepare for charge

Combat
[url=Initiative][/url]: 3d6-3 6
Combat Defense: 11 (Base 10, -3 Armor, +4 shield) AR 10, Bulk 4
Health: 9/9
F/I/W: 0/0/0
Superior Longsword x2, Superior Plate, Large Shield

"
I am the man these times needed to be, no more, no less."


"
Perhaps in kinder times a different path would have been open, but I did what I must to end the suffering."


He strides towards Lord Drakeson, straining his defences to avoid the inevitable counterattack and close the distance.

Ser Hugh Rivers
CD 10 (14 due to fatigue use)
Health 12/12
AR: 8
I/W/F: 0/0/2
- Fatigue to reduce CD penalty
- 2x Lesser action to move towards Lord Drakeson
- Fatigue
- Then attacks with
[url=Attack - 2 fatigue][/url]: 7d6k5 27 - 5 damage per DoS. Penalties offset by swords and qualities.
- Obviously Baelon may deal damage/use fatigue/injuries to reduce the DoS.

Baelon's sword lashes out, catching Ser Hugh's leg, but not enough to slow his opponent in the slightest.
He had been expecting to be struck, but not so well. Ser Hugh's sword finds a gap in the armor by his hip, and scores a red badge.

Well, Baelon hadn't won the Riverrun tourney melee merely for looking good.
He bashes Ser Hugh with his shield while hooking his foot behind the other knight's, sending Ser Hugh sprawling to the ground.
As Ser Hugh turns over and rises to his knees, Baelon slides his sword in a graceful arc, slicing across Ser Hugh's back, ending in a defensive stance.

"
Yield, Ser Hugh. You cannot defeat me and your 'cause' cannot win in Battle Valley, much less the Riverlands or the Seven Kingdoms altogether. Put an end to the senseless bloodshed."


Round 1 wrap-up
[url=Counterattack][/url]: 8d6k6+1 22 vs CD 14, 2 DoS, 10-8AR = 2 damage

I neglected to declare contingency fatigue, so that is not an option... 27 is 4 DoS, 20-10AR = 10 Damage, -3 (Injury) = 7 Damage

Round 2
Lesser Action: [url=Knockdown Ser Hugh][/url]: 4d6-1 13
Lesser Action: [url=Cautious Attack][/url]: 8d6k5 25 [url=KD die if appropriate][/url]: 1d6 5
Superior weapon offsets injury.
If Knockdown failed, that is 25 vs CD 14, 3 DoS, 15 - 8AR = 7 Damage
If Knockdown succeeded, that is 30 vs CD 14, 4 DoS, 20 - 8AR = 12 Damage

Contingency Fatigue: Fatigue to ignore AP will only be used if
1) Baelon is successfully knocked down AND attacked, or
2) Ser Hugh uses a Reckless Attack

Combat
[url=Initiative][/url]: 3d6-3 6
Combat Defense: 14 [17] (Base 10, -3 Armor, +4 shield +3 CA [+3 if contingency fatigue triggered]) AR 10, Bulk 4
Health: 2/9
F/I/W: 0/1/0
Superior Longsword x2, Superior Plate, Large Shield

Ser Hugh's initial gamble paid off, even if Baelon's follow-up was more in keeping with his hard-won reputation.

The hedge knight dismissed Baelon's offer, grunting as he lunged upwards at the bastard.

"
DEATH FIRST!"


Ser Hugh Rivers
CD 10
Health 2/12
AR: 8
I/W/F: 1/0/3
[url=Attack+aim][/url]: 8d6k5-1 25 - should be -4 on that attack, +1 for talented, +1 for castle forged sword = 24. Still 3 DoS. Sorry for arithmetic error.
= 3 DoS = 15 Damage - 5 AR= 5 Damage, presumably two more injuries unless destiny is being spent.
- No contingent fatigue used.
- Edit: should add that Knockdown succeeded.

Growling in frustration, Baelon throws down his sword and shield, grabbing his opponent by the neck.
"
I. SWORE. TO. PRO-. TECT. YOU..."

He emphasizes each each syllable with a blow to Ser Hugh's helm, the ringing echoing off the cavern walls like the Smith's own hammer and anvil.
"
...and that is what I intend to do. You can still redeem yourself on the Wall. They need strong fighters like you - even if your head is somewhat weak."


Round 2 wrap-up
Take two injuries to negate damage.

Round 2
Free Action(s): Drop sword and shield
Free Action: take fatigue to ignore injuries
Greater Action: [url=Two-weapon attack (2x Gauntlets), with KD die][/url]: 7d6k6-1 21 (2+1 per DoS) 3 DoS, 9 - 8AR = 1 Damage;
Ser Hugh is grabbed.
Does Superior Plate make these Superior Gauntlets? If so offsets Fatigue for 22 (not that it makes a difference here).

Contingency Fatigue: only if Ser Hugh manages to break free of the grab and follows up with a sword attack.

Combat
[url=Initiative][/url]: 3d6-3 6
Combat Defense: 7 [10] (Base 10, -3 Armor, [+3 if contingency fatigue triggered]) AR 10, Bulk 4
Health: 2/9
F/I/W: 1/3/0
Superior Longsword x2, Superior Plate, Large Shield

The experience Baelon had gained in the riotiing at Riverrun and carousing with Jon Roxton proved itself invaluable in a most unlikely situation. A knightly duel had become a desperate life or death brawl.

Ser Hugh wrestled furiously against Ser Baelon, struggling to break free, but perhaps unwilling to admit defeat quite yet.

Still, his heart wasn't in it any more, the fight seemed to be fading from him.

"
My fathers final... kindness... But Aemond will not be merciful to me or mine."


By the end he was half struggling to break free from his prone position, half grasping at Baelon's arms in supplication as he wrestled with the both Baelon and the glimmer of mercy he offered.

But glimmers are elusive things, and light can play strange tricks on men in desperate situations...

Ser Hugh Rivers
CD 10
Health 1/12
AR: 8
I/W/F: 1/0/3

- Lesser action: [url=Breakfree (opposed)][/url]: 6d6k5-4 25 - Baelon's opposed roll
[url=Breakfree (opposed)][/url]: 5d6k5-4 14 - Ser Hugh's roll (no bonus dice) [That's my reading of how grab works - two opposed rolls rather than against passive fighting, although Ser Hugh loses in either case]
- Lesser action: aim

[OOC: superior gauntlets sold separately, nice try. :;
): ]

[OOC: So I was completely mixed up about Grab, was thinking of the Entangle mechanics.
Grab is pretty useless against heavy armor, except for brawling or short-blade specialists who can better get past the AR, or in group fights.
Still, it made for fun narrative... which isn't over.]

"
I..."


He pulls the bastard sword - the irony is not lost on Baelon - out of the sheath on Ser Hugh's back.

"
...am not my cousin."


Releasing the other knight, he sends the flat of the heavy blade, double-handed, crashing into the side of Ser Hugh's already fist-dented helm.
The blade snaps, skittering across the room. A trickle of blood seeps out from under the Riverlands bastard's helm.

Tossing aside the broken blade and picking up his sword and shield, he levels the point of his blade at the downed knight.

"
Now, take me to your chambers, and I will do what I can to get you to the Wall."


Round 3
Lesser Action: Draw bastard sword
Fatigue for extra lesser action
Fatigue to ignore injuries
Greater Action: [url=Reckless Attack, KD, bastard sword, -3 fatigue][/url]: 9d6k8-3 24 (Seriously Orokos, 1 shy??? Fine, be that way.)
Spend a DP to convert the bonus to a kept ->
25 vs CD 10, 4 DoS. 24 - 8AR = 16 damage;
even if he takes all 3 remaining injuries he takes 4 damage and is defeated.

Defeat consequence: Take the Black.
Shattering of the blade is purely for dramatic effect and I will remove it if asked to.

[OOC: done! I'm about to eat tea, so will get back this. Enjoyed the bastard sword reference and the family contrast.

He'll take 3 injuries (for narrative purposes as much as anything) and suffer the consequences of defeat with mixed emotions. Brother Kyle will be grateful. Let's see what Aemond makes of this.

Roleplay to follow as he regains his senses. Nothing wrong with a bit of sword shattering for narrative effect.]

Baelon's unorthodox maneuver gave him a weapon he needed to subdue his foe - a weaker blow would have opened him to the risk of desperate retribution from Ser Hugh.

The rabble rousing folk hearing lay unmoving briefly, but eventually came to, his conqueror in scarcely better shape.

A duel for the ages, observed only in fleeting glimpses by fleeing refugees and other combatants.

[OOC: +1 glory to Lord Baelon Drakeson for bringing Ser Hugh Rivers to justice]

Part II: A promise kept?
Exhausted, beaten and bound but having been promised his safety on the wall, Ser Hugh staggered onwards at Baelon's command.

The wall need not be so bad. Noble, commoner, thief and volunter and working together for the good of Westeros. Perhaps it was the blows to the head, but Ser Hugh retained a naively heroic vision of the Night's Watch.

A torch roars in the corner illuminating a neatly ordered natural stone cell that serves as one of Ser Hugh's boltholes - presumably his most secure one, given the chests, letters and shrine to the Seven here.

Ser Hugh was as good as his word - Dornish minted coins and letters abound in his neatly ordered chambers - Ser Hugh is his father's son when it comes to order, if not in temperament. A quick skim support the surface of the hedge knight's tale - Yronwood and Wyl seals are particularly prominent here, and they are among those most threatened by King Viserys's kingdom.

Baelon's Marsten "
escorts"
can be heard calling for him, drawing closer.

[OOC: you can burn the letters or preserve them - there's not time to read them properly yet at the Cunning (Decipher) or Language level to uncover anything hidden or test their veracity.

There is three wealth in mainly Dornish coin here!]

Baelon takes the letters, loose coin, and anything that catches his eye as Dornish and locks them inside the chests.
It would be a shame for all this 'evidence' to go to waste.

"
Ser Hugh, don a cloak - a plain one. The guards won't know who you are, but I'd prefer not to take any chances. Until further notice you are... Ser Willain Marks, a knight in service to House Drakeson."


Looking around to make sure that there is nothing obviously Dornish showing, he calls out to his Marsten minders.
"
In here, lads! Just in time, I need a few extra strong backs."

"
Lord Drakeson,"
smiled one of the guardsmen, Three-fingered Bruce, gratified to be guarding such a famous swordsman and swayed somewhat by Baelon's attempts to ingratiate himself with his escort. He was well known in house Marsten for his fondness for tales, and still wielded a spear as any man despite his injury.

"
We caught the conclusion of your duel against that lunatic. Well fought! I've not seen the like since Roderick Dunstan and Ser Criston Cole crossed swords in a melee."


The man overstates the case, but not by much.

"
Where's this lot going then. Lady Marsten will want it claimed for the investigation my lord."


Olny now does he notice Baelon's injuries, along with his "
escort's"
.

"
Are you or your man hurt? I can send for our new Maester Ronnel or your own Maester Leopold? Most of the older men would recognise your maester from the days he served the heavens."

"
Thank you, Bruce. "
A little kindness went a long way and it's not the guards that insulted him.
"
We are to go to the Drakeson camp. Maester Leopold will look to our injuries then. "


He picks up the chest that he hid the letters in.

"
I know you have been ordered to report on my activities, so I'll not ask to keep this from your Lady. When you report it, tell her that this coin has been seized by House Drakeson by right of conquest, and she'll just have to trust me to spend it appropriately. The royal investigation has no jurisdiction on this matter, so if she wishes to speak of it, she will have to ask in a manner appropriate to our equal station."

"
Lord Drakeson - this will not sit right with Lady Marsten, or her Lord husband."


Marsten guardsmen often referenced only their Lady, marking them out as unusual. Lately however more and more of them had begun to defer to Lord Marsten or cite his name in authority.

"
This treasure has come from Battle Valley, presumably from its inhabitants and has been won by the swords and blood of many houses. Should it not go to the royal investigators as a whole, to defray costs? Or even those who have suffered here."


The latter part was added as an afterthought, soldiers prized loot after all. But such noble sentiments seemed the kind of thing the kind-hearted Lady Corrine Marsten would have approved of, thought Bruce.

Despite the firm words, further steel was not drawn by Marsten hands that night.

"
No, it will not sit right with her..."

Best to emphasize Corrine - it would not do to let Ben's carelessness undermine her.
"
...but that's not really my problem, now is it? As I said, she will have to trust me to spend it appropriately. If she cannot do so - well, again, that's not really my problem."

"
It will go ill with the men and other investigators - all fought for this. Our Lady will hear of what has transpired here."


He shook his head, ready to say more, but was pulled away by the other Marsten guardsmen.

[/scene at Bruce's end]

Of course she will hear about it. That's what you are here for, dolt.
Baelon shakes his head.

"
Come, 'Ser Willain', let us to the Maester."

[/scene]