(D3, LA) The Burden of Leadership

The Burden of Leadership

Drink flows, and warriors present begin to swap war stories and jockey for position to captain teams in the melee. Most regions have selected a champion already, but there are two slots open for worthy men of the Riverlands to show their worth.

Participants: any number of participants per house.

Challenges:

Three rolls at TN (9)

Athletics (Strength) [Critical failure = injury]
Warfare (Tactics/Strategy/Comand) [Critical failure = mocked by fellow participants, temporary disposition penalty]
Persuasion (Intimidate/Charm/Convince/Bluff)

Consequences:
All three rolls passed = +1 glory
Two Highest DoS and all three rolls passed (highest rolls break ties) = +1 glory and leadership of a melee team.

“I’m Athelstan Pyke” standing up and raising his tankard filled with “I do not really know the chances of victory when I fight, so I fight as if they were small. Fierce and fearless!” looking at those around him “I do not know yet who I will be facing, so I fight as if it was my last, with courage and honor” raising his beer highest he can “I’m just a bastard and some may think less of me for that, so I will engrave a memorial in your bodies with pain and ruin so you don’t forget me and those that fought alongside me” lowering his arm slowly “You will never forget you faced me and those with me until death claims you” smiling with a wolfish smile “When you lay defeated and humbled, your thoughts will be of us that defeated you, for I would have taken your measure and found you wanting. That is the memorial I will carve on you, for I can’t lose since any gains I make are the humiliation of someone else, while you will win nothing for defeating someone as me” drinking finally from his beer and smashing it to the table with force.

“I’m battle tested and true” looking around again “Not against common and weak foes like rebel farmers, bandits, or wildlings and the like. I have fought with real warriors from many different places and many different styles of fighting, and I have commanded men to victory” shrugging his shoulders “I won’t tell you not to pick someone else you are free to choose, but if what you want is a chance for victory than set your set true to your goals and fight with me as brothers and equals in combat, for that is the only place that your birth bears no meaning, but your skill!.”

[url=Persuasion][/url]: 3d6k3 11 1 DoS
[url=Athletics][/url]: 4d6k4 20 3 DoS
[url=Warfare][/url]: 3d6k3 8 - DP used to rerooll 1 dice [url=re-roll][/url]: 1d6k1 4 - total 11 - 1 DoS
5 DoS, 42 , +1 Glory

Ser Jorah stood up and looked around those gathered. His voice was calm, but the authority behind it was evident.

"
I am Ser Jorah Holt, I serve House Coldbrook, a fact that many of you recognise for the Elite units. I am not one for shameless self aggrandisement, but I have faced not only the bandits aforementioned, but also against other houses during recent unpleasantries. I know what many of you can do and will use you to the best of your abilities."

[url=Athletics (Strength)][/url]: 4d6k4 17 2 DOS

[url=Warfare (Strategy)][/url]: 4d6k3 14 2 DOS
[url=Persuasion][/url]: 3d6k3 6 0 DOS - Arghhhhhhh. I was doing so well. The curse strikes again.
Spend a DP to get a bonus dice on a dice.
[url=Reroll][/url]: 1d6 6 1 DOS
Woohoo

+1 Glory
5 DOS Total 41

"
Shameless self aggrandizement, aye"
Athelstan nods "
So you calling me a liar or some sort and boasting you have bested soldiers of other Houses and many of their knights?"
a wide grin shows "
Shameless self aggrandizement that is alright"
waiting in the anticipation of a probable challenge and something to blow the steam built from last night pleasantries with the Longshores.

Ser Jorah looked at him, a bemused look on his face.

"
You take offence where none was intended. If you are as good as you say, then I look forward to either facing you or fighting alongside you."
There was no malice in his voice.

A smile in his face "
Indeed, it is up to you to decide which choice you make"
Athelstan curses inside as the bait was not taken, but at least will make the fight interesting when it comes.

"
Oh, I was under the impression that the elite units of the Coldbrooks has Kieran Orell and the bastard as their captains...."
Theomore lazily defeats a knight looking much stronger than he at arm-wrestling, not inclined to let anyone in on all the small tricks he used to make a man with an arm as thick as Theomore's thigh seem a minor challenge. The fact that it was all about technique, and strength only mattered when both were equal masters of that, he does not feel inclined to share. And if they both were equals in that department, Theomore could always cheat. "
You, ser, I believe, was made head of the company named for the castle of curses, only battle they ever saw was against a band of common bandits, killed the previous captain they did. Hardly inspiring if I do dare say so..."
giving it a pause, and gauging by the looks he receives, Theomore actually expected that to come, all eyes on him, what had he ever done to have men lead him? "
Oh, me? I've not done all that much, only carrying the prince's banner into battle on the stepstones, and later causing so many tears in the most recent dispute between ravens and horses that I a man would not be thirsty for a year had he collected them all..among other things, but I shall remain humble to avoid forcing you to be."
a sly smile forms around Theomore's lips as he says so, clearly implying that he had a history of war more impressive than that of these men.

[url=athletics][/url]: 3d6 14 2 DoS
[url=warfare][/url]: 3d6 +2 BoA 10 1 DoS
[url=Persuasion-Bluff][/url]: 5d6k4 [url=Blood of Andals-reroll][/url]: 1d6 19 3 DoS

6 DoS, 43 total score. +1 glory

OOC: Dice string says deception, but altered to persuasion after consulting with reader. Same dice pool, only bonuses from benefits are swapped out.

Ben does his best to show his mettle. It is obvious he is a skilled tactician, but his feat of athletics prowess, not reaching anywhere near his potential, does little to impress the gathering. His words are enough to convince most, but not as powerful as the other battling for control.

[url=Athletics Burden Of Leadership][/url]: 4d6 10
[url=Warfare Burdens Of Leadership][/url]: 3d6 14
[url=Charm Burdens Of Leadership][/url]: 4d6k3 10

4 DOS, 34 total, +1 glory

OOC: I would complain about the rolls, but they got the job done. It ain't always pretty. :;
):

Athelstan gives some praise to Ben and raises his beer in acknowledgment and respect to the man.

Slowly, Kevan steps out on the small stage in front of the drinking crowd. He has donned his full armor and wears a cape in the colors of House Marsten. His huge shield in his right a spear in his left hand he looks at the fighters that spoke before.

"
We have heard interesting proposals so far, Ironborn and Northerners, mainly... Others may want to lead a melee team and I ask myself, where they would find time for it as rumours have it they rather spend time with residents of the painted world"
he looks at the Tullisons, his face showing a wide grin.

"
I am Ser Kevan Lyras!"
He continues with a booming voice after a short pause. This time looking at the crowd "
I serve House Marsten dutifully. Some of you, I know from the time I spent here in Riverrun, where I served as a Squire. Others may have fought at the Stepstones, but I was here, in the Riverlands(!), protecting the weak from bandits and clansmen! Choose me to lead you and we shall outlast all other teams for the Seven guard us!"



Rolls
[url=Convince (Leadership)][/url]: 5d6k4+2 18 +2 from blood of the Andals = 20
[url=Athletics (Leadership)][/url]: 4d6 13
[url=Warfare (Leadership)][/url]: 3d6 15

+1 glory, 6DoS, Total of 48
Orokos, you glorious beast!
Edit: Mixed up the Tulisons, unfortunately... :?

Athelstan wrote:Athelstan gives some praise to Ben and raises his beer in acknowledgment and respect to the man.

Ben nods back respectfully, raising he drink in response.

[ooc]I knew my rolls wr=ere decent, but you just making me look bad now with those rolls[/ooc]

Kevan Lyras wrote:
...We have heard interesting proposals so far, Ironborn and Northerners, mainly... Others may want to lead a melee team and I ask myself, where they would find time for it as rumours have it they rather spend time with residents of the painted world"
he looks at the Tullisons, his face showing a wide grin.
Edit: Mixed up the Tulisons, unfortunately... :?

Ben's eyes narrow, as he white knuckles his mug. Who is this up jump whelp? I served House Marsten faithfully against those same clans he now fights and squired under the same man who leads him into battle.

[OOC: pleased to see roleplay from this, but can I encourage you to take it to a 'side thread' please? Make it easier for me to score the events.]

Jon does not care to boast much this evening, in fact, some would say that he seems almost disinterested in joining the spectacle, and yet his easy manner and reputation still impresses many.

"
Friends, you all know my name and deeds. Unlike many others here, I have fought in a real war, not just against bandits and starving mountain clansmen. I have commanded men in battle and writ my name in blood across the Stepstones. And though I am older than many of you, you'll find that my hand is still swift and my blows deadly hard. So when the time comes to choose captains for the melee, consider this - would you rather stand with Wrecker Jon, or against him?"


[url=Athletics][/url]: 4d6 12 = 1 DoS
[url=Warfare][/url]: 3d6 11 = 1 DoS
[url=Persuasion (Charm)][/url]: 5d6 20 = 3 DoS

5 DoS, 43 total score, +1 glory.

Baelon does not grandstand, he does not make any speeches or proclamations. Rather, he plays the game- he moves from table to table in seemingly random fashion, yet in a couple hours manages to have stopped by just about everywhere. At each table he observes, then works his way into whatever arm-wrestling or story-telling is going on, with an "
Oh, I remember..."
or a "
That reminds me of..."
;
finally, with a firm handshake or a pat on the back he moves on to the next table.

[url=BoL - Athletics(Strength)][/url]: 4d6 16 [2 DoS]
[url=BoL - Warfare(Command)][/url]: 3d6k2 10 [1 Dos]
[url=BoL - Persuasion (Charm)][/url]: 6d6 24 1d6 5 1d6 2 5 subs in for the 1, also forgot the +2 for Blood of Valyria;
for a total of 30 [4 DoS]

Result:
+1 Glory, 7 Dos, 56 total

Dunstan is in his element, surrounded by warriors was and still is a childhood dream and he cherished what is surely the best moment in the Tourney for him so far.
Hearing men talk he started explaining just why is it a fact that the best warriors carry the last name Tullison "
"
You may joust, brawl in minor conflicts or escort one Lord or another, but we Tullisons battle savage folk - and we always win!"
he boasted to the table.

He then stood up, pumped by the adrenaline that lingered in the air throughout the nigh, lifted a casket of ale high above his head and threw it away from table, smashing it to bits. Flexing his muscles he laughed aloud "
Stone Endures!!!"
he shouted afterwards.

Calming down a bit he joined the talk of the more experienced battle commanders, adding his thoughts and explaining the tacticsd the Mountaineers use while scouting the mountains. The men nodded in agreement and all agreed the young Lord was not only a strong fellow, but wise beyond his years as well.


[url=Athletics (Strength)][/url]: 5d6k4 13 (1 DoS)

[url=Persuasion (Charm)][/url]: 3d6 11 (1 DoS)

[url=Warfare][/url]: 3d6 11 (1 DoS)

Total: +1 Glory, 3 DoS, 35 points.

Ser Fendrel Bartheld was more charming than bold in his introduction and speeches -- his cocky attitude and self-confidence more than made up for that. "
Ser Fendrel Bartheld of Hart House,"
he introduced his name as he looked upon his audience. "
I know what you all are thinking -- a Bartheld on a battlefield? They're better suited in a court or danceroom! And I assure you, House Bartheld's hospitality knows no bounds... We deal in joy -- and in joy we serve as well. And when the time of war comes, we fight and we serve -- but unlike any other noble house, we find joy in this service. And in joy, we find courage. And in courage, the strength needed for valiant deeds worthy of legends!"


[url=Athletics][/url]: 3d6 9 1 DoS.

[url=Warfare][/url]: 3d6 17 2 DoS.

[url=Persuasion (Charm)][/url]: 6d6k4+2 20 3 DoS.

Total score 46. 6 DoS. +1 Glory.

[OOC:

Athelstan Pyke +1 glory
Jorah Holt +1 glory
Theomore Tullison +1 glory
Benedict Blackthorne +1 glory
Kevan Lyras +2 glory
Jon Cobb +1 glory
Baelon Waters +2 glory
Dunstan Tullison +1 glory
Fendrel Bartheld +1 glory

Ser Baelon and Ser Kevan are chosen to lead melee teams - the melee inevitably descends in to a free for all, but this will ease the start of the melee for you and give you something to brag about]

[OOC: Late post requested by narrator.]
[OOC: Very late as I post, writing properly later.]

[url=The Burden of Leadership - Athletics (Strength)][/url]: 4d6k4 14 - 2 DoS
[url=The Burden of Leadership - Warfare (Command)][/url]: 4d6k3 13 - 1 DoS
[url=The Burden of Leadership - Persuasion (Charm)][/url]: 5d6k5 12 - 1 DoS

Total: 4 DoS, 39 roll, +1 Glory.

"Listen, you all kn--"

"What we need is a proper shield wall, I'd wager." Some Reachlander just starts right in like Aerion wasn't talking.  A pretty lad, all blond curls and blue eyes, with a big green hand on his tunic.

Fucking Reachlanders.

"Hey! Listen, lads!"  Aerion starts in louder, rapping his gauntleted hand on his plain breastplate, letting the rattle get their attention, in case the bellow didn't. "You all know me.  You've all seen me ti--"

"We've all seen your tits?"

Giggles and sneers from all around, this time started from some redhead with a bunch of grapes for a sigil.  Another fucking Reachlander.

"You've all seen me tilt."  This time Storm's just loud, not angry.  Just matter-of-fact.  Certain.  It was true.  They had all seen him tilt.  "You've all seen me spar.  You've all seen me fight."

There was no denying his size, that was plain, and many of them had seen him fight.  Many of them were nursing bruises, still, purplish and ugly as the bruises on their egos.  The bastard could hit.

"Saw ye fight Bold Jon Roxto--" another heckler starts in, only to get silenced by a stocky squire with bats on his shield.  Aerion keeps talking.

"You lads keep up with me, it'll be easy.  We rush the center, break the line, and then it's just a matter of -- "

"Follow a bastard?"  Probably a Reachman.

"Your mother did!"  I've no idea who's even yelling, now.

"That doesn't even make sense!"  It's true, it didn't.

"Your mother doesn't even make sense!"  This will never work.

And then it all falls apart.  He can't finish, they won't let him.  They fall into swearing and shoving while the other, older, teams are listening to one another.  The squires won't organize, because squires refuse organization save from the knights they serve.  

It didn't help that his plan wasn't a great one.  It didn't help that many of them worried they couldn't follow him, couldn't keep up, couldn't guard his flanks.  It didn't help that his knight and half the Reach hated one another.  It didn't help that he was a bastard Storm, and they all knew it.

Most of all, though, it didn't help that he couldn't even get them to hear him out.  He wasn't ready.

Maybe Ser Harbert was right, to keep holding onto those spurs instead of handing them over.

Ath/Strength, diff 9: 5d6k4 14
Warfare/Command, diff 9: 4d6k3 6
Persuasion/Charm, diff 9: 4d6k3 5
Attractive, rerolling two 1's: 2d6 4 (so a whopping 7 with the reroll, oof)