STARK (GoT) Thread

[Chief Rum]

This is the House Stark thread. You may only post in here or view this thread if you are allowed to in the game rules.

This thread is for members of House Stark.



FOR REFERENCE

Here is the player list, with roles



HOUSE STARK

King Robb Stark-- Coffee Warlord

Roose Bolton-- JAG
Rickard Karstark-- MrBug708
Theon Greyjoy-- Lathum


HOUSE LANNISTER

King Joffrey Baratheon-- Zinto

Tywin Lannister-- hoopsguy
Jaime Lannister-- greenbeans
Ser Gregor Clegane-- Julio Riddols


HOUSE BARATHEON OF DRAGONSTONE

King Stannis Baratheon-- Autumn

Ser Davos Seaworth-- InBlue
Axell Florent-- claphamsa
Melisandre-- bulletsponge


HOUSE BARATHEON OF STORM'S END

King Renly Baratheon-- path12

Loras Tyrell-- murrayyyyy
Cortnay Penrose-- Darth Vilus
Brienne of Tarth-- fontisian


NEUTRAL CHARACTERS

Barristan Selmy-- mauchow
Lord Varys-- DaddyTorgo
Cersei Lannister-- Narcizo
Petyr Littlefinger Baelish-- saldana
Tyrion Lannister-- Danny

[MrBug708]

Checking in. I won't be around morning/early afternoon. Deadline time might be hit/miss, at least the next two days

[JAG]

Greetings fellow bannermen and King Robb. Pray excuse me while I am leached and read the last page of rules.

[Coffee Warlord]

Good doggy!

[Coffee Warlord]

I find it moderately unnerving that two of my bannermen are people who royally fuck me in the books. :)

[Coffee Warlord]

My without even reading the rules since they aren't posted thoughts...

One, we need boats.

Two, it sure wouldn't suck to get Littlefinger on our side. I've got to guess he's got a boatload of cash, and controlling the money could be a big deal.

[JAG]

I find it moderately unnerving that two of my bannermen are people who royally fuck me in the books. :)

The other isn't much to write home about either. Be that as it may, there is nothing in my role PM that should give you cause for fear.

[Coffee Warlord]

OF COURSE YOU WOULD SAY THAT. :)

[Coffee Warlord]

FYI - Kings have a special ability and a drawback.

I won't say what it is, due to the possibility of spies down the road, but mine's not bad. I want to find out if Hands are public knowledge or not first - if they aren't, I have an amusing idea.

[JAG]

My without even reading the rules since they aren't posted thoughts...

One, we need boats.

Two, it sure wouldn't suck to get Littlefinger on our side. I've got to guess he's got a boatload of cash, and controlling the money could be a big deal.

Your Grace, I fear our war shall be lost if we do not ally ourselves with another House. We cannot stand alone against the Lannisters. If it's boats we need, King Stannis would be a wise choice of ally as he has a sizable fleet.

[MrBug708]

I'm assuming this is before your mother let Jaime Lannister go free and you behead me

[Coffee Warlord]

See, I'm a little smarter than my literary counterpart.

Mom stays at home. Under lock and key.

[MrBug708]

So, two banner screw you over and you behead a third. We have a great group here!

[MrBug708]

Go Northmen!

[Coffee Warlord]

The game will continue until there is just one remaining king and three bannermen in the game. The bannermen must be vassals to the remaining king. If you’re a king, your goal is to be that king. If you’re a bannerman, your goal is to be one of those three bannermen—EVEN IF THAT’S NOT YOUR KING AT THE START.

So it looks like we can only ever have 3 bannermen.

In other words, control of the neutrals is likely going to be key.

[Coffee Warlord]

...Assuming there's a provision in the game to actually do something like that.

[JAG]

To have their assistance, we must needs find out what their goals are and how we can help each other achieve our goals.

[MrBug708]

Do we get PM ability?

Thinking aloud, the lannisters will have the most money, Stannis the most ships, Joffery will probably have the most men. What is our advantage without tipping our hand?

We rule the North, Eddard could have been King when he found the Kingslayer with the dead baby.

The Lannisters are allied so they are powerful and want to unite the lands. Stannis will preserve his birthright and will not ally with us as he must bend the knee.

Our next move will be difficult

[MrBug708]

Me thinks that Varys will be listening to every word

[Coffee Warlord]

We've got a chunk of troops, but I have no idea how it compares. It might be a quality vs quantity thing for us. As per some of my abilities, without going into too much detail, we fight better than others when going into battle.

At a guess...

Lannisters == Money
Stannis == Ships
Renly == Men
Us == Quality

[Coffee Warlord]

Which is again, why I'm making an early thought that, if possible, Littlefinger might be our best neutral to go after first and foremost. The South is well known for their greed. Wars are fought not only with steel, but with gold and silver. We have the former, we should work to control the latter.

[MrBug708]

Stannis probably has magic with the Red Priestess

[Coffee Warlord]

My guess is she either can assassinate someone for him, or act as a bodyguard / seer type deal and root out spies. Former sounds reasonably reasonable.

[Coffee Warlord]

Sort of sounds like me and Stannis (Autumn) are both subtly feeling out a potential alliance from the main thread.

[JAG]

I agree that bringing in additional coin will be useful, though until we see how coin, men, and ships can be used, it will be hard to make detailed plans. We should not neglect the other neutrals though. Barristan Selmy could be a useful protector for King Robb, Varys may be able to aid in intelligence-gathering, and so on.

[Coffee Warlord]

Absolutely. I'm sure they're all going to be useful in one way or another.

Since we don't have a clear picture from the rules on that yet, let's shift focus to something we CAN control - tomorrow's vote.

[JAG]

Sort of sounds like me and Stannis (Autumn) are both subtly feeling out a potential alliance from the main thread.

It sounds like he threw out a 3-king alliance offer vs. the Lannisters. That would be a wise way to go, as once the Lannisters are no longer a threat it seems unlikely Stannis would then treat with Renly against us.

[Coffee Warlord]

Well, in reality, we're ALL against each other. As much as the King in the North would like to claim the North and only the North, it's not allowed in the rule. At some point, we're going to turn on one another.

If we ignore the RP aspect for a moment, and go cold, hard pragmatism, we'll need to figure who is the most useful ally early, with the understanding whoever we ally with will be an enemy later on.

[JAG]

Sure, just saying we're more likely to make it to the end if we make an alliance now rather than sitting back and letting others make alliances against us. A 3 v. 1 suits us well so long as we're not the 1 as it eliminates a rival and gets thus gets us closer to our goal of being the last king / 3 bannermen standing. Then we just need to make sure we're not on the wrong end of a 2 v. 1 following that.

[Coffee Warlord]

Now that I have my question about the Hand answered. JAG, unless you utterly don't wanna do it, I'm tapping you as Hand of the King.

Hands of the North have a longer lifespan than Hands from certain other houses, I promise. :)

[Lathum]

So this is Winterfel.

Looks like a good place to burn to the ground someday

[Coffee Warlord]

You want me to kill you now or later? :)

[Lathum]

so, umm, CW, you have read the books?

[Coffee Warlord]

Ayyyyup.

Like I mentioned up above. My bannermen include 2 people who betray me and 1 I have to behead. Good times!

[Coffee Warlord]

Luckily, I am not bound by GRRM's Rule of Being A Stark: You must be a blind idiot.

[JAG]

Now that I have my question about the Hand answered. JAG, unless you utterly don't wanna do it, I'm tapping you as Hand of the King.

Hands of the North have a longer lifespan than Hands from certain other houses, I promise. :)

I believe I can ably serve you in this manner.

[Coffee Warlord]

Though if you say your special ability is "you may burn Winterfell and name yourself King of the North", I'm going to be very upset.

[Lathum]

thats my ability!

[Coffee Warlord]

Well shit.

[Coffee Warlord]

I'm simply bumping this to put House Stark on top. Where it belongs.

[Coffee Warlord]

Well, we do know I can send bannermen out on raids.

CONQUEST!

[Lathum]

Are we supposed to do something today?

[Coffee Warlord]

Waiting for the rules to be posted? :)

[Coffee Warlord]

Really not much point going into deep strategy until we know wtf we can actually do.

[MrBug708]

We can't PM right? Any special abilities/moves we want to share, has to be done here?

[Coffee Warlord]

Yeah. I can PM with JAG, as he's my Hand, but that's it, unless there's something goofy involved.

[MrBug708]

Well, death to Jaime Lannister then

[Coffee Warlord]

I think we can arrange that.

[Coffee Warlord]

Well this just got interesting. Check the rules.

[MrBug708]

I saw some more of it posted...which part were you referring to?

[Coffee Warlord]

The PMing in particular is interesting.

[MrBug708]

Ya, just saw that part.

[Coffee Warlord]

Alright. Pre-Coffee thoughts after reading the rules.

1) I'm not sure why, from a strictly pragmatic viewpoint, why a King would turn over land to a bannerman. The House receives more income and has full access to the troop contingent (which can obviously be passed around when we need it) when I keep them under my control. It locks off the potential of losing that land, from my POV. Am I missing something here?

1a) In the case of Theon, however, from your description you have little or no income. It might be worthwhile to grant you a land so you can have your own income to do stuff for me. Speaking of, do you have any ships available? If so, I may be sending you on raids. Pay the iron price for your income.

2) Going to war is gonna be risky, risky business, apparently. Torn between taking the offensive and forcing others to react, or being opportunistic and letting others fight it out.

3) It's fairly obvious that I should be using my hand (JAG) as my emissary, seeing as I retain PM rights with him, and can communicate even on the day he can't communicate here. Need to check with CR that this is the case - it seems weird. If it's NOT the case, circumstances change.

4) Seeing as apparently there IS no limit on bannermen, stay loyal bitches. Starks know how to treat their friends. :)

5) And now I'd like to hear ideas on how to proceed.

[JAG]

Huh, I hadn't seen there was no limit on bannermen, but I don't see anything that says they're limited (granted I can't guarantee I missed something in the rules).

[Coffee Warlord]

Should get clarification. But seeing as bannermen can bend knee to whoever, I don't see how it'd work otherwise.

[MrBug708]

Perhaps if a bannerman becomes free and can choose to bend the knee to any Lord, that might persuade him to change allegiances?

Maybe also a secret mechanism for Baliesh getting lands and joining a side?

[Coffee Warlord]

Hmm. Interesting thought, that.

[Coffee Warlord]

Waiting on about 331 rules clarifications, but I think I have a rough idea on what I'd like people to do today. Bug, if you have the money, I'd consider investing in your keep, either men or money. It's certainly better to do it as early as possible and reap the rewards.

Lathum, what do you have in terms of men & ships, if any?

[Coffee Warlord]

And, what are our thoughts on the two vote candidates thus far? At first blush, it doesn't seem like an altogether bad thing if Clegane was removed from the Lannisters.

[MrBug708]

Are we allowed to invest in our keep?

[Coffee Warlord]

INVEST IN A LAND (10000) Choose this option and whether to invest in gold or men or ships, and you will see an increase in income from this land. This can only be done two times per land.


That.

[Coffee Warlord]

Land == Keep, I'm assuming.

[JAG]

I think people can probably get behind declaring Clegane an Enemy of the Realm. I have my doubts about Joffrey removing him as bannerman even if he wins the vote however. There isn't much information about what happens if you take an honor hit in that way though.

[JAG]

I feel sorry for Chief also. It will probably take him hours to sort through his PMs, respond to all the questions, and carry out all the actions.

[MrBug708]

I generate money pretty well, not so much men however, but I'll do what's good for the realm. And we kill the Kingslayer

[Coffee Warlord]

Then take your pick - if you're a coastal keep, I'd recommend upping your troops. My guess is raiders will be more likely to attack coastal sites, so make them pay for it.

We'll get the Kingslayer.

[Coffee Warlord]

BTW, Bug. Save your PM if you haven't already used it. I'd like you to deliver a message on my behalf today to someone.

[Coffee Warlord]

In fact, regarding the Kingslayer...perhaps he might even be the proper vote today.

[Coffee Warlord]

Hmm. Seeing how it goes once more people respond to the two candidates, but Clegane is probably still the better way to go today.

[MrBug708]

I havent used mine yet, nor had I planned on it.

Any action on Jaime Lannister will always get support from me.

[MrBug708]

Is it safe to assume that each of the contenders for the Iron Throne probably *need* to unite the whole realm as part of the win condition? I would imagine that it would be easy for them to give up the North in return for the Iron Throne, making it unlikely we can win Independence and remain neutral?

As for Costal Keep, I didnt see anything like that in my informational PM, so I'm assuming not?

[MrBug708]

Looks like it is coastal

[Coffee Warlord]

Is it safe to assume that each of the contenders for the Iron Throne probably *need* to unite the whole realm as part of the win condition? I would imagine that it would be easy for them to give up the North in return for the Iron Throne, making it unlikely we can win Independence and remain neutral?

As for Costal Keep, I didnt see anything like that in my informational PM, so I'm assuming not?

Yeah, it's more for roleplaying purposes than any gameplay thing. We can't just declare ourselves neutral and back another king, as far as I know.

[Coffee Warlord]

So we CAN have more than 3 bannermen.

But only 3 can win.

[Coffee Warlord]

Like to see Lathum show up. But my dear friend Lord Karstark, I will PROBABLY have a mission for you shortly, unless something happens within the next few hours. (You're not under any real-life availability restraints, are you?)

[MrBug708]

We had a spy...? Or a meeting?

[MrBug708]

I'm good today

[Coffee Warlord]

We have a Renly emissary coming tomorrow. I'll have full PM rights with...someone from that camp tomorrow.

[Chief Rum]

We have a Renly emissary coming tomorrow. I'll have full PM rights with...someone from that camp tomorrow.

Actually, he is already "here".

Darth Vilus just hasn't checked in yet since then, I believe. So don't be surprised if you see a PM from him. But he has to initiate contact with you before you can start PMing with him.

[Coffee Warlord]

Alright. Lord Karstark.

I'd like you to speak with Stannis. Please return tonight (don't stay the whole duration - if we need to, we'll send you or someone else back tomorrow). Find out his feelings about a possible alliance / mutual aid treaty against the Lannisters. Don't commit to anything, as we've got time. You're free to use your judgement as to any specific details that come up, but we're not paying for an alliance. Feel him out, see what's up. Basically, find out if they are amenable to the idea that priority 1 is neutering Joffrey.

Won't send the formal order until you reply with any questions.

[Coffee Warlord]

Furthermore, Bug - I'd like you to use your daily PM on either Barristan or Littlefinger. Nothing specific, I'm just looking to feel those guys out and see what they have to say. Do what you can, let me know.

[MrBug708]

Anything particular you want me to ask say?

[Coffee Warlord]

Wing it. I totally aknowledge the fact that eventually, we're going to HAVE to be at odds. But, I'd be willing to work with him in at least the short term. Think it's pretty obvious the number one threat is Joffrey.

[Coffee Warlord]

By order of Robb Stark, King in the North:

Dispatch Lord Karstark as an Emissary to King Stannis Baratheon

[MrBug708]

Do I wait for CR?

[Coffee Warlord]

May as well wait till he announces it. He's around and answering probably 350,000 PM's.

[Chief Rum]

May as well wait till he announces it. He's around and answering probably 350,000 PM's.

lol...exactly.

[Chief Rum]

Rickard Karstark has left the camp on an errand.

[Chief Rum]

Theon Greyjoy has left camp on an unknown errand.

[Coffee Warlord]

But can still post (I asked).

[JAG]

Lonely.

[JAG]

Oh, well nevermind then.

[Coffee Warlord]

Lathum! We miss you! Come on out!

[MrBug708]

Alliance secured.

No word on my raven to Littlefinger

[Chief Rum]

Lord Rickard Karstark has returned to camp.

[MrBug708]

Sorry I was a second early chief!

[Chief Rum]

Sorry I was a second early chief!

Naw no worries. You were free to post right away. I was just making it official.

[Coffee Warlord]

Any other interesting tidbits?

[MrBug708]

Agreed that the Lannisters are the biggest threat to everyone. Once the Lannisters are removed, uneasy agreement against Renly, which isn't really out of the picture. He didn't endorse us as an independent realm post-war, but that's not the pressing need either right now. He didn't say he knew for sure, but hinted that Jaime might be a protector of Joffrey so going after Joffrey directly might be foolish, so going after his bannerman might be the best avenue. Stannis did insinuate that if our support against Renly was true, he would remain true with us. He also insinuated that perhaps Varys would support us against Tywin, but Joffrey with Casterly Rock would be also fearsome and Joffrey could turn on Tywin too, which was a little odd.

I didn't commit to a next target as I would defer to your counsel. I think Tywin might be a good avenue, but that poses a risk of getting everyone on board. I dont think Tyrion votes with us, Renly won't either, but we know characters and intentions, but I can't imagine Varys and Littlefinger can always vote so publicly

I get the impression that Stannis is playing close to real character so honor might be true, though I was too, so it would have been in character for me just as easily.

We didnt decide on the next character, but I told him I would send him a signal on our target, so it would probably need to be on me.

[MrBug708]

Baelish got back to me as well.

I asked for nothing but his counsel, I did not want to buy any favors. He expressed his desire to preserve the realm, but gave no sense of leanings. I don't think he'll pick a losing side though either, so he'll be cautious to commit to anyone.

He did comment on a sense of duty to Catelyn Stark's children, so I think he'll be pro-North if forced to choose on an equal siding. He will do what he can to protect them and asks for nothing in return, but would expect to be remembered for any services performed that do indeed assist them in anyways.

Reminded us that he also once tried to assist the North but that Eddard felt more compelled to duty than preservation of life.

[Chief Rum]

Theon Greyjoy returns from his raid.

You can tell from the downcast look on the faces of his men, that the raid was unsuccessful.

[MrBug708]

Can we ask for a re-roll? :)

[Lathum]

I suck.

This game is going to be a bitch for me to follow so I wouldn't trust me with anything important.

[Coffee Warlord]

FYI - Investing? Definitely worth it, if you go in early.

[MrBug708]

I probably wont be able to participate much before 3ish PST today

[MrBug708]

I will be able to read things however

[Coffee Warlord]

I suck.

This game is going to be a bitch for me to follow so I wouldn't trust me with anything important.

No worries. Throw out some advice when you can, and I can still use you for some interesting things.

[Coffee Warlord]

Believe today is the day for Lord Karstark to see the start of justice handed down, in the form of Jaime.

[MrBug708]

YES!

[MrBug708]

Mission or investing?

[Coffee Warlord]

I think you can do both - invest and I can still send you out if I need to.

[MrBug708]

Investing!

[Coffee Warlord]

Hey Lathum,

Any insight on how one goes about getting the Lord of the Iron Islands title?

[MrBug708]

Ant new info? I have my daily PM still

[Coffee Warlord]

Let's see here.

Not much you don't already know. Talks went well with Renly via DV. If Jaime flees today, I'll be sending you to chase his ass down. Figure you'd like that one.

Tywin Lannister is a tad miffed at me. I'm...shocked. Shocked I tell you.

I think right now there's a lot of wait and see going on. Spies may be increasingly useful for the next couple of days. Aside from that, I don't have anyone specific for you to ping today - use your best judgement, or skip it.

[Coffee Warlord]

Though, certain sources of mine have indicated that the Lannisters are claiming I have been guaranteed a seat as a Lannister bannerman, should Joffrey triumph.

To which I say....GEE THANKS JOFF.

[MrBug708]

If I am sent after Jaime Lannister, one of us will be coming back without a head, of that I promise you.

In case Dragonstone gets worried, should I send a message to Stannis calming him down off of the Renly talks? I guess in the end, neither of the Baratheon's will back down from each other.

[Coffee Warlord]

I think he knows, but can't hurt. Priority one is lannister.

[MrBug708]

I also thought about a fun message to Cersei, but there is plenty of time for that

[Coffee Warlord]

Interesting. Just got some more information from another source.

Details after dinner.

[Coffee Warlord]

It appears someone is subtly trying to recruit Renly's people away from him. He won't say who just yet, but someone has approached Loras and Brienne about turning against Renly.

[MrBug708]

Tywin would be the obvious candidate, but this is the game of thrones

[Coffee Warlord]

I could make a case for a whole slew of people.

[MrBug708]

Man, I'm stuck on the next move to make

[Coffee Warlord]

I'm out of available PM's with pretty much everyone, so anything I do will hafta wait till tomorrow.

[MrBug708]

Well, you do have my reply if I PM you anything specific, but you could also relay it here too...lol

[Coffee Warlord]

HOW USEFUL! :P

[MrBug708]

Do we need anything useful from the neutral characters?

[Coffee Warlord]

I'm not sure where most of them stand at this point. Two of them I think I do - I won't name names in the thread. Anything you can do to get something out of any of them couldn't hurt. We're the good guys!

[JAG]

Maybe inquire with Littlefinger again? Just a thought.

[MrBug708]

Shall I promise Baelish Catelyn Stark's hand in marriage?

[JAG]

I'm sure Robb will consent. The grieving widow needs a new husband.

[Coffee Warlord]

That's a high price. I expect loyalty and quality were that to happen.

[MrBug708]

It's worth a shot?

Barristan seems to for the taking as well

[MrBug708]

I think I just placed a well aimed shot at three of the four Lannisters' while complimenting the last.

[MrBug708]

I have a feeling that the Kingslayer might have a duel mechanism that probably enables him to kill the first person who goes after him. If given the chance, I will not hesitate to go after him, but that might be something to consider.

[Coffee Warlord]

Hmm. Interesting though.

[Coffee Warlord]

thought, too

[MrBug708]

Raven sent to Lord Baelish

[MrBug708]

So that vote didnt go so well

[Coffee Warlord]

Lathum has some explaining to do.

[JAG]

We made George Martin happy it ended in a tie though.

[MrBug708]

One vote from basically eliminating the Lannisters

I wonder what happened in Renly's camp. I have to assume that some dealings happened.

[JAG]

Well, that's disappointing. Pretty crazy that we have 4 Enemies now.

[MrBug708]

Baelish was intrigued by Catelyn, but did comment that a wife with no lands was no life to live.

[MrBug708]

If you have any holdings, now would be as good of a time as any to offer up.

[MrBug708]

I'll be around most of tomorrow

[Chief Rum]

Theon greyjoy has left camp on an unknown errand.

[Chief Rum]

Theon Greyjoy has returned to camp.

He and his men have conducted a successful raid of Fairhaven of House Lannister!

[Lathum]

Lathum has some explaining to do.

About what? I honestly am really struggling to keep up. I checked in once yesterday because I didn't want to miss a vote. Going to try and read up Over the long weekwnd

[Coffee Warlord]

You voted for the wrong person yesterday, basically causing a tie and resulting in, well, hilarity, but also I now gotta deal with my Hand being an Enemy of the Realm.

But, nice work on the raid.

[Lathum]

Well lets be honest, I unintentionally played up to my characters persona

[MrBug708]

CW, do you have an extra castle lying around that I can offer to Baelish?

[Coffee Warlord]

Ha!

[Coffee Warlord]

Of course I do, but the question is...can he be trusted, and is it worth it? That's income and troops I'd be denied for questionable gains. What exactly am I getting out of the deal? Does he swear his allegiance to me and to me alone? Or will he just take the title and continue to accept offers from others as well?

So far he's given us nothing. And he asks for land, title, and income. That's a high price to pay for unproven services.

[MrBug708]

Well, I'm not sure he suddenly becomes a bannerman. We can always offer Catelyn now and the title later to ensure success. I do not think he will betraying your mother at this moment as she would probably stick a knife in his back.

[Coffee Warlord]

Yeah, maybe when we take some new lands I'd consider it, but the price right now is too high for a man who swears no oaths, and has given us nothing.

[MrBug708]

She I'll offer Catelyn and the promise of land with the promise of information?

[MrBug708]

Or rather, you help us lead the demise of a King or whichever land you prefer and it is yours?

[Coffee Warlord]

He's gotta give us something concrete, useful, and reasonably verifiable. I'll set aside some gold for good information right now, but until he shows himself to be repeatedly useful, he gets no wife, no lands, and no titles from the North. If he DOES prove himself, there are many lands who will need new rulers soon, and my mother does need a new husband.

[Coffee Warlord]

Or rather, you help us lead the demise of a King or whichever land you prefer and it is yours?

That does sum it up well.

[MrBug708]

Shall I go with that?

[MrBug708]

Preference of information?
Lannisters
Storms End
Dragonstone

[Coffee Warlord]

Given the current situations...Renly or Lannisters. Take your pick, I'm sure both will be enlightening.

[MrBug708]

Raven sent

[Coffee Warlord]

Certainly a tad more testy today. Heh.

[MrBug708]

I do not know Stannis' actions with Gregor, but it certainly destroyed the relationship between brothers.

There HAS to be a mechanism that Stannis cannot allow an enemy of the realm to be his servant. It would go against his nature. Look what he did to Davos.

Really wish we had Jaime on the run. They have too much money to sit around doing nothing with it.

[Coffee Warlord]

There was no way ANY of us were gonna release our guys today, I think. Unless someone fled of their own volition, this was pretty obvious. I can understand the killing of Clegane, actually. If you read between the lines, I think he may be currying some favor with Varys by executing him.

But, it actually worries me that their fighting will wind up opening the door back up for the Lannisters, when we were well on our way to slamming that shut.

[MrBug708]

Thinking outloud, but if Tywin gets ahold of a faceless man, who would he go after? Stannis, right? I'd say you as well, but Stannis seems to be a huge threat to the Lannisters.

It seems we have no stance on the Mountain being killed.

[Coffee Warlord]

I don't wanna get drug into that mess about Clegane right now. :)

[MrBug708]

I received my answer from Baelish. I will not go too much further into detail about any arrangment, but I feel it is there for the taking.

He has offered one of his "birds" for a single gold coin as a showance of faith. CR might need to clarify on if we need to wait a day to get that coin or how that works.

His advice, which is rather non-committal, was that Varys will look to side with Renly and that his actions will be with Renly's elevation to the Iron Throne as his reasoning. It seems a specific group of bannerman must be following Renly and Varys is working towards that end. Baelish warned that he cannot be trust and knows that Robb met with him yesterday.

[Coffee Warlord]

Nice work. Acting accordingly, we'll see how it turns out.

[MrBug708]

That being said, I would not assume he is fully on team Stark by any stretch. I would imagine any sort of appearance of favoritism might see his value suddenly disappear while on the Small Counsel.

[MrBug708]

Trying to figure out Renly's play is kind of interesting. Say he manages to defeat Stannis. What happens to the bannerman for Stannis? I cannot imagine they go to Renly, but would they suddenly join up with Tywin? Or even us?

[Coffee Warlord]

I gotta imagine they'll go wherever they think they have the best chance of winning and/or fulfilling whatever private goals they have.

[MrBug708]

Where does someone like Melisandre (Though I imagine if Stannis loses she'll be executed, barring some religious conversion by a Lord) go? Davos and Florant are also very loyal to Stannis. Maybe Davos would come to us for vengeance? As for Renly's guys, Loras will never flip to Stannis, Penrose was pretty loyal in the books, and Brienne will probably flip to anyone who promises vengeance for the death of Renly. So she would be a longshot for us.

[MrBug708]

CW - After speaking with CR, I believe you need to make the order of hiring Baelish's ravens (for the price of 1 gold coin).

[MrBug708]

What do u think about a play for a faceless man?

[Coffee Warlord]

No Chance In Hell. :)

[JAG]

It'd be nice if we could buy them before someone else does, but not sure we have the coin to make that happen.

[MrBug708]

No Chance In Hell. :)

What is your reasoning? Not saying I agree/disagree over it, but you would think the Lannisters would make a play for it with their money? Unless they plan on buying off everyone in the game.

[Coffee Warlord]

I can't say in thread, due to possible spies. There's a reason, though.

[MrBug708]

Works for me! If you send me the cash, I would be more than happy to do so :)

[Coffee Warlord]

Lemme just find that loose 250,000 I have sitting in that corner over there. :)

[MrBug708]

I only need a cool 100K or so :)

[JAG]

Put my fate in the hands of King Robb

[MrBug708]

Why do we think the Mountain ran, instead of put his fate into Joffrey's hand? Part of game mechanisms right? I don't think the Lannister's would put themselves into harms way by killing a member of their bannermen.

[MrBug708]

Any further tasks for me today?

[Coffee Warlord]

Maybe he just decided he was gonna turn one way or another, seeing as there was already writing on the wall the Lannisters were gonna get ganged up on, and figured he'd try and cut bait early.

[Coffee Warlord]

Right now, no. It's too early to know WTF is gonna happen.

[Coffee Warlord]

Some of those little birds are quite interesting. And amusing.

[MrBug708]

So slow for me

[Coffee Warlord]

I think I may send you to Renly today, MB.

[MrBug708]

Let me know

[Coffee Warlord]

Why the hell not.

Couple points I'd like made...one, the constant emissaries to and from the Lannisters is deeply concerning, considering prior agreements.

Two, I'm curious as to what they think of Mellisandre. I maintain having a 'king killing' power is way too out of balance as a power.

Three, I'm curious if they think they have an arrangement with Tywin if he defects.

And fourth...well, find out what you can. See if he has any other offers for us, see what's what. I'm also curious to see if he tries to persuade you to defect.

Got any other thoughts/inquiries before I ship the order in?

[Coffee Warlord]

Long story short...no binding agreements, but you're free to attempt to negotiate anything you think will help us out, or any bits of intelligence bartering.

[MrBug708]

I'm assuming, for the time being, that we favor Stannis > Renly, if for the simple fact that he hates the Lannisters?

[Coffee Warlord]

For the time being, Stannis has been more consistent then Renly. He's had his reasons, some of which I know, but I feel I know where Stannis stands a bit more than Renly right now. Which is another reason I'm sending you - he needs to alleviate some concerns I'm having.

Hell, for all I know, Stannis is just better at plotting behind the scenes better. :)

[MrBug708]

Sounds good, I'll see what I can do!

[Coffee Warlord]

Bring back some of that awesome southerner wine.

[MrBug708]

I shall! Just waiting for the command my Liege!

[Coffee Warlord]

IM'd Chief about it already, but...

Send forth Lord Karstark as my official emissary to Renly!

[Chief Rum]

Lord Rickard Karstark has left the Stark camp on an unknown errand, presumeably to serve as emmissary to King Renly, as the King declared publically.

[MrBug708]

I return from Renly. (I PM'ed Chief, letting him know I would return by 6am)

He did not try to buy my service. He also claimed that he did not make an offer to Twin to flea Joffrey for service to him. (Which why would Tywin go there?) He did say that he if Tywin did feel the need to save his own lands, that Renly would have a place for him. Semantics from a rumor

Pressed for an alliance early on, but I worked my way around committing to their cause.

Renly wants to take out Stannis first, Tywin second. I pushed and prodded and it seems that they would be more willing to help with the Lannisters, once Melisandre was out of the way. Renly implied that Stannis has a lot of ships and some sort of magical ability with the Red Priestess.

Gregor reached out to in him the main thread once the vote was going poorly. I didnt check it out, but going to Renly makes sense I guess.

Believes that Cersei can spy in threads and presumably share information with Jaime perhaps? He noticed her in his thread a few times, but I've never seen her in ours. Her hours are a bit off so no one is really awake? At least on the WC.

Varys has not been at Renly's camp, but they have talked on occasion. He stated that he did not trust Varys, but I didnt get that impression either though. Especially with other acquired information from Baelish. (Assuming Petr is telling us the truth).

I had one more set of questions crafted towards Renly, but I ran out of time before being gone for most of the day.

Renly also informed us that he received a wayward Raven that was intended for someone else. It was a Maesters report on Robb Stark/Winterfell. This was a sign of good faith, although it tells us little as the contents were not disclosed to me. I'm assuming he read the contents?

I feel like it was a productive conversation, yet nothing was said of great importance.

[Coffee Warlord]

I'm not ENTIRELY sure you can come back until the first deadline. So I'll pretend I don't know any of this until Chief lets us know that's kosher. :)

[Coffee Warlord]

Unless he already replied to you that was okay.

[MrBug708]

I do feel that if we turn on Melisandre (and essentially Stannis), we risk losing Stannis and Renly turning on us. War is likely coming soon, but I do not get the feeling that the North is marching into battle as the main combatant. I think Theon and Roose Bolton could get away voting for Melisandre while Robb and I can pursue someone else. I can get away with Cersei with the Jaime connection, but who does Robb go after? Maybe a "too bust to get around to voting" move?

Oh and when I expressed the North's desire to rule independently, he said that he had no interest in ruling with an iron fist and that he liked the warm, not the cold. That is probably more definitive that what Stannis said of NOT being independent.

[MrBug708]

I'm not ENTIRELY sure you can come back until the first deadline. So I'll pretend I don't know any of this until Chief lets us know that's kosher. :)

I can choose to return anytime. At least that was told to me last time after meeting with Stannis.

It was a risk, but I wouldnt be able to post as much as I wouldnt have a computer, just phone.

I'll suffer a gold penalty if need be, but I PM'ed Chief last night that I would return at 6am whether or not Path got back to me. Perhaps you could get away with not voting for Melisandre as a slight for not getting to your emissary in time.

[Coffee Warlord]

Ah, cool. In which case, let me process that info.

In the meantime, I've asked Chief if war starts in a few hours, or after day 4. If it starts in a few hours...important question: is your income greater or less than 5k?

[MrBug708]

5K a day? Or 5K total?

[Coffee Warlord]

5k a day. Daily income.

[MrBug708]

No sir. I get 2250 a day I believe

[Coffee Warlord]

Then I can subsidize you. Let me know when you need money.

From this day on, I want everyone spending the 5k to buy a set of mercenaries, every day, until we win or we're dead.

[Coffee Warlord]

And do you still have your daily PM?

[MrBug708]

I sent an order to buy a raven from Baelish to you, can I do both?

[Coffee Warlord]

If so, save it - I may need you to send a message to Renly.

[MrBug708]

Not for today. I sent another message to Baelish yesterday (real time) morning

[Coffee Warlord]

I believe so, yes. I've spent on multiple things pretty much every day.

[Coffee Warlord]

Alright, hopefully JAG or Lathum, if he shows, can deliver it.

[Coffee Warlord]

But, the mercs are an absolute priority. That's an extra 20,000 troops we'll have at all times. And I can't assume I'm the only one who thought of the idea.

[MrBug708]

Action set. Once the next day passes, I'll do it again

[Coffee Warlord]

Lathum, if you see this, I'm sending you the appropriate amount of money - purchase mercs.

[Coffee Warlord]

And I think we're beyond worrying about spies right now. I need to know what my aces in the hole are. Bug, what's your special ability?

[MrBug708]

I have none other than I hate Jaime Lannister and cannot pass up an opportunity to kill him.

[MrBug708]

That is for better or worst and could result in my death, foolish as it may be

[Coffee Warlord]

Damn, I was hoping you could like fart towards Jaime and he'd die.

[MrBug708]

or at least the odds would be poor and m or at least the odds would be poor and my favor

[Coffee Warlord]

Anyway...a lot of what Renly told us jives with what Varys has told me. Interesting.

So I think what we're gonna see is Renly going after Stannis first with a single attack...or assassinating Melissandre. Honestly, I think our best bet there is...stay the fuck out of it. I hate to not have the initiative once war breaks out, but if that's gonna go down, I don't think we benefit from getting involved in it, unless we have to counteract the Lannisters.

I think tomorrow is gonna go down to...who gets off the block. We'll see.

[MrBug708]

With my mechanics I suggest you be wary of your wording in anything to do 2ith Jaime as I have a no refusal mechanism.

[MrBug708]

I suggest we split the votes today

[Coffee Warlord]

Question is...where is the vote getting split to? Melissandre is already an enemy of the realm.

[MrBug708]

That is a very good point.

[Coffee Warlord]

There's a reason I'm the King. :)

[Chief Rum]

Lord Rickard Karstark has returned to camp from his errand.

[MrBug708]

If I buy mercs now, I have them until day four deadline

[JAG]

Don't we only need to buy mercenaries if we have a use for them? If we are warred or war another?

[Coffee Warlord]

I'm getting clarification on the mercs right now - could be I interpreted the rules wrong. I'll let you guys know. Hopefully if I was wrong on how they could be used, we can rescind that.

[MrBug708]

I held off for now

[Coffee Warlord]

Buy 'em.

[Coffee Warlord]

All of you.

[MrBug708]

Now?

[Coffee Warlord]

May as well put the order in. We have their use starting after today's deadline, for the duration of the following day.

[MrBug708]

So...hmm

[Lathum]

just so you guys know I asked CR a few days ago to replace me. This game is way more complex then I have time for. He said he had someone he thinks can fill in but that was the last I heard.

[Chief Rum]

just so you guys know I asked CR a few days ago to replace me. This game is way more complex then I have time for. He said he had someone he thinks can fill in but that was the last I heard.

I have a PM out to a player who expressed interest when we needed to replace greenbeans, and I am hopeful he is still interested in playing.

[MrBug708]

Alan?

[Chief Rum]

Alan?

No, not Alan. But I might ask him if my current target turns down the opportunity.

[Alan T]

Alan?


Not me. I've gotten too much inside information that I shouldn't play.

[MrBug708]

That's why I want you on the Starks

[Chief Rum]

Not me. I've gotten too much inside information that I shouldn't play.

Good point. Curiosity killed the cat!