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"Perhaps we could attempt to find the legendary stag?" After Weyland is shot, "Who hunts with a bow? I was taught if you were going to kill someone the least you owed them was to look them in the eye while you did so." A moment later Ophelia adds, "That and don't die. Not dying is an essential pillar of martial combat."
Ophelia will go with the Hunts Master, Garran, and assist him in locating prey in the hopes that he in turn assists her in killing whatever they might find.
I am ready, just hanging back as I was certain I would not be a gift giver.
In the early evening, Ophelia returned to the family pavilion, and began telling Weyland's children a bed time story. Once they were fast asleep, she tested her armor and spear before heading to be herself.
Ophelia is not going to attempt to show up any of the men . . .
I am still here, just sitting quietly at the kid's table. I am making sure I eat the bread and salt though. No one ever breaks that rule right? Mmm How many Freys are there?
Ophelia makes certain to eat bread and salt, and thereafter joins the children's table in order to better monitor Weyland's youngest.
I am a public defender in beautiful Montana. Currently, I have about 148 open cases. Monday, I get to try to convince 12 people that my client's .138 BAC was due to naturally occurring phenomena, and not the result of alcohol consumption.
I am in court all day tomorrow and all day friday. My posts will be limited to the evenings for these two days. I have a graduation party to attend on the 14th, so I will be posting early, but not in the evening. Sigh.
Ophelia makes her way slowly into the crowd sheepishly. She surely wanted to take note of a Westerosi Princess, but at the same time she did not want to further jeopardize her precarious position within the House.
Awareness Ophelia cannot shake the feeling she is being watched. Looking around, she notices someone. Athletics Giving chase, Ophelia manages to catch up quickly. Deception "I am glad I caught you. I think you were supposed to tell me something? What was that passphrase that I was supposed to say so you would tell me. . . Darn! I can't seem to recall. Before I get in trouble, would you save me? Please?"
Ophelia goes in search of Cassondria so they can once again continue with babysitting. If she manages to locate Garran in order to get some last minute spear practice in before the morning's hunt, she will do so with Cassondria while out of sight from prying eyes. Perhaps inside a pavilion.
Ophelia whispers back,
Weyland: "In Dorne, it would be an honor to rescue a Prince or Princess. I assumed it may be a slight here to allow the wagon to fail in our presence regardless of fault. I was simply assuming the opposite."
Ophelia whispers something to Weyland. Weyland: "Perhaps we should make apologies to the Lord of the House before anything gets too out of hand, Ser Weyland? I could locate m'lady Cassondria to be the bearer of news. No offense, but she is much more persuasive than either of us, and more likely to calm the Lord than the whole of the rest of creation put together."
"I apologize for the condition of the roads, M'Lady." Ophelia offers as she attempts to catch the wagon before it can tip too far, " House Naelareon sends its warmest regards." she offers as she does her best to fix the wagon with her House mates.
Ophelia will attempt to right the wagon:
Marcus: "I believe this could take all through the night. I doubt you would prefer to hunt exhausted, and I am sure I would not. Until the morrow then?" Ophelia curtseys as gracefully as she can, and exits to her own tent to sleep.
If I am now more up to speed, it appears that over time, I will need to roll a minimum of: (9+5+5) =19 to get three DoS on an Intrigue Test v. Marcus. On 3d6, that means I need a 17 or 18 on 3d6. Marcus will likewise need to roll (10+5+5) = 20 on an Intrigue Test v. Ophelia, that means he needs an 18 on 3d6. At such time those rolls may occur, each will lower the Opponent's Composure by 3 (Deception) x 3 (DoS) - 6 (DS) = 3 Composure Loss. Thus, I would have to succeed three times, and he 4 times to get an actual victory? Either of us could burn 1 Destiny Point to increase a result by 5 permanently losing one Destiny Point, or we could spend a Destiny Point to gain +1B for a single round, losing one Destiny Point until the end of a significant event, of the Narrator's choice?
Marcus: Disposition: Undriendly (DR 6) Objective: Friendship Initiative: Intrigue Defense: 10 Composure: 12 Yield: Assistance with making amends for Ophelia's family's wrongs against the House, assistance in increasing Status.
"Ser, I am not sure managing to become more Westerosi would indeed help. That is in part why I am here. Perhaps now is as good a time as any. Please, do let me know what I m doing improperly? I would prefer you to let me know in private rather than in a more public forum, of course. Perhaps we could trade a little of our knowledge with one another. I am obviously a little unsure in your lands. I also have some small training in other areas that I would be happy to share."
So if I understand this right, when using Deception, your Opponent can roll Awareness to see through the deception? If so, how does awareness of the deception affect the future rolls in the Intrigue? My OOC on the other side is answered here, (I think) so I will go Edit to continue the Intrigue. Calculation: Both Marcus and I have set Unfriendly as our starting Disposition. We are both DR 6 as a result. I roll 3d6 and one DoS against Marcus. He loses 3 Composure, reduced by up to 6 for a total of 0. Marcus rolled a 14 against my 10 Intrigue Defense, also one DoS, I lose 3 composure, reduced by up to 6 for a total of 0. Both he and I can roll Awareness to determine whether we know the other is faking. The roll for Awareness is the number rolled for the Deception test.
Weyland: Ophelia points back from whence she came, "I just left Lady Cassondria, she was just there."
"Perhaps I will have a chance to demonstrate what I know tomorrow, at the hunt."
Weyland:
"I will never understand, I don't think, why children born of love and passion are treated with less respect than those born of duty and often disdain. I hope that your children achieve amazing things. I am not a knight, but a spear is a formidable weapon. Perhaps after the tourney, you would consider allowing me to train your children? I know the Dornish spear is different than the Westerosi spear, but that only aids even more. Your children's enemies will not be so well trained to defend against techniques from Dorne, perhaps?" Marcus: Disposition: Undriendly (DR 6)
Cassondria:
"Thank you M;lady, Cassondria. If you ever need my help in battles more akin to those I am used to fighting, I hope you will not hesitate to ask." Weyland: Disposition: Indifferent (DR 4) Objective: Friendship Initiative: Intrigue Defense:10 Composure: 12 Yeild: Assistance within the House to increase Status beyond that of a lying bastard from Dorne. "[b]Ser, your children have done well today, thanks in no small part to m'lady Cassondria. I believe I have accomplished the goal you set for this day. I assume you wish the same for tomorrow?[ Someday, perhaps, I will be something more than a bastard woman in the eyes of your House?/b]"
I plan to checkin with Matthias and Weyland before I head to bed, otherwise I will be done.
Cassondria: Goal: friendship
"I am not certain what, if anything, I really have to offer. I do need help in gaining somewhat of a more secure position in this place before I can make anymore blunders."
Ophelia makes her way to Cassondria to discuss the morning's odd occurrences. Cassondria: Disposition: Indifferent (DR 4)
"It seems your father has decided that the new Heir should be elected. I fear I have just fled Darne's best attempt to woo me to his side. Have you considered taking some action to help shore up a position for yourself? Can women even realistically be an Heir?"
This is an actual Spoiler for the Game of Thrones books (I am not a subscriber to HBO, so I cannot extrapolate where the show is going, although I am told this is the season the show divorces the books. . . ) It is based on my pet theory of the moment, and I offer it as fodder for general discussion. GoT Theory o Mine:
Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen had a torrid love afair. Their union created Jon Snow. Jon Snow was taken in by Ned Stark to help hide his identity from Ned's dear friend, Robert Baratheon. Baratheon started an entire war over Lyanna's abduction. What would he have done had he known she was actually in love with Rhaegar?
Jon Snow is the Lord of Light, blood of kings, all that because he is the last Targaryen in Westerns. The red priestess, Melisandre, having been left behind at the Wall will resurrect Jon, much like Lady Stoneheart was resurrected by he red priest, Thoros. She will realize her mistake at his resurrection, the first time she will have interacted with his blood. More theories to come, but this is my favorite current one . . .
--Further edit--
As soon as I know what to roll, I will roll. If The Warlord beats me to it, I don't really see any reason he shouldn't or couldn't roll for me. I don't want have to retcon back a bunch of mistakes on my part, so I will wait patiently. . .
Darne:
"I do believe your father may be one of the rare northerners, referring to your direction from my homeland, not insisting you are Stark's men, that has the capacity to understand the importance of women outside of our god given gift for bearing sons. I do hope you are giving some valid consideration to your sister regarding the potential heirs."
--Edit-- He actually has 2 DoS, but I want to make sure the process is correct.
Ok, let me see if I understand Intrigue before I make any attempts whatsoever. I am moderately good at Cunning and Will, average at best when it comes to Persuasion, and somewhere in-between when it comes to Deception. Mock Scenario: I engage Bob from House Bob in conversation to convince him to vote for Steve. My goal is an honest conversation on the merits of Steve's leadership, The raw ability for Convince is Will rank; the Persuasion specialty is Convince, and the Deception Specialty is Act. I can now choose to roll Will with no bonus, Persuasion with bonus dice from Convince, but not Deception with bonus dice from Act since I am attempting an honest conversation.
I have a 16 v. Bob's Intrigue Defense of 10. I have succeeded with two DoS (I beat the target by 6) so he loses my rank in Will x2 (total of -8) from his Composure. Since he was not defeated in round 1, he now makes an attempt to convince me to vote for his cousin, Jeff. He is lying because he knows Jeff is a schmuck. He has to use Deception 3 (2B Act) because he knows he is being dishonest. = 14. My Intrigue Defense is only 10, so he also succeeds, but with only the 1 DoS, so I lose his Deception (but not Bonus) dice to my Composure, leaving me with 9 of 12. We repeat until Bob or I lose, at which time one of us will vote the way the other wishes.
Darne: "It would be improper to deny you words with a humble servant, what can I do for you, m'lord?"
Ophelia's face brightens at the mention of a hunt, "I would be more than happy to assist in the hunt, m'lord, I am better with a spear for purposes of large game. Water Dancing requires a better partner than a boar." When the conversation turns to politics, the Dorne's joy quickly evaporates. Sucking some air between her teeth, she quickly asks, "May I speak frankly, m'lord?" "I believe that decision is best left to your father. It would be unseemly and useless for me to offer an opinion, unless you are seeking someone to sooth an perceived injury to your dignity. I am not well enough versed in your House to understand which you seek. I cannot believe you would be seeking political advice from me, however; perhaps you meant to inquire of Cassandra?"
Ophelia is likewise listening for rumors and tid-bits as she follows Weyland's youngest through the various stalls at the Tournament, eager to find lemon cakes. Equally eager to learn more about the Hunt, and women's roles in the hunt. I do hope I am able to assist Cassondria in spearing a boar. How delicious would it be to have the two womenfolk return with a giant beast. . .
"I do acknowledge that I am a capable combatant, some times. I would point out that I am somewhat lacking in the realm of social graces, however. Perhaps Cassondria might be the more capable teacher in that regard. If you can stomach a woman instructor with regard to spear, I would be more than happy to instruct. I would caution that from what I know of Westerosi custom and tradition, you would likely find yourself a laughing stock as if your enemies were to find I were helping you." Ophelia ponders the concept of the ball. "I do believe tradition affords you one paramour and one betrothed. If Cassondria is amiable to play one part, I could certainly play the other. It will interfere with my duty to guard the children though. I will consult Weyland. Keep in mind, I do have a horse more than capable of bearing you, though you may need to spend some time with him before you take him into the joust."
Cassondria:
"Yes and no. It does bother me that here I am nothing other than a woman in a dress, but at the same time we are taught to avoid showing our true strength before it is needed. I am slightly confused as to why your warriors demonstrate all their weaknesses to the world before they engage them on the field. It sounds like a way to help hasten one's death, should the time come." Ophelia smiles a little as she answers.
Ophelia slips on her quilted doublet before strapping on her sword belt. She takes some time to oil her saber, making sure it slides quickly and freely from the scabbard and that its tip is appropriately sharp. Once she is secure in the knowledge she has at least one reasonably concealable weapon in place, she dons her common garb, wraps a heavy traveller's cloak over the entire ensemble, and ventures out to tour the grounds with Weyland's youngest child in tow.
I think until we break bread and have salt from our hosts, I am not likely to wander without my spear. I take my duty as a protector seriously. Can we assume that I know such a thing, or can we just see how it RPs out?
Are there ladies' events? Perhaps an archery competition or some such? Ophelia is still alien to many Westerosi customs, so she plans to spend the time chasing children and using them as an excuse to keep moving, therefore avoiding unwanted attention. I hope that in doing so I can possibly use Cunning to avoid unwanted intrigues? I believe I should attend the ball, if asked to do so (assuming the house wants me there if only to embarrass me). I do have my Dornish court garb and jewelry, so I can be presentable.
Ophelia will not allow Weyland's children to get more than ten feet from her. As she chases them through the camps, she keeps an eye open for any opportunity to train with Cassandra on the bow. Likewise she keeps her ears open for any news of value to the House. Hopefully a woman chasing children won't cause any issues, albeit a woman with a five foot spear . . .
Cassondria: "Ser Weyland seems to have some concerns about safety while we are at this tournament. I wish we had had time to train and re-familiarize you with the bow, but we did not. I would ask that you assist me in watching Ser's child so that I might have opportunity to watch over you as well. . . So long as such service would not cause you offense."
I am ready to go as well, just have to post my statement to Cassondria on the correct side :).
Doh! too late to edit. I am deleting my bookmarks. . . I should have last week.
Wary of further unwanted reputation, Ophelia either sleeps or pretends to sleep, through late knight raps upon her door.
While packing, Ophelia takes some extra time to sharpen her spear, and make some practice thrusts with her small pointed sword. Mostly, she is killing time so that she can explain Cassondria: "Ser Weyland seems to have some concerns about safety while we are at this tournament. I wish we had had time to train and re-familiarize you with the bow, but we did not. I would ask that you assist me in watching Ser's child so that I might have opportunity to watch over you as well. . . So long as such service would not cause you offense."
Weyland: "[b]I am afraid I know as much about children as you do lemons. Regardless, I will do as you command. Your child will be safe.
Ophelia takes careful note of the interplay between the two training knights. Seeing that they are intent to rest before the tournament, she takes a couple dozen practice swings and jabs at the pel, returns the practice spear to the weapon rack, and heads to bed.
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