Bounds of Ambition 1

<Ambition_GM> The year is 276 after Aegon's Conquest...
<Ambition_GM> This 14th year of reign under King Aerys, second of His name, by the grace of the gods, has brought the security of the royal household's succession. The arrival of Prince Viserys, who by all accounts is a small but robust babe, and of the Valyrian beauty that graces his older brother Rhaegar, is said to have brought much happiness to His Grace the King and his royal councilors.
<Ambition_GM> In the North, Lord Paramount Rickard Stark eyes the lands North of the Wall with ambition. A successful audience at King's Landing early in His Grace's reign, saw King Aerys warm up to the Warden of the North's idea of building another Wall, and claiming more lands in the Far North.
<Ambition_GM> In the Riverlands, Lord Paramount Hoster Tully enjoys the peace brought on by Lord Quellon Greyjoy's progressive edicts forbidding the ironmen from raiding. Such have been the fruits of these efforts that Lord Hoster has actively lent aid to the Lord Reaper of Pyke as the Old Way is shed.
<Ambition_GM> In the Vale, the childless Lord Jon Arryn takes part in cautious negotiations with merchants from across the Narrow Sea, while seeking a new spouse to at last give him a true-born heir.
<Ambition_GM> From the Reach, news travels of Lord Luthor Tyrell's demise. An unfortunate hawking accident saw the Warden of the South ride off a cliff, whilst focusing attention on his beloved bird's graceful flight.
<Ambition_GM> Lord Steffon Baratheon, first cousin to His Grace, rules as Lord Paramount of the Stormlands. Renown for his martial prowess, the Lord of Storm's End can field some of the fiercest knights in the Seven Kindgoms, something put to display in the Tourney hosted by the Baratheons just a year ago. It was at the Tourney in Storm's End, too, that young Prince Rhaegar made a name for himself as a daring and skillful tourney knight - truly, he is all the people of Westeros could hope for in an heir to Iron Throne.
<Ambition_GM> In the sandy lands of Dorne, Prince Doran Martell reveals little in the way of ambition. The Lord of Sunspear is deliberate and cautious, successfully keeping himself away from the minds of many. A diplomatic man, Prince Doran prefers to negotiate externally with the merchants of the Free Cities, Norvos in particular.
<Ambition_GM> Finally, in the Westerlands, Lord Paramount Tywin Lannister, Warden of the West, Shield of Lannisport - your Liege - reigns with a steady and firm hand. Hand, in truth, to the King himself. Yet it is not lost among the Lannister bannermen that His Grace and Lord Tywin have become estranged in many ways. Once, overtly the closest of friends, the relationship has become strained, and Lord Tywin has attended to his duties as Hand of the King from Casterly Rock for the better part of two years.
<Ambition_GM> The two friends have ruled the Seven Kingdoms to a golden age of peace and plenty for all. Yet His Grace has of the last few years sought to undermine your Liege, in an effort to make clear who sits on the Iron Throne. As news travels of Prince Viserys's birth, it is with some expectation that Lord Tywin's response is awaited. Will he join in and rejoice for his old friend, or will the slights against him and his late wife, the Lady Joanna of Casterly Rock, elicit a more reserved response?
<Ambition_GM> Azure and tawny banners fly over the Argent Keep, home of Lord-Banner Kastlan Hosgavel.
<Ambition_GM> Footmen of Granite Hall halt their march, Ser Allen escorting the venerable Maester Kaladin with news, and orders.
<Ambition_GM> Behind the Lord's own men, arrive the Red Masons. At the head of these sellswords from across the Narrow Sea, is one Vararro Stassiros, the Bravoosi.
<Ambition_GM> Pushing his beast of burden onward, the master smith of Granite Hall at last catches up, wagon's contents clanking to a halt.
Ambition_GM> "My lord Kastlan," calls Ryllan, master-at-arms to Lord Gavel. "We arrive on orders from Granite Hall."
<Ambition_GM> He dismounts from his courser, and bows his head.
 Kastlan_Hosgavel slowly walks outside of the his Argent Keep's walls. Wary and unsure as to why his Liege Lord's master-at-arms is here with all these others.
<Kastlan_Hosgavel> "Let's hear it."
<Ambition_GM> "My Lord," his head rises once more, "we have found the location of the Stone Band's hideout."
<Ambition_GM> He turns and waves over the Maester.
* Kastlan_Hosgavel narrows his eyes.
* Maester_Kaladin approaches the summons, bowing his head upon arrival.
"Greetings, Lord Hosgavel. We have traveled to deliver some critical information regarding our recent.. obstacles involving the troublesome bandits."
* Kastlan_Hosgavel Clinging on his Maester Kaladin's last words. Desperate to hear a lead.
<Maester_Kaladin> "Specifically, we seem to have identified their location; the captured scum in our last encounter was most revealing."
<Kastlan_Hosgavel> "And is this individual at Granite Hold?"
<Ser_Allen> "Lord, we got a raven."
<Maester_Kaladin> "My Lord, the information has been.. terminally extracted. More importantly, their hideout's location dwells within the Durain Forest, just outside of Lord Dulver's lands. Our Liege Lord would find it most conducive to, let us say, have a tactful approach as to not potentially upset the Dulvers."
<Maester_Kaladin> "I must add one more detail, my Lord."
* Kastlan_Hosgavel A bit overwhelmed, but remaining tactful and with a cool head.
<Kastlan_Hosgavel> "Go on."
<Maester_Kaladin> *Kaladin leans in closer* "This forested area, being on the outskirts of Lord Dulver's lands, does provide them the benefit of subterfuge without much interference from Dulver's men. That is to say, it may be entirely possible that Lord Dulver is aware of the bandits and has chosen to not deal with them, possibly more conspiratorially than we would have foreseen."
* Kastlan_Hosgavel Takes a moment to absorb what the maester has just told him.
<Kastlan_Hosgavel> "Walk with me, Kaladin. Master-of-arms, Argent keep is welcome to you. That goes for the Red Masons as well. I will leave it up to you to coordinate who gets the courtyard and outside the wall, Ryllan."
<Ambition_GM> "As you command, my Lord."
* Kastlan_Hosgavel Starts walking toward the Tumblestone with his cohort.
* Maester_Kaladin bows head and follows
<Ambition_GM> The Master-at-arms turns towards the mercenaries, addressing Vararro. "Sellsword. You and your men can set up camp on the opposite side of the road. Mind the seeded fields. Once you are settled in, come find me."
<Kastlan_Hosgavel> Kastlan and Maester Kaladin walk for a trifle till they reach a larch birch next to the river. Kastlan leans against a tree.
<Vararro> "Aye."
* Vararro begins moving his men to the designated area directing his men to make camp for the time being. Once everything is in order he leaves his second in command in charge of the camp and heading towards the interior of the Argent Keep's walls, hunting for Master-at Arms Ryllan.
<Kastlan_Hosgavel> "The Dulvers are an opportunistic House. I wouldn't put it past them to be funding these bandits... they could be his own men disguised. They are very methodical in their methods, as we've unfortunately seen."
<Ambition_GM> "Ser Allen, see to it that our men arrange patrols as soon as they have laid camp. Afterward, ensure the Maester's safety," Ryllan calls as he mounts his courser.
<Ser_Allen> "Aye."
* Ser_Allen walks off to start with his orders
<Ambition_GM> "Come, Kaspar. You and your boy can set up shop in the courtyard. Let's get your... belongings in order," Ryllan says clicking his heels, bringing his mount up to a slow trot.
<Kaspar> "Eh? Thank ya, Ryllan."
<Maester_Kaladin> "Indeed, however, we must consider all possibilities. The Dulvers' are certainly fickle."
* Kaspar says to his apprentice "Mose, let's move our things into the Courtyard."
<Ambition_GM> The soldiers under the Gavel banners begin to set up camp, impressing some of the peasant children as they walk past.
<Ambition_GM> Inside the courtyard the fair Lady Marsilla emerges.
<Kastlan_Hosgavel> "Which is why they could be enlisting the help of these vagabonds, if they aren't already in Lord Dulver's own retinue. Thank you for bringing this information to me, Maester Kaladin. I will convene with my cabinet and the master-at-arms and we will deal with this swiftly."
<Maester_Kaladin> *nods* "Certainly, my Lord, always a pleasure to be of service."
Kastlan_Hosgavel> Lord Hosgavel and the maester make their way back to the outskirts where the Red Masons are making camp and into Argent Keep's crowded courtyard.
<Ambition_GM> Once you have all gathered inside, Lady Marsilla's charm draws you all in.
<Ambition_GM> "Come, welcome guests! Our home is yours. Please, come in and receive bread and salt," she gracefully beckons you into the hall.
<Ambition_GM> Ryllan turns to Vararro, "Good. There you are. It may appear an odd custom, but that will include you, too."
<Vararro> "Don't worry about it Ryllan, far be it from me to turn down food and drink."
<Kastlan_Hosgavel> Kastlan gives a curt nod to his wife and-possibly by the trick of her eye-a slight smile.
Kastlan_Hosgavel> "Ryllan. Vararro. I'd like you to come into my council chambers when you've finished. This meeting will be urgent."
<Ambition_GM> Inside the Argent Keep, the narrow, yet tall windows aid the indoor torches in keeping the hall well lit.
<Kaspar> "Oye, boy. Let's get some grub. We can't work without some food, now can we?" He laughs a bit.
<Kastlan_Hosgavel> Kastlan then makes his way down the Hall as he speaks, "You too , Maester Kaladin. Bring the giant as well, Ryllan."
<Vararro> "Could multitask couldn't we Lord Hosgavel? Eat and drink while we discuss business."
<Ambition_GM> Servants of the household enter through the kitchen doors holding plates with bread. Salt piles are laid out in a long tray. Once all is set, Ryllan takes the initiative, grabbing himself a piece of bread, dipping it in salt and taking a bite. Lady Marsilla gives him a smile and nod.
<Kastlan_Hosgavel> "Not in my council chambers, Vararro. I need clear heads." He says as he turns the corner.
* Vararro follows suit, afterwards nudging Ryllan and whispering quietly. "Ahh so this is what you meant by odd."
<Vararro> "Alright Lord Hosgavel."
<Ambition_GM> "The merchants of Lys trading in Lannisport find the custom perturbing, even," Ryllan replies as he makes his way towards Lord Hosgavel.
* Kaspar enters the hall and to get that bread.
<Vararro> "Everybody has their own idiosyncrasies from what I've seen. No different than people who all shave their heads or some shit Ryllan."
* Ser_Allen enters the hall follows suit
* Vararro follows Ryllan after Lord Hosgavel.
<Ambition_GM> "It is perhaps early, but you have been traveling. Perhaps you would care to take some food to sate your hunger?" Lady Marsilla suggests.
<Ambition_GM> Before you can reply, however, a Maester emerges, and Lady Marsilla excuses herself.
<Ambition_GM> Upon her return, a wide, beautiful smile forms on her face.
<Ambition_GM> "Wine! Bring wine!" she calls to her servants.
<Ambition_GM> MEANWHILE, AT THE COUNCIL CHAMBER...
<Kastlan_Hosgavel> Lord Hosgavel stands at his chair, leaning on the top with his hands on it.
<Ambition_GM> Ryllan enters, Vararro close behind. "My Lord."
* Maester_Kaladin lagging behind admiring the hall's decor, finally enters Lord Hosgavel's council chamber
<Kastlan_Hosgavel> Kastlan takes a moment and looks around him.
Kastlan_Hosgavel> "I've received word that the large band of bandits are rooted in Lord Dulver's holding, specificially,his forest. Now we've been looking for these brutes for long enough. They've robbed, raped and pillaged enough of our miner's hamlets and travelers."
<Kastlan_Hosgavel> Kastlan sits down.
<Kastlan_Hosgavel> "I've received word that the large band of bandits are rooted in Lord Dulver's holding, specificially,his forest. Now we've been looking for these brutes for long enough. They've robbed, raped and pillaged enough of our miner's hamlets and travelers."
<Kastlan_Hosgavel> Kastlan sits down.
* Ser_Allen takes a seat
<Ambition_GM> "Villanous swine," Ryllan comments, sitting down.
<Ser_Allen> "More meat for the chopping block, eh?"
* Maester_Kaladin sits down.
* Vararro leans against the door frame arms crossed. Bored but attentive.
<Kastlan_Hosgavel> "Now I have a good idea where they are exactly based on what maester Kaladin has told me. We need to be cautious as to not have Lord Dulver realize we have trespassed on his land." Kastlan takes a sip from his flask. "Normally I'd get my cousin to try and engage in diplomacy with Lord Dulver, but I have my suspicions that he may be in cahoots with these marauders."
<Ambition_GM> "An outrage!" Ryllan cries.
<Kastlan_Hosgavel> "I wish to send out a scouting party. I will explain to those where I believe their den of malice to be."
<Kastlan_Hosgavel> "Vararro."
* Vararro swears quietly under his breath before responding to the lord. "Fuck. Yes Lord Hosgavel?"
* Kastlan_Hosgavel About to speak but notices the Vararro's stammering. "I'm entrusting you with this task. Take Ser Allen with you in case you find yourself in peril, but by the seven, don't let him too close to that camp. They couldn't miss him and your party would be compromised.
<Ambition_GM> Ryllan interrupts, then. "My Lord, forgive me, but we the numbers to crush these pests, would it perhaps be wise to mobilize in superior numbers to destroy them once and for all?"
<Vararro> "I appreciate the faith you have in me Lord Hosgavel and while I can be quiet as a shadow on a moonless night...well to be frank I'm shite at woodcraft. Never had the head for it. So they won't see me. But I'll be lucky to find a bears trail through the woods let alone a persons."
<Kastlan_Hosgavel> Kastlan turns to Ryllan. "I want to see what we're up against without spooking Lord Dulver just yet, Ryllan." Kastlan turns to Vararro. "I will give you specific details on where the general proximity of their den is. I'm expecting it's an old, abandoned copper mine just inside the forest up against a hill."
<Vararro> "I'll make the attempt if this what you want. I'd just more over suggest, if you have scouts, to make use of them instead.
<Kastlan_Hosgavel> "With all due respect, Vararro, I'd prefer you to make use of what Lord Gavel is paying you and not be idle. I'm sending one of my cousin's best soldiers with you to assure things don't get too out of hand."
<Maester_Kaladin> "Excuse me, but if I may make a humble suggestion, my Lord.."
<Vararro> "Oh me and mine will handle it. Was just suggesting we utilize some people with the knack for it as all. As my and my bands talent lies elsewhere."
Kastlan_Hosgavel Patient, but his patience seems to be waning.
<Kastlan_Hosgavel> "Go on."
* Kastlan_Hosgavel Contemplates the maester's words.
* Kastlan_Hosgavel turns to Ryllan.
<Kastlan_Hosgavel> "Who's the best scout in my brother's retinue, man-at-arms?"
<Ambition_GM> "My Lord Gavel has sent with me the House's Scouts. One-hundred men trained for this very purpose as the Maester observes."
<Kastlan_Hosgavel> "Too many. I want the best two out of that company to accompany Varraro and Ser Allen."
<Ambition_GM> "As you command, my Lord."
<Kastlan_Hosgavel> "Bring the two men in here."
<Ambition_GM> "Very well. If you'll excuse me." Ryllan makes his leave.
* Kastlan_Hosgavel Turns to Varraro. "You can take as many in your company as you'd like, Varraro."
<Vararro> "None are suited to the task Lord Hosgavel."
<Vararro> "I'll stick with the scouts."
<Kastlan_Hosgavel> "Vararro I want you to bring your company and establish a fallback point that will be made as a base of operations close by the den."
<Kastlan_Hosgavel> "If you are caught, retreat back to that point."
<Vararro> "Given the nature of the men in question. I'd think if we were caught we'd not be able to make it there. Perhaps we can take along a raven that we can send back to the "fallback point". Call in the cavalry so to speak."
<Kastlan_Hosgavel> "Listen- I know of an abandoned mill close not too far from there. It's close enough to run back to if need be but not too close to where they could hear or see you."
<Vararro> "Understood."
<Kastlan_Hosgavel> "You will take Ser Allen, your company, and the two scouts."
<Kastlan_Hosgavel> "You will leave before dusk, so get ready."
<Vararro> "So long as Ser Allen stays with the camp I'm amenable to that."
<Kastlan_Hosgavel> "Very well."
<Vararro> "Alright I'll go prepare my men." "Ryllan have your scouts meet me on the road. I want to get this done."
<Kastlan_Hosgavel> "Meeting's adjourned."
<Ambition_GM> At the main hall, Lady Marsilla entertains her guests with wine and fruit.
<Ambition_GM> Kaspar's apprentice appears to be enjoying himself. Perhaps a bit too much.
<Ambition_GM> "Come, join us!" she calls as you emerge from the council chamber.
<Kaspar> "Simper down a little bit there, lad. We still got work to do after."
<Vararro> "Wish I could Milady!" Vararro answers back as he makes for the front door.
<Ser_Allen> "Mission soon." Allen heads to gather his equipment.
<Ambition_GM> Lady Marsilla's smile abruptly leaves her face at the curt, disrespectful retort.
* Kastlan_Hosgavel Emerges from the council chamber.
<Ambition_GM> "There you are, my love. Come take wine, we have received exciting news from Casterly Rock!"
* Kastlan_Hosgavel Smiles at her. "And what news would that be?"
<Ambition_GM> "Lord Tywin is to host a grand tourney in Lannisport. Can you imagine? The beautiful cloths, the knights, the feasts - celebrating the birth of Prince Viserys!"
* Kastlan_Hosgavel Smile turns into a closed-mouth smile.
<Ambition_GM> "I do!" Mose, the smith's apprentice lowdly interjects.
* Kastlan_Hosgavel Stares him down menacingly.
<Maester_Kaladin> "Absolutely, I've always been fond of the great city port."
Kastlan_Hosgavel> "If you'll excuse me, dear, maester Kaladin, I must take my leave."
* Kaspar runs up and says "Apologies my Lord and Lady."
* Kastlan_Hosgavel Kisses Marsilla on the forehead and walks out into the courtyard.
* Maester_Kaladin bows his head respectfully
<Ambition_GM> "Oh, it is lovely, isn't it Maester?" she says after Kastlan has left.
* Kaspar lightly pushes Mose and escorts out the Hall. Kaspar says "We got work remember? And you gotta be respectful with the nice Lord and Lady who feeding us by not 'bothering' them."
Ambition_GM> "Buu... but she ASKED!" the boy shrugs.
* Kastlan_Hosgavel From out the courtyard, Kastlan hears Kaspar, House Gavel's blacksmith scold his apprentice. He appreciates this.
* Kaspar whispers to Mose "I know, lad. I know. It's a bit complicated so I'll explain it later."
<Maester_Kaladin> "Indeed, but I must say, for the time being what I must comment on is how much we do appreciate you and Lord Hosgavel for being such generous hosts. Allow me to sincerely thank you for your hospitality."
* Maester_Kaladin glares at Kaspar and Mose
<Ambition_GM> "You are most kind, Maester. Your company is always welcome here. Which reminds me, we have arranged a room for you in the Keep."
Ambition_GM> "It isn't much, I'm afraid, but we hope it will be restful enough."
<Maester_Kaladin> "You are too kind, Milady. I'm sure everything will more than suffice."
<Ambition_GM> Meanwhile, outside the keep the armsmen are riled up as Lord Kastlan's orders reach them.
<Ambition_GM> The Red Masons have assembled, as two of the Gavel scouts converse with Ryllan.
* Kastlan_Hosgavel Kastlan sees them off. Going over the directions with the two scouts.
<Ambition_GM> With the plans communicated, the scouts set off.
* Maester_Kaladin enters the courtyard to approach Lord Hosgavel
<Kastlan_Hosgavel> "Not a bad idea. I appreciate your aptitude to help. They're still close, gather your things quickly and catch up with them. Bring my maester, Roland with you as well. Hurry now!"
<Maester_Kaladin> "As you wish."
* Maester_Kaladin rendezvous with Maester Roland and ventures to the mill.
<Ambition_GM> As the sun begins to set over the Tumblestone river valley, the expedition arrives at the abandoned mill. Collapsed, and largely grown over as nature reclaims the land. The immediate surrounding's tall grass nonetheless acts as a clearance in the woodlands. If one were to care for such things, you are now within Dulver lands.
<Ambition_GM> "You trust this lordling, Vararro?"
<Ambition_GM> The scouts break through the treeline and approach the mercenaries.
<Vararro> "You all know the answer to that."
<Ambition_GM> "Are you ready, Ser...?" one of the scouts begins, looking to his comrade for assistance.
<Ser_Allen> "Setting up a perimeter."
<Vararro> "Not a fuckin Ser. Just Vararro. Let's get this done."
<Ambition_GM> "Aye," he nods, cleaning a dagger on his side before making off for the woodland.
<Ambition_GM> The men remaining at the mill begin cutting down some of the tall grass making clearances for a perimeter as Varraro and the scouts disappears into the thick forest.
<Ambition_GM> Several minutes in, the scouts advancing several yards appart from one another, stop dead in their tracks at the same time.
* Vararro stops along with the scouts, head on a swivel, searching for the source of the noise.
<Ambition_GM> One waves the other over, pointing forwards.
<Ambition_GM> Then, a loud cackle echoes through the surrounding woods.
<Ambition_GM> The sound of glass breaking follows.
<Ambition_GM> Vararro positions himself behind a tree on an upsloping in the ground. From there, he is able to spot four men drinking themselves into a stuppor, wearing colorful, decorated, undersized clothing.
<Ambition_GM> "The lady of the Durain Forest!"
<Ambition_GM> One, evidently, has chosen to wear the garb of a noblewoman, much to the amusement of the rest.
* Vararro whispers quietly to the scouts asking if they can eliminate some of the drunken men quietly.
<Ambition_GM> They nod, their eyes never leaving the drunken scoundrels ahead.
<Ambition_GM> They remove their sandals, and move cautiously through the vegetation, like animals on the hunt.
<Ambition_GM> Throwing a stone in the direction opposite their advance they throw the attention of their prey away from their advance.
<Ambition_GM> Then, they break into a sprint, overwhelming two of the drunken men, slitting their throats before breaking into a charge as the thump of the corpses alerts their comrades.