[Traveller] Game of Thrones: House Ascending

[savoylen]

Originally Posted by Mirasiah

My curiosity is definitely piqued! Although I must say, my knowledge of the lore is not really up to date (I haven't watched the show and it's been quite a while since I've read the books) but political intrigues with an emphasis on player agency sounds very, very appealing.

Thanks for your interest! If you've read the books, we are at the point where Jon Snow has just been murdered by the night watch. The Hand of the King (Tommen) has sent part of his forces (mostly 'army for hire' and several minor house's forces) and the current hand north to support the Bolton's who are the wardens of the North. On the other side of the is Stannis' forces who have moved away from the Dreadfort to make camp on a frozen lake (Winter has come) while a small force of minor houses harras the dreadforce and keep it from being resupplied.

We have a "lore" room where we help each other keep the story line from getting 'too' far off the rails - the consensus table. We're here to help each other tell cools stories! Some of the players have no GOT experience at all.

Since I'm not familiar with the game system, I do have a couple of questions related to an initial idea I have for a house.
If I were to create a small one which takes more of a supportive role, something perhaps akin to a mercernary group, and would offer services and assistance to other houses (under the approbation of their liege), rather than take an active role on the battlefield, is this something that might fit the game setting?

Sounds perfect. Depending on how your House's backstory falls together, this could go in SO MANY cool and different ways. We can't wait to see how it works out.

There is a complete tutorial and process for working through this - no experience required.

If it is, how are interactions between the houses handled? Like creating alliances or making threats, when done behind closed doors, is it done through some private threads, or something else?

In case it doesn't really fit with the game and I need to be an active participant in battles, then no worries I have other ideas.

The system is based on a 2d6 "skill" system that has been around as long as DnD. I've just condensed the rule set down and re-skinned it for GOT.

Its a combination of things. We have approaches to handling the POV. A 'zoomed out; House level - and then a 'zoomed in' character level. Everything you need to know is provided in our game thread.

Check it out... and please, feel free to ask any questions you have!

[Mirasiah]

Thank you very much for the very detailed answer.

Originally Posted by savoylen

If you've read the books, we are at the point where Jon Snow has just been murdered by the night watch. The Hand of the King (Tommen) has sent part of his forces (mostly 'army for hire' and several minor house's forces) and the current hand north to support the Bolton's who are the wardens of the North. On the other side of the is Stannis' forces who have moved away from the Dreadfort to make camp on a frozen lake (Winter has come) while a small force of minor houses harras the dreadforce and keep it from being resupplied.

Ah yeah, I never reached that point. The relevant books might not have been released when I was reading them (yes, it's been that long). Last event I've read was when Littlefinger took Sansa to the Eyrie and then shoved Lady Lysa to an early "retirement".

Originally Posted by savoylen

We have a "lore" room where we help each other keep the story line from getting 'too' far off the rails - the consensus table. We're here to help each other tell cools stories! Some of the players have no GOT experience at all.

That's great! Very useful resource indeed.
I started to check threads but mostly game ones for now.

As for the rest, you answered everything I had so I'll be starting to put together my house. Hopefully it should be posted soon.

[savoylen]

Originally Posted by Mirasiah

...Last event I've read was when Littlefinger took Sansa to the Eyrie and then shoved Lady Lysa to an early "retirement".....

Nice! BTY, according to the books (spoiler alert), they are both still there. We are using the 'book' lore rather than the movies. The good news, there are several good wikis around to keep us straight. Everything we are doing now is new ground - as you know, the last book in the series was never published so we are good with whatever we come up with!

[Aras3]

I am tempted to request to join. I have a couple of reasons:
1) It would be a personal vendetta against the universe for not allowing me to watch anything beyond S1E1.
2) I almost played in a D&D 3.5 adapted game and the GM dissapeared
3) I love political debauchery.

I have also doubts because:
a) I don't know the system, although I think it is simple
b) I can't think of anything else except a joke house played for laughs. Maybe the comedy relief of the game.


A mythical creature. The thing has the head of a wolf, the body of a deer and the mane of a lion, walking calmly in a swamp. The Acutsuls insist it is an animal from the land of the Second Men.
House Acutsul
Words: We eat fruits
Seat: Official: Small plains in the limit between the North and the Riverlands. Unnofficial: a handful of ports across several rivers
Titles: Lord of Small Plains
Overlords: Swears fealty to House Stark. Pay taxes to the Tullys, the Freys and the Tyrells.

Everyone knows about the first men. Everyone know about the andals. Very few know or care about the second men.
After the First men colonized westeros and after the war with the Children of the Forest, a second force came to colonize Westeros. The Second men came from the West and they came as conquerors. As Warlords. They came guided by their divine right and duty to civilize other people and take them into the empire they were building.
And their battle and wars are not deemed worthy of even a footprint in most history books.
The tale of Katitaet the Conqueror is now told a joke. And a bad one. Supposedly a destituted prince in exile from his lands, he arrived to Westeros with his boldness and his small army. Two battles later, Katitaet was dead and his army didn't have the means to return home. Trapped in Westeros, they went into hiding, creating small communities deep into the forest of the Riverlands. From there, they expanded using the rivers. Generations later, the failed conquerors became farmers and merchants with four town ports and a road under the scrutiny of a chieftain.
And being the chieftain of the Acutsul was not easy task. With towns in three of the realms, it was difficult to pay homage to the great lords of the three kingdoms and later leaders of the great houses, keeping them content, keeping them disinterested in them AND at the same time securing everyone in their towns and making sure that no other descendant of the second men wanted their title.

Still, they were successful. From Tumbleton to Stoney Sept and from Sherrer to Small Plains, the descendants of the second men, now with their blood dilluted by generations of marriage with andals and first men, knelt in front of the Chieftain Acutsul. And noone cared about them or the Acutsuls.

That changed with the twins Acide and Aricia Acutsul. When they made a party after the foundation of Small Plains. They were approached by a high lord who was passing by and saw the fire and heard the music. Acide was ecstatic, despite (or perhaps because) his father being angry at the teenager for forcing twenty couples with him and his sister to explore the north and found a new town. Acide and Aricia wanted to enter the history of his people. They entered the history of Westeros. On a small note, of course.

Suddenly the "warrior" "prince" and "princess" armed with a shortsword and a dagger were approached by thirty knights in full plate, broadswords, waraxes and horses. The few historians debate about what the twins did next. Some say that they peed themselves. Others said they shited themselves. Others say that they soiled their pants both ways.

In any case, a knight dismounted in front of them. Willam Stark was his name. He looked at the feathers of the teenager's crowns. He looked at the wooden thrones they sat at. He asked them what the hell were they doing there and then one of the men that accompanied the twins took a bowl of fruits from the Reach and offered them to the Lord of Winterfell stating: "We... ate fruits."
William Stark wanted to ask so many questions. And he asked them eating fruits he never tasted in his entire life.

Acide and Aricia remained as honored guests in Winterfell. Their father had to move from Stoney Sept to Sherrer and then to Small Plains... and then to Winterfell.

And this has to be firmly staten. No second men was accoustomed to the cold. And it is very cold in Winterfell.

Still, Willam Stark was in a good mood. The twins were so incapable of doing anything right that they made him laugh constantly. Still... they founded a town in his lands without him allowing them to do so. However, Willam immediately recognized the utility of having a group of people with so many connections with farms and river routes in the Riverlands and the Reach. He named the old Balunjin Acutsul Lord of Small Plains. He forced him to move his family to the newly created town and forced him to manage the other towns from Small Plains. The small colony was now the main town of the Acutsuls. And against their will.

It was worst when the news were known across the other realms.

The lords of the Riverlands and the Reach considered the Acutsul little more than merchants and peasants. And now they realized that they were had members of that family in their lands for generations. And they all bowed to the little chieftain in Small Plain in the North. And of course to Willam Stark.

The Acutsuls had to pay taxes and tributes to everyone to secure the peace ever since. Now they are more like a joke between the big houses. And they remained that way till old age finished Waten Acutsul. The old green man denied his house a heir for decades. Then he fell in love with a woman after getting out of a whorehouse.
Nine months later, a woman came to him to introduce her son. The woman was the whore he slept with before Waten met his future wife. The woman was very ill and died shortly there after. Waten used most of his very small fortune to convince the family of his future wife to accept the marriage despite his son. Fortunately for him, Lady Liliam was kind to the bastard boy named Daivi and raised him as her own. A year later, Lyambab was born. Daivi was a Snow for a very short time. Waten recognized him with the permisson of Lady Liliam which price was no more than recognize Lyambab as his true heir.

The two brothers grew healthy. With the dead of Waten Acutsul, Lyambab Acutsul took the leadership. His brother Daivi can be best described as his shadow. The war opens lots of opportunities to the Acutsuls. Will they escape the North and return to their ancient home in the Riverlands? Will they support a side or the other? In any case, such matters will be decided with calm, eating fruit.

[savoylen]

Thanks for the app Aras3. When I hear the description of the Acutsul, I ran it thru the AI and this came up - cool idea!

Its best to start with a basic idea for the House... the system will drive quite a bit of the narrative (backstory, etc.) with you as it develops. As long as you are good with that as a premise, this could work out for us.

I'm going to leave applications open for a week and then we'll see where we stand at that point.

Thanks again, nice work!

[Aras3]

Thanks! I also found this medieval style pic!



I think I will keep a handful of Aguara Guazus hidden in one of the controlled towns. If the Starks can have Dire Wolves, why can't the Acutsuls have aguaras guazus?

[Mirasiah]

@Savoylen: Just to let you know, my interest hasn't disappeared, I'm just late in posting my application because I realised mid-writing that my initial idea wasn't really working. Right now I'm trying to find a better way to use my idea, but at least rest assured House Creystil will be presented to you in all its devious splendor once I'm satisfied.

[savoylen]

Originally Posted by Mirasiah

@Savoylen: Just to let you know, my interest hasn't disappeared, I'm just late in posting my application because I realised mid-writing that my initial idea wasn't really working. Right now I'm trying to find a better way to use my idea, but at least rest assured House Creystil will be presented to you in all its devious splendor once I'm satisfied.

Sounds great.... looking forward to seeing where you land!

[Mirasiah]

I may have gone a tad overboard here (sorry, that's the only way I know) but I believe House Creystil is ready for review. If you notice any mistake or element that should be changed, please let me know.
Thank you for your consideration!

House Creystil: a band of schemers in a land of strife Beware the Shadows <theme song> House Creystil - Beware the Shadows Name: House Creystil Words: Beware the Shadows Sigil: A violet rose, with three leaves, engulfed in darkness Seat: Town of Located between Storm’s End and Haystack HallVioletstand Region: Stormlands Founder: Edmund Creystil Current Head of the House: Lord Torsten Creystil, the Patriarch Acting Head: Lady Elanora Creystil, the Steel Maiden Overlords: House Baratheon (of Stormlands) Short description: House Creystil is not a House with a strong armed force, they were established to provide See the Three Orders below for more information on the services providedservices in the form of a spy network and information recorded in their archives, first to House Baratheon but also to their allies requesting it. Although the official channel to request their services is through Storm’s End, it is not uncommon for House Creystil to receive such requests directly from the client, skipping permission from the Lord Paramount of the Stormlands. Foundation of House Creystil: The way House Creystil came to be was quite peculiar. A couple of years prior to Daeron Targaryen’s Conquest of Dorne, the King sent a few spies across sea and land in order to find the best way to proceed with the invasion, even going as far as spying on his neighbourhood allies. One of these agents in the Stormlands was a certain Edmund Creystil, a nobody who was never expected to return alive from this journey. Indeed, he never returned to his homeland, for he was caught lurking not too far from Storm’s End. As it would happen, sneaking was not Edmund’s strongest skill, but rather his silver tongue. Not only did he avoid the death sentence he should have been granted, he was also given a task to contribute to House Baratheon’s grandeur. His allegiance to his new liege was certainly not expected that fast and he would remain under scrutiny, but the new purpose given to him would reveal to be the founding stone of House Creystil. In a hamlet whose name has been forgotten from History, a new group of spies came to be trained by Edmund. House Baratheon was known for its might but subterfuge and deception were just as important in these times, if not more so when your neighbour and liege shows no remorse in watching your every move. Under Edmund’s leadership, this group of new spies was instrumental in securing the region; they even thwarted an assassination attempt on a member of a vassal House. Years after swearing allegiance to House Baratheon and performing all the tasks given to him with great results, the unexpected happened, Edmund Creystil was elevated to Ser, and then to Lord, being given land to his name. He was granted jurisdiction over the hamlet where he first trained his spies, which was to be renamed Violetstand, a name he chose to honour his late mother Violet. Like its foundation, House Creystil’s prerogative was quite unique. The head of House Baratheon had an idea, or rather an experiment, he wished to pursue. Rather than confronting the other Great Houses of the continent, he wanted to find a way to curry their favours. And so, he offered the services of his information network. Each request for this would be paid by granting House Baratheon a favour, to be used at the time of their choosing, even passing from generation to generation. It was a gamble but the risk was minimal. At worst, they would throw the new House Creystil to the wolves, or any other Great House, while any other result would consolidate Storm’s End’s position. Incidentally, Robert’s Rebellion, many years later, might not have succeeded, or at least not as well, without this gamble from his ancestor, ironic when thinking about how this house came about. House Creystil never became an important house, or a large one in numbers, but their reach was not to be underestimated. The line of leaders from the main family proved each one to be adept at manipulating others. It was King Daeron II who described them best: “a band of schemers in a land of strife.”

Prominent members Main family Lord Torsten Creystil (56), the Patriarch A man of infinite vices, of limitless cruelty, but most importantly a man of unending cunning; his fearsome reputation led him to be called the Patriarch, a title he found amusing. Despite his qualities, Lord Torsten was adept at making new friends, or rather at attracting people he could use; his arrogance would never allow anyone to be considered a friend. The only one who came close to this status would be King Robert Baratheon; both men shared some of their favourite pastimes, especially those involving good flesh. Lord Torsten had not been seen for two years now, his last public appearance made only a few weeks before the death of Lord Arryn. But no one would dare declare him dead without official word from his House or proof of his demise; very few would be surprised if this turned out to be part of one of his plots. Lady Emily Creystil, née Raine (deceased), late wife of Lord Torsten A commoner raised to nobility for the main purpose of a young Torsten defying his then Lord of a father. There were certainly deep feelings between Torsten and Emily but her place should have been that of a concubine, at best; after all Lord Torsten never lacked for female companions even during their marriage. Instead, Lady Emily proved herself worthy of being Lord Torsten’s companion, quite the achievement given her husband’s reputation and power of attraction. Unfortunately, Fate was also against this union and Lady Emily passed due to an unknown illness at the age of thirty three. Since then, her grave has been displayed prominently in Violetstand, and Lord Torsten has never remarried. Lady Elanora Creystil (28), the Steel Maiden, daughter of Lord Torsten Being the eldest child of Lord Torsten, Elanora took on the prerogatives of her missing father. While she does not possess his presence, her own cunning might even surpass that of Lord Torsten, an impressive feat in itself. Like her infamous predecessor, she gained her own alias and was soon called the Steel Maiden, for the strong will she often displayed. It is said that the throne might be of iron but her will is definitely of steel. The oddity of her unwed status is ever the mystery, but Lady Elanora never answered the rumours that came to her ear. Ser Wilbert Creystil (48), brother of Lord Torsten, regent of Violetstand While historically, the Head of house Creystil stays close to their liege Lord, the responsibility of governing their hometown of Violetstand falls unto a younger member of the main family. It is the fate of Ser Wilbert, a man who lacks the quality usually observed in the Creystil line. The cunning and cruelty exhibited by his Lord brother are nowhere to be found in his actions. Instead, his motivation seems to be turned toward easing the lives of his subjects, which makes Ser Wilbert the best regent the town has ever known since its creation. Jacob and Jason Creystil (20), the twins, sons of Lord Torsten The twin children of Lord Torsten and Lady Emily are residing in their hometown of Violetstand. Not much is known about them, other than their current tutelage under their uncle, Ser Wilbert. Although a certain rumour says that the cruelty Lady Elanora avoided to inherit from their father had landed straight into the twins’ hearts. Valeria Creystil (17), daughter of Lord Torsten The youngest child of Lord Torsten lost her mother at a very young age. Rather than a retainer, it was Elanora who became the mother figure for Valeria. The bond between the two girls helped forge their character and sharpen their smartness. Destined to be wed in an arranged union, the young Creystil will do her best to advance the cause of her elder sister. The Three Orders Under the leadership of the main family, the true strength of House Creystil is found in a trio of groups specialised in behind-the-scenes actions, simply named the Three Orders. Each of these orders is led by an individual whose identity is kept secret, even to members of the main family. Order of the Eyes Beware the Shadows, for they see all Led by the “Seeker of Truth”, members of this order are elite spies, the eyes ever-watching the whole continent of Westeros. If there’s an event worth witnessing, there’s definitely one of the Eyes nearby. Less known is that their activity also includes a presence, albeit small, on Essos. Order of the Tongues Beware the Shadows, for they hear all Led by the “Whisperer of Secrets”, the official purpose of this order is to infiltrate meetings behind closed doors and listen in on private discussions. Less officially, members of the Tongues use their knowledge to influence those in positions of power, sowing discord where there’s benefit to be gained. Whenever a conflict erupts on the continent, there’s a good chance a Tongue is behind it. Order of the Archives Beware the Shadows, for they know all Led by the “Keeper of Knowledge”, they are to record all information reported by the other orders. But the Archives are certainly not beneath the other two; Knowledge is Power.

[savoylen]

Mirasiah, wonderful app!!! I can appreciated 'overboard'

[Mirasiah]

Thanks! Appreciate the kind words.

[Noquarter19]

At the risk of overextending myself yet again, the idea of learning a new system alongside playing around in Westeros is well worth it. Besides, doesn’t anyone have any love for the Iron Islands?

And of course, please let me know if there’s any additional information you might want or need.

Application for Game of Thrones: House Ascending (Minor) House Barrell A chief wavy crest depicting three wooden barrels floating on cerulean waves under an ash grey sky while a crimson kraken swims beneath Words “What lies beneath” Seat Ten Tun Tall Hall Regions western coast of Pyke, The Iron Islands Liege Euron Greyjoy (?) Player NoQuarter19 Status ??? History: A very young house, and one based semi-legitimately, House Barrell (pronounced bar-RELL) has evolved from a family of reavers to coopers to their current profession as distillers. Oh, they still reave too, just not as much. In fact, with the start of the War of the Five Kings, reaving has been at an all time high. Drinking is also high, but then again, drinking has always been high, whether a war was on or not. While Lord Dagmer, the current head of house, spends his time deeply in his cups, his children carry on the family legacy. However, with the death of Balon Greyjoy, there is some dissension amongst the house, with Dagmer and Huron supporting the claim of Euron, and the youngest children (not so) secretly supporting Asha. In spite of this, one thing is certain: their newfound hatred of House Bolton (for the maiming of Prince Theon), and their continued hatred of House Mallister and House Redwyne (for their continued thwarting of the ironborn over the years). As it turns out, however, Houses Mallister and Redwyne have been distracted of late with the fallout of supporting their own respective kings (Robb Stark in the north and Renly Baratheon in the stormlands). With Jason and Patrek Mallister besieged at Seagard, and the Redwyne fleet tasked to besiege Dragonstone, it seems like the ideal time to strike against the coast. Notable members: Lord Dagmer Barrell, 56, grandson of the late Swain Barrell, the founding statesman of House Barrell. Dagmer, manages the distillery (read as: he spends his days drinking) but no longer puts out to sea, owing to his declining health Lady Lucia Barrell (Vikary), 44. Sister to the late Lymond Vikary. As a young girl, Lucia was “rescued” from a stricken ship off the coast of the Cape of Eagles. She was the only survivor and was presumed lost with the rest of the crew. Lucia is a salt wife turned rock wife. She was forced to accept the Drowned God, but in the process suffered a cerebral infarction that left her essentially catatonic. This did nothing to prevent her from bearing children. Aside from the occasional incomprehensible muttering, she spends her days staring out to sea, her thin hands folded in her lap. Whether she will ever recover is uncertain, but though she might not be able to speak above a whisper, her ears work just fine. Lord Huron Barrell, 29, Master of ships. Huron is broad shouldered and possessed of a stormy countenance. He helms the Squallbreaker, one of several ships the Barrells have at their disposal. By day, the family made their coin via the sale of whiskey to the few inns and taverns peppered across the Iron Islands. By night, Huron and his men would take to reaving against the coast. Huron is a violent oaf but he can sail a ship like a savant. Lord Alestaire Barrell, 27. Master of coin. The brains of the house, and the most baffling. Despite inheriting the same barrel-chested stature as his brother, Alestaire is considered “soft” (read as: he enjoys books) by both his brother and father, though he has shown excellent prowess at managing trade for the house. Despite his aptitude for actually managing the distillery, he is ignored at best by his brother, and outright ridiculed at worst. This was never more apparent than when Alestaire split against his family and supported the claim of Asha Greyjoy at the kingsmoot. Lady Dagma Barrell, 20. The youngest child and only daughter of Dagmer and Lucia, Dagma would be considered something of a “brand ambassador” (read as: she uses her clique of dancers and whores to promote Barrell brand whiskey throughout the region.) Something of a schemer, she enjoys riling up her two brothers for sport, but is always able to eventually keep Huron from burying his axe in Alestaire’s skull.

[Mirasiah]

@Noquarter19: quite the interesting setup you did there, but I have to ask: when you throw dice, do you do a Barrell roll?
(Sorry, I just couldn't resist.)

[savoylen]

@Noquarter19

Nice looking House - thanks for the app!!

[DraconigenaArma]

House Mallow (Minor) House Mallow Three red axes conjoined at the haft on a steel gray field Words Deeds, Not Words Seat Cliffpointe Regions North, Grey Cliffs Titles Knight of the Shivering Sea Heir Fionn Mallow, recently assumed his late father’s lordship, married with one two year old son. Overlords House Karstark, Lord of Karhold Vassals None House Mallow occupies the southern peninsula of the Grey Cliffs piercing the shivering sea. Due to the almost island like remoteness of the area, as well as the brutal conditions of the windswept environs, House Mallow has long since adapted to rely less on its own husbandry (though it has its own share of farm and the stereotypical sheep dotted fields) and to supplement through a penchant for maritime pursuits - trading preferred, but raiding when necessary. House Mallow’s seamanship is focused mostly on fishing and travel, getting to from hunting areas of the Bay of Seals, or traversing up the river to the forests. They do not regard themselves as much of a "naval force" and have little experience with battling ship-to-ship, though they are no stranger to beach and raid tactics. To them ships are a tool and a method of transportation, and though they are better sailors than many in the north they don't build warships and don't make naval tradition a part of their core culture. At their heart they are hardy people of the north who happen to use their ships to get around. This also allows House Mallow to keep a close relationship with Karhold, otherwise their near obscurity out on the remote weathered clifftops may have caused them to be completely forgotten. Their mobility and their relative remoteness to the rest of North has ingrained in them an independent streak, just shy of arrogance – there are men of the north, people of the Grey Cliffs, and then there are the Mallowmen of the Cliffs – a cultural propensity similar among mountain folk. They are marginally more accepting of other cultures than the rest of the north, a bit less 'stuck in their ways' when it comes to "it's always been done this way." The required pragmatism of their life has left them with a painfully northern sense of directness and bluntness, sharing more of the Ned Stark's lack of subtlety than the Karstark's more politically minded sensibilities. The small folk of Mallow are no less rugged and hearty than the other folk of the north, for even the mobility of their boats is in the context of rough and chilly seas.The lords of House Mallow also tend toward impetuousness, taking to heart that actions are, whenever possible, is superior to talk. Mallowmen resemble the men of Karstark, as a rule the men are large and even at their most leisurely lead lives of heavy labor with bodies to reflect it, with large beards of brown and black hair and predominantly blue eyes. The women are likewise hardy, attractive in their homeliness, and hard workers themselves (though accounting very few among their fighters.) They make use of wool from their sheep for clothing, supplemented largely by seal pelts, with some bear and wolf, but less than their Karstark peers. Their soldiers tend to be less uniform than other houses, wearing combinations of thick hide, studded leather, and mail with open faced helmets which are suitable for trekking the woods, climbing the cliffs, and sailing their ships. They have a preference for axes over swords and infrequently carry shields, fighting instead in disparate foot combat and raids and are less used to line and formation style fighting. The Mallowmen follow the influence of the Karstarks as well in wearing heavy black woolen cloaks emblazoned with the three axes as the extent of their livery. House Mallow followed the call for Bannermen when the Karstarks marched, and it was in one of these recent battles Fionn’s father was slain. The young Fionn was lord of his house for less than a week before Rickon was executed, and the Mallows left Robb’s army with the Karstarks. As the disbanded Karstarks and their banners began to spread out, Fionn learned of Arnolf’s (apparent) support of Stannis, and so House Mallow felt honor bound to join the Baratheon forces. Still, Fionn struggles with discerning where his loyalties should lie, conflicted by a strong allegiance instead to his own people who he now feels he is neglecting, fighting in other people's wars. He agreed with shaking off the influence of King's Landing and avidly supported the concept of returning to a King in the North, but Robb's death coupled with his father's demise has given him the control over the house at the worst time: as he has lost what was a clear and easy direction and allegiance to take. Fionn is frustrated with feeling, despite being called "Lord Mallow" now, he is no more important than the other peasantry who, and has little control over what he's allowed to decide to do and he can't help but think perhaps a King in the North wasn't taking it far enough, and perhaps even the great houses of the North would be better served by reigning over their own corners of the country in autonomy...   (Minor) House Characteristics   Understanding and circumventing problems before they become insurmountable.Cleverness (Cvr) ---- Symbol of general fiscal desires (not a negative) as when found in an individual. Measure a House's hunger as well as proficiency in keeping it generationally.Greed (Grd) ---- Ultimate binding force that keeps members together through the generations. Describes how close the average house member feels towards the house and its management assets.Loyalty (Lty) ---- Martial prowess, combat resources and the willingness to use them. A measure of physicality as a whole and its access to weapons, armor and even fleet assets.Militarism (Mil) ---- Social standing of the House. A reflection of how outsiders look on the House's agents, members and actions.Popularity (Pop) ---- Sum total of a House's underhandedness and potential for criminal instincts. Plotting and dreaming up machinations that are designed to get around laws - both governmental and social - in order to get the better of actions toward rival Houses.Scheming (Sch) ---- The House's backbone. The ability to weather difficulties that appear in its path over the generations. Rating surviving against all odds.Tenacity (Tcy) ---- Represents how well the ideals and teachings of the first generation are inherited by those who follow, unchanged by the passage of time. Richness of religion, nobility and culture fall into this characteristic.Tradition (Tra) ---- Dice Modifier Table Ability 0 1-2 3-5 6-8 9-11 12-14 15-17 18-20 21+ DM -3 -2 -1 0 +1 +2 +3 +4 +5 Measures the health and ability of the House. Grants special benefits to House esp. at higher levels.Traits Name Lty DM + Tra DM +2Culture : ---- Grd DM + Tcy DMFiscal Defense : ---- Mil DM +1 (Landlocked = 0)Fleet* : ---- Ten DM +1Technology : ---- Loy DM + Mil DMTerritorial Defense : ---- House Similar to skills used by individuals, Houses collectively have abilities and talenst that fall into larger categories - Aptitudes. Represents something that a House can do or an action it can perform; the tools in which it finds, creates and shapes the world to suit its needs and desires. Can trigger "zoomed in" character level interactions at key moments in the life of the House.Aptitudes Aptitudes Level Acquisition - Bureaucracy - Conquest - Economics - Entertain - Expression - Hostility - Illicit - Intel - Maintenance - Politics - Posturing - Propaganda - Public Relations - Recruit - Research - Sabotage - Security - Tactical - Tutelage - Inapt -3 Values Name Lty + Pop DM + Culture TraitMorale ----/---- Tcy + Tra DM + Tech TraitPopulace ----/---- Grd + Clv DM + Fiscal DefenseWealth ----/---- Conditions Scattered House Boons and Banes In the Wind (Boon) Scattered (Bane)   Current House STATISTICS Cvr ----/---- Grd ----/---- Lty ----/---- Mil ----/---- Pop ----/---- Sch ----/---- Tcy ----/---- Tra ----/---- DMs: 0: -3, 1-2: -2, 3-5: -1, 6-8: +0, 9-11: +1, 12-14: +2, 15+: +3

/ooc I'm not positive I have my head timeline correct, as the books and the show get a bit muddled in my recollection. I can't remember if the Boltons have made their deals with the Iron Throne yet, so it's possible we are in a position where House Mallow is in under begrudging control of the Boltons, though still technically in fealty to the Karstarks and thus only influenced by whomever is in control of the North in how they exert their influence on Karhold. Even still, if this is after any reveal of Arnolf's duplicity, it would put even deeper strain on Fionn's allegiance to Karstark, as outright forswearing against the Karstarks would be suicide for the Mallows, at their minor and fledgling level of influence.

P.S. to Begon: now that I have my application out of my head and written in a vacuum, I went and looked over the current list and saw I came up with something very near where you made your house. The arrow is where I was envisioning House Mallow, is the yellow square an accurate estimate of where you were putting Terengath? I can't be that much more certain from your description. Example attached.