Riverrun, Seat of House Tully

[Gandalfus]

A formidable castle completely surrounded by water, Riverrun has been the ancestral home of House Tully for a thousand years, and has been the heart of the Riverlands since house Tully become overlords of the Trident. Although it is not vast in size, Riverrun has the ability to completely turn itself into a nigh unassailable island.

Residents:
Jasper Tully, Lord of Riverrun
Brynden Tully, Lord Protector of Riverrun


Bonuses:
+3 to siege defence rolls
+6 months siege holdout time

Retainers:

Jasper: Dark Bodyguard (+1 survival) Skilled Orator (+1 charisma)
Brynden: Dark Bodyguard (+1 survival) Veteran Swordsman (+1 duel)

Buildings:
(River provinces only) Small Riverport: +10% income, mutually exclusive with the Coastal Dockyards: Tier I
Keep Expansions: +25% castle garrison size permitted: Tier I
Militia Armoury: +250 Land Levy Points : Tier I
Market Square: +10% income: Tier I
Merchant's Square: +10% province income : Tier II
Trade Hub: Allows owners of the province to gain an additional trade route: Tier III
Center of Trade: Increases your provincial income by 40,000 dragons: Tier IV

Trade:
Trade resource: Grains (+1200 land levy)
Lane 1: Furs (+5% income, +1 to any rolls to convince other characters) - Bolton
Lane 2: Gold (10% income) - Lefford
Lane 3: Gold (10% income) - Lannister

Income brought in through trade: 30,000 Gold Dragons


Edicts:
Militias - +1500 Land Levy points

Professional Forces:
1200 Heavy Infantry
1800 Crossbowmen
600 Outriders
600 Knights of The Riverlands
600 Ringmail Greycloaks
900 Light Infantry
1200 Polearms
900 Seagard Watchmen
300 Household Knights

Total Soldier Count: 8100
Total Points Count: 12,250

[Jokern]

A raven arrives at Riverrun, carrying a letter sealed with pink wax, the sigil of House Bolton stamped upon it.

To Lord Edmund Tully

The Dreadfort would be pleased with such an offer. Your grain will be welcome in the North.

Signed,
Royce Bolton, Lord of the Dreadfort

[Poach]

A Raven from Goldentooth arrives bearing agreement to the proposed trade links. The short route between the two Lordships would soon see yet more trade flow.

[Lucius Malfoy]

A raven arrives from King's Landing, bearing the seal of House Baratheon. The contents of the letter request that Lord Tully come to King's Landing for a meeting with His Grace, Ormund of the House Baratheon.

[Gandalfus]

Silence rules Riverrun. The entire population of the castle is wearing black; nobody has seen lord Edmund for days. A cruel jest by the gods, to take away a boy on the cusp of manhood. Still, fate could not be undone. The body had been returned to Riverrun, and buried promptly alongside many other lords and sons of Tully. Edmure was but the latest in a long line of Tully. And now, the future remained uncertain. Two old men and two young girls, were now all that remains of the family. Fate is inexorable. And nothing lasts forever.

[Roxas]

It inevitably did not take long for word and rumour to spread like wildfire among the citizenry of the lands, even reaching the cold shores of Seagard after a few solemn weeks. After official validation, Lord Tristan Mallister of Seagard decided to use this unfortunate event as an opportunity to make his first acquaintance with his Liege Lord after his accession to his position a year back after the death of his father. As not to seem disrespectful to House Tully and the people of Riverrun he brought with him only a small retinue of men, all toned down in their clothing, donning darkened black/green attire instead of their usual purple in order to show their condolences. This however meant that he was not afforded the usual welcome a lord would be given when arriving in the city, for his party did not stand out very much, partly because the people were still grieving to be aware of such things. Upon arrival at the castle, Tristan sent a trusted retainer ahead to inform the Lord Paramount of his arrival whilst stressing he would be content to wait as long as required before being permitted an audience.

[Gandalfus]

Lord Mallister found Riverrun to be a quiet, bleak place. A household still feeling the aftershock of the death of the darling boy and heir to the Tully legacy, on the cusp of manhood. Despite the news of Lady Tully's pregnancy, an aura of gloom still lingered. Still, he was admitted to the castle almost immediately, and was escorted into the private solar of Lord Tully. Edmund was sat by the window, gazing outward towards the lands beyond. He scarcely noticed Lord Mallister enter, so engaged he was in his own thoughts.

[Roxas]

Usually Tristan would be using his silver tongue to try and defuse any awkwardness with a subtle joke or interesting remark, yet in this occasion he could not somehow bring himself to do so, it was obvious his Liege Lord was not quite himself. Tristan thought that in times like this it was better not to say anything, walking slowly with no urgency over to the window so he could kneel beside Edmund in order to show his respect for his superior. His face turned to watch the outside world, gazing at the formation of birds soaring low down in the meadows upon the horizon as he awaited acknowledgement of his arrival.

[Gandalfus]

Edmund's gaze did not remove from the lands beyond. He was aware of Mallisters presence, and yet did not address him for a while. Good men, the Mallisters were. Jason was a loyal man, and a fine warrior. And here knelt his son, whilst his own lay beneath the ground. Sighing, Tully eventually broke the silence.

The Gods bless me and curse me with the same breath. They have took a child away from me, and yet my wife is with another. Is this a game? A trick?

His voice remained steady, his face stoic. Was the fate of his house tied to this? Mere playthings of the Seven?

[Roxas]

Whilst many would respond with many niceties in order to appease the man's suffering, Tristan wondered if Tully had tired of hearing such words behind false smiles and would prefer a little honesty for a change. His head did not turn as he spoke, continuing to cast his gaze into the wilderness.

"I'm afraid many within this realm treat such matters as games, a son a mere Cyvasse game piece on the board that is the Seven Kingdoms. Whilst it may be complete nonsense, we Mallisters are brought up to embrace patience in the hope of rewards for such loyalty to the seven and to our liege-lords."

He sighed, he was far too young to understand death like the man before him, yet he felt compelled to relieve some of his anguish.

"Why don't you tell me more about him my Lord, it would not do the boy justice if he were not remembered properly."

[Gandalfus]

Tilly listened carefully to Mallister, before casting his mind back. The boy had been the last of his children, the youngest. His two daughters had left him all alone, far way from Riverrun. In many ways, Edmure had been the polar opposite of his father at the same age. Quiet, patient, and studious. And yet for all his merits, a simple fever robbed him from his father.

He was... A good boy. All that a father could wish for.

He stopped, not knowing what else to say. No man should have to bury their child. All the miscarriages, and dead wives... Edmund had not even been allowed to keep his son, who he had thought safe.

[Roxas]

It was obvious to Tristan that he was not used to such situations so he decided to go with something he had heard his mother tell his sister once last fall after his father's death.

"This may sound cliche my Lord, but I very much doubt he would wish you to be this afflicted however much it pains you so. You must live your life for him....and also for your child on the way."

It was only after all his ramblings that Tristan realised he may in fact be making things worse instead of better and refrained from commenting any more, only to apologise for his behaviour.

"I must apologise if I have said anything inappropriate my Lord, my youth and lack of experience hinder me in situations such as this..."

[Gandalfus]

Nodding thoughtfully, Tully knew that Mallister spoke the truth. Edmure wouldn't want him to sit here grieving over him. The world must be prepared for his next child.

Thankyou, Lord Mallister.

He merely said, before finally moving from the window to pour himself and Lord Mallister a goblet of wine. Edmund took a heavy draught from his cup, draining it of wine, before wordlessly offering Lord Tristan a seat.

[Roxas]

Graciously accepting the goblet he withdrew a small sip of wine from it's metallic frame before perching it on-top of a neighbouring surface to his chair. Tristan felt that the two had made some progress to remove the aura of despair and deathly silence which emanated from the Lord Tully and the room itself, hoping that this might elevate their discussion to more joyful terms and topics. Arching his head to make general eye contact with Lord Tully, he gave something of a short arching smile before he continued to speak,

"My Lord, perhaps we should discuss matters which pertain to the realm of the Riverlands so we might preserve the tranquil times we currently have and of course your families continued rule as Lord Paramounts."

He sighed, quite depressed by the fact what he was about to say was quite true,

"As you might well know, when tragic events like this occur it often brings in the vultures that are the Lesser Lords of the Realm, who seek to use such events as opportunity for self-gain. Whilst me and my house may not be as well renowned for our valour and skill on solid land, we are known for our loyalty above all else."

With that last comment, he bowed his head slightly in respect,

"I and my house offer our continued service and offer any support I can provide to ensure the continued rule of your house and the peace within our lands....."

[Gandalfus]

Lord Tully massaged his temples with his hands as he mulled it over. His lands were filled with loyalists, especially in the south of the Riverlands, towards Darry. Targaryen sympathisers that despise him and his kin. Still, at least some of his vassals were loyal.

House Tully must appear united, at least. I shall summon what remains of my family to Riverrun, and organise a feast for all vassals of the Riverlands. Riverrun must still appear strong and prosperous in these uncertain times.

Edmund looked back towards Mallister, and studied his face carefully.

I thank you for your loyalty, Lord Mallister. It is a rare commodity these days.

[Roxas]

Tristan nodded when he heard the compliment, happy in the knowledge that loyalty is still valued in some parts of Westeros still.

"That seems like a sound approach, I am certain that many of my fellow lords will be most honoured to attend and discuss various matters of the realm. Especially with all these rumours of trouble elsewhere in The seven kingdoms"

Rising from his chair, he gave a kind gentle smile before kneeling in front of his liege,

"I am most grateful for your time, given the circumstances. If there is nothing else you require of me, I shall retire to my guest chambers and allow you some peace and tranquility."

[Gandalfus]

Nodding sagely as Mallister spoke, Edmund chuckled as he knelt.

Rise, lord Mallister. Now go, and get some rest. I shall have my servants tend to you.

[Oznerol]

Riders, under the banners of House Frey arrive to Riverrun.

[Gandalfus]

The gates open, and the Freys are welcomed into the great hall where Lord Edmund is holding court.

[Oznerol]

Lord Emmon Frey of the Crossing advanced towards his lord and bows. He uncovered his head. Frey wore a fine cloak and a richly embroidred doublet, combined with a heavy golden chain, with little towers joined by small golden bridges.

"My Lord Tully"

He had a peculiar accent, caused by his prognatism.