Family {Lord Maron Greyjoy} - {Yrna Greyjoy} -- Lord Wulfgar “Red Kraken” Greyjoy, born in 99 AC (34) --- Melessa Greyjoy (born Saltcliffe), born in 102 AC AC (31) ---- Harwyn Greyjoy, born in 122 AC (11) ---- Harren Greyjoy, born in 122 AC (11)
-- Dagon Greyjoy, born in 102 AC (31) (Oz) --- Gruoque of Tyrosh ---- Dagos Greyjoy, born in 122 AC (11)
Erik ”Saltblesser” Greyjoy, Drowned Man, born in 82 AC (51)
Urgon ”Stonehand” Greyjoy, born in 86 AC (47) - Vaela Greyjoy, born in 92 AC (41) -- Arra Greyjoy, born in 110 AC (23) -- Dagon Greyjoy, born in 116 AC (17)
Household
Harmen Wynch - master-at-arms of Pyke
Qhored - steward of Pyke
Godrik "Motley" - sworn sword (Seasoned Sellsword)
Ulf Sunpyke - captain of the Callous Lady (Seasoned Captain)
Osbert the Scorpion - engineer (Siege Engineer)
Maester Arvyn - counselor and healer
Lands
Castellan
Dagon Greyjoy (Oz)
Regional Bonuses
- Clifftop Stronghold: With many of its towers standing on thin stacks in the sea, it is a miracle that so much of the castle of Pyke is still standing. A thick curtain wall surrounds the area of the castle which stands on the mainland, and the towers are connected by thin bridges, meaning that storming them is incredibly difficult, as many of the bridges are too small for two men to cross side by side. +3 to siege defense.
- Home of the Ironborn: Few of the Ironborn would say that any one of their islands is more than the others, but to those from the mainland Pyke is the main island, as it is the home of the Lords Paramount, House Greyjoy. All characters get +10% Pillage.
- Capital of the Ironborn: Discount of 15% for all naval units. Grants an additional 2,000 Naval Levy Points.
- Ironborn Fleet: The Ironborn lords have access to a large amount of longships. 10% discount when buying ships.
Provincial Statistics
- Rich Province: 60,000 Golden Dragons
- Large Levy: 5,500 (no modifiers)
- Pyke Naval Levy: 4,500 (no modifiers)
- Garrison Size: 1,000 men (base garrison) + 75% of the regional levy (4,125 levy points)
- Siege Defense Rolls: +11 (base +8, regional bonus +3)
Buildings
Tier I
Tier II
Tier III
Tier IV
Trade
Trade Resource
Iron: +1 to land battles, +250 Land Levy Points
Trade Routes
1. Myr - Myrish Crossbows - Allows access to the Myrish Crossbowmen Unit that is known to be one of the best marksmen throughout the world. Each man is worth 3 points per man. A max of 5 units can be employed. Grants access to the Myrish Eyes. Only one can be purchased per year for a max of 3 total for each contract. + 15,000
2.
Military
Land Levy (5,750 points)
675 Heavy Infantry
1,375 Light Infantry
730 Polearm Infantry
825 Archers
550 Light Cavalry
185 Heavy Cavalry
Total: 4,340 men
Naval Levy (4,500 points)
52 Levy Ships
37 Dromonds
27 Heavy Galleys
14 Ironborn Longships
4 Grand Warships
Total: 134 ships
Garrison (permanently locked in the region) (1,200 points)
200 Heavy Infantry
320 Light Infantry
200 Polearm Infantry
280 Archers
House Botley of Lordsport
Small Levy (500 points):
50 Heavy Infantry
125 Light Infantry
66 Polearm Infantry
75 Archers
60 Light Cavalry
17 Heavy Cavalry
Total: 383 men
Iron Islands Naval Levy (2,500 points):
32 Levy Ships
24 Dromonds
14 Heavy Galleys
7 Ironborn Longships
2 Grand Warships
Total: 79 ships
House Saltcliffe of Saltcliffe
Small Levy (500 points):
50 Heavy Infantry
125 Light Infantry
66 Polearm Infantry
75 Archers
60 Light Cavalry
17 Heavy Cavalry
Total: 383 men
Iron Islands Naval Levy (2,500 points):
32 Levy Ships
24 Dromonds
14 Heavy Galleys
7 Ironborn Longships
2 Grand Warships
Total: 79 ships
High Lords of the Iron Islands
House Harlaw of Ten Towers, High Lords of Harlaw
House Goodbrother of Hammerhorn, High Lords of Great Wyk
House Orkwood of Orkmont, High Lords of Orkmont, Old Wyk and Blacktyde
House Farwynd of Lonely Light, High Lords of the Western Sea
The sun stood in its zenith above Pyke, spreading its warmth over the Iron Islands. It had been beautiful weather for a few days now, and even the usually grim Ironborn were enjoying the change. Seagulls shrieked over the rooftops of Lordsport, and the town was enjoying a small boon in its trade. Its renowned weapon smiths and armorers had been quite busy selling their goods during the war on the green lands, and the neutrality of House Greyjoy had ensured that gold from both greens and blacks had flown into Lordsport. The people prospered for now but with the end of conflict in Westeros, who would buy swords and shields? Some merchants were worried, but Lord Wulfgar Greyjoy was not one to worry about such things. Men will always crave death and destruction, and they will need good steel for it, he used to say. The Iron Islands will always find buyers.
The Lord of Pyke was on this day walking along the harbor of the largest town on the Iron Islands, happily looking at the wares and people coming and going off ships. He wore light clothes for the weather, though he carried his sword Nightfall on his hip. One could never be too safe, even at home. Behind him came a few lords and courtiers, telling him about news and reports from the other isles. Wulfgar wanted to know as much as possible about his domains so he could rule better, but the length of time it took to receive news made his work difficult. There were no maesters on the Isles, which meant that no ravens carrying messages were available either. This had been a thorn in his side for a while, and one of the many issues he planned to deal with. To Wulfgar, time seemed to have stopped on his people's beloved islands compared to the green lands he had visited in his youth. The great castles and cities, endless fields and mighty rivers. And then there were the dragons.
As he stopped by his own flagship, Changning Winds, he gazed at it with wonder. It was not the longship that the Ironborn prouded themselves with, but rather a large warship on par with what the Iron Throne could build. It was simply a marvel of shipbuilding, with an iron ram, reinforced hull, and armed with scorpions and spitfires, its black sails displaying the golden kraken. To him, this was what the Iron Islands could become, what they had missed for so long. The longship had been beaten by more advanced ships ages ago, and galleys were the primary ship of most fleets. Even so, many still favored the longship for its maneuverability and merely because they had always used it. Wulfgar sighed as he went up on deck. His people were hard and stoic, yet their stubbornness when clinging to the Old Way and their need to be different and independent from the rest of the Seven Kingdoms was a pain. Lord Wulfgar knew that he would have to forge a New Way, against the wishes of his people if he had to. He had stopped them from fighting in the war, but changing their very core would earn him many enemies. Wulfgar laughed out loud. There would always be enemies lurking in the shadows, a sharp blade would deal with them accordingly.
He was crossing one of the rope bridges when a sudden wind shook it up. Fortunately he could grab one of the main ropes, managing to not fall to a certain death, far below, were spiky rocks waited the Ironborn unfortunate, drunk or fool enough to lose feet on the bridge. His heart beating like a crazy drummer Dagon managed to compose himself. Still sweating he crossed the last stretch of the bridge. He walked through the corridors at good pace, crossing the dampy and dark halls of his fathers. Still a bit nervous he arrived to small chamber, all the walls covered with shelves, filled with two hundred and thirty six books. All the books in Pyke, a meager amount compared to the Hightower's collection or even the number a minor lord like Penrose had, but immense compared to the usually illiterate Ironborn. Dagon had indulged himself on the last years, increasing the original number with fifty tomes, some of them of practical use like law codes or agrarian treatises.
Sitting at his chair, simple and unadorned, Dagon started to dispatch that morning’s businesses: A Codd had an issue with Lord Merlyn accusing him of theft and rape, supposedly during a particularly intoxicating drunkenness Merlyn drank Codd’s ale and bedded his daughter. Merlyn in turn said that Codd’s daughter had proposed herself and took him to bed. Codd’s daughter was famously lusty and ugly, so maybe what he tried to do is marry her to someone, in this case, Merlyn. He sighed and wrote a response, demanding Merlyn to pay a fine, to compensate the amount of ale he drank, but dismissing further charges against him, exonerating him of any other crimes. Dagon’s sighed and continued to read parchments and even received a pair of petitioners. That was the work of a castellan. His fingers stained with ink Dagon left Pyke, heading towards Lordsport.
Whistling, he discussed a price with two greedy Pentoshi merchants (a rare sight on the islands) and talked with them about Essos and the Free Cities for a while. It seemed Pentos was again suffering a particularly destructive dothraki raid. The slaves’ price had increased in the last months they said. Dagon them wandered through the market, with no clear purpose but clearing his mind from that morning’s accident and relax after few hours of hard work…
Wulfgar easily spotted his younger brother walking along the streets of Lordsport from the railing of Changing Winds. There were two fat merchants, from the Free Cities by the looks of them, following Dagon, though there seemed to be other things on his mind rather than trade and treaties. The older brother smiled as he ran off the ship, his guards following him as best as they could in their heavy mail. Dagon had always been a loyal and excellent adviser and castellan for the Lord of Pyke, and Wulfgar relied on him in many matters when it came to ruling. The expansion of the library had been impressive, the both of them reading as many of their new books as they could, though Dagon had always had a better head for literary works. Wulfgar loved taking immediate action more. Catching up to Dagon, Wulfgar put his arm around his brother's shoulders.
"It's good to see you're finally out enjoying the weather with rest of us instead of rotting away inside the library, Dagon. Dealing with petitioners and greedy merchants is always of great import of course, but you need some color unless you want to look like a bloody pale ghost."
He laughed and shook his head. Turning back, his face had gotten a bit more serious.
"Anyway, it's good that you're here, I have some things to discuss with you. There have been a lot of news from the green lands these last couple of weeks that we will have to deal with."
Seeing the large Ironborn coming the two fat merchants vanished. Luckily, he was already tired of chatting about cheese trade.
"Aye, brother. I needed some fresh air; the wind coming from the sea! Those halls of ours aren't good for the bones, you know. And I already look like a pale ghost, I take after our mother"
He chuckled. He looked at his brother's eyes.
"I've always been punctual, so, what do we have to discuss? I heard the war is finally over, it seems like dragons are tired of killing each other"
"Exactly, and it's finally time for us to act. As one of the few untouched by the war, we hold a good advantage in the near future if we wish to act. Some may call for the independence of our islands, great reaving campaigns against the weakened West and Reach, or even conquest of the green lands. Others may just want to mind their own business and roll up in their shells again. I don't want that. Our people are hardy and strong, but we have gotten far behind the rest of the world. Though our iron may be great, it can never be on par with Valyrian steel."
Wulfgar touched the pommel of his sword, a kraken adorning its guard.
"It's time for the Ironborn to catch up to the green lands, brother. Despite the reputation the Hoares have, they actually saw the futility of the Old Way and tried to forge a new path to greatness. Just look at Harwyn Hardhand who conquered the Riverlands. If only Aegon the Conqueror hadn't shown up, we might have been able to put all of the Seven Kingdoms under us. Well, no matter. I want your opinion on what we have to do, brother. The first thing we need is maesters, maesters and ravens in every lordly keep on the islands. Right now we have to deliver messages by ship, which takes far too long and much riskier, since ships sink more often than ravens."
"Exactly, and it's finally time for us to act. As one of the few untouched by the war, we hold a good advantage in the near future if we wish to act. Some may call for the independence of our islands, great reaving campaigns against the weakened West and Reach, or even conquest of the green lands. Others may just want to mind their own business and roll up in their shells again. I don't want that. Our people are hardy and strong, but we have gotten far behind the rest of the world. Though our iron may be great, it can never be on par with Valyrian steel."
Wulfgar touched the pommel of his sword, a kraken adorning its guard.
"It's time for the Ironborn to catch up to the green lands, brother. Despite the reputation the Hoares have, they actually saw the futility of the Old Way and tried to forge a new path to greatness. Just look at Harwyn Hardhand who conquered the Riverlands. If only Aegon the Conqueror hadn't shown up, we might have been able to put all of the Seven Kingdoms under us. Well, no matter. I want your opinion on what we have to do, brother. The first thing we need is maesters, maesters and ravens in every lordly keep on the islands. Right now we have to deliver messages by ship, which takes far too long and much riskier, since ships sink more often than ravens."
Dagon crossed his arms, thinking, pondering his brother's words.
"Indeed, I must admit we seem to be a rather backwater land, strained from the rest of the Seven Kingdoms. We're disorganized, descentralized, a step behind from everyone else, as you very well say, brother. The Ironborns have the will of pursuing power and glory, but we only lack a greater purpose. You're the one that will unite us, brother and carve a new path for our people"
Said Dagon. He had always had faith on his elder brother, even considering their personal differences.
"However, there are many issues we must address, and bringing the maesters seems to be a rational and pratical idea. It will greatly ease the communication between the islands. Raven wings are faster than sails and safer, as you say. I also have to admit that we do need trade. Our people despises trade, but that's a mistake because it would greatly enlarge our income. Also, some new ties with the Free Cities could be hugely benefitial, because its trade might be even more profitable than the common one with mainland Westeros"
Almost everyone knew that Daegon was an admirer of the Free Cities.
Wulfgar grinned, picking up a golden dragon out of his pocket, holding it up so it glistened in the sun.
"The Gold Price must be paid, the most despised price. Why did our fathers and their fathers collect such vast treasures if not to spend it? The Iron Price is just another way to gain wealth, but one that doesn't win us friends. Might've worked when we were independent and unstoppable at sea, but now is a new era. We are one of many to owe fealty to the Iron Throne, we are part of something much more. As for trade, I completely agree. When I raided in the Free Cities, I saw wondrous cities, the likes which we could never build. They didn't gain their wealth by openly stealing it from others, they stole it behind their backs. Or as we usually call it, trade."
He laughed once more before putting the coin back into his pocket.
"Yes, more trade is needed. The Free Cities will be a good starting point, but we can't ignore the green lands, especially major cities on the western coast like Lannisport and Oldtown. I have big plans for the Iron Islands, and we're going to need allies who can swiftly aid us in times of need. But all that at later point. I can tell you want to return to Essos, Dagon. Where would you seek for trade partners across the narrow sea? I guess your wife would tell you to go to the Three Daughters, or the Three Whores as the sailors call it."
Wulfgar grinned, picking up a golden dragon out of his pocket, holding it up so it glistened in the sun.
"The Gold Price must be paid, the most despised price. Why did our fathers and their fathers collect such vast treasures if not to spend it? The Iron Price is just another way to gain wealth, but one that doesn't win us friends. Might've worked when we were independent and unstoppable at sea, but now is a new era. We are one of many to owe fealty to the Iron Throne, we are part of something much more. As for trade, I completely agree. When I raided in the Free Cities, I saw wondrous cities, the likes which we could never build. They didn't gain their wealth by openly stealing it from others, they stole it behind their backs. Or as we usually call it, trade."
He laughed once more before putting the coin back into his pocket.
"Yes, more trade is needed. The Free Cities will be a good starting point, but we can't ignore the green lands, especially major cities on the western coast like Lannisport and Oldtown. I have big plans for the Iron Islands, and we're going to need allies who can swiftly aid us in times of need. But all that at later point. I can tell you want to return to Essos, Dagon. Where would you seek for trade partners across the narrow sea? I guess your wife would tell you to go to the Three Daughters, or the Three Whores as the sailors call it."
"We don't even have a fleet twice as large as our potential foes, in fact the Redwyne Armada is comparable to our own and both Hightower and Velaryon can raise large fleets on their own. Combined we stand no chance. Moreso, our numbers are fewer than in the past and the realms aren't divided like they were once. We cannot build our power upon the shoulders of thralls and serfs, our meager lands scarcely provide us with enough wheat, but we have tin, iron and copper, all of them valuable trade goods. We should open our minds and increase the trade between the Islands and the world, Wulfgar"
He glanced the glittering coin, which shows Viserys I on one side and the three-headed dragon on the opposite.
"I could very well travel again to the Free Cities, brother. That's always a pleasant experience and indeed, my wife would rather trade with Tyrosh, Myr or Lys, considering how deep are rivalries in the Disputed Lands they would cheerfully greet our strong black iron. However, there are destines as profitable or valuable, like Braavos. We have to prioritize, if we want to enlarge our fleet we shall head to Braavos or even Lys. If we wish to bolster our trade we should try Volantis or Lorath. And if we want to increase our swords we should chose Tyrosh, Pentos or Myr. It's your choice brother, however remember where my wife was born"
Dagon had always been a pragmatic man, the most serious-minded and capable administrator born to Maron Greyjoy.
Wulfgar stroked his beard while in deep thought. Dagon's words were true and to the point, which he had always liked. Silver tongues are poisonous to the ear, he had heard from a Lyseni pirate once. Wulfgar was split on the issue of trade. Who they chose could very well determine the shape of the New Way. All of the Free Cities had something to offer, all of which would be important. However, one in particular offered more than the others when it came to trade. Wulfgar turned back to his brother.
"Swords we can make on our own, the smiths of Lordsport are among the best that I know of, and ships is our great strength already. Any new ships can easily be purchased with the gold we'll make from trade. Therefore, the silks and spices of Volantis would aid us greatly with filling our coffers. But don't fret brother, you can take your sweet time on your voyage to the Free Cities. Who better than the man who loves Essos more than his own home to undertake this mission?"
Wulfgar stroked his beard while in deep thought. Dagon's words were true and to the point, which he had always liked. Silver tongues are poisonous to the ear, he had heard from a Lyseni pirate once. Wulfgar was split on the issue of trade. Who they chose could very well determine the shape of the New Way. All of the Free Cities had something to offer, all of which would be important. However, one in particular offered more than the others when it came to trade. Wulfgar turned back to his brother.
"Swords we can make on our own, the smiths of Lordsport are among the best that I know of, and ships is our great strength already. Any new ships can easily be purchased with the gold we'll make from trade. Therefore, the silks and spices of Volantis would aid us greatly with filling our coffers. But don't fret brother, you can take your sweet time on your voyage to the Free Cities. Who better than the man who loves Essos more than his own home to undertake this mission?"
He longed to visit the magnificent Tyrosh, the beautiful Lys and the imposing Pentos, but first he would have to pay a visit to the Queen of Cities, Volantis, child of Valyria!
Dagon bows and smiles.
"Volantis! That's a great choice, brother. Volantene trade will fill our coffers quickly, however it will depend heavily on who rules the city nowadays; Elephants or Tigers. Anyway, I'll find out when I arrive to the last daughter of Valyria. My longboat will be readied for the travel, Wulfgar, as soon as possible. I'll try to get us that trade lane, however take into consideration that I'll have to spend several months on this enterprise and don't know how long the negotiations will be, so don't manage to lose our islands in the meantime"
"I promise, but don't be too hopeful that I'll be able to keep it. I'll miss your counsel, but I'll be busy with travels on my own, although a lot closer to home. Someone needs to get the maesters here, and I'm going to have to get the other lords to cooperate for once, no matter how much their stubbornness will tempt me to smash their skulls in with a hammer. You have the easy job, and you get to spend time away from this backwater place in the greatest cities the world has to offer. Safe travels, Dagon."
The following day, a vessel waving the Goodbrother banner would be spotted moving for the port of Lordsport. It passed closely by Pyke however, as if it wanted to be seen. Later that day, a group of riders approached the fortifications of Pyke, bearing the banner of House Goodbrother. The group of riders approached with three individuals leading them. One was an aged man carrying a driftwood staff. His hair was a storm grey with a ragged beard. This individual was known as Craghorn Goodbrother, also known as the Salt-Speaker by his colleagues and kin. The second figure was a middle aged male; dark hair and eyes as all Ironborn are born with. He was muscular and brutish. This could be none other than the half-brother of Gelmarr Goodbrother, Urron Ironsword, a trusted bodyguard of Gelmarr's household. The leading figure was none other than the Stormbreaker himself, Gelmarr of House Goodbrother, Lord of Hammerhorn Castle and High Lord of Great Wyk. The party approached Pyke, yet when they came to the gates, they did not even attempt to herald their presence. Gelmarr knew that Wulfgar would be aware of his arrival if a Goodbrother ship boldly came close to Pyke. The silent Goodbrother gazed at the entry way into Pyke, only the pawing and snorts of their horses broke their silence.
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Lord Organ Orkwood and his retinue sailed from Orkmont to Pyke to visit their Lord, their green pines on a yellow background clear on their ships and shields of his men. They prepared to sail into the harbour at Pyke, waiting for permission from the dock master - you did not sail into someone's harbour without their permission - before entering. Or at least Organ thought that. A man's harbour was his sanctuary, more important than even his keep... not as much as his own ship though. Organ was behind the helm of his longship, a ship he had said since becoming a man and surviving his drowning. It was a battered, weathered old ship, but he loved it more than his rock wife and had known it for longer. Everyone in his retinue had served on this ship for at least ten years, and they knew it well. So, with a sigh and some reluctance, he handed over the helm to his helmsman and fetched his shield and axe, ready to land on Pyke and meet with his Lord.
"I promise, but don't be too hopeful that I'll be able to keep it. I'll miss your counsel, but I'll be busy with travels on my own, although a lot closer to home. Someone needs to get the maesters here, and I'm going to have to get the other lords to cooperate for once, no matter how much their stubbornness will tempt me to smash their skulls in with a hammer. You have the easy job, and you get to spend time away from this backwater place in the greatest cities the world has to offer. Safe travels, Dagon."
Dagon smiled. He had to ready his longboat inmediately. His flagship, the Silent Sister, was wider than the usual Ironborn ship, and had more cargo capacity. It was a magnificent, fast and reliable ship, good for travelling even on her own and it could even be used for trade. However, it was less suited for battle, lacking the heavy weaponry, like scorpions, that other ships' carried.
"I wish you the same. When I'm back I'll be glad to see those chained men waling around our islands, so good luck with your endeavours. I'll leave Dagos behind, here at Pyke, under your watch, so take care of him on his parent's absence, brother"
The following day, a vessel waving the Goodbrother banner would be spotted moving for the port of Lordsport. It passed closely by Pyke however, as if it wanted to be seen. Later that day, a group of riders approached the fortifications of Pyke, bearing the banner of House Goodbrother. The group of riders approached with three individuals leading them. One was an aged man carrying a driftwood staff. His hair was a storm grey with a ragged beard. This individual was known as Craghorn Goodbrother, also known as the Salt-Speaker by his colleagues and kin. The second figure was a middle aged male; dark hair and eyes as all Ironborn are born with. He was muscular and brutish. This could be none other than the half-brother of Gelmarr Goodbrother, Urron Ironsword, a trusted bodyguard of Gelmarr's household. The leading figure was none other than the Stormbreaker himself, Gelmarr of House Goodbrother, Lord of Hammerhorn Castle and High Lord of Great Wyk. The party approached Pyke, yet when they came to the gates, they did not even attempt to herald their presence. Gelmarr knew that Wulfgar would be aware of his arrival if a Goodbrother ship boldly came close to Pyke. The silent Goodbrother gazed at the entry way into Pyke, only the pawing and snorts of their horses broke their silence.
The Goodbrothers had to wait for some time before they were allowed to enter. The gates opened slowly, and out stepped a man clad in weathered grey robes, with shells and driftwood adorning his clothes. Under the wet grey hair and long beard shone two grey eyes. Erik "Saltblesser" was the oldest of Lord Greyjoy's uncles, and the greatest Drowned Priest who walked the shores of Pyke. In his belt hung a small cudgel and a salt rock on a string. He nodded to all of them one-by-one, from the Salt-Speaker to the Ironsword.
"He Who Dwells Beneath The Waves has been kind today by bringing you here safely. May the Storm God's wrath be quelled on your journey home. My nephew is ready to see the Goodbrother now, follow me."
They entered the Great Keep where their horses were tended to by thralls in the stables before they continued over several rope bridges before entering the Sea Tower. After several steps up a few stairs, Goodbrother reached the solar of Lord Greyjoy, where Wulfgar waited for him. Clad in leather and a throwing axe in his belt, he grinned at Gelmarr and his kin as they entered. Erik Greyjoy sat himself by the window, quietly looking out over the sea. Wulfgar spoke up.
"As bold as ever, proudly showing off your colors in my own waters! It's good to see you haven't changed that much since the last time we saw each other, Gelmarr. Are still unmarried, with only salt wives to keep you busy in the night?"
Originally Posted by Shankbot de Bodemloze
Lord Organ Orkwood and his retinue sailed from Orkmont to Pyke to visit their Lord, their green pines on a yellow background clear on their ships and shields of his men. They prepared to sail into the harbour at Pyke, waiting for permission from the dock master - you did not sail into someone's harbour without their permission - before entering. Or at least Organ thought that. A man's harbour was his sanctuary, more important than even his keep... not as much as his own ship though. Organ was behind the helm of his longship, a ship he had said since becoming a man and surviving his drowning. It was a battered, weathered old ship, but he loved it more than his rock wife and had known it for longer. Everyone in his retinue had served on this ship for at least ten years, and they knew it well. So, with a sigh and some reluctance, he handed over the helm to his helmsman and fetched his shield and axe, ready to land on Pyke and meet with his Lord.
Orkwood's arrival had not gone unnoticed and Lord Organ was soon met by a small party of riders. A large man clad in black mail and a large axe on his back, with a greying rugged beard and short unkept hair. His sharp grey eyes revealed his blood to be that of House Greyjoy. Urgon "Stonehand", the uncle of Lord Wulfgar, had come to take Lord Orkwood to Pyke. His nickname came from the boasts of men who had seen him crush stones with one hand. Though the tales were most likely exaggerations, few would not recognize the brute strength of the old and fearsome Greyjoy. As Lord Organ landed on shore, Urgon greeted him with a simple nod.
"We brought a few horses for you and your retinue, Organ. I hope you're happy, 'cause I'm not. I've had enough of these stinking beasts. A ship is the only mount for an Ironborn."
Originally Posted by Oznerol
Dagon smiled. He had to ready his longboat inmediately. His flagship, the Silent Sister, was wider than the usual Ironborn ship, and had more cargo capacity. It was a magnificent, fast and reliable ship, good for travelling even on her own and it could even be used for trade. However, it was less suited for battle, lacking the heavy weaponry, like scorpions, that other ships' carried.
"I wish you the same. When I'm back I'll be glad to see those chained men waling around our islands, so good luck with your endeavours. I'll leave Dagos behind, here at Pyke, under your watch, so take care of him on his parent's absence, brother"
Wulfgar grabbed his brother's hand and shook, a smile upon his hardened face.
"He'll be in good hands among his family, especially when he has Harwyn and Harren as playmates. Though I'll ruin their fun once they meet their new teacher. Maybe our boys will finally learn to properly read and write with a stern maester watching them like a hawk."
He laughed loudly.
Another longship, sleek and sturdy, was spotted by the fishermen of Pyke. A skeletal hand was emblazoned upon the tattered sail, and at the ship's head stood a hairless, grotesque giant of a man, dressed in a sailor's clothes. A longsword hung at his hip, sharp and deadly. Slowly but surely, he clambered off the ship, wading ashore with his men from one of the rowing boats. Formidable and foreboding stood the ragged towers of Pyke in the distance, separated by rickety bridges. Many of the fisherfolk gawked at the brute and his armed comrades, but he paid them no mind as he began his trek towards the hall of the Kraken.
Yet another longship could be spotted on the horizon, hull black as sin and sails red as blood. Its banner depicting a black longship sailing before a blood red sun rising over the horizon. The grunts, cries and moans rising out from below deck came from its captain seeking pleasure in his latest prize. Farwynd, a call came from above deck.. we're almost there. The sounds sped up before falling silent. As the captain came out above deck the slight weeping of a girl could be heard through the wood coming from below.
Once above deck Gylbert inhaled the sea air deeply, the sea spray rising up and covering his face. Washing the sweat and stink of sex from his body. The aging reaver leapt into the sea and wadded toward the shore, his men following their lord into the drink. Once ashore he looked up toward Castle Pyke and began the trek up towards the ancient hall of Krakens.
[I]Orkwood's arrival had not gone unnoticed and Lord Organ was soon met by a small party of riders. A large man clad in black mail and a large axe on his back, with a greying rugged beard and short unkept hair. His sharp grey eyes revealed his blood to be that of House Greyjoy. Urgon "Stonehand", the uncle of Lord Wulfgar, had come to take Lord Orkwood to Pyke. His nickname came from the boasts of men who had seen him crush stones with one hand. Though the tales were most likely exaggerations, few would not recognize the brute strength of the old and fearsome Greyjoy. As Lord Organ landed on shore, Urgon greeted him with a simple nod.
"We brought a few horses for you and your retinue, Organ. I hope you're happy, 'cause I'm not. I've had enough of these stinking beasts. A ship is the only mount for an Ironborn."
Organ roared with laughter, but eyed the beasts with distrust. "Aye, I can agree to that. I think I'll stay on my own two feet, have never trusted the darn animals. A ship or a man, I can control, but those ruddy things... gah!" He spat good naturedly, extending a hand. "Stonehand, it has been a while. How fares Wulfgar, and the other Greyjoys?"
The Goodbrothers had to wait for some time before they were allowed to enter. The gates opened slowly, and out stepped a man clad in weathered grey robes, with shells and driftwood adorning his clothes. Under the wet grey hair and long beard shone two grey eyes. Erik "Saltblesser" was the oldest of Lord Greyjoy's uncles, and the greatest Drowned Priest who walked the shores of Pyke. In his belt hung a small cudgel and a salt rock on a string. He nodded to all of them one-by-one, from the Salt-Speaker to the Ironsword.
"He Who Dwells Beneath The Waves has been kind today by bringing you here safely. May the Storm God's wrath be quelled on your journey home. My nephew is ready to see the Goodbrother now, follow me."
They entered the Great Keep where their horses were tended to by thralls in the stables before they continued over several rope bridges before entering the Sea Tower. After several steps up a few stairs, Goodbrother reached the solar of Lord Greyjoy, where Wulfgar waited for him. Clad in leather and a throwing axe in his belt, he grinned at Gelmarr and his kin as they entered. Erik Greyjoy sat himself by the window, quietly looking out over the sea. Wulfgar spoke up.
"As bold as ever, proudly showing off your colors in my own waters! It's good to see you haven't changed that much since the last time we saw each other, Gelmarr. Are still unmarried, with only salt wives to keep you busy in the night?"
Craghorn dismounted from his horse to give a proper gretting to Erik Greyjoy. Once they were performed, the three Goodbrothers entered the keep of Pyke. The Lord of Hammerhorn walked up into the main area, noticing Wulfgar as he sat within his chair. Gelmarr would calmly shrug his shoulders and gestures out towards the sea with his own thumb.
We Ironborn must be bold, no matter who that person is. It is in our blood and nature, Wulfgar. Besides, the best way to grab your attention is to sail close to Pyke.
Gelmarr thought back to his ship for a moment, the Sea Maiden. He had managed to spend a lustful trip with the salt wife he brought with him; a female from the city of Lys. The Ironborn shrugs once more.
Hard to find a good rock wife that suits me. Need a bold lady, and one who is lusty of course. But it seems every women from here to the Drowned God's hall is taken by every sailor with a big ship. For now, I find my satisfaction in my salt wives.
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