Karhold, fief of the Karstarks

[Dirty Chai]

Karhold is situated in the far east of the Northern lands, nestled in a thick, pine forest beyond the Last River.
A small but navigable river runs up through it, and Karhold sits upon its western bank, with a river port leading out to sea.

Karhold has two major towers that rise above the castle town: Karl's Keep and the Rookery.
Karhold is a strong fortress, but it was built to survive, not to warm, made of black and grey stone.
The forest and river freeze over in the winter, and the river still freezes sometimes in the summer.
The winter days are only a few hours long, and the nights are clear and bright with the northern lights.

Inside Karl's Keep are many hearths in the floor, built in the old Northern style, around dining halls, antechambers, bedrooms, everywhere.
There are no windows that can open in the keep, only thick glass.

The inside of the keep is full of carved wood and tapestries, old furnishings from the days before the Targaryen conquest.
People hoard around the hearths in their free time, and the Lord in Karhold himself prefers to stay in doors except for on warmer days.


Karhold Regional Bonus
- Strong Castle: Karhold is certainly not the equal of Winterfell, or even the Dreadfort, but it is still a strong castle. +2 to seige defense.

Upgrades
Tier I: Militia Armoury: +10% Levy
Tier I: Religious Shrine (Sept/Weirwood Grove/Drowned/Rhllor): Adds +1 to your stability level (last one year)
Tier I: (Coastal Only) Dockyard: +10% naval Levy, +10% income

The following will be constructed on Tuesday, January 21, 2014:
Tier I: Market Square: +10% income
Tier I: Wall Reinforcements: +1 Siege Defence rolls
Tier II: Large Religious Shrine (Sept/Weirwood Grove/Drowned/Rhllor): Adds +1 to your stability level (annually)

Military

Levies Levies of Karhold Land Levy of Karhold Full Levy +10% from Militia Armory 825 Northern Swordsmen (elite infantry) 440 Light Inf 495 Heavy Inf 330 Polearms 330 Archers 165 Light Cavalry 165 Heavy Cavalry March-able Levy - 90% of Full 750 Northern Swordsmen (elite infantry) 400 Light Inf 450 Heavy Inf 300 Polearms 300 Archers 150 Light Cavalry 150 Heavy Cavalry Permanent Garrison - 10% of Full 75 Northern Swordsmen (elite infantry) 40 Light Inf 45 Heavy Inf 30 Polearms 30 Archers 15 Light Cavalry 15 Heavy Cavalry Vassal Levies Land Levy of Eastmelt Full Levy 50 Northern Swordsmen (elite infantry) 50 Light Inf 25 Heavy Inf 25 Polearms 50 Archers 25 Light Cavalry 25 Heavy Cavalry March-able Levy - 90% of Full 45 Northern Swordsmen (elite infantry) 45 Light Inf 22 Heavy Inf 23 Polearms 45 Archers 23 Light Cavalry 22 Heavy Cavalry Permanent Garrison - 10% of Full 5 Northern Swordsmen (elite infantry)5 Light Inf 3 Heavy Inf 2 Polearms 5 Archers 2 Light Cavalry 3 Heavy Cavalry Land Levy of Weeping Bay Full Levy 50 Northern Swordsmen (elite infantry) 50 Light Inf 25 Heavy Inf 25 Polearms 50 Archers 25 Light Cavalry 25 Heavy Cavalry March-able Levy - 90% of Full 45 Northern Swordsmen (elite infantry) 45 Light Inf 22 Heavy Inf 23 Polearms 45 Archers 23 Light Cavalry 22 Heavy Cavalry Permanent Garrison - 10% of Full 5 Northern Swordsmen (elite infantry)5 Light Inf 3 Heavy Inf 2 Polearms 5 Archers 2 Light Cavalry 3 Heavy Cavalry Professionals 900 Northern Swordsmen

Economy

Income: Karhold = 50,000 Trade 2x = 20,000 Total *1.125 = 71,750 Bonuses: +2.5% (Skill) +10% (Docks) Trade: (Timber) - Stokeworth (Perfumes) - Estermont (Armor)

Characters
Lord Harrold Karstark
Helicent Karstark
Ysilla Karstark

[Pinkerton]

After visiting the ruins of the Dreadfort, now named in some weird fashion, Rodrik Bolton, the one-eyed, showed up at the gates of Karhold

[Dirty Chai]

After visiting the ruins of the Dreadfort, now named in some weird fashion, Rodrik Bolton, the one-eyed, showed up at the gates of Karhold

After a small inquiry, Bolton is led through the front gates, across the small castle town, and up a flight of stairs into the taller of Karhold's two towers, Karl's Keep.
The other stood a little shorter than the keep and much skinnier, leading up to an open balcony with cage bars. A rookery.
The rooftops of the castle town and the keep were layered with frost from the morning, even in this warm summer.

The steps were layered with ice in places, and slippery; at the top of the escalating steps, stood large, bronze doors, carved with little sharp points against any who would try to break them down.
The entry was made open, and Bolton was allowed into the main hall to get warm.

A hearth was set in the floor, and the smoke rose into the high rafters of the room, blurring the ceiling from sight.
Tables were set around the hearth, except for the side facing the entry.

A young man stood with his back to the entryway, staring into the flames, his hands out being warmed. He wore a cloak of pelts, probably too large for him, and his straight, burgundy hair fell down to his shoulders, mixing in among the fur.
He turned to view who came through the door, revealing a pointed nose and grey eyes.
"Are you the one claiming to be a Bolton?" he asked with morose curiosity.

[Pinkerton]

After a small inquiry, Bolton is led through the front gates, across the small castle town, and up a flight of stairs into the taller of Karhold's two towers, Karl's Keep.
The other stood a little shorter than the keep and much skinnier, leading up to an open balcony with cage bars. A rookery.
The rooftops of the castle town and the keep were layered with frost from the morning, even in this warm summer.

The steps were layered with ice in places, and slippery; at the top of the escalating steps, stood large, bronze doors, carved with little sharp points against any who would try to break them down.
The entry was made open, and Bolton was allowed into the main hall to get warm.

A hearth was set in the floor, and the smoke rose into the high rafters of the room, blurring the ceiling from sight.
Tables were set around the hearth, except for the side facing the entry.

A young man stood with his back to the entryway, staring into the flames, his hands out being warmed. He wore a cloak of pelts, probably too large for him, and his straight, burgundy hair fell down to his shoulders, mixing in among the fur.
He turned to view who came through the door, revealing a pointed nose and grey eyes.
"Are you the one claiming to be a Bolton?" he asked with morose curiosity.

My fame precedes me, then. I wouldn't know if that is a good thing

Bolton smiled, showing his poorly taken-care teeth

I am, yes, the one that calls himself Bolton

[Dirty Chai]

He sniffed, and turned, walking to take a seat at the center of the table, now facing across the hearth towards Bolton.
"Then you would know that your ancestral home was destroyed and raised into another man's home. Why do you come to the gates of my hold?
Surely not to find warmth, you wouldn't venture beyond the Last River if you simply sought to warm up."
The young man paused, and then his tone changed slightly.
"Forgive me, I have not introduced myself; I am Harrold, Lord of the forests east of the Last River."

[Pinkerton]

He sniffed, and turned, walking to take a seat at the center of the table, now facing across the hearth towards Bolton.
"Then you would know that your ancestral home was destroyed and raised into another man's home. Why do you come to the gates of my hold?
Surely not to find warmth, you wouldn't venture beyond the Last River if you simply sought to warm up."
The young man paused, and then his tone changed slightly.
"Forgive me, I have not introduced myself; I am Howland Karstark, Lord of Karhold."

Thank you for reminding me of that, for a second I thought the Dreadfort was still a mighty hold to be admired.

He admired the room, it had been long since he had been received in a Castle

I came here to see if you would open your gates to me, Lord Karstark. Most Northeners still despise those who dare to bore the name of Bolton

[Dirty Chai]

"Your kin did indeed slay many beloved men of the North. My father and brother among them."
Harrold glanced towards the northern end of the hall, to Bolton's left, and then looked back to his guest.
"Sit, Ser. I think supper is nearly ready."
He continued then with their conversation, "Descendants of the First Men are known for their bitter grudges. How do you trace your ancestors to the Dreadfort?"

[Pinkerton]

"Your kin did indeed slay many beloved men of the North. My father and brother among them."
Howland glanced towards the northern end of the hall, to Bolton's left, and then looked back to his guest.
"Sit, Ser. I think supper is nearly ready."
He continued then with their conversation, "Descendants of the First Men are known for their bitter grudges. How do you trace your ancestors to the Dreadfort?"

So you're a lord by accident, He thought to himself

I am first son of the late Beron Bolton, who was the second son of Lord Harmen Bolton, which you might remember as the grandfather of the infamous Gregori Bolton

[Dirty Chai]

"Distant, then. That is convenient. Where were you during Gregori's rampage?"
The food came in, some servants bringing in smoked fish.

[Pinkerton]

"Distant, then. That is convenient. Where were you during Gregori's rampage?"
The food came in, some servants bringing in smoked fish.

I left the Dreadfort as soon as he decided to march on Winterfell. Rode to Whiteport and from there I paid a galley to be taken to Braavos

Fish, he liked fish. He had eaten a lot of fish when he traveled through the Rhoyne

[Dirty Chai]

"Fleeing the carnage?" he asked doubtfully.
It sounded all too convenient to Karstark, as if Bolton was just trying his best to look appeasing.
Regardless, he wasn't opposed to this man. It felt strange that he didn't want to rip the man's neck in revenge for his father and brother.
"Helicent would if she were present in this room," he thought.
"Did you appear before Manderly ere coming to my door?"

[Pinkerton]

"Fleeing the carnage?" he asked doubtfully.
It sounded all too convenient to Karstark, as if Bolton was just trying his best to look appeasing.
Regardless, he wasn't opposed to this man. It felt strange that he didn't want to rip the man's neck in revenge for his father and brother.
"Helicent would if she were present in this room," he thought.
"Did you appear before Manderly ere coming to my door?"

Gregori wasn't known for his brains

He started taking bites off the fish

I spoke to a Manderly. I wouldn't know who he was. I went to Winterfell, and I found the remnants of a battle. I asked to be taken to the leader, and later I was told he was a Manderly. There was also a kid, Lord Stark, they called him

[Dirty Chai]

"I heard as much. Lord Manderly of White Harbor is the current Warden of the North and Lord Regent until Edwyle Stark is of age."
Karstark cut into a small, fat fish with a pointed sword for a nose, and took a bite of the grey and white flesh.
"Many lords seemed fairly upset at your presence. How did Manderly recieve you?"

[Pinkerton]

"I heard as much. Lord Manderly of White Harbor is the current Warden of the North and Lord Regent until Edwyle Stark is of age."
Karstark cut into a small, fat fish with a pointed sword for a nose, and took a bite of the grey and white flesh.
"Many lords seemed fairly upset at your presence. How did Manderly recieve you?"

If I remember correctly he spat

[Dirty Chai]

"That settles it then. Manderly rules the North with unilateral support and I am nothing but a Karstark runt."
He took another bite.
"I cannot help you, not alone. Your family is hated; even after a decade they will still spit in you face. I will support your claim, but my word alone will not be respected among the lords of the North."

[Pinkerton]

"That settles it then. Manderly rules the North with unilateral support and I am nothing but a Karstark runt."
He took another bite.
"I cannot help you, not alone. Your family is hated; even after a decade they will still spit in you face. I will support your claim, but my word alone will not be respected among the lords of the North."

No one but the King can help me. I plan to travel to King's Landing to request an audience with Blackfyre, maybe he'll listen to me

Bolton sipped his goblet

[Dirty Chai]

"Then if the Iron Throne supports your claim, I shall as well."
He raised a small goblet to the man diagonally across from him.
"Fair travels, Ser Bolton. You may sleep under my roof for this night."

[Lord Dread]

From the distance a few riders, wearing the colours of House Tully approach after a long march the fortress of Karhold.
One of them, riding next to a pony, on which two children, flanked carefully by professional soldiers of the retiniue, was wearing due to his winter clothes a magnificent red-blue-striped cloak with a magnificent silver trout on it, waving in the wind.
It was obvious that Lord Edric Tully has come.

[Xion]

A raven arrives offering trade between Stokeworth and Karhold.

[Dirty Chai]

From the distance a few riders, wearing the colours of House Tully approach after a long march the fortress of Karhold.
One of them, riding next to a pony, on which two children, flanked carefully by professional soldiers of the retiniue, was wearing due to his winter clothes a magnificent red-blue-striped cloak with a magnificent silver trout on it, waving in the wind.
It was obvious that Lord Edric Tully has come.

The tall, blackened wood of Karhold's gate swung open for the visitors, and it was a straight path up through the castle town to Karl's Keep, which stood on a low hill.
The Keep's doors were made of bronze probably encasing wood, with sharp points emerging from all over the door, seemingly part of the design, but clearly meant to be sharp beyond that purpose.
Grey, stone walls towered above the gate in a long, narrow passage, up steps and through a courtyard with nowhere to hide; if one looked up, there were merlons all over, and even wolf-holes and archer slits. This was ancient fortress meant to last.

Lord Tully and, presumably, his two children, were shown into main hall of the keep, up another flight of stairs to where an old hearth set into floor was blazing, warming the entire hall.
The entire room was wooden and filled with rugs and tapestries, and smoke filled the upper rafters of the hall so that one could not see the ceiling.

A few figures stood on the other side of the hearth, one a red-haired young man, wearing a garb of fine pelts, and an old, ornate brooch on his shoulder.
A woman about the same age flanked his right, and a little girl was off to the left, focused on something else until the visitors entered.
Some retainers and courtiers were about the hall, but not of any import; it was a mostly quiet hall, except for the blazing hearth and the almost palpable touch of ancestor spirits guarding the ancient place.

A large wall behind them was significantly shaped, like a giant woodblock print.
Shapes were carved out of it, showing a figure fighting a dragon.

A man whispered into the fire-haired man with the brooch after jogging over to him, and then the youthful lord smiled at his guests.
"Welcome to Karhold, Lord Tully,"
There was light scruff growing on his chin and around his mouth, and could almost form a full mustache and goatee.
He had a pointed, straight nose, and full lips; grey eyes, like all the blood lines of the First Men.