Securing the Land of Golden Roses

[Honors Bastion]

Once more, the armies of House Hightower march northwards towards the central lands of the Reach to make another bid to extend the Hightower domain. This time their target was the lovely city of Highgarden, the home of House Gardener, and the last jewel of the north lands that still had its independence, something that it soon lose. With the memory of last year's conquest of the lands of the Westmarch still on their minds, the men of the Honeywine River, the soldiers of House Hightower, eagerly march Northwards to continue their record of success and defeat the forces of House Gardener if they choose to stand in their way.

To heighten the importance of the campaign, King Triston Hightower himself has joined the army as it marches to the Mander River. The Hightower King knows how important it is for him to secure Highgarden, how important it is for him to be present in this most important of triumphs. With the King is his brother Prince Alester Hightower, the Knight of Fertile Rivers, and his two sons, Crown Rolland Hightower, the Tower Kngiht, and Prince Loras Hightower, the Sunflower Knight.

ETA: 2:00 PM CDT (20:00 GMT) March 1, 2014.

Present Commanders:
King Triston Hightower (Overall Commander) - + 5 Survival, +5 Income, +5 Loyalty, +3 Siege Battles
Crown Prince Rolland Hightower (Primary Battle Commander) - + 2 Survival, +2 Siege Battles, +2 Field Battles, +2 Duels
Prince Alester Hightower - + 3 Survival, +3 Field Battles, +3 Siege Battles, + 1 Loyalty
Prince Loras Hightower - +2 Survival, +2 Field Battles, +1 Income, +1 Duels

​House Hightower Forces:
6,345 Light Inf (6,345 points)
2,610 Heavy Inf (5,220 points)
1,755 Polearms (2,633 points)
2,385 Archers (2,385 points)
1,575 Light Cavalry (2,363 points)
1,080 Heavy Cavalry (3,240 points)
15,750 Total Men (22,185 points)

House Gardener Forces
1,845 Light Inf (1,845 points)
720 Heavy Inf (1,440 points)
495 Polearms (743 points)
675 Archers (675 points)
450 Light Cavalry (675 points)
315 Heavy Cavalry (945 points)
4,500 Total Men (6,323 points)

[Honors Bastion]

After a six week journey up the Rose Road from Oldtown to Highgarden, the army of House Hightower finally made its approach to a field located a few miles to the west of Highgarden where the Army of House Gardender was currently waiting for them. Except for a small skirmish between the Hightower vanguard and a small company of Gardener scouts at a crossing of the Mander to the southwest of Highgarden, the march northwards had been fairy uneventful. The Hightower army numbered over fifteen thousand strong, a force that no bandit or pack of wild animals would willingly attack unless they had a death wish.

As the Hightower Army began to form it's battle lines, a messenger was sent to the Gardener Army to request a parley. After it was accepted, King Triston Hightower along with his brother Alester and so Rolland road across the open field to the halfway point between the two armies to meet with the Gardener Lord who had come with two of his own sons as well.

"Lord Gardener, I am glad that you have agreed to this parley. Now let us see if we can prevent the blood of our men from being shed today." said King Triston in a calm and commanding voice "You know what I want Lord Gardener. It is time that House Gardener and Highgarden along with all of your vassals bend the knee to me and become a part of my realm. I am giving you the option Lord Gardener. Bend the knee and the lives of your men shall be spared. Continue to resist and you know what fate awaits you. The Lords of Westmarch tried to fight me and they were no match. I only had a two to one number advantage back then. Now that advantage is three to one. Do you want to make the same mistake that Westmarch lords made or will you surrender and spare us a visit from the Stranger."

OOC: Can I get rolls for surrender please. King Triston has +5 loyalty if that matters.

[Poach]

7/20 chance, 14-20 success. Rolled a 20.

The Lord of Highgarden was white with fear, despite attempting to look strong: his face was white and sweaty, his eyes wide, his manner skittish. He gulped before speaking.

"I - I accept," he said, "I recognise y - your primacy, King Hightower. What would you have of me?"

He began meekly dismounting his horse to get onto one knee. Such was his fear that the shaking was making his progress slow.

[Honors Bastion]

"I would have you serve me as a loyal vassal Lord Gardener. I accept your submission and I hereby state that your House shall continue to rule Highgarden and it's surrounding lands as a vassal of my House. From now on, you people shall march under the banner of House Hightower. Now rise Lord Gardener. We have much to speak about now that you have joined my kingdom." said King Triston. He had not expected such a quick surrender by Lord Gardener but he could not complain otherwise. He had gained control over the mouth of the Mander and now he has complete control over the South of the Reach. It was good day, a very good day.