Runestone, Seat of House Royce; High Lords of The Bay of Crabs.

[Ganbarenippon]

Runestone.

Runestone is arguably the oldest castle in Westeros. Originally, an immense stone donjon brooding on it's granite outcrop overlooking the Narrow Sea, it has been added to over the centuries. The original site is a massive granite outcrop that stands apart from the rest of the hilly chain that runs along the coast in this region. The entire top of the outcrop is surrounded by a great stone curtain wall, covered in Runes. The only entrance is via a bridge to the top of a nearby hill approaching the castle from the West. At the top and the slopes of this nearby hill is the Castleton where many of the local merchants and craftsmen live.

The Stone is the original keep, a massive drum-shaped structure that still towers over the rest of the complex. At the top of The Stone are the living quarters of House Royce. The Stone also contains the great hall, the main kitchens, the small hall, the solar, the servants quarters and guest quarters for honoured guests. The Warrior's Keep is where the armoury and main barracks are to be found as well as the smithy and bathhouse. Any armsmen of visiting dignitaries will also be quartered here. The Tower of the Gods is where the chapel is as well as the library and the quarters of the castle septon. There are also visitor quarters for guests of lesser rank. The Tower of Remembrance is where the Maester resides, in the crypts beneath this tower are the rune-covered sarcophagi of House Royce's honoured dead. There is also an extensive yard and Godswood, though the original weirwood heart tree is long since gone, replaced by a towering stand of seven soldier pine trees.

Improvements

Stone (trade resource). +2 Siege Defense Tier I Market Square: +10% income (Pending. Ready on 20/6/14 07:30 GMT) City Watch Quarters: 400 Light Infantry permanently stationed in your home territory. Cannot be moved elsewhere. (Pending. Ready on 20/6/14 07:30 GMT) (Coastal Only) Dockyard: +100 naval points, +10% income (Pending. Ready on 20/6/14 07:30 GMT)

Garrison

Land levys raised. 10% of land levys - 583 men. 83 polearms 300 archers 200 heavy infantry Present. Total: 583 men.

Present at Runestone

Lady Victaria Royce (nee Redfort) - Regent of Runestone.
Ser Mark Shett. - Castellen
Waymar Royce.
Ysilla Royce.
Maester Helliweg.
Septon Lucos.
Ser Uthor Moore. Steward

Absent from Runestone

Lord Yohn Royce, High Lord of The Bay of Crabs, Lord of Runestone - Marching to Ruthermont.
Ser Andar Royce, Heir to Runestone -With the fleet, off Ruthermont.
Lord Nestor Royce, Lord Castellan of The Gates of The Moon, Lord Regent of The Vale - Gates of The Moon.
Lady Donella Royce (nee Umber) - Gates of The Moon.
Ser Albar Royce, Lord Nestor's son and heir - Marching to Ruthermont.
Ser Samwell Stone, Captain-of-the-Guard - Marching to Ruthermont.
Myranda Royce - Gates of The Moon.

Wards

1. Artos Ruthermont. Heir to Ruthermont.
2. Mya Stone. Robert Baratheon's bastard daughter (as yet unrecognised by the Lord of Storm's End).
3.
4.

Squires

None currently

Captive

1. Ser Gerold Grafton, Heir to Gulltown

Trade

Trade good: Stone. +2 Siege Defence -10% building costs. 1. 2.

Tax

Currently 0%

Land levies

7,500 points Polearms: 1333 Archers: 2000 Heavy Infantry: 1000 Light cavalry: 1000 Heavy Cavalry : 500 Total: 5,833 men.

Naval levies

100 points Dromonds: 10 Heavy Galleys: 12 Grand Warships: 1 Total: 23 ships

"We Remember."

House Royce

After House Arryn, House Royce of Runestone is easily the most powerful family in The Vale. Indeed, it is their steadfast loyalty to their masters, as well as their skill in battle, that has won them such renown. Pre-dating all but House Redfort, they are one of the oldest Houses in The Vale if not in all Westeros. House Royce can track their lineage back to the first men who inhabited The Vale long before the comings of the Andals. Given their position on the Eastern coast of Westeros they were amongst the first of the families exposed to the invading Andals, and married extensively within them. The same can be said of their vassals of House Redfort. The Lords have House Royce have always seen it as their duty to protect and defend their liege lords of Arryn and have long seen themselves guarantors of security and prosperity in the Southern Vale. Traditionally proud, taciturn, honourable, and stubborn the men of House Royce are a powerful ally for any who would rule The Vale and their friendship is not to be spurned lightly. Lord Yohn Royce. “Bronze Yohn.” Age: 42 High Lord of the Bay of Crabs, Lord of Runestone, Rock of the Southern Vale. The current Lord of Runestone is an archetypal Royce. Big in both physique and presence; Bronze Yohn is not a man to trifle with. Fiercely loyal to his liege, and a warrior of some renown throughout Westeros; Yohn is made for the battlefields and campaign trails. Though he is not as comfortable in the confines of the council chamber his opinions still carries much weight, particularly withing The Vale. Current wearer of the Royce ancestral armour. Skills: 12 points. Jousting: 2 points Duels: 2 points Battles: 2 point Rearguard: 2 point Survival: 2 points (+1 for armour bonus) total: 3 points Wealth: 2 points Possessions. The Lord of Runestone possesses an ancient set of bronze armour, which supposedly is engraved with runes that protect the wearer from harm. -2 to assassination rolls against the Lord of Runestone, +1 to his survival. Ser Andar Royce. Age: 21. Heir to Runestone. Oldest child of Bronze Yohn, Ser Andar has much of his father in him though is more easygoing. Fostered at Gulltown when he was a child, he learned the ways of naval warfare from the Graftons, the recent battle of Gulltown was hard for him, as he witnessed his foster-father, Lord Marq Grafton, die at the hand of Robert Baratheon. He is as fond of The Vale as his father, and a powerful young warrior with a growing reputation. His personal sigil is the Runes of Royce, black on bronze bordering a galley gold on grey. Skills: 6 points Duels: 1 points Naval Battles: 2 points Battles: 1 point Wealth: 1 point Survival: 1 point Robar Royce. Age: 14. Younger son of Lord Yohn. More easygoing than his brother, he has recently returned to Runestone after being a ward of House Waynwood for 6 years. He is a very handsome young man, and is popular with those his own age. Very recently squired to Ser Lyn Corbray, after the latter's valiant stand at Gulltown caught Bronze Yohn's attention. Skills: 3 points Jousting: 1 point Scout: 1 point Charisma: 1 point Possessions: Half helm Waymar Royce. Age: 10. Youngest son of Bronze Yohn, stubborn and prideful, but intelligent. His father wishes to send him as ward soon. Skills: 3 points. Charisma: 1 point Survival: 1 point Spy: 1 point Ser Nestor Royce. Age: 40 A cousin of Bronze Yohn's he grew up in Coldwater where his mother had married the younger son of old Lord Coldwater. He squired at Ruthermont where he often found his way to Runestone, his ancestral home. He struck up a friendship with his long-lost cousin Yohn and a young Horton Redfort. Once he was knighted he elected to swore fealty to Lord Royce and in reward was given the Royce family name, the name he had always coveted, and a small towerhouse that stands sentinel over a tranquil dale. He is a very ambitious, intelligent man, and a much shrewder politician than his cousin, leading Yohn to lean on his advice in matters of politics. His personal sigil is the Royce Runes, red-on-black, above a Blue Ram on white. Skills: 12 points Wealth: 2 points. Logistician: 3 points. Spy: 2 points Charisma: 3 points Survival: 1 point Jousting: 1 point Ser Albar Royce. Age: 19. A comparatively new knight, Ser Albar is the only son of Ser Nestor Royce and is accounted a promising young fighter. Sporting an unfortunate strawberry birthmark that runs up his neck and onto his right cheek Albar has a temper and the usual Royce virtues of honour and chivalry are said to be absent in him. Many blame his black temper on his mother, an Umber of Last Hearth, and it was there he was a ward, before returning to The Vale to squire for Lord Lynderley's brother. His personal sigil is a Snarling Shadowcat's Head, black on white. Skills (3 points) Scouting: 1 point Duels: 1 point Pillaging: 1 point Other members. Lady Victaria Royce (nee Redfort). Age: 46. Wife of Lord Yohn and sister to Horton, current Lord of Redfort. A quiet demure woman of immense inner strength. Ysilla Royce. Age: 8. Youngest child and only daughter of Lord Yohn. Lady Donella Royce (Nee Umber). Age: 39. Wife of Ser Nestor Royce. Myranda Royce. Age: 12. Daughter of Nestor Royce.

Household

Ser Samwell Stone. “Strong Sam Stone.” Age: 36. Master-at-arms and Captain of The Guard at Runestone. A bastard of a Corbray girl and a commoner, Sam was sent to foster at Runestone almost as soon as he could walk, to avoid embarrassment for House Corbray. He became the newly-knighted Yohn Royce's first squire in his youth. Upon coming of age he elected to remain at Runestone in the service of the new Lord Royce, his old mentor Yohn, where he serves as both Captain of the Guard and Master-at-Arms. This is unusual but Sam is a formidable warrior, particularly with the war axe. He is also a trusted confidant of Bronze Yohn and a close friend. Skills: 9 points. Duels: 3 points Survival: 2 points Capture: 1 point Battles: 2 points Maester Helliweg. Age: 50. Septon Lucos. Age: 28. Ser Mark Shett. Age: 35. - Ser Sam's second-in-command of the household guard. A cousin to the Knight of Gull Tower. Ser Uthor Moore. Age: 40. Steward. Cousin to Lord Moore of Moonsgrey.

​Vassal Houses.

House Grafton of Gulltown

House Grafton of Gulltown. Lords of the most important city in The Vale, and the richest of all Vale Lords save perhaps the Arryns themselves. The Graftons have long been vassals to House Royce and generally have a good relationship with their overlords, though for any true Grafton trade is at the centre of all things. The Graftons have a power similar to that of many High Lords in other areas of The Vale, sometimes causing them to resent their overlords. Recently defeated in the first battle of Robert's Rebellion, as they remained the sole loyalist House in The Vale. Lord Marq Grafton is dead and his sons captive. Lord Marq Grafton. Age: 45 (deceased). Lord of Gulltown. Slain by Lord Robert Baratheon of Storm's End in the Battle of Gulltown. Lady Barbrey Grafton (nee Hunter). Age: 40. Widow of Lord Marc, sister of Lord Kennet Hunter of Longbow Hall. Currently Lady Regent of Gulltown. Ser Gerold Grafton. Age: 26. Heir to Gulltown. A captive after the battle, currently being held at Runestone. Lady Donella Grafton (nee Hersy). Age: 23. Wife of Ser Gerold, daughter of Lord Parker Hersy of New Keep. Currently remaining in Gulltown. Ser Gyles Grafton. Age: 21. A captive after the battle, currently being held at Redfort. Lady Janie Grafton. Age: 18. Lord Marq's only daughter. Captured after the battle. Currently being held at Ruthermont. Ser Dontos Stone. Age 43. Captain-of-the guards. Maester Tothmure. Age: 34. Septon Meribald. Age: 60. Ser Triston Ruthermont. Age: 32. Cousin to Lord Ruthermont. Master-at-arms. Injured in the battle, currently recuperating in Gulltown. Land Levys 350 Heavy Infantry 875 Light Infantry 466 Polearm Infantry 525 Archers 350 Light Cavalry 116 Heavy Cavalry Total: 2,683 men Naval Levy 17 Levy Ships 8 Dromonds 5 Heavy Galleys 3 Sisterton Pirate Ships 1 Grand Warship Total: 34 ships

House Redfort of Redfort

House Redfort of Redfort. An ancient House, rivalling Royce in terms of age. The Redforts are an old and proud name in The Vale, even if their power is not quite what it once was. A notably martial family.

House Ruthermont of Ruthermont

House Ruthermont of Ruthermont. House Ruthermont controls a large stretch of the Southern Vale. It is a strategically vital territory as it controls one of the major mountain passes through to The Vale. Whilst they are vassals of House Royce they also have a close relationship with the Waxleys of Wickenden. Lord Eddison Ruthermont. Age: 25. Lord of Ruthermont. Lady Helicent Ruthermont (nee Waxley). Age: 24. Lord Eddison's wife, daughter of Ser Clement Waxley, Knight of Wickenden. Artos Ruthermont. Age: 8. Heir to Ruthermont. Only son of Lord Eddison. Currently a ward at Runestone. Mya Ruthermont. Age: 8. Twin sister to Artos. Ser Lyn Shett. Age: 25. Captain of the guard. Brother of the Knight of Gull Tower. Maester Petyr. Age: 54. Septon Sumner. Age: 43. Ser Jaclyn Templeton. Age: 36. Master-at-arms. Cousin of the Knight of Ninestars. Land Levy 100 Heavy Infantry 250 Light Infantry 133 Polearm Infantry 150 Archers 100 Light Cavalry 33 Heavy Cavalry Total: 766 men Naval Levy 17 Levy Ships 8 Dromonds 5 Heavy Galleys 3 Sisterton Pirate Ships 1 Grand Warship Total: 34 ships

[Pericles of Athens]

A arrives by sea from the north. He carries with him the banner of House Manderly. He approaches the gates of Runestone, calling to the guardsmen, "I request entrance to speak with someone of authority, I come to speak on matters of trade in the name of Lord Wyman of the House Manderly!"

[Ganbarenippon]

The herald is bid entrance to Runestone and shown into the great hall. He is in the presence of Lady Victaria Royce, the Lady Regent of Runestone.
"The banners of Manderley are always a welcome sight here Ser...?" She says graciously.

[Pericles of Athens]

The man trotted into Runestone, and from a distance he had looked a man, but up close Lady Royce could see he was but a boy playing at true manhood. He couldn't be a day past his seventeenth name-day though dressed himself in ringmail and held a sword at his side, "Ser Robin Whitehill, if you would my lady." he leaped from the horse and handed the reins to a nearby servant, "And in that case my Lord Wyman will be glad to hear he has friends in the Vale." he stood as tall as possible and puffed his chest out a bit for good measure.

[Ganbarenippon]

Lady Victaria managed to hide her smile, barely. As mother to three sons who dreamed of knighthood she knew that if she was seen to be amused by the young knight's obvious pride in his position it would only embarrass the boy. "Be welcome to my hearth and home Ser Robin." She replied in, what she hoped, was a suitably grave voice. "Please, be seated." Victaria gestured to a small stool opposite her own chair by the hearth, she descended from the dais and made her way over to that chair. "You have come long, hard leagues. What is it that brings you to Runestone, Ser?"

[Pericles of Athens]

Thankfully the young knight didnt notice lady Royce's amusement, in fact from the way she spoke she must have been rather impressed. Robin took the seat with grace when offered, it was a long trip south even by sea and the young knight didnt have sturdy sealegs about him. "I have come seeking trade for White Harbor, as I'm sure you know wars are expensive and access to certain external market will aid my Lord Manderly in financing the war." His facereddened, "Trust me my lady, its not how it seems. My part in the war here is just as vital as those out there." He was clearly upset or ashamed that he hadn't been allowed to march south for war, instead being sent as an envoy.

[Ganbarenippon]

"We all must play our part young Ser." Victaria replied. "And whether you believe it or not the role you play here really is as vital as any role on the battlefield. And, speaking for your mother, I am certain she is happen to keep you out of harms way for just a little while longer." She gave the young man's knee a gentle pat as she smiled sadly, thinking of her own sons. Andar, so stern and full of duty commanding the fleet. And Robar, a boy; yet riding into battle beside Ser Lyn Corbray. Bringing herself back to the present she focuses on the young man in front of her. "Now, trade. Ser Uthor?" She called out.
"Yes, My Lady?" A distinguished older man with a full, bushy mustache replied making his way into the chamber from an adjoining room.
"What do we currently have available to trade with our friends of Whiteharbor?" Victaria asked.
"Stone, My Lady." The steward of Runestone replied without hesitation. "Good quality granite. It's much cheaper than anything Lord Manderely can quarry even in his own lands, and it'll make fine material for improving Whiteharbor's wall and breakwaters."
"Thank you Ser Uthor." Vicataria replied. "Wait here if you will." The older man bows and moves to stnad behind LAdy ROyuce's seat. "Stone Ser. And what would Lord Manderley trade us for our stone?"

[Pericles of Athens]

Ser Robin felt a bit more confident about his position as envoy now and it showed when he spoke, "The White Knife is dotted with many silver mines, lord Wyman can provide Runestone with limited access to them and access to the greater northern trade market as a whole, as all trade both in and out of the north travels through the White Harbor at one point or another. This would entail many things, but mostly access to various furs and pelts of northern beasts, common wear where I come from but of more value down south."

OOC Fur.

[Ganbarenippon]

Lady Victaria looks to her steward for a few moments before looking back to the young knight. "It would seem you return to your Lord having been successful." She said with a smile. "We agree, happily. And I have one more message for your Lord if you would be so good as to bring it to him?"

[Pericles of Athens]

Robin's eyes lite up at the knowledge he'd been successful in his endeavors, now he could only hope his lord father and elder brothers had the same success on the battle field. The boy nodded, "I will take the message, my lady."

[Ganbarenippon]

"Good. Tell him we need his ships. Badly. My son..." The smile falls from her face. "The Vale fleet cannot stand up to the Crownlanders and The Reach alone, if we are to have even the slightest chance of victory at sea we need our Northern allies to aid us, otherwise The Vale will be left wide open."