Northern Vanguard's Advance Near Highgarden

[Pontifex Maximus]

Commanders
Jon Manderly
+3 Battles: Some underestimate the Greatjon, thinking him a brute without a strategic thought in his mind, but they should learn not to judge a book by its cover.
+3 Duel: One would likely feel safer facing a bear than fighting Ser Jon, after all he isn't called Greatjon for nothing.
+3 Survival: Large and strong, Jon was made to survive where and when others cant.

Rickard Karstark
Battles +3
Survival +3
Charisma +3
Scouting +3
Duel HP+4

Eddard Karstark
+1 duel
+1 Rearguard
+1 pathfinder

Troops
3,200 Heavy Infantry
8,144 Light Infantry
4,258 Polearms
4,896 Archers
3,402 Light Cavalry
1,100 Heavy Cavalry

[Pontifex Maximus]

On the march Rickard considered their next moves. Ivy Hall would need to fall swiftly to provide a base of operations and planning if they were to assault Highgarden. Even then he did not relish the thought of a direct frontal assault. They would need to scout the surrounding areas for enemy armies. It would be much easier to enter Highgarden if some hostages were on the line. He had confidence that if it came to battle, it would go poorly for the southrons.

[Pericles of Athens]

So it seems we'll be beating these flowery southerners bloody on their own doorstep, Karstark! The Greatjon remarked, his laugh booming, HAR! HAR! HAR! The giant of a Manderly long for battle, and a battle would soon be at hand. When do you think we'll march on this High-Garden? I'm sure they got men lined up outside just waiting to meet our steel.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Rickard smiled at Manderly's candor. "Soon. First Ive Hall must fall, and then our final assault will begin. It is as likely as not that one, or both of us, won't return. Highgarden's walls are thick and tall, we're best served by cunning strategy then brute force."

After some miles more Eddard called out to his father "A holdfast in the distance!"

Rickard peered off and spotted it, the castle of Ivy Hall. "There it is, Greatjon. Let us begin the assault swiftly." Horns were blared to signal the army to prepare for the assault. The march had been at a slow enough pace that the men should be immediately ready for battle.

[Pericles of Athens]

He nodded, he knew the dangers well enough, but what they spoke of was the type of battle that comes only once in a lifetime. If I should fall that day, tell my dear wife Alys I love her.. and sing songs of my valor from here to the wall! The massive man drew his blade - huge it was like him and the blue-green swirls seemed to dance in the light. Let us put this to an end!

[Pontifex Maximus]

"The North remembers, Manderly, and I would drink to your memory until the sun rose." Rickard drew his sword and began his charge. Perhaps the swift assault would catch the defenders unawares.

[Honors Bastion]

Ivy Hall Garrison:

12 Heavy Infantry
30 Light Infantry
16 Polearm Infantry
18 Archers
12 Light Cavalry
4 Heavy Cavalry

Surrender Roll:

92 men vs. 25,000 men.

Basic Roll: 5/20
Modifiers: +14 (Outnumbered 1 - 271)
Final Roll: Rolled an 11.

Refusing to holdout against such overwhelming numbers, the garrison of Ivy Hall is quick to open its gates and surrender tot he Northern host.

Loot: 20% of 20,000 is 4,000 Dragons looted.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Rickard watched as the garrison yielded without any fight whatsoever. It was their best move, he knew, and he allowed them to surrender and set them free after swearing oaths not to take up arms again. The way to Highgarden was now clear. "Send a rider to Bayard immediately." He said to his son. "We move on Highgarden."

"Greatjon" He continued. "It is likely we will meet stiffer resistance near HIghgarden. We haven't exactly been discrete about our invasion. Send scouts ahead of our advance, and I shall deploy some cavalry to screen our approach. If we outnumber them they may resort to a cowardly ambush to even the odds. The tactics of women come easier to desperate men."

[Pericles of Athens]

Either way they'll be just as dead, my friend. The Greatjon called for a group of Manderly riders to move ahead of the main host and scout their route to Highgarden.

[Poach]

[ooc: The assumption being the Sack of King's Landing has spread, since the war is basically over.]

A few riders reached the castle of Ivy Hall late in the evening, bearing Stark banners. It turned out to be Bayard himself, along with Lords Reed and Bolton, and a small party of retainers.

"We were outside Goldengrove," said Bayard, "When the Castellan requested a parlay. We accepted, naturally, and he handed me this letter."

Bayard tossed a parchment onto the table. It bore a short letter detailing the death of Prince Rhaegar and the sack of King's Landing by House Lannister. The rebellion was over.

"I ride to Highgarden now to treat with whatever representative of House Tyrell might be found. I intend to take their surrender." ​he said with a determined tone.