The Ring, Seat of House Roxton

[Pontifex Maximus]

House Roxton

Upgrades

Tier I Tier II Tier III Tier IV

Roxton Assets

n/a

Levy and Standing Forces

275 Heavy Infantry 692 Light Infantry 365 Polearm Infantry 415 Archers 275 Light Cavalry 90 Heavy Cavalry Professional Soldiers

Roxton Family

House Roxton

House Roxton

Lord Jaime Roxton Lord of the Ring Age: 49 Traits: Wealth +3, Survival +3, Charisma +3, Battles +2 Th aging, often ill, and world weary patriarch of the Roxton family. Steapa Roxton Age: 25 Traits: Battles +2, Duels +2, Survival +2, Wealth +2, Scout +1 The vigor of the House, eager to prove himself, and the weilder of Orphan-Maker since his father is too much of an invalid to make use of it. Lady Joanna Age: 20 Traits: Survival +2, Capture +2, Charisma +2 The wife of Steapa, a beautiful and cunning woman in her prime Hera (3) The daughter of Steapa and Joanna Victoria Roxton Age: 30 Traits: Charisma +2, Survival +3, Assasination +3 The eldest child of Lord Roxton, the widow of the Ring. Donald Roxton Age: 12 Traits: +2 Survival, Duels +2 The eldest son of Victoria Roxton

[The Mad Skylord]

A company of riders appear over the horizon, carrying the banners of House Peake, quartered with the banner of House Gardener. Ser Loras Peake leads the company, and it seems he is intent on meeting the Lord of the Rings, to seek an alliance.

[Pontifex Maximus]

The Roxton banners hung limp in a breezeless morning, but sentries clad in long sky blue cloaks gave warning of riders approaching. The portcullis was open, and merchants and travelers alike flowed freely through the gates. Ser Fyrd, the captain of the Household guard, greeted the party and waved them onwards. The Steward, Wulfhere, met them at the entrance to the Great Hall and Keep, which was situated on a low hill that commanded a view of the plains surrounding the low stone walls that formed a concentric ring around the fortress and keep. "My Lord Roxton will welcome you to his halls, but without weapons. He allows none but his household guard to carry weapons within his halls, but you will not be harmed or apprehended." Jaime was nothing if not a man of honor, a reputation he had spent a lifetime to earn. He awaited the man's response.

[The Mad Skylord]

Ser Loras smiled graciously and unbuckled his sword belt. He handed it across to the guard and gestured for his men to stay where they were, he would go before Lord Roxton alone.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Steapa gave a short laugh, and Jaime simply smiled, not betraying his true thoughts. Sweet words, but actions speak louder. I'm not important enough for Peake to come her in person, and he sends this kitten.

"Coldmoat, I see." Jaime rose with difficulty, and descended slowly to the table. "Honey wine" he called to a servant "And what will you have, Ser Loras? Ale? Wine? Mead? Or perhaps something more exotic?"

He sat and took a slow pull from his glass. "I abhor this notion of war between Lords of the Reach." he began cautiously

[Pontifex Maximus]

THe Steward smiled graciously and ushered the man forward. Wulfhere wore a plain, black robe and a small circlet of gold. He seemed more a septon or even a maester than a steward, but nonetheless he led Loras into the Great Hall through a series of narrow hallways and staircases. The Solar was several stories above the ground, in a room with high paneled glass that presented a view of all four sides of the Ring. Northward and Southward showed the Rose Road, and all the traffic that traversed there upon. Eastwards and Westwards there were hills, plains, and in the great distance, forests. The sun poured through the eastern sections of glass. Along the top and bottom of each pane there were scenes of battles, feasts, and hunts depicted in colored glass. It cast the color upon the floor.

Lord Jaime was seated on his high throne of carved wood and inlaid silver, unarmed, but leaning heavily upon his staff. House Roxton was not an overly wealthy house, but command of trade and tarriffs along the Rose Road had made them regionally important. The Roxtons had also contributed much to the security of the Reach in times long past. The only armed man in the room, in fact, was Steapa Roxton, Jaime's son, who weilder Orphan-Maker. There were no other guards, perhaps because Jaime considered them unnecessary. Servants, however, prepared a modest meal on the tables below the throne.

Jaime did not stand, not for lack of respect, but because his leg had been savaged in a duel a decade before, and although he had defeated his foe, it spelled the end of his days as a viable warrior. "Ser Loras Peake, I presume, or my heraldry fails me." And it wouldn't. What Jaime had lost in martial prowess he had made up for in studies. "We saw your banners from afar." He had already guessed at the meaning of this visit.

[Pinkerton]

The Roxton banners hung limp in a breezeless morning, but sentries clad in long sky blue cloaks gave warning of riders approaching. The portcullis was open, and merchants and travelers alike flowed freely through the gates. Ser Fyrd, the captain of the Household guard, greeted the party and waved them onwards. The Steward, Wulfhere, met them at the entrance to the Great Hall and Keep, which was situated on a low hill that commanded a view of the plains surrounding the low stone walls that formed a concentric ring around the fortress and keep. "My Lord Roxton will welcome you to his halls, but without weapons. He allows none but his household guard to carry weapons within his halls, but you will not be harmed or apprehended." Jaime was nothing if not a man of honor, a reputation he had spent a lifetime to earn. He awaited the man's response.

THe Steward smiled graciously and ushered the man forward. Wulfhere wore a plain, black robe and a small circlet of gold. He seemed more a septon or even a maester than a steward, but nonetheless he led Addam into the Great Hall through a series of narrow hallways and staircases. The Solar was several stories above the ground, in a room with high paneled glass that presented a view of all four sides of the Ring. Northward and Southward showed the Rose Road, and all the traffic that traversed there upon. Eastwards and Westwards there were hills, plains, and in the great distance, forests. The sun poured through the eastern sections of glass. Along the top and bottom of each pane there were scenes of battles, feasts, and hunts depicted in colored glass. It cast the color upon the floor.

Lord Jaime was seated on his high throne of carved wood and inlaid silver, unarmed, but leaning heavily upon his staff. House Roxton was not an overly wealthy house, but command of trade and tarriffs along the Rose Road had made them regionally important. The Roxtons had also contributed much to the security of the Reach in times long past. The only armed man in the room, in fact, was Steapa Roxton, Jaime's son, who weilder Orphan-Maker. There were no other guards, perhaps because Jaime considered them unnecessary. Servants, however, prepared a modest meal on the tables below the throne.

Jaime did not stand, not for lack of respect, but because his leg had been savaged in a duel a decade before, and although he had defeated his foe, it spelled the end of his days as a viable warrior. "Lord Rowan, I presume, or my heraldry fails me." And it wouldn't. What Jaime had lost in martial prowess he had made up for in studies. "We saw your banners from afar." He had already guessed at the meaning of this visit.

"Mylord Roxton, indeed you are correct. I am Addam Rowan, Lord of Goldengrove. I thank you for such a warm welcome."

His father, Lord Symon, had always respected Jaime Roxton. Addam didn't dare to do otherwise. There was something about the man that made him stand out. A valuable ally. Or a dangerous enemy.

[Pontifex Maximus]

"Mylord Roxton, indeed you are correct. I am Addam Rowan, Lord of Goldengrove. I thank you for such a warm welcome."

His father, Lord Symon, had always respected Jaime Roxton. Addam didn't dare to do otherwise. There was something about the man that made him stand out. A valuable ally. Or a dangerous enemy.

"Ser Addam" Jaime began "Always a delight to entertain a Rowan in my halls." The Rowans of Goldengrove were well known to the Roxtons, being fellow Northern lords of the Reach. Steapa also nodded in recognition. "What brings you on so urgent an errand?" As if he couldn't already guess.

[Pinkerton]

"Ser Addam" Jaime began "Always a delight to entertain a Rowan in my halls." The Rowans of Goldengrove were well known to the Roxtons, being fellow Northern lords of the Reach. Steapa also nodded in recognition. "What brings you on so urgent an errand?" As if he couldn't already guess.

Ser Addam? Rowan wondered if it was a deliberate mistake or just courtesy. He decided not to say anything

"It is also a pleasure to visit such a beautiful castle, Lord Roxton."

His eyes turned to Steapa.

"My father always spoke highly of you, Lord Jaime. He said you were a man of honour, a rare find in this turbulent times. We, the Lords of the Northern Reach, share much in common. We have centuries of experience fighting the Westermen and that has made us hardened folk.
The looming war will drive brother against brother. We must not let that happen to us, we have to stand together. Divided we are weak, even though it hurts my pride to admit it, but if we combine our forces we'll be something to be reckoned with. We will not have to listen to the pretenders, the pretenders will have to listen to us."

There was pride in Addam's voice. He was full of youth and of ambition.

[The Mad Skylord]

Ser Loras nodded quietly, his father had often told him tales of Jaime Roxton, a warrior who was once considered to be a match even for Lorimar Peake in his prime. He had a huge wealth of respect for the man, although he was slightly intimidated. "It does not, my lord. I am indeed Ser Loras Peake. My father has sent me to treat with you. He himself has gone to Coldmoat, although he would have like to come here as well."

Loras realised he was speaking too fast, and paused to catch his breath and to calm down. "My father respectfully requests your aid in this war, Lord Roxton. He holds your martial capabilities in the highest light, and would be honoured if you would form an alliance with House Peake."

[Pontifex Maximus]

"To seek overtures from the Lannisters." Jaime said while pouring himself more wine. "That they will not attack us." He finished. "And in doing so he will betray our weakness." Jaime knew how to turn any situation on its head. "I stand to lose much, what will I gain if I throw my support behind Peake?"

[The Mad Skylord]

Loras nods fervently. Eager to please. "Father does too, he says we are too vulnerable to outside threats while we fight among ourselves. That's why he's going to the Rock to make a non-aggression pact to protect the nor..." Loras goes bright pink, realising he had betrayed the fact his father had gone to Coldmoat personally because he was going to Casterly Rock straight afterwords.

[Pinkerton]

OoC: Ponti you can deal with Rowan after Peake or at the same time, whatever you prefer.

Fifty riders bearing the banners of House Rowan are seen approaching Roxton's lands. Lord Addam himself leads the men.

[Pontifex Maximus]

OoC: Ponti you can deal with Rowan after Peake or at the same time, whatever you prefer.

Fifty riders bearing the banners of House Rowan are seen approaching Roxton's lands. Lord Addam himself leads the men.

Consider posts #3 and #5 to apply to you as well, and reply accordingly

[The Mad Skylord]

Loras finally seemed to gain confidence. "That is true, but he cannot pull soldiers from the Northern Reach unless he forms a pact with the Lannisters. It is a risk we must take to gain victory. He has refused to endanger the Northern Reach in selfishness. So he has gone to the Rock, personally. Into the Lions' Den, if you like."

Loras' eyes were suddenly shrewd, and it may have occured that the boy had been acting. Lorimar would never send someone so visibly timid to negotiate for him. "That depends on what you want, Lord Roxton. We could promise you land, marriage, gold or title, ceremonial or real. What is your price?" Loras' eyes studies every inch of Jaime's face, trying to find a crack to look through. He waited for Roxton's answer. It was obvious Lorimar was desperate to have the Rings on their side, not for their riches or armies, but for the martial capabilities of its Lord.

[Pontifex Maximus]

"The real question is what can you offer?" Jaime already knew what he must risk in any event, and the costs to be borne must be offset by the potential for reward. "And what is your strategy for victory?"

[Pontifex Maximus]

Jaime sighed, remembering the skirmishes, battles, and other tribulations shared between the Northmarch lords of old, when he sat high and proud in his war stallion, Orphan-Maker across his shoulder and a lance in his hand. He took a long draught from his cup, and his pale blue eyes seemed suddenly filled with a distant longing. "Your father was an honorable man, Addam, and a true friend of mine." The nostalgic haze did nothing to diminish Jaime's shrewd mind, however, and even simultaneously he digested Addam's words. "You are shrewd, Rowan, and you speak much sense. I owe almost nothing in terms of allegiance and comradery to any southern lords. Besides, if we march to war, it is our lands that will be most exposed." He spoke more candidly to other Northmarch lords than he would to those he considered foreigners.

Steapa, however, was also full of youthful ambition. He rather cut to the chase. "What wold you suggest, Addam?"

[Pinkerton]

Jaime sighed, remembering the skirmishes, battles, and other tribulations shared between the Northmarch lords of old, when he sat high and proud in his war stallion, Orphan-Maker across his shoulder and a lance in his hand. He took a long draught from his cup, and his pale blue eyes seemed suddenly filled with a distant longing. "Your father was an honorable man, Addam, and a true friend of mine." The nostalgic haze did nothing to diminish Jaime's shrewd mind, however, and even simultaneously he digested Addam's words. "You are shrewd, Rowan, and you speak much sense. I owe almost nothing in terms of allegiance and comradery to any southern lords. Besides, if we march to war, it is our lands that will be most exposed." He spoke more candidly to other Northmarch lords than he would to those he considered foreigners.

Steapa, however, was also full of youthful ambition. He rather cut to the chase. "What wold you suggest, Addam?"

Addam was encouraged by Roxton's words.

"I suggest an alliance. But not only between our two Houses but a coalition comprising most northern Lords. Together we would have the power to be decisive in the conflict between Peake, Manderly and Mern Gardener."

[Pontifex Maximus]

At that moment the two men spoke simultaneously, betraying their inner desires

"And remain neutral until what end?" Inquired Jaime, leaning forward in his seat

"To declare for which claimant?" Asked Steapa.

The two men momentarily exchanged glances. The younger trying to carve out for himself a moment of glory, the elder maintaining all that he had achieved for his family.

[Pinkerton]

At that moment the two men spoke simultaneously, betraying their inner desires

"And remain neutral until what end?" Inquired Jaime, leaning forward in his seat

"To declare for which claimant?" Asked Steapa.

The two men momentarily exchanged glances. The younger trying to carve out for himself a moment of glory, the elder maintaining all that he had achieved for his family.

"We declare for the one that promises us the privileges we deserve. Too much have we bled for the Kingdom while other grow fat in their castles."

Who mattered little. He did have history with Manderly but he was willing to forget.