Brightwater Keep - Seat of House Florent

[Jokern]

Brightwater Keep - Seat of House Florent

Household

WIP

Lands

Castellan Ser Rodrik of the Mander Regional Bonuses - Strong Walls: Brightwater Keep is one of the stronger castles in the Reach, with sturdy stone walls and plentiful larders stuffed with goods & game from the Honeywine. +2 to siege defense rolls. - The Light of the Honeywine: Brightwater Keep sits at the top of the Honeywine River, the agricultural capital of the Reach, and thus could easily stock its larders to near-bursting in times of a siege giving the fortress an additional 6 months holdout time. Provincial Statistics - Rich Provinces: 60,000 Golden Dragons - Large Levy: 5,500 (no modifiers) - Garrison Size: 1,000 men (base garrison) + 75% of the regional levy (4,125 levy points) - Siege Defense Rolls: +10 (base +8, regional bonus +2)

Buildings

Tier I Tier II Tier III Tier IV

Trade

Trade Resource Fruit: +600 Land Levy, +1 to any rolls to convince an AI character to do something (Includes calling your vassals to war) Trade Routes 1. Grains - +1,200 Land Levy 2. Furs - +5% Income, +1 to any rolls to convince an AI character to do something (Includes calling your vassals to war)

Military

Land Levy (10,300 points) 1,400 Heavy Infantry 2,000 Light Infantry 800 Polearm Infantry 1,000 Archers 1,500 Light Cavalry 600 Heavy Cavalry Total: 7,300 men Garrison 200 Heavy Infantry 320 Light Infantry 200 Polearm Infantry 280 Archers Total: 1,000 men Lord's Retinue 100 Elite Cavalry (350 points) Men at Arms 600 Reachmen Lancers (2,100 points) 1,800 Mercenary Heavy Infantry (3,600 points) Total: 2,400 Men

Bannermen

House Norcross of Norcross Very Small Levy + Edict (1,000 points): 100 Heavy Infantry 250 Light Infantry 130 Polearm Infantry 150 Archers 100 Light Cavalry 35 Heavy Cavalry Total: 765 men The Reach Naval Levy (1,500 points): 23 Levy Ships 15 Dromonds 8 Heavy Galleys 4 Reachmen War Galleys 1 Grand Warship Total: 51 ships House Dunn of Dunnsbridge Very Small Levy + Edict (1,000 points): 100 Heavy Infantry 250 Light Infantry 130 Polearm Infantry 150 Archers 100 Light Cavalry 35 Heavy Cavalry Total: 765 men The Reach Naval Levy (1,500 points): 23 Levy Ships 15 Dromonds 8 Heavy Galleys 4 Reachmen War Galleys 1 Grand Warship Total: 51 ships

[Gandalfus]

A messenger arrives under cover of darkness, bringing verbal news from Dunstonbury. Despite the failure of the peace settlement, Lord Manderly recognises that the claim of Mern Gardener is superior to that of Tyene Flowers, and he would not be averse to reopening negotiations concerning the rightful ruler of the Reach.

[Jokern]

The messenger is searched of any weapons before being led to the great hall of Brightwater Keep. Guards stand armed and ready along the sides, with heraldic tapestries adorning the walls. Ser Erren Florent, Regent of the Lower Mander, sits upon the dais with his younger brother Kennet standing beside him. The Florents look at the messenger curiously, before Ser Erren speaks with a brash and rude tone.

"So what does Manderly want then? Is the Merman already giving up the fight?"

[Gandalfus]

The messenger bows low, and shakes his head. Sternly he looks upon Lord Florent, frowning heavily.

"No, milord. Lord Manderly wishes to appeal to your reason. Peake is the true enemy here, we all heard how he slandered the noble Prince Mern. My Lord Manderly would not be averse to coming to certain... Agreements, if the Prince would be willing to aid in the defeat of the false pretender and his bastard "Princess"."

Pausing, the messenger waited, watching the Florent's reaction carefully.

[Jokern]

The messenger bows low, and shakes his head. Sternly he looks upon Lord Florent, frowning heavily.

"No, milord. Lord Manderly wishes to appeal to your reason. Peake is the true enemy here, we all heard how he slandered the noble Prince Mern. My Lord Manderly would not be averse to coming to certain... Agreements, if the Prince would be willing to aid in the defeat of the false pretender and his bastard "Princess"."

Pausing, the messenger waited, watching the Florent's reaction carefully.

The Florents began speaking to each other in whispers, a clearly lively discussion. When they finished, Kennet answered the messenger.

"Lord Manderly knows that we are loyal to the true king of the Reach, Mern Gardener, and won't bow to any pretender. However, we are interested in these "agreements" that you mention. What does your lord propose?"

One night Mern Gardener joined his cousins at their solar. Webber went with him, as they were truly inseparable. Both wear courtly robes, Mern's is heavily embroidered, his hair and beard well combed and parfumed, but still he couldn't conceal completely a pair of prominent ears, a trait inherited from his Florent mother. Certainly, they had many things to discuss.

The Florent brothers had clearly been arguing over something, but they went silent when Mern entered. With a last look of animosity at each other, the two bowed at the same time. Kennet spoke up.

"Your Grace, we have much to discuss. The lords..."

Ser Erren rose and cut his brother short, earning him an angry look.

"I called the banners as soon as word of the parlay reached me, so we should be ready to march at your command. We should strike as soon as possible, take out the bloody pretenders while they still have their skirts down."

Kennet broke in again.

"Without securing any high lords to our cause, have you traded the last of your intelligence for muscle?"

[Gandalfus]

The Florents began speaking to each other in whispers, a clearly lively discussion. When they finished, Kennet answered the messenger.

"Lord Manderly knows that we are loyal to the true king of the Reach, Mern Gardener, and won't bow to any pretender. However, we are interested in these "agreements" that you mention. What does your lord propose?"



The Florent brothers had clearly been arguing over something, but they went silent when Mern entered. With a last look of animosity at each other, the two bowed at the same time. Kennet spoke up.

"Your Grace, we have much to discuss. The lords..."

Ser Erren rose and cut his brother short, earning him an angry look.

"I called the banners as soon as word of the parlay reached me, so we should be ready to march at your command. We should strike as soon as possible, take out the bloody pretenders while they still have their skirts down."

Kennet broke in again.

"Without securing any high lords to our cause, have you traded the last of your intelligence for muscle?"

​"Acknowledging certain royal claims, and so forth. My Lord would be willing to discuss further details, providing that you agree to aid him. His force is a match for Peake's."

The Knight responded, matter of factly. Manderly didn't necessarily need Mern, but he was willing to let him believe that he did...

[Oznerol]

One night Mern Gardener joined his cousins at their solar. Webber went with him, as they were truly inseparable. Both wear courtly robes, Mern's is heavily embroidered, his hair and beard well combed and parfumed, but still he couldn't conceal completely a pair of prominent ears, a trait inherited from his Florent mother. Certainly, they had many things to discuss.

[Oznerol]

Mern chuckled and sits next to his cousins. Webber remains silent behind him, a hand on his lover's shoulder.

"We haven't recived word from any other High Lords, cousins"

He said calmly, while grabbing Webber's hand.

"Many seem to simple wait the outcome of this conflict; unfortunately we don't have enough forces to counter Peake's forces alone. The same with Manderly"

He looked at his cousins, pensive.

"However, I'm almost certain we have the support of Tyrell himself and I've sent emissaries to both Lord Merryweather and Lord Hewett"

His voice is less pompous and stiff, his rounded face isn't hieratic, clearly, he trusted his cousins.

"We cannot disdain Tyrell's support, my Lords"

Said Webber abruptly. He had a deep, beautiful voice. Mern nodded in agreement.

"We will also need Hightower's support if we want to succeed, my dear cousins"

[Jokern]

Mern chuckled and sits next to his cousins. Webber remains silent behind him, a hand on his lover's shoulder.

"We haven't recived word from any other High Lords, cousins"

He said calmly, while grabbing Webber's hand.

"Many seem to simple wait the outcome of this conflict; unfortunately we don't have enough forces to counter Peake's forces alone. The same with Manderly"

He looked at his cousins, pensive.

"However, I'm almost certain we have the support of Tyrell himself and I've sent emissaries to both Lord Merryweather and Lord Hewett"

His voice is less pompous and stiff, his rounded face isn't hieratic, clearly, he trusted his cousins.

"We cannot disdain Tyrell's support, my Lords"

Said Webber abruptly. He had a deep, beautiful voice. Mern nodded in agreement.

"We will also need Hightower's support if we want to succeed, my dear cousins"

Kennet nodded in agreement while Erren grumbled something under his breath.

"Tyrell can be a powerful ally, but I would advise you to not rely too much on him. A man is only truly loyal to his own house, and the Tyrells have lived in the shadow of the throne for ages. But as you point out, Ser Webber, he's a necessary ally for now. Lord Hewett and Lord Merryweather are good choices, your Grace. But I am mostly worried about Tarly and Hightower. If they join our enemies, we'd be surrounded and cornered. We need at least one of them on our side to defeat the other and secure the south."

Now Erren began to speak.

"That's why we don't have time to sit around and talk like women, we need to march! With a few early victories under our belts, we'll show the dodgy lot who the real king is. That's how you get men on your side, brother, with strength! We've got enough ships to ship them over the Mander to Highgarden, which will be an excellent base of operations. Ten thousand banners have answered the call, Mern, and a hundred ships. With Highgarden's strength secured through Tyrell, we'll be unstoppable!"
"We can't just throw ourselves in head first and expect to come out unscathed. What if your precious host is ambushed as they're docking? We'd be out of an army in a heartbeat! We should preserve our forces and let Manderly and Peake wear themselves out. Their rivalry will prove to be their end."

The older Florent rolled his eyes.

"And just let the high lords flock to the victor? Are you really supposed to be the smart one?"

[Oznerol]

Kennet nodded in agreement while Erren grumbled something under his breath.

"Tyrell can be a powerful ally, but I would advise you to not rely too much on him. A man is only truly loyal to his own house, and the Tyrells have lived in the shadow of the throne for ages. But as you point out, Ser Webber, he's a necessary ally for now. Lord Hewett and Lord Merryweather are good choices, your Grace. But I am mostly worried about Tarly and Hightower. If they join our enemies, we'd be surrounded and cornered. We need at least one of them on our side to defeat the other and secure the south."

Now Erren began to speak.

"That's why we don't have time to sit around and talk like women, we need to march! With a few early victories under our belts, we'll show the dodgy lot who the real king is. That's how you get men on your side, brother, with strength! We've got enough ships to ship them over the Mander to Highgarden, which will be an excellent base of operations. Ten thousand banners have answered the call, Mern, and a hundred ships. With Highgarden's strength secured through Tyrell, we'll be unstoppable!"

"We can't just throw ourselves in head first and expect to come out unscathed. What if your precious host is ambushed as they're docking? We'd be out of an army in a heartbeat! We should preserve our forces and let Manderly and Peake wear themselves out. Their rivalry will prove to be their end."

The older Florent rolled his eyes.

"And just let the high lords flock to the victor? Are you really supposed to be the smart one?"

Webber spoke again:

"With Merryweather and Hewett we will have our backs covered and our forces seriously strenghtened. And a victory would be essential, however, controlling Highgarde might suffice for now"

Mern spoke with his soft voice, he looked nervous.

"We sh---ould contact Hightower as soon as possible. We should not forget that who rules at Ho---rn Hill is a woman, and thus not likely to support us against another wo---ma---ma--man!"

Stammering, something he couldn't avoid when nervous without a firm control of his speech, clearly in such a context Mern didn't try to conceal it. Webber grabs his shoulder stronger, giving him support and confidance.

"I think we should not ma---a---rch headlong into battle. We have to build us our forces and let our ri-rival wear themselves first. With Highgarden sacked our strenght is mostly de---ple-ple--ted"

Mern caressed a ring on his right hand.

"We should send a capable emissary to Hightower. I think, cousin, you are up--up for the task"

More calm again, the stammer was almost unnoticeable. Some (many, rivals to the Florents) say it was a trait inherited from his Lady mother, but in fact it was a trait of his royal great-grandfather.

[Dirty Chai]

A raven arrives, some months later after the failed parlay at Seven Bells,

"To the uncrowned King of the Reach, Mern of Gardener, and his noble cousins of Florent, whose illustrious deeds are remembered,

The High Steward, I, Osmund Tyrell, have reclaimed the Highgarden for thouest; it remains in disrepair, but the courtyards and halls have been cleared of rubble, webs, rodents, unwanted inhabitants, and corpses. The walls and rooftops remain like a First Man's old ruined holdfast, but we have seen fit to place palisades in-between every remaining length of wall, and a few necessary buildings such as the great hall now possess thatched roofs. We, House Tyrell and your soon-to-be court, await your decision to claim your seat.

Much work will have to be done to reclaim the small folk and set them to working the fields again. It is my suspicion that many have fled to Oldtown and to the coast.
But, as it stands now, Highgarden can serve as a good strategic basing point for you and your supporters to reclaim the Reach from your enemies."

- Here is the seal of the High Steward: the Tyrell rose crossed with a chequered border, representing the chequered cloth used for counting coin -

[Jokern]

"You overestimate the loyalty of the lords. They are vicious wolves and will do whatever they can to win. If they see us winning, they'll throw their strength behind us. Strike first and show your power, and prove that Peake has two holes for spewing ."

Angry glances from Kennet shut him up for a bit, long enough for the younger brother to speak.

"You want me to go to Oldtown, your Grace?"

[Oznerol]

"Of co---ourse. We will need your diplomatic expertise there. Ma---ma--ybe you could forge a valuable alliance with the Hightower, with ma---ma--rriage if necessary. We need them"

Webbed speaks again:

"Tell them about the betrothals"

"Ah, right! I sent my maester to Longtable as I told you before, cousins. I proposed marriage to Merryweather's sister, and also offered my da--da--ughter's hand to Hewett"

Mern looked at the ring adorning his hand. He was unease at the sight of another marriage. At least Webber was here... to lend a hand.

Cursed women, I cannot feel atraction to their bodies. Fortunately Wyman has always been there, with me...

​"But my son is still unmarried. A Hightower Lady could be a fitting match for his status, don't yo---u---u agree?"

[Jokern]

"Indeed it would be, your Grace, if Lord Hightower agrees to such an offer. Promising revenge on the Dornish for their barbaric crimes before dealing with the north may also sway Oldtown to our cause. Highgarden wasn't the only victim of those bandits, after all. With their strength, I would agree with Erren that it would be time to march, as much as it pains me to admit."

Erren grinned, looking up from the map over the Lower Mander he had pulled out.

"That's the wisest thing you've said in your life."

"But what do you plan on doing then, your Grace? It would be safest if you stayed here at Brightwater Keep until my return."

[Oznerol]

"Indeed it would be, your Grace, if Lord Hightower agrees to such an offer. Promising revenge on the Dornish for their barbaric crimes before dealing with the north may also sway Oldtown to our cause. Highgarden wasn't the only victim of those bandits, after all. With their strength, I would agree with Erren that it would be time to march, as much as it pains me to admit."

Erren grinned, looking up from the map over the Lower Mander he had pulled out.

"That's the wisest thing you've said in your life."

"But what do you plan on doing then, your Grace? It would be safest if you stayed here at Brightwater Keep until my return."

"Offer them what-what---ever is necessary"

Said Mern nervously.

"I mu---uust move to Highgarden. I need to reclaim my seat and assembly it's troops. However, if---if---if it isn't secure yet I shall return to these halls. We will have a decent garrison there, I guess Tyrell will assembly our levies. If the mi--i---ight of Highgarden is readied we shall move reinforce it with part of your troops, maybe not all, but a fraction, at le--le--le--ast until Hightower declares for us"

[Jokern]

Kennet bowed, with his brother reluctantly following his example.

"As you wish, your Grace. I'll travel as soon as possible, while we keep our forces here in reserve. Is there anything else you would like to discuss?"

[Oznerol]

"Nothing. Now if you ex--ex--cuse me I ust rest, the ride to Highgarden will be te--ten--se-se and ti--ti--resome enough"

And he retired with Webber by his side.

--------------------------

Some time after a raven arrived:

Cousins:

The time has come, we must strike before the sword falls on our neck, before the whole might of the enemy is upon us. The first target is Horn Hill. Your banners are expected to come to Highgarden, my cousins. You are most needed, for you are my right hand and my kin. Leave a reserve if deemed necessary.

In the Light of the Seven,

Mern Gardener.

[Jokern]

​"Acknowledging certain royal claims, and so forth. My Lord would be willing to discuss further details, providing that you agree to aid him. His force is a match for Peake's."

The Knight responded, matter of factly. Manderly didn't necessarily need Mern, but he was willing to let him believe that he did...

Kennet Florent thought for a moment, glancing at his brother a little before answering.

"We will consider Lord Manderly's words, and if he truly wants to do a parlay, we may agree to meet with him. But we won't promise any support at this time until his Grace has been informed."

Some time after a raven arrived:

Ser Erren hastily read the letter, grinning as he tore it in half and threw it in into the fireplace. Finally, he thought, war had come to Florent lands. He would savor this feeling.