(Intro RP) The Taverns of Pyke

[Pontifex Maximus]

As night fell the setting sun cast glinting rays of light on the falling tide. Longships were coming into port, granted protection by age old customs that forbade armed conflict between the Ironborn. Herleif Greyjoy was at the largest tavern on the island, which was located in the harbor of Pyke several miles from the keep. His own longship Lamentation was in port and his men were among him in the tavern. It having been a day of fair wind and clear skies, many had been sailing in the area. They could now seek safe refuge in Pyke, a meal, ale, and women.

Herleif sat in a corner with Hild and his younger brother, enjoying tankards of ale and discussing their next targets.

[Lucius Malfoy]

The tavern door would open as a trio of males walked into the establishment with a young lady among them; all of them dressed in their outfits and armor suited for sailing and raiding. These four had come from two ships that had landed in the harbor recently, Iron Scourge and Maidensbane. Their banners, upon entering the harbor, declared that they were of House Goodbrother.

The oldest of the males, Gormond, brother of King Harl, glanced around the place; he hadn't been to this tavern on Pyke in ages. He wondered if that busty barmaid, Bessy, was still around and if they had any of that good ale from Saltcliffe. The older Goodbrother ventures for the bar area, leaving his two nephews and niece alone to find a table. Meredyth Goodbrother was nothing like her younger and more fair sisters. For whereas she was as strong as a sea serpent, they were as delicate as birds when the crows came cawing to feast. She sat between her two brothers, Torwyn and Black Harry; the former was the heir to the throne of his father, Harl V, and the latter was the middle son of the Heartless King's male issue.

They all remained quiet till Gormond lumbered over, setting down a heavy drink of Pyke ale with his own mug of a Saltcliffe vintage. After a moment, the four of them began to drink heavily, toasting to a good day of sailing and venturing on the grey waters of Ironman Bay. They knew they couldn't linger long, but Pyke was between home and where they had been sailing. The hard seas today made Pyke a tempting place to relax for a moment before returning to the court of the violent King of Great Wyk.

[Pontifex Maximus]

The Greyjoy party noticed the newcomers enter the tavern. Clearly highborn, the sigil of their house well known. Herleif stood and called to the tavern keep, and indeed so the Goodbrothers could hear him. "a round of tall flagons for these men should they join us." Recognizing the heir to the Seastone Chair, more ale was poured and additional stools brought to his table as Herlief beckoned Gormond to join him.

[Lucius Malfoy]

The Greyjoy party noticed the newcomers enter the tavern. Clearly highborn, the sigil of their house well known. Herleif stood and called to the tavern keep, and indeed so the Goodbrothers could hear him. "a round of tall flagons for these men should they join us." Recognizing the heir to the Seastone Chair, more ale was poured and additional stools brought to his table as Herlief beckoned Gormond to join him.

Gormond glances at his nephews and niece. A nod was given by Torwyn, who would have been in charge of their group, given his rank as the heir to the throne of Great Wyk. The King's brother, grabbing his mug of ale, stands up and walks over to the group who had invited him over to join them. The lumbering reaver sits down in a spare chair, looking at Herlief first, the one who had beckoned them over and offered more drinks to his nephews and niece.

Thank ya for the additional drinks, sir. Seas were mighty hard today to the South and towards the Westerlands. It was a welcoming sight to see the harbor of Pyke nearby as we headed back northward.

[The Mad Skylord]

The King of Reapers marched silently though the streets of Pyke, drenched. The rain had started suddenly, and he had decided to go ashore for some ale. He had been out pirating, and had needed to come back by Pyke, sadly. He marched up to the door and... BANG He kicks it open with force, prompting many drinkers to turn their heads to see the terrible Ralf Ironwolf standing there.

He stepped into the inn and ordered his ale, before he and his men made their way to a corner.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Herleif had a short, pointed beard and harsh eyes. His teeth were yellowed and his skin seemed to cling tightly to his skull. When he smiled his skin seemed to be stretched to some sort of breaking point, he was not a handsome man. Hild and Rangvaldr remained silent, though they listened intently. Herleif's voice was like a hissing whisper, but louder. "Nothing refreshes after a a hard voyage than some sour ale." He and his companions gave a low laugh. "You are welcome here, Lord Gormond." He took a deep draught of ale, some of it running over the sides of the cup and onto his face "So, you've been sailing near the Westerlands then? Did they see your ships? Did they raise the alarm?"

[Lucius Malfoy]

Herleif had a short, pointed beard and harsh eyes. His teeth were yellowed and his skin seemed to cling tightly to his skull. When he smiled his skin seemed to be stretched to some sort of breaking point, he was not a handsome man. Hild and Rangvaldr remained silent, though they listened intently. Herleif's voice was like a hissing whisper, but louder. "Nothing refreshes after a a hard voyage than some sour ale." He and his companions gave a low laugh. "You are welcome here, Lord Gormond." He took a deep draught of ale, some of it running over the sides of the cup and onto his face "So, you've been sailing near the Westerlands then? Did they see your ships? Did they raise the alarm?"

Gormond almost chokes on his ale at the mention of Lord. The Ironborn laughs loudly and shows a broken grin due to teeth clipped and lost during raids.

You are misinformed, sir. I am no Lord, only a Sea Captain in the service of my brother, King Harl Goodbrother, the Fifth of His name. If you wanna call someone Lord, it would be more fitting for my nephews, Torwyn and Harrald. I am just a seafarer and wouldn't have it any other way. Lord titles bring too much... desk work.

The Ironborn drinks some more of his ale before setting the half empty mug down. He brushes his fingers against his thick beard before shaking his head.

No alarms were raised nor did we encounter any warships of those gold gluttons to our south. We mostly encountered a few wayward fishing boats and a couple small transport-sized vessels. Nothing too fancy in terms of haul save plenty of good cod, salmon and grey crab. I know my brother loves the grey crab; found a nice big one suitable for his appetite.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Gormond almost chokes on his ale at the mention of Lord. The Ironborn laughs loudly and shows a broken grin due to teeth clipped and lost during raids.

You are misinformed, sir. I am no Lord, only a Sea Captain in the service of my brother, King Harl Goodbrother, the Fifth of His name. If you wanna call someone Lord, it would be more fitting for my nephews, Torwyn and Harrald. I am just a seafarer and wouldn't have it any other way. Lord titles bring too much... desk work.

The Ironborn drinks some more of his ale before setting the half empty mug down. He brushes his fingers against his thick beard before shaking his head.

Herleif was not caught off guard. "A lord of the sea, a lord of the sword." he said with a yellow smile. "My father is the Lord Reaper of Pyke, for in his youth he reaped. I reap now, and so when my father dies I shall also be a Lord, a Lord of Reaping." To that several of his men raised their cups and drained them.

No alarms were raised nor did we encounter any warships of those gold gluttons to our south. We mostly encountered a few wayward fishing boats and a couple small transport-sized vessels. Nothing too fancy in terms of haul save plenty of good cod, salmon and grey crab. I know my brother loves the grey crab; found a nice big one suitable for his appetite.

Herleif gave a cold smile. "I hope you sent the wretches to the drowned God and took their cargo regardless. Crab is a fine meal." He gave a cold laugh. "I ask because I have a mind to bring my ships to the coasts of the Westerlands and make them fear the name Greyjoy." He had a hungry look in his eye. "It has been too long since I've been to sea with my axe in hand." The Drowned Priests of Pyke had given pitiable omens for the better part of the year, and thralls had been sacrificed to the Drowned God in his fight against the god of Storms, his eternam enemy. Only now had the tide turned.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Herleif gave a cold smile. "I hope you sent the wretches to the drowned God and took their cargo regardless. Crab is a fine meal." He gave a cold laugh. "I ask because I have a mind to bring my ships to the coasts of the Westerlands and make them fear the name Greyjoy." He had a hungry look in his eye. "It has been too long since I've been to sea with my axe in hand." The Drowned Priests of Pyke had given pitiable omens for the better part of the year, and thralls had been sacrificed to the Drowned God in his fight against the god of Storms, his eternam enemy. Only now had the tide turned.

Torwyn will be the King of the Great Wyk one day and Lord of Hammerhorn Castle. My brother, the King, is a vigorous man still though. So that day will take some time to get to.

Gormond had always wondered what would happen when Harl, his brother, died and the crown was passed on to Torwyn. It was a day he had always thought about, but would not know till Harl breathed his last. He raised his cup silently to praise his brother and hope for more good years to his health and existence. Calmly, the Goodbrother elder finishes his mug before setting it down.

If you want any crab, we got plenty. I doubt it wouldn't be missed if we left some pounds worth of crab meat for you and your father, the Kraken King. Just can't give away the biggest one though; that belongs to Harl. However, we got some other big ones that will be a nice present for your father. A thanks for his hospitality, of his heir and that of this tavern to say the least. Some of those crabs were pretty aggressive though when we transported them to our ship... damn nearly lost a hand to one.

[Narf]

Ulptur Stonetree had been with his lord on the raid and sat down with him and his lords' men. He nodded and smiled at the comments and remarks but was otherwise nursing his mug of spirits, he had been wounded on the small raid, nothing major. But it still pained him.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Ulptur Stonetree had been with his lord on the raid and sat down with him and his lords' men. He nodded and smiled at the comments and remarks but was otherwise nursing his mug of spirits, he had been wounded on the small raid, nothing major. But it still pained him.

Upon seeing the new party enter, Herleif nodded towards the new arrivals, though their heraldry was unknown to him. He nudged Rangvaldr with his elbow, ordering his brother to approach them. Rangvaldr stood, draining the rest of his ale, and made his way over to the group. He was a handsome young man, with long blonde hair cascading over his mail and sharp, grey eyes. Much better looking than his older brother and perhaps more charming. he held out a mailed hand "Welcome to Pyke. I am Rangvaldr Greyjoy. You?"

[Narf]

Ulptur shrugged with a slight hint of a smile.. "Certainly have." he said and pulled out a chair.. "And thank you. It's always a good stop on the way home.".. He gestured to Rangvaldrs' armament and added. "Good reaving yourself, Rangvaldr. Beware though. The animals bite." As he says that he lifts up the weather gear and mail on his other arm. "Arrow." Smiling he added. "But I don't take charity so I delivered it back!" he said with a small laugh. He drank from his mug and wiped off his grin. Had it not been directed off his shield.. Bah.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Ulptur shrugged with a slight hint of a smile.. "Certainly have." he said and pulled out a chair.. "And thank you. It's always a good stop on the way home.".. He gestured to Rangvaldrs' armament and added. "Good reaving yourself, Rangvaldr. Beware though. The animals bite." As he says that he lifts up the weather gear and mail on his other arm. "Arrow." Smiling he added. "But I don't take charity so I delivered it back!" he said with a small laugh. He drank from his mug and wiped off his grin. Had it not been directed off his shield.. Bah.

"We set sail for the Westerlands soon...or the Riverlands...I don't know which for sure." He said with a wide grin. He had not been to see often, and not at all for the past year. "Peasants will hardly stop us." Pyke was hungry for plunder, thralls, and salt wives as it was. The year of drought had been bad. "Do you now set course for home?"

[Narf]

Ulptur looked at Ralf for a moment and then back at Rangvaldr. He nods."Greetings," said Ulptur, shifting a bit in his cold weather gear and mail to stretch out his hand. Looking with his dark eyes up at the new arrival. "And, Thank you. I am Ulptur Stonetree. A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Rangvaldr." Ulptur was a lean young man. Confident, not arrogant, posture/bearing.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Ulptur looked at Ralf for a moment and then back at Rangvaldr. He nods."Greetings," said Ulptur, shifting a bit in his cold weather gear and mail to stretch out his hand. Looking with his dark eyes up at the new arrival. "And, Thank you. I am Ulptur Stonetree. A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Rangvaldr." Ulptur was a lean young man. Confident, not arrogant, posture/bearing.

"Welcome to Pyke!" Rangvaldr responded. "By the looks of you, you've been reaving." he added casually. He himself was dressed in mail, and a sword hung at his side. He was dressed for war and any party might have guessed that he would soon be joining a crew and sailing as well.

[Narf]

He straightened himself up in the chair and nodded. "Yes. In a manner of speaking. I live in Harlow Hall, representing my house there." He says with a colourless voice. "Well if you have any say in it, I suggest you sail to the Riverlands. With how it's been these past months. Well many have looked to the rich for fast profit. But I suspect. That while the Westerlands have taken attention, the Riverlands have once again gotten fat and lazy." he emphasises it with a nod over the edge of his mug before drawing down the rest of its contents..

[Pontifex Maximus]

Rangvaldr gave a smile. "Very well." he said, taking another long draught of his ale. All of this information would be useful indeed. "And if the opportunity presented itself, would you return to home ports, or sail south again?" More ships were better than...less. Even if it meant splitting plunder.

[Narf]

He looked like he was about to accept the proposal without a second thought.. His slightly loosened jaw strained for a second before he looked at Ralf.. Then at his arm.. He turned back to Rangvaldr with slightly pressed together lips. His mouth twitched in a hasty smile. "I would. But as things are right now my responsibilities here call me home." He gestured to a wench for a refill.. And it seemed he was struck by a thought. "But.. If such a opportunity presented itself. And I were unable. I might suggest my littlesister." He leans back.. "Only been away once. But she's good. Already earned herself respect.. And the cognomen Salthair...".

[Dirty Chai]

Another crew entered into the large mead hall, coming from the cold twilight into the firelight hall of wooden posts and hay-covered floors.
The young man at the head was half-handed on the left, with long, straight, golden hair reaching past his shoulders - Norne the Half-Hand, an Orkmont'r.

He stepped forward, his boots tapping lightly against the stone floor, pausing before the tavern's owner.
A Reachman's sword was buckled at his waist, looking new and stolen. A handful of reavers followed in behind the Orkwood, pulling off helmets and removing coats.

"You have the black mead?"
"Aye."
"We'll all have that, then. None of that Pyke shite."
The tavern-man glanced down at the conspicuous sword, sniffing.
"Been down south, then?"
"Aye," responded Norne, touching the sheath with his half-hand, "we sailed up the Mander for a week," he said, lying about the destination.
"Ah," the man's eyebrows rose but his tone stayed indifferent, "rich place that."
"Aye." Orkwood turned away, the tavern owner going to his business.
"Filled with ing Andals, though.." the chieftain added, walking away.

[Narf]

Ulptur noticed Norne and raised his cup to get his attention "Norne! Here in the corner. Come join us. I'm in good company!" He laughed a bit to himself and sat back down, turning his attention back to Rangvaldr. "It's my cousin." He explained. Shifting back to the comfortable sweet-spot on the hard wooden chair.

EDIT: Waiting for Pointy. Giving him a chance to respond.