Castle Stonetree, Harlow Island.

[Narf]

Gawar Stonetree can usually be found here.
Their hold-fast is quite imposing. Tall centre castle expanded over many generations with a sturdy wall around the small city likewise with the clear influence of several generations. In the middle of the courtyard in front of the castle is a Stonetree with three heavily armed men standing guard. The Stonetree Sentinels.

Buildings:
Market Square. +10% income
Dockyard. +500 naval points, +10% income
Militia Armoury: +250 Militia Points

Army:

The Stonetree Sentinels.
9 in total, 3 on duty.
This guard post is as ancient as the island itself. The tree once held religious meaning to the iron islanders but the myths and legends surrounding it are all but forgotten. The Family now living here the Stonetree's were in ancient times its guardians. But with the harbour and small grassland together with the religious point of interest the settlement grew. And the Stonetrees went from Guardians to Lords. And soon would outshine the tree in significance. Their power and influence grew as that of the tree withered. But the family that owed it so much had not allowed it to be forgotten. They still had their nine best soldiers stand guard there. The Sentinels of the Stonetree. A small order with its own rituals and traditions likely even pre-dating the Black watch. But known to few but those living on Harlow island. None even remember why it needs the protection in the first place. A Crannogman salt-wife once said it was a sleeping weirwoodtree waiting for the return of the Greenfolk. A Drowned priest have postulated that its a sign from the drowned god that any seeding of the earth on this island would be blessed and another prophetised that it would one day seed the earth with enough trees to make a fleet of unmatched strength. Whatever the origin or meaning. It's the history and responsibility of the Stonetrees. And they still protect it to this day.

900 Stonehearth Warriors
A Respected force among the Ironborn. The Warriors Under House Stonetree were one of the first Iron Islanders hosts to get a uniform. It's a white tabard wit ha grey tree- A chain mail under. Head protected by a helmet with nasal guard-.. The boots are brown oil treated leather, with a seaming of white wool. In the leather belt are a longsword. The shield is round with the Stonetree on it like the tabard. And gloves made in the same aesthetic as the boots. With this comes cold and wet weather gear. Anything beyond these things are up to the soldier to buy or steal himself. But these are required- And kept in order. This uniform makes them stand out from the usual Iron islanders. And a unexpected benefit have been that when they have come sailing in their galleys. With these uniforms of a tree, many have not recognised them as iron islander before they were on board their ship. A much used Stonetree Tactic.

[The Mad Skylord]

A warship sails round the cape. It sailed into the harbour and a messenger hurries ashore to tell Stonetree to bring herself to Harlaw Hall, where King Ironwolf waited to speak to him.

[Lucius Malfoy]

A small ship ventures would land on the coast of Harlaw Island, some ways from the ancestral castle of House Stonetree. The bearded and young individual, Daegon, would approach the outskirts of the castle and look around the area. It was known that House Stonetree had a decorated history, mostly involved with their overlords, House Harlaw. He would walk towards the gate of the castle, requesting to see the lord of the castle himself. When asked, the Ironborn identified himself as Daegon the Iron Bastard.

[Narf]

It was a absolutely thunderous evening, each wave against the beach foamed like roaring monsters. With white teeth trying to take bit of Harlow Island and drag it down under. Not even the storm gods birds dared fly under these conditions. So fierce was it, that even after Daegon had properly secured his ship far up the coast. And was a good bit inland, he had to shade his eyes to gaze out across the Stonetree lands. The road leading to the gates had actually been paved and was kept in repair, at least on their side of the island. Cliffs stood proud all around, many with deep rectangular wounds from men mining their stone. Small solid stone houses and farms? increased in number as he got farther into Stonetree land.


As the Castle and walls came into view, he could see light grey wall of very accurate masonry rise, as it became clearer and clearer to his approaching view. The rumbling of the storm, and the lightning played over the sea and the foothills. A dark green curtain of rain whipped down and hung heavily from the clouds, and the storm seemed to be chasing a unknown opponent as Daegon was chasing shelter and hospitality within those walls, for the increasingly violent rain swept along toward them from the sea. The Drowned and Storm God were doing battle today, that much was clear... Even if nothing else was. The Wall gatehouse stood defiant, On both sides of the gate hang decorative Shields. After some yelling back and forth with the Uniformed Guards manning the gate, he was allowed entry.

The wall were more using the natural formation of the cliffs to wall of a small chunk of the island than actually surrounding the castle that were behind it's safety. A town, harbour and market square were outside the maincastle. A guard came down with a lantern and a cold-weather cloak around him. Shielding his eyes before just nodding to Daegon. The guard gestured towards the castle and began making his way there. The castle itself was very masculine, no round features. It was solid, with a lot of edges, hard, Again the same good craftsmanship unusual in these parts. Some remembered the current lords grandfather, had raided the reach and returned with two entire mason families. They learned to live good lives here, improving the old castle. And people that had apprenticed with the kids of the family still worked a good living in Stonetree.

Once inside, he was handed bread, salt, a blanket, soap, and a skin of whatever, it was airtight in here, no holes or bad windows which the wind played it's tune on. It was just a rumbling in the background. To the right were som servants quarters and the left a fireplace keeping the area around the entrance relatively warm. A Nice contrast to the outside. After two servants had handed him the items a elderly man with a lantern came and greeted him, explained he would show him to a room, where he could wash the sea and storm of himself. And if he'd like. A meal afterwards, he said lastly posed as a question while they walked. The Ancient hallways were lit up by torches and candles kept alive here and there. Picture of this and that hang sporadicly along their path. The deeper parts of the castle looked like normal Ironborn craftsmanship. And it was he was led into a large room. Here like on the way the old stones were lit by dancing lights. And the cold stone floor laid with blankets. The room even had it's own fireplace.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Daegon followed wherever he was told and escorted to go. He was but a bastard from Orkmont after all, a reaver for hire, an Ironborn with only sails and a ship. He was no Lord's son, no castle to inherit, no gold to his name save what he had within his pouch. In the presence of even the dark castles of the Ironborn nobility, Daegon played it the best he could by following orders and keeping quiet. Brushing past the elderly man to enter the room, Daegon looks around for a moment before turning to the old man who held the lantern steady.

A warm meal would be nice, but no bath is required. We are sons of the salty seas after all; to wash away what the Drowned God has given us is to wash away his blessing.

With those words said, Daegon was finally left alone. He sat down and began to eat the bread quietly upon a chair close to the fireplace. The Ironborn caught the eye of a jug of wine nearby which he grabbed and poured a mug full, drinking it in a few big gulps before pouring some more. As long as he was here, Daegon planned to enjoy some good wine instead of the usual piss tavern water that most places served. Once more, he sat down and waited in silence, wondering why he was placed in his room.

[Narf]

He nods. "You braved the storm to fight on one of my ships." It was not posed a question.. His dull eyes rand over the man's armament. "Those in my service wear the uniform. All loot is shared equally except the loot of five ships which go to this family. In case of a unsuccessful reaving, we will provide for you and your family that you pay with labour, until another expedition is ready. In case you die. Your share will go to a person of your choosing. And your family will be offered employ. No depth pass to your kin." It sounds like a pitch he's given often or its just the nature of his tone. He cross his arms. "Lastly if you have a problem serving under a women you should look elsewhere- Other than these things, there's nothing more I offer or demand of those in my service. Than that your follow the laws of the Drowned gods. We don't have many laws. Justice have a way of finding the right person around here." It was hard to tell if he was joking or well if there was anything veiled or if it was meant as said.

[Narf]

After some a hour steady footsteps could be heard down the hall. Increasing as they approached his room. There was three knocks. And after that a man entered. He had short red hair, a scar across his brow, long braided red beard and a stern atmosphere. His hands were raw with bruises. But his clothes seemed nice. Grey vest and pants. Black leather boots. The man had intense inspecting eyes. And in his belt a single knife.

He gathered his hand in front of himself. "Welcome. I am Lord Gawar Stonetree. I wanted to hear if your business with me was urgent since you braved the wrath of the storm god." His voice was so... neutral.. Bordering on monotone.. He was void of any kind of presence, of either pride or humility. His intense matted grey eyes simply stared at Daegon. But there was no impatience. As if both of them had all the time in the world.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Daegon met his eyes with this Lord Gawar Stonetree as he slowly chewed on the salty bread given to him. The bastard slowly finishes with his food and swallows quietly before deciding to speak to Lord Stonetree.

Rumor on the seas is that you got some work in what I have expertise in. Reaving and raiding of the sorts, looking to see if you could use an extra hand.

Daegon's voice was definitely the casual sort. He didn't mind talking to Lords in such a manner; after all, Daegon was a raider and reaver, his type was always wanted on the high seas. He rips some more bread off and begins to chew it quietly as he awaited an answer from Lord Stonetree. His posture was casual and relaxed the whole time.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Daegon slowly stands up, grabbing the mug of wine nearby and downing it one good gulp. The Iron Bastard looks directly at Lord Stonetree for a moment before setting the mug down.

I have no family, no wives, no children, no bastards that I fathered with bar wenches. So whatever I earn will just go to your house or whoever you choose I guess.

A woman was to be his captain? Wasn't the first time, but clearly Gawar was punctual about this particular point. This woman had to be related to him if he made this problem so obvious. Daegon would merely shrug, showing he had no problem.

As long as she can raise the sails, lead the men and ride the waves, I have no issues with a female captain. Ironborn women are meant to be as strong as Ironborn men after all. I take it she is a member of your family?

[Narf]

He nods. "She is. You will meet her tomorrow. In the morning you'll report to the quartermaster to get your uniform. As you have no family, you may live in the barracks Until such a time you've earned enough to build yourself a house or decide to end your employ.". He nods to himself and is for the first time slightly readable, he looks like he thinks hes said all he needed. "Are there any other subjects you would like to breach with me?"

[Lucius Malfoy]

Daegon begins to walk by Lord Stonetree as Gawar finished speaking to him. The Ironborn pauses for a moment, glancing at the Lord.

Nothing on me end. Unless there is something else, I am gonna go claim my bed at the barracks and get some sleep for tomorrow.

As much as he would have liked staying in the castle, any bed would do for him. As long as it was comfortable enough for him to get some needed rest.

[Narf]

"Break...." god damit go away.. "BR-ST!"... Please..."Breakfast!" It was morning and cauldronwoman was attached to this wing of the barracks were roaring like yesterdays wind. The sound of wooden cutlery and complaining voices filled the periphery of Daegons slowly wakening conciousness. "Up and eat you lazy sods, think I don't have other things to spend my day on" the.. well.. Fat women yelled out in the wing. Most men in the barracks just put on their tunics and pants and went to get food. Each of the twenty beds in here had a crude woodman for their armour. Far from all of the used it properly. The breakfast consisted of sea eel stew, bread, some tough roots and a mug of ale. The stew stood on a large table in the center of the room with the rest of the items scattered around it in no perticular order. Wooden bowls in a stack in one corner. The wooden spoons in a bound bundle, together with the bread in the bread basket. It was a much preferable smell to wake up toover the smell of wet feet, that had greeted him last night... Some hurried to a list with some crude picture and wrote their initials into some square boxes.. Beside the list were large piece of paper nailed to the wall with what looked like explanations of what were on the list.

[Narf]

He nods Stepping aside so he can leave, walks in with a straight back, blowing out candles. And throws a bit of sand on the fireplace to reduce it to smoulders. On his way out he locked the door and left the opposite direction of the hall that Daegon had entered by..

[Lucius Malfoy]

Daegon would head for the barracks and find the best bed possible. There was an attempt to stop him as one of the other guards felt he deserved it, but one look from the Iron Bastard and the guard stood down. Without any other disturbances, the Ironborn would lay upon the bed of hay and sheets, resting up from his long journey to Harlaw Island. He began to wonder, as he fell asleep, who this female captain was and what she was like. Hopefully she was the good and capable kind. Always was best to serve under someone worthy and not knowing the difference between East and West. Without much thought, besides wondering what breakfast was tomorrow, Daegon would fall asleep within moments.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Daegon would rise later than everyone else, yawning loudly from his deep sleep before rising to find some food. He took a small portion of the sea eel stew, what remained of the bread and half a mug of ale; it would be enough to get him through the morning at least. And would give him enough energy to meet this female captain he was supposed to meet today. The Iron Bastard sat alone as he ate his small portions and drank to his content with the mug in hand. The Ironborn had eaten worse stew; perhaps the worst was on Lonely Light. A stew made from what the innkeeper said was fresh cod and crab meat. Ended up being raw and outdated pork... Daegon's stomach was as hard as stone, but remembering that meal made his belly cringe.

[Narf]

After eating, a man came in and gave some duties to the remaining people that had not signed themselves up at the pictures.. When the bald man comes to Daegon he look at his scroll and then back at Daegon.. "Daegon, yes? The lady have gone to get your ship for it to be given a place in the harbour. Beside that we need it landed, to check its hull, especially since last night storm.". He sighs.. "Sfter getting your uniform, you might go help. You can take any day off you want, except when given guard duty. Theres a catch tho. Those who has taken most days off get the guard duties... during reavings.." He grins.. Writes something on the scroll.. "Yep.. Ok.. Welcome to Stonetree."

[Lucius Malfoy]

Daegon looks at the scroll being handed to him. Yet instead of grabbing the paper, the Ironborn grabbed the wrist of the man before him and gripped it tightly. He was an Iron Bastard; everything about him was Iron. His grip, his fists, his heart, his body and his soul. Daegon starred daggers into the eyes of the male infront of him. He knew that the man was trying to fool him and make him seem like some kind of idiot.

Never play games with me again, boy. I am not some fool of a bastard. And even though we are under this castle's roof, I will find some way to gut you clean if you try this again...

He releases his grip, taking the scroll from the errand boy. Daegon would walk off for now, heading off to grab his uniform in the barracks. Once he was dressed, the Iron Bastard went off to find whoever this captain was.

[Narf]

"Get those provisions, I want them packed and secured under the seats of every ship, before the suns on high." She called with a stern voice at a few men that had just arrived groggy from sleep. The women barking orders were atop Daegons ship, being hauled up on land on some mounted beams, forty men pulling the ship up above ground by way of wooden planks.. This was how one checked and cleaned hulls.. "Heave!" She yelled after the ship had stopped moving up for a moment. She jumped down, landing with a grunt, she turned her head, her white hair whipping in the wind. "Have that sail repaired and stored should the owner of the ship want it back in case he left our service. Have that done and a new one with the tree ready before we are done here." She turned back and walked up beside the ship now resting on the wooden beams. Different kinds of seacreatures and shell animals had attached themselves under the ship.. "Get buckets and scrapers.." She hollered to the men, panting from the recent exertion. She took some determined steps towards a man with his hands on his knees. "Yeah, I saw your hands slip. If burnt, get them looked at. Then get a ladder and carry any personal belongings to be stored with the sail. And find out what name we shall put on the cabin.". She turned and walked with other steps to the other side of the ship. A man came with a list for her.. She spoke to him for a bit.. Nodded and turned her attention back to the busy men. "I want the ship ready tomorrow. We are to sail to Pyke, men. Three hundred of us are going reaving!" This was something the men liked, and was answered with a small scattered cheer.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Daegon approaches the harbor where his ship was being repaired and outfitted. It wasn't much, but a good enough ship for a single person to handle, if not a small crew of ten max. As the Ironborn approached the docks, he could hear the yells of a woman nearby, most likely the captain that Lord Stonetree had mentioned. Then he heard the mention of a reaving; it seemed that Daegon had come at a very opportune moment to Harlaw Island and the Drowned God showered him with favor. The Iron Bastard walked up and stood beside Silise as he watched his ship being outfitted and fixed. He points his thumb at the ship.

Shes already got a name, Capt'n. Named her Sealord, despite her size compared to the greater ships at your disposal. Managed to get me plenty of places through calm and rough seas; kept herself together no matter what the Storm God threw at us.

Daegon noticed a few men carrying beams to his ship. He sighed lightly at a couple men struggling with one of the beams due to their still groggy states. The Iron Bastard lifted the beam with his good right arm; his muscles tense under the weight of the wooden beam, but remained stable as he brought the beam over to his ship, setting it on the side of the hull.

[Narf]

The pale white haired girl's eyes followed the man that had addressed her.. He seemed strong.. Iron willed. Dependable.. She took forth a stoneslap and placed a paper over and began writing as she stood there. She was eerily expressionless other than a slightly raised eyebrow.. "Sealord" She mumbled. "Your the man that braved yesterdays storm, And your name is?". She asked as she slowly began following him and the men around the ship to stay within earrange.