The Northern Expedition

[ficenzi]

The Karhold rides up to Castle Black, led by Lord Rickard Karstark and with him his sons, Harrion and Eddard. A thousand and three hundred men could be counted, half of them heavily armored while the rest were light riders. Most of them had extra baggage, indicating that they were going for a longer ride. Rickard rode up to the gates of Castle Black, requesting a meeting with the Lord Commander and the First Ranger, Theon Stark.

Karstark Forces:
- 300 Household Knights
- 400 Heavy Cavalry
- 600 Northern Cavalry

Commanders: Rickard Karstark (+3 Battles, +10 Duels, +3 Survival, +1 Capture), Harrion Karstark (+3 Duel, +3 Survival), Eddard Karstark (+3 Duel, +2 Survival)

[Pericles of Athens]

Benjen hobbled over hills and plains, a long bone gnarled branch - white as bone - tightly gripped in his right hand. He was followed by nearly a thousand men, some of the finest men in service to the house Stark, they were Clansmen of the Mountains in snowshoes that let them glide over the drifts effortlessly, the cavalry were Knights from White Harbor and the heaviest horsemen the plains outside Winterfell could offer. The ancient Stark was gaunt, his cheeks hollow and his skin white as the snow that fell from the sky in thick drifts. He wore ragged animal skins, and there seemed to be some kind of moss or linchpin growing all around his cloak. After a long march from the heart of the North, it finally came into view.. the Wall, eight hundred feet of sheer ice, hundreds of miles across.. He eyed the great structure with sunken gray eyes. This was only the beginning.. He thought, as he made his way down toward Castle Black, followed closely by "his" men. Only the beginning.

OOC: I'm gonna need a Mod for this, its gonna start out as an expedition and lead to a colonization/conquest of the far North. At this point I just need to see if they can get access through thew gates of thew wall

[Pyrrhus the Molossian]

Lazar and those of The Forgotten Company trudged wearily on as they had for month on end. No work could be found in the now peaceful Westeros that had changed so much from the one Lazar had known during the war. The men of the company grumbled about the lack of loot and lack of the things that could be bought with it such as wine and women, but no one would hire them in such peaceful times so Lazar marched north towards rumors of battle between civilized men and men of the wild, hoping that the talents of himself and his men could be of use to these Northern Westerosi in their struggles with the savages. The feet of every man of the company are sore, but they near the wall where the civilization of Westeros ends and wildness begins. With the aid of the few civilians in the vicinity Lazar learns the location of Karstark's camp and asks for an audience with him.

[ficenzi]

Lazar is led into the main Karstark camp outside of Castle Black's walls, where he is welcomed by lord Rickard Karstark, a man of giant stature. 'Greetings stranger, how may I help you?'

[Pyrrhus the Molossian]

Lazar eyes Karstark who is a giant even to a man of his stature and gruffly begins to speak with a heavy Essosi accent to the Northern lord.

"I am Lazar Ormelar leader of The Forgotten, a mercenary company lacking in work. We have traveled many miles on painfully sore feet to follow rumors that said you were leading a campaign to crush the wild tribesmen beyond this massive walls. I would be willing to fight for you against these barbarians if you would have me my lord. The men of the company are tired of peace and money is needed to help us grow and to prosper."

[ficenzi]

'Hmm.', lord Karstark thought while looking at a map on his desk. 'How many men do you command and what is your price, Ormelar?', he asked.

[Pyrrhus the Molossian]

Lazar smiles, glad that Karstark has decided to hear him out and tries to speak clearly despite his accent.


"Nine hundred veteran mercenaries armed as heavy infantry my lord. They've seen combat in the Reach during the war so they aren't the slightest bit green. Does the sum of 15,000 gold dragons for the completion of the task sound fair my lord? The dragons will be put right back into the company and I will be able to hire even more soldiers to fight under your banners against these Wildlings."

[Pericles of Athens]

Benjen sat by the fire, his skin chaffed at the idea of being so close to so many other men. Despite that he liked the Clansmen he'd assembled for this journey, a simple folk. They had little to their names, but valued honor, loyalty, and the gods. In contrast he had little opinion of the Karstarks, his distant kin he supposed - so distant to make the connection close to moot. Benjen hadn't expected Karstark to be venturing North of the Wall as well, seeing his camp at the foot of Castle Black was a surprise. What he hadn't expected and was not pleased by was the arrival of these quire mercenaries, judging by the look of their clothing they were from the far southern realms.. soft and effeminate. Southerns.. I hate Southerns. Grunted one of the Clansmen, roasting a rabbit in the fires set before him. Wont last a week up here. Spoke another who was sharpening his ax. The gods will decide that. Mumbled Benjen, his gray eyes trailing the assumed leader of the men as he entered the tent of Karstark. The gods decide.. His thoughts trailed off.

[Trot]

ooc I'm going to need total numbers for your group. It will effect rolls.


The men trudged through the snow and ice until they finally arrived at castle black. To call it a castle would be far too generous in truth. It had no walls for one thing, it was just a series of towers sitting at the base of the icy monstrosity the Wall. The Wall that had been build by Brandon the builder to guard from wildlings in ages past, but now the watch and the castle was a shadow of its former self. Many castles sit abandoned and even Castle Black was starting to fall apart. There were not enough hands for all that needed doing.

The men were led to the castle while the Lord Commander was summoned. He was a grizzled old man his black cloak more patched than new and his face had more lines than most South of the Wall would ever get. Yorwyck Flint was a hard man, the fourth son of House Flint had taken his vows on his 16th name day rising through the ranks for over forty years before being named Lord Commander.

"Lord Stark," the man says gruffly greeting Benjen. "What brings you so far North?"

[Pericles of Athens]

Benjen had once visited the wall many moons ago, he was a bright eyed boy. And now, now he was an old man, with tight skin, ribs showing and eyes sunken. I am no lord. The old wolf replied, through crooked yellow teeth. Just an old man, like yourself. Who's spent far too much time in the thick of the wood. He wheezed into his palm, a slight smile creasing his lips. We seek to cross over into the land of always winter. He replied, pulling his moss covered cloak tighter to his body.

OOC:
Northmen (Benjen's Men and Karstark's Men)
600 Household Cavalry
400 Heavy Cavalry
600 Northern Cavalry
600 Northern Swordsmen

And I'm not sure if Karstark will hire the mercs.

[ficenzi]

The man leading the Stark forces was led into Rickard's camp just as he was closing the deal with the mercenaries. Lord Karstark extended his hand to Lazar, offering a handshake. 'A fair deal, and I accept. However, I won't babysit you. If you find the lands beyond too uncomfortable for your skin, manage yourself.'
---------------------------------------
Lord Karstark went into the castle with the Stark and let him handle the negotiations, as the boy seemed more of a smooth-talker.

[Pericles of Athens]

Benjen entered the tent, he did not like the seperation from the natural state of the world. Hopefully the cold doesn't kill them before the Wildlings do. Stark spoke through a cough. I see you lead the Karstark men here, I am Benjen - uncle to Lord Rickard, and speaker to trees. He remarked with a wheez, the skin of his face was wrinkled and creased. I have few words.. But if your business is to the north we may venture together, for a time.

--

OOC: Benjen is like 57, hardly a boy.

[Trot]

Mutters go thourgh the mercenary camp North of the wall, what loot would there be for them there? What was in it for them? That night 7% of Lazer's forces abandon the camp seeking better oppertunities elsewhere.

............................

Flint laughes heartily, "North of the wall as winter sets in. What in the gods name could you want up there? "

[Pyrrhus the Molossian]

Mutters go thourgh the mercenary camp North of the wall, what loot would there be for them there? What was in it for them? That night 7% of Lazer's forces abandon the camp seeking better oppertunities elsewhere.

............................

Flint laughes heartily, "North of the wall as winter sets in. What in the gods name could you want up there? "

OOC: What the hell? Why am I taking casualties? They just got a big payday from this and the rest of Westeros is peaceful. Mercenaries are professional soldiers not levies or militia who aren't used to rough conditions. I'm protesting this crap because neither of the others are taking casualties.

[Pericles of Athens]

Stark gave his own twisted smile in return. Our business is with the Wildlings, and the ax and sword. He replied simply, clenching his branch. I'd winter here and move north as soon as spring breaks, as to not lose a moment. Winterfell can provide provisions for my men.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Stark gave his own twisted smile in return. Our business is with the Wildlings, and the ax and sword. He replied simply, clenching his branch. I'd winter here and move north as soon as spring breaks, as to not lose a moment. Winterfell can provide provisions for my men.

Aye? Stark wheezed in question. We intend to march to Hardhome and rebuild it, perhaps the fortress at the Fist of the First Men as well, once we've built a port to bring in supplies at Hardome. He hacked, seemingly that was all he had to say on the matter.

Lord Commander Flint looked skeptical, he even gave a frosty laugh. "Well Lord Stark." He began. "I can't forbid you to go north but I can caution you against it. My men have been here for years and even they shiver during the long nights. Winter never leaves this place even during the summer, but the darkness of winter descends now across the Seven Kingdoms. Waiting for Spring may take some time indeed if you have some time table to keep. I won't stop you for going, or doing what I can to support your mission. But know this: if you get yourself in trouble north of the Wall, I may not be able to help you. My job's to protect the Kingdoms of men from attack, but nothing in my mandate requires me to save those who make war north of the wall. Especially when it would threaten my ability to do my real job. The Watch is spread thin as it is." He grumbled

[Pericles of Athens]

Lord Commander Flint looked skeptical, he even gave a frosty laugh. "Well Lord Stark." He began. "I can't forbid you to go north but I can caution you against it. My men have been here for years and even they shiver during the long nights. Winter never leaves this place even during the summer, but the darkness of winter descends now across the Seven Kingdoms. Waiting for Spring may take some time indeed if you have some time table to keep. I won't stop you for going, or doing what I can to support your mission. But know this: if you get yourself in trouble north of the Wall, I may not be able to help you. My job's to protect the Kingdoms of men from attack, but nothing in my mandate requires me to save those who make war north of the wall. Especially when it would threaten my ability to do my real job. The Watch is spread thin as it is." He grumbled

Stark nodded. We all do as we must, Lord Flint. It is your duty to man the wall my forefather's erected. While the gods of the forests have called me North, my duty to them demands I answer. He scratched at his wild hair, knotted and stuck with twigs. My Clansmen know of Winter, as do I. He thought of the Southern mercenaries.. they did not. If you can spare but a few rangers to help guide our men, we will be off. I do not expect you to come to save us - but I pray you not be needed. His eyes were sunken and cold. I will do my best to ensure these brave men return home.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Stark nodded. We all do as we must, Lord Flint. It is your duty to man the wall my forefather's erected. While the gods of the forests have called me North, my duty to them demands I answer. He scratched at his wild hair, knotted and stuck with twigs. My Clansmen know of Winter, as do I. He thought of the Southern mercenaries.. they did not. If you can spare but a few rangers to help guide our men, we will be off. I do not expect you to come to save us - but I pray you not be needed. His eyes were sunken and cold. I will do my best to ensure these brave men return home.

Stark was either a brave man or a fool. "I can spare one." He replied. It would do well to scout out the more northern reaches anyway and see what the Wildlings were up to. "I'll give you Yoren Rivers. He's been a ranger for five and ten now and knows the terrain and lands as good as any. This is his fourth winter in the Night's Watch."

Yoren stepped forward, his long black cloak swaying with each step. "M'lord." he replied gruffly to Stark.

(stand by, Pyrus, duel roll coming in later today when I have more time at my desk)

[Pericles of Athens]

OOC: lets stop with the OOC. Please

[Pyrrhus the Molossian]

The man leading the Stark forces was led into Rickard's camp just as he was closing the deal with the mercenaries. Lord Karstark extended his hand to Lazar, offering a handshake. 'A fair deal, and I accept. However, I won't babysit you. If you find the lands beyond too uncomfortable for your skin, manage yourself.'
---------------------------------------
Lord Karstark went into the castle with the Stark and let him handle the negotiations, as the boy seemed more of a smooth-talker.

Lazar gives a grin and shakes the lord's hand.

"I'll let the men know we have a job to do my lord."

With that he returns to his camp to prepare the men for their journey.