The Board of Three - Lannisport

[Pontifex Maximus]

Heat rose from the cobbled streets of Lannisport. Most roads inclined slightly towards the water's edge where the harbor jutted out into the western oceans. The water on this side of the continent was a deep blue and deep. But Tygett would not spend this day enjoying the many pleasures of the port-city, he would spend it mostly indoors planning. He awaited the arrival of his partners, Ryon Lefford and Clegane. Together they would get this city moving in the right direction.

[The Mad Skylord]

Clegane moved down the cobbles with a quick and purposeful step. He was a hard man to miss, standing a full two feet above even the tallest of Westermen. He moved towards the meeting location, his cloak flowing out behind him, fastened at his shoulder with a broach in the form of a snarling dog's head. Stepping inside the building, he ducked his head to Tygett Lannister.

"My lord. I have come as ordered, although I am interested to find out what I'm needed for."

[Poach]

Ryon appeared as requested. Wearing a light blue silk shirt and leather riding trousers he did not appear in a military fashion, but rather in clothing comfortable for more sedentary work. His only armament was a dagger that was fastened to his belt horizontally, along the back of his belt. His protection was provided by two Lefford sworn swords instead.

"Ser Tygett, Lord Clegane." said Ryon, nodding to both in turn. He took his seat at the table, taking a sip of the win that was poured for him, waiting for Ser Tygett to begin the proceedings.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Tygett produced two heavy golden chains with the Lannister sigil stamped on a thick sphere of silver. "I name you both Lord Mayors of Lannisport." Tygett already wore his circle of office. "Ser Clegane, you shall serve primarily as captain of the gaurd and military adviser. Lord Ryon you shall serve as chief architect and financial adviser. I shall be here to facilitate tgat our decisions and edicts are upheld and enforced with the power of house Lannister." he produced a number of scrolls and papers containing a mess of information.

"First we need to calculate Lannisport's current worth, what it can produce, and set goals for the production of income and fighting men. I'd be curious to hear your thoughts."

[The Mad Skylord]

Robar Clegane tapped the table idly in thought, he doubted much he said would be taken seriously. He was regarded as stupid after all.

"Personally, I believe investing in Military Infrastructure, like barracks and what not, as well as investing say 10'000 dragons into a small militia, would be a perfectly reasonable start. On top of that, expanding the City Watch would be a sound idea. No sense in rushing towards masses of professional troops and spending every stag we have on a massive militia - not until the City can truly afford it at least."

[Pontifex Maximus]

Tygett considered the proposal. He tapped one scroll in particular. "A sensible proposition. Lannisport will net 60,000 dragons this year from incomes from the port, taxation, and other sources. Given the restrictions of the architects, we can only employ them in a limited number of construction projects every year. One such project should be for a militia barracks. You shall command the city watch, Clegane. Drill them into something more than a police force. Their numbers will swell each month."

He pointed to the harbor. "Ryon, I wish for you to serve as our steward and ambassador. Secure additional trade lanes with our neighbors in Westeros, or farther abroad if you so desire. As part of your control over our trade affairs, you are granted complete control over the fleet of Lannisport. In return for your service, I am prepared to return 33% of the income from any trade you secure to House Lefford directly as compensation for your efforts." He turned back to the charts. "With all this in mind, we should also prioritize the expansion of the port and the marketplace. I want this market to resemble more of a bustling forum of trade, to rival places like Oldtown and King's Landing."

He turned back to both men. "You have proven yourselves loyal and trustworthy. If you continue to serve House Lannister faithfully, more honors and rewards shall be yours. A Lannister always pays his debts."

[Poach]

Ryon nodded in approval, accepting his new role as ambassador for the growing trade ambitions of the city.

"House Lefford followed a similar strategy for Goldentooth and it proved effective," he said, "My grandfather invested the bulk of our earnings into expanding the space available for commerce and local infrastructure and it yields dividends to this day. My father has been able to use the extra income to finance expansions to the keep and local defences. I'll take the plans for the new dock and commercial district with me abroad and use them to attract merchants."

A modest expansion for the town guard was, to Ryon, reasonable, especially as the required spend for refurbishing the barracks and armouries around the city was only some 20,000 Dragons, compared to double that for the commercial projects, but the Realm was now nominally at peace: future earnings should mostly be invested in expanding the tax base. Still, that was not an argument for today, where the push for spending on military affairs remained modest.

"I would think to prioritise acquiring contracts for building materials: the Vale has a vast number of good quarries, I'll look to contract skilled labour from that region for our own local quarries. Formalising contracts with local farmers, or from those Lords along the Trident who always have surplus grain to move, might also be prudent if we're looking to grow the city quickly." suggested Ryon, remembering his lessons with his grandfather Harmund and sitting in on meetings with foreign lords: Harmund had always stressed the importance of food, highlighting how every great city in Westeros was only so because it was surrounded by fertile land to support it or, like White Harbour or Sunspear, feasted upon the rich commerce that flowed through it.



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[Pontifex Maximus]

"I quite agree.." Tygett replied. "It seems as if we have some viable plans for now. Let's meet back in several weeks to gauge our progress. Dealing with the Riverlands may prove difdicult after recent events."