Greywater Watch, Seat of House Reed

**The Mad Skylord** · July 01, 2016, 03:43 PM

Household

The Crannogmen. Dwelling in the swamps of the neck, they are regarded as cowardly frog-eaters and bog-devils by many. Some say the Crannogmen are small due to intermarriage with the Children. In truth, little is known about these reclusive save for one thing - any man who steps into the marshes of the Neck without permission from the Crannogmen or House Stark are as good as dead. Men have been known to sink and drown in their armour, helped along by lightly equipped and ferocious Crannogmen wielding short swords, short spears, javelins and bows. Impossible to conquer because their towns, houses and even their castles float, the only House ever to force Crannogmen to bend the knee is House Stark, who slew the last Marsh King and took his daughter to the King in the North's wedding bed.

House Reed are the Lords of these ferocious and isolated warriors. They ruled as Marsh Kings, were friends of the Children, and to this day have the unwavering loyalty of all Crannogmen. From their moving castle of Greywater Watch, they defend the Neck - and the North - from Southerner Invasion. Ruled by Howland Reed, House Reed continues the unwavering tradition of loyalty to House Stark, although they have little love for their lieges' new friendship with House Frey, traditional enemies of the Crannogmen. Nonetheless, they will serve their lord.

LORD HOWLAND REED

Age: 52
Traits:
+3 Battles
+3 Wealth
+2 Pathfinder
+2 Scout
+1 Logistician

A small and quiet man, Howland Reed prefers the quiet waters of his home to the hustle bustle of large castles and cities. While he is a small man, he is deceptively strong, being able to lift great weight - an ability gained from a lifetime of living in the Neck. He is renowned as a crocodile and alligator hunter among the Crannogmen, and carries the scars to prove it.

LYANNA REED
Age: 47
Status: Wife of Howland Reed
Traits:
+3 Battles
+3 Pathfinder
+2 Scout
+1 Logistician
+2 Charisma

The wife of Howland Reed. A charming, cheerful and - to Southerners and even Northmen - enigmatic woman. Her knowledge of the marshes is possibly even better than her husband's. She is a loving wife, a good mother and a truly ferocious woman when riled. It is said even Howland avoids her when angry.

TORMUND

Age: 42
Traits:
+3 Battles
+3 Duel
+3 Survival
+1 Pathfinder
+1 Scout

Tormund is a wildling. He led a raiding party over the wall year earlier. They successfully raided deep into the North, his wildlings refused to go further South in search of better loot, and most abandoned his leadership. The rest were cut off by a band of men hunting them. Tormund managed to escape, fleeing further south through the Neck, he was captured by Howland Reed, who - intrigued by the red haired giant - gave him a roof to recover under and a chance to leave once the hunters had lost the trail. Tormund never left, the little Crannogman had captured his loyalty and friendship and he stayed by his side. He has since gained an impressive knowledge of the Neck Marshes, although it could never compare to that of true Crannogmen.

THEIR FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Eddard Reed - Eldest Son - Born 230 AC
Jon Reed - Middle Son - Born 237 AC
Brandon Reed - Youngest Son - Born 240 AC
Meera Reed - Eldest Daughter - Born 243 AC
Ygritte Reed - Youngest Daughter - Born 245 AC

Buildings, Edicts and Trade

Military

**The Mad Skylord** · July 01, 2016, 06:20 PM

It was a cold and wet day in the Neck. Howling wind and rain reminded everyone in Greywater Watch of Winter - even in the Spring. The water had risen several feet and there had been several crocodile and alligator attacks over the past few days. Howland Reed stood at the window of his castle, his small stature tense with stress. His leather tunic was made from crocodile leather, as were the bracers on his wrist. He wore heavy trousers rather than breeches. The heavy leather was treated with oil to keep it relatively waterproof. His boots were made in a similar style. Slung around his waist was a short sword - he was one of the few Crannogmen who used one. Most used a trident and a light one handed battle axe.

Behind him, sitting at a table and eating methodically, were his wife, his good friend Tormund, and his children. Also on the large table was a map giving detailed information of the Neck, and the Frey lands...

Indeed that was why the small Crannogman was tense and stressed. House Reed had always been enemies with House Frey. The damn Freys couldn't keep their hands off anything. They had invaded the Neck several times, and been repulsed every time. That didn't change the fact they were currently the most powerful individual House in all of Westeros, a good reason for the ferocious men of the Neck to be worried.

Howland continued looking out of the window. He needed to think of something. He couldn't, however, bring himself to actually negotiate with his age old enemies. The storms had made fishing even more dangerous than usual, and Howland truly desired grains more than anything. It was his duty to protect his people, be it from the sword of men or the bite of hunger. Sighing, he turned to the table and wrote a quick letter, before handing it to a Crannogman to be delivered to the newest Frey expansion - Freykeep.

**Pontifex Maximus** · July 01, 2016, 10:50 PM

A return message confirms trade

**mic1402** · July 03, 2016, 11:47 PM

A small party from raventree hall arrives and requests audience with Lord Reed.

**The Mad Skylord** · July 05, 2016, 08:35 AM

The party is met on the Kingsroad by a band of Crannogmen. Unbeknownst to the Rivermen, they had been watched from the moment they had entered the Neck. A small band of Crannogmen warriors, armed with an assortment of weapons ranging from short swords and battle axes, to tridents, to slings and bows had tailed them. These warriors had then overtaken them and stood before them - once their motive had become clear. After a quick introduction, the Crannogmen had guided them through the hellish maze of the Neck Marshes, and finally they had arrived at Greywater Watch.

Lord Howland Reed, descendant of the Marsh Kings, sat in his throne in his great hall. He offered the party bread, salt and wine - guest rights - and began. "Greetings friends! What brings Blackwoods to this 'Neck' of the 'Woods'"

OOC: I'm sorry, I just had to!

**mic1402** · July 05, 2016, 08:40 PM

Noremund smiled, it was nice to have a friendly welcome, The north was always alien yet familiar to him. "Lord Reed, i have come to discuss a potential marriage alliance between our houses." In truth Noremund had no idea whether this was something Lord Reed was interested in or not.

**The Mad Skylord** · July 06, 2016, 07:43 AM

Originally Posted by mic1402

Noremund smiled, it was nice to have a friendly welcome, The north was always alien yet familiar to him. "Lord Reed, i have come to discuss a potential marriage alliance between our houses." In truth Noremund had no idea whether this was something Lord Reed was interested in or not.

Howland Reed was instantly interested, and cautious. Blackwood was a powerful house, and they were one of the only houses south of the Neck who still worshiped the true gods. However, there remained the issue of House Bracken... "An interesting and alluring offer, Ser, but it could drag me into war with House Bracken. I am more than happy to shelter your house should you be defeated - we worship the true gods. But I am not sure I can commit Crannogmen to die in your war.

I am, however, still considering it. Whom will the marriage be between, and what will you be willing to offer me for it? My people find themselves hungry so far this year, my priority is to feed them..."

A blatant hint, but it would do its task.

**mic1402** · July 06, 2016, 08:38 PM

"Peace has been secured with the Brackens, that war is over now."
"Unfortunately as much as i would like to, we cannot extend trade at this time, as we have already given rights to others."
"It was my hope this alliance could be seen as one of mutual benefit, as i feel both our houses face a similar threat."

OOC: on whom the marriage who will be between I'm not sure as your characters do not have ages listed.

**The Mad Skylord** · July 07, 2016, 03:05 AM

"There has been peace before. You father knows how well it lasted. A shame about the trade, but no matter. With peace secured for now, I am happy to wed one of my children to your house. My son, Jon (23), has need of a wife."

**mic1402** · July 08, 2016, 06:09 AM

Noremund thought for moment. "About adrianna age hmm, However she is a fiery one and away in kings landing doing Gods-knows what. What about this, your daughter Ygritte marries my youngest brother Kromley, who is 15."

**The Mad Skylord** · July 08, 2016, 06:21 AM

Originally Posted by mic1402

Noremund thought for moment. "About adrianna age hmm, However she is a fiery one and away in kings landing doing Gods-knows what. What about this, your daughter Ygritte marries my youngest brother Kromley, who is 15."

"This is acceptable. The ceremony will be conducted in the Great Weirwood of the Crannogmen, deep within the Neck. Feel honoured, few outside of the Favoured of the Children have ever seen it, for who but us could lead them to it?"

**The Mad Skylord** · July 08, 2016, 06:19 AM

Deep within the swamps and marshes of the Neck lay a Weirwood. Possibly the largest Weirwood for a thousand miles. It's trees were old and withered and gnarled with great age. Lizard-lions surrounded the Weirwood in great numbers, but that would never bother the Crannogmen. Sitting below the red leaves of the Tree was Howland Reed, quietly listening to Jon and Lyanna argue viciously. All were pious members of the Old Faith, but Jon was almost zealous in his love of history and of his people and their Gods. Howland sighed, thinking deeply on what his actions would be.

(Jon) "But I must, Mother! I must find out if any of our friends and ancestors still live! I must find them!."

(Lyanna)"It's a fool's errand, Jon, you'll be killed the minute you cross the Wall! You'd be in territory you don't know, with nobody to guide you!"

(Jon)"Then I will die in my quest for knowledge of the Children, great friends and family of the Crannogmen! I will die in my service to the Old Gods! Die trying to find a way to forever protect our Gods, to forever protect us!"

Just as Lyanna was about to reply, Howland spoke - softly, so he could barely be heard, but both stopped arguing to listen to him.

(Howland)"Let the boy do as he must, Lyanna. He can take Tormund with him. However, He must first visit the Isle of Faces. Conduct that pilgrimage for the favour of the Old Gods, and then head beyond the Wall to find the Children. Perhaps he will find something useful, some remnant of our past. Perhaps he will learn a little of their magic, or perhaps he will die. It is for the Gods to decide."

**mic1402** · July 13, 2016, 06:01 AM

Kromley Blackwood and his wife Ygritte unexpectedly return to Greywater watch and request entry.

**The Mad Skylord** · July 13, 2016, 01:19 PM

They are found by a band of Crannogmen and led to the Castle, where they are openly welcome.

OOC: You married Ygritte, not Meera.

**mic1402** · July 15, 2016, 05:41 AM

In recent times, as troubles and uncertainty plagued his house, it was his wife Ygritte that provided comfort and happiness for Kromley. Now he had returned to his wife's house to seek shelter, as ordered by his brother Ralf. Kromely felt a coward, he should he not be getting ready to fight as well?

When granted a audience with Lord Reed, Kromly spoke with a somber and respectful tone. "Lord Reed, i humbly request to able to stay here for sometime, as there is trouble and in the riverlands and my brother fears for my safety."

**The Mad Skylord** · July 15, 2016, 05:00 PM

Originally Posted by mic1402

In recent times, as troubles and uncertainty plagued his house, it was his wife Ygritte that provided comfort and happiness for Kromley. Now he had returned to his wife's house to seek shelter, as ordered by his brother Ralf. Kromely felt a coward, he should he not be getting ready to fight as well?

When granted a audience with Lord Reed, Kromly spoke with a somber and respectful tone. "Lord Reed, i humbly request to able to stay here for sometime, as there is trouble and in the riverlands and my brother fears for my safety."

Lord Reed agreed readily - eager to have his daughter returned to the safety of Greywater Watch, but he was intrigued. "What trouble in the Riverlands? I hear tales of large hosts of men on the move, but nobody here knows why."

**mic1402** · July 15, 2016, 09:02 PM

"Last year my elder brother Lord Ralf went missing, He recently returned to us and told us a most harrowing story. He was imprisoned by Lord Frey for refusing to bend the knee and recognize him as liege Lord. After nearly a year of imprisonment and threats he relented and swore he oaths. However when he returned my sister Adianna reminded him that oaths made under duress are no true oaths. In addition Lord Frey has continued to threaten our house and demands hostages. My Brothers have marched with house Whent to end the Frey domination of the riverlands."

**The Mad Skylord** · July 17, 2016, 03:15 PM

Originally Posted by mic1402

"Last year my elder brother Lord Ralf went missing, He recently returned to us and told us a most harrowing story. He was imprisoned by Lord Frey for refusing to bend the knee and recognize him as liege Lord. After nearly a year of imprisonment and threats he relented and swore he oaths. However when he returned my sister Adianna reminded him that oaths made under duress are no true oaths. In addition Lord Frey has continued to threaten our house and demands hostages. My Brothers have marched with house Whent to end the Frey domination of the riverlands."

Howland nodded in quiet understanding. He understood the sentiment for justice and revenge. "Would you like a hand? We are allies, and while I maintain an alliance with House Frey, they seem to be the transgressors. I can deploy three thousand men to aid you."

**Iron Aquilifer** · July 17, 2016, 09:24 AM

A letter arrives from Bywater, requesting trade.

**mic1402** · July 20, 2016, 04:25 AM

Kromley was surprised at Howland's willingness to march to war, "My Brother was concerned about involving your liege Lord, House Stark as they have relationships with both house Tully and Frey".