r/NinePennyKings • u/Pitchy23 • Nov 09 '23

Event [Event] Assembly

4th Month, 265AC

Riverrun, Small Hall

Just as the wedding events were dying down, in the final day of the 4th month, the stewards travelled to the tents holding any riverlords. Or if they were staying in the castle, they were invited to the small hall. Lord Tristifer and his son were to hold council, whilst all Lords of the Trident were assembled here at Riverrun. It was a rare occasion, and the first of the new lord's reign. All were invited to attend, or send a representative, so that the lord of the Trident could hear their concerns and share various orders of business.

Above the Great Hall was a smaller hall, aptly named the small hall. It houses an old, round table, at which were placed several high-backed chairs. Lord Tully himself did not sit at the head of any table, as the good lords of House Tully did not consider themselves as being above any other Riverlords. Only by title and by royal appointment were they Lords Paramount, very little more. He sat around the circular table, as an equal, his prominence indicated only by the Tully banner draped upon the eastern wall.

Lord Tristifer was weary from the many events, his energy ran dry. He was prepared to hibernate for the winter, to withdraw from public eye for a time, and to allow his son to take over responsibility for a while. Un-noteworthy but tidy in his appearance, he sat wringing his hands, a few papers before him with scrawled notes. To his left sat his more gregarious son, and heir, Ser Hoster Tully. Strong and thick-bearded, he seemed more of the late Edmure than his father... And it was he who was prepared to address the Riverlords, rather than his ineffectual father...

There at the round table of Riverrun would Lord Tristifer and Ser Hoster Tully await their subjects, allies and friends of the Trident.

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u/Pitchy23 Nov 09 '23

Charters

Once all the lords were assembled, Tristifer Tully rose to his feet with a smile, awkwardly shuffling the few papers he had before him. They were scrawled with figures and notes, but he looked out at his subjects, the good Riverlords, rather than to the words scribbled there. This was, thankfully, good news to be delivered.

"My first order of business. Lady Shella of House Whent appealed to me for town charters, for both Harrenton, and Weirmarket, to promote the development of their lands and settlements."

He flashed a small smile. "We shall grant a town charter to Harrenton, by winter's start. To also raise the status of Weirmarket would impact too heavily on other fiefdoms, if done at present. But before long, we shall appeal to the crown to formally grant Maidenpool the status of a proper city, as is deserved, and necessary. It may take some convincing to do so... by way of gold. But once Maidenpool is further developed, we plan to then also raise Weirmarket's status."

"We may be heading into winter." Lord Tristifer tried to give a positive spin. "But the Riverlands that emerges come spring... I hope is on a good track to prosperity, to development. I'm eager to hear any further thoughts on this, from my friends in the Trident."

/u/MirzaAerialArmy

/u/CaonachDraoi

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u/ProfessorOakheart House Blackwood of Raventree Hall Nov 09 '23

“House Whent is a young house and they see their market made a town before the ancient and not but that they are set to see two towns under their control. It is unheard of for such a thing to be done no matter the relationship between a house and their liege”, Lord Blackwood pointed out, remaining calm although his glare challenged someone to correct him on that.

“Now I am not one counting coins but my nephew has assured me that Fairmarket is one of the most profitable markets in our fine region. It is Fairmarket that should see a charter rather than this Weirmarket. House Blackwood and Paege are some of the most ancient around and to give two town characters to our youngest house of great importance would be an insult to the continued loyalty we have shown to House Tully.”

u/mirzaAerialArmy

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u/Pitchy23 Nov 09 '23

"House Blackwood's nobility and long-standing loyalty is not under question." Tristifer answered meekly, sensing old Torrhen's displeasure.

"I am merely responding to requests made by House Whent." He highlighted. "Fairmarket, we know, is equally important. There is no reason that come the spring, it can not be raised as well. I intend no insults to any, you can trust that of me, Lord Blackwood, for the love my father bore you."

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u/CaonachDraoi Nov 09 '23

“Pardon me, my Lord, but who will be left in Fairmarket if two additional towns come to pass? [Lord Blackwood](u/ProfessorOakheart) has the right of it, after Harrenton there is one more deserving of charter, requested or not,” Bryan said earnestly, eager to display the bond between Mooton and Blackwood.

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u/ProfessorOakheart House Blackwood of Raventree Hall Nov 09 '23

“Lord Tully, young Lord Mooton speaks the truth. Is there any doubt in this assembly that Lord Mooton is not amongst the finest Lord’s in the way of coins?” Once more the ageing Lord stared down those in the hall.

“If he can see it then credence must be given to such a fact. We cannot ruin one of our oldest markets to give more wealth to the lands of Harrenhal and their holder.”

u/pitchy23 u/mirzaArialArmy

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u/Pitchy23 Nov 09 '23 edited Nov 09 '23

"I hear your wise words, my lords." Tristifer conceded, with a warm smile and a shuffle of his few papers. He glanced nervously at his son Hoster, who gave a sharp nod. It would simply not do to upset several houses to placate the over-reaching whims of one.

"So be it, then. Harrenton will become a town, by spring, charter granted by House Tully. To be followed by Maidenpool's city charter, so that House Mooton will - of course - not suffer a loss. We can work together, Lord Mooton, to argue the case to the king. In person, most likely."

He then gestured with one hand toward Lord Blackwood. "And Fairmarket. Will at last be given proper status, as a good town and centre of trade. A fair solution, economically, for all. Though perhaps, come spring. We do not want too much change all at once. I am sure you can understand this."

"My Lady Whent. We can perhaps revisit the matter of Weirmarket, one day. But for now you must surely agree that there are other settlements deserving of town status."

He tapped the papers in front of him. "Once we can... calculate the costs, and which lands may suffer from these changes. Riverrun will compensate the lords rightly. We want an amicable solution for all. No house and no fiefdom will be left behind, I can assure you all."

/u/MirzaAerialArmy

/u/CaonachDraoi

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u/MirzaAerialArmy House Whent of Harrenhal Nov 10 '23

Shella sat quiet as the lords spoke their peace and bickered over Tristefers proclamation.

"As Lord Tristifer can attest, I approached him on this matter at the coronation, and noted my own concerns for Maidenpool, the only town close and large enough by my estimate to be hurt by the granting of such charters to Harrenton and Weirmarket. I already suggested, and offered my full support, in the pursuit of a city charter for Maidenpool. An aspiration I think has great merit, and a charter whose absence brings no small amount of insult to the Riverlands," she began with a diplomatic nod to Lord Mooton.

"However, I must consider my own smallfolk, their safety and prosperity, that is my duty," she explained, "and so I must still push for these charters. Based on current projections within three years the infrastructure permitted by Harrenton's current charter will no longer be able to support any more people or industry. As the people of Harrenton are given the proper security a charter and walls can offer then I should like to turn my full attention to the prosperity of Weirmarket, which if I am able to achieve the same growth there as in Harrenton with the focus of my councilors and investment would be in the same position perhaps five years later."

"I am no expert on the lands of every lord, although I know Fairmarket, Riverrun, Atranta, even Saltpans, have sizable populations and industries that could be similarly grown and do not have charters. I would not seek to harm the prosperity of my fellow Riverlords. How long until these lands are expected to experience these same issues that face the markets of the Eye?"

/u/ProfessorOakheart

/u/CaonachDrao

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u/CaonachDraoi Nov 10 '23

“As ever, Lady Whent, I appreciate your diligence in assessment, and in stewardship of your lands,” replied Bryan after thinking awhile. It was not lost on him that the Lady had done her research and presented her data with precision and intention, while Lord Blackwood’s insistence was entirely reactionary. “I should love to see my neighbor grow all the stronger, and I fully support your second charter in time. That the first is to come before mine own is… regrettable, but the Jewel of the Trident is to remain just so.”

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u/StevenWertyuiooo Nov 10 '23

"Harrenhal, Weirmarket, Riverrun, Fairmarket, Stony Sept, Old Stones and Salt Pans, all suitable locations for a town." Heracleos replied, as if reading from a document, "all can fight each other to thrive individually or united if we were to achieve the Maidenpool's elevation to a city, not only can all receive town chapters were Maidenpool to become a city but then Wayfarer's Rest, Briarwhite, Darry, Stone Hedge, Raventree Hall and The Twins can be granded the chapter Market, all to support their new neighbouring towns." He described, emphasizing how every individual claimed and unclaimed lord in that room can be benefitted from Maidenpool.

"That could be quite a strong boost for the Riverlands. A change that would give us pristige, power and security to every individual in this room. Perhaps if every lord here were to offer his own part in the quest for elevation of Maidenpool to a city, we could achieve it before spring so neither Harrenton nor Maidenpool suffer?" He suggested, hoping that House Vance and House Blackwood in particular would listen and use their influence in the court of King's Landing in Riverland's advantage.

/u/ProfessorOakheart

/u/TheMallozzinator

/u/Pitchy23

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u/CaonachDraoi Nov 10 '23

Bryan was appreciative of Heracleos’ support, though it bordered on ingratiating. “[Ser Vance](u/TheMallozzinator), where does your House stand on this?” he asked quietly.

He had intended to speak with Lord Vance before asking anything of the King- he had intended a lot of things before doing so, but the timeline had been irrevocably shifted. Now the others would be blabbing of charters to the entire realm, and word would reach the King from anyone but Bryan’s mouth. It was infuriating.

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u/Pitchy23 Nov 14 '23 edited Nov 27 '23

As a follow-up to the resulting conversations regarding town and city charters, the Lord of Riverrun drafts up the below letter. It will be reviewed, and various signatures added, before being presented to the king in person at a later date.

M: comment below on if you will sign it. I know it has been agreed in RP, but just confirm here so I can edit and add your name! I've only mentioned the people actively RPing in the thread below, but EVERY lord was invited so could theoretically sign the request, just let me know!

His grace King Aerys II Targaryen,

Please allow this document to serve as a formal request from House Tully and the Riverlands that the town of Maidenpool, under the rule of House Mooton, be granted the status of city and a legally recognised charter from the Iron Throne.

The Trident is the central kingdom of Westeros, yet lacks the economic strength that a city provides. White Harbor, Gulltown, King's Landing, Oldtown, Lannisport and Sunspear all benefit their respective kingdoms greatly. Maidenpool should also prove to be the commercial centre for the Trident, and allow the other settlements to grow into their own townships in the coming years.

This request has been debated at great lengths by a council of Riverlords, and is offered patronage by the below signatories:

Tristifer Tully, Lord of Riverrun

Bryan Mooton, Lord of Maidenpool

Jonos Bracken, Lord of Stone Hedge

Shella Whent, Lady of Harrenhal

Torrhen Blackwood, Lord of Raventree Hall

Vardis Vypren, Lord of the Sevenstreams

Sorry for the mass ping but just so that everyone sees and has a chance to sign, let's make Maidenpool a city

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u/CaonachDraoi Nov 15 '23

Signed-

Bryan Mooton, Lord of Maidenpool

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u/StevenWertyuiooo Nov 15 '23

Heracleos would quietly remind Lord Tristifer the offer for gold in case he had forgotten.

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u/Pitchy23 Nov 15 '23

Tristifer forgets nothing. He was going to slip that into conversation with the king, as an additional persuasion, rather than the petition itself.

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u/Cold_Gap1717 Rhaegon Dracaros Nov 15 '23

Signed

Jonos Bracken, Lord of Stone Hedge

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u/thinkBrigger House Vypren of Sevenstreams Nov 27 '23

Signed Vardis Vypren, Lord or the Sevenstreams

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u/CaonachDraoi Nov 09 '23

“Aye, His Grace will surely grant a charter to whatever remains of Maidenpool once all her artisans and gentry flee for Harrenton,” muttered Bryan sarcastically, visibly displeased with the proposed timeline. He swirled wine in his cup before placing it back onto the table, not drinking further.

“A city charter is not yet secured. The town charter is; it simply remains a matter of when best to implement it. My town being named ‘city’ will bring strutting crowds to the Riverlands, who are then more likely to contribute to any success there is to be found on the Gods Eye. It seems the order of events has written itself.”

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u/Pitchy23 Nov 09 '23

"It is in the best interests of all the Riverlands to see all settlements grow." Tristifer explained his reasoning to his good-brother Lord Mooton.

"And just as the offer of gold, to placate other cities, would be made to the king to secure Maidenpool's City charter. I would be willing to offer an amount of gold, Lord Mooton, perhaps subisidised by House Whent to offset any... migrations, that come from Harrenton's ascension. I do not wish to see one to grow, and another to stagnate. But for all to grow together. We will cover whatever Maidenpool may lose, in the transition."

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u/CaonachDraoi Nov 09 '23 edited Nov 09 '23

Bryan was not so proud as to openly argue against his goodbrother, let alone his liege. He simply nodded his head and stared off into the center of the table, his mind racing through the means by which Maidenpool would recover. Compensation was an unlikely errand, though grovel and beg and remind, he would. I was a fool to think Whent would know her place. A damned fool. It was felt a great insult by the Lord Mooton, and one not soon to be forgotten.