I still vote for something different away from being just another modern retelling. It doesn't give me any incentive to do my character ideas here rather than in Maximum alternatively where I can develop them there in the same kind of scope. I know I'm not a Hype player like Byrd or Morden or Andy but after three or four years I am not going to spread myself thin across RP's that are basically the same thing. The hook has to be pretty good, the game has to be inclusive and dynamic, and it needs to have the right player energy with it. Also, I know for a fact switching over to casual won't change the player energy as every sandbox worth it's spit dies in there quite quickly; so basically the idea of shifting over is a bad one in my opinion. Unless you guys like character's being in purgatory and all that or being hung up far more than one arc.
I think its more fun and dynamic to write things during historic landmarks then just modern for the sake of modern, actually. I would be way more invested in this possibly if this was set during the turbulent 60s, noir-entrenched 40s, cynical 80s, resurgent 90s, etc.
My suggestion is if you do a OU-- make it different so its just not another generic retelling of the universe, use a elseworlds story as a base (noir, watchmen-style cynicism, what if scenarios, etc) or a theme/tone (golden age, etc.) alternatively.
I'll try to get Hank up by Friday assuming inspiration can be forced. As for the OU-- I'm already in Maximum so I don't know if it'd be a good idea to do two of the same things. Just like Morden said, over-saturation applies to the RP market too and can spread us thin especially when we are adults with full responsibilities.
Haven't heard anything from the boss in over a month, and I see him online on Discord often. Sent a message a few days and got nothing back so I think we're dead in the water.
I can easily remove Joe out and replace them with a prospective pilot if we have to; otherwise, it's a tight fit but it's doable -- get a sheet and I'll delegate.
History needs to be finished, but my houses are nearing completion:
H O U S E R E Y N E
“Beneath Still Waters”
Head of the House Lord Raydon Reyne
[ ⚔ ] S Y N O P S I S
House Reyne is the principal vassal house of The Westerlands whom hold their seat at Castamere. The current ruling lord of the house is Raydon Reyne, the son of Reynard Reyne (73-130 AC), and a veteran of various insular conflicts involving the Westerlands.
[ ⚔ ] M I L I T A R Y S T R E N G T H
The Reyne’s of Castamere are one of the most powerful houses in The Westerlands as evident by their ability to draw around eight thousand to nine thousand swords to their name at full strength. Given the particularly unique situation Castamere (especially the castle itself) holds, it is well-known that the knights of Castamere are hardened defensive guards who whilst not as renowned as the pikemen in Lannisport are similarly skilled. Given the rocky shores facing the Iron Islands, the holding itself is understandably experienced and conditioned for situations of war.
Beyond their presence on land, it is said that House Reyne has a sizeable naval presence as well due to their depth of wealth and the urgency of holding a competent fleet as they are within a short distance from the Iron Islands. It can be presumed they hold at least half of the manpower as the Lannister fleet docked at Lannisport due to these various factors and history has proven that no matter if the lion is gold or crimson that they should not be taunted so eagerly. During the Dance of Dragons, Lord Raydon Reyne served within Castamere’s navy as a naval commander whilst his brother and father were fighting the battle away from home— so it is no surprise that in the last twenty or so years of time since that the naval identity of House Reyne has been fortified and reinforced.
[ ⚔ ] M E M B E R S
Reynard Reyne (73-130) Anysa Tarbeck (75-126) Riaon Reyne (96-130) Raydon Reyne (100- ) Randyll Reyne (104- ) Rhelissa Reyne (108- ) Married into House Tyrell Raytham Reyne (111- ) Trysta Reyne (115- ) Eloped to Braavos
Following Reynard Reyne’s death in the Dance of Dragons at the Battle by the Lakeshore alongside his eldest son, House Reyne was left in the hands of the capable albeit cautious Raydon Reyne who had been left in charge of Castamere following the march onward in the Dance. Devastated by the loss of his family many expected Raydon Reyne to lead the charge in a counter-attack but such beliefs never came true as the new Lord of Castamere decided to take a conservative approach as he feared for the safety and integrity of Castamere. He enlisted his brother, Raytham, in charge of commanding what little forces he could spare to send off to reinforce defenses in The Westerlands but despite that planted his feet in the halls of Castamere as he organized the Reyne fleet in a defensive position that spread from Castamere to The Crag. Whilst the war waged on it was said that it was Raydon Reyne who despite the conflict tried to keep the Westerlands stabilized and protected whilst the bulk of the realm waged war away from their lands but Raydon would later debunk such rumors as propaganda that diminished the impact and integrity of the other lords of the Westerlands to which he rejected entirely.
Following the Dance, Raydon took a long look at his losses. Six hundred swords lost at Lakeshore, several ships in issue with the Ironborn who supported the opposing side during the war, and several other notable losses including the collapse of one silver mine— there was a lot to take attention to. As a young lord he took off his “gloves” and got to work immediately as he used his only surviving brother as the Commander of Castamere to serve as his marshal of sorts to rein in subversive elements and get things on the military side of things passable. Away from Ser Raytham’s efforts he looked to the economic and naval stability of his demesne as he forged a suitable plan to accommodate problems as he never faltered of his belief that his house would recover and come out even stronger than it had been prior to the conflict. A plan that was as it appears to have been largely successful.
But as the Reyne’s know very well… the tides could change at any time.
[ ⚔ ] C E N T R A L M E M B E R S
Riaon Reyne – The eldest son of Lord Reynard Reyne and Anysa Tarbeck, Riaon was a knighted man full of vigor that was stated to be one of the finest swordsmen of his day had he not been killed alongside his father in The Battle by the Lakeshore during the Dance of Dragons. He wed Kristyne Lannister in 118 AC. Kristyne would die in childbirth with the son dying stillborn.
Raydon Reyne – The second-born of Lord Reynard Reyne and Anysa Tarbeck. Raydon is the eldest surviving son of the Dance of Dragons and the Lord of Castamere since his father’s death. An experienced naval commander and sailor, Raydon took control of the naval levies of Castamere during the Dance of Dragons. In the years he has been Lord of Castamere he has focused on strengthening the lordship through economic and conservative policies; he has been recognized by his people as a just and successful lord. He wed Cathelyn Payne in 119 AC to which they had four daughters and one son (Cyrelle, Alysanne, Ryhane, Melara, and Ryland).
Randyll Reyne – The third-born of Lord Reynard Reyne and Anysa Tarbeck. Randyll is a cautious man whom has been scarred by what he witnessed during the Dance of Dragons but has generally been an honorable piece of Castamere’s council. Good with finance, Randyll takes the position of steward in earnest. He wed Kharlotte Payne in 128 AC with an unfortunate inability to procure heirs. He refuses to leave his wife or dally in lustful intent, proving that he is as honorable as his brother.
Rhelissa Reyne – The fourth-born of Lord Reynard Reyne and Anysa Tarbeck. When the Tyrells brought sellswords to the Westerlands to strengthen their side during the Dance of Dragons, Rhelissa met Kevan Tyrell whom she fell in love with. The two eventually wed and she moved to Highgarden where she remains to this day.
Raytham Reyne – The fifth-born of Lord Reynard Reyne and Anysa Tarbeck. Raytham was an earnest duelist and overachiever in his youth; proving that he was Riaon’s equal with the sword despite their fifteen years of age difference between them. Raytham survived the Battle by the Lakeshore and witnessed both his brother and his father dying by the sword; an event that changed him. Eventually he left Castamere following the war to join the Kingsguard.
Trysta Reyne – The sixth-born of Lord Reynard Reyne and Anysa Tarbeck. Trysta was a rebellious girl whom fell in love with a sellsword during the Dance of Dragons by the name of Illyllo Forel whom she eloped with follow the war. Her fate in Essos is unknown.
[ ⚔ ] P O V s
R A Y D O N R E Y N E
“I am Lord of Castamere, not you— best you remember that until my body is entombed.”
[ ⚔ ] O R I G I N
100 AC, Castamere
[ ⚔ ] R E P U T A T I O N
— Experienced Naval Commander during the Dance of Dragons. — Lord of Castamere since 130 AC. — Lordship policies of defensive military edicts, frugal economics, and conservative politics. — Created political alliances and marriages with House Payne, Westerling, and Tarbeck that have led to reinforcing influence of House Reyne in the Northern Westerlands. — Increased economic focus in his region including expanding several mines. — Strengthened the northern naval fleet of the Westerlands including personal levies. — Ordered the construction of several vineyards, shipyards, and plantations to widen the economy.
[ ⚔ ] A P P E A R A N C E
Raydon Reyne’s age has become apparent, though while he knows this he does not acknowledge it— after all, a Lord of the Westerlands does not show weakness. Seven and Fifty years past his nameday or not, Raydon does still look unflinchingly resilient with a physique that was bred from a lifetime of modesty and rough leadership in the seas that separate the Ironborn from the people of the Westerlands. However, being slim does not equate to being a powerhouse and while Raydon is relatively tall (standing firm at six foot even) amongst his peers he is not a giant nor distinctly powerful as much would be apparent in battle. His bones have started to become problematic recently as well and he moves slightly slower than he did only ten years prior; a fact that is barely noticeable but noticeable nonetheless. His once long free-flowing blonde hair has faded into a frock of thinned gray and his lively almost sapphire-colored eyes have now faded to ones reflecting more of an icy blue. The Lord of Castamere is no longer a young, vibrant, seaworthy commander.
[ ⚔ ] H I S T O R Y
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R A Y T H A M R E Y N E
“I represent King’s Landing, not Castamere. I work for the King of the Seven Kingdoms and no one else.”
[ ⚔ ] O R I G I N
111 AC, Castamere
[ ⚔ ] R E P U T A T I O N
— Experienced Infantry Commander during the Dance of Dragons — Member of the Kingsguard since 135 AC — Committed to being loyal to the crown authority over familial bonds. — Aspired to be a famous duelist in his youth which led to his knighting in 124 AC. — Trained several individuals from minor houses in the art of swordplay when they squired under him. — Is sluggish in his old age, but what he makes up in speed has proven he makes up for in endurance and intelligence.
[ ⚔ ] A P P E A R A N C E
The youngest of Lord Reynard Reyne’s sons and no doubt the spitting image of the man, Raytham is most certainly stronger and tougher than his elder brother of seven years. Bred as the youngest of the lion’s in his youth, Raytham consistently sought attention and he certainly has the scars to prove it. With broader shoulders and a physique that refuses to accommodate the failings of accelerated age, Rytham looks old for certain but he does not look incapable or even modest. Since becoming a Kingsguard nearly twenty years ago he has seemed to fit into the responsibilities of King’s Landing without issue though his appearance has changed as his hair has thinned and strands of gray began appearing in his blonde beard. Standing only an inch shorter than the Lord of Castamere he also does not appear short. His eyes are similar to his brothers in that the deep blues have faded into icy blue-grays though he lends this to use as sending opposition and younger Kingsguard in line with assortments of glares and looks.
[ ⚔ ] H I S T O R Y
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R Y H A N E R E Y N E
“I will do as the Lord of Castamere commands.”
[ ⚔ ] O R I G I N
135 AC, Castamere
[ ⚔ ] R E P U T A T I O N
— Known as “The Lioness” by the knights of Castamere due to her skill with a sword and shield despite not being knighted. — Educated by her father and trained by his most skilled retainer, Ser Margan of House Vikary. — Is one of the most beautiful women of her generation within House Reyne and possibly The Westerlands in general. — Quite intelligent but notoriously difficult to court for various reasons.
[ ⚔ ] A P P E A R A N C E
If you asked the people of Castamere who the most beautiful girl in The Westerlands was they would probably point to the quiet, studious, and rarely seen figure of Ryhane Reyne; though many suitors would argue that she is difficult to place given she rarely takes pride in her appearance. Standing at five foot seven, she is the tallest of her father’s daughters though she is still short of Tyland by several inches; not that she values height in combat as that much of a strategic advantage unless you are greatly taller than the other. Often focused on her training from her father’s most trusted retainer, Ser Margan Vikary, Ryhane doesn’t think much of conventional roles given that the gods have given her the talents that they have— thus it is a rare or forced occasion that she steps out in formal outings. With a physique comparable to her brothers, Ryhane has developed toned muscles despite her lighter feminine frame sometimes working against her; a fact apparent as she was treated no different than Ryland when she was younger. Her long blonde hair is kept long but strewn in a contemporary braid going a few inches past her shoulders while her bangs vary from being unfiltered to being strewn back alongside her cerulean-tattered eyes.
[ ⚔ ] H I S T O R Y
Two and Twenty years past her nameday, Ryhane has truly come into her own although it has been such away from the spotlight as she has spent many of her days in the halls deep underneath the city itself. By her father’s own accords, Ryhane is everything Ryland is not— she’s dutiful, intelligent, perceptive, modest, and sane. Where her brother has become an extravagant unthinking selfish fool Ryhane has in her father’s eyes become the heir he wanted and despite her gender working against her if Ryland falls further from his father’s favor she could likely be the next ruler of Castamere through a new line. However, as imposing as the precedent and notion may be it is not one Ryhane thinks about. As she says: “I will do as the Lord of Castamere commands.”, so whether that means it becoming heir or supporting her brother she will do it without question. But such an unorthodox woman was not created overnight.
Ryhane was born in 135 AC in the halls of Castamere’s Keep, only a five years before the birth of her sister, Melara. In her adolescence she had an energetic and friendly bond with her brother Ryland though when it came out that she was talented in martial talents it created a tension between them; a tension that only exponentially grew as they got older and Ryland kept failing to win their friendly sparring bouts that were issued by their mentors, Ser Margan Vikary and Ser Styven Sarwyck. Such frustrations developed into stronger feelings for Ryhane’s brother and as she turned from a lively girl to one with a serious disposition due to her understanding of duty he began to distance himself from her for reasons unknown. Ser Margan often told Ryhane that her brother had become boisterous and obsessed with dueling so he could match her but that his efforts would be for naught if he remained foolhardy in personality and dull of mind. She didn’t think much on it— she focused on perfecting her skill with a sword and shield.
Despite her isolation in her form of study, this didn’t halt Ryhane from being sought after as the general lords at large were not aware of her swordsmanship but only of her absence from many typical functions at court. This led to her garnering a sort of “mysterious” allure to several young lords and knights who wished to win her courtship— but none of them in the seven or so years of her experience with being courted have succeeded. But it doesn’t stop many from trying evenstill, and Ryhane is said to be quite attractive and fair.
My friends are abusive:
H O U S E W Y L
“Nothing Ever Dies”
Head of the House Lady Regent Thalina Wyl (née Dayne)
[ ⚔ ] S Y N O P S I S
House Wyl is a principal vassal house (albeit lesser than the Blackmont's, Dayne's, and Yronwood's) of Dorne whom hold their seat at Castle Wyl. The current ruling lord of the house is Yoren Wyl, the son of Vorian Wyl (114-151 AC).
[ ⚔ ] M I L I T A R Y S T R E N G T H
The Wyl’s of Wyl are a significant house in The Dorne tasked with defense of the region as evident by their ability to draw around four thousand to five thousand swords to their name at full strength.
[ ⚔ ] M E M B E R S
Quentin Wyl (88-146) Elayne Qorgyle (74-117) Norra Wyl (109-154) Married into House Yronwood Vorian Wyl (114-151) Mykal Wyl (117- )
Norra Wyl (109-154) Corrin Yronwood (112-156) SEE: House Yronwood
House Wyl has pretty much kept to itself in the last century; seeing their defeat that led to Orys Baratheon’s vendetta in what is now described as the “Vulture Hunt” as a critical one to learn that they should be more clever when approaching conflicts in the future. However with Dorne’s opposition to the bulk of Westeros and isolationist policies there would be many issues with skirmishes on their lands that they fear could lead their house to ruin. During the Dance of Dragons, House Wyl took the approach of safeguarding the entrance into Dorne by any Stormlanders that dared even with the proclamation of raiding the marches were allowed by Princess Aliandra Martell; essentially providing a defensive force to support any neighboring houses that wanted to invade through The Boneway. Recently, the Lord of Wyl left the world following a sudden illness that consumed him thus leaving his only son a boy far too young to be ready to lead to be regarded as his successor. Taking things into her own hands, Lady Thalina of House Dayne declares herself as regent alongside a council of advisors to lead the lordship in a positive direction all whilst grooming her son for his future responsibilities.
However, the Lady Regent’s thoughts are very concerning. If only the realm could hear them.
[ ⚔ ] C E N T R A L M E M B E R S
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[ ⚔ ] P O V s
T H A L I N A W Y L
“Stars are the brightest of all.”
[ ⚔ ] O R I G I N
118 AC, Starfall
[ ⚔ ] R E P U T A T I O N
— Rules the Lordship of Wyl as Lady Regent until her son comes of age. — Controls every aspect of Wyl, with a willing agent that serves as her eyes and ears in various corners and shadows of the lordship. — As deceptively intelligent and cunning as she is alluring. — Maintains close relations with her birth house, House Dayne, as evident by her well-mannered diplomacy that keeps her close to influencing affairs in Starfall. — Has no patience for idiocy as evident by her mannerisms and dialogue.
[ ⚔ ] A P P E A R A N C E
Genetically, it seems unbelievable that House Dayne has ever sired anyone that wasn’t attractive and especially so this comes to be the case through the female line of the house— Thalina is no exception. With long hair that has been described as dark strands of silk and a light olive complexion paired with the crystalline purple irises that define the Dayne’s, Thalina even with her being nine and thirty years past her nameday is eyedropping though she supposes age has started to wear on her as wrinkles have begun to set alongside her eyes. Her appearance has been inherited by her daughters Melara and Syrenia; a fact she is greatly entertained by considering the value of marriages for their hands could benefit her house greatly. Thalina is not particularly tall but what she makes up for a lack of height she brings in sheer presence and willpower.
[ ⚔ ] H I S T O R Y
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M Y K A L W Y L
“Looks can be deceiving; I was born tall, not ingenious or blessed.”
[ ⚔ ] O R I G I N
117 AC, Wyl
[ ⚔ ] R E P U T A T I O N
— Master of Arms for the Lordship of Wyl for several years. — A defensive organizer who serves better as a tactician than a combatant. — Strong and Tall, albeit not exactly gifted or skilled beyond his strength and reach. — Unmarried with claims he is celibate or infatuated with his late brother's wife.
[ ⚔ ] A P P E A R A N C E
Towering well over six foot four, Mykal Wyl is a beast of a man with dead gray-blue eyes watching everyone who crosses his path with nervous tremor; a fact that leaves many people to watch their step when dealing with the younger brother of the Late Lord Wyl as he appears so tense he could break at any moment. Accompanied with his stature is long dark hair that is kept in a loose ponytail, strewn roughly enough to get the job done rather than pedantically mess with his hair to “perfection” like those in the eastern stretches of Dorne. Beyond his height, a deep sadness lingers over Mykal Wyl— a fact that lends to the story of the traumatic childbirth that left him gasping for air as his mother, Lady Elayne of House Qorgyle, went limp from a fever that he was responsible for. It never left him and it continues to follow him as it affects his mood, manner, and presence with every precious footstep.
[ ⚔ ] H I S T O R Y
The story of Mykal Wyl’s birth is a tragic one and one he has never forgiven himself for in his entire life. Mykal’s mother, Elayne Qorgyle, had a difficult time giving birth to Mykal on a particularly dark night in the halls of the Castle of Wyl and despite intervention by maesters in the end it seemed the gods wanted a life for a life. There are times Mykal wonders if it would have been better for his house had he had been the one to perish instead of his mother— though his elder brother, Vorian, never has cast blame at him for what had happened even though he wished he could’ve known her better throughout his own childhood than the time he had. But from Mykal’s perspective at least his brother had some time at all, something he had never a chance to experience due to his particular genetics.
A silent rage would fuel Mykal as he grew older; a rage that would be utilized and conditioned by his father who had the intentions of grooming him as the finest warrior in Wyl. However, even as he grew taller than his brother and was evidently all the more stronger than him he was not a better swordsman or spearmen for it. Vorian was not only faster than him but he was also smarter than him when it came to reacting to one-on-one combat that required immediacy and reflexes. Mykal was dull, took time to gather his thoughts, and didn’t quite have as keen of reflexes or mind; thus it was in these sparring sessions where he would always lose due to the fact that he just couldn’t keep up. However, this did not mean Mykal was stupid by any means; a fact that Vorian would learn when they would play competitively in mock up strategy games at their father’s war table. In the medium of strategizing with the long view in mind he appeared to be competent and given his brother’s lack of control in his impulses he saw perfect opportunities to show he was good at tactfully commanding forces even if they were just pieces on a game table. His father was decidedly impressed and started grooming him in the manners of a commander by having him deal with a situation with Stormlander bandits settling in their northern territory when he was seven and ten years past his nameday. It would begin the reputation of “The Python” of Wyl.
The years passed in Wyl— two lords perished, several children fostered at Starfall, and his brother’s wife declared herself as Lady Regent to which she faced no opposition from Mykal. Whether it was something she held against him or that he legitimately believed she was the best fit to lead Wyl while the young Lord Yoren prepared to be educated to ready himself for the role was a fact that was unsure to contemporaries of the Stone Dornish holding. In truth, Mykal believed he had the intelligence to lead the lordship forward but lacked the confidence to challenge a woman who if she wanted could have him easily labeled as incapable and incompetent with little issue. For the next four-to-five years he was stuck with her commanding him and with him fearing what she could do. He wasn’t sure if it was the fire of Valyrian blood flowing in her veins or simply a product of how her father had raised her but going forward he knew one thing and one thing alone: Lady Thalina was utterly terrifying.
S Y B E L L E W Y L
“We’re all supposed to be free to choose what we want to do in life, right? I’m not some lord’s property; I reject that idea completely and wholeheartedly.”
Member
Dae,
mickilennial,
ArkmageddonCat,
Captain Uni,
Lemons,
Kuro,
Asura
