Broken Hill

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About:

Broken Hill is a small yet fortified keep southeast of Lannisport, named for the hill on which it resides. It faces the north, and at the south is a steep rocky cliff known for infrequent but sometimes deadly rockslides. A moderately sized village with a few hundred settlements has sprung up around it over the last hundred years or so. Surrounding the village is mostly farmland.

Its current leige is Ser Devon Lannister, a stern but fair-handed knight who keeps to himself and his family, rarely interfering with the affairs of the smallfolk unless absolutely necessary. Despite his very limited combat experience, Ser Devon considers himself a warrior and tactician first, and governor a distant second.

In times of battle, Ser Devon can field up to 450 troops at full muster, but as of yet he has never been called upon to do so.

In current events:

Ser Devon's wife, Ella (Brax), is currently with child, their 4th. It could likely be their last, as Ella (the true ruler of Broken Hill) is quite frankly tired of having kids. Ser Devon has been back in the keep (and thoroughly henpecked) ever since the announcement. He spends much of his days with his children, especially training Dougal in swordsmanship and the ways of tournaments and court.

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A knight rode up on a heavy brown destrier. His armor was dented and scratched, but he wore it proudly, and was tall and strongly built. His shield, as dented and scratched as his armor, bore three oranges on a green field.

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"Greetings, Ser knight!" Shouted a voice from near the gate. Victor Cregg bowed as the knight approached, then looked the man over, but failed to recognize him.

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"Well met, good ser!" The hedge knight said. "I am Ser Allain of Blackgrove, of the Mander. Are you the lord of this keep?"

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Victor shook his head "Oh, heavens no, good Ser. He is inside. If you'd follow me?" He signaled to one of the working lads to the knight's horse. "We can have your horse fed and watered if you'd like. Ser Devon should be --" Victor stops midsentence, as he looks toward the doors, spotting his liege already approaching. "Ah! Ser Devon, I present Ser Allain of Blackgrove."

Ser Devon waved a salute to the knight. "I bid you greetings, and welcome to Broken Hill."

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"Thank you, ser. I am a knight errant, though I have ridden in the armies of Lord Tallahar and Lord Rindwynd. But I have taken it upon myself to travel and see the realm, and see if there are any knights to match my lance." Ser Allain smiled. "You are Ser Devon?"

"And thank you," he added, handing his destrier to a stable boy.

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Ser Devon nods with a grin, and offers his hand. "I am, and well met. Seems as though you've had quite a ride. I'll certainly not turn down a good tilt, but perhaps you'd like to have a seat and a bite first? My table's always open."

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"I have been fortunate indeed to happen upon such a gracious host. Thank you, I will gladly break bread with you. The road has been long, and not always easy."

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Leading Ser Allain inside, Devon remarked, "Well, to be honest it's not so often that we have visitors out this--"

Suddenly he's interrupted as little Becka crashes into him, and Celia just a moment later. He's staggered back and nearly crashes into Ser Allain. "Hey! What in blazes..."

"Um... whoops!" Becka giggles, evading Celia's attempt to grab her by the arm, and dashes off.

Celia, noticing the guest, bows a little and utters a quick "Sorry!" before chasing off after her sister.

Ser Devon, a little red in the face, clears his throat. "Eh, my apologies. Girls..." He shrugs. "Anyway, here we are. I'll rouse the kitchens, and they'll have something ready soon. It'll be just us, the girls are supposed to be in studies right now, and my wife is with child. She takes her dinner upstairs these days."

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"It is good to see such bright-eyed young maidens," Ser Allain said gallantly, with a bow to each. "Do not apologize, Ser Devon, children bring spirit and life to a castle. I hope your wife fares well in her term."

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The two arrive in the dining room to find bacon, lamb, potatoes and carrots already on the table, and Dougal chewing into a hunk of bread. Swallowing quickly he stood as they entered, dropping a bow to the knight. "Greetings, Ser." Turning his attention to Ser Devon, "I saw you outside, and had them set another place. You're just in time."

Ser Devon nodded toward Dougal then back to Ser Allain "...and this is my son Dougal. Do sit, and have your fill."

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Ser Allain greeted Ser Devon's sons and sat with a smile, tearing bread and meat. "So, my lord, what House do you belong to?"

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Ser Devon blinks then realizes he's neither wearing his colors nor did he actually mention such. "Oh, I'm terribly sorry, I never did properly introduce myself. I'm of House Lannister. My kin come originally from Casterly Rock."

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Ser Allain looked taken aback. "Well, I did not know that. Forgive me, ser. I should have guessed, though. You set a good table and you are gracious to guests. What brings my lord's kin so far from Casterly Rock?"

Although he had been polite and friendly earlier, Ser Allain's tone had grown a tad more respectful.

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"Oh, you mistake me, good Ser. The relation is somewhat distant. My grandfather was a 'third son of a third son', so to speak. Here is a family of knights, not lords."