Horas hates weddings

[The Smith]

I thought I'd be more specific, and give these in advance so my people have a while to set up. Since Stranger was grilling me on this stuff, I thought I'd make it clear. All of these agents here in KL only know what they personally have been instructed to believe. They've all been led to believe they are the main event, big plan, etc. etc. The only people who know how all the pieces will fit together in this whole Tourney operation will be Horas Blackwood and one representative who will be organizing everything on site (haven't decided exactly who that person will be yet). In addition to their tasks, each agent has also been given a quantity of Horas' poison which can be applied to food/drink or a blade, this one designed to simply kill as quickly as possible.

Day 1: The First Day of Jousting
Kingdom Party: The Far Reach

Day 2: The Second Day of Jousting
Kingdom Party: The North

A blacksmith will surreptously make several tourney lances with real, sharp steel concealed under devices designed to easily shatter. The tips are poisoned. If and when these lances are used will be decided at a later date.



I want some mummers in this troupe that work for me.

Day 9: The King’s Hunt – the lords and ladies will accompany the King and Lady Jeyne into the Kingswood on a hunting party. Stags will not be hunted. Boars are the preferred game, and other animals. Falconry, hawking and hunting hounds will accompany the riders.
Kingdom Party: Stormlands, hosted by Prince Rodrick and Lord Breck Dondarrion. The party will take place in the Kingswood, either at an encampment or at Stagsrest.

I want to procure some sort of scent (probably just rubbing something over a dead boar or something similar) that will lead the dogs along a path that I have designed, laying the scent down on a false trail. This scent trail will lead to some very disadvantageous spot to be ambushed in... Maybe there are some traps or such around too. It is likely that Torrhen or my new second will be there, with a company of men that I will not raise until just before. I'll give you more information about this one as it approaches.

I also want to have the following supplies procured beforehand: A large amount of burning pitch/oil and caltrops.

[The Smith]

That is all from Horas. I think we should let him know that Piers and Flea are scouring KL looking for him so he feels some danger.

[The Stranger]

Yeah. maybe a weekly (RL) roll to be detected, or a roll for detection every time he gives an order. Simply disappearing off the map shouldn't be an option.

[The Stranger]

Day 9: The King’s Hunt – the lords and ladies will accompany the King and Lady Jeyne into the Kingswood on a hunting party. Stags will not be hunted. Boars are the preferred game, and other animals. Falconry, hawking and hunting hounds will accompany the riders.

Before the hunt I will lay down a strong scent trail that will lead deeper into the Kingswood. (Have gotten whatever supplies necessary for this in earlier PM to Smith). This trail leads into the ambush area. This is a place that has been scouted out beforehand for the following characteristics:

An open clearing in the center, though covered with underbrush. Thicker tree covering or some sort of surrounding cliffs/rock formation nearby for a force of men to be able to hide. Basically a place where a bunch of people can wait to spring an ambush until the ambushees are in place, and hopefully have them as at much of a disadvantage as possible.

The ground underneath the underbrush in the ambush location has been treated with burning pitch (also secured in an earlier PM). Once the king has traveled onto it, one of the ambushers will light it with a fire arrow. Then they will start shooting at the King's party. Several picked marksman will pick shots exclusively at the king. All arrows have been poisoned in advance. The ambushers will close with the king's force whichever way he tries to run to escape the blaze. Hopefully they will be fractured and confused.

Ambushers consist of a force recruited away from King's Landing and brought to the Kingswood. Force led by Ser Jory Piper (noteworthy ambushing) who will find an excuse to be away and not on the hunt that day. Force arrives well in advance and attempts to hide itself as well as possible. Additional forces, these mounted, stand in wait well out of the way of anything that might happen. The largest of these is led by Torrhen Keath. The purpose of these parties are to swing in and try to catch anyone who is trying to flee, or get the king out of the ambush. They will move into action as soon as they see smoke and hear the shouts. All men involved are wearing masks or helms.

In the event of scouts ahead of the hunting party: This really wouldn't make sense, as they would scare away game. No one would get anything and the hunt would suck, so logically I think it probably wouldn't happen. But if it does, the ambushers will attempt to hide as the scouts pass. If they are caught they will light the pitch as a distraction and flee.


The priority is to kill these people (in order of importance)
1. King Rickon
2. Prince Rodrick
3. Regent Benfry

If all three are dead the ambushers will likely break off and attempt to flee. Jory will use his stealthy skills to try to disappear.

Torrhen and Jory have both been given enough information on the situation to make judgement calls on who they should engage if it comes to that.

[The Stranger]

I have submitted to Horas a list of questions about his intentions. Regarding numbers, locations, how men were hired and moved, etc. I haven't heard back.

[The Stranger]

From where were the men recruited, what kind of men are they?

The bulk of them are professional mercenaries from the Free Cities. Preferably an elite company, or one known for sharpshooters. A few local guides from the Kingswood who know the terrain and how to conceal things.

How many men were recruited?

The initial ambush party consists of 100 men, armed with bows and swords. Led by Jory Piper, (noteworthy ambush, noteworthy sword, apprentice bow). They will lie in wait just away from the abush site. Then rise. Some will fire fire arrows into burning pitch, others have been briefed on their target's appearance (the king) and will fire directly at him.

Larger parties lay concealed further away in the woods, led by Torrhen Keath (novice battle, master axe, master throwing axe) or a mercenary capt. if he would have higher battle. These are mounted and will sweep in towards the fighting once it begins. This force numbers an additional 200 men.

If the attack succedes or is entirely defeated Jory Piper will attempt to slink away with novice stealth, beginner disguise. Torrhen and the remainder of the men will just retreat deeper in the woods. The ambush spot should be deep enough into the woods that there should be no reinforcements from King's Landing for the king until the fighting is over.

How did they travel to the Kingswood area?

A ship took them down the Wendwater directly into the Kingswood.

Where have they been staying in the mean time?

On their ship for most of the time, or in the Kingswood. I didn't want to move them directly into play until just before I wanted to strike.

Who did the hiring?

A trusted NPC who works in Horas' network. Didn't have anyone specific in mind, but I can make up a name if you like.

What have the men been told about the plan?

Told that they will be killing nobility when hired. Before they move into place they are told the details, pretty much what I told you. I don't think they'd have too many problems with killing Westerosi nobility/royalty as they are largely foreigners. They do not know their immediate commanders or who hired them overall. Jory wears his mask around them at all times.

Who provided the poison, What kind of poison is it?

Horas provides the poison, and its only aim is to kill as quickly and efficiently as possible.

[The Stranger]

Flea warned Alex Irwyn about the mercenaries being hired, and Alex correctly surmised that they would be attacking the hunting party, so he wants to scout the Kingswood ahead of the Hunt. He has brought with him 100 Veterans from the Dornish campaign.

I figure I will roll a contest of Ambush to see if Alex can find Jory Piper and his men.

Alex: 97
Piper: 157

He does not find them.

[The Smith]

Go piper.

[The Stranger]

Yeah I can't roll for shit.

[The Stranger]

Due to the large number of men who will be attending the hunt, the focus of the ambush is changing as winning a battle is seeming less feasible. Winning a fight against the king's party is no longer a goal. Instead the goal shifts to (1) assassinating the king at the ambush point and (2) killing as many of his important people (or him, failing part 1 works) as possible by lighting the Kingswood aflame.

(1) Ten men, the best marksmen in the company, will hide themselves as best as possible at the ambush site. Once the king steps onto the center of the field of pitch they will fire both to light the pitch and with poisoned arrows specifically aimed at Rickon. They will be briefed on his appearance beforehand.

(2) Men travelling alone will be spread across the kingswood. Each will carry a small bit of pitch in an unobtrusive water-skin. They will be distributed in a wide circle around the ambush spot. Those in the direct path of the hunting party will not move to their appointed spot until after the party will pass. As they are alone, each should be able to fit into very good hiding spots. Each will use their bit of pitch as a firestarter to set off a blaze. The idea to create a ring of flame around the hunting party and set off a very large forest fire. After their arson is done the men will book it.

The other 280 or so mercenaries will wait well out of range, many miles back. Torrhen Keath remains as their commander but they should not have to do any fighting today. Jory Piper is no longer involved in the plan. He returns to King's Landing and will not be in the woods.

[The Stranger]

Horas is now attempting to change his plan based on the information available in the Hunting Staging Area, I questioned how he would even know who was assembling there, and in time to change the plot, since they are presumed to be assembling right before riding off.

[The Stranger]

He argues that 800 men would not be able to assemble without his knowledge. But I replied that it is several different lords each calling a few men to their side, and not the assembly of an army by prearranged agreement. (no one told Irwyn to bring 100 men, he simply chose to do so, likewise Rodrick's 50, Roland's 75, Benny's 70 etc.

[The Smith]

To be honest I do not mind him changing plans. And told him as much. If he was summoning up more warriors or equipment that would be one thing, but merely reacting to an increased presence at the prep area does not bother me.

You seem to be a little better at the Battle stuff then I, and if you think it is unrealistic I will support you.

[The Stranger]

Well, I don't have any problem with him spreading some men out and burn the woods. But I don't see how his people are getting out of the woods before they get seen. My guess is the first indication that the force against him is too strong, would be when they entered the Kingswood, and by then isn't it too late?

Perhaps we compromise by saying his forces can not escape a battle, but they can use the fire during the fight to help them?

[The Smith]

Makes sense. And I thought he only had Piper leaving the woods. I think one guy could get out.