Damian entered his chamber with a contemplative air, thinking of Tywin Lannister's declaration of a tourney at Lannisport resonating within him. The room still held faint whispers of the sea mingled with the lingering essence of his recent closeness with Dacey. She had whispered in his ear about visiting him tonight and during luncheon, which he also looked forward to.
The tourney, a good move of Tywin's, was designed not merely as a festivity but as a binding of the realm's nobility in the aftermath of the rebellion. Since his daughter was the Queen, it was paramount for his interest to keep the realm intact. What better way to celebrate their win than by holding a tourney? For Damian, the timing was precarious; his rule over the Iron Islands was still tender, his authority not yet fully entrenched. The old lion knew that as well, so he wasn't insistent on him attending but gave an invitation out of courtesy.
King Robert intended to set sail for Lannisport in three days, his departure coordinated with the anticipated return of Ser Barristan Selmy and Lord Stannis Baratheon with the Royal Fleet by the morrow's light. Anyway, the tourney would be held in sennight as Robert would take that long to reach Lanisport if he goes by land, visiting every other castle in between. Ned Stark, Damian's brother, was of a different mind. He was quite reluctant to stay in the South and join some tourneys. However, Robert's insistence on his presence at the tourney and his bannerman wish to join the festivities swayed his decision.
Damian was quite tired after talking to so many people, but the day was still young, and he had lots of things to do, like checking out his rewards after killing 7 Lords of Iron Island in a duel.
Damian opened the notification tab and saw his rewards.
Hidden Mission completed:
1: Win a duel fair and square against 1 warrior in front of a large audience of notable status.
2. Win a duel fair and square against 3 warriors in front of a large audience of notable status.
3. Kill a Lord of Westeros of notable status in a duel.
Rewards: -
1. Will +1, 5000 gold coins
2. Charm +1, 9000 gold coins, 1 Elite Archer Summon token
3. 42000 gold coins, Free stat +2, Unique Crop - Seaflame Herb ]
[ Name: Lord Damian Silvius Stark ]
[ Title: Lord of Iron Island, Westrosi Knight 'The Swift Wolf']
[ Age: 14 ]
[ Money: 77,342 Gold Coins ]
[ Store ]
[ Build ]
Str -> 16
Dex -> 18
End -> 16
Will -> 11 + 1 -> 12
Int -> 16
Charm -> 14+1 -> 15
Constitution -> 14
Special Stat:
Mana ->15
Free Points -> 2
[Every Five years, on your name day, a free point would be given freely that you can add to any of the above stat.]
Bloodline -> First Men
Special Abilities:
Warg -> 3
Greenseer -> 0
Special Attribute Points -> 0
[Every Ten years you get one free Special Attribute point. Practice in the given ability or find other ways to gain more points.]
[ Special Possessions: Magic Spell-Book of Fertility, Arcane Glyphs: A Guide to Runic Mastery, Unique Crop - Seaflame Herb]
[ Skills: Advanced Jousting Skill, Parkour Skill Mastery, Intermediate Shield Skill, Advanced Knife Throwing Skill]
[ Magic Spells: Bless Strength, Know Weather, Accelerate Plant Growth, Oakskin, Luminara Veil, Brothar Vēgor]
Damian surveyed the array of rewards that flickered before him, his face betraying a hint of satisfaction. The infusion of the coin was timely. Now, as Lord of the Iron Islands, the need to bolster his forces was immediate. The ability to summon up to ten thousand soldiers was a potent tool, though costly—a veritable hoard of gold was required to muster such a force.
The increments in his Will and Charm were subtle yet significant. Each point was a small step towards greater influence and resilience. Yet, it was the acquisition of two free stat points that captured his immediate focus. Without hesitation, he directed these towards enhancing his Mana.
Mana -> 15 + 2 -> 17
His recent confrontation had laid bare the necessity of this; the spell 'Brothar Vēgor' had proved its utility in the heat of battle but at a steep cost of magical energy.
The spell, which he had acquired after becoming intimate with Dacey, had proven instrumental in the crucial moments of his duel with Dunstan. It sowed confusion within Dunstan's mind, halting him long enough for Damian to strike. Yet, the substantial mana it demanded was enough to almost empty Damian's mana.
Setting aside the Elite Archer Summon token for a more opportune moment—perhaps after King Robert and his entourage had departed the Iron Islands—Damian turned his attention to the other rewards garnered from his recent, violent rise to power.
The gold was substantial, a staggering sum of 42,000 coins, seemingly meted out at six thousand per lord vanquished. Yet, while the gold would certainly bolster his coffers and fund his burgeoning army, it was the Unique crop rewarded by the system that captured his keen interest.
The Seaflame herb, a name that whispered of magic and mystery. Damian unfurled the scroll he got from the system detailing the properties and uses of this peculiar botanical wonder. According to the text, Seaflame Herb, with its vivid, flame-like red leaves, can thrive along the windswept, rocky coastlines unique to Pyke. Its deep roots can anchor firmly in the scant soil, absorbing the salt from the omnipresent sea spray. This plant's resilience to the harsh, saline winds makes it a natural fit for the rugged environment of the Iron Islands, where few other crops dare to grow. Such challenging growing conditions ensured that Seaflame would be a rare and prized commodity, impossible to cultivate elsewhere.
Damian considered the future uses of Seaflame Herb. Its spicy leaves, with a hint of saline, would be sought after for enhancing Ironborn seafood dishes, adding a distinctive flavor that could become a staple in kitchens across Westeros. Medically, the herb would offer warming effects that aid digestion and improve circulation, making it a valuable component in remedies for common ailments.
If marketed rightly, Seaflame's market potential would be immense. Its rarity and distinctive properties could command premium prices, particularly in markets outside the Iron Islands, branding it as a regional speciality. This could significantly boost the Iron Islands' economy, shifting their economic identity from raiders to producers of a valuable agricultural product.
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24 Chapter Ahead.
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