1 year later (279 AC)
Maximus' plans were well underway. Medusa's Gaze has become a well-known name in Volantis, its reputation drawing crowds from near and far. The profits exceeded his expectations, enough to fund his further plans. With Arin managing operations so efficiently, Maximus could focus on other things.
About six months into the successful running of Medusa's Gaze, Maximus set off to Pentos with a troop of his Praetorian guards. Like Volantis, Pentos had its own charm and vigor, bustling with people, cultures and businesses. Here, he planned to open his second tavern, 'Poseidon's Trident'.
He purchased a grand building located near the heart of Pentos and began the refurbishments. The designs were similar to that of Medusa's Gaze but carried subtle differences that gave it a distinct identity, hints of blue throughout the decor to signify the waters of Poseidon. He also employed local staff for Poseidon's Trident, only using slaves when there was no other option and always giving them the chance to earn their freedom and better their lives.
With the establishment of his second tavern, Maximus had received a reward of 10,000 system points increasing his total to 34,250, and another Legendary character summon. This time he had received a Spymaster like character:
[Name: Faraday (No house name)]
Skills/abilities:
-Master of Deception (skilled in bluff, disguise, and intimidate, allowing them to manipulate information, and influence others to achieve their goals)
-Expert Observer (Proficient in Listen, Sense Motive, and Spot, enabling them to gather intelligence, read people's intentions, and detect hidden dangers)
-Agile and Stealthy (Skilled in Escape Artist, Hide, Move Silently, and Sleight of Hand, allowing them to evade detection and slip in and out of shadows)
-Network Weaver (Able to gather gather Information, Rumors, and Influence, creating a web of connections and misinformation to achieve their objectives)
-Shadow Walker (Capable of moving unseen and unheard to strike from unexpected angles and exploit vulnerabilities)
-Master of small weapons (knifes, daggers, short swords)
After looking at Faraday's skills, a man had appeared in front of him, wearing lightly armored clothes with a cloak and a mask covering his face.
(Faraday image here)
Faraday was immediately ordered to start setting up his intelligence network within Essos. Faraday didn't waste any time and had started gathering information within both Volantis and Pentos while also preparing to spread to the other Free cities. Within 6 Months, Faraday had been instrumental in ensuring the smooth running of the taverns and acquiring crucial information about potential threats and business opportunities in both Volantis and Pentos.
His network of influence was gradually expanding, and he was establishing roots across all the Free cities. He had taken to rescuing slaves and turning them into loyal operatives who he trained from for Months before he sent them on their first assignment. Once they completed their first assignment successfully, proving that they were ready to serve Maximus, and his plans for the future.
Faraday with permission from Maximus had created a secret organization called 'The Shadowhand'. The organization was comprised of freed slaves who were trained to be loyal to Maximus and educated to be able to complete their tasks. The Shadowhand by the end of year had successfully established a robust intelligence network across Essos.
They provided crucial information about factions who were potential threats, economic situations in other cities, political climate, etc.
In addition to this, Maximus himself had summoned a small army of 300 Gondor Infantry, costing him 15,000 system points decreasing his total to 19,250.
With this small army, Maximus created a new Sellsword company known as the Stormsurge Legion. For the final two months of the year the Stormsurge Legion was contracted by Myr to fight in the Disputed Lands against the Lys who also hired a Sellswords company.
The Stormsurge Legion proved to be a formidable force. The Gondor Infantry displayed a level of discipline and combat prowess that was not commonly seen among the free cities' armies. They managed to drive back the rival company and secured a crucial strategic point for Myr. Their success in this campaign further boosted Maximus' reputation despite him not fighting in any battles as he didn't have the skills for it. However, as the Months went by, he became competent enough to fight in battles.
———
As the 2nd year (280 AC) since his arrival began, Maximus continued to lead the Stormsurge Legion, earning money, and system points from his system. Halfway through the year, he had earned some amazing new rewards from the system including some new skills/abilities.
[Name: Maximus (No House name)]
Skills/Abilities:
-Modern knowledge (Has Knowledge of a world more advanced than game of thrones)
-Blessed (Blessed by a Goddess allowing for advanced skills and abilities)
-Master Swordsman
-Damage Resistance
-Super-Healing (Wound to this person is instantly healed and allows for detached body parts to be re-attached)
-Quick reflexes
With his new skills/abilities he was able to lead the Stormsurge Legion from the front and proved himself a worthy commander, able to strategize and fight with equal prowess. Using the knowledge of historical battles from his previous life, his reputation had soared within the Free cities. He made sure that his men knew that he would never ask them to undertake a task that he wouldn't do himself.
In addition to his new skills/abilities, Maximus had also received a different type of character summon this time around. He had received a general character summon which he could either design himself or have it randomly selected.
Maximus chose it to be randomly selected and when the name of the character popped up, he was surprised at who it was 'Alexander the Great'.
Maximus knew the reputation of the legendary Greek king, a master strategist, undefeated in battle, and conqueror of much of the known world. His skills were impressive and now he would become a great General whom Maximus would be able to use.
[Name: Alexander (No House Name)]
Skills/Abilities:
- Brilliant Tactician (Able to conceive of, fine tune, and execute expert strategies during wartime)
- Master of Phalanx Formation
- Charismatic Leader (Inspired loyalty, commitment, and morale among troops)
- Expert Rider (Skilled in horseback riding and combat)
- Weapon Expertise (Proficient in all forms of melee weapons)
Alexander materialized before him, armed with his signature shield and sarissa pike. He looked much like historical records had described him: auburn hair, sharp eyes, a charismatic aura that was undeniable. Alexander stood ready to serve Maximus.
With Alexander on his side, Maximus felt unstoppable. Alexander immediately came up with strategies to strengthen their foothold in the Disputed Lands. They launched campaigns against the rival companies hired by Lys, winning every single one of them.
At the same time, Arin and Faraday had worked together and managed to expand Maximus's business to every city within the Free cities. Any rivals or competitors were silently taken care of as Faraday and the Shadowhand had influence within every Free city.
Now they were starting to expand their reach into Westeros. They would first start in Kingslanding and then spread to the other major cities, castles, and towns from there. Maximus was close to starting stage 2 of his plan which involved him creating his own city.