Dorne is not as sandy as I expected. We spent most of the day riding through rolling fields of grass, which made for a pleasant trip, especially after so many days at sea. One of our men, Smithson, knows a house in this area, named House Torys. We should reach their lands this afternoon.

Well, that was an unexpected welcome! We arrived at Cabaldea, the hamlet on House Torys’ lands around the same time as a crew of very rough looking individuals, bearing the sigil of house Ladybright. As Lord Torys was in discussion with some representatives of House Martell, Elyana and I were obliged to wait in the marketplace, where we had the opportunity to sample some of the regional produce. We were not fans of the dragonfruit, but fire apples could have definite promise as a potential flavor for one of the limited vintages. We made sure to save our seeds- it will be an interesting to see if Shell Island’s climate can support Dornish crops.

When we were finally seen up at the castle, Lord Torys extended his hospitality, and seems quite pleased to have us staying with him. It is my hope that he will come to be a powerful trade ally for my family, and a good base of operations for our familial pursuits here in Dorne. I hope to have made a friend this day!

I have just taken the most wonderful bath. It was simply wondrous to get the dust of several days worth of travel out of my hair and skin. I feel confident that, after a good night’s rest, I will be almost myself again.

A strange thing happened while in the bathhouse though- The master of the hunt came through the courtyard with two men from House Fortuna, and it sounded as though one of them was quite injured. We couldn’t hear much of what was said, but apparently their house is a coastal one, and they have been attacked by pirates, and practically wiped out! How barbaric. I do so hope the injured man is all right. I worry what increased piracy will mean for my hopes of establishing a shipping trade to the Dornish houses…

I’m feeling lucky to be off of the road and safe in a bed this evening.

In this second season of Players and Pieces, House Tuttle faces challenges to their ascent as a rising House in the Reach. The clouds of war darken the prospects of the House currying favor with House Tyrell, or going with the former masters of Highgarden, House Gardener. The Tuttles must decide where the wind blows.

House Tuttle has just discovered that the world is a much larger place. Ships that seem to have a sickess aboard them are anchored on the far side. Meridora is trying to find a cure to help save the crew and Shell Island from the ravages of an unknown plague. Ser Gareth Hewitt, Torius Tuttle and George Thorogood and their landing party have encountered men from strange lands, and no way of communicating effectively with them. The weight of House Tuttle’s fortunes ride on the decisions of Maera, who is effectively the ruling noble on Shell Island. Will she be able to discover what is happening and who the strangers are?

I fear Tuttle leadership has lost its previous edge. The House has been left in the care of Maera, who, when faced with the possibility of plague, wants to speak of morality and honor instead of eradicating the threat outright. Now we are faced with a group of unknown, possibly sick, possibly hostile men, who, in order to prevent massive bloodshed, must be brought before the little Lady Tuttle. Had we been given leave to blast this plague out of the water, we could have brought a huge contingent to finish off the rest, but as it is, the town must be quarantined, and we are left with only a small contingent of military men and my pirates. Doesn’t help that no one speaks their language, and the one man on my ship who claims to has been drunk for 3 days.

For the sake of the House, I hope Maera learns that “honor” and “morality” aren’t exactly held in high esteem in this sort of game. At least not the way she thinks of them.

Finally I am doing something. I went the wrong way in trying to help and with the assistance of one of the guardsmen watching the borders headed back to port again. When I arrived the boat bearing the load of strangers arrived as well.

And yes, the leader of the group spoke Braavossii! I am glad I could help out in the translating, I even didn’t edit anyone too much.

With quick wit and diplomacy we have convinced the visitors to our Island that we should present them to the Court in King’s Landing. It would be a major coup for the small, and humble House Tuttle to be the emissaries of the exotic visitors.

I wonder that adventures await us in the Capital…

A couple of strange ships show up anchored on the far side of Shell Island. Lord Tuttle, Dylan and Simon are away, and Maera has to gather up an investigation. How will she handle the situation — with savvy or a clash of arms? Will she risk sending out Torius Tuttle, or turn to the ever reliable Ser Gareth Hewitt?

What Happened

Garton Heatherwythe, House Tuttle’s third in command of the fleet reported that two mysterious ships had been sighted off the far side of Shell Island, close to the “Round”. Maera dispatched the Compass Rose with herself in command to see what was happening. After an encounter with the two ships, Maera returns to Tannenhall to ponder House Tuttle’s next moves.

Here are more highlights:

Patience…..it has never been my strong suite. Quick is more my speed. Quick thinking, quick action, and yes, even a quick temper. Split second decisions is what saved us when the Redwyne fleet came.

So what am I doing sitting here at the Tavern, cooling my heels? Lady Maera has got the situation in port well in hand. The strangers may not even make it this far…. and that old man spoke something that vaguely sounded like Braavosii. I wonder if any of the others in his party do too.

Does that new Tuttle speak it? He seems well traveled, if a bit if a ruffian.

All the waiting is driving me crazy.

I wonder how things are going with Ser Gareth’s party…

I wonder…..

Fate is about to make a visit to Tannenhall. Lord Tuttle, Dylan and Evan are being chased by a large portion of the Redwyne fleet to Shell Island. Meanwhile, Paxter Redwyne is being held as an unwilling guest, with Maera, Ser Gareth Hewett, Elyana and Meridora keeping a close eye on things in Tannenhall. Lord Redwyne has already been the target of a failed assassination attempt, so dealing with him as become much more difficult. Machinations are stirring as pirates, forgotten heirs and mysterious orders from Highgarden seem be part of a bigger plot – but to what end?

What Happened

The nobles and retainers of House Tuttle remember back to what happened the day the Redwynes invaded Shell Island. Two new players also appear on the board – Torius Tuttle, son of Lyndon Tuttle, the brother who was sent to The Wall, and George Thorogood, an ex-bandit who has won the trust of Maera Tuttle and is currently serving as the Tuttle’s huntsman.

Here are the highlights:

• Through some savvy, Maera is able to avert a disaster through some deft political maneuvering with Lord Paxter Redwyne,

• Torius confronts his uncle, Lord Tuttle, about what happened to his father, and his rightful place in the House,

• Ser Gareth Hewitt, Meridora, Elyana and George apply their skills in helping to advert disaster with the Redwynes.

It was so much easier when the sun shined, the rain fell and the grapes grew, Having the noble family reside on the island has made for an influx of intrigue. The new arrivals seem known to the family, but my Lord just sent one’s father to the wall short most of one arm. The son seems more cunning, whether that will help the house or not I am uncertain. The island seems to be collecting Braavsi steel as more people settle however briefly on the shores.What will become of Dylan and Simon, must weigh heavily upon their sisters.

In the first season of Players and Pieces, House Tuttle is a very minor household in the wide expanse of Westros. The season follows their growth or decline as a house that may one day help shape the face of the Seven Kingdoms. The stage is set fours years after Robert’s Rebellion to throw off the rule of the Mad King, Aerys II of the Targaryens. Now that the Targaryens are all but destroyed, it is up to the Great Houses to maintain order and prosperity. With in the control of the the Great Houses are the major and minors houses that claim allegiance to them. Here are the real plays for power, where a decision can be the one that grows or spells decline for a house.

The Tuttles stand on the razor’s edge of growth or decline.