Arthur sat on a wooden bench outside the small council antechamber in the Red Keep. He leaned forward with his elbows on his knees, his hands clasped loosely together while he stared at the stone between his boots. It had been a few days since the tourney and not much had happened since then except the fact that the King had asked him to stay inside the Red Keep for the time being. He had been staying in one of the guest rooms which had to be one of the finest he'd ever slept in—not including Rhaella's bed.
He opened his status menu in his mind and focused on the new class notification that he had gotten after the melee.
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[NEW CLASS UNLOCKED]
SQUIRE
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Description:
You are a Squire who was not chosen by birth or title, but by action. You have placed yourself between death and those you would protect. You have carried arms, bled in battle, and upheld the ideals of knighthood before being granted its name.
⸻
Class Effects:
• Each level gained now grants 2 Unallocated Stat Points instead of 1
• Upon leveling up, you automatically gain:
+1 Strength
+1 Dexterity
+1 Constitution
These bonuses are applied in addition to any unallocated points.
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He read it again slowly tracing every line. Needless to say he was extremely pleased and in equal measures confused by this. He did not understand how the classes really worked, he had been a Farmer up until now and he had not received any bonuses like this before. Luckily the system had offered an explanation.
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[Class Mechanics]
Classes modify how growth is distributed.
• Martial classes emphasize physical development
• Scholarly classes emphasize mental and technical growth
Some advanced or rare classes grant:
• Increased skill growth rates
• Access to unique class skills
• Special stats not normally available
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Arthur sat back against the wall and let his head rest on the stone. He wondered just how strong he would get if he became a Knight, or maybe even a Kingsguard, they must have good bonuses. Though he doubted that would happen. He had two wives and the Kingsguard forsook any family. Something he did not think he could ever do. But he did not need it, he was getting stronger on his own, his skill would only keep increasing. If this was the only class he would ever get he was content.
He turned his attention to his other reward which brought a whole merit of problems.
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[HERITAGE TOKEN]
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Description:
A Heritage Token awakens dormant bloodlines within the user. It can strengthen an existing lineage or reawaken a recessive one thought lost to time.
Only one heritage path may be chosen per token.
⸻
Available Heritage Paths:
Stormlands Heritage
Your father's blood awakens.
• Trait Gained: Blood of Durrandon
• Rapid growth in height and muscular density for the next 3 years
• Each growth spurt grants: +1 Strength, +1 Endurance
• Side Effects: Increased anger, reduced patience, heightened shortsightedness
⸻
Valyrian Heritage
Your mother's blood awakens fully.
• Trait Upgrade: Blood of Valyria → Blood of the Dragon
• Unlocks Magic stat
• 25% chance to experience Dragon Dreams
• High affinity with dragons
• Increased attraction and resonance with other Valyrians
• Upon selection, a coin will be flipped
– Heads: Gain a powerful positive trait
– Tails: Gain a dangerous negative trait
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It was a difficult choice for Arthur...
For one he had always wanted to be a muscular giant like his father and brothers, but on the other hand the ability to do magic was something incredible. Though both had pretty bad downsides. He struggled with what to pick, both could very easily go wrong.
He leaned towards Valyria however as he still had those pills that would increase his height. But picking that would be dangerous. What bad trait would he get? Would it turn him into a cannibal? Would it make him a monster? Would it drive him mad? He did not know. The system had a habit of giving some pretty harsh punishments.
He rubbed his face with both hands and tried to think clearer, but the thoughts kept circling without landing on an answer. The door across the hall stayed closed, and the corridor remained empty except for the two Goldcloaks who stood at either end. He let his head drop back against the wall again.
"Arthur!"
He looked up and saw Rhaella walking down the corridor toward him, her skirts swishing l with each step. Two guards trailed her at a respectful distance, but she waved them back with a quick gesture.
Arthur stood up fast and bowed his head. "Princess."
Rhaella stopped in front of him and shook her head. "Please do not bow. Please not after everything you've done for my family." She dismissed the remaining guards with another small wave, and they moved to the far ends of the corridor where they could still see but not hear. Rhaella sat on the bench beside him without ceremony, folding her hands in her lap.
Arthur sat back down careful, keeping a proper distance. "How are Mira and Cassie?" He asked almost immediately.
Rhaella smiled gentle. "They are doing fine. Both were worried you were going to be exiled or worse. I told them the summons was only temporary, but they still fret every day."
Arthur chuckled. Mira and Cassie had wanted to stay with him when he had been told to stay in the Red Keep, but he had refused, saying the children needed them more than he did and that he would be fine.
"Do not be nervous," Rhaella said. She put her hand on his knee. "You saved my brother. Whatever they asked you to wait for is surely a boon."
"I know... I just... the only nobility I've properly met before is you, and I you've probably excused most of my bad manners," Arthur said as he rubbed his thumb against his palm. "I just don't want to embarrass myself in front of the King."
Rhaella giggled. "Don't worry Arthur, if there is anyone who is more forgiving to the small folk than I am it is my grandfather, you have done our family a great service and for that they will reward you," she said reassuringly.
Arthur took a breath and then nodded and looked at her. "Have you heard anything else..." he said a little hesitantly, "Regarding the Blackfyres?" He added.
Rhaella looked a little concerned for a moment as she shook her head. "They have been keeping everything in the small council meetings ever since the tourney ended. No one else knows anything." She paused and her voice dropped. "I am a little scared."
Arthur felt the same concern settle in his chest. If the Blackfyres were being this bold then it meant another rebellion was round the corner. He was too young to remember the last war, but his father had fought in it if he remembered correctly. The idea of going off to war and never seeing his loved ones again was a scary thought. He hoped it would not come to that. He smiled to reassure her. "It'll be okay princess, I'm sure whatever treason they're cooking up will stay on the other side of Essos."
Rhaella searched his face for a moment. "Hmmm... strange, when I look at your face I can't help but believe you," she said with a small smile tugging at the ends of her lips.
Arthur felt a warmth spread in his chest at her words, though he kept his expression muted. He glanced down the empty corridor for a second before meeting her eyes again. "How is Prince Aerys? I haven't heard much about him since the tourney."
Rhaella sighed softly and leaned back against the bench, folding her hands in her lap as she thought for a moment. "My brother has a huge ego and a short temper. He has been upset about what happened, and needing to be saved hurt his pride more than any wound could. He has been training hard for the last few days in the yard from dawn until dusk, and m hasn't really said much to anyone."
Arthur felt a little uneasy at that. He knew what Aerys would become if the visions he had seen held any truth, the madness that would consume him and everyone around him. In some ways he regretted stepping in to save him that day on the field. But in others he did not regret it at all, the man he pulled from danger that day had not yet become the monster he foresaw. He did not know if this future was certain or if his actions could shift it, but he would not condemn someone to death out of paranoia alone.
Rhaella noticed the shift in his expression and reached out to touch his arm light. "Do not worry. Aerys is not upset at you. He is angry at himself for needing the rescue in the first place."
Arthur exhaled slowly, relief easing the tension in his shoulders. He did not want to be on the receiving end of an angry prince's attention, especially one who would be the future king and had the temper to hold grudges. Before he could reply, a servant approached down the corridor, a young woman in simple grey with the Targaryen sigil on her sleeve. She curtsied quick in front of Rhaella. "Princess, Lady Oxana is looking for you. She asks if you could join her in the gardens."
Rhaella thanked her with a nod. "Tell her I will be there shortly." The servant curtsied again and hurried off.
Rhaella turned back to Arthur and stood smooth. "I have to go. Oxana gets impatient when she waits."
Arthur rose with her. "Thank you for sitting with me. You made me feel less nervous."
Rhaella smiled back at him, her eyes soft. "And you did the same for me. Thank you." She squeezed his hand brief before turning and walking down the corridor, her footsteps light on the stone.
Arthur sat back down on the bench and stared at the closed door across from him again. He still felt a little nervous, his stomach twisted each time he thought about what the council might say. He waited and waited but no one came out to get him. He shifted position now and then to ease the ache in his back from the hard wood.
After a while he was dreadfully bored so he decided to use the magic token he had gotten from the quest. He had put off using it until the situation was resolved, but he did not imagine the wait would stretch on this long.
He focused on the item in his inventory and activated it.
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[Skill Obtained: Hamon (Novice) ]
Description:
Hamon is a breathing technique that channels life energy similar to the sun through controlled breathing. It allows the user to infuse objects or strikes with solar energy, granting enhanced strength, speed, and destructive power against certain foes. At novice level it provides minor boosts to physical strikes and basic energy projection through touch or breath. At higher levels it can reduce aging, climb surfaces, walk on water and heal. This technique was created to fight against dark creatures. Hamon is lethal to undead creatures and creatures of darkness.
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He read it twice to make sure he understood. Arthur felt pleasantly surprised at the skill, and a grin spread across his face. The ability to heal or boost strikes sounded useful, and the climbing or water walking could be useful. But he also felt a little concerned, if a magic like this existed to fight dark creatures, then those creatures must exist too somewhere in the world. He pushed the thought down for now, he had enough worries in King's Landing without imagining monsters in the shadows.
...
The doors eventually opened after a while, and a Kingsguard stepped out to usher Arthur inside with a simple nod. He rose quick from the bench and followed the man into the small council chambers. The room was not large, it was rather simple with just a long table at the center surrounded by high-backed chairs. King Aegon sat at the head, his wife Queen Betha beside him. Prince Duncan leaned against a wall with arms crossed, while Prince Jaehaerys sat stiff in his seat. Ser Duncan the Tall stood behind the king.
The rest of the council filled the other chairs; Grand Maester Ellendor, Lord Celtigar as Master of Coin, Lord Massey as Master of Laws, and Lord Redwyne as Master of Ships.
Arthur bowed straight away as he entered the threshold. "Your Grace."
Aegon raised a hand gentle. "Rise, Arthur of Harrowfield. Come, sit." He gestured to a chair pulled out at the table's end.
Arthur straightened and took the seat, his hands resting on his knees even though his heart beat fast.
Aegon leaned forward. "I thank you for everything you did during the tournament. You placed yourself between my grandson and certain death. My family is in your debt, a debt we can never fully repay."
Arthur shook his head slight. "Your Grace, I only did what anyone would have done in that moment."
Prince Duncan laughed warm from his spot against the wall. "Not many people would face that mountain of a man without pissing their pants first. You charged in like it was nothing." A few others chuckled in agreement, Grand Maester Ellendor with a soft huff and Lord Redwyne nodding with a small smile.
Aegon held up a hand to quiet them, though his own lips twitched. "I am sorry we kept you here these past few days. I had hoped to have this meeting sooner, but with the Blackfyres being so bold it has caused some problems that demanded the council's attention."
Arthur nodded understanding, keeping his face neutral though questions burned in his mind.
Aegon changed the subject however and folded his hands on the table. "Now, to your reward. Even if the tournament was stopped at the end you were the last man standing, so you will get the full prize purse as well as an extra ten thousand gold pieces from the royal treasury."
Arthur blinked, the shock hitting him hard. "Your Grace, that is too generous. The purse alone is more than enough."
Aegon shook his head firm. "There is no price I would not pay for the safety of my family. You have more than earned this."
The king paused, letting the words settle before he continued. "That brings me to the second part of your reward. We were all impressed with your talent in the melee. The council discussed this at great length after the events. While some wished for you to become a Kingsguard, I respect your marriage to Mira and refused that path. Normally any squire to a Kingsguard will be one who will take the position in the future, but an exception will be made here."
Arthur felt his breath catch as Aegon leaned forward.
"If you wish to accept then you shall squire for the Lord Commander, Ser Duncan the Tall."
Arthur sat shocked and speechless for a moment, words failing him as the offer sank in. Then he nodded vigorously. "Yes, Your Grace. I accept. It would be an honor."
Ser Duncan the Tall stepped forward with a broad smile. "You have a lot of potential, lad. I am looking forward to training you proper."
Aegon nodded satisfied. "Then it is settled. While you may not become a Kingsguard, as you are squired to one you will be expected to do some of their duties. Is that acceptable?"
Arthur answered without hesitation. "Yes, Your Grace."
"Quarters will be assigned to you in the White Sword Tower," Aegon continued. "Should accommodations be made for your wife?"
Arthur thought about it for a moment before he shook his head. "No, Your Grace. She is happy where she is."
Queen Betha tilted her head curious. "You do not want your wife with you?"
"I do," Arthur said honest. "But I also know that she enjoys where she is at the moment with the children of the orphanage. I would not want to tear her away just so I can have the comfort of her company every night."
Betha smiled warmly at that.
"So it is decided," Aegon said with finality. "Arthur of Harrowfield, you will squire for Ser Duncan the Tall. For now return to your wife and let her know, finish any business you might have, and come back tomorrow to start your duties."
Arthur stood and bowed deep. "Yes, Your Grace."
Ser Duncan the Tall stepped forward to show him out, his large hand clapping Arthur's shoulder gentle as they left the chamber.
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[Quest Completed]
SWORD TO SERVE
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Description:
You need a teacher and a banner to stand behind. Find a worthy knight and earn a place as his squire.
Objective:
– Secure a formal squire's contract with a hedge knight or sworn knight ✅
Bonus Objectives:
– Win or draw in a proving spar during selection ❌
– Obtain a signing stipend (coin or gear) ❌
– Gain a letter of introduction to a captain of the City Watch or a tourney master ❌
Rewards:
– +1 Strength ✅
– +1 Dexterity ✅
– Otherworld Token ✅
– [Skill] Squirecraft (0/100) (Novice) (tack, armor care, camp duties, logistics) ❌
– [Skill] Court Etiquette (0/100) (Novice) ❌
– Starter Kit: Maintenance Roll (oils, whetstone, rags) ❌
– +200 XP ❌
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As they walked down the corridor, Ser Duncan spoke again. "I am looking forward to sparring with you. You have a strange fighting style I have not seen before, though I did recognise a little water dancing in your form."
Arthur smiled up at the giant knight. "Thank you, Ser. I look forward to it aswell, I'll see you tomorrow."
Ser Duncan nodded and clasped his forearm firm before letting him go. Arthur turned down the hall toward the exit.
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STATUS MENU
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Name: Arthur of Harrowfield
Class: Squire
Heritage: Valyrian / Stormlands
Age: 16
Level: 7
Unallocated Stat Points: 2
Title(s): Fledgling Hero
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COMBAT ATTRIBUTES
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Strength: 22
Dexterity: 15
Constitution: 22 (+45%)
Intelligence: 5
Perception: 9
Luck: 8
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TRAITS
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[Comely]
You've got the kind of face that gets you smiled at, flirted with, and forgiven for things you probably should not be.
[Sword Prodigy]
You wield a blade like it belongs in your hand—faster learning speed, tighter reflexes, and better execution with swords.
[Sharp Ears]
Your hearing is unnaturally acute. You can detect faint sounds, whispers, and movement even from across the room.
[Blood of Valyria]
Your veins run silver and fire. Whether by birth or by bed, the Old Blood knows its own. Grants heightened affinity with magic, dragons, and Valyrian relics. Also makes you just a little more unhinged than you'd like to admit.
[Dexterous]
Your hands and fingers are exceptionally nimble. Tasks requiring precision, balance, and control are performed with greater ease. You are less likely to fumble, and you can learn skills involving fine motor work—such as swordplay, crafting, or stealth—with increased speed and efficiency.
[Gift]
You may transfer one of your traits or skills to another individual. The recipient will receive a weaker version, but the skill or trait will be permanently removed from you. No duplication is possible.
[Inventive Genius]
You gain the instinctive ability to imagine, design, and improve tools, weapons, structures, and mechanisms far beyond the understanding of your time. Your mind naturally sees flaws and solutions. You feel a compulsion to tinker, adapt, and create. Every item you hold, every structure you see whispers possibilities of how to make it better.
[Demon Back]
The secret to overwhelming strength lies in the back. When the body is pushed past its limits, your muscles lock into a terrifying alignment that resembles the form of a demon. Strikes delivered in this state carry far greater force, and your strength briefly surpasses human limits.
⚠ Overuse places extreme strain on the body and risks permanent injury.
[Linguist]
You understand any spoken language instinctively and possess a natural affinity for learning written, ancient, and magical languages.
[Arcane Script]
Your mind deciphers any written language, rune, or script as if it were your mother tongue. Ancient texts, foreign codices, and enchanted glyphs reveal their secrets at a glance.
[The Shining]
Your mind resonates with hidden impressions left by thought, emotion, and place. You may sense echoes, memories, or disturbances beyond normal perception.
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SKILLS
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[Observe]
[Carpentry] (6/100) (Journeyman)
[Conditioning] (45/100)
└─ Recovery (Sub-skill)
└─ +45% Constitution
[Novacaine] (60/100)
[Cooking] (70/100) (Expert)
[Tracker] (Legendary)
[Axe Mastery] (49/100) (Novice)
[Carnal Knowledge] (85/100) (Adept)
[Shibukawa-ryū Jujutsu] (42/100) (Apprentice)
[Lumbering] (55/100) (Novice)
[Falling Star Style] (17/100) (Journeyman)
[Water Dancing Style] (80/100) (Journeyman)
[Herbal Insight] (Unique)
[Horse Riding] (10/100) (Novice)
[Poison Resistance] (12/100) (Journeyman)
[Massage] (8/100) (Master)
[Mathematics] (56/100) (Adept)
[Acrobatics] (72/100) (Journeyman)
[Hamon] (0/100) (Novice)
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(AN: I'm sure some of you might be a little disappointed with the choice of magic, but tbh I thought it was a good choice. I didn't want him getting anything world breaking, but I also wanted him to get something that he could build up. It also helps me keep him in the story 50 years from now. Anyway hope you enjoyed.)
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