The Iron Throne: Gameplay Thread (Turn Ten)

[Lumine]

Weddings, births and deaths:

Deaths: Lord Protector Stannis Baratheon, Lady Dowager Olenna Tyrell, Lord Walder Frey, Lord Gawen Westerling, Lord Galbart Glover, (and all male Freys save for Arwood Frey), Ser Guyard Morrigen.
Weddings: None
Births: None

Military and Political Situation:

King's Landing:
-City Watch of King’s Landing: 1,400 strong.
-Royal Fleet of King’s Landing: 50 ships, in Blackwater Bay.

Tywin Lannister:
-Garrison of the Golden Tooth: 1,000 strong.
-Garrison of Casterly Rock: 2,000 strong.
-City Watch of Lannisport: 4,000 strong.
-Army of Jaime Lannister: 13,000 strong, outside Oldstones.
-Army of Tywin Lannister: 13,800 strong, sieging Riverrun.
-Army of Kevan Lannister: 2,000 strong, guarding the south of the Red Fork.
-Army of the Riverlands: 3,000 strong, in the Kingsroad (between House Vypern and The Twins).
-Raiding Parties: 1,000 strong, across the Southern Riverlands.
-Army of Casterly Rock: 1,000 strong.
-Lannister Fleet: 60 ships, in Lannisport.
(Can recruit 9,000 men from the Westerlands, on a slow basis)

House Tyrell:
(Not accounting for units like the Oldtown City Watch)
-Army of Garlan Tyrell: 20,000 strong, outside Highgarden.
-Army of Randyll Tarly: 5,000 strong, in Bitterbridge
-Garrison of Highgarden: 5,000 strong.
-Fleet of the Mander: 40 ships, near Highgarden.
-Redwyne Fleet: 200 ships, in the Arbor.
-Hightower Fleet: 30 ships, in Oldtown. (Blocked)
-Shield Islands Fleet: 30 ships, at the Shield Islands.
(Can recruit 30,000 men from the Reach)

House Stark:
-Army of Robb Stark: 11,000 strong, in The Twins.
-Garrison of Winterfell: 1,000 strong.
-Garrison of Moat Cailin: 500 strong.
 (Can recruit 29,000 men from the North)

Edmure Tully:
-Garrison of Riverrun: 1,100 strong.
-Army of Tytos Blackwood: 9,800 strong, in The Twins.
(Can recruit 16,000 men from the Riverlands)

Balon Greyjoy:
-Garrison of Pyke: 1,000 strong.
-Army of the Iron Islands; 5,000 strong, in Pyke.
-Fleet of Victarion Greyjoy: 100 Iron Fleet, 200 reaving ships, 9,900 men, near The Twins.
(Can recruit 10,000 men from the Iron Islands)
(Can call up to 300 reaving ships)

Petyr Baelish:
-Army of Yohn Royce: 8,000 strong, near the Eyrie.
-Garrison of the Eyrie: 500 strong.
-Garrison of the Bloody Gate: 1,000 strong.
-Gulltown Fleet: 30 ships, in Gulltown.
(Can recruit 32,000 men from the Vale of Arryn, 7,000 immediately)

Doran Martell:
-Army of Oberyn Martell: 2,000 strong, in Lys.
-Garrison of Sunspear: 2,500 strong.
(Can recruit 31,500 men from Dorne, 11,500 immediately)

Viserys Targaryen:
-Dragons: 2 baby Dragons, in Lys.
-Unsullied Army: 1,200 strong, in Lys
-Volantene Forces: 4,000 strong, in Lys.
-Bright Banners: 1,000 strong, in Lys.
-Company of the Rose: 2,000 strong, in Lys.
-Second Sons: 2,000 strong, in Lys.

Khal Drogo:
-Drogo Khalassar: 40,000 riders, in or near Tyrosh.
-Tyroshi Army (Cime Remys): 15,000 strong, in Tyrosh.
-Tyroshi Fleet (Racallio Sireis): 100 war galleys, in Tyrosh (Not counting transports)

The Stormlords:
-Army of Lord Estermont: 9,000 strong, in King's Landing.
-Army of Bryce Caron/Cortnay Penrose: 10,000 strong, in Bronzegate.
-Garrison of Storm’s End: 1,000 strong.
-Fleet of the Stormlands: 20 ships, in Shipbreaker Bay.
(Can recruit 5,000 men from the Stormlands on a slow basis)

Dragonstone:
-Army of Davos Seaworth: 5,000 strong, currently at Dragonstone.
-Garrison of Dragonstone: 1,000 strong.
-Royal Fleet of Dragonstone: 160 ships, in Dragonstone.
-Salladhor Saan’s Sellsails: 40 ships, in Dragonstone.
(No more men to recruit)

Sellswords in the Riverlands:
-Long Lances: 800 strong, sailing to the Riverlands.
-Company of the Crescent Moon: 1,500 strong, sailing to the Riverlands.

[Lumine]

Mid 299 AL: Turn Five:

Cast:

In King's Landing:

Varys, Spymaster of the Iron Throne (Dereich)

Across Westeros:

Tywin Lannister, Lord Regent and Lord of Casterly Rock (Spamage)
Balon IX Greyjoy, King in the Iron Islands (Dr_Novella)
Robb Stark, Acting Lord of Winterfell (Enduro)
Mace Tyrell, Lord of Highgarden and Warden of the South (Blair)
Petyr Baelish, Warden of the West and Lord Regent Consort of the Vale (X)
Edmure Tully, Lord of Riverrun (Elmo)
Doran Martell, Prince of Dorne (Leonardo)
Davos Seaworth, Castellan of Dragonstone (GoTfan)
Cortnay Penrose, Castellan of Storm's End (Swedge)

The Pretenders in the East:

Viserys III Targaryen, Pretender to the Iron Throne (Garlan Gunter)
Drogo, Khal of the Drogo Khalassar (Dkrol)

General View:

The Red Comet now grows less visible, but its crimson figure is far from gone...

Having cemented a large powerbase in the aftermath of Renly's death and reigniting the flame of Targaryen loyalism after twenty years, Lord Protector Stannis Baratheon is dead after a rule of a few weeks in King's Landing. The city riots, and the crowds pick sides. Lady Olenna Tyrell dies after her Grand Council ends in a disappointment, and Houses Stark and Tully win their first victory against the Targaryens as they smash the Freys into near extinction.

In the East, Khal Drogo and Viserys Targaryen gather armies and allies of their own, and Westeros looks closer and closer every day...

Player Crisis:

Robb Stark:
-Prestige: 5/10 (Near exterminated the Freys and defeated the Kingslayer)
-Gold: 300.000 GD.
-Legitimacy: 7/10 (Ned's rightful heir, some vassals still angry)

-Lord Stark, congratulations on your return to the field.

-The Blackfish reaches The Twins from Winterfell on his own, informing you that many Houses still look towards Lady Catelyn's peace attempts with hostility. The North also still has large reserves of men, and your vassal lords ask you whether you will finally mobilize the North and how will you improve your standing with your bannermen.

-All male Freys have been executed, leaving only the women, the missing Arwood Frey and the Freys with House Lannister (sorry, forgot about them). Your wife lives, yet she appears to be broken after the loss of her family. What is to be done regarding Lady Arwyn?

-Stannis and Renly lay dead, Tommen being the last claimant standing. Even without the Greatjon many question why should the North continue to bow to the Iron Throne, although with Ned absent it appears your choices are still limited.

-The Kingslayer has retreated, but most of the Riverlands are in Lannister hands and the Ironborn stand near. How will you continue the war?

Tywin Lannister:
-Prestige: 9/10
-Gold: 5.900.000 GD.
-Legitimacy: 9/10

-Congratulations, Lord Tywin, a few Stormlands and Crownland Houses now back Tommen as the rightful King. Can you take further advantage of the collapse of House Baratheon?

-Although Cersei is now at the mercy of the Dornishmen, Princess Myrcella has reached the Deep Den and is in the hands of your bannermen, although Cersei was sent to Dorne. This provides Tommen with an heir, or a future marriage if needed be.

-Jaime has lost his first battle against Robb Stark, but he saved most of his army. Riverrun may not last too long, but the confused Stormlords sit on Harrenhal and even the Ironborn are near. How will you resume the war?

-You have now assembled a Small Council, hard at work at Casterly Rock for the sake of Tommen.  With Jaime now the Lord Commander to the King and Ser Arys still loyal, will you search for new Kingsguards?

Viserys Targaryen:
-Prestige: 3/10
-Gold: 100,000 GD
-Legitimacy: 5/10 (now a credible claimant to the Throne)

-Lord Stannis has died, and with the riots in King's Landing disappears the hope of an easy conquest of the Iron Throne. House Velaryon and House Martell remain the sole Houses to declare for you as news still travel slowly, can you build an alliance strong enough to triumph?

-You now stand in Lys with a transport fleet and a large army, made up of several different units. The Lys Magisters are courteous, but offer little more. Will you sail for Westeros at last to continue to prepare your forces for the invasion?

-Some noblewomen from Volantis and Lys join your court, and even some Westerosi women form a part of it, many having done their best to capture your attention in hopes of seduction. Will you pay attention to them?

Doran Martell:
-Prestige: 5/10
-Gold: 670.000 GD (with a 200,000 loan to the Iron Bank)
-Legitimacy: 10/10

-Prince Doran, good day.

-The wedding with the Tyrells has been averted, but your reputation has still suffered from it. Lord Willas is now in route to the Reach.

-Cersei Lannister is brought in chains to you, Myrcella having been freed by the Lannister. As Arianne and Quentyn look down with hate on the proud daughter of the Lion, what will you do with her?

-Oberyn has reached Lys and is now part of the armies of Viserys Targaryen. How will the Dornishmen fight the inevitable war to come?

Balon Greyjoy:
-Prestige: 4/10
-Gold: 180.000 GD
-Legitimacy: 9/10

-Victarion's march on The Twins was a failure, although his army was spared from a battle. Having left the siege of Seagard and with several armies outnumbering him the Ironborn complain about the Riverlands campaign. Will you change focus, or persist on this complicated campaign?

-Theon ended up being saved by the Starks and Tullys, and remains a trusted companion of Robb Stark. Asha is critical of your failure to aid him, and some wonder if Theon is to remain a ward of the Northerners.

Edmure Tully:
-Prestige: 3/10
-Gold: 300.000 GD
-Legitimacy: 8/10

-You stand on Highgarden in frustration, peace talks having failed, Lady Olenna dead and your marriage to the Redwynes never having taken place. Will you return to the Riverlands, remain at Highgarden to see Lord Mace or bypass the Tyrells and go straight at The Arbor?

-House Frey was almost exterminated, much needed news for House Tully. House Vypren swears loyalty once again, their Lord begging your forgiveness. What will you do with the Vyprens and with The Twins?

-Riverrun is now under siege by Lord Tywin, and while the garrison faces loses it may last a few months. That said, ravens from the fortress speak of Lord Hoster's illness growing worse, the fear being that he might die soon.

Petyr Baelish:
-Prestige: 6/10
-Gold: 380.000 GD
-Legitimacy: 0/10

-Stannis's declaration for House Targaryen and his cause have had a positive effect in your hold over the Vale, embarrassing the Royces and the pro-Stannis houses (which remain heavily anti-Targaryen). Seen as a Baratheon man despite all as you served Robert and Renly, the Vale Lords may now be somewhat more willing to listen to you.

-The Knights of the Vale congregate near the Eyrie under Lord Royce, a proud and gallant army. Should they march out of the Vale into war despite Lysa's protests?

-The situation in King's Landing is now pure chaos, no authority or army in the city. Can you profit from this chaos?

-House Frey has been virtually exterminated, save for female members of the family, the Lannister Freys and of course, Arwood Frey, married to the Royces and on the run in the region. Will you have him hunted down and captured?

Varys:
-Prestige: 1/10
-Gold: 50.000 GD
-Legitimacy: Doesn’t Apply

-Another ruler of the city dead, another day for survival. The city burns as the smallfolk riot, the City Watch unable to control the situation as there is no one with enough authority to rule the city. As one of the last surviving Small Council members (alongside Erreck, Janos Slynt and Commander Allar Deem), and as man always despised by the people of the city, can you survive and even take advantage of this chaos?

Khal Drogo:
-Prestige: 9/10
-Gold: 500.000 GD
-Legitimacy: Doesn’t Apply

-Despite heavy losses in the Myr campaign you have delivered on your promises to Tyrosh, and Archon Selheris gifts you a war fleet and an army. Preparations are almost ready (you can sail this turn), although many Dothraki still fear the sea. Is it now the time to sail to Westeros to place Daenerys and Rhaego on the Iron Throne, or should the Dothraki wait?

[Lumine]

Mace Tyrell:
-Prestige: 3/10
-Gold: 2.700.000 GD.
-Legitimacy: 8/10

-Lord Tyrell, you now ride with the armies of Lord Tarly alongside your daughter, and it is when reaching Bitterbridge that you learn of your mother's death. Can you restore the prestige of House Tyrell after such blows?

-Your vassals still stand behind you, although many of them watch your moves carefully. The Florents were one of the driving forces behind Stannis, and now stand at a loss on what to do. Will you take action regarding House Florent, and less involved bannermen like House Hightower?

-Several claimants of the Crown still live as Tommen Baratheon, Edric Storm (and all of Robert's bastards), Viserys Targaryen and Daenerys and Rhaego Targaryen all approach Westeros or raise their claims. Will House Tyrell declare for a new King?

-Lord Edmure Tully sits on Highgarden as a guest, his promised wedding not having taken place. What will you do with Lord Edmure?

Davos Seaworth:
-Prestige: 1/10
-Gold: 100.000 GD. (Stannis's reserves in Dragonstone)
-Legitimacy: 1/10

-You've escaped the aftermath of Lord Stannis's assassination with Lady Selyse, the Lady Melisandre and a few other courtiers to Dragonstone, where you're joined by Ser Imry Florent (in command of the fleet) and Ser Justin Massey.

-In control of Dragonstone, Stannis's rightful heir the Princess Shireen is in Sunspear, and other Baratheon heirs like King Robert's bastards scattered in Storm's End or King's Landing. Stannis declared for Viserys, a decision most of his men deplored. What will you do?

-Despite the disaster you still hold Stannis's main army, Salladhor Saan's ships and most of the Iron Throne fleet, a mighty force even if the Lords of the Narrow Sea and others may plan to abandon the cause. How will you use these forces?

Cortnay Penrose:
-Prestige: 3/10 (Seasoned, loyal commander)
-Gold: 300.000 GD (Renly's remaining fortune)
-Legitimacy: 0/10

-Ser Cortnay, greetings. A meeting of the Stormlords takes place in Storm's End with key men like Bryce Caron, Selwyn Tarth, Donnel Swann and Balon Swann. The fate of the Stormlands hangs on the balance after Stannis and Renly's deaths. Can you steer things in the right direction?

-With the present Stormlords all denouncing the Targaryens talk is divided on whether to support Tommen's claim like the Bucklers, Mertyns and Trants, to declare your ward Edric Storm King, or follow other alternatives. Who should the Stormlords follow?

-Aside from your forces in Storm's End, a large army of the Stormlands stands in Harrenhal under Lord Estermont, one of the armies closer to King's Landing and, also, to the fighting in the Riverlands. Should Lord Estermont return home?

-Chaos in Dragonstone and King's Landing cause strife between the Baratheon loyalists, the Antler Men proclaiming the bastard Gendry as King (and others defending the claims of Gormon and Arlan Waters), and Ser Davos Seaworth standing in Dragonstone with the bulk of the Royal Fleet. Will you collaborate with these separate forces?

[Lumine]

Mid 299 AL: Aftermath (I)

The Great Riot of King's Landing:

The situation in King's Landing had deteriorated quickly after the death of Stannis Baratheon, the outmatched City Watch barely able to hold control of some key areas. With Robert Baratheon's bastards Gendry, Arlan and Gormon all being declared as possible Kings by several groups or adventures, and with criminal gangs killing dozens of Goldcloaks and even religious fanatics seizing parts of their own, the city was in need to urgent aid. Leadership was initially seized by Lord Varys (supported by Ser Mandon Moore and Grand Maester Erreck), trying to summon the houses of the Crownlands and its Lords in support of the capital.

This attempt was close to success when, unexpectedly, the City Watch was pressured by an outside force to undertake a full scale search across the city, along with orders to hunt down The Stranger's Knight. The simulatenous weakening of the defences, the resentment caused by the methods of Lord Slynt and Commander Deem and the tensions already in place caused a literal explosion as a criminal gang was the first to attack and kill Commander Deem in the streets. King's Landing exploded in anger as the City Watch collapsed and its men deserted, and the dissent turned into a full scale riot as all the armed groups stormed the gates and the main areas of the capital. The first to go was the Sept of Baelor, where the High Septon met his end while the Sparrows proclaimed their leader as the new High Septon (nicknamed the "High Sparrow" by some).

As gangs under Ser Shadrich the Mad Mouse (Lord Protector to Arlan I Baratheon) and Lady Meis (Lady Regent to Gormon Baratheon) took over wealthy houses and parts of the gates, the better organized and better armed Antler Men stormed Maegor's Holdfast and the Red Keep. After the death of leading defender Ser Mandon Moore the Watch deserted its post, the Antler Men storming the castle and killing pro-Lannister prisoners such as Ser Preston Greenfield. Grand Maester Erreck was captured as Lord Varys vanished without a trace. The next morning, Gendry Waters sat the bloodied Iron Throne with the leading Antler Men by his side, and the first edict of the Antler Men was the public execution of Lord Janos Slynt. The crowds cheered, and the chaos in King's Landing grew worse and worse.

War across the Riverlands:

Scoring a major success with a successful bid for the sellswords once in the employ of House Frey and with the Ironborn retreating from the Riverlands, Houses Tully and Stark wasted no time in resuming their attacks, Robb Stark charging the Allied armies to meet Set Jaime Lannister in battle.
 
Battle of Oldstones: Leaving a large garrison in The Twins, the Stark and Tully armies soon took positions in front of Ser Jaime, who had set his armies across the deep forests near the ruined castle. A perfect defensive position, the Starks and the Tullys gained an impressive morale edge after it was revealed and confirmed that House Lannister had been behind the Red Wedding (by reading the surviving letters of Walder Frey). The fury with which the Northerners attacked soon caused trouble to the defensive positions of the Lannisters, who often faced the risk of outflanking. In the course of two days the armies battled for small areas of the forest, the Lannisters slowing down the Starks at the risk of heavy casualties. In the end, what saved the day for House Lannister was the arrival of reinforcements and a personal charge by Ser Jaime, halting the enemy offensive and regrouping his armies. Ser Jaime had halted the Young Wolf, but the Lannisters had suffered heavy losses.

Fall of Riverrun: As the Stark and Tullys gained reinforcements on their rearguard thanks to the arrival of Lord Royce and the Knights of the Vale in The Twins, terrible news struck their cause. With the castle of Riverrun starving and old Lord Hoster close to death over his suffering and hunger, Ser Desmond Grell was forced to surrender and yield the castle, allowing Lord Tywin to enter the ancestral seat of House Tully. Ser Desmond's hopes ended up dashed as his sacrifice turned pointless, for Lord Hoster wouldn't recover and passed away on his sleep a few days after the surrender. Except for Harrenhal, the Lannisters now control the entire Southern Riverlands.

Trident Skirmishes: Surprisingly, the Stark and Tully houses decided to split some forces for a march east, sending Ser Tristan Ryger and over 750 men to meet other allies. It was to be a bad decision, for when attempting to cross the Trident these men met the Lannister raiders and were ambushed. Ser Tristan was killed along with a few hundred of his men, almost 500 of the advancing force taken prisoners back to Riverrun. This is only one of several victories for the raiders as the Southern Riverlands burn, only challenged by a mysterious group called the Brotherhood Without Banners, who continue to battle the Lannisters and new groups of outlaws.

Dothraki Invasion of Westeros:

Finally having a fleet of his own with support from the Free City of Tyrosh, Khal Drogo wasted no time, sailing with his Khalassar towards the Reach as the Tyroshi armies invaded the Stormlands and his naval forces attempted to stop Viserys from landing in Westeros. The results were mixed at best:
 
Stormlands Campaign: Crossing the Narrow Sea without too much difficulty the first to land was seasoned General Cime Remys, who landed in Rain House and began a march to the west without wasting his time in sieges. The difficult terrain and the hard resistance by local houses and even the smallfolk did much to slow the Tyroshi progress, even as they caused much damage across the Rainwood. In the end, General Remys was halted at the mountains near the fortress of Crow's Nest, forcing him to stop his march.

Battle of the Sunset Sea: Despite the highly negative effect on the morale of the Khalassar that was taking the long route instead of a quick landing, Khal Drogo moved quickly across the coasts of Dorne and avoided a fight at the Arbor, moving fast towards the Sunset Sea. It was near Brightwater Keep and the Mander than he was finally ambushed, against the worst enemy he could have chosen: Victarion Greyjoy's Ironfleet. Ordered by King Balon to leave the Riverlands, Victarion had assembled his fleet with his unmatchable speed and sailed down south, smashing Drogo's barely protected fleet from the flanks. To their merit, the Khalassar did its best to fight from the ships, but it was simply impossible for them to fight in sea. Drogo's fleet was burned as thousands of riders drowned in the sea, with Drogo, Daenerys, Rhaego and a portion of the Khalassar spared only by a storm. The remnants of the mighty Drogo Khalassar have landed in the southern side of the Mander in a critical situation.

Lys and Stepstones Campaign: It was left to promising young Admiral Racallio Sireis to attempt to stop the march of Viserys Targaryen into Westeros, and the Tyroshi soon put himself into the task. The first battles took place outside Lys, as a fleet of 110 Lysene and Volantene galleys escorted the Targaryen fleet and fell onto an ambush by Sireis. The battle was a hard one as Sireis sank a few enemy transports, before being repelled and losing several of his own units to the bravery of Prince Oberyn Martell and the Second Sons. Changing strategy, Sires divided his fleet into minor units and then staged several ambushes across the Stepstones, never able to close in Viserys to sink his flagship but destroying several of his transports. Sireis's last attempt took place near Tarth, as the attempt to halt the meeting of the Targaryen fleet and the units of Aurane Waters sent by Davos Seaworth. Taking further casualties due to lacking the numbers, Sireis was forced to withdraw to Tyrosh as the Targaryen Fleet moved forward.

[Lumine]

Mid 299: Aftermath (II)

The Landing of Viserys Targaryen:

With Dorne already on his side, Viserys Targaryen scored a major victory for the cause of his House as Ser Davos Seaworth opted to follow the wishes of his late Lord, pushing for Dragonstone to join the Targaryen cause and thus deliver the mighty fleet that Stannis had amassed to the service of the Targaryens. Like Stannis, Ser Davos significantly underestimated both the dislike of several Dragonstone bannermen towards the foreign religion Viserys was rumored to hold, and furthermore, the loyalty of many of the captains and sailors in the Royal Fleet to the Baratheon Regime. As a result, a mutiny by Ser Imry Florent and Ser Justin Massey convinced a large part of the King's Landing and Dragonstone fleets to defect to the cause of the Stormlords, soon followed by the Masseys and the Bar Emmons (and the widowed Lady Selyse).

Left were the Myr sellsails, a squadron of the Royal Fleet and Houses Celtigar and Velaryon, now committed to the Targaryen cause. Unable to lay a blockade of King's Landing due to a lack of ships, the larger part of the Dragonstone navies sailed under the daring admiral Aurane Waters, who reached Tarth and was able to thwart a final attempt by Racallio Sireis to ambush the Targaryen fleet. The combined navies where thus able to reach Dragonstone, allowing Viserys Targaryen to land on the island for the first time since his forced departure fifteen years ago. While it remains to be seen what Houses will truly declare for House Targaryen, the news of the landing of the Targaryen Prince and his dragons was enough for the Lords and houses of Crackclaw Point to declare for him and raise an army for his cause.

The Younger Stag:

Across the Stormlands Ser Cortnay Penrose and the Stormlords wasted little time in reacting to the situation. Finding the claims of Tommen and Viserys to be unacceptable, and with Lady Shireen virtually a hostage in Sunspear, many Stormlords invoked the precedence of the male line, with Lord Edric being not only of noble blood from both ends (despite his bastardy) but a capable young boy on his own right. Nicknamed "The Younger Stag" by the Lords gathering in Storm's End, Edric was proclaimed King under the watchful eye of Ser Cortnay and Lord Caron, soon joined by Lord Estermont.

Soon the might of Highgarden declared for them as well with the support of Mace Tyrell, allowing for further forces to gather in Storm's End with the arrival not only of Randyll Tarly and Loras Tyrell, but the naval fleets who had deserted Ser Davos and which now kept guard across Shipbreaker Bay. Chelsteds and Wendwaters from the Crownlands soon followed the Masseys, cementing the strength of the Stormlords across the south of King's Landing. These welcomed news for the court of Edric ended up matched by the ravens from the southern Stormlands, as the Tyroshi forces caused much strife.

Death of a King:

Despite their resounding victory against the Dothraki, the Ironborn were about to face a tough an unexpected blow. Mere hours after being notified of the triumph of Victarion, an assassin attacked King Balon Greyjoy as he crossed a bridge between castles in Pyke, stabbing Balon to death and seeing him fall into the sea. Captured by Greyjoy sailors, the man was tortured for days by the enraged Princess Asha, until he gave away and confessed being hired by House Stark and Lord Robb himself. The news spread quickly and soon reached the Iron Fleet, putting the Iron Islands both in a state of chaos due to Balon's heir Theon being away, and in a state of rage against the Starks and the North.

The arrival of the news in Oldstones some days after the stalemate of the last battle dealt a heavy blow to the honor of Robb and damaged his standing with some of his most honorable bannermen, but caused an even worse situation as Prince Theon learned of it before Robb. Sheer murderous anger led Theon to grab his sword and attack Robb at the spot before being restrained by the Smalljon and placed on a cell.

[Lumine]

Weddings, births and deaths:

Deaths: King Balon Greyjoy, Lord Hoster Tully, Ser Mandon Moore, Ser Preston Greenfield, Lord Janos Slynt, Commander Allar Deem, the High Septon, Ser Tristan Ryger.
Weddings: Edmure Tully to Desmera Redwyne.
Births: None.

Military and Political Situation:

Tywin Lannister:
-Garrison of the Golden Tooth: 1,000 strong.
-Garrison of Casterly Rock: 2,000 strong.
-City Watch of Lannisport: 4,000 strong.
-Army of Jaime Lannister: 12,800 strong, outside Oldstones.
-Army of Tywin Lannister: 13,800 strong, in Riverrun.
-Army of Kevan Lannister: 2,000 strong, guarding the south of the Red Fork.
-Raiding Parties: 1,000 strong, across the Southern Riverlands.
-Army of Casterly Rock: 1,000 strong.
-Lannister Fleet: 60 ships, in Lannisport.
(Can recruit 9,000 men from the Westerlands, on a slow basis)

House Tyrell:
(Not accounting for units like the Oldtown City Watch)
-Army of Garlan Tyrell: 25,000 strong, outside Highgarden.
-Army of Randyll Tarly: 5,200 strong, in Storm's End.
-Escorts in Oldtown: 100 strong.
-Garrison of Highgarden: 5,000 strong.
-Fleet of the Mander: 40 ships, near Highgarden.
-Redwyne Fleet: 200 ships, in the Arbor.
-Hightower Fleet: 30 ships, in Oldtown. (Blocked)
-Shield Islands Fleet: 30 ships, at the Shield Islands.
(Can recruit 25,000 men from the Reach)

House Stark:
-Army of Robb Stark: 8,300 strong, in Oldstones.
-Reserve Army: 5,000 strong, in Moat Cailin.
-Long Lances: 800 strong, in Oldstones.
-Company of the Crescent Moon: 1,400 strong, in Oldstones.
-Garrison of The Twins: 2,000 strong.
-Garrison of Winterfell: 1,000 strong.
-Garrison of Moat Cailin: 500 strong.
 (Can recruit 24,000 men from the North)

Edmure Tully:
-Army of Tytos Blackwood: 7,300 strong, in Oldstones.
-Garrison of The Twins: 1,500 strong.
(Can recruit 16,000 men from the Riverlands)

House Greyjoy:
-Garrison of Pyke: 1,000 strong.
-Army of the Iron Islands; 7,000 strong, in Pyke.
-Fleet of the Iron Islands: 100 reaving ships, in Pyke.
-Fleet of Victarion Greyjoy: 100 Iron Fleet, 190 reaving ships, 9,600 men, near the Mander.
(Can recruit 8,000 men from the Iron Islands)
(Can call up to 200 reaving ships)

Petyr Baelish:
-Army of Yohn Royce: 8,000 strong, in The Twins.
-Garrison of the Eyrie: 500 strong.
-Garrison of the Bloody Gate: 1,000 strong.
-Gulltown Fleet: 30 ships, in Gulltown.
(Can recruit 32,000 men from the Vale of Arryn, 7,000 immediately)

Doran Martell:
-Army of Oberyn Martell: 1,500 strong, in Dragonstone.
-Army of Sunspear: 8,000 strong.
-Garrison of Sunspear: 2,500 strong.
(Can recruit 23,500 men from Dorne, 3,500 immediately)

Viserys Targaryen:
-Dragons: 2 baby Dragons, in Dragonstone.
-Unsullied Army: 1,000 strong, in Dragonstone.
-Volantene Forces: 3,000 strong, in Dragonstone.
-Bright Banners: 800 strong, in Dragonstone.
-Company of the Rose: 1,800 strong, in Dragonstone.
-Second Sons: 1,700 strong, in Dragonstone.
-Armies of Crackclaw Point: 5,000 strong, in Dyre Den.
-Lys-Volantis Fleet: 67 ships, in Dragonstone.

Khal Drogo:
-Drogo Khalassar: 22,000 surviving riders, south side of the Mander.
-Tyroshi Army (Cime Remys): 14,800 strong, in Crow's Nest.
-Tyroshi Fleet (Racallio Sireis): 58 war galleys, in Tyrosh.

The Stormlords:
-Army of the Stormlords: 20,000 strong, in Storm's End.
-Dragonstone defectors: 2,000 strong, in Storm's End.
-Garrison of Harrenhal: 1,000 strong.
-Garrison of Storm’s End: 1,000 strong.
-Fleet of the Stormlands: 20 ships, in Shipbreaker Bay.
-Royal Fleet defectors: 140 ships, in Shipbreaker Bay.
(Can recruit 2,000 men from the Stormlands on a slow basis)

Dragonstone:
-Army of Davos Seaworth: 3,000 strong, currently it Dragonstone.
-Garrison of Dragonstone: 1,000 strong.
-Royal Fleet of Dragonstone: 62 ships, in Dragonstone.
-Salladhor Saan’s Sellsails: 37 ships, in Dragonstone.

[Lumine]

Mid to Late 299 AL: Turn Six:

Cast:

In King's Landing:

Varys, Spymaster of the Iron Throne (Dereich)
The High Sparrow, High Septon of Westeros (Windjammer)

Regents and Kings:

Viserys III Targaryen, Pretender to the Iron Throne (Garlan Gunter)
Tywin Lannister, Lord Regent and Lord of Casterly Rock (Spamage)
Cortnay Penrose, Castellan of Storm's End (Swedge)
Drogo, Khal of the Drogo Khalassar (Dkrol)
Asha Greyjoy, Princess of the Iron Islands (Dr_Novella)

Across Westeros:

Robb Stark, Acting Lord of Winterfell (Enduro)
Mace Tyrell, Lord of Highgarden and Warden of the South (Blair)
Petyr Baelish, Warden of the West and Lord Regent Consort of the Vale (X)
Edmure Tully, Lord of Riverrun (Elmo)
Doran Martell, Prince of Dorne (Leonardo)
Davos Seaworth, Castellan of Dragonstone (GoTfan)

General View:

A year has passed since the death of Robert Baratheon, and the war for The Iron Throne continues...

Across the South, Edric Storm is proclaimed King by the Storm and Reach Lords as King's Landing falls to armed gangs. Robb Stark battles Tywin and Jaime Lannister to a stalemate in the Riverlands as Riverrun finally falls to a siege. Leaving Essos, Khal Drogo makes a disastrous landing in the Reach and Viserys Targaryen finally returns to Westeros in Dragonstone. And, in the Iron Islands, a succession crisis develops...

Player Crisis:

Robb Stark:
-Prestige: 3/10 (dishonored himself)  
-Gold: 225.000 GD.
-Legitimacy: 6/10

-Lord Stark:

-Your assassination of Balon Greyjoy has greatly damaged the honor and prestige of House Stark, and furthermore, it has ruined your friendship with the now prisoner Theon. Thread carefully, Lord Stark.

-With the rising of new claimants in Edric Storm and Viserys Targaryen the outlook grows complicated, as your bannermen find Tommen and Viserys utterly unacceptable as Kings. Can you navigate this dilemma with success?

-Lady Arwyn remains at The Twins, but calls continue to grow for you to clarify your standing with her. Lords like Roose Bolton urge you to find a way to abandon her, in order to be available for a better match.

Tywin Lannister:
-Prestige: 9/10
-Gold: 5.800.000 GD.
-Legitimacy: 9/10

-Lord Tywin, with the fall of Riverrun your main army is finally free to move, and your lords keen on retaking the initiative. How will the war go on?

-Your raiding parties have met resistance from a group called the Brotherhood Without Banners, with conflicting reports of Lord Beric Dondarrion, a fire priest and even the Hound as leading some of these outlaws. How will you hunt for them?

-Your second embassy to the Iron Bank has been much more successful now that many of the main claimants to the throne have been eliminated. If House Lannister begins payment of the debt to the Iron Bank right away, the bankers will arrange for support for Tommen’s claim.

Viserys Targaryen:
-Prestige: 4/10
-Gold: 100,000 GD
-Legitimacy: 5/10

-Despite taking heavy losses in the journey, you now stand on the table of Aegon the Conqueror, finally back in the island of House Targaryen. The dragons grow stronger (though nowhere near combat ready), and Crackclaw Point backs your claim now. Can you sit in the Iron Throne?

-Alongside the few retainers from Stannis that remained loyal comes the Lady Melisandre, who offers her services as a fire priestess despite the warnings of Illyrgue that she is not to be trusted. Melisandre is thought to be powerful, if heavily unpopular amongst the nobility and the smallfolk of King’s Landing. Will you welcome her?

-While lacking cohesion due to their mixed nature, your armies stand ready to sail. Will the combined Targaryen fleets sail away?

Doran Martell:
-Prestige: 5/10
-Gold: 650.000 GD (with a 200,000 loan to the Iron Bank)
-Legitimacy: 10/10

-Prince Doran, good day.

-The coasts of Dorne are going through major efforts in defense under Lord Uller, although he warns the bannermen will need gold from Sunspear if they are to expand the fortifications and preparations.

-Sadly, your overtures to Braavos and Norvos didn’t bear fruit this time. The Norvoshi feel no interest in the war, and Bravos, while always willing to do business, is disinclined to offer wholehearted support for the Targaryens.

-As you lack a fleet your men couldn’t sail to Dragonstone (hint for players, troops won’t cross the sea unless you’re explicit about the means in which they cross), remaining a part of the larger armies in Sunspear.

Asha Greyjoy:
-Prestige: 5/10
-Gold: 150.000 GD
-Legitimacy: 3/10

-Your father has been murdered by the Stark, and the Ironborn captains and smallfolk rise in anger with a lust for revenge. Can you deliver the revenge the Iron Islands demand?

-As the senior Greyjoy you’ve seized control of Pyke and its forces, although Victarion is in the Sunset Sea and Theon, the legal heir, is in a cell under Robb Stark. What will you do?

Edmure Tully:
-Prestige: 2/10 (he did marry Desmera, but lost Riverrun)
-Gold: 300.000 GD
-Legitimacy: 9/10 (now Lord Tully)

-My condolences, Lord Tully, on the loss of Riverrun and your father.

-Your marriage with Desmera Redwyne links you with the highest nobility in the Reach, but the benefit of an allied fleet appears less relevant as the Ironborn leave the Riverlands. Will you try to persuade Lord Redwyne to use his fleet?

-Riverrun and Harrenhal are gone, and most of the Riverlands with them. On the bright side, your uncle the Blackfish rejoins House Tully and takes up your offer regarding The Twins. Can you retake your lands against the Lannister armies?

-The landing of Viserys and the crowning of Edric raise important questions for the fate of the Riverlands. Unlike the anti-Targaryen lords in the Vale or the North, several houses of the region are rumored to be strong Targaryen loyalists like House Darry, although other houses like the Blackwoods are among those who despite the dragons and believe in the stags. What will you do?

[Lumine]

Petyr Baelish:
-Prestige: 6/10
-Gold: 380.000 GD
-Legitimacy: 0/10

-Lord Royce and the Knights of the Vale reach the Riverlands, but are unable to participate in the battle of Oldstones. Where should they march next?

-King’s Landing falls in chaos as ill-advised orders bring the end of the City Watch, and many of your men in the city are killed or forced to flee. It will take a while to restore your powerbase in the city.

Varys:
-Prestige: 1/10
-Gold: 150.000 GD
-Legitimacy: Doesn’t Apply

-You escape the Red Keep through the passages at the last moment, escaping death as valuable elements are killed or lost. On the bright side, when reaching the docks an envoy from Illyrio brings a gift of 100.000 GD, and the men you asked for. Can you make the most of this troubling situation?

Khal Drogo:
-Prestige: 7/10 (crushing defeat)
-Gold: 300.000 GD
-Legitimacy: Doesn’t Apply

-Your unprotected fleet was smashed by Victarion Greyjoy with almost half the Khalassar drowning, the survivors landing in the south of the Mander. The army is still a powerful one, but lacking supplies and in a land that has declared for the bastard of the Usurper. What will you do?

-The Tyroshi invaded the Stormlands and attacked Viserys’s fleet, with mixed success. How should these forces be deployed?

Mace Tyrell:
-Prestige: 3/10
-Gold: 2.600.000 GD.
-Legitimacy: 7/10

-Lord Willas and Lady Alerie are now guests of Lord Hightower in Oldtown. Lord Hightower proves a good host, although he takes an unusual time in negotiating and is yet to follow the lead of Highgarden in supporting Edric.

-Your rapid actions bring the Florents back into line once again, Ser Imry bringing dozens of ships to Shipbreaker Bay for Edric’s cause. Lord Tarly also stands in Storm’s End, if expressing that his army is much too small. How will the Reach fight for Edric, particularly as Viserys has returned?

-The Reach faces two imminent threats with the landing of Khal Drogo, as his Khalassar lands in the Mander and the armies of Tyrosh are in a position to threaten Ashford, Horn Hill and the marches. Can you best the Dothraki?

Davos Seaworth:
-Prestige: 2/10
-Gold: 100.000 GD.
-Legitimacy: 1/10

-Like Stannis, your underestimation of anti-Targaryen sentiment has cost you most of your fleets, but at least Viserys has reached Dragonstone safe and sound. How will you continue to serve him, and can you get Shireen back now that her mother and the Florents have abandoned you?

Cortnay Penrose:
-Prestige: 4/10
-Gold: 280.000 GD
-Legitimacy: 2/10

-Edric is crowned King, backed by most of the Storm and Reach lords and possibly more waiting in the wings as some crownlander houses join his cause. And yet, due to his youth Edric will need a Regent and a Hand. Will you push to become the regent of Edric as his mentor?

-Likewise, the new King will also need a court, a small council, and possibly, a Queen. Already many ladies in the Stormlands appear to be preparing to travel to Storm’s End to meet the King, but perhaps the leading lords have someone else in mind…

-While Viserys appears to be no immediate threat, the presence of the Tyroshi armies in the south of the region causes much harm and disruption, and ravens with pleas of help flood the castle. The King himself is enthusiastic to ride with the Stormlords to battle, although others warn caution, and the boldest ones just wish to ride for King’s Landing.

The High Sparrow:
-Prestige: 3/10
-Gold: 50.000 GD
-Legitimacy: 9/10

-Congratulations, your excellency. Your unlikely journey from the Riverlands concludes in your shock election as High Septon as the sparrows break the will of the Most Devout, and you control the Sept of Baelor. Can you restore respect for the gods?

-The situation in King’s Landing is a chaotic one, in which you could wield considerable influence. Separate gangs back the pretenders Gormon, Arlan and Gendry, and the Antler Men rule in the Red Keep as the Mad Mouse dominates the alleys of Flea Bottom. With over 2,000 sparrows on your service, will you deploy them from the Sept of Baelor?

-A most pressing issue is that of having a King that can offer due respect for the Seven. Some of your friends and counselors make the cases for separate pretenders known to believe in the Seven, from Tommen Baratheon to Edric Storm and the three pretenders of King’s Landing. Fanatically opposed to the Lord of Light, many fear Viserys’s rumored support for the fire priests. Will you move to back a rightful King, anointed by the Seven?

[Lumine]

Mid to Late 299 AL: Aftermath (I)

Fear and Loathing in King's Landing:

None of the current claimants of the Iron Throne has decided to attempt to enter King's Landing, leaving the current anarchy inside the city to progress and grow more and more complex. The first dramatic move undertaken over the past few days has been the rise of the High Sparrow, who, after gaining large popularity for securing new shipments of food to the city with House Tyrell (as the reserves were beginning to disappear) outright broke with precedent by reinstating the Faith Militant after over a 150 years since its destruction. While the move has worried most Westerosi lords (who nonetheless are powerless to stop this), dozens of knights and hundreds of sparrows have joined the Faith Militant, including experienced Ser Bonifer Hasty and his Holy Hundred.

During the next few days and as the Antler Men took full control of the trading guilds and fortified the Red Keep, it was the Mad Mouse who seized the moment, funding new gangs and burning brothel after brothel until finding Lady Meis and young Gormon "Baratheon", pretender and his Lady Regent perishing at his hands. The Mad House finds himself as the head of King's Landing criminal underworld with his puppet Arlan "Baratheon" at his hands, while the Antler Men and Gendry use the assets of the merchants and the guilds to form a new City Watch to replace the goldcloaks. It was in this context and close to the imminent struggle than Lord Varys scored a success with a daring raid into the Red Keep, rescuing Grand Maester Erreck and fleeing the city with him.

Here Lord Varys made a critical decision, riding for Rosby in the hopes of forming a Small Council in exile and gathering the armies of the Crownlands to retake the capital. Never liked by most lords, Lord Rosby feigned to accept Varys's offer of a small council city, but sworn to Tommen Baratheon as he was he had the Grand Maester put under protection, and Varys arrested as a traitor. For the first time in twenty years, the Spider is now at the full mercy of a lord.

War across the Riverlands:

In the aftermath of the undecisive battle in Oldtowns, Robb Stark recieved critical reinforcements from the North and with the Knights of the Vale under Lord Royce, finally allowed to go to battle against the Lannisters. Lord Robb angered his bannermen once again with an offer for them to marry the surviving women of House Frey, its consequences not being felt as the order to march was given.

The burning of Riverurn: Finally in command of the ancient Tully fortress, Lord Tywin wasted no time in sending the prisioners to the Westerlands, and then systematically proceded to loot the lands and castle, salt the earth, burn the forests and turn the lands surrounding Riverrun into a wasteland. It was at the same time than the Lannister forces attempted a search of the Brotherhood Without Banners, losing several dozen men to their raids while being unable to capture the outlaws, now confirmed to have Thoros of Myr, Beric Dondarrion and even Sandor Clegane on their ranks.

Battle of the Red Fork: Heavily outnumbered as the combined Stark, Arryn and Tully forces marched on him Ser Jaime Lannister skillfully retreated his army while requesting for reinforcements, giving ground in exchange for time until he was able to rejoin with Lord Tywin by the Red Fork. A few hours later the combined allied armies arived, Lord Tywin and Lord Robb taking overall command with almost equally matched armies, the Lannisters having the advantage of terrain.

The battle took place over the course of three days, as the combined armies attempted different crossings of the Red Fork to smash the Lannister armies or ourflank them. Several assaults were attempted, and all of them repulsed despite there being more Lannister casualties. A key moment in the battle was achieved by Lord Royce and the Vale cavalry, who almost managed a breakthrough during the evening of day two. After three days of carnage both armies had to separate themselves, closing another indecisive battle which, nonetheless, took a heavier toll on the side of Lord Tywin.

Dothraki Invasion of Westeros:

Closing a surprising deal with House Tyrell, Khal Drogo allowed himself some necessary rest which was vital in restoring the Khalassar to fighting strength once again. On the side of Highgarden, Lord Mace had resolved to buy time before being able to strike, using this apparent deal to gather the armies of the Reach under Ser Garlan Tyrell to prepare a careful ambush against the Dothraki as they crossed the River Mander into Highgarden.

Battle of the Mander: The ambush was close to being activated when the Dothraki scouts caught wind of the massive army of House Tyrell, allowing the Khalassar to take a defensive position as Ser Garlan attempted a swift charge on the Dothraki, aided by the use of crossbowmen, archers and the Mander fleet coming from the west. His first cavalry charge repulsed with heavy losses, Ser Garlan faced the defection of the contingents from House Rowan during the march - as these left the battlefield -, placing him at equal numbers against Khal Drogo. The ambush having failed, the struggle across the Mander degenerated into a series of local fights as the Khalassar crossed the river.

Ser Garlan fought bravely and well despite the lack of experience, killing a bloodrider in single combat before recieving a blow that left him wounded and unconscious. Left leaderless, the Tyrell army was repulsed and forced to withdraw with the Dothraki vanguard destroying many formations that were left behind, the Mander fleet losing several ships to enemy fire before withdrawing to close the river. The Khalassar rode ahead for Highgarden, Lord Tyrell instructing before the battle for food and smallfolk alike to enter the fortress as defences were improved. Khal Drogo arrived to Highgarden soon afterwards, surrounding the castle.

Battle of Crow's Nest:

Cime Remys, having proved unable to capture the fortress of Crow's Nest, fortified his position in preparation for an attack from the Stormlords. Despite several lords making large offers to buy his loyalty, General Remys rejected offers and prepared for battle. Soon he faced the combined might of the Stormlands as Cortnay Penrose and 19,000 men struck at his positions. Outnumbered, Remys nonetheless counted on a strong terrain for defence, and priorized saving his army. The battle led to several tense assaults as the Stormlords slowly gained ground, finally crushing one of Remys's advance units and moving to outflank the Tyroshi positions. Sensing defeat, Remys's skillfully turned his army and withdrew as the Stormlords attempted to secure the terrain, swiftly moving across the Dornish Marches to leave the Stormlands behind.

[Lumine]

Mid to Late 299: Aftermath (II)

The Dragon and the Stag:

With Tommen Baratheon's cause being fought far away in the Riverlands, the war for the Iron Throne saw the causes of Viserys Targaryen and Edric Storm as the main fighting forces over the past few weeks, particularly as both Houses gathered new allies and Lord Cortnay Penrose emerged the head of the new Baratheon coalition by securing the Lord Protectorship and the Regency over the Younger Stag.

The March of the Dragon: Viserys left Dragonstone early, holding a series of meetings with the Red Priestess Melisandre before sentencing her to death and feeding her to his dragons, both of which appeared to be strengthened by the sacrifice. Taking Ser Davos, Prince Oberyn and Ser Barristan Selmy (who reappeared as a Targaryen loyalist) he landed in Crackclaw Point, recieving the oaths and loyalty of the lords of the area and their armies. Now with a large army on his hands, Viserys marched on Maidenpool after issuing ravens to several loyalists in the Riverlands, with great success.

Lord Raymund Darry, entrusted with gathering a new army of the Riverlands by Lord Edmure, raised the banners of the Dragon as Houses Ryger, Mooton, Darry and Goodbrook (this one with their lands occupied by the Lannisters) swore loyalty to the Targaryens again, as they had done so during the Rebellion. And amongst the Crownlords, where pro-Targaryen sentiment is believed to be high, Lord Staunton (son of Aerys's Master of Laws) joined his name and armies to the Dragon cause as well.

Battles of Shipbreaker's Bay: The Targaryen lords plotted for a large battle to ensure the destruction of the navies sworn to Edric Storm, a plan which combined the large fleets still left in Dragonstone with the mighty fleet of Victarion Greyjoy, fresh off his triumph against the Dothraki. After the long journey from the west was completed the Targaryen admirals (Aurane Waters, Monford Velaryon and Victarion Greyjoy) fought against Ser Imry Florent in a series of minor encounters, slowly pushing the Baratheon fleet until confronting it close to Storm's end. The battle raged for hours as the force of numbers and the taste for revenge from the Ironborn (as many Baratheon crews and ships had invaded the Iron Islands ten years ago) took their toll, ser Imry incapable of countering the skills of the enemy admirals.

A brief glimmer of hope was seen in the unexpected arrival of Racallio Sireis and the Tyroshi fleet, ordered to blockade Storm's End. Nonetheless, Sireis stood by as the Baratheon navy was crushed, taking the chance to capture many of the escaping vessels and running before having to confront the combined Targaryen navies. As the battle raged, armies sent from Dragonstone under Ser Rolland Storm attempted a daring capture of Storm's End through a lightning strike, which was close to being successful before Lord Randyll Tarly deployed the forces of the Reach and destroyed the invading force, Ser Loras Tyrell killing Ser Rolland in single combat.

Perhaps the oddest event of the battle was the absence of King Edric Strom, as he had been spirited away by Ser Balon Swann to keep him safe. An ill-advised decision to go into Bronzegate (and therefore into House Buckler, sworn to Tommen Baratheon) almost costed the life of the King as several of his knights fell, but Edric was safely returned into the fortress as Ser Loras and Lord Tarly swore oaths of fealty under Lord Tyrell's instructions.

Civil War in the Iron Islands and the Reach:

Seizing power effectively under the lack of leadership after Balon Greyjoy's death Asha Greyjoy enjoyed some successful first weeks in command, despite the constant criticism of her uncle Aeron. Her support for Viserys Targaryen raised more than a few eyebrows, though, and what ended up shocking the Iron Islands to the core was her decision to crown herself Iron Queen unilaterally, disregarding the claims of Theon (while prisioner) and Victarion. While Asha's captains, led by Baelor Blacktyde support her claim firmly (along with House Harlaw), Aeron Greyjoy and the Drowned Men have gone into revolt, with Victarion Greyjoy finding soon after the Battles of Shipbreaker Bay of the actions of her niece. Strongly opposed to the idea of a woman leading the Iron Islands, Victarion now sails home, determined to confront Asha.

The Reach, similarly, finally saw its unity broken. The decision to support the cause of Edric Storm was badly recieved amongst the several Tyrell bannermen who still held loyalty to the Targaryens, a matter that turned into rebellion by the confusion over the Tyrell's initial welcome to the Dothraki and several offers and contacts made over time by the Targaryen cause. While House Redwyne rejected overtures to change sides, Houses Rowan and Hightower were the first of the Reach to declare for Viserys, leaving the firsts out of the Battle of the Mander and in Oldtown ending with the expulsion of Willas Tyrell from the Hightower lands. The result leaves the Reach divided, and ripe for civil war.

The Iron Bank makes a decision:

After successful contacts and overtures by Tywin Lannister following the deaths of the main Baratheon claimants, and as the first payment of the Crown's debt to the Iron Bank was delivered by the Lannisters, the directors of the Iron Bank of Braavos recognized Tommen Baratheon as the rightful son and heir of Robert Baratheon, and thus the King of Westeros recognized by them and most of Braavos. As House Lannister is shouldering the debt, the Iron Bank has authorized banker Tycho Nestoris to gather an army of sellswords under Braavosi employ, to support the cause of Tommen against the other pretenders to the throne.

[Lumine]

Weddings, births and deaths:

Deaths: Lady Melisandre, Ser Rolland Storm, Gormon Baratheon, Meis, Ser Imry Florent.
Weddings: None.
Births: None.

Military and Political Situation:

Tywin Lannister:
-Garrison of the Golden Tooth: 1,000 strong.
-Garrison of Casterly Rock: 2,000 strong.
-City Watch of Lannisport: 4,000 strong.
-Army of Tywin Lannister: 23,000 strong, in the Red Fork.
-Raiding Parties: 1,000 strong, across the Southern Riverlands.
-Army of Casterly Rock: 1,000 strong.
-Lannister Fleet: 60 ships, in Lannisport.
(Can recruit 9,000 men from the Westerlands, on a slow basis)

House Tyrell:
-Army of Garlan Tyrell: 16,300 strong, south of the Mander.
-Army of Randyll Tarly: 5,100 strong, in Storm's End.
-Garrison of Highgarden: 4,000 strong.
-Fleet of the Mander: 31 ships, in the exit side of the Mander.
-Redwyne Fleet: 200 ships, in the Arbor.
-Shield Islands Fleet: 30 ships, at the Shield Islands.
(Can recruit 20,000 men from the Reach)

House Stark:
-Army of Robb Stark: 11,500 strong, in the Red Fork.
-Reserve Army: 1,000 strong, in Moat Cailin.
-Long Lances: 700 strong, in the Red Fork.
-Company of the Crescent Moon: 1,300 strong, in the Red Fork.
-Garrison of The Twins: 2,000 strong.
-Garrison of Winterfell: 1,000 strong.
-Garrison of Moat Cailin: 500 strong.
 (Can recruit 24,000 men from the North)

Edmure Tully:
-Army of Tytos Blackwood: 6,500 strong, in the Red Fork.
-Garrison of The Twins: 1,500 strong.
(Can recruit 10,000 men from the Riverlands)

House Greyjoy:
-Garrison of Pyke: 1,000 strong.
-Army of the Iron Islands; 8,000 strong, in Pyke.
-Fleet of the Iron Islands: 100 reaving ships, in Pyke.
-Fleet of Victarion Greyjoy: 91 Iron Fleet, 162 reaving ships, 9,000 men, close to Dorne.
(Can recruit 7,000 men from the Iron Islands)
(Can call up to 200 reaving ships)

Petyr Baelish:
-Army of Yohn Royce: 7,200 strong, in the Red Fork.
-Garrison of the Eyrie: 500 strong.
-Garrison of the Bloody Gate: 1,000 strong.
-Gulltown Fleet: 30 ships, in Gulltown.
(Can recruit 32,000 men from the Vale of Arryn, 7,000 immediately)

Doran Martell:
-Army of Oberyn Martell: 1,500 strong, in Maidenpool.
-Army of Quentyn Martell: 500 strong, in Shipbreaker Bay.
-Army of Sunspear: 8,000 strong.
-Garrison of Sunspear: 2,500 strong.
(Can recruit 23,000 men from Dorne, 3,000 immediately)

Viserys Targaryen:
-Dragons: 2 young Dragons, in Maidenpool.
-Targaryen Army: 17,000 strong, in Maidenpool.
-Lys-Volantis Fleet: 58 ships, in Shipbreaker Bay.

Khal Drogo:
-Drogo Khalassar: 18,200 riders, outside Highgarden.
-Tyroshi Army (Cime Remys): 13,500 strong, close to Ashford.
-Tyroshi Fleet (Racallio Sireis): 70 war galleys, near Estermont.

The Stormlords:
-Army of the Stormlords: 18,200 strong, in Crow's Nest.
-Garrison of Harrenhal: 1,000 strong.
-Garrison of Storm’s End: 3,800 strong.
-Royal Fleet: 42 ships, in Griffin's Roost.
(Can recruit 2,000 men from the Stormlands on a slow basis)

Dragonstone:
-Army of Davos Seaworth: 1,500 strong, in Maidenpool.
-Army of the Stormlands: 600 strong, in Shipbreaker Bay.
-Garrison of Dragonstone: 1,000 strong.
-Royal Fleet of Dragonstone: 51 ships, in Dragonstone.
-Salladhor Saan’s Sellsails: 29 ships, in Dragonstone.

[Lumine]

Late 299 AL: Turn Seven:

Cast:

In King's Landing:

The High Sparrow, High Septon of Westeros (Windjammer)

Regents and Kings:

Viserys III Targaryen, Pretender to the Iron Throne (Garlan Gunter)
Tywin Lannister, Lord Regent and Lord of Casterly Rock (Spamage)
Cortnay Penrose, Lord Regent and Castellan of Storm's End (Swedge)
Drogo, Khal of the Drogo Khalassar (Dkrol)
Asha Greyjoy, Queen Claimant of the Iron Islands (Dr_Novella)

Across Westeros:

Robb Stark, Acting Lord of Winterfell (Enduro)
Mace Tyrell, Lord of Highgarden and Warden of the South (Blair)
Petyr Baelish, Warden of the West and Lord Regent Consort of the Vale (X)
Edmure Tully, Lord of Riverrun (Elmo)
Doran Martell, Prince of Dorne (Leonardo)
Davos Seaworth, Castellan of Dragonstone (GoTfan)

General View:

Betrayals take place as lords change sides, and the stalemate grows harsher as a storm of swords covers the entire realm...

Finally landing in Westeros and rallying several old loyalist to his cause Viserys Targaryen is in the rise, taking advantage of the harsh war the Reach and the Stormlords fight against Khal Drogo and his Tyroshi allies. Robb Stark and Tywin Lannister are locked in a series of battles of attrition across the Riverlands, the powerbase of the Starks weakening over mistakes with their bannermen. In the Iron Islands civil war has broken out, and ravens from the North bear grave news...

Player Crisis:

Robb Stark:
-Prestige: 2/10.
-Gold: 225.000 GD.
-Legitimacy: 5/10 .

-Lord Stark:

-The apology you made to your bannermen was on its way to repairing things, were it not for the insulting suggestion that they marry members of House Frey. Discontent runs rampant as two battles prove undecisive and the sense of the war is weakened. Signs of discontent in the army are showing, even with the reinforcements from the Vale.

-One of the growing sources of dissent is the future of House Stark on this war as Ned remains a prisioner of the Lannisters. Your bannermen, distressed at the return of the Targaryens and the rise of many Riverlords, grow desperate for a cause, whether independence, support for Edric Storm, or a different road if there is one to be found. Will you stall in hope of a better situation?

-Ravens with distressing news have found their way into Winterfell, and then to your army in the Riverlands. Maester Aemon of Castle Black writes of disaster befalling the Night's Watch, of the the death of Lord Commander Mormont, and the desperate need for men and support. Will you act on this request despite the needs of the war?

Tywin Lannister:
-Prestige: 9/10
-Gold: 5.700.000 GD.
-Legitimacy: 10/10

-Lord Tywin:

-While hefty, your payment to the Iron Bank (part of it covered by the sack of Riverrun) has brought important developments as the bank is now a supporter of Tommen's claim. Tycho Nestoris and over 12,000 sellswords are to be sent to Westeros to support your claim, if you can provide them with a commander and orders to act on the war.

-The last two battles have weakened the armies in the Riverlands, another flank opening with the arrival of Viserys Targaryen in Maidenpool and the support of the Vale for the enemy. While Jaime and some of your war council propose an offensive despite the odds, Kevan and other lords advise you to return to the Westerlands. How will you continue to pursue the war against the Starks?

-The situation in the capital appears to consolidate now that only two claimants battle for the Throne inside King's Landing, leading some to wonder whether time for direct action has arrived. Will you leave the matters of the capital for another time, or take action at last?

-Lord Varys and Grand Maester Erreck are now "guests" of Lord Rosby, who asks for instructions. What is to be done with them?

Viserys Targaryen:
-Prestige: 5/10
-Gold: 100,000 GD
-Legitimacy: 5/10

-Congratulations, your Grace. The loyalist Riverlords rise to your cause, as many Houses in the Reach and Crownlands as well. But with so many enemies close, where will you strike next with your growing host?

-Due to the sacrifice of Melisandre your dragons continue to grow in size and powers. If still too small for battle, they've begun to fly...

-With the Royal Fleet of House Baratheon smashed you have gained the upper hand in the seas, how will you make use of this advantage?

Doran Martell:
-Prestige: 6/10
-Gold: 600.000 GD (with a 200,000 loan to the Iron Bank)
-Legitimacy: 10/10

-Prince Doran, good day.

-Despite Lord Varys's capture, his efforts prove effective as Quentyn and a band of Dornishmen take part in the Battles of Shipbreaker Bay, and win glory and prestige. Quentyn was wounded, yet is expected to make a full recovery within a few weeks.

-The Iron Bank's decision to support Tommen Baratheon already brings issues of its own, as due to your support for a different claim a representative for the Iron Bank is requesting that payment for the loan is to be starter sooner than expected. Will you begin to pay the Iron Bank?

-The Stormlords emerge victorious against the Tyroshi, proving once again to be formidable foe. With Viserys firmly in Westeros and the threat of the Baratheon loyalists, will the armies of Dorne  march North once again?

Asha Greyjoy:
-Prestige: 6/10
-Gold: 150.000 GD
-Legitimacy: 2/10

-Your decision to crown yourself with little explanation has resulted in chaos as many refuse to recognize your claim while your brother and your uncle both live, if both are away. Aeron takes the Drowned Men away from the ports and revolts openly, while Victarion and the Iron Fleet march all the way back into Pyke to challenge your claim. Can you cement your power despite these formidable challenges?

Edmure Tully:
-Prestige: 2/10
-Gold: 200.000 GD
-Legitimacy: 7/10

-Lord Tully:

-You stand now in the Arbor, a guest of Lord Redwyne. While he refuses you his fleet at first, he does take your counsel as his son-in-law. Lord Redwyne has refused the initial overtures of House Targaryen on fear of House Tully losing the Riverlands, leading him towards a conflict on what path to choose as the power of Highgarden declines. Can you sway him into a determined course of action and sail with the fleet you've worked so hard to influence?

-Your authority declines further in the Riverlands, as the Darrys bring your reserves into the Targaryen camp alongside those vassals who defined your father by siding with Aerys many years ago. With Robb Stark still unable to break the Lannisters and the Stormlords still holding Harrenhal, how can you restore your complicated position?

[Lumine]

Petyr Baelish:
-Prestige: 6/10
-Gold: 330.000 GD
-Legitimacy: 2/10 (Knights of the Vale approve of Royce's campaign)

-The capture of Varys robs you of a long time rival, and at the same time improves your position. Can you continue to seize the moment?

-Moderatedly successful on the war, Lord Royce writes to the Eyrie asking for more men. With House Targaryen now campaigning in the Riverlands, the Knights of the Vale desire to ride out in the battle, many clinging to the legacy of Jon Arryn.

-Slowly (and costly) your spies and men reappear on the streets of King's Landing, although your brother has disappeared at the brutal hands of the Sparrows. Still not near the level of vigilance you could wield before, it shouldn't be long until you recover that power.

Khal Drogo:
-Prestige: 8/10 (victory in the Mander)
-Gold: 350.000 GD (extra plunder)
-Legitimacy: Doesn’t Apply

-The Tyrells ambushed you at the Mander, yet their cavalry was rejected by the might of the Khalassar. Still, Highgarden has closed its gates and could resist for a long time, and the Tyroshi army finds itself expulsed of the Stormlands. Only your fleet grows stronger, yet still hopelessly outmatched by the immense Targaryen fleets. How can you make the Tyrells pay for their betrayal?

Mace Tyrell:
-Prestige: 2/10
-Gold: 2.500.000 GD.
-Legitimacy: 6/10

-What could have been a crushing victory was turned into defeat, and now your gambit proves to be unwise as the Dothraki siege you at Highgarden. You can resist for months if needed be, but how will you break the siege?

-The Reach rises in civil war as the Targaryen loyalists rebel against your support for Edric Storm, Hightowers and Rowans declaring for Viserys as several other houses ponder on their future. Willas leaves Oldtown unharmed, but without an army. How can you prevent being overrun by defections?

Davos Seaworth:
-Prestige: 3/10
-Gold: 100.000 GD.
-Legitimacy: 3/10

-Ser Rolland meets a gruesome end in Storm's End, your men proving their skill despite being overrun by greater numbers and the violence of Randyll Tarly. While such a defeat was unfortunate, your services to the rising claimant help your prestige, being seen as one of the main lords in Viserys's circle. Can you rise even higher?

Cortnay Penrose:
-Prestige: 5/10
-Gold: 250.000 GD
-Legitimacy: 5/10

-Your are now Edric's Regent and Lord Protection, a promise of incredible influence if you can sit the boy King in the Iron Throne. And yet, mistakes such as the failed expedition to Bronzegate could end the cause in a moment... be careful, my lord.

-The Stormlords under your command finally expel the Tyroshi, who now retreat in the direction of the Reach. Will you pursue them, or return to Storm's End should the Targaryens attempt another strike at the castle?

-The confusion in King's Landing appears to clear somewhat as one of the supposed Baratheon bastards is killed, leaving two to battle for the Red Keep. Will you take action on the events on the capital?

The High Sparrow:
-Prestige: 5/10
-Gold: 50.000 GD
-Legitimacy: 9/10

-The dramatic decision to restore the Faith Militant works wonders for your power, as knights and commoners alike rise to enter the ranks of a growing army. On the other hand, it is still unknown how the claimants to the throne will react to what can surely become a threat to their power. Can you cement your rise in King's Landing?

[Lumine]

Late 299 AL: Aftermath (I)

War across the Riverlands:

Despite another indecisive battle in the Red Fork, Robb Stark was determined to cross the River to defeat the Lannisters. Finally choosing a side in the larger war by declaring for Edric Baratheon as King (a move which helped to restore order among his forces), he prepared to strike at the Lannisters before they reacted. On this he wasn't joined by the Riverlords, for an embittered Lord Blackwood had recieved a command to fall back to The Twins. Despite his anger at the command, he withdrew, leaving Lord Stark and Lord Royce to plan the assault.

Second Battle of the Red Fork: The Lannister forces had prepared to leave the zone to march East as the Starks and the Arryns prepared their respective armies, Robb Stark crossing the Red Fork with the vanguard of his armies and smashing the rear of the enemy. Tywin gave no signs of panic or retreat, standing his ground as more men from both armies joined the struggle. The battle raged for hours as both sides attempted to break through, until the Kingslayer tired of the carnage.

Riding alongisde Ser Addam Marbrand, Ser Gregor Clegane and the Lannister cavalry, Ser Jaime smashed through the flanks of the Stark army and reached Robb's position. Much weakened by the Red Wedding, the remnants of his personal guard fought valiantly as Jaime managed to engage Robb in single combat. It was a tense, personal duel, Robb gaining the upper hand at first due to his energy. In the end, though, he simply wasn't a match for his skilled opponent. By the time the Lannister cavalry retreated back to its lines, Robb Stark was dead. Lord Royce managed to protect the retreat of thousands of men, although a few other thousands drowned in the bloodied river.

The return of Arya Stark: After the death of Robb Stark Lord Roose Bolton seized control of the Northern host, taking the men back to The Twins with Lord Royce covering the rear. As Robb's funeral was held in the impressive fortress, a conflict developed outside the gates as a girl and a direwolf attempted to enter the fortress in despair. It took the appearance of the Blackfish for the returned Arya Stark (and the direwolf Nymeria) to be allowed into the castle. In utter shock at learning of Robb Stark, Arya offered a few words to his great-uncle, explaning she'd left King's Landing months ago after being a "guest" of Lord Varys, who had found her after the attack on Ned Stark.

The Brotherhood in Harrenhal: Messengers of different houses searched across the Riverlands seeking to find the Brotherhood without Banners, two different groups finding Lord Beric and his outlaws. One of them was a Dornish group, who secured the release of young Lord Edric Dayne from service to Lord Beric to return to his lands. The other was from the Stormlords themselves, offering Lord Beric to operate from Harrenhal and returned to his old life. If at least due to a sense of preservation (as Lord Beric is a deeply changed man), the Brotherhood without Banners entered Harrenhal, joining forces with the garrison.

Lannister withdrawal: Regrouping after the triumph at the Red Fork, Lord Tywin and his forces soon joined with a mercenary army sent to Westeros courtesy of the Iron Bank, carrying experienced banker Tycho Nestoris with them. While this has significantly weakened the Lannister hold over the Riverlands, it has allowed Lord Tywin to significantly bolster his armies and remove a key foe.

Dothraki Invasion of Westeros:

Finding himself without the means to take a fortress as grand as Highgarden, Khal Drogo changed strategy. He marched across the northeast, burning and pillaging his way through with little opposition as the lords on his way entrenched himself on the castles. Having ordered the Tyroshi armies to meet him, General Cime Remys barely avoided the blade of a Stormlander assassin, being chased by the Stormlords across the western Stormlands before disappearing into the Dornish Marches and towards the west. Khal Drogo faced luck at Cider Hall, where the local forces attempted to battle him after seeing their lands burn. Soon Khal Drogo entered the castle of Cider Hall, using it as his new base of operations and waiting for a few days until Remys and the Tyroshi Army joined forced with him.

Ironborn Civil War:

As Asha Greyjoy did her best to keep her captains on line and avoid much strife from the revolt of the Drowned Men, Victarion Greyjoy marched with resolve towards the Iron Islands to claim his crown. Refusing an offer that would have him attack the Arbor, Victarion nonetheless attacked and captured several ships leaving the islands. In one of them Edmure Tully (sailing to an unknown destination) met his death after trying to resist the Ironborn boarding party, Lady Desmera captured to become Victarion's prisoner. The Ironfleet sailed onwards with the winds behind them, and soon reached the outskirts of Pyke.

It was there than Asha played her own gambit. Reasoning with Victarion over the disaster that would meant losing both fleet for the Ironborn, she challenged him to single combat over the Driftwood Throne. Victarion, over confident on his skill opposed to his niece, accepted. Fighting each other with longaxes in a vicious contest as the captains of both fleets stared in silence, Victarion was surpised by Asha due to several daggers she'd hidden for the fight. Three daggers he evaded, and the fourth went through his throat. Met with further silence, the captains of the Ironfleet made no attempt to attack Asha, accepting her victory.

[Lumine]

Late 299: Aftermath (II)

The Dragon marches on King's Landing:

Inside the Targaryen cause many lords were offended by the King's decision to make Ser Davos his Hand of the King, many coveting the position for themselves. Viserys, in the other hand, made a fateful decision to attempt to tame one of his dragons. The attempt backfired, the fire magic Viserys had learned in Qohor barely saving him from some serious burns from Aeryxes. Despite said failure, Viserys resolved himself to march on the capital at once, assigning the vanguard to rescure the captured Lord Varys in Rosby.

The Fall of Rosby: In Rosby, Lord Gyles held further correspondence with Tywin Lannister, with interesting consequences. Faced with threats Grand Maester Erreck took the prudent road and decided to openly proclaim Tommen Baratheon as his King, earning him a trip to Casterly Rock under guard. Lord Varys wasn't so lucky, for he had been sentenced to death. The day of the execution was when the vanguard of Lord Staunton, Lady Obara Sand and the Bright Banners arrived to take Rosby by assault. The battle, while tough, resulted in the fall of the castle and the death of Lord Rosby, but not before Lord Varys had been beheaded. It was the end of the man who had gathered the secrets of Westeros for two decades, many lost with him.

Return of the Pretender: After a march across the Crownlands and a stop in Rosby, House Rykker became the next one to bend the knee to Viserys, as it had been one of the loyalist houses back in the rebellion. Soon afterwards Viserys and his host entered the city by land, as a Dornish army was landed with the Targaryen fleets (except House Hightower, who kept their fleet at Oldtown in fear of an attack). The reaction was one of hostility, as not only the forces of Ser Shadrich and the City Watch of the Antler Men did their best to halt the advance of the Targaryens street by street, the smallfolk itself recieved Viserys with distrust and fear.

Eventually the Dornishmen and the Targaryen host captured large areas of the city, confining Ser Shadrich to Flea Bottom and the Antler Men to Maegor's Holdfast and the Red Keep, where they set up their defences and the remnants of their city watch to defend Gendry. The only area that avoided conflict was that under the High Sparrow, the ranks of his forces growing more and more while not getting into a fight with the Targaryens. With several spies from houses such as the Lannisters found and killed, Viserys Targaryen has finally returned to the city, although the Red Keep remains closed for him.

The Rebellion of Randyll Tarly:

Randyll Tarly was an ambitious man. Ambitious, and increasingly resentful with House Tyrell. His sense of loyalty enabled him to reject the first offers to betray his liege lord, until the inability of the Tyrells to control the Dothraki invasion, the rise of several Reach houses, and the reception of an offer he could not refuse finally pushed him to the point. Finding an assault on Storm's End futile due to the defences and the small size of his host, Lord Tarly had Ser Loras and the officer still loyal to Mace Tyrell arrested and marched towards his seat of Horn Hill, where the armies of the Reach were consolidating their forces after the debacle at the Mander.

Sending messengers to the most disaffected lords and officers Tarly rouse the discontent of the Tyrell army while he marched, soon reaching Horn Hill in the night. As the conspirators and their own groups of soldiers abandoned the main camp at night, the garrison and Dickon Tarly arrested several of the Tyrell loyalists as Tarly himself charged at the main camp, killing Garlan Tyrell in single combat after he attempted to resist. The next morning, Tarly gathered his now increased host and he lords who had followed him in rebellion, and declared his newfound allegiance for Tommen Baratheon, rightful son and heir of Robert Baratheon.

The news sent shockwaves across the Reach, spurring some houses to declare for Viserys and a few others for Tommen. A larger group refused to abandon Mace Tyrell, rallying their own levies to the cause. With Willas Tyrell successfully keeping the Florents and their armies in line, he scored a crucial achievement to keep his house alive with a trip to the Arbor, as Lord Paxter Redwyne had finally decided on his own loyalty. Lord Redwyne finally declared for Edric Baratheon, putting the large Redwyne Fleet at the service of the cause.

[Lumine]

Weddings, births and deaths:

Deaths: Robb Stark, Edmure Tully, Lord Varys, Victarion Greyjoy, Garlan Tyrell, Lord Gyles Rosby.
Weddings: None.
Births: None.

Military and Political Situation:

Tywin Lannister:
-Garrison of the Golden Tooth: 1,000 strong.
-Garrison of Casterly Rock: 2,000 strong.
-City Watch of Lannisport: 4,000 strong.
-Army of Tywin Lannister: 32,000 strong, near Harrenhal.
-Army of Randyll Tarly: 9,000 strong, in Horn Hill.
-Raiding Parties: 800 strong, across the Southern Riverlands.
-Army of Casterly Rock: 1,000 strong.
-Lannister Fleet: 60 ships, in Lannisport.
(Can recruit 9,000 men from the Westerlands, on a slow basis)

House Tyrell:
-Army of the South: 7,500 strong, in Brightwater Keep.
-Vassal Armies: 12,000 strong, in Old Oak.
-Garrison of Highgarden: 4,000 strong.
-Fleet of the Mander: 31 ships, in the exit side of the Mander.
-Redwyne Fleet: 200 ships, in the Arbor.
-Shield Islands Fleet: 30 ships, at the Shield Islands.
(Can recruit 10,000 men from the Reach)

House Stark:
-Army of Roose Bolton (!): 6,800 strong, in The Twins.
-Army of Tytos Blackwood: 6,500 strong, in The Twins.
-Mercenaries: 1,200 strong, in The Twins.
-Reserve Army: 8,000 strong, in Moat Cailin.
-Army in the Wall: 1,000 strong, in Castle Black.
-Garrison of The Twins: 2,000 strong. (+1500 Riverlanders)
-Garrison of Winterfell: 1,000 strong.
-Garrison of Moat Cailin: 500 strong.
(Can recruit 15,000 men from the North, 5000 from the Riverlands)

Roose Bolton:
-Army of Roose Bolton (!): 6,800 strong, in The Twins.
-Garrison of the Dreadfort: 2,000 strong.
(Can recruit 4,000 men)

Asha Greyjoy:
-Garrison of Pyke: 1,000 strong.
-Army of the Iron Islands; 17,000 strong, in Pyke.
-Fleet of the Iron Islands: 162 reaving ships, in Pyke.
-Ironfleet: 91 ships, 3,000 men.
(Can recruit 7,000 men from the Iron Islands)
(Can call up to 200 reaving ships)

Petyr Baelish:
-Army of Yohn Royce: 7,800 strong, in The Twins.
-Garrison of the Eyrie: 500 strong.
-Garrison of the Bloody Gate: 1,000 strong.
-Gulltown Fleet: 30 ships, in Gulltown.
(Can recruit 32,000 men from the Vale of Arryn, 4,000 immediately)

Doran Martell:
-Army of Oberyn Martell: 9,000 strong, in King's Landing.
-Army of Lord Uller: 4,000 strong.
-Garrison of Sunspear: 2,500 strong.
(Can recruit 23,000 men from Dorne)

Viserys Targaryen:
-Dragons: 2 young Dragons, in King's Landing.
-Army of the Riverlands: 3,000 strong, in Maidenpool.
-Targaryen Army: 13,500 strong, in King's Landing.
-Army of House Rowan: 4,000 strong, in Goldengrove.
-Army of House Hightower: 10,000 strong, in Oldtown.
-Lys-Volantis Fleet: 58 ships, in King's Landing.
-Hightower Fleet: 30 ships, in Oldtown.

Khal Drogo:
-Drogo Khalassar: 18,000 riders, in Cider Hall.
-Tyroshi Army (Cime Remys): 13,500 strong, in Cider Hall.

The Stormlords:
-Army of the Stormlords: 14,000 strong, in Summerhall.
-Army of the Stormlands: 4,200 strong, sieging Bronzegate.
-Garrison of Harrenhal: 1,000 strong.
-Garrison of Storm’s End: 5,800 strong.
-Royal Fleet: 42 ships, in Storm's End.
(Cannot recruit more men for now)

Dragonstone:
-Army of Davos Seaworth: 1500 strong, in King's Landing.
-Garrison of Dragonstone: 1,600 strong.
-Royal Fleet of Dragonstone: 51 ships, in King's Landing.
-Salladhor Saan’s Sellsails: 29 ships, in King's Landing.

High Sparrow:
-Armies of the Faith: 4,000 strong, in the Sept of Baelor.
(Recruitment is done via volunteers)

[Lumine]

End of 299 AL: Turn Eight:

Cast:

In King's Landing:

The High Sparrow, High Septon of Westeros (Windjammer)
Viserys III Targaryen, Pretender to the Iron Throne (Garlan Gunter)
Davos Seaworth, Castellan of Dragonstone (GoTfan)

Regents and Kings:

Tywin Lannister, Lord Regent and Lord of Casterly Rock (Spamage)
Cortnay Penrose, Lord Regent and Castellan of Storm's End (Swedge)
Drogo, Khal of the Drogo Khalassar (Dkrol)
Asha Greyjoy, Queen Claimant of the Iron Islands (Badgate)

Across Westeros:

Castelyn Stark, Acting Lady of Winterfell and Riverrun (Enduro)
Mace Tyrell, Lord of Highgarden and Warden of the South (Blair)
Petyr Baelish, Warden of the West and Lord Regent Consort of the Vale (X)
Roose Bolton, Lord of the Dreadfort (Elmo)
Doran Martell, Prince of Dorne (Leonardo)

General View:

Viserys Targaryen enters King's Ladning to end his long exile, but can he hold onto such an unruly city?

Robb Stark finds death in the Riverlands after a long and hard military campaign, leaving the lords of the Vale, North and Riverlands in a complicated situation. The situation of House Tyrell grows worse still as Randyll Tarly is tempted into changing sides, all while the Dothraki remain on the run. And in the Stormlands, Lord Protector Cortnay Penrose continues to gather swords for young Edric, just as the Targaryens combine their own forces.

And, from Castle Black, Maester Aemon from the Night's Watch now asks all of the lords in the realm for urgent support. The wildlings march south.

Player Crisis:

Catelyn Stark:
-Prestige: 3/10.
-Gold: 200.000 GD.
-Legitimacy: 4/10 .

-Lady Stark,

-You find yourself again in control of House Stark, and House Tully as well. The deaths of your brother and son prove how dire the situation is. Can you steer the course and save both Houses again?

-The decision made by Robb to back Edric Storm has proven popular with your vassals and across the North, finally giving the Starks a firm cause other than saving Ned from the Lannisters. Still, the defeats suffered by your House contribute to a growing lack of prestige and support. Be careful.

-Despite the death of Robb new armies are gathered, and House Stark is far from over on its participation on the war. But your armies will need a new commander, and many believe the best choices would be one of Robb's two key generals: Galbart Glover and Roose Bolton. It should also be noted that the Blackfish writes from The Twins, announcing Arya has finally be found.

Tywin Lannister:
-Prestige: 9/10
-Gold: 5.600.000 GD.
-Legitimacy: 10/10

-Lord Tywin:

-As the Starks retreat, you finally manage to join forces with Tycho Nestoris and over 12,000 Braavosi sellswords, bolstering your ranks. Still, a spy posing as a Braavosi banker was only barely found, something which would have endangered your position. Where shall this large army march next?

-Lord Tarly has accepted your kind offer, bringing a well-trained army with himself and Ser Loras Tyrell as a crucial captive. How should Lord Tarly proceed in the Reach?

-Grand Maester Erreck arrives in Casterly Rock, joining Tyrion's council as a new supporter of young Tommen. Tyrion reports that Myrcella and Tommen make significant progress on their lessons, although they remain shaken over the continued imprisionment of Cersei. Can you find a way to bring her back?

Viserys Targaryen:
-Prestige: 6/10
-Gold: 100,000 GD
-Legitimacy: 6/10

-Your Grace,

-You enter King's Landing at last, capturing most of the city with the combined Targaryen armies. And yet, not only there are alternate centers of power in Ser Shadrich's bands, the Antler Men in the Red Keep and the High Sparrow and the Faith Militant, not to mention that the crowds in the city appear to despise you and particularly your Hand. Can you keep the city under control?

-Lord Hightower and Rowan call their banners to join the cause, although Lord Hightower refuses you his fleet as he believes defending Oldtown to be crucial. With the Reach having turned into a four-way way between the Dothraki and the supporters of Tommen, Edric and your cause, how will you handle the affairs there?

-Despite the loss of Lord Varys, the ranks of your forces grow as the Dornishmen join your host, making for a fearsome army. Will you ride out to confront Tywin and Penrose, or stay in the city? Finally, the question is also to surge, what shall be the composition of your small council now that you have entered King's Landing?

Doran Martell:
-Prestige: 6/10
-Gold: 580.000 GD (with a 200,000 loan to the Iron Bank)
-Legitimacy: 10/10

-Prince Doran, good day.

-Quentyn and Oberyn now stand in King's Landing with the main army of House Martell. What task is the army to perform in the city, and will you press for larger roles for both of your kin now that Viserys appears triumphant.

-Your attempts to find Lord Edric Dayne have proved successful, the boy currently riding back to Dorne as fast as possible. What is to be done with the young lord?

-The Iron Bank has accepted the start of small payments as suitable, although the merchants of Braavos itself refuse to sign contracts for a fleet with Dorne (due to the city itself taking a strong stance against Viserys's claim on the throne).

Asha Greyjoy:
-Prestige: 6/10
-Gold: 180.000 GD
-Legitimacy: 3/10

-Victarion is now dead, and your gamble places the Ironfleet and the might of the Iron Islands into your command. Still, your coronation will still remain a matter for tension. Be careful, your grace.

-With your brother still a captive of the Starks, your remaining kin currently raising trouble if your uncle Aeron, who continues to gather Drowned Men across the islands to continue his rebellion against your reign. How will you handle Aeron?

-As the war in Westeros rages so the importance of the Ironborn fleets grows. Are the fleets currently in Pyke to sail to war once again?

Roose Bolton:
-Prestige: 7/10
-Gold: 100.000 GD
-Legitimacy: 10/10

-Lord Bolton,

-You stand at The Twins now, having had a key role in saving the army after the death of young Lord Robb. Your successful performance in the war has raised your standing amongst the Northern lords, allowing you to wield greater influence as the Starks make mistakes of their own. How do you plan to act as the war moves forward?

[Lumine]

Petyr Baelish:
-Prestige: 6/10
-Gold: 300.000 GD
-Legitimacy: 4/10 (The Vale warmly supports Edric's cause)

-The Vale appears to grow united on the new cause, finding Edric Storm's cause the best to fight for compared to the other claimants and despite his bastardy. That gives you more room to act across the Vale as your influence grows.

-Lord Royce survived the latest disaster and rejoined with the reinforcements in The Twins. Still, many knights and notable lords from the Vale write to the Eyrie to join the campaign and avenge Robb Stark. How will you act?

Khal Drogo:
-Prestige: 8/10
-Gold: 450.000 GD (more plunder)
-Legitimacy: Doesn’t Apply

-The last weeks have allowed you to finally seize a base of operations in Cider Hall and unite your forces, resting them enough for your Khalassar to be a fearsome force once again. With Lord Tyrell still locked in Highgarden as his vassals revolt, will you seek a new target? Perhaps even confront your quarrelsome brother in law?

Mace Tyrell:
-Prestige: 1/10
-Gold: 2.400.000 GD.
-Legitimacy: 5/10

-On one side, many minor houses answer your call and form a new army as the Florents and Redwynes stand firm with Highgarden. On the other, the disastrous revolt of Lord Tarly has robbed you of one son, and forced the imprisionment of other. Can you gather your forces once again and punish your rebel bannermen?

-With an attack from Khal Drogo never taking place, Highgarden has had ample time to fortify itself and form truly impressive defences, although supplies may not last beyond the next six months.

-Now that Willas has brought Lord Redwyne into the Edric Storm camp once again, you have a powerful fleet to use. Will the Redwyne fleet sail at last?

Davos Seaworth:
-Prestige: 4/10
-Gold: 100.000 GD.
-Legitimacy: 3/10

-Congratulations, Lord Davos. You stand now as the Hand of the King to Viserys, a sudden development that fills other lords with envy but raises your status overnight. The only apparent trouble is your unpopularity across King's Landing, many linking you to the hated Lord Protector Stannis.

Cortnay Penrose:
-Prestige: 6/10
-Gold: 250.000 GD
-Legitimacy: 5/10

-New houses join your cause, and despite the death of Robb Stark the backing of the Starks and the Vale raises the chances of Edric and makes support from the Stormlords more solid. Can you get even more houses to join?

-Bronzegate has refused to surrender, beginning a costly siege that has your smaller army busy. The Tyroshi escape the Stormlands into the Reach, making the Stormlords question the next destination of the army.

-The Brotherhood Without Banners now operates from Harrenhal, although for some reason Lord Beric does not respond to any call to return home. Your other new friends are now gathering forces, and you will hear from them once they're ready.

The High Sparrow:
-Prestige: 5/10
-Gold: 50.000 GD
-Legitimacy: 9/10

-King Viserys enters King's Landing, taking control over most of the city. While disliked by the smallfolk, he is also a powerful claimant. With the stakes being high, how will you treat with the Targaryen King?

[Lumine]

End of 299 AL: Aftermath (I)

War across the Riverlands:

Fresh from his victory and the death of Robb Stark, Lord Tywin Lannister wasted on time in diving his armies, sending a large force to second Lord Randyll Tarly in the Reach while himself marching North to crush the retreating combined armies of Houses Stark, Tully and Arryn. Narrowly avoiding battle near Seagard with a new host of Riverlanders recruited by Ser Brynden Tully Lord Tywin made a dash movement towards The Twins, reaching the fortress and the combined enemy armies before long.

Third Battle of the Twins: While a fearsome army, Lord Tywin's forces first assaults were repelled with easy by the steadfast defence of Lords Glover, Blackwood and Royce, all joining forces to coordinate the battle. Even as Ser Gregor and Ser Jaime opened gaps in the enemy formation, those were soon closed as the Lannisters began to be pushed back. The situation was made more difficult for Lord Tywin after a second army from the North arrived from Moat Cailin, thus outnumbering the Lannisters in the field. The decisive strike was made by the remnants of Robb Stark's guard, who led by Dacey Mormont and Smalljon Umber broke through one of the Braavosi sellsword companies to strike at Tywin's personal unit.

It was Dacey Mormont himself who had the distinction of claiming Lord Tywin's head with a mighty blow, signaling the start of chaos as the Lannister ranks began to break down. By nightfall, the combined allied armies had struck a decisive victory, the broken and confused ranks of the Westerlords retreating with Ser Jaime and Ser Kevan claiming back Tywin's corpse and trying to give a sense of order to the retreat. By the time they reached the Red Fork after such an ill-fated expedition, Robb Stark had been avenged by his men and allies.

Dothraki Invasion of Westeros:

In need for a new target, Khal Drogo resolved to leave his Tyroshi allies to guard his new fortress of Cider Hall before undertaking a bold march: moving his Khalassar across the Reach and Riverlands and into the mighty fortress of Harrenhal. His march faced bitter but unsuccessful opposition, entire towns sacked and burnt to the ground as the Dothraki gathered incredible amounts of plunder and food from an area untouched by war (unknowingly putting King's Landing food supply at a huge strain). Resolving to crush any enemy force in the road, Khal Drogo soon fell into the nearby armies of Cortnay Penrose and Oberyn Martell near Tumbleton.

Battle of Tumbleton: Under strict orders for caution Prince Oberyn withdrew back to King's Landing to avoid a three-way battle, leaving Khal Drogo and his Dothraki riders to strike at the unsuspecting Stormlords on the opposite side of the Mander. What followed was a crushing raid, burning tents and crushing the confused ranks of the Stormlanders into chaos. Cortnay Penrose began to gather his lords to fight until a group of Drogo's bloodriders stormed his tent, killing the Lord Protector in single combat. It was only the coming of the night that stopped the battle, allowing the remaining Stormlords to withdraw back to their lands after the loss of their leader.

Fall of Harrenhal: With the roads ahead of him left open Drogo continued his march across the Riverlands, forcing many to leave the area as refugees as he neared his target. The resulting assault resulted in a victory for the Dothraki due to the garrison lacking the numbers to defend the entire castle, and the capture of several key captives (particularly from the Brotherhood without Banners), including Lord Beric Dondarrion, Thoros of Myr and Viserys's fire priest Illyrgue, sent to parley with Thoros. Holding the largest castle in Westeros Drogo continues to command the loyalty of his horde, and has eliminated a key player from the "game".

The Dragon in the Capital:

Having occupied the city Viserys made a final offer for amnesty, which while taken by several supporters of the Baratheon bastards was refused by the men holding the Red Keep and by the supporters for Ser Shadrich, who continue to raise trouble in Flea Bottom. With the Red Keep still under siege and with no orders to storm it the claimant King assembled a Small Council of its own, which immediately set onto ruling over matters in the capital and appeal to the sympathy of the masses. The more successful ones on this matter have been Prince Quentyn and the Dornishmen, winning a significant degree of goodwill from donations and investments of their own.

Less successful have been the attempts of the King and his Hand to clean the city and build projects such as cisterns to provide work, as agents across the city have spread the tale of the King being obsessed with pots of wildfire supposedly hidden in the city. Believing this project to be an excuse for it many have refused to join, and the raids of Khal Drogo have only made more difficult to feed the city and hold its increasing number of refugees, many of them joining the ranks of the Faith Militant. Despite these challenges, Viserys struck an important victory by winning the formal backing of the High Sparrow and the Faith, giving his rule a much needed amount of legitimacy to fight the negative memories of his father.

Viserys's first few weeks in the capital ended up with a successful bonding with his other dragon Rhaellar, which continues to grow at an almost unnatural pace. In the meantime, Ser Barristan Selmy and a part of the Targaryen armies marched South:

Battle of Bronzegate: Intending to maul the Stormlander forces sieging House Buckler Ser Barristan executed an attempted surprise assault, discovered a couple of hours before by Stormlander scouts. With the surprise ruined and with the cohesion of his troops complicated by their wildly different backgrounds the Stormlanders were able to push Ser Barristan back to King's Landing, finally securing the surrender of Bronzegate days later. An added benefit to this victory was the decision by several neutral Stormlander Houses like the Dondarrions to finally back Edric's cause.

[Lumine]

End of 299 AL: Aftermath (II)

Ironborn invasion of the Westerlands:

Having herself baptized by one of the few Drowned Men loyal to her, Asha Greyjoy cemented her rule over the Ironborn despite the continued resistance of Aeron Greyjoy. Putting Lord Baelor Blacktyde in command of the fearsome Ironfleet and taking the other Ironborn fleets into her personal command, Asha sailed South immediately, launching an all-out assault against the Westerlands and House Lannister.

Coastline Raids: Asha and Blacktyde struck first at Kayce and Feastfires, finding success in capturing and sacking the castles despite paying a heavy price. Having a target of her own Asha left Blacktyde and the Ironfleet to continue the raids, unsuccessfully attempting to goad the Lannister Fleet into attacking them and then attacking Crakehall and the surrounding lands. Well defended and prepared, the fortress has so far resisted the Ironborn.

Battle of Lannisport: In a reminder of the Greyjoy Rebellion a few years ago the fleets of the Iron Islands arrived into the port once again, intend to capture and sack one of the largest cities in Westeros. Outnumbering the Lannisters more than three to one in the sea Asha fought bravely and hard across a whole morning, smashing through the Lannister fleet to land several of her forces and find battle with the powerful Lannisport City Watch. Despite the large superiority in numbers the city has heavily defenced and prepared under the careful watch of Tyrion Lannister, soon turning the struggle into a battle for every house. Losing several warriors to the defences, Asha has found it impossible to dislodge from the battle and sack the city in the middle of the ongoing chaos.

Assault on Casterly Rock: As this was happening, several Ironborn assassins and agents infiltrated Casterly Rock successfully, intending to take key hostages and assassinate Lord Tyrion. An attempt to capture Tommen and Myrcella Baratheon was frustrated by Ser Arys Oakheart, and whereas Lord Tyrion was wounded on the face by the strike of an enemy warrior his guard saved him on time. The Ironborn agents proved more successful in finding the cell of Ned Stark to take him out, but due to the sheer size of the fortress they soon were trapped inside a corridor. Facing capture and death, one of the Ironborn shouted his personal resolve to avenge King Balon and slit Ned Stark's throat, before being killed in turn by the Lannister guards.

Reach Civil War:

The aftermath of Randyll Tarly's rebellion brought severe consequences for the Reach, pushing many lords into declaring or changing their loyalties. One of the most relevant changes was that of House Oakheart, who decided to support Lord Tarly and the Lannisters after seeing the current weakness of House Tyrell. Soon the armies of the pro-Targaryen Lords were on the march, Lord Rowan laying siege to Silverhill and invading the Westerlands from the South as Ser Baelor Brightsmile and House Hightower marched into Horn Hill to confront Tarly.

Second Battle of Horn Hill: As the Hightowers approached Horn Hill so did a combined host of House Tyrell, who after negotiating a supposed way into survival had been convinced to strike at Lord Tarly. With Ser Baelor under orders to let the battle play at first Lord Tarly (supported by large Lannister reinforcements) proved true to his repudiating, smashing the Tyrell vanguard and cutting his way as several minor lords turned their cloak or left the army in panic. Soon Tarly had dispersed the last large army of the Tyrells, and turned his troops onto the Hightowers without being as blooded and tired as expected. Ser Baelor fought well despite the disadvantage in numbers as he had a rested host, but soon enough it was evident he was in no position to win.

With the Hightowers withdrawing back to Oldtown and with Lord Tarly bolstering his ranks with those who deserted the sinking cause of the Tyrells, the rebels have marched on Highgarden, Lord Tarly determined to settle things with Mace Tyrell once and for all.

The fall of Castle Black:

With the Night's Watch in chaos after the death of Lord Commander Mormont on a great ranging to the North, the large wildling host of King Mance Rayder began their march to the Wall, badly defended by the remaining men of the Watch and a group of men sent by House Stark. With other houses ignoring calls of urgent help it fell to that outnumbered group to defend Castle Black, and to their merit their repelled two large-scale attacks before succumbing to the third. With a few men led by Allliser Thorne, Jon Snow and Samwell Tarly making their way to the lands of House Umber, Mance Rayder sat on Castle Black once again, breaching the Wall with tens of thousands of warriors.

[Lumine]

Weddings, births and deaths:

Deaths: Tywin Lannister, Cortnay Penrose, Ned Stark, Jeor Mormont (past turn, forgot to add him), Ser Denys Mallister, Cotter Pyke.
Weddings: Tommen Lannister to Talla Tarly, Betrothal of Edric Storm and Sansa Stark, Betrothal of Robin Arryn and Arya Stark.
Births: None.

Military and Political Situation:

House Lannister:
-Garrison of the Golden Tooth: 1,000 strong.
-Garrison of Casterly Rock: 2,000 strong.
-City Watch of Lannisport: 2,200 strong.
-Army of Jaime Lannister: 11,500 strong, in the Red Fork.
-Army of Randyll Tarly: 24,000 strong, sieging Highgarden.
-Army of Casterly Rock: 1,000 strong.
(Can recruit 9,000 men from the Westerlands, on a slow basis)

House Tyrell:
-Army of the South: 8,000 strong, in Brightwater Keep.
-Garrison of Highgarden: 4,000 strong.
-Fleet of the Mander: 31 ships, in the exit side of the Mander.
-Redwyne Fleet: 200 ships, in the Arbor.
-Shield Islands Fleet: 30 ships, at the Shield Islands.
(Can recruit 5,000 men from the Reach)

House Stark:
-Army of Galbart Glover: 11,000 strong, in The Twins.
-Army of Tytos Blackwood: 6,000 strong, in The Twins.
-Arya's Escort: 500 strong, in the Eyrie.
-Mercenaries: 1,000 strong, in The Twins.
-Reserve Army: 1,000 strong, in Moat Cailin.
-Army in the Wall: 400 strong, in Last Hearth.
-Garrison of The Twins: 2,000 strong. (+1500 Riverlanders)
-Garrison of Winterfell: 1,000 strong.
-Garrison of Moat Cailin: 500 strong.
(Can recruit 15,000 men from the North, 5000 from the Riverlands)

Roose Bolton:
-Army of Roose Bolton: 1,000 strong, in Moat Cailin.
-Garrison of the Dreadfort: 2,000 strong.
(Can recruit 4,000 men)

Asha Greyjoy:
-Garrison of Pyke: 1,000 strong.
-Army of the Iron Islands; 18,200 strong, fighting in Lannisport.
-Fleet of the Iron Islands: 218 reaving ships, fighting in Lannisport.
-Ironfleet: 90 ships, 3,000 men, in the coastline of Crakehall.
(Can recruit 3,000 men from the Iron Islands)
(Can call up to 100 reaving ships)

Petyr Baelish:
-Army of Yohn Royce: 7,000 strong, in The Twins.
-Army of the Vale: 4,000 strong, in the Eyrie.
-Garrison of the Eyrie: 500 strong.
-Garrison of the Bloody Gate: 1,000 strong.
-Gulltown Fleet: 30 ships, in Gulltown.
(Can recruit 28,000 men from the Vale of Arryn)

Doran Martell:
-Army of Oberyn Martell: 9,000 strong, in King's Landing.
-Army of Lord Uller: 4,000 strong, in the Prince's Pass.
-Army of Dorne: 4,000 strong, in Sunpsear.
-Garrison of Sunspear: 2,500 strong.
(Can recruit 19,000 men from Dorne)

Viserys Targaryen:
-Dragons: 2 young Dragons, in King's Landing.
-Army of the Riverlands: 3,000 strong, in Maidenpool.
-Targaryen Army: 9,700 strong, in King's Landing.
-Army of Oldtown: 3,000 men, in Oldtown.
-Army of House Rowan: 4,000 strong, sieging Silverhill.
-Army of House Hightower: 8,500 strong, in Oldtown.
-Lys-Volantis Fleet: 58 ships, in Oldtown.
-Hightower Fleet: 30 ships, in Oldtown.

Khal Drogo:
-Drogo Khalassar: 16,400 riders, in Harrenhal.
-Tyroshi Army (Cime Remys): 13,500 strong, in Cider Hall.

The Stormlords:
-Army of the Stormlords: 9,200 strong, in Summerhall.
-Army of the Stormlands: 4,000 strong, in Bronzegate.
-Garrison of Storm’s End: 5,000 strong.
-Royal Fleet: 42 ships, in Storm's End.
(Cannot recruit more men for now)

Dragonstone:
-Army of Davos Seaworth: 1,000 strong, in King's Landing.
-Garrison of Dragonstone: 1,600 strong.
-Royal Fleet of Dragonstone: 51 ships, in King's Landing.
-Salladhor Saan’s Sellsails: 29 ships, in King's Landing.

High Sparrow:
-Armies of the Faith: 6,000 strong, in the Sept of Baelor.
(Recruitment is done via volunteers)

[Lumine]

Early 300 AL: Turn Nine:

Cast:

In King's Landing:

The High Sparrow, High Septon of Westeros (Windjammer)
Viserys III Targaryen, Pretender to the Iron Throne (Garlan Gunter)
Davos Seaworth, Lord Hand of the King (GoTfan)

Regents and Kings:

Tyrion Lannister, Lord Regent and Lord of Casterly Rock (1184AZ)
Edric I Baratheon, Claimant to the Iron Throne (Swedge)
Drogo, Khal of the Drogo Khalassar (Dkrol)
Asha Greyjoy, Queen of the Iron Islands (Badgate)

Across Westeros:

Castelyn Stark, Acting Lady of Winterfell and Riverrun (Enduro)
Petyr Baelish, Warden of the West and Lord Regent Consort of the Vale (X)
Roose Bolton, Lord of the Dreadfort (Elmo)
Doran Martell, Prince of Dorne (Leonardo)

General View:

Tywin Lannister and Cortnay Penrose find death on the battlefield, leaving their respective coalitions to be led by the boy Kings Tommen and Edric. Viserys consolidates his forces as the war takes a toll on the houses of Westeros, with Asha Greyjoy and the Ironborn sacking the Westerlands as Khal Drogo enters the mighty fortress of Harrenhal.

Worse still, the Wall has just fallen to an army of wildlings led by powerful King Mance Rayder...

...and winter approaches.

Player Crisis:

Catelyn Stark:
-Prestige: 5/10.
-Gold: 200.000 GD.
-Legitimacy: 5/10 .

-Lady Stark,

-The stunning victory against Tywin Lannister and the potential marriages into the Vale and the Stormlands raise your prestige and your wounded standing, but the death of Ned Stark (which leads the Northern Lords into demanding revenge against the Greyjoys) also proves a hit to House Stark's prospects, Bran still a boy. How will you move on?

-The Wall has fallen, as Jon Snow and Alliser Thorne report via raven. Mance Rayder establishes his men at Castle Black, but it is unknown whether he'll march South right away. How will you counter the dangerous threat of the wildlings?

-Now that the Lannisters withdraw, a major question surges in The Twins. Should the Stark armies march South again to liberate the Riverlands? March North to protect the lands from the wildlings? Go somewhere else altoghether?

Tyrion Lannister:
-Prestige: 3/10
-Gold: 5.500.000 GD.
-Legitimacy: 10/10

-Lord Tyrion:

-Condolences on the death of your father. By rights, this makes you the Lord of Casterly Rock and Regent to Tommen. Can you save your house from potential collapse despite the odds?

-The most pressing threat is the one posed by the Ironborn, as Asha Greyjoy and her fleet are still locked in a bitter fight for Lannisport as the struggle has turned into a house-by-house battle. Despite being completely outnumbered, can you save the city?

-After the defeat, Jaime and Kevan march the army south and back into the Southern Riverlands. Shall they return to the Westerlands to defend the region, or march elsewhere?

-Under the watch of Grand Maester Erreck and per your father's instructions Tommen and Talla Tarly have been wed, giving Tommen (who is believed to be on the way to be a good ruler due to your teachings) a Queen. Myrcella, however, remains unwed for the time being.

Viserys Targaryen:
-Prestige: 6/10
-Gold: 50,000 GD
-Legitimacy: 6/10

-Your Grace,

-While some of Ser Shadrich and the Antler Men's soldiers, both sides remain on the battle, killing and ambushing Targaryen troops and still holding the Red Keep. Furthermore, with the city in increasing chaos due to the food supply being interrupted and Khal Drogo driving refugees with his latest campaign even the Stranger's Knight has returned to attacking your men. How should order be kept?

-While the Dornishmen avoided a battle with Khal Drogo, efforts to crush Randyll Tarly and his rising forces have proven unsuccessful. Furthermore, Drogo himself stands at Harrenhal, still a very real threat. How will you move against your enemies?

-Despite House Hightower backing you the Citadel has refused to name a new Grand Maester, noting that Pycelle remains a prisoner and Erreck was elected through proper means.

-As your small council is assembled Tregar Ormollen, Lynesse Hightower and their retinue land on the city. The matter of the succession should anything happen to you has become more complicated because one of the Volantene ladies that has marched with you has presented you with a silver-haired baby she claims to be your bastard daugther. To make matters worse, a Lysene noblewoman also claims to be pregnant from you, and so does Lady Lynesse.

Doran Martell:
-Prestige: 6/10
-Gold: 510.000 GD (with a 200,000 loan to the Iron Bank)
-Legitimacy: 10/10

-Prince Doran, good day.

-Building popular support is costly, but it pays off as the Dornishmen are well recieved once again in King's Landing. Some have even started to recall Princess Elia, having been forced to forget for so many years.

-Food contracts in the Free Cities prove a troublesome matter, with pro-Viserys cities (Volantis, Pentos and Lys) agreeable against the hostility of anti-Viserys cities like Braavos and Tyrosh.

-Your careful handling of military affairs spared the Dornish Army from a tough battle against the Dothraki, but the war is far from over. Should Oberyn march again against the enemies of the Dragon?

Asha Greyjoy:
-Prestige: 7/10
-Gold: 300.000 GD (Plunder, does not include Lannisport)
-Legitimacy: 3/10

-The campaign on the Westerlands has turned decisive as you continue to battle your way through Lannisport, the fierce resistance of the City Watch and the population taking a toll on your men as the Iron Fleet smashes the rest of the Lannister coasts. On the other side, your attempt to infiltrate Casterly Rock resulted in Ned Stark's death, and your captains question why King Balon isn't being avenged by attacking the North. Can you conduct this campaign to a good end?

Roose Bolton:
-Prestige: 6/10
-Gold: 100.000 GD
-Legitimacy: 10/10

-Lord Bolton,

-Having avoided the last major battle you reach Moat Cailin, where those who you wished to meet await you. With the North in a complicated situation still due to the wildling invasion, how will you act?

[Lumine]

Petyr Baelish:
-Prestige: 7/10
-Gold: 300.000 GD
-Legitimacy: 5/10

-As Tywin Lannister and Ned Stark are both removed from the game the Knights of the Vale win another victory, cementing your prestige. With Arya Stark finally arriving on the Eyrie and a vacancy for the Regency of Edric Baratheon (should there be done), can you rise as high as a man could rise?

Khal Drogo:
-Prestige: 9/10
-Gold: 500.000 GD (Plunder)
-Legitimacy: Doesn’t Apply

-The Dothraki manage a crushing victory against the Stormlords, a lord as powerful as Lord Regent Cortnay Penrose perishing to your bloodriders. And you now stand on Harrenhal, a castle large enough to guard and protect your horde despite the lack of food on the burnt region. But will you stay in Harrenhal, or continue to move with your khalassar?

Davos Seaworth:
-Prestige: 4/10
-Gold: 50.000 GD.
-Legitimacy: 3/10

-You return from Bronzegate after a defeat, but with the Targaryen cause still strong. While initially effective, your novel scheme for cleaning the city and delivering work has stalled due to an intense propaganda campaign against you and the King, and rumour has it the Stranger's Knight has been watched observing you when you tour the city. Can you continue to help the King on his quest for the throne?

Edric Baratheon:
-Prestige: 3/10
-Gold: 200.000 GD
-Legitimacy: 3/10

-You've taken the Baratheon name and won other Houses to your cause, but your trusted mentor and friend lies dead in the field. Despite your youth the Stormlords have grown to admire you and prepare to fight for your cause despite the setback. But can you beat the Targaryens?

-One of the biggest concerns about your claim is your youth, leading some to suggest a regent may be needed. Will you seek personal rule despite your age, or agree with the need for a regent?

-Lord Penrose's diplomacy appears to have payed off, for the potential allies he contacted are prepared to intervene in the war now with substantial reinforcements.

The High Sparrow:
-Prestige: 7/10
-Gold: 30.000 GD
-Legitimacy: 9/10

-You've taken the Faith to a unbelievable amount of power, and the faithful increase the ranks of your soldiers to form a true Army of the Faith. On the other hand, arming and feeding said army and your followers also costs money, particularly after forgiving the debt of the Faith to the Crown (an act which has further enraged the Iron Bank of Braavos). Can you find the resources to continue rising?

[Lumine]

Early 300 AL: Aftermath (I)

The Reign of the Dragon:

Finally tired of the pretenders in the city and with most amnesty offers being rejected, it was King Viserys himself who rushed to storm the Red Keep with his dragons and his armies, leading a bloody struggle across a whole afternoon. The City Watch of the Antler Men put up a brave fight against the odds, resulting in most being killed rather that being taken prisoner. With most of the Antler Men themselves mercilessly executed by the Targaryen troops (including "Lord Protector" Salloreon), Gendry Waters was dragged from the Iron Throne and despite his brave resistance he was taken prisoner to Viserys. It was finally time for the Targaryen Prince to sit on his father's throne, and cement his rule across the capital.

The following days were occupied with other matters, recognizing his young bastard daughter as Lady Daena Waters, requesting loans from his major bannermen (to the annoyance and even reluctance of many of them), arranging for a new tournament for the Kingsguard and challenging the mysterious Stranger's Knight to a trial by combat with Ser Barristan himself, leading to much expectation on what was to come. The King was also finally able to be wed on full sight of his lords, holding a brief but expensive wedding to Princess Arianne Martell of Dorne, arrived into the capital to become Viserys's Queen. With these matters settled, and a projected trial of Cersei Lannister by the Faith, both the Targaryen and Dornish armies marched South to confront the Stormlords at one, King Viserys riding alongside Queen Arianne. They were to leave the capital virtually unguarded.

The Second Sack of King's Landing:

Fresh from capturing Harrenhal and smashing the Stormlords, Khal Drogo was determined not to wait any longer, setting his Khalassar on a direct march towards King's Landing. Burning and crushing the small opposing forces on the road, Drogo reached the capital a couple of days after Viserys had left, finding the city guarded only by Lord Davos Seaworth's small garrison and by the untrained and badly armed volunteers of the Faith Militant. An attempt by Lord Davos to defend the gates with his men resulted in a brief skirmish, finished when one of Drogo's riders claimed the Lord Hand's head. The doors opened, the Khalassar stormed the city for three days in a row, burning, sacking and destroying everything that opposed them. While the fanatical Faith Militant units found initial success defending Flea Bottom, a group of Ko's angry at the High Sparrow for his propaganda against the Khal assaulted the Sept of Baelor of their own initiative, crushing the defenders in a series of dead cavalry charges and the storming the Sept itself.

By the time the Khalassar (who had lost a few hundred men in the struggle) reassembled outside the damaged and chaotic city they had hundreds of thousands of gold dragons as plunder, and had captured valuable hostages such as (former) Grand Maester Pycelle, Magister Tregar Ormellen of Lys, Lady Lynesse Hightower, Viserys's bastard daughter Daena, Lady Tyene Sand, the bastard Gendry Waters and Lords Velaryon, Rykker and Staunton. The number of hostages was further increased when a Lysene noblewoman gave birth to what she claims to be Viserys's bastard daughter, and more importantly, when Lady Lynesse herself gave birth to a bastard boy fathered by the King. The capital, in the meantime, has been left in complete disarray as no credible man is left to hold power (Ser Shadric and the boy Arlan Waters are missing), with the heads of Davos Seaworth and the High Septon placed outside the Red Keep by a group of Dothraki riders.

Stags and Dragons dance:

Both Edric Baratheon and Viserys Targaryen had wasted little effort to bolster their respective coalitions. If Viserys had recently gained to his side the crucial backing of House Redwyne after further promises, Edric had reassembled his regency under Bryce Caron and Petyr Baelish, and even more, had gained a valuable ally in Myr with a burning desire to avenge itself on all living Targaryens:

Assault on Bronzegate: The first to act was Viserys, unaware of what had taken place at his rearguard. Marching on Bronzegate with an almost 19,000 strong army he reached the area in which the Stormlander army was camped, launched a surprise attack with great success. As dawn broke, however, it became clear only a few hundred Stormlanders had been killed at all, the majority of the armies there being sent back to Storm's End.

Assault on Dragonstone: On the other side, the Myrish admirals recieved instructions from Storm's End to launch their own campaign, sailing with a 40 ship strong fleet and over 10,000 troops across the Narrow Sea. The target selected was Dragonstone, garrisoned by a few hundred men over which an important number jumped back into the Baratheon cause, leading the others to be smashed in battle as the ancestral Targaryen fortress was captured.

Gulltown Blockade: As this was happened the Targaryen fleets had been reassembled for a mission in the Vale, leading Aurane Waters and Salladhor Saan to take the combined Targaryen fleet all the way to Gulltown. The city was placed under a tight blockade, also affecting ships going out of the region, this placing the Eyrie under huge financial strain.

Fall of the Mockingbird:

In the Vale itself, a strong diplomatic effort was undertaken by Viserys and the Targaryen cause, sending proposals, promises and missives to several key houses considered likely to support him. The response, however, was completely negative, with Houses Sunderland, Grafton, Royce, Corbray, Waynwood and Hunter all openly denouncing Viserys and claiming their loyalty to rest with Lord Robin and with House Baratheon for the throne. Such a strong display of unity in the Vale was marred when, the following fortnight, a group of armored men assaulted Lord Regent Baelish and his bodyguard Ser Lothor Brune as they inspected the defences of the Eyrie. Stabbed more than a dozen times, Baelish bled to death before being discovered by Lady Arya and Lady Sansa Stark. Lady Lysa Arryn fell into crushing despair at the loss of her beloved husband, attempting to throw herself out of the castle and stopped at the last moment by her niece Sansa.

[Lumine]

Early 300 AL: Aftermath (II)

Ironborn invasion of the Westerlands:

As the war on the Westerlands continued, both House Greyjoy and House Lannister began to be locked in what looked like a decisive battle for survival. Battling across the coasts and with the arrival of an unexpected third party into the campaign, the battles played out as:

Fall of Lannisport: Despite the difficulty in fighting across the city, the near incompetent Lannister effort to hold the city during the second part of the battle proved its undoing, reinforcements being easily pushed away as the City Watch broke. Queen Asha had captured one of the largest cities in Westeros, sending as much as half a million gold dragons in plunder to her ships. Leaving a strong garrison to hold the city, more than 4,000 Ironborn warriors were sent to siege Casterly Rock, establishing a defensive perimeter and closing the fortress off from the rest of the region.

Coastline Raids: Fresh from victory and with propaganda hailing her, Asha rejoined her fleet and divided it in four divisions of roughly 50 ships, using those to plunder her way across the undefended coastline and smash town after town. Lord Blacktyde led the Ironfleet into a successful raid to the island of Faircastle, weakening the garrison and leaving the island virtually ready for a fullscale assault. As the Lannister failed to coordinate in a coherent matter, victory seemed within the grasp of the Ironborn.

Battles of the Sunset Sea: Alas, House Redwyne had decided to switch sides yet again, prompted by the hostage situation of Lady Desmera Redwyne and the promises of revenge from House Targaryen, weakened on its position after other claims of previous promises to the Ironborn. A pragmatic man, Lord Redwyne combined his fleet with the Targaryen units in Oldtown for the sake of his daughter, and went to the hunt. Divided in four different divisions, the Ironborn fought four battles on absolute inferiority in numbers, their fleets smashed and pushed by Redwyne. Queen Asha fared the best, saving her squadron and reassembling all of the surviving units and the Ironfleet near Faircastle.

Battle of Faircastle: Despite heavy losses, more than 200 Ironborn ships would battle over 250 Redwyne and Targaryen ships, in what would be the largest naval battle in Westeros since the Greyjoy Rebellion itself. The battle raged for hours as both sides fought bitterly, dozens of ships being sunk, boarded or set on fire. Having taken more losses than the Redwynes the Greyjoy Fleet was on the verge of defeat before Lord Blacktyde and Queen Asha launched a push to break through the center, breaking the Lys-Volantene galleys. Asha lost three flagships as she battled from ship to ship, until the fourth one was set on fire. Exhausted and wounded, the Iron Queen could not escape in time and sank down with her ship. Smashed, the Ironborn fleet under Blacktyde had no choice but to withdraw, leaving thousands of Ironborn warriors stranded in the Westerlands.

As Blacktyde and the survivors returned, they had two unexpected faces waiting for them at the harbor of Pyke. Aeron Greyjoy, back from his rebellion, and Euron Greyjoy, holding a strange horn of sorts on his hands.[/justify]

Reach Civil War:

Fall of Highgarden: Even if the food and defences allowed for a long defence in Highgarden, morale did not. Lord Tyrell had long lost the respect of many of his vassals and defenders, his power collapsing as the took refuge in the fortress. Lord Tarly organized the siege brilliantly, slowly winning over parts of the fortress to the Tyrells and offering amnesty to those who surrendered. Sick of the siege, a group of soldiers took Tarly on his offer and opened one of the gates. By the next day most of the garrison had been slaughtered or changed sides, Lord Mace Tyrell finding death as he attempted to organize a counterattack in the main hall. Sitting on the seat that had belonged to the Gardeners and the Tyrells, Tarly oversaw half of House Tyrell as his prisoner, including Lady Margaery Tyrell.

Siege of Brightwater Keep: On the other side of the war, the Targaryen loyalists (now bolstered by House Redwyne) marched toward Brightwater Keep under Houses Hightower and Rowan, hoping to seize the last armies of House Tyrell. Having a delayed march due to the distance and the need to avoid Tarly's men they arrived at the fortress at once, finding that the army so carefully gathered by Willas Tyrell had melted down, men deserting or going to join Tarly in hopes for survival. A few hundred men deserted to the Targaryen army, and the siege of Brightwater Keep began, trapping the Florents and Lord Willas in the castle.

The North Revolts:

As Mance Rayder conquered Castle Black and began to expand across the area, a sense of urgency reached Winterfell. The survivors of the Night's Watch asked for support, and the Northern lords all were incredibly worried about what might become of their lands. Lady Catelyn acted, in a way that stunned the entire region. Offering a peace deal to Mance Rayder (which he immediately seized on), Catelyn offered the entire Gift for the wildlings to settle on, and offered disbanding the Night's Watch despite having no authority to do so.

The results were nothing short of explosive. Almost of all of the Night's Watch survivors left Winterfell in rage, denouncing Lady Catelyn for betraying the Watch and the Realm, and openly marching South in search of a House receptive to their concerns. More grave was the explosion of anger in Houses Karstark and Umber, which denounced any attempt at allowing the wildlings settle close to their lands. Despite Lord Glover's best attempts to keep the army in The Twins under control, the Smalljon, Torrhen and Harrion Karstark leading a mutiny by refusing to follow Lady Catelyn commands. In their own words to the army, they explained that Lady Catelyn had proved an unsuitable regent, and that a new Lord Regent was needed to guard young Lord Brandon.

As a result, a revolt has exploded in North, if a still pro-Stark one.