The Death of Kings: Gameplay Thread (Turn 4)

[Lumine]

The Death of Kings,
the VI ASOIAF Game:

Cast:

The Loyalists:

Rhaella Targaryen, the Dowager Queen (Dkrol)
Mace Tyrell, Lord of Highgarden (Windjammer)
Doran Martell, Prince of Dorne (Mycool)
Varys, Spymaster of the Iron Throne (Garlan Gunter)

The Rebel Lords:

Jon Arryn, Lord of the Eyrie (Swedge)
Eddard Stark, Lord of Winterfell (YPestis)
Stannis Baratheon, Lord of Storm’s End (GoTfan)
Hoster Tully, Lord of the Riverlands (Enduro)

The Lords of Westeros:

Tywin Lannister, Lord of Casterly Rock (Leonardo the Red)
Quellon Greyjoy, Lord of Pyke (Bacon King)
Walder Frey, Lord of the Crossing (LouisvilleThunder)

[Lumine]

Military and Political Situation:

The Rebel Army:
Under command of Lord Jon Arryn, at the Trident:
11,000 Northmen
10,000 Riverlander
8,000 Valemen
6,000 Stormlander

The Royal Army:
Under command of Prince Lewyn Martell, at the Trident:
9,000 Dornishmen
7,000 Reachmen
12,000 Targaryen Loyalists
10,000 Crownlanders

King’s Landing:
City Watch of King’s Landing: 2,000 strong.
Loyalist Forces: 5,000 strong.

Rhaella Targaryen:
Garrison of Dragonstone: 1,000 strong.
Targaryen Royal Fleet: 200 ships, 4,000 men.
(Can recruit 2,000 men from Houses Velaryon and Celtigar)

Tywin Lannister:
-Garrison of the Golden Tooth: 1,000 strong.
-Garrison of Casterly Rock: 2,000 strong.
-City Watch of Lannisport: 4,000 strong.
-Lannister Fleet: 50 ships, in Lannisport.
(Can recruit 40,000 men, 12,000 immediately)

Stannis Baratheon:
-Garrison of Storm’s End: 1,000 strong.
-Stormlander Army: 6,000 strong (Part of the Rebel Army).
(Can recruit 12,000 men, 6,000 immediately)

Mace Tyrell:
(Not accounting for units like the Oldtown City Watch)
-Army of Mace Tyrell: 32,000 strong, sieging Storm’s End.
-Reach Loyalist Corps: 7,000 strong (Part of the Royal Army).
-Garrison of Highgarden: 5,000 strong.
-Fleet of the Mander: 40 ships, near Highgarden.
-Redwyne Fleet: 200 ships, blockading Storm’s End.
-Hightower Fleet: 30 ships, in Oldtown.
-Shield Islands Fleet: 30 ships, at the Shield Islands.
(Can recruit 40,000 men from the Reach, 15,000 immediately)

Ned Stark:
-Garrison of Winterfell: 1,000 strong.
-Garrison of Moat Cailin: 500 strong.
Army of Ned Stark: 11,000 strong (Part of the Rebel Army).
 (Can recruit 30,000 men from the North, 8,000 immediately)

Hoster Tully:
-Garrison of Riverrun: 1,000 strong.
-Army of Hoster Tully: 10,000 strong (Part of the Rebel Army).
(Can recruit 20,000 men from the Riverlands, 7,000 immediately)

Quellon Greyjoy:
Garrison of Pyke: 1,000 strong.
Greyjoy Fleet: 100 long ships and 5,000 men, in Pyke.
(Can recruit 25,000 men from the Iron Islands, 10,000 immediately)
(Can call up to 500 reaving ships, 200 immediately)

Jon Arryn:
Garrison of the Eyrie: 500 strong.
Garrison of the Bloody Gate: 1,000 strong.
Gulltown Fleet: 20 ships, in Gulltown.
Army of Jon Arryn: 8,000 strong (Part of the Rebel Army).
(Can recruit 25,000 men from the Vale of Arryn, 10,000 immediately)

Doran Martell:
Garrison of Sunspear: 1,000 strong.
Army of Lewyn Martell: 9,000 strong (part of the Royal Army).
(Can recruit 25,000 men from Dorne, 10,000 immediately)

Walder Frey:
Army of Walder Frey: 5,000 strong, approaching the Trident.
Garrison of The Twins: 1,000 strong.
(Can recruit 3,000 more men from The Twins, 1,500 immediately)

[Lumine]

Mid to Late 283 AL: Turn One:

General View:

The rebellion takes a turn for the chaotic as the indecisive Battle of the Trident results in the deaths of Lord Robert Baratheon and Prince Rhaegar. As more lords prepare to join the war, the matter of the succession turns confusing after Aerys II’s mysterious death, and the birth of the (to the shock of Westeros) legitimate child of Rhaegar and Lyanna Stark: Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen. How will things proceed from here?

Player Crisis:

Rhaella Targaryen:
-Prestige: 7/10 (Respected as Queen for her sense of duty)
-Gold: 100,000 GD (No access to the royal treasure)
-Legitimacy: 7/10 (The legitimate senior Targaryen, pending a new King)

-Ravens bring the dramatic news from the mainland, including the heartbreaking death of your beloved son, the shocking birth of your grandson, and the death of your hated husband, news that combined to your unexpected pregnancy. With your House under threat from the Rebellion and as the senior adult Targaryen alive, can you save House Targaryen?

-The more complicated matter to follow is that of the succession. Your son Viserys is the eldest Targaryen prince as is under your protection in Dragonstone, but there is a strong argument in favor of little Aegon, Rhaegar’s son. On the other hand, Aegon is in King’s Landing, and would possibly be dominated by the Dornishmen. Who will the senior Dragon crown as King?

-While your immediate supporters appear few, Lord Lucerys Velaryon (Master of Ships), Lord Symond Staunton (Master of Laws) and Ser Willem Darry pledge their unyielding allegiance. With their help you are master of the mighty Targaryen Royal Fleet, but can you find the way to command the support of all the loyalist Houses and armies?

 Mace Tyrell:
-Prestige: 3/10 (Seen as pompous and inexperienced)
-Gold: 3,000,000 GD 
-Legitimacy: 10/10

Lord Tyrell,

-Ravens bear all too shocking news as the King and Prince of Dragonstone leave the stage, leaving a confused question regarding the Iron Throne. The support of House Tyrell – as the most powerful loyalist house – would be decisive to cement the rule of Aegon (VI), Viserys (III) or even Jaehaerys (III). Who will House Tyrell pledge loyalty to?

-For months you’ve sieged and blockaded Storm’s End, and despite growing hunger inside the fortress Lord Stannis Baratheon refuses to yield under any circumstances. This siege has kept from your taking more active military action and prevented full-scale occupation of the Stormlands, so should the siege be taken to an end before it may be too late? And how?

-Good news from your family, my lord, for a rider just arrived from Highgarden. No less than two births have taken place at your ancestral castle, that of your niece Desmera (daughter of the now overjoyed Lord Redwyne) and your daughter Margaery, by all accounts a beautiful girl. With the succession of Highgarden secured, this birth may offer great opportunities of a good marriage in the future.

Doran Martell:
-Prestige: 6/10
-Gold: 800,000 GD 
-Legitimacy: 10/10

Prince Doran,

-With the death of Aerys a burden may be lifted off House Martell, but the matter of the succession threatens to cause much strife. It would make perfect sense to seize the moment along with Lewyn and Elia and crown your little nephew Aegon as King, meaning not only the new Queen Regent would be a Dornish Princess, but Dorne itself would reign. On the other hand, there may be many loyalists who would much rather crown Viserys, particularly the Dowager Queen… How will you handle this?

-The recent declaration by Lord Commander Gerold Hightower and Lady Lyanna Stark puts you in a rather awkward spot, as Rhaegar’s former party resides in the so called “Tower of Joy” in the west of Dorne. As it stands Rhaegar has dishonored Elia by marrying again and having another son, and to make matters worse, the Daynes (your own vassals) may be complicit in the matter given the presence of Ser Arthur and the ties with Lady Ashara. How will you handle this complex matter?

-Your brother Oberyn writes from Lys, having been informed of the latest developments on the war. Concerned he asks for your blessing to sail back into Westeros and assists Elia in anything she may need, and his experience and skill would be a remarkable asset. However, Oberyn left after killing Lord Yronwood in combat, and House Yronwood would react badly to the return of the Red Viper. Can you afford to upset the Yronwoods?

Varys:
-Prestige: 3/10 (Respected somewhat, but unpopular)
-Gold: 100,000 GD 

Lord Varys,

-The sudden death of Aerys and Lord Rossart, plus the departure of so many courtiers leaves you as the sole present member of the Small Council besides Grand Maester Pycelle, and Ser Jaime Lannister as the sole Kingsguard. Can you seize this historic vacuum of power in the capital to your advantage, and survive Aerys’s mysterious (and suspicious) demise?

-By far the pressing matter is that of the royal succession, represented in the existence of a rebel claimant in Lord Stannis and at least three male Targaryen princes that loyalists and rebels alike can use, with Aegon and Rhaenys already in the city under the careful eye of Princess Elia and Ser Jaime Lannister, who will not leave the side of the princes. As a member of the Small Council, who will earn your valuable service?

-One of the biggest questions present in the city is that of who will control it, and military power will be key. On one side there’s the City Watch of Manly Stokeworth, on the other, the several thousand strong Loyalist force led by brave knights such as Alliser Thorne and Jaremy Rykker. Will you attempt to master these forces to hold the capitol? If so, how?

[Lumine]

Jon Arryn:
-Prestige: 8/10
-Gold: 600,000 GD 
-Legitimacy: 10/10

Lord Arryn,

-In your capacity as one of the most respected and trusted rebels Lords, your voice will be decisive when it comes to placing a new King in the Iron Throne. But the decision is not simple, for there’s Stannis Baratheon and the three Targaryen princes to take into account. Even more there may be other wondering if they couldn’t take the throne by conquest, and some even wonder if you wouldn’t make an interesting king…

-As the overall commander of the main Rebel Army you stand in a complex position as your forces settle across the Trident, the Royalists on the other side. The earlier battle of the Trident has failed to provide a decisive victory for either side, the Royalist forces still possess abundant forces to continue the struggle, and even among the Rebels there may be conflict without Robert and with the news of Lyanna Stark. Can you hold the army together?

-The matter of the succession of the Vale continues to be very present in your mind. Already Elbert and Denys have died in the war, meaning that in the event of your death your remaining male heir would be little Jasper, Ser Denys’s son, currently very ill. You’re married now to lady Lysa, but producing a child soon may be of the highest importance.

Ned Stark:
-Prestige: 7/10 
-Gold: 300,000 GD
-Legitimacy: 10/10
 

Lord Stark,

-The news about your sister have brought joy and pain. While lady Lyanna is alive, she is currently in the middle of Dorne surrounded by Kingsguards, her apparent love affair with Rhaegar can be argued to have caused the war, and the Northern lords appear to be beyond livid at her recklessness and the fact she willingly had a children from the hated Targaryens. Your handling of this matter will be decisive, not only for the war, but for the future of your House and your vassals.

-While the quest of the throne and Robert’s pursuit of it never interested you, the current anarchy is not sustainable. A king must be found, and as a powerful and honorable Rebel lord your word will count for much. Should it be Stannis, despite his evident flaws and the unbreakable siege of Storm’s End? Should it be your nephew Jaehaerys, despite being the son of a hated enemy? Another Targaryen prince, or even a different lord as claimant?

-Good news arrive from Riverrun, my Lord. Maester Luwin informs that Lady Catelyn is pregnant, and expected to give birth in three or four months. House Stark may begin to increase in size again after the latest tragedies, and lord Benjen, whom you’ve left in Winterfell to rule the North, is also an attractive choice for marriage...

Stannis Baratheon:
-Prestige: 4/10
-Gold: 300,000 GD 
-Legitimacy: 2/10 (Unquestioned lord, very questioned claimant)

Lord Baratheon,

-Ravens that manage to break the blockade bring forth the latest news, for which is there is both rejoicing and sorrow at Storm’s End. Aerys and Rhaegar are both dead at least, but your own brother Robert is gone as well. Honor and duty dictates that you follow him as Lord of Storm’s End and claimant to the throne to overthrow the Targaryens, although such a road will be exceptionally hard. How will you handle this complex matter?

-The siege and blockade of Lord Tyrell grows worse by the day as food is more and more scarce in the fortress, the garrison growing weaker and your wife and brother more frail. Yet surrender may mean death at the hands of the Roses. And yet, in such despair miracles may take place. Can you find a way to break the siege of Storm’s End, Lord Stannis?

-Despite heavy losses in battles such as Ashford and the Bells, the military power of the Stormlands is still significant, is split. A few thousand men ride with Jon Arryn, and several thousand men can still be drawn from the unoccupied zones of the Stormlands. Can you prove as a good as a commander as Robert, and lead the Stormlords into success against the odds?

Hoster Tully:
-Prestige: 6/10
-Gold: 700,000 GD 
-Legitimacy: 10/10

Lord Tully,

-Events keep moving fast in Westeros. Despite rapidly aligning with the rebels through a double marriage, the political scenario has dramatically shifted after the Trident. With Robert, Rhaegar and Aerys gone there is an interesting vacuum House Tully may profit from, as one of the few Houses that, while siding with the rebels, still has some degree of goodwill among the loyalists. Who should the Riverlords follow as King? Stannis, even though there are no marriage links to him? One of the Targaryen princes? A rebel lord willing to take the crown?

-One of the negative consequences of the war thus far is the stark division that has taken place across the Riverlands, split between royalists and rebels. Even now Darry, Goodbrook, Wayn, Mooton, Ryger and Vypren side with the crown with enthusiasm and commitment, which leads some to wonder whether the Riverlands will be easily reunited in account of this deep division. Do you have any plans to restore your full authority in the region?

-The matter of House Frey has made many in your camp nervous, and led to some awkward discussions. Having ignored the calls for war for a very long time, Walder Frey has finally advanced himself with a large Frey host, and with delays preventing him from taking part in the battle of the Trident his host is now fast approaching the rebel and loyalists camps. Should Lord Frey be reprimanded and punished for his delays? And what if he hasn’t come to join the rebellion?

[Lumine]

Tywin Lannister:
-Prestige: 8/10
-Gold: 5,000,000 GD 
-Legitimacy: 10/10

Lord Tywin,

-Although waiting to choose a side in the rebellion was a risky strategy, the post-Trident events allow House Lannister an unprecedented freedom of choice. Should you desire it, you could side with Stannis or another rebel claimant, you could side with one of the Targaryen princes, you could even proclaim yourself a claimant to the throne if you so wish (and several vassals speculate in this sense). Has the time come for your House to finally decide what to do with the future?

-Your son Jaime is at last free from the dangerous hands of Aerys, but stands in danger still in King’s Landing. Taking his vows to the crown and to Rhaegar seriously, Ser Jaime has proclaimed his duty to protect Rhaegar’s family, and that nothing will sway him from protecting Elia, Aegon and Rhaenys. What will you do about Jaime, and can you secure his safety?

-Among the lords of Westeros you are almost unique in holding an unexpected trump card with one of the most desirable marriage matches in Westeros: your daughter Cersei. Young, beautiful and intelligent, Cersei is the key to a lasting marriage alliance with the most prominent houses of Westeros, and choosing a husband for her will be key. Do you have any new prospects for Cersei in mind now that prince Rhaegar is gone?

Quellon Greyjoy:
-Prestige: 6/10 
-Gold: 150,000 GD 
-Legitimacy: 9/10

Lord Greyjoy,

-News arrive at Pyke of the latest developments in the mainland, and as your sons loudly proclaim, the time is right to make a move. Westeros is confused and divided, its coasts unprotected, and House Greyjoy stands at a perfect moment to strike. But strike whom? For reaving, even though you’ve forbidden most forms of it? For conquest, imitating the past Iron Kings? For the sake of a new King?

-Even though many Ironborn care not for whom sits on the Iron Throne, your wisdom, knowledge of the great houses and desire to reform the Ironborn make you well aware of how important the question is. Should the Ironborn declare preference for one of the several claimants to the Iron Throne? Or perhaps, as your sons urge you again and again, should the Iron Islands declare independence for the first time in 300 years?

-One of the main issues of your long rule as Lord Reaper has been reforming the Ironborn and pursue integration within the Seven Kingdoms. This has included heavy restrictions on reaving and taking salt wives, freeing many thralls, promoting marriage and guardianship with the lords of Westeros and even bringing maesters, measures heavily opposed by those proclaiming to obey the Old Way. Can you find a way to succeed in this difficult task?

Walder Frey:
-Prestige: 2/10
-Gold: 250,000 GD 
-Legitimacy: 10/10

Lord Frey,

-Even if House Frey is not one of the few main houses of Westeros, the matter of the royal succession and choosing a claimant is still of great importance, and your sons wonder who you will plan to support as King. Lord Stannis, who in his despair may be persuadable to grant boons? The Targaryen princes, all of whom offer ties and alliances to other great houses? A different claimant even, one of the rebel lords?

-For months you’ve avoided taking sides in the bloody rebellion, and as a result the strength of House Frey remains intact. Yet the summons of Lord Hoster have forced you to leave The Twins with the main Frey host, and you now approach the Trident and the main rebel and loyalist armies. Will you be joining the rebel army right away? Or do you have different designs in mind?

-One of the best ways to cement the influence of House Frey and rid you to troublesome family members is marriage, even though several lords have been refusing your offers as of late. Can you find ways to promote further marriage from members of House Frey, and thus expand your own power?

[Lumine]

DAVOS

Night had finally come to Storm’s End, and with it the promise of a miracle.

Davos the smuggler was still shaken by almost drowning on his failed voyage before dawn that day, when his attempt at leaving Storm’s End and bypass the blockade had ended in failure. Crossing the Redwyne blockade had been a near-dear experience the first time, when he had brought relief to the starving garrison a few days ago. And now, with dozens of Targaryen ships serving the “Dragoness” joining the blockade of the fortress, sailing away was now impossible. It had been his only and final chance to leave Storm’s End in the safest way, for that night was the night in which Stannis Baratheon and his garrison would finally attempt their breakout after “feasting” on what Davos had smuggled into the castle.

-You won’t attempt it again, smuggler? – Asked Donal Noye, the smith –
-Oh no. Not anymore. – Davos smiled grimly – My drowning would be certain. I’d prefer it to return to my wife without water on my lungs. –
-You also could say with the others. – Offered Noye – I can’t imagine that fat bastard hanging a Maester and his companions. –
-He won’t hang Maester Cressen, that’s certain. But a smuggler who mocked his blockade? Hanging is the least they will do. –

So there he was, to join the breakout attempt alongside most of the garrison. Only a few would remain behind to surrender the castle, mostly those who could no longer move due to the hunger and Maester Cressen, too old for such adventures. Davos wondered how important that old man was despite his kind manners, for Stannis had looked at least slightly pained when Cressed noted he could not go. He was beginning to regret smuggling himself and his onions into Storm’s End, for the high price payed by Stannis – and his encouraging promises – meant nothing if they all got killed by the Tyrells while attempting to flee.

-Davos. Noye. – The king walked besides them in the walls – The time has come. –

He’d only known His Grace Stannis for a few days, but there was something about that remarkable young man that had captured the interest and imagination of the smuggler. On his career he’d soon learn there were all kinds of lords, and most of them worse than the most corrupt pirate when it came to their desires and behavior. Stannis, whose life seem to be based on tragedy upon tragedy, was different in demeanor. After all, Davos could not think of another lord or king who would promise him a vast reward… combined with the potential loss of his fingers as punishment for smuggling. At least, thank the Seven, he would only do the deed after they had left the fortress. There was something in Stannis’s fortitude and devotion to duty that seemed so rare, so out of place.

Other men might have claimed the Iron Throne for themselves out of ambition, other men would have ignored Robert’s brief attempt at presenting a claim. Not Stannis. Out of duty he’d accepted the burden of claiming a Throne most Lords didn’t seem to wish he sat on, and not even the unwillingness of the Rebel lords up in the Trident to uphold his cause had dissuaded him. It had clearly angered him and forced him into rash action, but he was determined to fight until the throne was his. And, given that some lords had finally promised to pledge to his House, perhaps not all was lost if they all managed to survive Storm’s End.

-The time is right. – Proclaimed Stannis, looking at the countless enemy tents – Now or never. -
Upon saying goodbye to Cressen and the others, Stannis separated the few hundred men of his garrison into separate groups, and made a point of bringing Renly, Ser Cortnay, Noye and Davos on his own personal escort. They descended to the depths of Storm’s End, and using one of the secret passages they began the slow road into the exit. Davos felt tense upon walking across the small corridor even as little Renly displayed more fascination than fear, and finally they arrived at the exit they meant to exploit. One by one the defenders started coming up towards the ground, and approach the enemy tents to slaughter the guards in silence. It was when Stannis, Davos and the others say the light of that night when they hear the shouting of Tyrell soldiers.

-It’s them! They’re attempting to break out now! Over here! –
-We’ve been betrayed. – Stannis said, no hint of emotion in his voice –
-Damn them! – Shouted Cortnay Penrose – Your Grace, we must leave now. –

Soon the cavalry squadrons with the Tarly sigil arrived, the sound of the horses still noticeable despite how strong the wind howled. The cavalry charge started running over the Stormlanders, who fought fiercely against the odds. It was soon clear that no organized breakout would succeed. Pointing at a seemingly free direction Davos pushed Stannis into moving, and the young King finally relented. With a sour look on his face as many of the garrison were slaughtered by the riders, the personal group of the King made their way up north to the nearby hills, hoping to cross the lines.

-We must keep moving! – Stannis shouted, Renly increasingly frightened -

As the wind kept howling and the shouts of war became louder and fiercer, the scenes of that night resembled never ending horror. Group after group of Tyrell soldiers came on their way, and fight after fight Stannis and his men prevailed as their numbers grew smaller and the wounds more painful. A seemingly never-ending stream of Lord Tyrell’s soldiers appeared on their path as they continued to advance, and just as their reached a nearby hill upon which the Tyrell camp and Storm’s End could be seen, they were fought by another of the Tarly cavalry squadrons. The remaining dozen stood in formation as the riders approached him – little Renly protected by Davos at the center -, and one by one the riders and Stannis’s men alike fell. Soon there were few men standing, and the surviving riders ran in retreat.

-We must go, Your Grace. –
-I can’t. I can’t move. – Stannis pointed out, in pain -

Davos looked at the King, and felt horrified. A lance had punctured Stannis’s leg, and while he could still stand it was evident he could not walk or run. Then the screams of riders were heard again, and it became clear more Tarlys were coming for them. Ser Cortnay was wounded in both arms, and only Davos and Noye were in any condition to fight. Stannis gave a hard look at his surviving men and at Renly, and after a few instants of reflection commanded the smith and the smuggler to come to him. Davos watched in disbelief as Stannis raised his sword above both men, and rapidly pronounced the words to knight both men. He then ordered them to stand up:

-Arise, Ser Donal Noye, and Ser Davos Seaworth. – Stannis contained another look of pain – You… you now have a solemn duty. Take Renly and Ser Cortnay, and go for the Kingswood.  
-Your Grace, we cannot abandon you. – Ser Davos said –
-Damn you, stop wasting time. – Stannis spouted – I cannot move! You will take Renly, and you will put him on that throne whatever the cost. Your king commands it. –
-Yes, your grace. – Both men answered –

Davos grabbed Renly, who kept pleading to his brother to come with them, and Noye helped Ser Cortnay stand up, as he could still run despite his wound. It was then that the sound of horses grew louder, and the Tarly men began to approach the hill.  

-Your Grace… - Ser Donal tried to plead once more -
-¡Brother! – Renly shouted, in tears - ¡Don’t leave us here! -

To which Stannis, serene as he hadn’t looked in a long time, replied with just a hint of emotion in his voice:

-Go on and do your duty. –

And as they ran as fast as they could in that stormy night, the cries of despair from Renly mixed with the voices of the soldiers and the sound of swords, the smuggler turned knight soon noticed tears were running across his face.

It was the first King he’d ever known, and he was certain he would never meet one as dutiful as the young, unfortunate Stannis Baratheon.

[Lumine]

BONIFER

-All hail the Queen! – Shouted the knight -
-All hail the Queen Regent! – The Holy Hundred responded -

Ser Bonifer Hasty and the Holy Hundred had walked from the Red Keep to the Great Sept of Baelor after the victory celebration thrown by some of the Loyalist lords, and after spending a couple of hours in meditation and prayer their commander was finally going to release them to enjoy some of what King’s Landing had to offer – so long as was not particularly sinful -. For Ser Bonifer it was worth it to reward his brave men, who had distinguished themselves in cutting their way through the Gold Cloaks defending the Red Keep so the Queen Regent and the little King could sit on the throne that belonged to them.

-Thank the Seven. – Bonifer knelt again, filled with gratitude towards the gods –

For how long he’d looked for something to look forward too? For how long did he sought a just cause to do battle? He would not fight for a monster like Aerys, and the thought of the rebels made him suspicious as well. So when his squire had brought the news the Queen Regent travelled to King’s Landing asking those loyal to her and Viserys to join her, Bonifer had almost leap of excitement and even passion. Something which he had kept locked inside his heart for more than two decades was alive again. He was not the young knight he’d been once, but here was a chance given by the gods to serve her one and only lady now that the accursed Mad King was gone. He smiled as he remained with a knee on the floor of the Sept of Baelor, reminiscing.

After all, serve her he had.

When the City Watch – under the command of the treacherous Spider – refused to open the gates for Rhaella’s forces, the Holy Hundred and their commander had been at the forefront of the battle, as Loyalists inside and outside the city fought those who the Spider had bought with gold. A glorious day it had been as even the people supported them in driving away the City Watch, and Ser Bonifer finally begun to fulfil his vow of service to the Queen Regent – even if he had only seen her from afar -. While it was regretful the Spider had escaped with Prince Aegon, the Queen still had several important captives at her disposal. And now the Lion entered the city to join them as well, something which would cement the power of the woman some had begun to call the “Dragoness”.

-Ser Bonifer! Ser Bonifer! –

The High Septon interrupted Bonifer’s meditation, a terrified look on his face.

-It’s the Lannisters! – He shouted, and Ser Bonifer opened his eyes in shock – Lord Tywin betrayed the Queen Regent, she’s being arrested at the Red Keep. –
-What!? – The knight stood up – That… that traitor! By what right the Lion dares to put his paws into the Queen!? –

Ser Bonifer ran away with the fire of despair and determination on his face, and the High Septon ran to hide in the safest place he could find.

-Onwards, men! – He shouted at the Holy Hundred – To the Red Keep! –
The pious knights immediately took their arms and started running across the street. They didn’t take long to find isolated sorties of Lannister soldiers and Loyalist soldiers, who had just begun to engage each other upon learning of the arrest. Ser Bonifer reasoned Lord Tywin probably did not expect the Queen to arrive with a large loyalist army into the City, for Rhaella probably had as many men as Tywin did, if not more. The road was long and excruciating, but in the mounting chaos of the battle the Holy Hundred found it relatively easy to storm a given street and overwhelm the Lannister parties by sheer force of numbers. Some of their brothers fell during the fighting, but the majority of the company made it to the streets outside the Red Keep.

-There he is, Ser Bonifer! – Shouted one of the knights – The traitor himself! –

It was Lord Tywin himself atop his horse, wearing a golden armor and an almost satisfied look on his face as his men killed the few remaining Targaryen guards and circled on their enemy. Rhaella looked at Tywin with hatred on her face, holding Viserys close as the wounded and bloodied Ser Willem tried to guard mother and son with his sword. Several Lannisters drew closer to arrest the Queen, and Ser Bonifer forgot all prudence as he began to run towards the courtyard, his mine trying to keep up with him. For the first time in more than twenty years, he shouted the name of his forbidden love, forgetting titles and manners alike.

-RHAELLA! –

Both Tywin and Rhaella looked back at the running knight, and as several Lannisters placed themselves in front of their lord to protect him the face of the Queen Regent lit in hope.

-Ser Bonifer! –

The Holy Hundred and other loyalists defending the Red Keep stormed the place and begun to attack the Lannister soldiers, Ser Willem collapsing from the blood loss as a group of guards and a knight grabbed the Queen and Viserys, intending to get them into a horse. As Lord Tywin shouted orders and retreated to a safer position, Ser Bonifer cut his way into the Lannisters and with uncontrolled rage slew two of them. Soon the knight was facing him.

-You have picked the wrong day to fight, Ser! – Elys Westerling declared –
-And you fight for the wrong lord, Ser! – Bonifer replied –

Both men locked themselves in a bitter struggle, Ser Elys wounding Bonifer in his left arm and delivering a small cut to his face before the older knight could push him away. Ser Elys was younger and more fresh, but Ser Bonifer felt like the warrior himself was guiding him on his faith. He could not faith Rhaella, he not could lose her again. But he took another wound before his moment came up and Ser Elys’s throat exploded in a sea of blood. Soon it became clear the Holy Hundred and the Targaryen loyalists – many of whom were coming to the Red Keep – had gained the upper hand, and Lord Tywin was forced to withdraw out of prudence.

Bonifer managed to stand despite his wounds, using his sword to support his body. Having seen to the fallen Ser Willem – who was now being carried into the palace – and with Viserys close, the Queen Regent approached her knight for the first time in years.

-Bonifer. – She said with the warmest of smiles, offering her hand –
-Your Grace. – Bonifer knelt, and kissed Rhaella’s hand -

Bonifer felt a flame lighting up his body the likes of which he had not seen since he was young, and in his passion he thanked the Seven with fervor. He felt a surge of rage towards the Lions for their treachery, and promised to himself right there and then than no man or force would ever stop him from serving the Queen until the end.

A few hours later the Loyalists drew the Lannisters out of King’s Landing, leaving hundreds of dead men from both sides piled in the streets of the capital.

[Lumine]

ASHARA

-I looked for you on the Trident. – Ned said, grimly – You weren’t there. –
-We were not. – The Lord Commander replied – If we had, Prince Rhaegar would be ending this rebellion. –
-Aegon and Viserys were proclaimed Kings. I wondered why you were not with either. –
-We swore a wow. – Ser Gerold replied again -
-And the Kingsguard does not run away. -Proclaimed Ser Oswell - 
-And now it begins. – Ser Arthur unsheathed Dawn –
-No. – A saddened Lord Stark replied – Now it ends. –

Ashara Dayne was fearful as she saw her beloved Lord Stark approach her brother and the Kingsguard, almost praying that it would not come to a swordfight. She looked at the scene from the stairs of the Tower of Joy with horror as Arthur drew Dawn, terrified of the idea of Ned and Arthur fighting and getting the other or both killed. But what could she do? Would both men even listen to her? She had to do something…

It was then and there than Ser Oswell Whent of all people made the fateful question.

-What is it you seek, Lord Stark? –
-I seek my sister, Ser. – Ned replied, and then spoke again – And my nephew the King. –

Ashara gasped, shocked beyond belief. Arthur, who was prepared to jump at Stark’s men with Dawn on his hand, paused. Ser Oswell smiled, and the Lord Commander looked puzzled. The King? Surely he does not mean…

-In light of my sister’s news… Jaehaerys Targaryen was proclaimed King at the camp in the Trident. – Ned explained while the Kingsguard looked beyond confused – He is now our rightful King. –
-And Stannis Baratheon? – Ser Gerold asked –
-He was not deemed worthy. He… he perished a few days ago at Storm’s End. – Ned explained, a tone of pain on his voice at Stannis’s fate –
-King Jaehaerys… - Ser Arthur repeated – You have much explaining to do, Lord Stark. –

And Ser Arthur sheathed Dawn again, allowing Ashara to finally catch a break. Perhaps not all was lost… But Ned and the Kingsguard did not spoke for long, for the cries of Lyanna Stark were soon hear from atop the tower. Ashara had given her all the remaining milk of the poppy to ease her pain when she’d arrived a few hours ago, but Lyanna was awake again. The Kingsguard stopped blocking the entry to the tower upon the looks of distrust from Lord Stark’s large entourage, and Ned looked at Ashara with an enigmatic look on his face. Nothing was spoken, but everything was said as both looked at each other for the first time since that fateful night at the Tourney in Harrenhal. They had left thinking of marriage and love, and yet… here they stood.

Ashara gave way first, escorting Ned as they climbed the tower without saying a single word. Her look of pain – which she’d had ever since learning of Ned’s marriage to that trout – contrasting with Ned’s look of regret and even shame, torn between the woman she loved and the wife that waited for him – pregnant, no less – back at Riverrun. They had changed, and had so much to say to each other… and they could not. Both reached Lyanna’s room soon, and Ashara dispatched the few servants that remained at the Tower. Ashara had known it since she’d seen Lyanna a few hours ago, and Ned realized it almost immediately too. Having lost so much blood, Lyanna’s death was all but certain. Her exhausted, pale and pained look gave away her upcoming death. Someone else might have withdrawn, but Ashara stayed at the door to listen. She felt she had to. Quietly and increasingly heartbroken she listened to Lyanna’s almost fanatical words – which as Arthur told her had only grown worse upon learning of Rhaegar’s death -, and forced herself not to cry at no longer seeing the child Lyanna had been not long ago. And when she forced Ned to make her the promise, Ashara finally could not bear to hear anything else.

-Promise me, Ned… promise me… that he will sit on the Iron Throne… -

Ashara moved back, consumed by grief and not desiring to hear Ned’s answer. Walking down the stairs and weeping he contained herself not to scream, and supported herself against a wall. How many had to die already because of that accursed prophecy? Despite all time she’d spent talking to Princess Elia about Rhaegar’s obsession – and Elia’s disappointment when Rhaegar decided his own son was not the one the prophecy spoke about -, she had not grasped the full extent of Rhaegar’s beliefs until her brother had helped Lyanna elope with the Prince. In doing so, they had caused a war of untold devastation… the mere thought made her sick and nauseous, and she could only imagine what Arthur might be feeling at what had ensued for what they thought had been a romantic adventure.

She gradually fell to the steps and stood there, grabbing his head with her hands as the tears continued to run. Stupid children. We have been stupid, immature children. All of them, she thought, Rhaegar, Lyanna, Arthur, Oswell and herself as well. Soon she heard cries herself, and recognized the voice of her beloved. Ned was crying, and Ashara knew then that Lyanna Stark had left this world to meet with her prince. It took a while for her to muster the strength to stand up, and slowly walk the steps as she tries to wipe the tears off her face. Finally, she pushed herself to enter that room that smelled so profusely of death and roses, where Ned remained locked in a hug with Lyanna as little Jaehaerys slept on the nearby cradle.

Forcing herself to walk Ashara moved towards the cradle, and putting her hands on the wood she looked at the baby. It was disconcerting to see his black hair and seemingly Stark factions despite Rhaegar being his father. He was a Targaryen and one that could someday sit on the Iron Throne, yet looked nothing like one. Ashara then approached Ned and quietly removed his arms from Lyanna’s body. The young Lord stood there, speechless and broken.

-Ashara… - He tried to speak, his voice breaking – I have a duty now. Catelyn… she is my wife now. -
-I know. – She replied, another tear running across her face – I… I know. –

Soon they were locked in a hug, and they cried.

They cried for Lyanna, whose intense love for a Prince had brought so much suffering to her family.

For Rhaegar, born in grief, whose obsession had almost ruined his family and took his life.

For Robert, who died fighting for an ideal which was in the end nothing but hollow.

And for themselves, for the love that had so suddenly taken them by surprise in Harrenhal could not continue.

[Lumine]

“For the Seven’s sake, Jon, as we once did,
Let us sit again upon the ground,
And tell sad stories of the death of kings;
How some have been deposed; some slain in war,
Some burned by the flames they once craved,
Some poisoned by their Queens: some in their throne killed;
All murdered: for within that hollow crown
That rounds the mortal temples of a king
Keeps the Stranger his court and there it sits,
Scoffing his state and grinning at his pomp.”

(A poem by Prince Rhaegar, found among his
belongings in the Loyalist Camp)

Mid to Late 283 AL: Aftermath:

Third Battle of the Trident

A new King:

The news of so many deaths and the rapidly changing situation stunned many of the Rebel Lords, and led to much doubts as to what the rebellion was even fighting for with Robert, Rhaegar and Aerys all dead. But the majority of the Rebel coalition held fast, with Lords Arryn, Tully and Stark agreeing not to support Stannis Baratheons's claim - angering both Stannis and the Stormlords - but the newborn Jaehaerys Targaryen as the legitimate King. The shock at these news was, however, reduced after Lord Stark made it known Stannis had apparently been in dealings with Greyjoys and Freys to betray the Rebels.

While Lord Stark took command of a small force of raiders in a bold mission to secure Lyanna, Lord Arryn immediately took steps to secure the Rebel camp and prepare for battle. The Stormlords were offered the chance to remain in the Rebel Army with the promise of saving Storm's End later, but the entire force left in anger at the percieved betrayal of their lord. Something similar happened when Lord Arryn offered those lords unwilling to back Jaehaerys to return home, wisely preventing conflict within the army but at the cost of hundreds of men returning to their homes.

The Riverlands Campaign:

As the Stormlander forces began their march south, the commanding lords recieved an unexpected raven from Storm's End. In it Lord Stannis claimed to command the support of House Tully for a suprise attack, and ordered his men to attack the Stark forces. The decision was a painful one for the desperate Stormlords, who knew not what to think or obey anymore. In the end, however, loyalty to their lord and despair at his treatment by the other Rebel Lords won, and the Stormlanders set their forces the upcoming night for a raid.

Second Battle of the Trident: The Stormlords launched their attack in an unexpected position (as the Rebels were expecting attacks either from the Loyalists or the Freys), throwing the Stark camp into chaos as the Stormlords launched a fiery attack. The battle raged until reinforcements from the Riverlands and the Vale began to pour in, revealing to the Stormlords that no such support existed. They withdrew after sustaining heavy losses, and as dawn broke it seemed the battle might be over. It was then that Lord Walder Frey and his forces arrived at the Rebel camp, seemingly without hostile intent but carrying the Baratheon banners after declaring for Stannis a few days ago.

The sight of what seemed like the enemy banners led Rebel troops to launch a fiery attack on the Frey vanguard, and to the eyes of the Freys it seemed not only like treachery, it seemed as if the Stormlords were being surrounded by the other Rebels. The misunderstanding turned into full-blown battle as the rash sons of Lord Walder counterattacked, smashing the main Rebel formation and turning the battle into anarchy. With the Rebels finally regrouping, both the Stormlords and the Frey inflicted moderate casualties on their enemies before finally managing to retreat: the Stormlords all the way to the Kingswood, and House Frey back to Fairmarket.

It was only in the aftermath of the battle that it became evident to the Rebels (via prisoners of war) and the Stormlords that the supposed message for Stannis had been false. But who could have caused such bloodshed?

Third Battle of the Trident: In the aftermath of this disaster at the Rebel camp and under orders from Prince Doran to attack, Prince Lewyn Martell gathered his Loyalist host (which did not break as no lord ordered his forces to split) and set up an assault to cross the river and crush the weakened, smaller Rebel forces. That such an attack did not overwhelm the Rebel lines was mostly thanks to the skill of Lord Arryn, who had set up defenses and patrols across the river. The battle took place during a whole morning as the Targaryens made several unsuccessful attempts to cross, filling the river with blood.

Despite this tactical success from the Rebels, Lord Arryn had given orders to withdraw if the Rebel Army was in a precarious position, and outnumbered the Rebel forces abandoned the field and withdrew in good order to the road that led to the Vale of Arryn and to The Bloody Gate. In the process, Lord Arryn and his men captured an odd caravan leaving the Vale: in it was the little Mya Stone (sole confirmed bastard to Robert Baratheon), her mother and a mysterious agent, who later confessed having been hired by Lord Tyrell to take the bastard child to Highgarden.

Despite heavy losses, the Loyalist Army (increasingly divided and conflicted on its loyalty) was in a prime position to flood the Rebel areas of the Riverlands.

Fall of the Storm:

Back at Storm's End, Stannis Baratheon had to contend with the enormous difficulties of the siege of his castle combined with the lack of support as the main Rebel Lords refused to crown him King. In his despair and anger it was suggested to the King that he sought new alliances, and sought them he did. Calling on several neutral lords to gain their support for his desperate cause, he won the allegiance of House Frey (with severe consecuences in the Second Battle of the Trident) and had apparenty secured the support of House Greyjoy, who committed to raiding some of Stannis's apparent enemies. Stannis was determined not to carry on with the siege any longer, and promptly organized a breakout attempt to take the Tyrells by surprise.

His plans, however, were leaked by one of his supposed allies to the Tyrell forces, and troops were alert to any attempt at a breakout. Stannis's garrison was therefore surprised attemping to break through the night, surrounded and attacked. The entire night saw confused skirmishes across Storm's End and the Tyrell camp, resulting in the death of virtually the entire Baratheon garrison and the discovery of Stannis Baratheon's body the next day. The King died clutching his sword, having singlehandledly killed half a dozen riders before bleeding to death. A jovial Lord Tyrell saw Storm's End surrendered by old Maester Cressen, but his joy was reduced by the news that young Renly Baratheon and some of Stannis's retainers had disappeared.

At the Tower of Joy

Riding fast across the Crownlands and Stormlands, ignoring much of what was taking place for the sake of their mission, Lord Stark and his riders arrived exhausted to the Tower of Joy in Dorne, the pleace in which Lyanna Stark and Jaehaerys Targaryen were located. Lord Stark was met by no less than three members of the Kingsguard, and a fight almost broke out before it became known Stark and the Rebels intended to crown Jaehaerys. It became a matter of confusion for the Kingsguards as it was evident Jaehaerys was not to be harmed, yet at the same time become a King for the until now Rebel forces.

After much confusion and debate, Ser Oswell Whent and Ser Arthur Dayne, remembering their friendship and admiration for Rhaegar and the vow they had sworn to him, knelt and swore to protect Jaehaerys with their lives. Lord Commander Gerold Hightower, disagreeing with them on the matter of the succession (for he did not see any right to the Throne for the black-haired boy) left during the night, intending to serve another Targaryen Prince. Lord Stark faced tragedy as well, for the birth of Jaehaerys had left Lyanna wounded and without proper care until Lady Dayne aided her. As a result Lady Lyanna died, not before constantly invoking a supposed prophecy regarding her child and insisting he and only he could be King.

[Lumine]

Reign of the Spider:

Back at King's Landing, it was Lord Varys who seized the moment to secure the capital, taking a series of bold moves to secure his future and the matter of the succession. His first attempt was to institute a council to govern the city, a move which failed upon the refusal of the Loyalist Knights (led by Ser Alliser and Ser Jaremy) to refuse bribes and their lack of support in Varys's authority. The Spider, however, did enlist the support of the City Watch and Commander Manly Stokeworth, which he used to secure key positions across King's Landing and close the gates against any approaching force.

It was then that Varys threw himself at the task of undermining Queen Rhaella and ensuring her cause failed, winning over Grand Maester Pycelle to support Aegon's place in the succession, having Aerys's surviving pyromancers arrested. The pyromancers signed confessions after their interrogation blaiming Rhaella for having murdered Aerys, an act which had the curious consequence of raising distrust for the Queen among the nobility and actually improving her rising popularity among the people of the capital, who had come to loathe the deceased King. Varys then commanded his forces not allow any forces in the capital other than the coming army of Lord Tywin.

March of the Dragoness:

In Dragonstone, however, Queen Rhaella wasted no time.

Despite the danger of angering the Dornish and breaking the Loyalist lords Rhaella had Viserys crowned at a small ceremony in Dragonstone, proclaiming herself the Queen Regent. Sending some of her ships to support the Siege of Storm's End, Rhaella gathered her forces and sailed for Cracklaw Point, which she set as the rallying point for Houses loyal to her. Due to the confusion of the succession and the unwillingess of Loyalist lords to abandon the main army for fear of the Rebels no House from outside the Crownlands came, but Rhaella found much success among the men of Cracklaw, who defined themselves as good dragon men and cherred for the Queen.

First Battle of King's Landing: Rhaella and Viserys marched to King's Landing alongside Darry, the brand new pro-Targaryen army and new converts to the cause such as the Holy Hundred. On their arrival to King's Landing the City Watch attempted to resist them (on Varys's command) as the Loyalist knights chose to support Rhaella and not the Eunuch. The battle was brief but successful, the City Watch crumbling against superior numbers as the Spider begged Queen Elia and Ser Jaime to come with him. In pleading he wasted too much time, as soon the pro-Rhaella forces stormed the Red Keep, knocked Ser Jaime and captured him, Elia and Rhaenys. Varys, skilled with the use of secret passages and prepared for such an eventuality, managed to grab little Aegon and smuggled himself into a galley. They were sailing to Sunspear.

Second Battle of King's Landing: Soon afterwards Lord Tywin Lannister made his appearance on the capital, having secured an apparent deal with Queen Rhaella with the intention to place her under arrest. Lord Tywin, however, arrived after the Queen had taked the capitol, and the attempt to place her under arrest failed as Rhaella was freed by those loyal to her. Fighting broke out across King's Landing between the Targaryen Loyalists and the invading Lannisters, the people inside the city decisively siding with the Loyalists. After heavy casualties on both sides, the Lannister forces were forced to abandon the city and camp besides the Blackwater as Pycelle, Stokeworth and other defectors from the court joined Tywin's camp.

Despite this shocking betrayal, Queen Rhaella had managed to hold the capital for Viserys, and held three decisive hostages in Elia, Rhaenys and the now chained Ser Jaime Lannister.

The Ironborn Strike:

Back at Pyke, Lord Reaper Quellon Greyjoy was constantly pressed by his sons to join the war, and several of the Great Houses courted the support of Quellon and his large armada.

Ruling out independence and pretending to accept Stannis's offers and plans, Lord Greyjoy raised as many men and ships as he could, dividing the fleet into three and entrusting his sons Victarion, Euron and Balon to lead the invading forces. What followed was a bloody series of raids:

Victarion's Raid of the North: With a small portion of the fleet Victarion Greyjoy began reaving the western coast of the North just as the Northerners were setting up defenses on the orders of Lord Benjen. Victarion managed to pre-empt the Northerners and defeat them in battle at the Stony Shore, but upon reaching Deepwood Motte he found more than two thousand Northern troops ready for him, and was promtly defeated upon attempting a raid. Wounded in the failed raid, Victarion's ships sailed back to Blazewater Bay.

Assault on Moat Cailin: Balon Greyjoy had been given the bulk of the Greyjoy fleet (with thousands of warriors at his disposal), and he used it to sail into the Barrowlands to storm Moat Cailin from the north. Despite the arrival of reinforcements from Winterfell Balon enjoy absolute superiority in numbers, and faced the fortress from its weak side. The Northerners were defeated and the survivors had to withdraw back to White Harbor, Balon's next target.

Battle of Seal Rock: Leaving a sizable garrison in Moat Cailin, Balon took his men to storm White Harbor and gain the biggest price the North had to offer, reasoning that the city would be unprepared. Lord Benjen, however, in orders from Lord Stark had begun intense preparations for a possible Ironborn attack, and while there was no time to save Moat Cailin Benjen had a large force of men ready to ride South. Coordinating with House Manderly the Starks and their vassals face Balon along the fortifications outside White Harbor in Seal Rock, offering fierce resistance. After a tough series of engagements Balon withdrew back to Moat Cailin, countering his failure to sack the port by having his Ironborn sack their way across the Barrowlands and The Neck.

Raid at Storm's End: The final portion of the fleet was led by the daring Euron Greyjoy and fifteen of the fastest ships of the Iron Islands, who immediately sailed south in a key mission. Avoiding the Reach the Greyjoy squadron made their way into Shipbreaker Bay and daringly sailed their way during the night to attempt to reach the castle. Even though dozens of Ironborn sailors died during the naval battle,  Euron raced his way into the castle from within with the command to seize the Baratheons and take them as hostages. Accordingly Euron and his surviving men fought like madmen, closing off the castle doors and ambushing the small group of guards assigned to the castle. As the final Greyjoy ships were being guarded or sunk in the bay, Euron and his men broke through the Great Hall and the feast that was being held.

To his utter surprise, Euron looked at his new prisoners and saw none other than Lord Mace Tyrell, who had captured Storm's End a couple of days ago. With him there were several of his key bannermen, all with a stunned look on their faces.

[Lumine]

Weddings, births and deaths:

Deaths: Stannis Baratheon, Lyanna Stark, Elys Westerling, Willem Darry.
Weddings: None.
Births: None.

Military and Political Situation:

The Rebel Army:
Under command of Lord Jon Arryn, at the Bloody Gate
9,400 Northmen
9,100 Riverlander
6,800 Valemen

The Royal Army:
Under command of Prince Lewyn Martell, at the Trident:
8,200 Dornishmen
6,500 Reachmen
11,000 Targaryen Loyalists
9,300 Crownlanders

Rhaella Targaryen:
-Army of King's Landing: 11,400 strong, in King's Landing.
-Garrison of Dragonstone: 1,000 strong.
-Targaryen Royal Fleet: 100 ships, in King's Landing.
-Royal Fleet of the Stormlands: 100 ships, in Shipbreaker Bay.
(Can only recruit in King's Landing under she recieves new bannermen)

Tywin Lannister:
-Army of Tywin Lannister: 13,500 strong, outside King's Landing.
-City Watch of Lannisport: 3,000 strong.
-Garrison of the Golden Tooth: 500 strong.
-Garrison of Casterly Rock: 500 strong.
-Lannister Fleet: 50 ships, in Lannisport.
(Can recruit 28,000 men, 10,000 immediately)

House Tyrell:
(Not accounting for units like the Oldtown City Watch)
-Army of Mace Tyrell: 31,200 strong, outside Storm’s End.
-Reach Loyalist Corps: 6,500 strong (Part of the Royal Army).
-Army of the Reach: 15,000 strong, in Highgarden.
-Garrison of Highgarden: 5,000 strong.
-Fleet of the Mander: 40 ships, near Highgarden.
-Redwyne Fleet: 198 ships, blockading Storm’s End.
-Hightower Fleet: 30 ships, in Oldtown.
-Shield Islands Fleet: 30 ships, at the Shield Islands.
(Can recruit 25,000 men from the Reach, 10,000 immediately)

Ned Stark:
-Garrison of Winterfell: 1,000 strong.
-Garrison of Moat Cailin: 500 strong.
-Lord Stark's Retinue: 200 strong, near Summerhall.
-Army of Wyman Manderly: 9,400 strong (Part of the Rebel Army).
-Army of Benjen Stark: 4,600 strong, near White Harbor.
-Army of Deepwood Motte: 1,900 strong, near Deepwood Motte.
 (Can recruit 20,000 men from the North, 6,000 immediately)

Hoster Tully:
-Garrison of Riverrun: 1,000 strong.
-Army of Hoster Tully: 9,100 strong (Part of the Rebel Army).
(Can recruit 20,000 men from the Riverlands, 7,000 immediately)

Quellon Greyjoy:
Garrison of Pyke: 1,000 strong.
Victarion's Fleet: 16 ships, 800 men, in Blazewater Bay.
Balon's Fleet: 157 ships, 7,800 men, in Moat Cailin.
Euron's Fleet: 2 ships, 300 men, in Storm's End.
Greyjoy Fleet: 100 ships and 5,000 men, in Pyke.
(Can recruit 15,000 men from the Iron Islands, 5,000 immediately)
(Can call up to 300 reaving ships, 100 immediately)

Jon Arryn:
Garrison of the Eyrie: 500 strong.
Garrison of the Bloody Gate: 1,000 strong.
Gulltown Fleet: 20 ships, in Gulltown.
Army of Jon Arryn: 6,800 strong (Part of the Rebel Army).
Army of the Vale: 7,000 strong, in the Eyrie.
Army of Yohn Royce: 3,000 strong, in Gulltown.
(Can recruit 15,000 men from the Vale of Arryn, 5,000 immediately)

Doran Martell:
Garrison of Sunspear: 1,000 strong.
Army of Sunspear: 10,000 strong, in Sunspear.
Army of Lewyn Martell: 8,200 strong (part of the Royal Army).
(Can recruit 15,000 men from Dorne, 5,000 immediately)

Walder Frey:
Army of Walder Frey: 4,200 strong, near Fairmarket.
Garrison of The Twins: 1,000 strong.
(Can recruit 3,000 more men from The Twins, 1,500 immediately)

Deremond Darry:
Garrison of Castle Darry: 1,000 strong.
(Can recruit 6,000 men, 3,000 immediately)

Eldon Estermont:
-Stormlander Army: 4,000 strong, hiding in the Kingswood.
(Can recruit 13,000 men, 6,500 immediately)

[Lumine]

Late 283 AL: Turn Two:

Cast:

The Viserys Loyalists:

Rhaella Targaryen, the Queen Regent (Dkrol)

The Aegon Loyalists:

Doran Martell, Prince of Dorne (Mycool)
Varys, Exiled Spymaster (Garlan Gunter)
Tywin Lannister, Lord of Casterly Rock (Leonardo the Red)

The Rebel Lords:

Jon Arryn, Lord of the Eyrie (Swedge)
Eddard Stark, Lord of Winterfell (YPestis)
Hoster Tully, Lord of the Riverlands (Badgate)

The Lords of Westeros:

Mace Tyrell, Lord of Highgarden (Windjammer)
Quellon Greyjoy, Lord of Pyke (Bacon King)
Walder Frey, Lord of the Crossing (LouisvilleThunder)
Eldon Estermont, Lord of Estermont (Dereich)
Deremond Darry, Lord of Castle Darry (JacksonHitchcock)

General View:

Westeros splits on new alliances as House Baratheon crumbles and Viserys, Aegon and Jaehaerys Targaryen are all proclaimed Kings. Queen Regent Rhaella Targaryen sits uneasily in King's Landing after being betrayed by Lord Tywin Lannister, and both the Starks and the Tyrells face a terrible threat from the Ironborn and the sudden, effective strikes of Lord Reaper Quellon Greyjoy. And in the Riverlands, the nominally Loyalist forces push back the Rebels...

Player Crisis:

Rhaella Targaryen:
-Prestige: 8/10 (Earned renown after holding KL)
-Gold: 600,000 GD (Seized the Royal Treasure)
-Legitimacy: 5/10 (Popular in the capital, but with few allies)

-The betrayal of the Lannisters came close to ending your rule and that of your son, but thanks to the bravery of men like Hasty and Darry (the last one having died of his wounds) you have been spared. Lord Tywin stands outside the capital with a large army, but you crucially hold Ser Jaime as your prisoner.

-Through quick action you've secured the support of many Crownlander Houses, the Crackclaw men and House Selmy in the Stormlands, yet more allies will be needed if you are to succeed. Holding important hostages in Elia Martell and Rhaenys Targaryen, can you win more allies for your cause?

-A raven arrives from the Trident and the main Loyalist forces, bringing tales of confusion to an army which has stopped being united in its purpose. While Prince Lewys Martell and Ser Richard Lonmouth declare for Aegon, Ser Jonothor Darry and Ser Barristan Selmy declare for Viserys. Can you secure this vital army for your cause?

 Randyll Tarly:
-Prestige: 7/10
-Gold: 2,850,000 GD  (temporary control over Reach finances)
-Legitimacy: 10/10 (As Lord of Horn Hill)

Lord Tarly,

-Lord Redwyne and yourself stand outside Storm's End in confusion, for the adventures Euron Greyjoy has captured the castle, your liege lord and several of his bannermen. While the Ironborn inside the castle are few and would likely collapse in an assault, the danger of harm coming to Lord Tyrell and several important lords is all too serious. How will you handle this matter?

-Lord Rowan writes from the Trident in urgency, for as commander of the Reach units in the Loyalist Army he faces a complex decision as the commanders side for Aegon and Viserys. Who should Rowan support as King?

-Despite the death of Stannis Baratheon, the Stormlords are not beaten. There are reports of minor revolts in the lands occupied by House Tyrell, and its rumored the Stormlords hide in the Kingswood waiting for a moment to strike. Lord Renly is nowhere to be found by your patrols as well. How is the campaign in the Stormlads to proceed?

Doran Martell:
-Prestige: 5/10 (Hit due to Elia's capture)
-Gold: 780,000 GD  
-Legitimacy: 9/10

Prince Doran,

-In the aftermath of the disaster in King's Landing three separate ships land in Sunspear, bringing three different men: Lord Varys, Lord Commander Hightower and Prince Oberyn. Varys brings the little King Aegon with him and pledges his loyalty, the Lord Commander swears his loyalty as well, and Oberyn arrives obsessed with the great danger Elia is facing. Furthermore, he also demands the punishment of the Spider for failing to protect the Princess and her daughter.

-Your uncle Prince Lewyn has defeated the Rebels, but they live to fight another day. Furthermore, his army faces inmense internal strife as ommanders, knights and lords are split on their support for Aegon or Viserys. What will you do regarding the Loyalist Army?

-The internal situation in Dorne has begun to heat up in a complicated manner. Ser Arthur Dayne has sword loyalty to Jaehaerys and left with Lord Stark, opening up questions about the true loyalties of House Dayne. And House Yronwood, offended by the arrival of Oberyn in Sunspear, is threatening to withhold their men. How will you solve this conflict?

Varys:
-Prestige: 2/10
-Gold: 150,000 GD  

Lord Varys,

-You escape from the capital at the last moment after being defeated by the Dragoness, but luckily you have been able to take the royal baby with you and deliver Aegon safely in Sunspear. Can you avoid the anger of some Dornishmen for leaving Elia behind and continue the struggle?

-Illyrio writes from Pentos, having returned to the city after approaching King's Landing and learning of its fall. Quite annoyed, he writes to demand clarification your plans. What will you say to him?

-After a long wait a latter from Lord Connington arrives, vague in details but outlining his intention to return and fight to avenge Rhaegar. How will you use the exiled Griffin?

[Lumine]

Jon Arryn:
-Prestige: 7/10 (Minor defeat in the Trident)
-Gold: 600,000 GD 
-Legitimacy: 10/10

Lord Arryn,

-After a confused battle with Baratheons and Freys, and upon the assault of the Loyalist forces your troops are forced to withdraw back to the Bloody Gate, where at least substantial support from the Vale can be found. With the Loyalists in a position to expand across the Riverlands, how will you continue fighting this war?

-So far none of the main Houses of the Vale has openly opposed your intentions to crown little Jaehaerys, although of the landed knights and commoners have been among those to return home or express a wish to stop fighting. Can you find the way to truly galvanize support for the young baby as King?

-The envoys from Braavos write back, informing of favorable reception from the shipbuilders at Braavos despite the considerably large prices. All in all, the cheapest bid offers to build 50 ships, which would you greater naval power than House Lannister.. However, the construction of these ships would take anywhere between six months and a year, and would cost 500,000 GD.

Ned Stark:
-Prestige: 5/10  (Damaged after the attack on the North)
-Gold: 280,000 GD
-Legitimacy: 10/10
 

Lord Stark,

-While your sister has unfortunately died, little Jaehaerys is very much alive. As you and your escort reach Summerhall in route back to the Rebel forces you find yourself in an odd dilemma after speaking to the captain of the guard. Not only had Lady Ashara smuggled herself into the caravan and has requested you accept her to take care of Jaehaerys, but your men are looking towards Dayne and Whnt with great hostility given their service to Aerys. What will you do?

-A raven manages to reach you from the North, where Benjen is locked in a desperate struggle against House Greyjoy and its forces, the sacking of White Habor averted only at the last moment. How will the North fight back against the invaders? Can you return to your ancestral lands even though young Balon Greyjoy holds Moat Cailin?

-The support for Jaehaerys has costed you the support of some knights and warriors, and opened dissent among the more anti-Targaryen houses like Mormonts, Umbers and Karstarks. On the other hand, the death of Lyanna way repair said damage given her inmense unpopularity after her love affair with Rhaegar. Can you continue keeping your vassals in line?

Hoster Tully:
-Prestige: 5/10 (Riverlands threatened by Loyalist forces)
-Gold: 700,000 GD 
-Legitimacy: 9/10

Lord Tully,

-The withdrawal of the main Rebel forces back to the Vale (with you included) places you in an awkward position as the Riverlands could feasibly be occupied by enemy forces. On the other hand, you can still marshall large numbers of fresh Riverlanders, although that number may gore smaller and smaller if vassals continue to desert to the Targaryen cause. Ho will you save the region from invasion?

-A disastrous misunderstanding appears to have led to open fighting with House Frey, and the death of two sons of Lord Walder in the Trident. Even now the forces of House Frey stand at Fairmarket, and in a prime position to deliver critical help to your House or deliver a tough blow. How will you deal with Walder Frey?

-With the sudden Ironborn attack to the North, some courtiers at Riverrun are afraid of the possibility of the Riverlands being attacked as well, a possibility which is crucial to contain or avoid. How will you handle the issue of the Ironborn?

Walder Frey:
-Prestige: 2/10
-Gold: 250,000 GD 
-Legitimacy: 10/10

Lord Frey,

-Declaring for the now dead Stannis Baratheon has led to inmense consecuences, as your forces were attacked in the Trident and led to the death of two of your many sons. As your forces retreat back to Fairmarket you now face a crucial decision for the future of your House, particularly at the Riverlands are open to defend or attack. Who will you side with now?

[Lumine]

Tywin Lannister:
-Prestige: 6/10
-Gold: 5,000,000 GD 
-Legitimacy: 10/10

Lord Tywin,

-The bold gambit in King's Landing has failed at the moment, leaving you outside the capital with a large army but with your beloved son Jaime trapped as Rhaella's hostage. How do you proceed from here, having lost the opportunity for an easy victory against the Queen Regent?

-Several prominent men who escaped the capital gather around you, led by Grand Maester Pycelle and Ser Manly Stokeworth. They have come to you suggesting you should proclaim yourself as Regent for young Aegon now that Elia is captured, and immediately create a Small Council to govern the Realm (Pycelle and Stokeworth humbly submitting their names for consideration). Will you do so?

-With several armies around you, including the Rebels, Loyalists, Stormlords and the forces of the Reach there are many variables as to what might happen in your upcoming siege of the capital. How will you conduct said siege, and prevent these forces from intervening?

Quellon Greyjoy:
-Prestige: 8/10 
-Gold: 400,000 GD (capture of treasures in Storm's End and the North)
-Legitimacy: 9/10

Lord Greyjoy,

-The situation the Stormlands is a most unexpected and curious one, for Euron's daring (and near insane) assault managed to temporarily seize Storm's End and capture one of the most valuable of hostages: Mace Tyrell. This could be a great opportunity for House Greyjoy to win concessions, yet mishandling the issue could cause a bloody revenge from the Reach. What will you do?

-The war across the North rages, Victarion facing defeat at Deepwood Motte and Balon being contained at White Harbor after securing Moat Cailin. The Ironborn have the upper hand, but Benjen and the Northern Lords are not to be underestimated now that the war is fought on land and not on sea. How should the campaign proceed?

-Your newest spy ring takes hold across the Iron Islands as reports flood Pyke with news, noting the satisfaction of your vassals at the deeds of your sons and a willingness to follow your commands with greater interest, despite continued distrust over the ways of the Greenlands.

Deremond Darry:
-Prestige: 6/10
-Gold: 150,000 GD 
-Legitimacy: 10/10

Lord Darry,

-As the most prominent Loyalist lord in the Riverlands, your influence and skill will be decisive if the royal cause is to triumph, particularly as your influence can sway thousands of Riverlanders in the Loyalist Army. Already Jonothor has declared for Viserys and Willem has died at the hands of the Lannisters protecting Rhaella, but the question remains as to whether House Darry should indeed support Viserys or choose another claimant. What will you do?

[Lumine]

 Mace Tyrell:
-Prestige: 1/10 (Very low after capture)
-Gold: 2,850,000 GD  (temporary control over Reach finances)
-Legitimacy: 10/10

Lord Tyrell,

-You've been freed from Storm's End after successful negotiations with Lord Quellon, putting an end to the tense stand-off. On the other hand, your armies are now free to move elsewhere and your prestige is in the ground after such a humiliating experience. What will House Tyrell do now?

-Lord Rowan writes from the Trident in urgency, for as commander of the Reach units in the Loyalist Army he faces a complex decision as the commanders side for Aegon and Viserys. Who should Rowan support as King?

-Despite the death of Stannis Baratheon, the Stormlords are not beaten. There are reports of minor revolts in the lands occupied by House Tyrell, and its rumored the Stormlords hide in the Kingswood under Lord Estermont (holding Lord Renly) waiting for a moment to strike. How is the campaign in the Stormlands to proceed? Are the Stormlords still the enemy?

 Eldon Estermont:
-Prestige: 5/10
-Gold: 250,000 GD
-Legitimacy: 6/10 (Can justify a regency through bloodline)

Lord Estermont,

-The survivors of Robert's campaigns gather in the Kingswood along with most of the prominent Stormlords (you included), and are now joined by the surviving young Lord Renly and Stannis's surviving retainers. As Renly's most prominent and closest kin (through the female line), you have the standing to proclaim and secure your regency of the Stormlands. Will you do so?

-Despite the substantial losses, the Stormlands are not yet beaten. Many regions have avoided occupation and can still raise men, and if the region was to be truly galvanized against invaders then manpower reserves could be greater than expected. How will you fight this truly complex campaign?

-A final issue to be resolved, a crucial one, is that of young Renly. Stannis's final wish was to have him crowned, but the idea of a Baratheon monarchy has few allies. Most of the Stormlords are adamant that no Targaryen can truly be trusted, yet the three Targaryen claimants are dominant and other alternatives, such as Renly being an independent Storm King, are complicated. What will you do?

[Lumine]

THE OLD BAT

Watching so many lords argue so passionately over who would sit on the Iron Throne, Lord Walter Whent of Harrenhal wondered about how responsible he was for the scenario that was unfolding between his eyes. Days of debates had taken place across the enormous halls of Highgarden as several houses negotiated a settlement to reunite the so called “loyalist” cause, deeply divided after the deaths of King Aerys and Prince Rhaegar. Whent himself had declined to speak, heaving realized soon after arriving to the mighty Tyrell force that anything he might say would be misconstrued on account of that tense context. He was on the whole unsure if he was one of the most responsible people for that senseless, bloody war, but it certainly felt that like he would have much to answer for before the Seven once his time came.

-Brother, we must talk. –

Oswell had come to him first, supposedly on a family visit to Harrenhal. His motives, as Walter learned soon enough, were less noble in nature. That there was great divide in the court as those who admired and followed Rhaegar battled the supporters of Aerys was common knowledge, but he had not yet ascertained how far the Crown Prince was willing to go. Considering the amount of funding that was promised to Walter in exchange for hosting that damned, ridiculously expensive tournament, the answer had been clear. Even those who held deep suspicions about the tournament – such as Aerys’s more paranoid courtiers -  had taken it almost for granted Walter had been nothing but a front, and an irrelevant one at that. But the proud Riverlord, despite knowing himself not to be the sharpest mind in the realm, knew how to ponder on the consequences. So many lords in a single, innocent gathering. So many dreams…

All shattered. Aerys, of course, had the brilliant idea to come and magnify the attention on the tourney tenfold – for as far as he knew, it was only a prelude at first -. Had the Gods decided to punish Walter for having dared to dream on receiving just rewards had Rhaegar taken the throne? Was his ambition, which he so desperately tried to shield, the cause of his ruin? Some offense he must have given, for everything that could have gone wrong at the tournament promptly did so. That whole nonsense of the mysterious Knight that had unnecessarily antagonized the King, the continued humiliation of Lord Tywin – at a high price for House Targaryen -, and above all, that stupid girl. That girl, Gods damned her, who stormed and captured the Prince’s heart, and in so doing ruined every plan, every calculation by ever lord at Harrenhal.

Had he not hosted the tournament…  had he chosen to support Rhaegar before the Trident… had the Prince come to him instead of running away to Dorne…

-Therefore, my lords, the one and only prince who could unite these Seven Kingdoms is no other than Jaehaerys, Third of His Name! – Lord Tully proclaimed –
-No other prince can unite the land! – Corbray followed -

He had to admit, he’d underestimated Lord Tully. Years of little contact with his liege lord and his direct line to the Prince had inflated lord Walter’s sense of importance, and in so doing dulled the importance he gave to following the Tullys’s commands. He’d nominally followed Lord Hoster into war as Riverrun sided with the Rebellion, and the wily Trout had proven himself of some brilliant maneuverings. Marriage matches with Starks and Arryns, victory in battle, and now this unexpected maneuvers at Highgarden. The chosen lord to represent the Rebels had been Corbray – a curious choice, having been a stalwart loyalist before defecting -, and he had seemingly not proven impressing enough.

No, Lord Tully had decided he himself had to make a dramatic entrance, and two hundred riders had marched south with their lord as Walter learned his presence was requested as well. He seemed well aware of the doubts the Old Bat was having about his choice of loyalties, for Hoster had spoken to him constantly and eloquently about the course of action to follow. And while he wasn’t particularly convinced of the merits of propping up the son of… that woman, he had found some additional appreciation for Hoster. Lord Tully had certainly not disappointed, constantly arguing in Jaeharerys’s favor as a unity candidate of sorts, while at the same time rebranding the whole Rebellion as a cause against Aerys alone. Some Reachlords had listened with great interest when Hoster, at the most dramatic point of his oratory, had cleverly argued that with the King dead all of them were loyalists now.

-You are a persistent man, Lord Hoster, and you have my sincere respect for that. – Prince Doran answered back – But no son of Lyanna Stark deserves to sit on that mighty throne. –
-But is he not a legitimate son of Rhaegar Targaryen, my lord? – Hoster replied – Is he not a prince, born to sit the throne and bring peace to the land? -
-You read omens most interestingly, my lord. – The Lord Reaper of Pyke laughed – In being born, your little prince is already cause for the deaths of thousands. Maegor the Cruel would be proud! -

As some of the loyalists laughed, shouted and roared with their approval, Walter gave a look of disgust at Quellon Greyjoy. He had arrived at the castle alongside his impressive personal guard far before both Riverlords could show up, and he seemed to enjoy great favor among many loyalists as well. The idea of associating himself with such a bandit, particularly one which sacked the North so mercilessly, did not appeal to Walter. Not even if he had a mighty fleet at his disposal.

-Furthermore, his lordship appears to be misinformed. – And then Quellon displayed an almost cruel smile – An agreement has already been reached.

Walter looked at him in disbelief, and shared an alarmed look with Hoster. An arrangement? What sort of an arrangement? How could it be? Lady Olenna smiled in satisfaction, and soon one of the many Tyrell cousins – one with a large booming voice – stood up to read a proclamation. Word by word Walter witnessed both fascinated and concerned how the real purpose of these negotiations lay bare to him and everyone else to see. Having been so close to suicidal war, Targaryens, Tyrells, Martells and that Greyjoy snake had all arranged matters among themselves, and in so doing the Loyalist ranks were reformed in a single blow. Rhaenys was to be queen, in equal standing with Viserys. Rhaella was to rule, Tyrell to govern. And Martells and Greyjoys would dominate the Small Council.

Their purpose, as the herald announced, was renewed. And with the satisfied expressions of so many who had seemingly known of this all long, there were little grounds for doubt. They were being mocked in a farce of a council, decided in private conversation and not in the grandiose and utterly pointless speeches of the last few days. Lord Hoster, as honor demanded, denouncing the arrangement and the exclusion of the rebel lords. But the damage was done, and that very night the Rivelords and Corbray were forced to ride north and back home.

Walter could hear the laughter miles away from Highgarden. And he wondered once again if he was being punished by the Gods.

[Lumine]

JAIME

For about the tenth time that night – or so it seemed, for he had lost track of time – Ser Jaime cursed a lot of people he thought responsible for his current predicament. Aerys above all, the accursed madman who had plunged the realm into chaos. The Eunuch as well, as his scheming had made it impossible to guard and protect Elia and her children. And his own father, for having made things worse due to his attack on the capital. He had spent weeks now as a prisoner in the Red Keep – thankfully, not in the black cells – and the lack of anything to occupy his mind on had forced to be alone with his thoughts, a prospect Jaime didn’t necessarily relish. For all the fond memories of Cersei that brought a temporarily smile into his face, there was the memory of his failure and the sheer, unrelenting humiliation that it had meant.

-We shall talk when I return. – He repeated, bitterly mimicking Rhaegar’s voice –

He had begged to go with the Prince, but Rhaegar had rejected him. He’d entrusted him with the King, and with the care of Elia and her children. Rhaegar said farewell with promises of changes to come, promises which young Ser Jaime had dared to believe in for a moment despite his disaster for court politics. The prince had left, and left the knight alone in that damned, forsaken city, alone with an insane monarch as two armies hacked each other to pieces in the Trident. He did not remember whether the tears or his bloody punch at a wall had come first when learning of the news, but he remembered all too well informing Princess Elia of what had taken place. Of how pale she had turned, of how her eyes had changed, of how… of how ashamed he felt at having left the Prince ride to his death while he was stuck there.

-The King summons you.  – Those were Rossart’s words – He is to visit the Alchemist’s Guild. –

He remembered it as well as he remembered the smell of lord Chelsted charred corpse, burnt at the orders of the King for daring to disobey him. It had been cause for disbelief at first, for Jaime could not believe a Hand as weak and sycophantic would have ever found the courage to stand up to Aerys. But he understood why he did it, once he saw the hundreds of wildfire pots stored by those merchants of death. No man with a shade of pride, no matter how spineless, could stand for that. And he hadn’t. The thoughts pained him as he remembered it in flashes, cutting down Rossart first and then seeing the candle fall to the cellar. Mere instinct formed him to run and jump, and bruised and blackened as he had ended up it was nothing compared to those who had ceased existing in the spot of hellfire which had been the Alchemist’s Guild.

Kingslayer…

-No. – He said quietly -

Kingslayer…

-No! – He shouted in anger –

Kingslayer…

-NO! – He cried in despair –

He had to take responsibility somehow, and he had. He was too young, too shocked to his very core at the action he so desperately tried to hide to play the game and take command. But a knight could always keep guard for those he swore to protect, and that he would do for the rest of his days. Day and night he kept watch for Elia, for Aegon and Rhaenys, and resolved to keep them safe not only from any harm, but from that damned eunuch. He feared – gods, how he feared – Varys to know the truth, and only Elia’s determination to keep him around – did she know as well? – had spared him a summon from the Master of Whisperers. That is, until Varys had proved unable to fight back against the Queen’s grave vengeance. Several idiots calling themselves knights had tried to take on Jaime to get to Elia, and he had made them pay dearly. More than a dozen he’d slain before the first punch smashed his face, and he was beaten into submission.

Was he going insane? He had begun to question it over the past few days. Thoughts and memories did not leave his head alone for a second, and not knowing what was of Elia, of the children, of Tyrion, Cersei and his father drove him towards despair. He cursed himself again for his weakness in the face of humiliation, for his pride had caused him nothing but pain.

-Gods, what can I do? – He asked the silent, obscure room –

The first loud noise he ignored as a coincidence. The second drew his attention and made him stand up. The third confirmed that a sword battle was taking place across those corridors in the Red Keep, and his mind began to race. A rescue attempt? Has father stormed the capital? He stood close to the door in case someone entered the room, covered by darkness as he grabbed the closest thing he could find for protection. The sound of weapons grew louder and was followed by screams of pain, and soon the sound of bodies dropping on the floor revealed him that the guards were being slain. The sound of keys was heard afterwards, and with a loud thud the door opened wide to reveal a group of hooded men with swords and daggers.

-And who might you be, disturbing my sleep? – Jaime asked -
-I am glad to see in good spirits, Ser Jaime. – The voice with the scent of lilacs spoke – We will be in need of that energy tonight. –
-Varys? – Jaime felt confused – What on earth are you doing here? –
-Saving the realm, Ser Jaime. – Varys discovered his face and made a near sinister smile – Someone must. –

Sword in hand Jaime followed Varys and his men – many of them children judging from their height – across the corridors, several slain guards on the floor. Varys was quick to note his intentions were of a subtler approach, but ruined by the increasingly heavy guard at the palace. As he noted with a hint of irony, the Dragoness truly did not want a soul to move there. The sound of fighting echoed across the corridors as it became clear the Queen’s guards were on the move to contain the invaders, and soon Jaime, Varys and the others reached a heavily protected room. Jaime himself slew two guards – almost getting himself killed in the process, for he hadn’t trained in weeks -, and the young hooded figures bypassed the door’s lock with shocking speed.

A young woman inside the room was slain before Jaime could say a word, and soon a small figure moved in the bed. It was little Rhaenys, scared out of her mind until she saw Jaime approach her.

-Ser… Ser Jaime! – She shouted, and extended his arms towards the knight –
-Princess! – Jaime grabbed the girl, and held her tight for a moment – Worry not, princess, we’re here to rescue you. –
-I want to see my mother. – Rhaenys said, looking somewhat relieved –
-And to see her we go. –

The group left the room and found the way they had come in filled with dozens of royal guards, who were cutting down several of Varys’s men. The Eunuch frantically shouted for them to go the other way and towards Elia, but before they could reach the Dowager Princess’s room a group of crossbowmen were already set in the corridor leading to the room. Fully intending to charge, Ser Jaime prepared to leave the princess on the floor, but a deadly set of arrows killed half the surviving group. Cursing his luck Jaime grabbed Rhaenys once again and followed Varys to one of the secret corridors, making a private room to rescue Elia later regardless of the cost. They all ran across different corridors, constantly changing doors and route to evade the guards as Varys’s surviving men were all cut down or got lost in the road.

After some unbearably tense moments and constantly climbing down several sets of stairs both men showed up at a cave of sorts, the Red Keep seen far above their heads. Jaime and Varys were both covered in blood – although not seriously wounded – and Rhaenys was crying, just a couple of young boys left of Varys’s entourage for that daring mission. Jaime and Rhaenys followed the group to a skiff that was tied to the shore, and cutting the ropes they all got into position. Soon the boat was pushed to sea, and they breathed a sigh of relief as they started to row.

Little Rhaenys stopped crying after some time, and promptly fell asleep on the knight. Jaime, still somewhat stunned by the fact that he was free once again, made a solemn vow here and there. He was going to protect the princess to his final breath. No one, not Varys nor his father, would dissuade him otherwise.

[Lumine]

CERSEI

-I command you to whip her, and whip her good! – She shouted in her most demanding voice –
-But, lady Cersei…! – The guard dared to protest –
-Quiet! – She slapped him, and pointed once again at the crying servant – Cersei Lannister gave you a command, and you will obey! –

The red-faced guard stood up straight, and promptly punched the servant girl in the face. A few of her teeth fell to the ground in a small river of blood, and another guard helped him take the crying, slender figure towards the corridor and into the courtyard. Cersei took a spot in the internal walls, and watched with interest as they dragged the girl and tied her to the post. One of them grabbed the whip after some hesitation, and commanded solely by Cersei’s fierce look they began to deliver blow after blow to the back of their new victim, who – at Cersei’s satisfaction – would simply not stop crying as red lines took over her once pale skin, as blood ran towards the ground and both guards started to sweat due to the effort of cracking the whip. Finally, bored with the spectacle, Cersei commanded them to stop with a nod.

That would show her, she thought. Lady of the Rock, and with her ability to command so increased by the departure of her father and her uncle Gerion – and with uncle Kevan too busy to keep an eye on her -, Cersei was determined to see some changes through to her own satisfaction and content. One of them was having that imprudent child punished, publicly so for daring to express fear at her father’s campaign in the capital, and privately so for being so sympathetic to her brother. She may have been forced to respect the fact that that hated monstrosity breathed still after so many years, but she would not stand for any show of unnecessarily support for the boy – how it rankled to even acknowledge him as one – that she could immediately prevent.

Taking a last, satisfactory look at the humiliated, broken girl, she returned to a walk across the corridors with her companions. She was doing a conscious effort to even ignored their presence, mired as she was on the thoughts that consumed her mind and drew such anger from her. How had things gone so wrong? How could she, daughter of the most powerful man in Westeros, the most beautiful, most desirable woman as well, be bested by a horse-faced northerner? Convinced as she was that Prince Rhaegar would end up looking at her even after his marriage to that Dornish waif, his death had been an utter shock to Cersei, and the seeming end to her dreams of the crown. All because of that stupid Stag and his stupid hammer. Why couldn’t men like Robert Baratheon get drunk and then killed by their own stupidity? He was dead, but he had taken Cersei’s prince – and her hope for a crown – with her.

All she had left where three princes, all of them children who not only would never replace Jaime, but she could not even marry. And Jaime… Jaime was the worst part of all. Captured by the Dragoness, that woman of whom Cersei had thought nothing of while at court. So meek, so subservient, so enslaved at the whims of the Mad King… And she’d proven strong enough to muster an army, crown her son and capture the capital. Even while raging for Jaime’s capture and absence, there was a time of two where Cersei would be perilously close to confessing some admiration for what Rhaella had been able to do. And if that broken, unremarkable woman had caused so much trouble for so many clever lords, she could certainly do even more.

If only she had the crown, and the power…

-Lady Cersei, it’s your uncle. – One of the girls remarked –

Cersei made the slightest of bows as Kevan Lannister entered the corridor, in full armor and surrounded by some knights. Niece and uncle stopped for a moment and acknowledged each other with a nod of the head.

-Niece. –
-Uncle. –
-Why is there another girl half-whipped to death in the courtyard? –
-Another scheming, unreliable servant, uncle. – Cersei did not finch – They spread lies about father and some supposed defeats. We cannot have this in our own home. –
-I see. – Kevan looked tired, and somewhat uneasy – On any further occasion you will come to me or one of the knights first. –
-Is a soft touch what father commanded, uncle? –

Kevan stood there, silent, and Cersei wondered for a moment if her uncle would ever muster the courage to actually talk back to her. Amusingly for Cersei, he did not, but her smile was soon wiped from her face.

-We need to talk, niece. – And he waved at the knights and ladies – Alone. –

What is this? She wondered, her mind racing to make sense of what uncle Kevan might be wanting to say. Has something happened to Jaime…?

-We’re under attack across the Westerlands. – Kevan said bluntly, Cersei opening her eyes – It’s the damned Ironborn, sacking the coastline and sailing into Lannisport. –
-But surely! Surely there’re not stupid enough to think they can defeat House Lannister, uncle. –
-They certain think they can, and with our garrisons depleted, they stand a chance. – Kevan paused for a moment – I leave for Lannisport to organize the defenses, and I need you to act responsibly. –
-What do you mean? – She asked, returning to a defensive stance –
-Cersei, I do not have time for games. – Her uncle sounded impatient – I don’t want more whippings or scandals, nor a word to reach the servants or the ladies. Your father would want you to behave more subtly given the circumstances. –

Cersei cursed Kevan in her own thoughts, but finally gave a half-hearted response and got her uncle to leave with his knights. She’d say anything to get him out and have another obstacle less inside Casterly Rock, and worried as she felt for a moment, it seemed obvious that Kevan and her father’s bannermen would push the Greyjoys back into the sea. What are squids after all, compared to the might of a lion? Kevan left that same afternoon with several knights and marched towards Lannisport, and the self-satisfied Cersei took to her window as she tried to see what was taking place. It took a few hours for the large flames coming out of Lannisport to rise towards the skies, and a couple extra for the Greyjoy armada to appear outside Casterly Rock and cut off their access to the sea.

-Have we made contact with my uncle? – She demanded as some knights reentered the fortress –
-No, my lady. He is still missing, and Greyjoy units are on the way. –
-Impossible! – She shouted – Where in the seven hells are our troops? –
-Defeated, scattered, dead. – One of the wounded knights replied – It’s a disaster. –

Their words were soon confirmed as thousands of men carrying the Greyjoy banner appeared outside Casterly Rock, and promptly overwhelmed and killed all the sentinels outside the castle. Cersei ordered the gates immediately shut and locked despite condemning a couple dozen guards to their grisly deaths, and climbed towards the highest tower in the castle to appreciate how terrible the situation was. Several Greyjoy vessels cut off any sea access, and the fierce Ironborn warriors – thousands of them – closed any access to the castle and made preparations to storm the gates. They were utterly surrounded. Cersei shook with fear and, sure that no one could see her, fell to her knees. Why were they all failing her? Father, Kevan and Jaime, all gone, missing perhaps, and she was left alone in that castle with half the Lannister wealth and that monstrous excuse of a brother.

It took a while for her to recover some composure, and finally resolve to climb back the stairs. She immediately ran across a group of knights, most of them shouting nervously and with fear in their eyes. The sole exception was Ser Ilyn Payne, standing beside the group with an annoyed look on his gaunt face.

-We cannot find Lord Kevan! –
-It’s a catastrophe! No one is in charge! –
-What are we supposed to do? –

Cersei felt her blood boil. These were the men that would keep her and Casterly Rock safe?

-Enough! That’s enough! – She shouted, grabbing the attention of those present – You are supposed to be knights, start acting like them! As daughter of Tywin Lannister I am the Lady of Casterly Rock, and I will take command! –

The knights looked at her with an incredulous expression, not expecting the harsh words – or the ambitions – of the young Lioness. Cersei even wondered for a moment if they would listen to her, until Ser Ilyn Payne was the first to kneel. All the others, cowed by the gesture, promptly bowed as well.

And despite the intense fear of death, Cersei Lannister allowed herself a little smile.

[Lumine]

“Oh, piteous spectable! Oh, bloody times!
While Lions and Dragons war and battle for their dens,
The poor harmless lambs abide their enmity.
Weep, wretched, sinful men, I'll aid tear for tear;
And let our hearts and eyes, like this civil war,
Be blind with tears, and submerged in grief.”

(Spoken by a Septon in Oldtown,
Upon learning of the battle of Blackwater Rush)

Late 283 AL: Aftermath:

Whent and Dayne, only one of both brave knights survives

The Hunt for the Wolf:

In rapidly marching south to retrieve his sister and his nephew, Lord Stark had scored a substantial coup by putting little Jaehaerys under his care and winning over two Kingsguards for the cause of the Prince. However, he had also exposed himself as grave danger, as upon reaching Summerhall with his group no less than four different lords plotted to assault his small force and capture him and the small prince. The first to strike were the Ironborn, a select group of warriors sent by Euron Greyjoy striking the group at night and being repelled after a fierce fight by the Sword of the Morning.

At attempt to establish whether Starfall would be a safer spot was cut shut as Lord Stark raced north, hoping to reach his forces as soon as possible. Unfortunately for him, Tywin Lannister assigned Lord Marbrand and a large cavalry force to ambush the Starks, and while the subsequent ambush did not capture Stark or Jaehaerys, it left most of the group dead and unable to cross towards the Riverlands. Attempting to return south towards Starfall led to tragedy as a Dornish army stormed Summerhall with the mission to capture the group as well, resulting in the heroic death of Ser Oswell Whent.

Pushed and without a place to go, an attempt to move deeper into the Stormlands forced the final trap. The Stormlords, under the command of Lord Estermont, had prepared for the capture and arrest of Lord Stark, and their searching parties overwhelmed the escaping forces in an ambush, The chaos led to Lord Stark and Ser Arthur Dayne fighting side by side, and despite slaying near two-dozen men they were forced to surrender at sword point. The victory of the Stormlords, however, was not complete, for Lady Ashara and the baby Jaehaerys disappeared during the ensuing struggle.

Stark and Dayne were then taken to the camp outside Storm’s End, where the intention of Lord Estermont to bring them to trial for a betrayal of the Stormlands became apparent. While Ser Arthur immediately demanded a trial by combat, it is unknown what Lord Stark will do.

War in the Stormlands:

Having successfully gathered the forces of the Stormlords in the Kingswood as well as the person of Lord Renly, Lord Estermont showed enough skill to have him be declared regent for the young boy, although Renly was not proclaimed king or crowned at the moment. The surviving lords made a point of signing a strongly worded declaration, pointing out that as “Lords Declarant”, they would fight for the safety of Renly and the Stormlands. The news, combined with the Tyrell withdrawal from the Stormlands following separate dealings with the Greyjoys and Estermont, drew joy from the ravaged land and cemented Lord Estermont’s prestige, which he used to gain the support of the majority of the region.

Ironborn Raids: At the captured fortress and after a deal with the Tyrells, Euron Greyjoy promptly declared himself Lord Paramount of the Stormlands, receiving key reinforcements as over thirty ships sailed into the now free Shipbreaker Bay. Holding onto the key fortress Euron led daring raids in the coasts again Baratheon loyalists, inflicting significant damage and at the same time drawing large anger against the Ironborn as violent, hated invaders. Losing some men in the hunt for Lord Eddard and Lord Renly, Euron holed himself up at Storm’s End as the Stormlanders approached the castle.
 
Siege of Storm’s End: Lord Estermont, having increased the size of his army by recruiting as many men as possible, marched on Storm’s End with the might of the Stormlords behind him. Alas, while he vastly outnumbered Euron his first assault was a failure, and forced the situation into a siege of Storm’s End. While the new Regent has thus contained further Ironborn expansion in the region, Storm’s End remains open via sea as Euron can have himself sent as many supplies as he wishes, which would make a siege last years in the worst case as the Stormlords do not possess anything resembling a fleet.

The Council of Highgarden:

Events were moving fast among the key alliances battling for the throne. Now released from his humiliating captivity, Lord Tyrell became instrumental in getting the divided Loyalist forces to agree to a council of sorts at Highgarden, occasion to which some Rebels were also invited. With Lady Olenna, Prince Doran and Lord Quellon taking personal part in the proceedings, other noteworthy participants were Lord Velaryon on behalf of Queen Rhaella, and Lords Tully, Corbray and Whent for the Rebels. Despite passionate, skilled interventions by Lord Tully on behalf of Jaehaerys, it soon became apparent that the Loyalists had already signed a compromise behind the back of the Rebel representatives, turning the Council into a political farce of sorts.

As Lord Tully and his allies left Highgarden in despair, the compromise was announced and the strength of the loyalists multiplied with a single stroke. Viserys and Rhaenys Targaryens would rule as King and Queen Regnant of equal power, guided by Rhaella as Queen Regent, Lord Tyrell as Hand, and Lord Tarly, Lord Greyjoy and Prince Oberyn to support the Realm from the Small Council, joining several of Rhaella’s stalwart loyalists. The Targaryen caused somewhat united at last, but that unity was to be tested on the battlefield very soon.

Flight of the Spider:

Seemingly safe at Sunspear after delivering Prince Aegon to House Martell, Lord Varys appeared to have been outmaneuvered due to the events at Highgarden. Seemingly excluded from the historic compromise, watched over by Dornish spies at Sunspear, Lord Varys plotted a rather unexpected move given the circumstances. Winning over an immense source of wealth to fund his purposes, the Spider recruited a group of young thiefs and former Goldcloaks, and leaving Sunspear he smuggled himself into King’s Landing in the fastest skiff he could find. Infiltrating the Red Keep at night and despite being discovered, the Spider managed to release Ser Jaime from captivity and alongside the knight rescue the Princess Rhaenys, missing their chance to reach Elia as soldiers flooded the castle. Sustaining heavy losses Varys, Jaime and a couple of men spirited the Princess away in a skiff as they disappeared into the seas, giving the Eunuch a decisive political weapon for his use.

[Lumine]

Lannister and Golden Company troops meet

Ironborn Invasions

Substantially increasing his political cloud with a daring landing in Highgarden and getting himself appointed to the Loyalist Small Council, Lord Reaper Quellon Greyjoy continued his rise. Despite a secret attempt to bring a negotiated end to the war in the North having failed, he and his captains plotted another stunning offensive, with unsuspected results in the shifting balance of the war for the Iron Throne.

Reconquest of Moat Cailin: Having failed to send ships via land to the Bite and with a different strategic imperative in mind, Balon Greyjoy left a small garrison in the fortress and sailed south. Lord Benjen Stark, reorganizing the defenses of the south, reassembled his forces and staged a successful feint on Moat Cailin with the help of the Crannogmen and House Reed, enabling his forces to assault the fortress in a weakened state. Despite substantial casualties, the combined attack made it impossible for most of the Ironborn garrison to retreat, and Moat Cailin was successfully recaptured by the Starks.

Assault on Lannisport: Reorganizing the Ironborn forces, Quellon gave the greenlight for an attack on the Westerlands at their most weakened state, and Balon and Victarion sailed towards the rich region. Their first struggle was against the Lannister fleet at Lannisport, which after a tough battle was finally bottled up in the harbor and sunk for the most part. Balon himself led the landings into the city and fought Lord Kevan, who had arrived from Casterly Rock to contain the Ironborn. Overwhelming the City Watch and murdering Kevan in single combat, Balon proceeded to sack Lannisport and send inmense wealth back to Pyke.

Siege of Casterly Rock: As smaller units under Victarion tried to raid the coast and burn as much as possible (being repelled at some points by local lords), the main Greyjoy force move towards Casterly Rock as the Westerlands were depleted of men, and almost succeeded in forcing their way in. Decisive action by Lady Cersei and the castle’s garrison held off the Ironborn despite the land and naval blockade, preventing Balon from winning the biggest price despite the precarious situation of the famous fortress.

The Rebels Reorganize

One of the biggest drawbacks of the past events for the Rebellion was the apparent death of their main cause, Robert, Rhaegar and Aerys being all dead. With Jaehaerys Targaryen as a new hope despite the misgivings on many to support another Targaryen, a new purpose for the Rebels was starting to be rebuilt by the actions of several key lords. In the Riverlands, Lord Tully was able to hang onto the loyalty of House Whent for the time being, and while an attempt to get the Freys to return to the fold let do no overt declarations of loyalty, Lord Frey took his forces back to The Twins and enclosed himself in his fortress before troops sent by House Arryn could block access to his lands (an act which may have some decisive consequences depending on how the Freys react).

Lord Arryn also made important moves regarding foreign support, seeing several representatives from Braavos met with some of his bannermen at Gulltown in a productive meeting. While full support from the  mighty Republic remains a matter of speculation, it is believed several guilds and perhaps even the Iron Bank will substantially expand their support for the cause of the Rebels over the coming months. Equally decisive was the announcement of House Dayne that they recognized Jaehaerys as King, becoming the first Dornish House to formally break with House Martell. It was perhaps these news that became a decisive factor in Lady Ashara's decision, for the young and brave lady managed to board and ship and land at Gulltown with the baby Jaehaerys in her arms, having survived the Stormlander ambush and subsequent escape out of an immense will to survive.

Having his new King besides him, Lord Arryn's previous orders for an immediate coronation were followed to the letter. Jaehaerys III Targaryen was now crowned, and Lord Arryn was his Regent.

Crownlands Campaign:

With Queen Rhaella holed up in King's Landing and ensuring the capital was tightly defended under the careful watch of Lord Commander Bonifer Hasty, Lord Tywin Lannister moved fast to seize the moment and strike a decisive victory before it was too late. This included raising as many men as possible from the Westerlands to march to his camp outside the capital, and more decisively, an immense investment by House Lannister to hire the famous Golden Company. As he prepared for his forces to gather, Tywin commanded Marbrand to seize Lord Stark and Prince Jaehaerys to strike a key blow, but Lord Stark slipped back into the Stormlands just as bad news arrived at the frontlines: the Loyalists had decided to mobilize.

The March on King's Landing: With the Loyalists at Highgarden having combined their forces, Lord Tywin recieved the unpleasant news that most of the Loyalist Army in the Riverlands marched towards him, which combined to the forces of Rhaella inside the capital and the armies of House Tyrell, moving from the Stormlands. The Golden Company, in the meantime, had landed in the Stormlands with its hired sellsails posing as merchants, and the mercenaries began a forced march to meet with Lord Tywin. Despite the intention of the Lannisters to skirmish and avoid a large battle, the arrival of the large Loyalist formations forced them into a battle.

Battle of Blackwater Rush: The combined armies met near the Blackwater Rush, with Lord Tywin and his roughly 24,000 Westerlands troops fighting over 60,000 Loyalists of different armies, a number difference which made this battle one of the largest recorded in Westeros, and which put Tywin at a disadvantage. A very skilled commanded, Tywin fought well and made good use of the river, drawing and stopping several enemy charges successfully before exhaustion set in, wave after wave of enemy troops increasingly crippling his forces. The Lannister armies were on the verge of collapse when the Golden Company arrived, cutting a bloody path across the Reach forces to reach Tywin and stage a calculated retreat. As Lord Tywin and his new combined army retreated back to the Deep Den and into the Westerlands, thousands of corpses lay dead on the ground, food for crows.

[Lumine]

Weddings, births and deaths:

Deaths: Kevan Lannister, Oswell Whent.
Weddings: None.
Births: Jeyne Westerling, Robb Stark.

Military and Political Situation:

Rhaella Targaryen:
-Army of King's Landing: 11,000 strong, outside King's Landing.
-Army of Barristan Selmy: 4,200 strong, outside King's Landing.
-Army of the Trident: 15,300 strong, at the Trident.
-City Watch of King's Landing: 2,000 strong, in King's Landing.
-Garrison of Dragonstone: 1,000 strong.
-Targaryen Royal Fleet: 170 ships, in King's Landing.
-Targaryen Expeditionary Fleet: 30 ships, in Volantis.
(Can recruit 6,000 men, 3,000 immediately)

Tywin Lannister:
-Army of Tywin Lannister: 20,200 strong, at the Deep Den.
-Golden Company: 9,500 strong, at the Deep Den.
-Garrison of the Golden Tooth: 500 strong.
-Garrison of Casterly Rock: 400 strong.
-Lannister Fleet: 15 surviving ships, scattered.
(Can recruit 18,000 men, 8,000 immediately)

House Tyrell:
(Not accounting for units like the Oldtown City Watch)
-Army of Mace Tyrell: 34,000 strong, outside King's Landing.
-Army of the Reach: 25,000 strong, in Highgarden.
-Garrison of Highgarden: 5,000 strong.
-Fleet of the Mander: 40 ships, near Highgarden.
-Redwyne Fleet: 198 ships, outside King's Landing. 
-Hightower Fleet: 30 ships, in Oldtown.
-Shield Islands Fleet: 30 ships, at the Shield Islands.
(Can recruit 25,000 men from the Reach, 10,000 immediately)

House Stark:
-Garrison of Winterfell: 1,000 strong.
-Garrison of Moat Cailin: 500 strong.
-Garrison of White Harbor: 1,500 strong.
-Garrison of Cerwyn: 500 strong.
-Garrison of Torrhen's Square: 500 strong.
-Northern Lords: 3,000 strong, manning several castles.
-Army of Wyman Manderly: 9,400 strong, at the Bloody Gate.
-Army of Benjen Stark: 9,300 strong, at Moat Cailin
 (Can recruit 14,000 men from the North, 5,000 immediately)

Hoster Tully:
-Garrison of Riverrun: 1,000 strong.
-Army of the Blackfish: 7,000 strong, at Fairmarket.
-Army of the Riverlands: 9,100 strong, at the Bloody Gate.
(Can recruit 13,000 men from the Riverlands, 6,000 immediately)

Quellon Greyjoy:
Garrison of Pyke: 1,000 strong.
Balon's Fleet: 345 ships, 22,000 men, outside Casterly Rock.
Euron's Fleet: 32 ships, 1,700 men, in Storm's End.
(Can recruit 11,000 men from the Iron Islands, 5,000 immediately)
(Can call up to 200 reaving ships, 100 immediately)

Jon Arryn:
Garrison of the Eyrie: 500 strong.
Garrison of the Bloody Gate: 1,000 strong.
Gulltown Fleet: 20 ships, in Gulltown.
Army of Jon Arryn: 21,800 strong, at the Bloody Gate.
Army of the Riverlands; 2,000 strong, close to The Twins.
(Can recruit 10,000 men from the Vale of Arryn, 5,000 immediately)

Doran Martell:
Garrison of Sunspear: 1,000 strong.
Army of Sunspear: 10,000 strong, outside Summerhall.
Army of Lewyn Martell: 7,000 strong, outside King's Landing.
(Can recruit 15,000 men from Dorne, 5,000 immediately)

Eldon Estermont:
-Stormlander Army: 10,500 strong, outside Storm's End.
(Can recruit 7,000 men, 4,000 immediately)

[Lumine]

End of 283 AL: Turn Three:

Cast:

The Targaryen Loyalists:

Rhaella Targaryen, Queen Regent to Viserys III (Dkrol)
Mace Tyrell, Lord of Highgarden and Hand of the King (Windjammer)
Doran Martell, Prince of Dorne (Mycool)
Quellon Greyjoy, Lord of Pyke and Royal Adviser (Bacon King)
Oberyn Martell, the Red Viper, Master of Coin (Dr_Novella)

The Rebel Lords:

Jon Arryn, Lord of the Eyrie, Regent to Jaehaerys III (Swedge)
Eddard Stark, Lord of Winterfell (YPestis)
Hoster Tully, Lord of the Riverlands (Badgate)

The Lords of Westeros:

Tywin Lannister, Lord of Casterly Rock (Leonardo the Red)
Eldon Estermont, Lord of Estermont, Lord Regent of the Stormlands (Dereich)
Varys, Exiled Spymaster (Garlan Gunter)

General View:

The war for the royal succession suffers new twists, the Loyalist cause once again united after a Council in Highgarden, giving House Targaryen the upper hand in the ongoing war. Lord Stark is captured by the Stormlords, but little Jaehaerys rests in the capable hands of Lord Regent Arryn. Varys kidnaps a princess and enacts his vanishing act. And Tywin Lannister, betrayed and isolated, fights against the Loyalists to defend his ancestral home...

Player Crisis:

Rhaella Targaryen:
-Prestige: 9/10 (Earned renown after holding KL)
-Gold: 550,000 GD
-Legitimacy: 8/10 (Cemented after Highgarden)

-The Loyalist cause stands united once again, and King's Landing has been freed from an enemy siege. On the other hand, the Rebels still possess significant forces and currently hold Jaehaerys, and while defeated, Tywin Lannister remains a fierce, dangerous threat. How is the war to proceed?

-While you have significant popularity in King's Landing, worrying signs appear as heralds, agents and performers sign the praises of young Jaehaerys as a Promised Prince of sorts, and others waste no time in undermining or damaging your reputation with innuendo about a supposed role in the death of Aerys. Can you avoid losing the love of the crowds?

-After a daring raid into the Red Keep Varys has escaped with Rhaenys and Ser Jaime Lannister, removing a crucial leverage with Lord Tywin. Furthermore, in bypassing the Royal Fleet he has disappeared into the sea. How will you handle the proven danger posed by the Spider?

 Mace Tyrell:
-Prestige: 4/10 (Hand of the King, unites the Royalists)
-Gold: 2,750,000 GD
-Legitimacy: 10/10

Lord Tyrell,

-Following your dramatic capture and liberation House Tyrell has helped united the Loyalists, and inflict a key blow against Tywin Lannister. How that you are Hand of the King, will you head to King's Landing to help govern the realm? And if you, what are your intentions for Westeros?

-With the Reach armies being crucial in defeating the Lannisters, your forces are now decisive for continued Loyalist success. Will you invade the Westerlands, despite the danger of confronting the Golden Company? If not, where shall your armies move?

-Lord Hightower writes from Oldtown with a dilemma at hand: following the continued news of bloodshed and war some Septons have started to loudly denounce the war and take a position highly critical of the Faith, leading to some tension. Lord Hightower wonders whether these Septons should be repressed immediately, or allowed to voice their controversial opinions.

Doran Martell:
-Prestige: 7/10
-Gold: 760,000 GD  
-Legitimacy: 9/10

Prince Doran,

-With the Loyalists united once again, questions arise as to whether you plan to move to King's Landing to oversee Dornish interests, or whether Prince Oberyn will be sent there as soon as possible. Also controversial is what is to happen with Elia and Prince Aegon, should both of them live in King's Landing? Should they reside on Sunspear?

-Varys has escaped your vigilance and staged a stunning raid into King's Landing, taking your niece Rhaenys (the new Queen Regnant) with him and disappearing. This loss is most detrimental not only to your family, but to the power sharing arrangement with Rhaella. What will you do?

-House Yronwood has accepted the guardianship of Quentyn Martell and stayed loyal, but House Dayne has forsaken the Loyalist cause to declare for Jaehaerys Targaryen. With Ser Arthur a prisoner in the Stormlands and Lady Ashara a guest of Lord Arryn, Lord Dayne fortifies Starfall in open defiance. How will you handle House Dayne?

Varys:
-Prestige: 3/10
-Gold: 600,000 GD  

Lord Varys,

-Having succeeding in your raid, Ser Jaime Lannister, Princess Rhaenys and two surviving young thieves stand with you in your skiff, having avoided the Royal Fleet. The most urgent question (particularly as Ser Jaime is unaware of current events) is where your new party should sail to. Where shall you go?

-Despite losing the trust of most Lords in Westeros, your latest moves have secured a significant amount of wealth current in your power, which could be put to some interesting uses. Will you be using this newfound wealth for your own advantage?

Quellon Greyjoy:
-Prestige: 9/10  
-Gold: 1,020,000 GD (wealth expanded after Westerlands raids)
-Legitimacy: 10/10

Lord Greyjoy,

-Having secured Lannisport and large amounts of wealth from the Westerlands, the campaign is still far from over. Lord Tywin has been pushed by the Loyalists back into his home, and having the Golden Company with him a fierce battle can be expected. There is also Casterly Rock to consider, where Lady Cersei sits with a small garrison determined to fight until the end.

-Despite the success in the Westerlands, Moat Cailin has been lost to the Northerners and Euron is besieged at Storm's End, although having free access to the sea. How will you handle the now secondary Stormlands and North theates?

-You are now a Royal Advisor in the Small Council, office which marks a remarkable political rise for the Ironborn in Westeros. On the other hand, it is a significant question whether you will sail or ride to King's Landing and actually take the office, aiding in the governance of the Realm. Will you go to King's Landing?

[Lumine]

Jon Arryn:
-Prestige: 9/10 (now Lord Regent to Jaehaerys)
-Gold: 560,000 GD 
-Legitimacy: 10/10

Lord Arryn,

-Upon the arrival of Lady Dayne and the baby Jaehaerys, you now hold the King in your hands and enjoy the advantage of the Regency being granted to you by the Lords in the Rebel Army. However, you must now decide the exact nature of your rule. Will you just be Regent? Take the Handship as well? Declare yourself a Protector of the Realm?

-The meeting at Gulltown with Braavosi representatives and Lord Royce is a success, with Braavos being interested in supporting and potentially bankrolling your cause. However, they require a specific proposal (or proposals) in order to make that support a reality. What do you have to say to Braavos?

-The Loyalists are now locked in a fierce struggle against House Lannister, opening a double opportunity in either gaining Lord Tywin as a potential ally or using the opportunity to free the Riverlands from Targaryen control. What will you do, Lord Arryn?

Ned Stark:
-Prestige: 4/10 (Despite victory at Moat Cailin, is now under trial)
-Gold: 280,000 GD
-Legitimacy: 10/10
 
Lord Stark,

-Ashara and Jaehaerys escaped, but you and Ser Arthur now stand trial before the Stormlords, a trial which may well cost you your life should it be handled the wrong way. Ser Arthur has asked for a trial by combat and its determined to follow that route, but what will you do to survive this trial?

-Benjen has defeated the small Ironborn garrison at Moat Cailin, and now only limited areas remain under overall Ironborn control. Can the Greyjoys be pushed out for good from the North?

-Your son and heir is now born at Riverrun, Lady Catelyn suffering no major complications. Some have taken to calling the boy "Robb" to honor Robert Baratheon, but a raven from Catelyn (along with her inmense worries for your safety) explains he hasn't been formally named yet. What name will you choose for your heir?[/justify]

Hoster Tully:
-Prestige: 3/10 (Humilliation at Highgarden)
-Gold: 680,000 GD 
-Legitimacy: 9/10

Lord Tully,

-Your trip to Highgarden has bolstered your relationship to the skeptical Lord Whent, and prevented a defection of Harrenhal to the Loyalists. On the other hand, your intervention ends in a humilliation as the Loyalist lords had made an agreement behind closed doors. As you return to the Riverlands Lord Arryn has recovered the King and become his Regent, how will you react to these developments?

-While Brynden wasn't able to recieve any show of loyalty from Lord Walder, the Freys nonetheless took no hostile action and retreated in good order to The Twins. However, battle almost broke out as Arryn forces almost prevented them from returing to their fortress. Can you find a suitable solution to end any strife with the Freys for good?

-The Loyalists have retreated most of their forces from the Riverlands, in what signals a unique opportunity to free your lands while the Lannisters hold the enemy attention. Can you liberate the Riverlands from the enemy?[/justify]

Tywin Lannister:
-Prestige: 6/10
-Gold: 2,000,000 GD 
-Legitimacy: 10/10

Lord Tywin,

-Betrayed by the Dragoness, your armies retreat in good order despite defeat after being joined by the Golden Company. The Westerlands are in danger as the Greyjoys burn Lannisport and siege Cersei at Casterly Rock, and with thousands of loyalists standing in the Crownlands. Yet House Lannister should never be underestimated, nor should your winning ruthlessness. How will you move from here?

-The loss of your brother Kevan is a particularly painful one, which sends shock across the family. However, some good news appear as it is revealed Ser Jaime has escaped from King's Landing, although he is currently impossible to reach. Can you find Jaime in time, and persuade him to return to the defense of his House?

-Past investments have drained the current gold reserves of House Lannister, although of course there is still much gold to be found in your mines and particularly at Casterly Rock. Will begun mining more gold to fund your war effort, and can you keep the mines free to do so?

Eldon Estermont:
-Prestige: 6/10 (Lord Regent)
-Gold: 220,000 GD
-Legitimacy: 8/10 (Accepted by most Houses)

Lord Estermont,

-Eddard Stark and Arthur Dayne are your prisoners, now subject to trial by the Stormlords. While it is unknown what Stark will do to defend himself, Ser Arthur has demanded a trial by combat (which he is entitled to by virtue of his blood). With the concept of facing the Sword of the Morning being a dangerous one, who will be your champion to face the mighty Kingsguard?

-With the withdrawal of the Tyrells and the advance of your forces most of the Stormlands are liberated, but Euron Greyjoy holds Storm's End and with the seas controlled by his forces he can ensure the continuous supply of his forces. Furthermore, the Martells have marched their army into Summerhall searching for Lord Stark, in what can be seen as a hostile act. What will you do?

-Upon some intense work, some of the less ravaged parts of the Stormlands are in a position to sell food for a hefty profit, although it remains to be seen who will be the buyer. Who do you plan to sell this food to?

[Lumine]

Oberyn Martell:
-Prestige: 3/10
-Gold: 600,000 GD 

Prince Oberyn,

-Your return to Dorne has been badly recieved by the Yronwoods, who have nonetheless been placated by Doran's offers. With your presence in Dorne having some controversy of its own, will you sail or march elsewhere? To the battlefields in the Westerlands? To King's Landing, for the sake of Elia?

-Through intrigue and skill Varys has taken your beloved niece Rhaenys from the Red Keep, and sailed off to the unknown. The loss of her child is sure to cause Elia much distress, and there is to be wondered what exactly are Varys's plans for the little Princess. Can you get her back?

-Due to the new arrangement born in Highgarden, you have been appointed the Master of Coin, prestigious office which is nonetheless a complex one due to the war and the chaotic state of the Royal Finances. How will you approach your new role? And will you do so from King's Landing, as all Masters of Coin have done?[/justify]

[Lumine]

VICTARION

-We ought to sack, pillage and burn this godforsaken castle! – Balon shouted in anger -
-Yes, brother. – Victarion replied – Every last one of them should pay. –

Both brothers were about as angry as they had ever been, furious both for the humiliation they had suffered at the hands of that arrogant, insufferable lion and his daughter, and furious at the unacceptable state of his father. Victarion still bore the scars in hands and chest following his decision to start climbing Casterly Rock himself along with the best climbers of the fleet, and he bore the anger of having come so close to taking the castle were it not for the Lioness. Almost drowning upon the fall had not improved his mood during the battle either, and no amount of golden haired weaklings he slaughtered afterward without batting an eye had given him any respite. And then, the cavalry charge and those fierce long-nosed creatures had just been the climax of an accursed campaign. Father may had told him he could call himself Lord of the Westerlands upon victory, but having failed to pay the iron price for it making such a claim would be madness.

Worse still, they were still covered in blood, smoke and sweat as the raven had approached the fleet, and upon reading the dark words Balon had strangled the raven in anger – and perhaps, to hide the news – and ordered an immediate trip to Highgarden, the lions be damned. Victarion almost pondered on telling his brother those were not father’s orders, but Balon always knew what he was doing and Victarion felt no need to contradict his brother. If the lions got off free from much deserved punishment this time, then the roses would have to pay the price for allowing Lord Quellon to suffer such harm. For indeed the sight that had welcomed them as they had arrived on Highgarden had been so infuriating for the sons of Quellon Greyjoy that they had seriously pondered on setting the castle aflame and taking the whole group of young, tender Tyrell cousins as salt wives.

-Break his final leg. - Balon ordered –

Victarion promply grabbed the young septon’s leg, and making a sudden, forceful move he smashed his leg into the ground. His victim, near insane by virtue of the pain and the bizarre delusions he seemed to be in because of it, left another of his brief, agonized screams as the leg shattered and the bones broke out. Victarion didn’t have a particular interest in torture, but seeing as the would be assassin would not speak the truth – for if he had not broken after what they had done to their manhood, he simply would not break at all -, it felt necessary to give him some retribution after what he had done to father. Somehow that young, fanatical septon had found out when Lord Quellon was most vulnerable, and rushed at him with a short knife that he used to stab him repeatedly. When the guards had grabbed the assassin Lord Quellon was on the ground, bleeding and disfigured after the loss of an eye.

Such news had brought them all the way to Highgarden in haste, and they would not leave an attack on their father unpunished.

-Long… long… long live the Seven! – Shouted the Septon –
-Good for you. – Victarion approached him – You’re about to meet them. -

Victarion broke the remaining fingers in haste as the screams grew louder, and for a moment the torture halted as both brothers looked at the fanatic in front of them. It was clear they would not get anything out of him any longer, not after what they had already tried. It took some additional time for Balon to ponder on a suitable method, until Victarion helpfully pulled a large barrel with salt water into the dark, awful cell. With the nod of his brother, Victarion grabbed the head of the septon and promptly showed him into the barrel, doing his best to keep him still. It took some time for the Septon to die, and once he stopped kicking the young Greyjoy shoved the body inside the barrel. He submerged his hands, and promptly washed his face as the bloodstained water spread across the floor. Balon rushed out of the room to see his father, and Victarion silently followed suit, pushing out any Tyrell messenger or guard that tried to approach them.

-Lord Balon, I’m afraid he is getting wors… - Said the aged maester before being pushed aside by Victarion -

A large, corpulent man despite his age, the Lord Reaper was moving and jolting in sheer pain across his bed, his bandages loosening and the sheets turning dark red from the blood as the deeply terrified maesters tried to keep him still. The most grievous wounds crossed Quellon’s chest and now disfigured face, and it was only because of the Lord Reaper’s strength and fortitude that he remained alive and struggling. Victarion hated the sight. He hated to see his father weak because of one of those weak septons. He hated the castle, so perfumed it was a wonder any man could stand life in it. He hated the roses, effeminate and stupid, and he even hated the color of the Mander, unnaturally blue when compared to the true waters in Pyke, grey and green. His father had decided to play the game of those southrons, and there he was, half dead for his troubles.

He wanted none of it. He cared not for those meaningless titles his father wanted to collect from the southrons, or for that council of lords that talked and did nothing. They should have fought this war like men, and not withdraw and split theirs forces across the sea. They should have, he was sure of it, and Balon would have fought it better. But there they stood. And as he was looking at his father, Victarion finally realized how foul the smell in the room was, lost as he was in thinking whether he’d drown the Queen of Thorns or whether he’d throw her off the walls.

-My lords… - The old maester had managed to stand up again –
-You. Speak. – Victarion commanded –
-It’s… it’s poison. –
-What do you mean it’s poison? – Balon approached the maester -
-It must have been before we took over… - The maester quivered in fear – It’s… it’s… -

Widow’s Blood. Victarion let the words sink in for a moment. Out of all the poisons to be used, someone had given father the Widow’s Blood. Unable to relieve himself, the Lord Reaper would bloat and poison himself. He began to shake with rage, sure as he was that there was no end to father that could be more humiliating. Whoever had done this would pay not only in blood, but in whatever he happened to hold dear. Lord Quellon – who had opened his eyes – tried to speak to his children, but with his mouth full of blood it proved impossible. The Greyjoy lord continued to move and shiver in pain and agony, and then a Tyrell messenger made his appearance.

-My lords, we’ve found a suspicious group outside the castle. – He announced – A knight among them. They may be related to the attempt on your lord father’s life. –
-This knight. – Victarion grabbed his axe – Give him his name. –

The man hesitated for a moment.

-They believe he’s a stormlander knight. Ser Meryn Trant, I was told. –

Victarion thought for a moment on what to do. He would follow the command of his brother, but one thing was certain. He would work slowly and painfully on that dishonorable, cowardly knight.