A History of the Iron Throne - Embers of Rebellion - A CK2 AGoT History Book AAR

[Midnite Duke]

Welcome @Daniemperor to AArland. Please visit and comment on other AARs. We do not bite (very hard).

 

[TWR97]

Surprising, but plausible, Ned does have the just trait in game after all so I suppose that helped in terms of swaying the votes to his favour. As others have said, Starks rarely do well when they go South so hopefully Ned can have a fruitful reign, especially as of his coronation, he only has a few years till he dies canonically. So let's try to pray Ned lasts much longer this time around, especially with a lot of scheming vassals in play, not to mention Tywin's reaction.

 

[AxolotlKnight]

Appendix - The Life of Rhaegar Targaryen 287 AC - 292 AC

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Following his trial and release, Rhaegar had returned to his ancestral Targaryen home of Dragonstone. During his initial year on Dragonstone, Rhaegar delegated much of the island's governance to Maester Errol and the Castellan, Ser Russel Scales, as he grappled with his own internal turmoil amidst the bleak surroundings of his ancestral seat.While warmly received by the castle’s castellan and staff, Rhaegar found the holdfast and island surrounding it to be a cold, damp and unwelcoming place. Storms rolling in from the Narrow Sea would often batter the shoreline of the island, and chilly northern winds would assault the high towers of Dragonstone Castle. The castle’s maester, Errol, notes in his diary that “the bleak surroundings of the island proved to reflect the Prince’s mood. While polite, he often broods in the Chamber of the Painted Table, or looking over the Narrow Sea on Windwyrm tower.” During his first year at Dragonstone, Rhaegar often left the day-to-day governance of the island to Maester Errol and the Castellan, Ser Russel Scales.

Ser Russel Scales, hailing from House Scales, belonged to a lineage of castellans and knights dedicated in service to House Targaryen for generations, dating back to at least thirty years before Aegon’s Conquest. The origins of the Scales family are shrouded in mystery and contention. Some assert they are "dragonseeds," descendants of a Targaryen bastard sired by one of the island’s lords. Others, including the Scales family itself, claim descent from a house that fled Old Valyria before its downfall, following the Targaryens to Blackwater Bay alongside Houses Velaryon and Celtigar. Regardless of their true lineage, the Scales family had faithfully administered governance on Dragonstone for over three centuries, weathering the vicissitudes of time. Ser Russel Scales, the current scion of House Scales, was known for his kindness and amiability, fully dedicating himself to his responsibilities. Despite his advanced age by 288 AC, Ser Russel remained adept at maintaining peace and order on the island, demonstrating his enduring commitment to his duties.

Ser Russel Scales, Castellan of Dragonstone​

In 288 AC, Rhaegar received the devastating news of his wife Elia Martell's passing. While maintaining a façade of aloofness in public, the prince privately descended into a profound melancholy, as noted by Maester Errol. Days were spent in seclusion within the Chamber of the Painted Table, where mournful melodies from his harp mingled with the increasing intake of alcohol. Emerging sporadically from his isolation, Rhaegar would lament his belief in his destiny to father the Prince Who Was Promised, haunted by overwhelming guilt over the deaths of both Elia and Lyanna Stark. In an effort to halt this downward spiral, Maester Errol and Ser Russel Scales sought aid from Rhaegar's last remaining friend, Ser Richard Lonmouth. Inviting Ser Richard to Dragonstone, they hoped his presence would rouse Rhaegar from his despondency. Though it took time, Ser Richard succeeded in coaxing his friend out of isolation and reintroducing levity and joy into his life.

Ser Richard Lonmouth​

Under Rhaegar's renewed leadership, Dragonstone and its surrounding islands experienced a revitalization in trade and governance. Vassal lords such as the Velaryons, Celtigars, Sunglasses, and Bar Emmons were actively involved in the administration of Blackwater Bay. Lord Lucerys Velaryon, known as Lord of the Tides, was dispatched to the Free Cities of Essos to stimulate trade in the region. His efforts bore fruit as towns like Hull on Driftmark, Derlyn on Dragonstone, and Celtina on Claw Isle flourished into bustling maritime hubs. Traders from Braavos, Pentos, and Myr flocked to these islands, providing alternatives to the strained resources of Duskendale. Meanwhile, Lord Ardrian Celtigar forged trade links with key ports such as Gulltown, White Harbour, and Oldtown, fostering a new era of commerce in the Narrow Sea. Although not reaching the heights of prosperity seen in King's Landing's prime, these endeavours breathed new life into the economic landscape of Blackwater Bay.

Lord Ardrian Celtigar of Claw Isle (left) and Lord Lucerys Velaryon of Driftmark (right)​

In 290 AC Prince Rhaegar, whilst inspecting progress on the harbour in Derlyn with Ser Richard Lonmouth, would run across someone who would change his life forever. On the harbourfront an argument was raging between the harbour master and the captain of a sloop that had just docked. The Prince, eager to find out what was happening, approached to see if he could rectify the situation. The captain of the sloop The Drowsy Sow, a woman of around twenty years, had been barred from docking due to not having the correct papers. The harbour master, an elderly man with a pot belly, claimed that she may have stolen the ship from its rightful master. To help calm the situation down, the Prince demanded that he himself inspect the ship. If there was nothing untoward, then the sloop could remain. During his inspection he got to know the captain better. Her name was Myranda of Fendun, a common born woman from the village of Fendun, near Runestone in the Vale. Her father had been a trader on a carrack that had sailed out of Gulltown for nearly twenty years. When the Rebellion broke out, her father and the carrack was drafted into the Vale’s fleet and was sent to war. The ship was sunk in a sea battle in Blackwater Bay and her father was lost along with it. To make ends meet she had served on a sloop as a deckhand. Her skills as a navigator quickly helped her rise through the ranks, and when the captain of the sloop died at sea, she was elected its new captain. Intrigued by her story and impressed by her skills as a captain and navigator, Rhaegar granted her a marque of commerce, enabling her to dock in Derlyn with reduced fees. This gesture not only resolved the immediate situation but also sparked a friendship between the prince and the common-born captain.

Myranda of Fendun, Captain of The Drowsy Sow​

Over the next three months, Rhaegar descended down from Dragonstone to visit and converse with Myranda whenever her ship docked in Derlyn. At first these conversations were concerned with commerce, but eventually they drifted to more personal matters. Soon it became clear to all that it was more than friendship that binds them together, even if the couple didn’t know it yet. At Ser Richard’s urging, the Prince invited Myranda to Dragonstone, and there the two of them dined and talked throughout the night, before they both retired to their respective rooms. Afterwards Rhaegar confided with Ser Richard, and admitted that he had feelings for her, but didn’t want to lead her to danger. When Ser Richard secretly revealed these feelings to Captain Myranda, she strode to Dragonstone and demanded an audience with the Prince. In the great hall, the former throne room of dragonlords, the room where King Aegon the Conqueror declared his intent to conquer Westeros, Captain Myranda slapped Prince Rhaegar Targaryen in the face, called him an idiot, and then passionately kissed him.

On the 6th day of the tenth month of 290 AC, Prince Rhaegar Targaryen and Myranda of Fendun were married on Dragonstone in the sight of a septon, his vassal lords, his household and his friends. The marriage was said to be a happy one, and by the end of 291 AC it had produced a child, a girl named Syaella. Little Syaella Targaryen was the first of a new generation of Targaryens, though as she grew up she would look more like her mother than her father. As Prince Rhaegar now settled into family life once again, the arrival of children having calmed him, Dragonstone received news of King Jon Arryn’s death. Lords Velaryon and Celtigar, hardened Targaryen Loyalists, put forward the idea of fermenting a rebellion to take back the throne. Rhaegar chastised them for their reckless folly, and stated that he would remain out of Westerosi politics. A few weeks later another raven arrived, this time demanding that he present himself at Storm’s End, where he would be put in custody until the end of the election. He was angered by this demand, but was calmed by Myranda, who stated that she would look after their child whilst he was away.

At Storm’s End Prince Rhaegar was treated courteously, though many were cold to him. Most blamed him for the Rebellion, and many were disgusted by his ‘kidnap’ of Lyanna Stark, even though Lord Eddard Stark had made the truth known years ago. To get him through his captivity, he wrote letters to his wife and read books from Storm’s End’s ancient library. The announcement of King Eddard Stark’s election was a welcome one for Prince Rhaegar. Ned Stark was known by all as an honorable and just man, aspects of which Rhaegar had encountered first hand. Following the election Rhaegar was released and returned to Dragonstone, where he was delighted with the news that wife was expecting once again. Two months later a second daughter, named Vaena, was born. It seemed, for now, that House Targaryen was safe.

​

 

[AxolotlKnight]

The King in the North! I wonder how our dear lo -ahem- King Ned will fare in his new role. We know he is honorable and just but will it be enough to rein in Lord Tywin and the rest of the southern, ambitious lords. Who knows? Anyway Great update ( I lurked, this is my first post in AArland)

Welcome to posting on AArland! I am honoured that my AAR is your first!

Surprising, but plausible, Ned does have the just trait in game after all so I suppose that helped in terms of swaying the votes to his favour. As others have said, Starks rarely do well when they go South so hopefully Ned can have a fruitful reign, especially as of his coronation, he only has a few years till he dies canonically. So let's try to pray Ned lasts much longer this time around, especially with a lot of scheming vassals in play, not to mention Tywin's reaction.

As we have seen, Ned's honour is great, but can sometimes get in the way of true justice. Will he end up with is head on a pike? We shall see...

 

[Midnite Duke]

Rhaegar going to live out his days quietly? Thanks

 

[CaptainAlvious]

Looks like the Targaryen dynasty will continue outside of Jon Snow. Let’s see if he gets a legitimate son. Also Rhaegar seems to have a thing for tomboys huh.

 

[AxolotlKnight]

Rhaegar going to live out his days quietly? Thanks

Perhaps, although simply having the last name Targaryen puts a target on your back.

Looks like the Targaryen dynasty will continue outside of Jon Snow. Let’s see if he gets a legitimate son. Also Rhaegar seems to have a thing for tomboys huh.

I was thinking that Rhaegar has a type. Was surprised he moved on so quickly

 

[HistoryDude]

Myranda is certainly a character.

Will the Scales family come up again?

How much is Rhaegar making from maritime trade?

 

[TWR97]

Wow Rhaegar sure has a thing for brown haired tomboys. His daughters will definitely be folks to keep an eye on in the near future, especially if the Prince doesn't sire a son. Things would hopefully remain quiet under Ned's ruling, hopefully. Unless of course the White Walkers are poised to attack in the canon year that is. Till then, the game goes on.

 

[AxolotlKnight]

Myranda is certainly a character.

Will the Scales family come up again?

How much is Rhaegar making from maritime trade?

House Scales may well come up again, Ser Russel is friends with Rhaegar in game.
Rhaegar is one of the richest lords in the realm in game, with about a thousand gold most of the time. Maritime trade is my way of contextualising that. In the lore of this story, its close to what Corlys Velaryon was making at the height of his house.

Wow Rhaegar sure has a thing for brown haired tomboys. His daughters will definitely be folks to keep an eye on in the near future, especially if the Prince doesn't sire a son. Things would hopefully remain quiet under Ned's ruling, hopefully. Unless of course the White Walkers are poised to attack in the canon year that is. Till then, the game goes on.

God White Walker invasion would be just perfect for a Stark king wouldn't it...

 

[AxolotlKnight]

Chapter 19 - Crafting a New Council

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The first act of King Eddard Stark’s reign was to assemble his Small Council. At Harrenhal, in the days following his coronation, the new King began to send letters to those he wished to serve alongside him. First was the post of Master of Laws, which remained with Prince Doran Martell, the man who concocted the plan for Ned’s election victory. Grand Maester Ebrose remained in his position, and Lord Denys Arryn of the Vale was named Master-of-Ships, a title promised him by the Regency Council. The remaining positions; master-of-arms, master-of-whisperers, master-of-coin and Hand of the King were still vacant. While King Eddard wanted to ensure that he united the realm with his choices on the council, he also wanted to make sure that there were representatives from the North in the council. For too long had they been forgotten about, during his kingship Ned was determined to make sure they would have a say.

For the crucial role of Master of Coin, responsible for managing the realm's finances, Ned turned to a trusted and capable ally in Rodrik Cassel. Renowned for his loyalty and competence in administration, Cassel's appointment brought a sense of reliability and integrity to the council, essential qualities for overseeing the kingdom's economic affairs. However, in his selection for Master of Whisperers, the position tasked with gathering intelligence and navigating the intricate webs of espionage, King Eddard made a controversial decision. Choosing Lord Roose Bolton of the Dreadfort, a figure shrouded in mystery and darkness, raised eyebrows and sparked murmurs of concern among the court. Known for his chilling demeanor and ruthless pragmatism, Lord Bolton's reputation as the "Leech Lord" sent shivers down the spines of many. Despite his reservations and personal dislike for Bolton, King Eddard recognized the value of his cunning and expertise in matters of secrecy and surveillance, viewing him as a necessary evil in a world fraught with intrigue and deception.

Master-of-Coin Rodrik Cassel (left) and Master-of-Whisperers Lord Roose Bolton of the Dreadfort (right)​

The position of Marshal-at-Arms, which included being in charge of the King’s personal retinue and household guard during peacetime, and leading armies in times of war, was a position King Ned had filled during his predecessor’s rule. It was an important role that needed to be filled by someone who was experienced with warfare, but also able to tutor courtiers and remain loyal in tough situations. There were many that the King considered, however, the man he chose was perhaps the most unexpected. King Eddard’s choice was Prince Rhaegar Targaryen, former King of Westeros, former enemy of Eddard’s during the Rebellion and the man who had eloped with his sister, causing the war in the first place. His reasoning was brief “he has learnt, the hard way, of his follies. Resentment won’t bring back Lyanna, or the two Targaryen babes.” A formal invite was sent to Prince Rhaegar, who was taken aback by the request. His wife, Myranda, was key in him accepting the post, noting that this may be the only time the former monarch would receive an olive branch from the crown. The dragon now served the wolf.

Seeking a Hand of the King would prove to be the hardest task for King Eddard Stark. From the moment discussions began, the King had one person in mind, his election rival Lord Tywin Lannister. Taking a note from King Jon Arryn, King Ned realized that allowing the ambitious lord of the Westerlands to brood at Casterly Rock could potentially pose a risk to his rule. The King knew that Lord Tywin was aggrieved by his election defeat, especially since it was his second in a row. Much like Lord Bolton, Ned Stark personally disliked Lord Tywin, but knew that his expertise could possibly help his rule. At first Lord Tywin rejected the King’s offer, stating that he wished to return to the Westerlands rather than serving the realm again. Over the next week, the King and Lord Tywin held multiple meetings behind closed doors. What limited information we know, written down by Grand Maester Ebrose, is that Lord Tywin wanted assurances that his methods would not be constrained by Ned Stark’s morals, stating that a safe realm requires “sacrifices”.

Eventually an agreement was reached, in which Lord Tywin would accept the position of Hand of the King once more, but with the assurance that his grandsons by way of his daughter, Cersei Lannister, would become wards of the King, and that they would considered for potential marriages to high ranking children across the realm. By securing positions of prominence for his family within the royal court, Tywin further bolstered the Lannister's standing and influence in the realm's affairs. Additionally, the appointment of Ser Gerion Lannister as chief almoner of the royal purse represented a strategic move to ensure Lannister oversight and control over financial matters within the royal administration. This placement allowed House Lannister to maintain a strong presence and influence over economic policies and expenditures, further consolidating their power and authority within the realm. For King Eddard Stark, the agreement with Lord Tywin represented a pragmatic compromise aimed at securing the stability and unity of the realm. While the decision to appoint Tywin as Hand of the King may have been met with skepticism from some quarters, Ned Stark understood the importance of forging alliances and working with experienced and capable individuals to navigate the challenges facing the Seven Kingdoms.

The decision on the new capital of the realm posed a significant dilemma for King Eddard Stark and his Small Council. Each potential option presented its own set of challenges and considerations. Winterfell, while the ancestral seat of House Stark, was located in the far North and posed logistical challenges in terms of accessibility and climate. Its remote location and the harsh conditions of the North made it less than ideal for serving as the capital of the realm, especially during the ongoing winter. Harrenhal, despite its historical significance, was in a state of ruin and presented an image of decay rather than majesty. Its dilapidated condition would require extensive reconstruction efforts to restore it to a suitable state for housing the royal court and serving as the seat of governance. Returning to King's Landing, on the other hand, offered the advantage of familiarity and infrastructure. Despite the destruction wrought upon the city during the Rebellion, efforts were already underway to rebuild and restore King's Landing to its former glory. Reconstruction efforts led by Petyr Baelish had commenced, indicating progress towards revitalizing the capital.

The new king chose to return to King’s Landing, stating that “it might incentivise a faster reconstruction of the city with us in sight of it.” In the weeks following his proclamation a wooden motte and bailey castle was raised just outside the city walls of King’s Landing, with a palisade wall and gate protecting the main keep. Called the Kingsfort, it would become the residence of King Eddard’s royal court until the restoration of King’s Landing was complete. As the royal court moved into the Kingsfort in the first month of 293 AC, news arrived from the Citadel, winter was ending and summer was returning to Westeros.

 

[CaptainAlvious]

Surprising to see Roose and Rheagar on the council. I take it Littefinger not being Master of Coins anymore is due to the gameplay limitation of him being a Vale lord not directly under Ned. On one hand, the arrangement of giving more power to the Lannisters could be problematic, but on the other Cersei's kids being Ned's wards could also mean they won't be as ruthless as Tywin and Cersei are when they grow up, instead being more like Starks or Tyrion.

Speaking of which, how is Tyrion doing, who's Cersei married to at this point, and how many kids does Ned have at this point?

 

[Midnite Duke]

Thank you for the update. This is an all-star council. Ned & Rheagar, Wow!

 

[AxolotlKnight]

Surprising to see Roose and Rheagar on the council. I take it Littefinger not being Master of Coins anymore is due to the gameplay limitation of him being a Vale lord not directly under Ned. On one hand, the arrangement of giving more power to the Lannisters could be problematic, but on the other Cersei's kids being Ned's wards could also mean they won't be as ruthless as Tywin and Cersei are when they grow up, instead being more like Starks or Tyrion.

Speaking of which, how is Tyrion doing, who's Cersei married to at this point, and how many kids does Ned have at this point?

Yeah the game's design means that Littlefinger is no longer an option for a council position.

I will be doing a dedicated chapter on House Lannister and what they have been up to, just don't know when yet.

Thank you for the update. This is an all-star council. Ned & Rheagar, Wow!

Hopefully they will get along...

 

[Daniemperor]

A councill worth for a king, i do wonder that Rhaegar, Roose and Tywin will get allong for the betterment of the realm. Meanwhile if Cersei' s children are wards of Ned they i think will turn out just fine, honorable and overall goid men - not spoiled like Joffrey was. LF quitting might mean less chaos and scheming - no dead Hand of the king simply bc LF! (I know that was Jon in canon but i can see Baelish 'removing" a hand purely for generating chaos)Overall a very good chapter!

 

[Bored Student1414]

If I were a traditionalist Northern Lord, I would be somewhat concerned with the idea of the Stark Lord of Winterfell heading south to be the King of Westeros. When a noble or royal house from a smaller, poorer realm gets the crown of a larger and richer realm, that house often ends up assimilating into the culture of the larger realm. Ned's children were the most Southernized generation of House Stark ever had in the canon due to the influence of their Tully mother. Ironically, unexpected political circumstances would cause that generation to seek Northern independence in the canon.

In this timeline, Eddard is the King of Westeros planning to rule from King's Landing and his children will grow up in the south. If the Starks remain in the south for a long time and later return to Winterfell, they might practically be foreigners to their own Northern subjects. The Scottish Stuart dynasty became English rather quickly once they got the English throne. This would be more of a lore thing that the game probably wouldn't reflect.

What will happen to Jon "Sand" with Eddard becoming King in King's Landing while Rhaegar has returned to playing a role in governance again? I guess that Jon will remain in Winterfell to keep him out of politics and awkwardness with his father. Jon might end up more Stark than most of the Starks in that situation.

 

[HistoryDude]

Are Cersei's children legitimate?

Roose Bolton's new position should keep him loyal. He might have a rather conspicuous reputation for a Master of Whispers, though.

I didn't see Rhaegar as Marshal coming. I wonder if he and Jon will get any scenes. Maybe not if Jon stays in Winterfell, like Bored Student1414 suggests...

 

[Daniemperor]

Are Cersei's children legitimate?

Roose Bolton's new position should keep him loyal. He might have a rather conspicuous reputation for a Master of Whispers, though.

I didn't see Rhaegar as Marshal coming. I wonder if he and Jon will get any scenes. Maybe not if Jon stays in Winterfell, like Bored Student1414 suggests...

Good question friend you intrigue me as well and you made me to ask a question of my own. Are Cersei' s children's real father is Jaime ? Yeah i know this is a cliché question but i am intrigued to find out

 

[AxolotlKnight]

A councill worth for a king, i do wonder that Rhaegar, Roose and Tywin will get allong for the betterment of the realm. Meanwhile if Cersei' s children are wards of Ned they i think will turn out just fine, honorable and overall goid men - not spoiled like Joffrey was. LF quitting might mean less chaos and scheming - no dead Hand of the king simply bc LF! (I know that was Jon in canon but i can see Baelish 'removing" a hand purely for generating chaos)Overall a very good chapter!

Hopefully Ned's influence can counteract Cersei's influence on her children...

If I were a traditionalist Northern Lord, I would be somewhat concerned with the idea of the Stark Lord of Winterfell heading south to be the King of Westeros. When a noble or royal house from a smaller, poorer realm gets the crown of a larger and richer realm, that house often ends up assimilating into the culture of the larger realm. Ned's children were the most Southernized generation of House Stark ever had in the canon due to the influence of their Tully mother. Ironically, unexpected political circumstances would cause that generation to seek Northern independence in the canon.

In this timeline, Eddard is the King of Westeros planning to rule from King's Landing and his children will grow up in the south. If the Starks remain in the south for a long time and later return to Winterfell, they might practically be foreigners to their own Northern subjects. The Scottish Stuart dynasty became English rather quickly once they got the English throne. This would be more of a lore thing that the game probably wouldn't reflect.

What will happen to Jon "Sand" with Eddard becoming King in King's Landing while Rhaegar has returned to playing a role in governance again? I guess that Jon will remain in Winterfell to keep him out of politics and awkwardness with his father. Jon might end up more Stark than most of the Starks in that situation.

Jon Sand is currently still at Winterfell, being brought up alongside Robb Stark. With Ned now king and Robb a Prince, decisions will need to be made about where the new royal family stays. As is said often, a there must always be a Stark in Winterfell.

Are Cersei's children legitimate?

Roose Bolton's new position should keep him loyal. He might have a rather conspicuous reputation for a Master of Whispers, though.

I didn't see Rhaegar as Marshal coming. I wonder if he and Jon will get any scenes. Maybe not if Jon stays in Winterfell, like Bored Student1414 suggests...

Good question friend you intrigue me as well and you made me to ask a question of my own. Are Cersei' s children's real father is Jaime ? Yeah i know this is a cliché question but i am intrigued to find out

Cersei's children are legitimate. As for the father of them, lets just say it is another member of the golden hair gang...

 

[AxolotlKnight]

Sorry that I haven't uploaded another chapter yet, life is busy atm, and I have been spending what little free time I have addicted by the Old World Blues mod for HOI4 (May be a AAR might arise from it, who knows).

I am hoping to have it out by the end of next week. Thanks for your patience!