Dawn of a New Reign
3rd Moon of 171 AC
King's Landing
Though newly crowned king, Viserys was in fact a veteran of statesmanship, having served as Hand of the King since the rule of his late brother, Aegon the Dragonbane. The man needed no introductions regarding the rule of his realm, and the transition from hand to king was seamless.
Even before his coronation, Viserys had goals of strengthening trade ties between Westeros and the Free Cities. The debt of the Iron Throne was weighing on him, and trade seemed a logical avenue of relief for this issue. Viserys has connection in Lys, his wife being of House Rogare, one of the richest and most powerful houses in the free city, and stewards of the Bank of Rogare. It is with them he would place his faith.
While King Viserys dispatched diplomats across all Free Cities, it was in Lys he was well received. While Lys is well known for it's slave trade, it is also known for its alchemy and wine-craft, as well as clothing and tapestries. Indeed, over the course of the next year, the markets of King's Landing see more Lys wines and silks, and the latest in court fashions begin to feature Lys fashion prominently.
Viserys was no doubt pleased to learn that the cost of the diplomatic mission would pay for itself in less then three moons time.
Upon his coronation, Viserys used the opportunity to meet with several of his vassals, most notably the High Lord Jacelyn Rosby, who he would name his Hand shortly after. Viserys had a vision for the Seven Kingdoms, yet was concerned about the state of the Faith, having just undergone a violent upheaval to appoint a new High Septon. Rosby, a known patron of the Faith, seemed a natural choice to bridge the gap between faith and crown.
For his first official order as Hand of the King, Lord Rosby arranged a meeting with the High Septon upon Visenya's Hill, extending full honours to the avatar of the Seven. Rosby detected tension in the early minutes of the meeting, perceiving the High Septon to be sour at being passed over for a position on the Small Council. Nevertheless, the two stepped upon amiable footing, discussing the Seven Pointed Star, and debating philosophies. The two walked away from each other holding a degree of respect between them. The High Septon voicing his hope that his concerns may be relayed to the king through Rosby.
Rosby learned that the High Septon is zealous in his view of the Seven, and his place as their voice in Westeros. He is ruthless in his convictions, and believes the Seven speak to him through lucid dreams. When Rosby pressed him on the issue, the High Septon made a prophecy, stating that the Seven shall weep for Baelor in a moon's time, shedding their tears over the Riverlands, drowning out fields, towns and castles. Later, upon hearing this prophecy, Grand Maester Vymen stated that some of his order, mainly those with electrum links upon their chain, have warned that the fifth moon may see heavier rains then what is commmon.
The majority of the Most Devout are loyal to him, but Rosby sensed their may be one or two detractors. Should there be conflict among the High Septon and the Iron Throne, Rosby noted that the High Septon could likely pull many of the small folk to fight for him, and perhaps a few of the more zealous minor lords. For now, the High Septon seems appeased by the king's choice in hand, and willing to work with the crown in the future.
For Master of Coin, Viserys appointed the Lord Paramount of the Vale, Petyr Arryn. Lord Arryn's fiscal managment during his tenure had become something of a model for the stewards of King's Landing. One officer of the King's Scales had even journeyed to the Eyrie and published a pamphlet on Arryn's initiatives that was well received during the closing months of Baelor's reign. No doubt this paper had made it's way into the hands of King Viserys. The Iron Throne was bleeding gold crowns, and many thought Lord Arryn to be the man up to the task of stopping the hemorrhaging. Arryn arrived after the coronation with much of his family in tow.
Upon assuming his office, Arryn began digging into crown finances right away. Cataloging incomes, balancing expenses, and deducing a budges, all these things were second nature to Lord Arryn, and it didn't take long to realize that the books were not adding up. Arryn found 2000 dragons per three moons disappearing from the coffers, and couldn't be accounted for.
The Gold Cloaks, the King's Navy, the interest on the Iron Bank's loan, such things were beyond dispute, but despite his best efforts, the 2000 short fall eluded him. Lord Arryn brought in his trusted vassal, Gerrard Royce, brother to Alren Royce, Lord of Runestone. Gerrard had particular talents that Arryn deemed necessary to find the missing funds.
Under Arryn's direction, and using total discretion, Gerrard Royce began investigating the king. Viserys was a gifted statesman and it seemed unlikely that such coinage could go missing under his tenure as hand, at least not without his knowledge.
Arryn and Royce discovered that some things were out of the Hand's influence, such as Baelor's frequent squandering of the treasury for charity. With such a common exodus of wealth, 2000 dragons were easily misappropriated, but now after Baelor, the missing money stuck out like a sore thumb, to the trained eye. The Master of Coins was able to clear the king of any fiscal squandering.
The next logical step was to investigate the many offices in which Arryn now oversees, such as the King's Counter and Scales. The two offices had ample access to the treasury, and the crafty method in which the withdrawals were penned begged a knowledge of stewardship. One man stuck out as a suspect to Arryn, Josua Mossey, third son of the Lord Massey of Stonedance, appointed to the Scales for an education in Stewardship.
The Massey's sided with Aegon during the Dance of the Dragons, and though Lord Massey may not be complicit in any theft, a member of his house would have significant pull and allies to draw upon. On Arryn's orders, Gerrard began a watch on Josua. After weeks of careful monitoring, Gerrard uncovered Josua attempting to load chests onto carriages in Fleabottom, with a compliment of sellswords at his call.
Gerrard, with a troop of Vale guards, seized the carriages in the name of the King, intercepting 2000 gold dragons bound to an unknown destination. In the following scuffle, Massey escaped, and Gerrard gave pursuit. What happended next is the matter of contention for many.
As Gerrard Royce pursued Massey through fleabottom, he became separated from his men over the ride through twisting alleyways and beleaguered crowds of smallfolk. Somehow, he was unhorsed and knocked unconscious, his only memory being a sorrowful whisper in his ear. "I am so sorry." Massey disappeared.
Knights of House Arryn ride to Stonedance
Coordinating with the Master of Ships, Lord Hightower, the King's Navy began paroling the coast, fearing an escape attempt from Josua Massey, as Arryn troops, with a compliment of Gold Cloaks, marched to Stonedance to confront Lord Massey and demand custody of his son.
As Targaryen ships rounded Massey's Hook, they came upon a ship that turned sail as they approached, and oared back to Stonedance, no doubt a desperate attempt to sail off with the wanted Josua Massey. With the King's Navy blockading Stonedance, and Arryn troops surrounding the castle, the Massey's have closed their gates and a stand off has ensued. For the love of their children, fathers are often turned mad.
For Master of Whispers, Viserys invited Lord Rymen Frey into his counsels, the Lord of the Crossing. This appointment caused a minor stir among the nobility, especially among the lords of the Riverlands, who suspect Lord Frey to be behind several suspicious deaths in recent decades, of which he seems to have prospered. Though with little to no evidence to back up these claims, the Freys have gone unmolested by the Tullys.
Master of Laws was appointed to Lord Edmund Lefford, a verteran statesman and knight known for his apt rule of the Golden Tooth, a vital strategic gateway to Casterly Rock and Lannisport, and a well traveled road for merchants. Lefford's appointment guaranteed a Westerman voice on the Small Council but those that knew Edmund wondered if he had the passion for such an office.
In fact, there seemed to be little cohesion between the Master of Laws and the King, as Viserys seemed to take up the duties of Lefford himself, modernizing the code of laws, many of which had stood since the days of Aegon the Conqueror. To all appearences, Lefford's contribution to this reform were grunts of approval and little else. The benefits of any reform will take time, however, and the benefit of a more clearly defined code of laws is so far minimal.
Lord Lyonel Hightower was named Master of Ships, and given command of the King's Navy. There were some grumblings from fellow reachmen from the Arbor that felt such an appointment should have been handed to a Redwyne, who command the Reach's largest fleet. Though perhaps not known as a naval strategist, Lord Hightower is a keen administrator and the proud overseer of Oldtown. Such a lordship gives one keen sight for rule and one deemed valuable by King Viserys.
Lord Hightower was known as a proud man, but perhaps not too proud to recognize he was a bit out of his element. He presided over a navy in Oldtown, but not one of this size, nor versed in stratagem of the sea. Lord Hightower took his time meeting the various captains under his charge, getting to know the men under him.
It was likely a humbling experience for Lord Hightower, but the information gained likely invaluable. He walked away with a better sense of the fleets capabilities and some idea in how to deploy them in combat.
(Master of Coin uncovers theft from treasury, seizes 2k gold in the name of the crown. Stonedance under naval and land blockade. Trade income with Free Cities increases income by 5%, at a cost of 500 dragons.)
The Crownlands
In the castle town of Rosby, Lord Jacelyn, Hand of the King, left the rule of the caste to his brother Wallace and second son, Julian. Together, Wallace and Julian devised a plan to cut farmlands and shires into what they perceived as a more efficient system. This, however, proved unpopular with landed knights and small folk, who viewed it as a gross interference and threatened their livelihoods.
Many protested by blockading the Rosby Road to King's Landing, stopping the flow of trade to the market towns that dotted surrounding Rosby, which of course had an adverse effect on taxes for the fief. In theory, the system was good, and could prove profitable, but Wallace and Julian lacked the sharp tongue of their lord to convince their people.
Meetings with landed farmers proved just as disastrous, with many claiming the uncle and nephew were pompous fools, and before long talk of a peasant uprising was prevalent in Rosby Castle. The landed knights, vassals of the Rosbys attempted to calm tempers, but to no avail. So far there has been no violence, but the cease of trade has begun to effect Duskendale as well.
(Duskendale, Rosby suffer -0.1% tax income.)
Peasant farmers protest in Rosby
In Duskendale, Lord Denys Darklyn set plans into motion to increase his coffers. He would lower taxes and trade tariffs in hope this would increase trade to the port town of Duskendale. Unfortunately, with the unrest in Rosby, Lord Darklyn saw an increased reliance on port trade, with merchants no longer travelling the roads. Scrapping his plan, Lord Darklyn would have to rely on trade vessels, and hold off on any variances with taxes.
The peasant uprising in Rosby would do little to dissuade Lord Darklyn from holding a feast, however. Lords from all over the Crownlands attended a sumptuous feast attended by minstrels, bards, and mummers. In attendance was the brother of Lord Massey, who was a bit of a pariah at the feast given the current blockade of Stonedance by Petyr Arryn, the Master of Coin.
In the closing hours of the feast, Denys found himself alone with Wallace Massey, who shared a strong faith in the Seven. Massey confessed that his brother too holds the Seven close, and shared a deep concern of what might befall Stonedance and his brother.
Wallace remained a guest of Lord Denys for several more days before leaving for King's Landing, to lobby for a peaceful resolution. The two men became fast friends, linked by their love of the Gods.
((House Darklyn and House Massey become friends during an extravagant feast, costing House Darklyn 1000 gold.))
The North
The first moons of 171 were chiefly preoccupied by the Wildling threat, warned of by Lord Commander Hornwood of the Night's Watch. In response to the raiding party, Lord Jonnel Stark raised 250 troops led by his brother, Barthogan. Lord Commander Hornwood had sent ravens telling of his plan to lure the Wildling raiders to Queenscrown, where he hoped Stark troops would ambush them.
Barth marched north with good haste towards Last Hearth, where Lord Karstark waited with 150 footmen. Lord Umber, however, refused to pledge troops, saying it was Lord Stark's duty, not his, to quell the Wildling rabble. After a fiery exchange with Barth, Lord Umber agreed to maintain their rear, and intercept any Wildlings that manage to slip past them.
Wildlings descend into the North, raiding as they make their way south.
Barth, accompanied by Rolan Bolton and Lord Karstark, make their way north, numbering 750 in all. As the Northern army marches up the Kingsroad, into the far reaches of the ancient kingdom, signs of the Wildlings begin to appear. They find throngs of smallfolk making their way south, telling tales of cannibal barbarians and the unspeakable horrors they visit upon their victims. Soon smoldering homesteads are found, though the Northmen are heartened to find freshly dug graves.
It seemed that the Wildlings had slipped further south then the Night's Watch had intended, but the brothers in black rode ahead, and driven them back north. Horse tracks confirmed this. Barth urged his men along. South of Queenscrown they found a Wildling hanging from a tree. No doubt the work of the Watch. The army continued on.
In the dead of night, under a light summer snow, a great fire was seen in the distant. Barth sent his scouts forth, who returned soon after. The Night's Watch camp had been found, the fire lit for the Starks to find them. Barth found the Night's Watch men under the command of a Ser Blackbur. The knight was a dour old man who spat curses of the Reach as much as he did the Wildlings, apparently still sour from his exile a decade ago. Regardless, Blackbur seemed competent leading a charge of horses, and took command of a flank.
The Wildlings, as Blackbur had shown at daybreak, had taken refuge in a wooded glade. Calvary was useless in such terrain, but if they could be lured out, Blackbur, along with Barth's calvary, could mow them down like grass. Barth agreed, and devised a plan to drive the Wildlings from the protection of the forest. Barth positioned his archers within range of the brush, setting the arrows aflame before launching them into the wooded glade. After several volleys, the flames caught, and soon the glade was afire and Wildlings came bursting forth to escape a fiery death.
Barth and Blackbur launched their sortie, scattering the Wildlings and driving them northward. Barth had sent Bolton and Karstark ahead to waylay the clansmen. Caught between the heavy horse of the Starks and Night's Watch, and the Northerner footmen, the Wildlings had no choice but to fight.
Rolan Bolton slowly advanced with a column of heavy infantry, supported by archers in the rear. Spearmen moved up along his flanks. The Wildlings were fierce in battle, with no fear of death, but they were also disorganized and reckless, and lacked proper armour. Rolton fought alongside the Bolton Guard within the front ranks, where the fighting was thickest. The Wildlings fought fiercely with axe and crude spears, but against the organized formation of the Boltons and Karstarks, they had little chance. They soon broke from fighting and continued their route.
Barth and Blackbur continued their pursuit, hacking down the marauders as they fled. Before long only a hundred or so remained, and hope of escape vanished. After another bloody charge, they lost their will to fight, and threw down their weapons. The captives were roped together and led to Queenscrown. The villagers had since fled south ahead of news of the Wildling war party. Along the frigid lake that surrounds the village tower, Barth put the captives to the sword. Afterward, a dour Blackbur ordered his brothers to tie them to their horses, and drag their bodies back to the Wall. Lord Commander Hornwood had insisted on hanging the carcasses from the Wall as a warning to the wild folk beyond.
Victorious, Barth Stark, Rolan Bolton and Lord Karstark parted ways with Ser Blackbur and returned south.
Lord Stark travels to White Harbor, to discuss trade prospects with the Manderly's
As Barth and company marched north, Lord Jonnel Stark arranged a meeting with Lord Torrhen Manderly, the ruler of White Harbour. Lord Torrhen is a well known figure of the Seven Kingdoms, a veteran of the Dance and later one of the Seven Regents of Aegon III, and his Hand until the king came of age in 136 and replaced him with his brother Viserys.
Lord Torrhen, now being a man of sixty, would likely find travel to Winterfell taxing, leaving Lord Jonnel to depart for White Harbour. If anything else, it will serve to give the lord paramount a first hand account of Manderly's trade operation. Jonnel found Torrhen to be a man of sharp wit and well connected after his tenure of regent and hand. Manderly had the contacts to increase trade across the Narrow Sea, but the reality is that the deep pockets of King's Landing attracts more trade across the Narrow Sea while White Harbour mainly relies on Westerosi based traders.
Torrhen put a plan forth to Jonnel. Manderly and Stark would sponsor a merchant fleet, captained by trustworthy seamen and stocked with goods payed for by the two lords. It is an ambitious plan and expensive, one that would cost the lords 2000 gold dragons each. By the end of the third moon of 171, the inner and outer harbours of White Harbor were bustling with activity. A great number of merchant vessels were built, and each well stocked with timber, wool, hides and silver. The ships put to sea in the final days of the moon, bound for Essos. Time would tell if the venture would prove a success.
((Stark loses 5 heavy infantry and 5 cavalry. Bolton loses 10 heavy infantry. Karstarks lose 5 footmen. War party of 500 Wildlings are slain. Barth Stark and Rolan Bolton gain valuable experience in fighting Wildlings. Lord Jonnel Stark invests 2k gold in a merchant fleet, hoping to increase trade in the North. Lord Jonnel pledges 1k gold to the Night's Watch. ))
The Riverlands
It had been some ten years since Lord Rymen Tully had stepped into the paramouncy and quelled the grumblings of Lords Piper and Bracken. Rymen was a proven warrior and exhibited a sound mind for tactics in his upbringing, but largely inexperienced. Displaying a keens sense for administration, Lord Tully commanded a large scale improvement of the River Road.
Some stretches of the highly trafficked route had gone into disrepair in recent years, becoming choked with overgrown brambles, washing away in dense rains, or coming under threat from brigands.
Lord Rymen eagerly mounted a force to patrol the River Road, and ascertain any possible bandit strongholds, while Ser Petyr Tully, uncle to his lordship, oversaw the particulars of the road construction. As time went on, the restoration efforts were proving costly. Ser Petyr had begun digging a network of ravines and mudwalls to protect the road from rampant mudslides and torrent rains. However these efforts were proving costly.
The increased patrols, organized by an enthusiastic Lord Tully, also ran along the coast to appease worried vassals who feared an active Ironborn. It wasn't long before Tully routed out a band of brigands south of Oldstones. The bandits were traced to the ruin of Oldstone, where they sought refuge behind the crumbling walls of the ancient castle.
Lord Tully along with knights of House Paige and Heddle, stormed the old keep, relishing the opportunity for a fight. The bandits fought against Tully's charge with arrows from fortified positions, but they were accustomed to threatening defenseless merchants, and not men of war. They were soon scattered or captured. Ser Hewett Paige, however, took an arrow to his shoulder, and his sword-arm would never be the same.
The Oldstone Bandits can do little against Lord Tully's mounted charge.
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
With the defeat of the Oldstone bandits, and Ser Petyr's meticulous work across the River Road, Riverlands promised to be a realm of easy and safe trade. Be that as it may, any actual increased traffic in the already busy road seemed negligible. Perhaps in time some benefits to the construction will present themselves.
Meanwhile at the Twins, Lord Ryman Frey departed for King's Landing to fulfill the prestigious role as Master of Whisperers, leaving his son and heir, Stevron in charge. Stevron Frey, a known indulgent wastrel and infamous for his greed, lacks the caution of his father, and wasted no time in raising the toll for the Crossing.
Many grumble over the increased tolls at Frey's Crossing.
There was much grumbling among the merchants of the Riverlands, many of whom were forced to turn back rather then pay an obscene toll. The rest paid but were forced to raise their prices while they peddled their goods in the North, in order to regain what they lost at the Twins.
As a result of Stevron's gouging, the Frey treasury was bolstered handsomely, however the lords of the North noticed a steady decline in goods, dependent on making the crossing.
In Seagard, the recently named Lord of Seagard, Jaeremy Mallister endeavored to run a census of his realm, in the hopes of ascertaining problems facing Seagard in light of his late father's troubled reign. For this task, Lord Jaeremy set his bastard brother, Harden, to work.
Harden proved ill-suited to treat with the lesser lords sworn to House Mallister, and many of the proud landed knights and minor lords were guarded in their talks with Ser Harden, not wanting to discuss their troubles, either out of mistrust or a fear of appearing weak.
The lord's brother had greater success, however, speaking with the more level headed merchants that frequented the busy port of Seagard. Harden learned that many merchants had grown fearful of the passage through Ironman's Bay. Reports of pirating and scuttling of merchant vessels. Though the perpetrators weren't known, Harden deduced that the Ironborn were likely behind it.
Though the course of his investigation, Harden learned that the pirates flew a green banner, with a school of argent fish throughout.
((Lord Tully gains experience fighting brigands, spends a turns income repairing roads for negligible return. House Frey raises the toll at the Crossing, gaining 5% toll income, while decreasing North land trade by .5%. Mallister has learned of pirates hindering sea trade at Seagard.))
The Iron Isles
Shortly after the death of King Baelor, the mood of the Ironborn was near fervent. The desire to cast off the shackles of peace from the prior decade and strike out in a glorious return to the Old Way was palpable. Lord Rodrik capitalized on this mood and promised a return to days gone by, paled by comparison of even the swath of the Red Kraken.
The Lord Reaper of Pyke gathered his vassals and fleet, and set sailed southward, across the Sunset Sea. The Greyjoy fleet numbered 200 ships and notable Ironborn Houses such as the Harclaws, Farwynds, Drumms and Goodbrothers. Word soon spread of the fleet slying the banners of the Ironborn, and before long all the Seven Kingdoms stood on edge.
Lord Redwyne put his fleet to sail, preparing to defend the Arbor. Likewise, the lords of the Shield amassed their fleets and prepared for an Ironborn assault. In Dorne, Prince Oberyn Martell charged Lord Vernan Dayne with the Watch of the West, and prepared for the worst. In King's Landing, fears and speculation were kept at bay from Lord Lefford, and after a private consult between Lord Frey and King Viserys, it was deemed that the Ironborn were not a threat.
Airing on the side of caution, King Viserys dispatched messengers to forewarn the Free Cities of the Ironborn approach, in case the actions of the notorious reavers fell back on the Iron Throne.
After days of sailing, the Ironborn fleet cleared Westeros, and oared across the Stepstones toward Essos. The fleet crossed the Narrow Sea unmolested. The Bloodstone Navy half of the Ironborn's strength were content to remain hidden in the straights and channels of the Stepstones. A fleet had amassed within the port of Lys, but didn't dare to challenge the reavers. As the fleet rounded the Rhoyne Delta, and passed the city of Volantis, the Storm God turned it's fallen eyes to them.
The wind picked up into mighty gusts, straining the rudders from their course. Men cursed and preyed, and thralls were given over to the deep, but a frigid rain and black clouds riding a fell wind could not be appeased. Lightening cracked through the sky and water came rushing over the hulls of the longships. Masts cracked like thunder and sails tore in the howling wind.
Beware the Storm God's fury.
The fleet scattered by the will of that dark god, and the Smoking Sea embraced a broken and lost fleet with eyrie calm. Lost and alone save for a second ship, Lord Godwyn Farwynd surveyed the endless horizon, straining to catch sight of ship or ruin on the horizon. Lord Farwynd made the decision to burn his companion ship, setting a great pyre upon the sea in the sinking light of dusk.
One by one, the scattered fleet of the Ironborn emerged from across the great distance of the Summer Sea. Black Wind, The Bonewhale, Sea Fury, Razor, The Great Kraken, the flagships of the Ironborn lords gathered, thinking the fire was the smoldering ruin of Valyria, and setting their course for any landmark.
The Ironborn regrouped, fifty ships were lost at sea, and many departed to the watery halls of the deep. Lord Rodrik, however, would not be deterred. His course was the infamous Basilisk Isles, and no god's fury would stop him.
Lord Rodrik's Blackwind sailed at the front of the fleet, Farwynd's Bonewhale close behind, followed by the Harclaws. Leaving the ashen plumes of the Smoking Sea behind, the reaver fleet caught a swift wind across the Summer Sea and the rocks of the Basilisk Isles cut out of the sea like jagged knives crowned in a humid haze.
Rodrik cut through the lesser isles, keen on setting foot on the Isle of Tears, where Port Plunder promised a fortune, and it was to be hoped, a source of new levies for Greyjoys ambitious plans. Sailing into the quiet harbor, Rodrik found quite the opposite.
It seemed their coming was forewarned to the denizens of the corsair town were forewarned of their coming. The mud huts and hastily raised shanties were empty, the place rendered a ghost town. Rodrik established the humid hamlet into his preliminary headquarters, sending out scouts across the Isle to confirm the southern city of Gogossos was indeed abandoned. It too, he soon learned, held only ghosts.
Many of the more suspicious Ironborn grew fearful, believing some dark art was at work, but Rodrik who had studied the Isles supposed this was typical. Upon hearing of a fleet approaching, the pirates of the Isles often took to an exodus, fleeing before a powerful force. Lord Greyjoy dispatched his vassals to the various Isles to keep a lookout and stake their claim, while he set his gaze on the nearby Naath.
The Lords of Farwynd set sail for Skull Isle, setting up camp upon that forlorn rock. The coast of the island was lined with the skulls of long dead victims of the corsairs, and further inland the remains of a temple held back the encroaching jungle, and stood as a morbid pit of bones; offerings to some dark god.
Lord Harlaw set up his camp upon the Isle of Flies, keeping a watch upon the western edge of the Islands. Soon however, after only days upon the Island, the reavers of Harlaw became so beset by stinging flies that they hastily struck camp, and put back out to sea, steering round to the Isle of Toads, where some mysterious idol of black stone kept watch upon them.
Greyjoy then dispatched Lord Goodbrother, with one hundred ships at his command to reave upon the isle of Naath. Goodbrother was explicitly instructed to set foot on the island for only a few hours at a time, fearful of the butterfly disease.
The natives however had disappeared from the coast of the island, their long history of victims of slavers driving them into the inland hills. Goodbrother, not willing to risk disease, returned to the Isle of Tears empty handed.
Though riches had eluded Greyjoy and his followers, not all was lost. He had set himself up in a strategic position in the Summer Sea, and the bountiful trade lanes between the slaver cities and the Free Cities lay just to his north... He need only reach out and pay the iron price.
((Greyjoy lose 10 ships, 100 levies. Harlaw lose 10 ships, 200 levies. Goodbrother, Drumm lose 30, 1000 banners. Iron Fleet takes the Basilisk Isles.))
The Vale
It was an exciting time for the Vale of Arryn in the early moons of 171 with Lord Paramount Petyr Arryn embarking for King's Landing to serve upon the king's small council. As the weeks wore on, news came of their lord's entanglement with a conspiracy of thieves and the virtues of chivalry their lord brought to King's Landing to thwart such crimes.
There was also much talk of a union between house Arryn and Lannister. Jeyne Arryn, known for her beauty and quick wit, was to be matched with Damon Lannister, a lad whose spoken well of by his martial tutors, and strives to exhibit the knightly virtues so well regarded in the Vale. The Arryns pledged a dowry of 640 gold to the Lannisters, little more then half their quarterly income. Perhaps a light dowry to some, but given Arryn's new found prestige among the king's council, this can easily be forgiven.
In the Three Sisters, Lord Sunderland presided over his court with great efficiency. It seemed that every problem that came before him was presented with an easy solution, and one that always benefited him. Lord Sunderland certainly seemed to have his ear to the ground, and appeared to have foreknowledge of every dispute requiring his judgement, and new exactly how to twist dilemmas to benefit him. The result was a perceivable increase to the coffers.
Lord Gyles Grafton, the wealthiest lord of the Eyrie is not one to turn down friends with money.
In Runestone, Lord Alren Royce attempted to swoon the lords of Gulltown, imparting gifts to Lord Grafton and pledging to aid in bringing more trade to the city. Alren's blunt nature was perceived as no more then gross flattery, though accepted readily enough. Early views of Royce perhaps being a naive appeaser are soon dispelled when word spreads of his brother's favour from Lord Arryn. Lord Grafton, seeing the worth in having someone close to the Master of Coin, accepts the token of friendship.
((House Arryn pledges a 640g dowry for the wedding of Jeyne Arryn and Damon Lannister. Through insider information, House Sunderland is able use it's influence at court to increase income by 1%. Lord Alren Royce pledges friendship to House Grafton, along with 2500 gold in gifts. The two houses are now on friendly terms.))
The Westerlands
In the Westerlands, the land was abuzz with the news of the wedding between the heir of Casterly Rock, Damon Lannister, and the daughter of Lord Arryn, Jeyne Arryn. Tygett Lannister, the popular lord of the Westerlands, spared no expense in setting up a lavish celebration for the couple, keen to exhibit the power and wealth of his house, even announcing a grand tourney to attract lords near and far.
Many answered Lord Lannister's summons. From the Westerlands, there was Lord Gawen and Lady Eleyna Westerling and their son and heir, Ser Barret Westerling. The stern lord of Cornfield appeared with his five sons in tow, Lord Harys Swyft. The renown carouser, Lord Tybolt Crakehall came as well, causing a minor stir by bringing one of his known mistresses over his lady-wife. The lord of the Banefort appeared as well, accompanied by his household knights, clad all in black armour and parting few words other then stating his desire to appear in the jousting lists. Lord Tion of Castamere presented his sons, Roger and Meker, to Lord Lannister and his intentions of joining the lists.
From afar, Lord Petyr Arryn arrived to give away his daughter Jeyne in marriage, leaving his investigation in King's Landing within the capable hands of Gerrard Royce. His son and heir, Donnel, also presented himself to compete in the joust.
Ser Bronn Rosby attended in his father's stead, Lord-Hand Jacelyn Rosby, and intended to compete across all lists. Ser Jon and Ser Garmund Hightower arrived from Oldtown to pay honours to the couple and compete in the tourney joust. Rewan Royce, son of Lord Alren, arrived in splendid armour adorned with runes as was typical with his house.
Of all the distant lords, it was the Targaryens that caused the greatest stir. Throngs of smallfolk and nobles alike lined the streets of Lannisport to catch a glimpse of the Targaryens and their party as they made their way to Casterly Rock. Crown Prince Aegon III, with his brother Aemon the Dragonknight were proceeded by the laying of flowers and favours from the maidens of city along the cobbled streets. Among the Targaryen party was Lord Leo Tyrell, squire to the Dragonknight.
As the first moon waxed into the second, Casterly Rock came alive with a celebration that rivaled the king's own coronation. Indeed it surpassed the conservative crowning in many aspects, for the Lannisters spared no expense. An estimated 5000 dragons was spent in the ceremony and following tourney, though there was some grumbling among the Lannister vassals that they could have easily spent even more.
The ceremony was a regal affair, presided over by the Septon of Casterly Rock. The couple seemed pleased upon their meeting, and Jeyne Arryn impressed the attendees with witty remarks that made her husband-to-be, Damon, either smile or blush. Upon completion of the ceremony, Lords Tygett and Petyr gave speeches to their festive guests, and a large banquet was served of the finest foods of the Westerlands.
Guests were served a starter of salad with green beans, onions and beets, along with a hot and hearty Oxtail soup. Next, roasted boar coated in honey was brought out to great fanfare, followed by fruit bread and steamed vegetables and trout baked in clay. Generous offerings of Arbor gold wine to wash down the meal left the revelers in high spirits for the grand finally, a wedding pie that burst forward with a hundred doves when the happy couple cut the crust.
After the feast, the bedding was called for to a boisterous crowd, drunk off fine wine and ale. Lord Tybolt Crakehall led the charge, raising Lady Jeyne up upon his shoulders, followed by an overly enthusiastic Aegon Targaryen. Amerei Arryn, elder sister to Jeyne was quick to rush the groom, laughing and singing ladies close behind her, plucking the young man up and stripping him down as they carried him into the bed chambers.
After the bedding, the drinking continued well into the night, though most contributing in the tourney remained reserved in their reveling for what lay ahead. Most, but not all.
The first day of the tourney began with the bellowing of trumpets and the excited buzz of gathering crowds. Tourney grounds were raised outside the walls of Lannisport, and a sprawling fairground offered entertainment from mummers, bards and minstrels between bouts.
The opening of the tourney consisted of the archery competition. It was a fine day, starting sunny and becoming cloudy as the day wore on. Lord Crakehall barked loudly of his hangover yet still had an impressive showing in the competition, placing second despite his over indulgence in wine and ale, even in those early hours. Placing first was Ser Bronn Rosby, son of Lord-Hand Jacelyn Rosby. He presented a calm and patient demeanor that served him well in winning his mark.
The next day was followed by the melee. The tourney grounds had been soaked by an overnight rain, and became awash with mud within the fighting pit. The melee opened with a mock battle, fighters given tunics of green and black. Among the green team, Leo Tyrell stood out. He was easily the youngest combatant in the tourney, yet he was able to hold the onslaught of the blacks, even as more of his comrades were beaten out. The crowd cheered as Lord Leo managed to defeat Ser Barret Westerling, an accomplished fighter. The Blacks would prove victorious, however, with a final charge led by Lord Tion Reyne broke the Green's defenses and claimed victory.
Knights of the realm compete for gold and glory in the Grand Tourney of Casterly Rock,
to honour the union of Damon Lannister and Jeyne Arryn.
After a day's rest, the melee proceeded in the evening, with a drier avenue selected for the one on one melee to determine a champion. Fighters rested and healed, the opening fight featured Ser Wyce Crakehall, son of Lord Tybolt Crakehall, who cheered drunkenly for his son in the stands, squaring off against Lord Leo Tyrell. Tyrell fought back against the strikes of the Crakehall knight, and may have been done for if not for the training of Aemon Targaryen. Leo was able to find a weakness and exploit it, cutting past his rivals defense and landing a severe blow that knocked the elder knight down.
Leo Tyrell proved little match for Ser Bronn Rosby, however, who already bested the intrepid Ser Swyft. Rosby. Rosby gained the upper hand quick and was on the offensive, beating back a fatigued looking Leo. When all seemed lost for the Tyrell, he summoned forth a flourish that easily knocked aside the knight's shield and sent him reeling to defeat. Many wondered if the early blundering hadn't been a ruse on Tyrell's part to gain a victory.
Meanwhile, Lord Tion Reyne and Rewan Royce squared off. Tion had won a victory over a Reach knight of House Chester, while Royce defeated the Swyft brothers with apparent ease. Alren fought like a man possessed, and much of the smallfolk wondered if his runed armour did indeed carry magic. Tion put up a strong resistance, and even got the upper hand on occasion, but at the end of the day it was Royce that landed the winning blow and achieved victory.
As the sun began to sink, the closing melee was fought between Tyrell and Royce. The two circled each other, trading strikes to test the other's defense. Their blunted swords crashed in a fury of sparks, but it would be Royce who seizes the day, able to parry Leo's skilled offensive and land a hard blow on the lad's leg, opening him up for the winning blow.
Rewan Royce was named champion of the melee, while Leo, a close second, was observed to carry a limp for the remainder of the tourney.
The grounds dried by abundant sunshine, the jousting took place on the third and final day of the tourney. Throngs of spectators attended the main event, and there was much fanfare and excitement, especially regarding the Targaryen brothers. Aegon, however, did not appear all that day, and some whispered he had busied himself with Lady Elenya Westerling instead, who did not appear to cheer for her competing husband, Lord Gawen.
The opening bout was between Donnel Arryn and Ser Bronn Rosby. Rosby had won the archery but took a fall in the melee. Here would prove no different as he was unhorsed by Arryn in the second charge. Arryn would go on to compete against Lord Gawen, scoring a point after breaking lance in the third charge, claiming victory.
Donnel's success would fall short, however, as he competed against Ser Garmund Hightower. Garmund was in a sour mood after witnessing his nephew take a wound against the Dragonknight, and would funnel his anger against Donnel, earning a decisive victory. Roger Reyne, unhorsing Lord Crakehall, would move on to face off against his brother Meker, who won a close victory against Lord Banefort. Of the two brothers, it would be Meker who claimed victory, but would be fated to face the Dragonknight next.
Aemon Targaryen, attended by his squire, Leo Tyrell, snapped his reigns and barreled down the track in his chestnut steed. Meker quaked and buckled against the lance, but looked like he would regain his balance for another charge. It was not to be. He fell shortly after, giving the win to the Targaryen to much fanfare.
The final match to be fought would be between the Dragonknight and a mysterious masked jouster. The unknown fighter, unhorsing Lord Swyft and wounding Ser Westerling, had caused a stir among the crowd, many wondering who he could be.
The riders charged and broke their lances upon each other in a draw. They rounded again, the masked rider scoring a point against the Targaryen in a skilled strike. The final charge sounded with a trumpet, Damon and Jeyne on edge from their seat upon the dais. Lances broke asunder in a shower of splinters, the roar from the crowd was deafening and as the dust settled, the unknown rider was unhorsed and helm knocked free.Though his face was shrouded in cloth, he was observed to have strange eyes a hazy white, akin to eggshell and hair pale blond.
The Dragonknight claimed victory in the joust, and the tourney was celebrated as the greatest of recent years.
Merker Reyne, son of Lord Tion Reyne, had spent much of his time at the tourney within the company of the Westerlings. Merker professed his intent to name Jeyne Westerling, daughter of Lord Gawen, Queen of Love and Beauty. Though Merker faired well in the tourney, victory eluded him and he was robbed of this grand gesture.
Merker continued his courtship of Jeyne Westerling nonetheless. The Reynes were a powerful family in the Westerlands and had a wealth that rivaled even the Lannisters. Needless to say, the match was one that Lord Gawen approved of.
In the third moon of 171, Lords Tion and Gawen announced the marriage of their children. Lord Tion Reyne hosted the ceremony within the grand castle of Castamere, holding an elegant ball in honour of the couple. It was a grand affair, and one reminiscent of the grandiose wedding of Damon Lannister and Jeyne Arryn, and even surpassing it in many aspects.
Among the notable guests who attended, there was Lord Tybolt Crakehall, who actually brought his lady-wife for the occasion, the Crakehalls being linked through marriage to Lord Tion's eldest daughter. The celebration was one to be remembered, with skilled fire-breathers from the Free City of Pentos being among the entertainment. Though it took another moon's turn for Lord Swyft's eyebrows to grow back, everyone agreed it was an amazing spectacle.
In the late hours of the festivities, Lords Tion, Crakehall and Westerling retired to Lord Reyne's private solar to discuss matters of the realm. Unfortunately no real headway was made in talks of trade between the three lordships, though all left on amiable terms.
Between the choice food, dazzling entertainment, and grand ball, the guests left Castamere thrilled, and a firm alliance between the Reyne's and the Westerlings.
((Lannisters spend 5000 dragons to host a grand tourney in honour of newlyweds Damon Lannsiter and Jeyne Arryn. Aemon the Dragonknight wins the joust 500g, Rewan Royce wins the melee 250g, and Ser Bronn Rosby wins the Archery tournament, 100g. House Reyne spend 5400 gp on the wedding of Merker Reyne and Jeyne Westerling, a grand affair which forges an alliance between the two houses.The Westerlings, their wealth in decline, were still able to muster 500g for a dowry to be shared between the couple.))
The Reach
Soon after the coronation of King Viserys II Targaryen, Lady Janna Redwyne, Leo's mother and regent, began an exhaustive search for the finest weaponsmiths within Essos and beyond. Agents of House Tyrell were dispatched across Westeros, spotted in Oldtown, Lannisport, King's Landing and White Harbour. Despite the noteworthy craft of the finest smiths across the realm, the Tyrell agents seemed disappointed, and soon ships were departing across the Narrow Sea to find the greatest smiths of the Free Cities.
In far flung Volantis, emissaries of House Tyrell were put in contact with a famed smith employed by the Triarch Vogarro of the Elephants. Vogarro was not keen on letting go of one of his greatest craftsmen, and negotiations hit a stalemate. It was clear that Lady Janna herself would need to make the journey to negotiate personally if any progress was hoped to be achieved.
Lady Janna embarks from the Reach upon a Redwyne ship, bound for Essos
Lady Janna Redwyne did just that, embarking from Highgarden on the long journey to Volantis, bringing ships laden with the wealth of the Tyrells, and guarded closely by the Redwyne fleet. Little is known of what the negotiations entailed, save that the smith was hired from Vogarro at a hefty price, 18, 000 gold dragons. The Redwyne fleet returned with a famed smith and a closely guarded chest as well, it's contents unknown. Tyrells had to look to their vassals to cover the cost of the negotiations, emptying their treasury and indebted to the Arbor.
Despite the steep price, the mood among the Tyrells was great, and many questions swirled around the nature of the transaction.
In Oldtown, Ser Bradwell Flowers was left to rule in his father's stead, Lord Lyonel Hightower having since departed for King's Landing to fulfill his appointment as Master of Ships. Lord Hightower's appointment was a matter of contention for the Redwynes of the Arbor, that felt such an office should have gone to them over the Keepers of the Citadel.
Regardless, Ser Bradwell proved apt at smoothing tensions and keeping the flow of trade from the Arbor running through Oldtown. The fact was, as Bradwell saw it, the Redwynes needed Oldtown more then they needed them. The production of wine from the Arbor caught a pretty price in the markets of Oldtown, and from the harbors of the city, trade flowed north through Westeros.
Bradwell's wit and level head keep Oldtown running smoothly and saving it from a possible hit in trade from Lord Redwyne, who had grown sour as Dornish wine.
In Horn Hill, the soldiers of House Tarly undergo a rigorous training program crafted by Lord Tarly hinself. Close to the Dornish border among the Dornish Marches, the memory of the war a decade ago lingers fresh in Lord Tarly's mind, and the skilled tactician is not one to rest on his laurels.
Men are tested to the point of exhaustion, some even wounded in the rigorous training, but by the end of the third moon, it was marveled by maester and knight alike, that Horn Hill likely held some of the most finely trained soldiers of the Seven Kingdoms.
((House Tyrell spends 18,000 gold to procure the finest smith in all the land. House Hightower keeps Oldtown running smoothly in the absence of their lord. The soldiers of Horn Hill gain valuable experience as a result of a training regiment put forth by Lord Tarly.))
The Stormlands
In Storm's End, the regent, Lady Sibylla Maar of Lys, had begun to devise a plan to bolster the stagnant economy of her son's fief. Nestled on the coast of Shipbreaker Bay, Storm's End was plagued with frequent storms that made it an unpopular destination for sea-bound traders. Sibylla turned her attention to Weeping Town, named such in honour of Daeron Targaryen, whose body had been brought here during the Conquest of Dorne.
Weepingtown is ruled by vassals House Mertyns, who are closely aligned with House Penrose, a principal house of the Stormlands who hold considerable influence throughout the realm. In order to sway the Mertyns, she would need to treat with Lord Penrose. One considerable obstacle stood in Lady Sibylla's way.
She needed the Mertyns, and thus the Penroses, to see tangible benefits for opening trade with far off Lys. The noble houses were a fickle bunch, and not overly friendly of vessels across the Narrow Sea. One universal truth was clear to Lady Maar, however. Gold is a great unifier.
Sibylla proposed an investment of 900 gold, akin to three moon's income for Storm's End, to expand the harbour of Weeping Town. The Mertyn's bulked, no doubt spurred on by their Penrose allies. Sibylla begrudgingly doubled her investment, and an agreement was reached, but that was only half the battle.
Lady Sibylla sent emissaries to treat on her behalf with her family in Lys, the powerful Maar dynasty. Unfortunately, her agents discovered that the wealth of House Maar has waned in recent years, over powered by the Rogare Dynasty, which had been swallowing up assets in the city for the past decade. The trade she fostered proved to be less then what she hoped for.
At Griffin's Roost, the seat of House Connington, Lord Andar busied himself with the administration of his realm, appointing his household on a survey of the fief in order to ascertain problems that could be improved.
The castle was already well maintained, Andar already seeing to that to the point of obsession, if only to keep himself busy after the death of his son. The greater fief, however, had suffered from a degree of neglect that could be improved upon.
Griffin's Roost is nestled along the Cape Wrath, a peninsula jutting out into Shipbreaker Bay. The Connington's have access to the Rainwood which is a source of amber, as well as furs and timber. The Connington amber mines were underwhelming at best, if they could be said to exist at all. Most was derived from smallfolk that happened by the striking stones while logging.
Andar's stewards conducted an exhaustive survey and pinpointed a likely sight where a amber could be extracted in sizable quantities.
House Swann hosts the Carons for a wedding in Stonhelm.
In Stonehelm, Lord Gawen Swann, now a man of nineteen, and feeling the restlessness of his youth begin to abide, looks to get married. Lord Gawen is well liked among his vassals and the nobility of the Stormlands in general, and he would have ample maids to choose from.
Gawen would focus his attention on Lady Clarisse, daughter of Lord Caron, lord of Nightsong and a fellow Marcher Lord. The match seemed reasonable enough for both lords and a courtship ensued in earnest. Lady Clarisse left Nightsong to live with Lord Gawen, and a marriage proposal soon followed.
House Swann was among the wealthiest of the Marcher Lords, situated upon the mouth of the Slayne River, they benefited from fishing, trade, and a fertile river valley. A link between Nightsong and Stonehelm was indeed an attractive proposal to Lord Bryen Caron.
House Caron promised a dowry of 400 gold, a fine sum for a Marcher Lord, and the wedding was hosted by House Swann in Stonehelm. Stonehelm displayed it's wealth with a sort of dignified pride. The houses of the Stormlands were not ones of pomp as in other parts of the Seven Kingdoms, especially so among the Marcher Lords, however the wealth did afford Lord Swann and his guest access to certain festivities.
A great hunt was held, with animals from across Westeros set free in the Rainwood and hunted to the delight of Gawen and his guests. At one point Lord Bryen, inebriated after too much Arbor wine, fell off his horse and broke his ankle, forcing him to sit out the rest of the hunt. Gawen would not hear of it.
The Lord of Stonehelm ordered a special saddle constructed and scouted out some even terrain for which he and his father-in-law could hunt. It was a delight held by both houses, and the two became fast friends.
Their houses joined, Caron and Swann became staunch allies hence forth.
((House Baratheon invest 1800 gold in Weeping Tower, resulting in increased trade by 3%. An amber deposit is discovered by House Connington, in Rainwood. Lord Gawen Swann marries Lady Clarisse Caron, cementing an alliance after 2000g wedding ceremony. Caron gifted Swann a dowry of 400 gold.))
Dorne
In Sunspear, Prince Oberyn Martell busied himself with trade prospect throughout the first three moons of 171. A decade had passed since the failed conquest, and trade with greater Westeros was flowing once again, but it was the Free Cities where Oberyn would focus his energies.
From his seat in Sunspear, Prince Oberyn would oversee greater
trade growth within Dorne.
Initiatives taken after the war had seen a friendship foster with the Magisters of Myr, and marriage alliances forming between the households of the free city and the Dornish noble houses. As for the Martells, they had a strong bond with House Rogare of Lys, a powerful banking family with considerable influence throughout the free cities. Drazenko Rogare was a Prince Consort of Dorne, wed to Princess Aliandra Martell.
Prince Oberyn would seize upon these relationships, dispatching his father Drazenko to Lys, he would be the perfect emissary to treat foreign dignitaries to seek out trade with Dorne. Indeed Drazenko was able to drum up support for Dornish trade, even thwarting agents of Lady Sibylla Marr of Storm's End, convincing traders to sail for Dornish ports over the Stormlands.
The result was a comfortable increase in trade at minimal expense.
In Starfall, Lord Vernan presided over the creation of a river guard, charged with the defense of the Torentine River Valley. The guard was made up of volunteers from the peasantry, and trained in war. Vernan selected the best of the fighters to serve as squires, and fostered hopes for the smallfolk to one day become knights.
Word of the Ironborn's arrival was the first exercise for this newly created guard. The force of five hundred troops, armed with mainly with maces and clad in leather armour and iron helms, marched to the coast and took up positions along the banks of the river, preparing for the Ironborn raiders.
The Ironborn never came, instead sailing past, bound for the Sothoryos. Despite the lack of combat experience, it proved good exercise in marching and formation, and through to third moon, Lord Valren continued their training, taking a point of pride in the efficient fighting force that had taken shape under his tutelage.
In Godsgrace, where the Greenblood forks into the Scourge and the Vaith, Lord Inan Allyrion busied himself in private counsels with shadowy men. Their purpose nor nature of their talks was unknown, but it was whispered that little within his realm, nor that of his vassals, escaped his notice. It was wondered if perhaps his reach extended beyond his own demesne.
((Trade in Sunspear increases 5%, the Martells fostering greater trade with the free cities of Lys, Myr and Tyrosh. All land road trade in Dorne increases 0.5%. Lord Vernan oversees the creation of a standing force of levy troops, 500 in all, and trains them to be experienced fighters. 25 are selected to become squires, joining the ranks of cavalry.))
. I haven't had any time recently
