The Fury of the Stag, A AGoT AAR

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Introduction

This is a AGoT AAR where I am as playing Robert Baratheon starting at the beginning of Robert’s Rebellion. This AAR is written in the same format as GRRM wrote the ASOIAF books, each chapter told from the POV of one character. Enjoy!

Index:

Part 1: The Stag’s Antlers

Chapter 1: Robert I
Chapter 2: Tywin I​

 

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Chapter 1: Robert I

Ned Stark found Robert Baratheon staring out in to the spotless blue sky and scattered light-grey mountains from the balcony adjoined to his bedchamber. He was thinking of Lyanna again, her dark hair flowing in the breeze, her ruby red lips twisted into a gleeful smile and those grey, Stark eyes staring deep into his soul…

“Robert, Jon wants us in his council chamber immediately.”

Robert turned to look at Ned, he had the same grey eyes as Lyanna but, where he remembered hers twinkling with mischief, Ned’s were solemn and sad with a hint of fear.

“Is it news of Rickard and Brandon?” Robert inquired.

Ned’s father and older brother had made the long journey south from Winterfell to confront the Mad King Aerys II Targaryen and demand the return of Lyanna from the clutches of her abductor, crown Prince Rhaegar.

“I can only assume so. Now hurry up, Jon won’t want to be kept waiting.”

The two boys found Jon Arryn sitting in his study with a pensive look drawn upon his long face.

“What is it, Jon? Is there news of Father or Brandon?”

Lord Arryn answered Ned by thrusting out his hand offering the two boys an opened letter. Robert seized the parchment and read aloud,

“Lord Paramount Jon Arryn, I am writing to inform you that the traitors Rickard and Brandon Stark have been brought to justice. I, Aerys, your king, order you to hand over Eddard Stark and Robert Baratheon to face the King’s justice or be pronounced a traitor in the eyes of gods and men. – Aerys Targaryen, Second of his name, King of the Andals, Rhyonar and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm.”

When Robert finished, an ominous silence filled Jon’s study. For once, the gregarious Robert Baratheon found himself at a loss for words. After what seemed like ages, Ned mercifully fumbled out a few words,

“Ffffather and Brandon…”

“Were murdered.” Jon finished. “And I’m not about to hand you two over to face the same fate.”

“Then what? How will you openly defy the Mad King?” Robert inquired.

“With steel, Robert, with steel.” Jon answered, “I believe its time we stood up to this tyrannical monster. Ned, with your father and older brother dead, the North is yours. Together, we stand as Lords of three of the seven kingdoms. If you marry Lord Tully’s first daughter in the place of your brother, Ned, the Riverlands will join our ranks. Together we shall stand against this Mad King. If its war Aerys wants, it is war he will get. Call the banners, raise the levies, Westeros has suffered enough, it is time to end this mummer’s farce!”

“Call the banners! Raise the levies! End the farce!” Robert echoed. For the first time in a while, a smile danced across the young Storm Lord’s face. The days of the Targaryens were numbered and his beloved Lyanna would be his again.

 

[Nuada Airgetlám]

May Robert hand out a deserved hammering.

 

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Chapter 2: Tywin I

Tywin Lannister sat at the head of the long marble table in his study, garbed in red, studying the latest tax reports sent from Lannisport when Kevan Lannister made his entry. Kevan was clutching a letter in one hand,

“Tywin, you will want to read this for yourself.”

Tywin snatched the message from Kevan’s outstretched hand and read aloud,

“Lord Paramount Tywin of House Lannister, The Mad King’s tyranny must end. Few have suffered more disrespect at Aerys’ hands than you have. Let us join our houses and our causes, marry your daughter Cersei to my brother Stannis. Together, we can end the suffering of Westeros once and for all. – Robert Baratheon, First of his name, King of the Andals, the Rhyonar and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm.”

The young Storm Lord was right, Tywin thought, few had been worse treated by the Mad King. Tywin first met Aerys when they had only been boys, scarcely older than ten years of age. He had been serving as a royal cupbearer in King’s Landing and the two had become fast friends. Their friendship continued through the years and, impressed by his handling of the rebellious Reynes and Tarbecks, Aerys made Tywin his Hand. Tywin excelled in the role and for twenty years, the realm saw peace, prosperity and abundance.

But how had Aerys thanked him for his service? When Tywin had approached him to join their houses and marry Aerys’ heir, Rhaegar, to Tywin’s daughter, Cersei, Aerys had laughed in his face. It was the first in a series of slights. Tywin’s relationship with the King reached its breaking point when Tywin’s own heir, Jaime, was appointed to Aerys’ Kingsguard, leaving Casterly Rock to that twisted, monstrous dwarf that Tywin loathed to call a son. Tywin had resigned as Hand the very next day and returned to the Rock, plotting his revenge.

“It seems our new King needs some help acquiring his throne.” Tywin quipped.

News of the war had reached the Westerlands a fortnight ago, Robert had called his banners along with the Starks, the Arryns and the Tullys, demanding Aerys’ head. House Tyrell and Martell, along with a dozen minor houses, raised their own levies and declared for the Crown. Tywin, ever the opportunist, remained neutral, knowing full well what a failed rebellion meant for the future of his house.

“If we join our forces with Robert’s, we will outnumber the Targaryens.” Kevan pointed out.

“If we join Aerys, the opposite will be true. Robert will be willing to pay a steep price for our help.”

“What is it that you desire, Tywin?”

“No less than I deserve. The highest office in the Realm and an heir worthy of the Lannister name.”