Madness or Magnificence - Aerys Targaryan Monarch Quest

[X] The New Gift to House Stark
[X] Ser Garth Tyrell
[X] Qarlton Chelsted
[X] Secure a loan from the Iron Bank
 
[X] The New Gift to House Stark
[X] Lord Gyles Rosby
[X] Qarlton Chelsted
[X] Secure a loan from the Iron Bank
 
[X] The New Gift to House Stark
[X] Lord Gyles Rosby
[X] Qarlton Chelsted
[X] Secure a loan from the Iron Bank
 
[X] The New Gift to House Stark
[X] Lord Gyles Rosby
[X] Qarlton Chelsted
[X] Secure a loan from the Iron Bank
 
Turn 2
High above the bustling city of King's Landing, you stand on the balcony of your chambers within the Red Keep, gazing out over the sprawling capital. The sun dips low, casting a warm, golden glow that bathes the city in hues of amber and rose. Your decision to give the New Gift back to House Stark, a direct repudiation of an act made by one of your most storied ancestors, the good King Jaehaerys I Targaryen the Wise, is heavy in your mind. The emotional weight on your shoulders becomes palpable as you confront the vastness of the realm you are tasked to rule.

The sun's descent mirrors the sinking feeling within you—doubt, like an insidious shadow, claws at the edges of your confidence. The enormity of the responsibilities that come with the crown presses upon you like the relentless tides of the Blackwater Rush. Each wave carries the weight of expectations, and you are standing at the precipice of a vast and uncertain future.

As the wind whispers through the towers of the Red Keep, it carries with it the echoes of the past – a haunting chorus of voices and memories. The stone beneath your fingertips is cool, grounding you in the present while the burden of the Targaryen legacy rests heavily on your shoulders. You close your eyes, seeking solace in the familiar sounds of the city, hoping for guidance from ancestors who have long since departed.

But a profound sense of isolation creeps over you. The absence of family casts a long, dark shadow over your thoughts. The Tragedy of Summerhall, a day etched in the annals of history, claimed the lives of your grandfather, grandmother, and your favourite uncle. Their laughter, wisdom, and vibrant spirit were extinguished in a single cataclysmic event, and the weight of their loss reverberated through the Seven Kingdoms.

Your father's sudden illness and your mother's grief-stricken demise this year have further deepened the void within your heart. The love they shared, once a beacon of warmth in the halls of the Red Keep, now hangs in the air like an ephemeral mist. You suppress the grief that threatens to bubble to the surface, a stoic facade masking the profound sorrow that simmers beneath.

The Red Keep, once a bastion of familial warmth and royal authority, now stands as a solemn testament to the fragility of life. The halls that once echoed with laughter and whispered secrets are quieter now, haunted by memories and the emptiness left behind. The throne room, where your forebears held court and dispensed justice, feels colder and more foreboding.

Only a few short years ago, the Red Keep echoed with the footsteps of your grandfather's wisdom, your grandmother's grace, and your uncle's vibrant spirit. Now, the corridors are silent, and you, Rhaelle, and little Rhaegar are the last flickering flames of a once-blazing hearth.

A gentle knock on your chamber door interrupts your contemplation. Ser Barristan Selmy, friend to your father and member of your Kingsguard, enters with a bow. "Your Grace, the small council awaits your presence. They seek your guidance on matters of governance and the state of the realm."

With a nod, you follow Ser Barristan through the dimly lit corridors of the Red Keep to the Small Council Chambers.

Interaction Choices:

Diplomacy (Pick two):


[] Delegation to a Free City: Send diplomats, envoys, and cultural ambassadors to foster stronger diplomatic ties and explore opportunities for cultural exchange. Pick one: Braavos, Pentos, Myr, Lys, Tyrosh (DC 40).

[] Host a grand tournament: A prestigious event attracting knights and lords from across the realm to showcase their martial prowess and compete in various contests. The tournament provides an opportunity to build positive relations, display the strength of House Targaryen, and create a festive atmosphere that transcends political boundaries (DC 35).

[] Send Ravens: Exchange letters with one of your Wardens or Lords Paramount. This allows for measured and strategic communication, addressing concerns, offering support, and reinforcing the bonds between the Iron Throne and its vassals (DC 30). Pick one Lord from the list: Lord Rickard Stark, Lord Kermit Tulley, Lord Jon Arryn, Lord Quellon Greyjoy, Lord Steffon Baratheon, Lord Luthor Tyrell, and Princess Myria Martell.

[] Investigate claims: Launch an investigation into outstanding claims of lands and rights that should belong to House Targaryen. This diplomatic effort includes scrutinizing historical records, consulting legal experts, and discreetly assessing the legitimacy of land claims to ensure the realm recognizes your house's rightful boundaries (DC 60 – Opens Targaryen holdings expansion chain).

[] Host a Great Council: Convene a council of major houses and influential figures from throughout the realm to discuss matters of succession, laws, and major policy changes. Write in the topic of the council (DC 70).

[] Mediate a dispute: Have the Iron Throne be a neutral arbitrator in regional conflict and prevent an escalation of conflict. (DC 40).

[] Offer fostering to a Great House: Extend an offer to foster a young member of a Great House at the Red Keep. This gesture can strengthen ties between your house and another influential family, fostering loyalty and camaraderie. Choose one Great House: Stark, Tully, Arryn, Greyjoy, Baratheon, Tyrell, or Martell (DC 35).

[] write in…

Stewardship (Pick two):

[] Reduce taxes: To ease the burden on your subjects and stimulate economic growth, implement a temporary reduction in taxation. Choose from smallfolk, nobles or merchants (DC 25).

[] Raise taxes: To bolster the treasury and fund crucial initiatives within King's Landing, implement a temporary increase in taxation Choose from smallfolk, nobles or merchants (DC 65).

[] Conduct a census of the Crownlands: In pursuing a comprehensive understanding of the Crownlands, you initiate a thorough census (DC 55 - Opens up Crownlands improvement chain).

[] Survey Summerhall: Once a lightly fortified castle and royal residence was destroyed in the Tragedy of Summerhall. The survey aims to assess the ruins' current state and understand the restoration challenges (DC 65 Opens up the Summerhall restoration chain).

[] Invest in Urban Planning: Undertake a comprehensive urban planning initiative for King's Landing, reorganizing districts, improving sanitation, and ensuring efficient land use to create a more livable and thriving city (DC 50 – opens King's Landing chain).

[] Negotiate Trade Agreements: Initiate negotiations to establish favourable trade agreements, boosting economic prosperity and fostering positive relations. Pick one: Braavos, Pentos, Myr, Lys, Tyrosh (DC 45).

[] Launch a Trade Expedition to Yi Ti: In the spirit of the famed Sea Snake, Corlys Velaryon, send a grand trade expedition to the distant and exotic lands of Yi Ti in search of great wealth in spices, silk, and jade (DC 90).

[] write in…

Martial (Pick one):

[] Increase the size of the Goldcloaks: A larger and more formidable City Watch of King's Landing would enhance its security and be a visible deterrent to potential threats (DC 30).

[] Recruit a member of the Kingsguard: Launch a search for a new member to join the prestigious order. The chosen candidate will stand as a stalwart defender of the crown, lead your armies, and contribute to the prestige of House Targaryen (DC 30).

[] Royal Fleet Expansion Chain: Allocate resources to improve and expand the Royal Fleet, ensuring maritime dominance and safeguarding the coasts of the Seven Kingdoms (DC 62/300)

[] Combat the Broken Men menace: Task your knights, led by a member of your Kingsguard, to eradicate the bandit threat and restore law and order to the Stormlands and the Reach. (DC 50).

Learning (Pick one):

[] Patronizing the Alchemists' Guild: advance alchemical research, unlock the secrets of transmutation, and harness the practical applications of alchemy (DC 40 unlocks alchemic advancements chain).

[] Support arts and culture: Patronize artists, musicians, and scholars to enrich the cultural landscape of the Seven Kingdoms. A realm that values the arts can cultivate a refined and enlightened populace (DC 30).

[] Explore ancient knowledge: Continue your grandfather's work of exploring how to hatch dragon eggs (DC 65 – Opens higher mysteries chain).

[] Improve the Royal Library: Invest substantial resources in expanding and organizing the Royal Library housed within the Red Keep (DC 40).

Intrigue (Pick two):

[] Establishing Spy Networks in a Free City: In pursuit of broader influence and intelligence, dispatch skilled agents to establish covert spy networks in one of the Free Cities. Pick one: Braavos, Pentos, Myr, Lys, Tyrosh (DC 50 – opens Free City spy network chain)

[] Investigate your court: Initiate discreet investigations into the loyalties of individuals within the court. Ensuring those closest to you are trustworthy is paramount to a stable reign (DC 55).

[] Curb corruption of the Goldcloaks: As guardians of King's Landing, they must be free from corruption to maintain law and order. Launch a campaign to investigate and eliminate corruption within the ranks of the Goldcloaks. (DC 60).

[] Disinformation Campaign: Spread misinformation to confuse potential enemies and safeguard the true intentions of House Targaryen (DC 50).

[] Set up spy networks within a Great House: Send spies to work in a great house. Pick one house: House Stark, House Tully, House Arryn, House Lannister, House Greyjoy, House Baratheon, House Tyrell, and House Martell (DC 45 - opens Great House spy network chain).

[] Monitor your Queen Consort: Compel one of Rhaelle's ladies in waiting to report on the Queen's actions and activities (DC 40 - opens Queen Consort spy network chain).

[] Gaining Intelligence in the Stepstones: Confronted with the lawless and fragmented territories of the Stepstones, decide whether to send agents to establish covert intelligence-gathering operations (DC 50 – opens Stepstones spy network chain).

[] Infiltrating the Sept of Baelor: The sept is a center of religious and political power, and gaining insights from within its sacred halls could provide valuable information on the Faith of the Seven and courtly machinations (DC 35).

Personal (Pick one):

[] Pray with the High Septon: Devote your energies to renewing your faith with solemn prayers at the Great Sept of Baelor. Seeking guidance from the High Septon may strengthen your spiritual connection and garner support (DC 30).

[] Spend quality time with Rhaella: Dedicate precious moments to your marriage by spending quality time with your wife. Whether it's a quiet evening together, a stroll through the royal gardens, or attending courtly functions as a united front, nurturing your relationship can enhance stability and support at home (DC 55).

[] Practise swordsmanship: Train with your Kingsguard to keep your combat skills honed. Regular practice maintains your physical prowess and martial capabilities (DC 30).

[] Hold court: Embrace your role as king by holding court sessions where your subjects can present grievances, seek justice, or request an audience. Engaging with your people directly allows you to understand their concerns, demonstrate fairness, and solidify your connection with the nobles, merchants, and common folk (DC 35).

[] Go on a royal hunt: Gather your noble companions, skilled huntsmen, and loyal courtiers for an expedition into the pristine wilderness, where the thrill of the hunt awaits. (DC 35)

[] Spend time with your mistress: Indulge in the company of your mistress, sharing intimate moments away from the responsibilities of the throne. This may bring personal satisfaction and relieve the stress of ruling (DC 15).

[] Exchange ravens with family: Take the time to correspond with your family members (DC 25). Pick from the list: Lady Rhaelle Baratheon, Steffon Baratheon, and Aemon Targaryen.

[] Spend time with Rhaegar: Set aside moments to engage in fatherly activities with your young son (DC 30).

QM Note:

There is a 12-hour moratorium to discuss plans before voting.
 
[] Plan: Myrish Trade
Diplomacy (Pick two):
-[] Host a grand tournament: (DC 35).
-[] Delegation to a Free City: Myr (DC 40).
Stewardship (Pick two):
-[] Conduct a census of the Crownlands: (DC 55 - Opens up Crownlands improvement chain). + 10
-[] Negotiate Trade Agreements: Myr (DC 45).
Martial (Pick one):
-[] Combat the Broken Men menace: (DC 50).
Learning (Pick one):
-[] Improve the Royal Library: (DC 40).
Intrigue (Pick two):
-[] Gaining Intelligence in the Stepstones: (DC 50 – opens Stepstones spy network chain).
-[] Infiltrating the Sept of Baelor: (DC 35).
Personal (Pick one):
-[] Spend quality time with Rhaella: (DC 55).

Alright - trying to improve our relationship with our wife, taking the low hanging fruit to try out our intrigue options. Put off fleet expansion for a turn because unfortunately we only have one martial and I would like to shut down these bandits.

Grand Tournament to bring the realm together and hopefully find good Kingsguard candidates. Myrish diplomacy and trade double maneuver to really improve our foreign position, they supposedly produce glass and complex mechanisms so I figured they'd be a good trading partner.

I also have a long term idea to get in good with them to drive a wedge between the northern and southern half of western Essos, because the stepsones are a potential target of military maneuver to combat piracy/slavery and provide glory and advancement for our nobility without starting an internal conflict in the realm. The three sisters are our natural enemies, I'm hoping we can pivot Myr away from them.

Crownland census to get a better view of our personal holding and what we can do. Royal library because the DC isn't too high and I'm hoping it'll give us some kind of improvement. We still don't have a master of laws, hopefully we get an option for that next turn?
[] Royal Fleet Expansion Chain: Allocate resources to improve and expand the Royal Fleet, ensuring maritime dominance and safeguarding the coasts of the Seven Kingdoms (DC 62/300)

Hey boss, are DCs straight pass/fails, or are you having cumulative build up eventual success? I notice because we don't have any bonuses without spending Learning actions ahead of time, and a lot of these option require above average rolls.
 
Last edited:
The chains like the fleet expansion chain are a cumulative build up and will lead to eventual success to reflect the complexity of the option
 
A plan for your consideration.

[] Plan Grain & Iron

Diplomacy (Pick two):
-[] Send Ravens: Exchange letters with one of your Wardens or Lords Paramount. This allows for measured and strategic communication, addressing concerns, offering support, and reinforcing the bonds between the Iron Throne and its vassals (DC 30). Pick one Lord from the list: Lord Rickard Stark, Lord Kermit Tulley, Lord Jon Arryn, Lord Quellon Greyjoy, Lord Steffon Baratheon, Lord Luthor Tyrell, and Princess Myria Martell.
--[] Lord Quellon Greyjoy
--[] Lord Luthor Tyrell

Corresponding with these two serve different aims.
1. While the Greyjoys aren't a problem right now, it's only a matter of time until they get sick of paying the gold price and start to want to pay the iron. Even now, independent ironmen are probably off reaving in Essos and making piracy and rebellion seem like a good idea to their countrymen. They will be a threat in the future I'm sure of it. Talking to Quellon now could help us make sure that outcome doesn't happen. We can also coordinate with Quellon about providing sailors for the Royal Fleet. The one resource he has that we can use is an entire kingdom full of seamen to man the Royal Fleet. I feel we should take this action now as the sooner we improve relations with the Ironborn the better.

2. The realm is currently stable in regards to food production. That can all change with the ridiculous Planetos seasons. Winter is coming, and the Tyrells have the grain to feed the nation. Ensuring good relations with the Tyrells helps our actions in improving food production later.

Stewardship (Pick two):
-[] Invest in Urban Planning: Undertake a comprehensive urban planning initiative for King's Landing, reorganizing districts, improving sanitation, and ensuring efficient land use to create a more livable and thriving city (DC 50 – opens King's Landing chain).
--[] Use Stewardship bonus
[] Negotiate Trade Agreements: Initiate negotiations to establish favourable trade agreements, boosting economic prosperity and fostering positive relations.
--[] Braavos

I want to get a head start first on domestic improvements before we start sending out delegations towards the Free Cities. I think it's a good idea to know what goods we can provide before sending out trade deals, otherwise we're just liable to get a bad deal. The Crownlands directly serve under House Targaryen, and making deals to provide say Westerlands ores or Reach grain will only serve to benefit their Great Houses.

Edit:
QM has clarified how the chains work. I thought it was going to open up different actions to improve things. It's a repeatable like the royal fleet. In order to pivot, I'm going to put in an action for a trade deal with Braavos. The other Free Cities have that whole rivalry going on over the Disputed Lands and I don't want any trade to be disrupted in case they flare up into war again. They're also the only free city that doesn't keep slaves, so morally it's less of an issue. Good relations by association with the Iron Bank are a bonus too.

I kept the Urban Planning action and not the Crownlands one because King's Landing is the direct territory of House Targaryen, and we can leverage the improvements their better. It's also an incredibly valuable domain to have as one of the few real cities on the continent.

Martial (Pick one):
-[] Royal Fleet Expansion Chain: Allocate resources to improve and expand the Royal Fleet, ensuring maritime dominance and safeguarding the coasts of the Seven Kingdoms (DC 62/300)

Nothing much to say except that we should keep chipping away at this. The sooner this gets done the better. We could combat the Broken Men but that's the Reach and the Stormlands problem. The thing about feudalism is that it's all about delegation. We don't need to act unless it serves us or threatens us directly.

Learning (Pick one):
-[] Improve the Royal Library: Invest substantial resources in expanding and organizing the Royal Library housed within the Red Keep (DC 40).

The other actions are good as it provides more chains but expanding the Royal Library is a one-off and might just help our learning rolls in the future.

Intrigue (Pick two):
-[] Gaining Intelligence in the Stepstones: Confronted with the lawless and fragmented territories of the Stepstones, decide whether to send agents to establish covert intelligence-gathering operations (DC 50 – opens Stepstones spy network chain).
-[] Infiltrating the Sept of Baelor: The sept is a center of religious and political power, and gaining insights from within its sacred halls could provide valuable information on the Faith of the Seven and courtly machinations (DC 35).

The Stepstones are a hotbed of piracy and a thorn in our side and to the Free Cities trade. They will most likely be the first deployment of the Royal Fleet and getting information on the Stepstones is a priority. They're also the easiest invasion route into the Seven Kingdoms in case any Blackfire Pretenders start popping up. Lastly, it's basically free real estate if we can take and hold it.

The Faith while mostly benign deserves keeping eyes on. We have to keep eyes on them, and they might serve our future aims later.


Personal (Pick one):
-[] Spend quality time with Rhaella: Dedicate precious moments to your marriage by spending quality time with your wife. Whether it's a quiet evening together, a stroll through the royal gardens, or attending courtly functions as a united front, nurturing your relationship can enhance stability and support at home (DC 55).

The Targaryen Dynasty currently only has 4 members. We need more Targaryens, and ensuring a good relationship with Rhaella helps with that. The better our relationship with her, the less problems we have to deal with on the home front.
 
Last edited:
Hey Dael, is there a reason we can't do another Royal Tour like we did in the Riverlands?

Also is there a way to gain another Martial Action and how did the other kingdom's react to use giving the New Gift back to the North? I figured it would be a big deal to the realm.
 
Last edited:
Edit:
QM has clarified how the chains work. I thought it was going to open up different actions to improve things. It's a repeatable like the royal fleet. In order to pivot, I'm going to put in an action for a trade deal with Braavos. The other Free Cities have that whole rivalry going on over the Disputed Lands and I don't want any trade to be disrupted in case they flare up into war again. They're also the only free city that doesn't keep slaves, so morally it's less of an issue. Good relations by association with the Iron Bank are a bonus too.

I kept the Urban Planning action and not the Crownlands one because King's Landing is the direct territory of House Targaryen, and we can leverage the improvements their better. It's also an incredibly valuable domain to have as one of the few real cities on the continent.

Beginning the urban planning action chain will allow you to select specific improvements in future turns.

Hey Dael, is there a reason we can't do another Royal Tour like we did in the Riverlands?

Also is there a way to gain another Martial Action and how did the other kingdom's react to use giving the New Gift back to the North? I figured it would be a big deal to the realm.

A second Martial action will be available once a Master of Laws has been appointed, which will be part of an upcoming interlude.
 
[] Plan: more security and less corruption equals a golden power base.
-[] Send Ravens: Exchange letters with one of your Wardens or Lords Paramount. This allows for measured and strategic communication, addressing concerns, offering support, and reinforcing the bonds between the Iron Throne and its vassals (DC 30). Pick one Lord from the list:
--[] Lord Quellon Greyjoy,
--[] Princess Myria Martell.

-[] Conduct a census of the Crownlands: In pursuing a comprehensive understanding of the Crownlands, you initiate a thorough census (DC 55 - Opens up Crownlands improvement chain).

-[] Negotiate Trade Agreements: Initiate negotiations to establish favourable trade agreements, boosting economic prosperity and fostering positive relations. Pick one: Pentos (DC 45).

-[] Increase the size of the Goldcloaks: A larger and more formidable City Watch of King's Landing would enhance its security and be a visible deterrent to potential threats (DC 30).

-[] Improve the Royal Library: Invest substantial resources in expanding and organizing the Royal Library housed within the Red Keep (DC 40).

-[] Investigate your court: Initiate discreet investigations into the loyalties of individuals within the court. Ensuring those closest to you are trustworthy is paramount to a stable reign (DC 55).

-[] Curb corruption of the Goldcloaks: As guardians of King's Landing, they must be free from corruption to maintain law and order. Launch a campaign to investigate and eliminate corruption within the ranks of the Goldcloaks. (DC 60).

-[] Hold court: Embrace your role as king by holding court sessions where your subjects can present grievances, seek justice, or request an audience. Engaging with your people directly allows you to understand their concerns, demonstrate fairness, and solidify your connection with the nobles, merchants, and common folk (DC 35).
 
Last edited:
[X] Plan: more security and less corruption equals a golden power base.
-[X] Send Ravens: Exchange letters with one of your Wardens or Lords Paramount. This allows for measured and strategic communication, addressing concerns, offering support, and reinforcing the bonds between the Iron Throne and its vassals (DC 30). Pick one Lord from the list:
--[X] Lord Quellon Greyjoy,
--[X] Princess Myria Martell.

-[X] Conduct a census of the Crownlands: In pursuing a comprehensive understanding of the Crownlands, you initiate a thorough census (DC 55 - Opens up Crownlands improvement chain).

-[X] Negotiate Trade Agreements: Initiate negotiations to establish favourable trade agreements, boosting economic prosperity and fostering positive relations. Pick one: Pentos (DC 45).

-[X] Increase the size of the Goldcloaks: A larger and more formidable City Watch of King's Landing would enhance its security and be a visible deterrent to potential threats (DC 30).

-[X] Improve the Royal Library: Invest substantial resources in expanding and organizing the Royal Library housed within the Red Keep (DC 40).

-[X] Investigate your court: Initiate discreet investigations into the loyalties of individuals within the court. Ensuring those closest to you are trustworthy is paramount to a stable reign (DC 55).

-[X] Curb corruption of the Goldcloaks: As guardians of King's Landing, they must be free from corruption to maintain law and order. Launch a campaign to investigate and eliminate corruption within the ranks of the Goldcloaks. (DC 60).

-[X] Hold court: Embrace your role as king by holding court sessions where your subjects can present grievances, seek justice, or request an audience. Engaging with your people directly allows you to understand their concerns, demonstrate fairness, and solidify your connection with the nobles, merchants, and common folk (DC 35).
 
[X] Plan Grain & Iron
-[X] Send Ravens: Exchange letters with one of your Wardens or Lords Paramount. This allows for measured and strategic communication, addressing concerns, offering support, and reinforcing the bonds between the Iron Throne and its vassals (DC 30). Pick one Lord from the list: Lord Rickard Stark, Lord Kermit Tulley, Lord Jon Arryn, Lord Quellon Greyjoy, Lord Steffon Baratheon, Lord Luthor Tyrell, and Princess Myria Martell.
--[X] Lord Quellon Greyjoy
--[X] Lord Luthor Tyrell
-[X] Invest in Urban Planning: Undertake a comprehensive urban planning initiative for King's Landing, reorganizing districts, improving sanitation, and ensuring efficient land use to create a more livable and thriving city (DC 50 – opens King's Landing chain).
--[X] Use Stewardship bonus
-[X] Negotiate Trade Agreements: Initiate negotiations to establish favourable trade agreements, boosting economic prosperity and fostering positive relations.
--[X] Braavos
-[X] Royal Fleet Expansion Chain: Allocate resources to improve and expand the Royal Fleet, ensuring maritime dominance and safeguarding the coasts of the Seven Kingdoms (DC 62/300)
-[X] Gaining Intelligence in the Stepstones: Confronted with the lawless and fragmented territories of the Stepstones, decide whether to send agents to establish covert intelligence-gathering operations (DC 50 – opens Stepstones spy network chain).
-[X] Infiltrating the Sept of Baelor: The sept is a center of religious and political power, and gaining insights from within its sacred halls could provide valuable information on the Faith of the Seven and courtly machinations (DC 35).
-[X] Spend quality time with Rhaella: Dedicate precious moments to your marriage by spending quality time with your wife. Whether it's a quiet evening together, a stroll through the royal gardens, or attending courtly functions as a united front, nurturing your relationship can enhance stability and support at home (DC 55).

Posting the plan with all the sub options X'd since @Kairos who all credit goes to never did so, thus the vote choice is left blank in the tally.
 
Back
Top