The Dragon Has Three Heads - ASOIAF Quest

NúmenoreanNazgûl said:

Guys, let's not reveal our hidden identity, which can get us killed, to random strangers.

We don't need to lead them right now. We just need them to teach us about the gods. And when we're the only ones who can enter the temple and come back alive, they'll probably look up to us anyway.

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Galerius said:

Kek, no-one is listening.

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Galerius said:

Kek, no-one is listening.

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HugoR said:

[X] Aegon Velaryon - Son of a Velaryon knight, who was exiled for fighting for the Tagaryens during Robert's rebellion.

This should be the safest option while getting the maximum reward.

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Lunasmeow said:

Winning Votes:

Spoiler: Major Decisions

Gather/meet with the few Valyrian worshipers within Braavos. As a religious minority looked down upon by the current Sealord, they would likely welcome some leadership and aid.

Meet with the various less prosperous merchants in the city and attempt to organize a guild. If there's enough coin to pay "protection money," surely together these men and women could organize enough coin to protect themselves and negotiate better contracts together. However, first research any laws related to the formation of such an organization. In fact become more familiar with any and all laws/regulations concerning trade and business in Bravos. (Aegon doesn't actually know all that much about business or commerce.)

Take stock of your household.
Jaehaelyx and Saenera: See how they are adjusting. Check if they need/want anything to help them with their duties.
Boromun: Ask how he and his men are doing. Does he have anything to report?
The farm: Did any workers come forward in response to your call? If they did what can you get them to start on?
This one should have been a minor decision, (since it was about talking with people and I specifically listed that as minor) but I missed telling you guys that so this time you luck out and Dany handles these for you all while you are handling major stuff.

Go to the cave of the Valyrian Gods, seek their favor. Bring Dany and Matalarr with you, their Valyrian blood might be useful. Also bring the book we stole from Ilyrio, but keep it under lock and key when not in use. We don't want to lose it.

Spoiler: Minor Decisions

Talk with Dany about our Dreams, or maybe Visions? You aren't sure... Yet. Ask her if she has had any, we need to know. Also, make sure to ask her how she is faring under our new living conditions. Is she having any trouble sleeping? (Subtly inquire what she was doing while we slept in the boat.)

A Divine Order For This Mortal Coil - Part One
Third Week of the Fifth Month 297 AC​

Your time gathering information on the streets of Braavos gave you some interesting information. Not exactly the type you sought, but information nonetheless. And a gift of inadvertent knowledge is not to be overlooked. Much as you wish for information of your uncle, if the gods have decided to give you other knowledge, perhaps it is best that you be patient. In light of this, you take a day to consider your options before taking any major actions. You are in a delicate position after all, the beginning of any venture is generally the most volatile time, what you do now will set the tone for your future in Braavos at large.

Everyone expected the simple things. You have purchased a noble home, and obviously the requirements of that must come first. But what you do after the necessary, what you pursue in your free time; that is how the city will judge you. And as they say, you can't make a first impression twice.

Of all the things you learned thus far the idea of worshipers of the Valyrian gods of old in a city founded by those who hated everything Valyria stood for is an interesting one. You after all, are Valyrian and an outcast. You might perhaps get some goodwill by choosing to follow the gods of Braavos, the Red God R'hllor or the Faceless One that the assassins guild claims, but others might simply see this as a farce and claim that you publicly do what pleases, but privately are a monster of Valyria. At least if you declare your intentions openly, you might find who is against you due to your blood, and who is truly willing to give you a chance to see who you are.

'Done then,' you think to yourself. 'I shall see what these "worshipers" have to say. If they truly serve the gods of my people, then as the last of the Dragonlords, they should serve Daenerys and I willingly enough.' Leadership is something that people seek when they lack it, whether they admit it or not. Very few are willing to be the one to take charge, as most are afraid of failure. But you are a Targaryen. A king in all but fact, and the blood of Valyria calls for you to dominate those who should be beneath you. If they choose to serve willingly? All the better.

Dany wants to come with you when you speak of your plans, but you don't want her visiting any potential religious fanatics until you have determined that they will serve fanatically, rather than try to force you both into some vision that they have created of you. When you bring this up she pleads for you to at least take Boromun or Matalarr with you, but you refuse. You need to appear as a Dragonlord to these people, the closest thing to a god in human flesh, not a mere man who requires an honor guard. No, this you will do alone.

Daenerys curses you for a stubborn fool and turns away angrily, causing you to sigh in resignation as you know that you must protect her, despite how much she hates it, preferring to remain by your side even if it means riding into danger. When you go to leave she suddenly grabs you and gives you a kiss that practically curls your toes in your boots. "You had better come back to me," she tells you in a voice both angry yet proud. "If you let some crazy fanatic take my husband away from me and leave me a widow before we've even married, I'll have to become the warrior that takes the Seven Kingdoms back for us." You have the merest inkling of a memory that is washed away as she continues. "I might even have to face the Usurper in one-on-one combat."

The idea of Dany on the front lines of a battlefield fill you with joy and terror in equal measure. The dragon in you loves the thought of her conquering in your name, would love knowing that your chosen mate is a terror to all that defy you; but the man in you seeks to keep her in safety, she-dragon or no. Seeing the conflicted look on your face Daenerys smirks impishly and closes the door before locking it, leaving you outside to go about your search.

'Well, if nothing else she certainly learned the lessons about using the carrot and the stick, and she knows exactly what kind of threats to use,' you think to yourself as you shake your head. 'Dany, face the Usurper in one-on-one combat? Absurd!' Still, you can't help but smile at the memory of the kiss, and you set out seeking your future followers.​

---

'Men,' you think to yourself after closing the door. 'Why do they always have to do things alone when it is only sensible to take help when it is available?' sighing, you turn shift the lock into place knowing that if you don't you'll follow Aegon despite everything, and though he is stupidly not taking any guards, he does have a point about not revealing the both of you to potential zealots until being sure of their disposition.

Sighing you can't help but think of all the things that still need to be done in the home since Aegon is out handling other business. Still, you can't be too angry with him. Besides, it isn't as if you didn't... well, never mind. Best not to think about that. It was for his own good, as is everything you do; whether he knows what you are doing or not. You love Aegon dearly, but sometimes well... He's just too heroic for his own good. From everything you were told Rhaegar was like that, and you will not let him end up like Rhaegar.

Shaking the stray thoughts from your mind, you look at your list of things that need to be accomplished and tick off three boxes. Servants, Boromun, and the farm. Yes, that's what you'll be handling today. The eggs will simply have to wait. No point in hatching dragons before you have ensured that the servants in your household are too loyal to betray you and steal them before they are grown enough to protect you and themselves. You close your eyes and check on things for a moment before opening them again.

'Yes,' you decide, knowing that there are things to be done. 'Everything is still going just as it should be.' You hum a hymn that was once sung to Shrykos the Dreamer as you go about your self-appointed tasks.​

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Your search isn't difficult. You find the Valyrian worshipers easy enough as they meet in the same building every week. They are few in number, only ten individuals in total, and from all walks of Braavosi life.

Three are poor, one just shy of being totally destitute, claiming the hand of Morghul in their lives is the reason for their failure, ending their prosperity and stopping even Caraxes from blessing the sale of their assets and titles. Three are of average means, working for various merchant princes in the city, and pray that Syrax belsses them with her favor in the face of Valyrian opposition. One is a officially prostitute, seeming to have confused working on the behalf of a goddess of fertility for being a whore, and three are rather wealthy, and offer thanks to Meraxes for maintaining their wealth despite their religion.

The names you recognize readily, several of the dragons in the histories of Westeros told of dragons named for the gods of Valyria. When they see you, they all begin speaking at once - they have heard tales of a True Valyrian landing in Braavos some time ago, but many worship R'hllor in the current day. However if you are a follower of the Old Ways of Valyria, then they will welcome you into the fold with open arms.

How do you introduce yourself to the congregation?

[] Aegon Targaryen - Being one of the Dragonlords was why you came here. They will be more likely to follow you if they know you are of the line blessed by the gods they worship.

[] Daemon Waters - A bastard of Westerosi descent, you are still of the line of the Dragonlords, even if not born with a proper name.

[] Lysandro of Lys - Not of Westeros at all, for the Valyrians there worship the Seven. You want them to consider you a leader, someone who can teach them about the gods; not someone who needs guidance in the ways of the gods and therefore a follower.

[] Daemon Blackfyre - Not a bastard, but still of the blood of the Dragonlords, blessed by their gods, named for a famed ancestor. (Or an infamous one, depending.)

[] Write-in​

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Your rolls for how well-to-do the worshipers could be were rather well spread: 05 - 17 - 18 - 47 - 51 - 63 - 69 - 76 - 88 - 89.
Dany obviously has some secrets, but they appear to be for your benefit, as she loves you very much.
The visit with the caves will play out differently based on what you learn from the people here, which means this vote needs to come first. Similarly, the conversation with Dany happens after this, so that will happen after this as well. I need this vote before I can continue.
The guild thing will come in-between meeting the group, and going to the temple. And I'm tired.
​

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OnlineArmadillo said:

Do we still have a second minor decision?

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NúmenoreanNazgûl said:

I think that was used up in the "Take stock of your household" vote.

While I have your attention, can I convince you to switch your vote to Velaryon? Or at least give me q reason why people are voting to reveal our secret identity to random strangers?

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Lunasmeow said:

I mean, wouldn't that completely defeat the purpose of me being all vague about it in the chapter? When Daenerys is alone, not doing things with you... she's doing other things. Besides, nobles are practically legendary for trying to avoid their schooling. Unless you're there or you've specifically requested it of her, she's cutting class.

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1. Training as Minor Decisions: If our ongoing education is classed as minor actions we need to create a schedule to optimize our development. I say we alternate martial training with rulership every turn, and use the second slot for whatever else we want to do. That being said I'd like to know if we could perhaps divide our focus and learn a little in both skills at the same time {[x] minor decision: Noble Education: As the head of a noble family we must be proficient in a variety of subjects. 50% Rulership, 50% Combat (Two Sword Style).}
2. Dany as an Agent: Now that we know for sure that Dany can and will act on her own, we should coordinate with her to better manage our holdings. She is the 'Lady of House Targaryen', so I think she should be put in charge of everyday operations (Overseeing our servants and guards, looking after our dragon eggs, and in general making sure that our household is in order). If she has some explicit duties she will both feel appreciated, and gain a sense of responsibility for those who follow us.

NúmenoreanNazgûl said:

I think we need more minor action slots per turn. I mean, we should be able to complete more minor actions than major ones, right? Minor actions are just...talking.

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thepsyborg said:

[X] Plan thepsyborg

The Five:

[X] Balerion
-[X] God of Becoming
--[X] Conquerors, explorers, traders beginning an entirely new venture, maids on their first moon's blood, and newlyweds may sacrifice to him. His greater feast is the first planting day in the spring. His lesser feast is the first night of the waxing crescent moon, the night after the new moon.
--[X] He is old, a vast, dull black dragon, a hunchbacked old man with a cane, or a still-hot ember of a once-mighty flame. Like all of the Five, his dominion is the opposite of his nature.

[X] Syrax
-[X] Goddess of Increasing
--[X] Inheritors of crowns or lordships, farmers planting their seed, traders reinvesting in a successful venture, pregnant women, and couples who seek pregnancy may sacrifice to her. Her greater feast is the first harvest of spring vegetables (lettuces, strawberries, etc) after a winter. Her lesser feast is the first quarter moon, the transition from waxing crescent to waxing gibbous.
--[X] She is elderly but spry; a large red or copper dragon, a mature woman with a cheerful smile, a brand burned down to the end.

[X] Meraxes
-[X] Goddess of Remaining
--[X] Kings, lords, parents of children no longer babes, and merchants in established businesses may sacrifice to her. Her greater feast is the First Long Day- as a winter fades, the first day with more than twelve hours from sunrise to sunset. Her lesser feast is the full moon.
--[X] She is quite young; a slim golden dragon, a teen in the flush of puberty, all knees and elbows and bosom, a bonfire just coming alight.
--[X] The secret of forging Valyrian Steel is held jointly between her and Balerion, as it is the art of creating new things that are themselves timeless and enduring.

[X] Caraxes
-[X] God of Declining
--[X] Old men and women, sellers of the assets of failed businesses, sheep-shearers and farmers at harvest-time, and scavengers amongst ruins of those who came before may sacrifice to him. His greater feast is the last day of harvest before a winter comes. His lesser feast is the third quarter moon.
--[X] He is in the prime of life, a powerful bronze dragon, a strong man, a roaring hearthfire.

[X] Morghul
-[X] God of Ending
--[X] None sacrifice to him, save the debased rites of the Faceless Men, but on the first winter's night that exceeds twelve hours no son or daughter of Valyria dares offer prayer or sacrifice at all, lest he take notice. He has shrines, and all bow when they pass, but only the reckless or truly desperate dare draw his attention beyond the basic honours due any of the gods.
--[X] He is a child, a dragonet in bright silver or glittering, polished black, with no flame but claws and fangs far too large for his size; a boy of seven years; the first spark struck of flint and steel or clashing blades.

The Three:

[X] Tyraxes
-[X] God of the Weather and the Sky, husband of Vermax and Vermithor.
--[X] Dragonriders and ravenmasters pray to him for swift flight; sailors pray to him and Vermithor for clear skies and calm seas, and farmers to him and Vermax for rain and fertile fields. He is ever fickle, torn between the competing interests of his loves and of his worshipers.
--[X] He is a brilliant blue dragon, always and ever on the wing.

[X] Vermax
-[X] Goddess of the Earth and Stone, wife of Tyraxes.
--[X] She is a brown dragon, seated upon a mountaintop.

[X] Vermithor
-[X] Goddess of the Sea and Shore, wife of Tyraxes.
--[X] She is a dark blue dragon, racing the waves to the end of the world.

The Two:

[X] Meleys
-[X] Goddess of the Hearts and Minds of Men.
--[X] The magics of scrying on far-away people, and of spells of love and hate, are within her domain, as are mundane insights into the thoughts and ways of people.
--[X] She is a pale-green dragon with two tongues, one dripping poison and the other honey.

[X] Vhagar
-[X] God of the Ways of Birds and Beasts.
--[X] The magics of breeding animals with supernatural traits, of compelling the obedience of wild animals, and of enhancing the fertility of domestic ones, are within his domain, as are purely mundane techniques for similar purposes.
--[X] He is a bright red dragon, or a grey one with bloodied teeth and claws.

The One:

[X] Shrykos
-[X] Dreaming Goddess of What Was And May Be, Yet Is Not.
--[X] She is the Sixth of Five; her domain is kin to theirs, yet she is not their equal, for her dominion does not truly exist. Past and future are open to her, alone of her kin. The knowledge of things to come and things past are hers to give, and the wise heed the counsel of her favored.
--[X] She is a thousand forms, a million shapes, most of them weird and terrible, but always pure white from head to toe or nose to tail. Sometimes, in the very oldest carvings, she is even seen as a three-eyed dragon, kin and rival and playmate and lover and murderer of and slain by a three-eyed crow.

The One-Eyed One

[X] Urrax
-[X] God of Light and the Sun
--[X] In the Age of Heroes, lost an eye to his jealous brother's treachery. His brother was cast out (or perhaps merely fled) into the dark, and Urrax withdrew from active involvement in the realms of men and gods alike. From high above he looks down on them, ever searching for his lost brother, but never finding him.
--[X] He is either a radiant golden dragon with one eye blinded, or the literal sun.
--[X] Once, and perhaps still, the most powerful of the gods, but distant and aloof. His shrine is at the head of every Valyrian temple, but there is no altar before it. Urrax does not answer prayer nor reward sacrifice, yet all life ultimately depends on his light.

The Zero:

[X] He-Who-Was-Once-Serwyn
-[X] God of Ice, Cold, and Night. (Also not a god of fire, alone of all the Valyrian gods.)
--[X] None worship him, and he has no feast days nor shrines nor altars. Some temples may have an empty plinth in the place where his image would be, but even this has fallen out of style in recent centuries.
--[X] Ashamed of striking his brother (or more likely fearing his wrath) he fled into the dark, and the dark took him into its bosom.
--[X] At night all dragons are grey, and so is the Nameless God. He was once red and gold and blue-white, like flames under a bellows, but no longer.

(I didn't end up using Tessarion; I considered having him be a god of plant life and green things [part of the Meleys-of-Men and Vhagar-of-Beasts grouping], but on the one hand that infringed too much on Syrax and Vermax, and on the other I sort of want to leave plant and tree magic to the Old Gods of the North and the First Men. All Valyrian gods are fire gods, after all; it would be weird to have a fire god of plants.)

(Edit: And then added another 1 and a 0 to complete the reverse fibbonacci sequence and couldn't resist borrowing from the legend of Serwyn of the Mirror Shield.)

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Lunasmeow said:

As for talking being a free action - that depends.

Talking about nothing? Small talk that may or may not happen to randomly cause some larger thing to be discussed? Or specific subjects that aren't affecting anything major? Yes.

Talking about specific important subjects? No.

People don't just discuss weighty subjects every day like nothing. It takes time for people to consider how they are going to approach the subject for one, and for two is you step into people's private mental space like that on the regular, they get annoyed with you. Also, it is stressful talking about important things.

Not a free action.

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