[X] Plan: Outreach
[X] Hold a Royal Tour: Riverlands
[X] Send Ravens: Lord Rickard Stark
[X] Recruit a new Master of Coin:
[X] Expand the Royal Fleet
[X] Consult maesters: Matters of Stewardship
[X] Recruit a new Master of Whisperers:
[X] Connect with Tywin
Rumour Mill:
Whispers reach your royal ears of those Ninepenny Kings who survived the war. Most prominent is Alequo Adarys, who seeks to solidify his grasp over the fortress city of Tyrosh and carve out his dominion in the Disputed Lands.
On the home front, an unexpected and ominous trend is taking root. As levies demobilized after the war, a disconcerting number have refused to return their lives, choosing to form marauding bands of "broken men" in the Reach and Stormlands.
Diplomacy - Hold a Royal Tour: Riverlands (DC 45): Roll 49
Relations have been fraught between the Riverlands and House Targaryen since your grandfather's reign due to your royal parents' actions. Prince Jaehaerys was betrothed to Lady Celia Tully, the daughter of the previous Lord of Riverrun and Lord Paramount of the Trident. However, bound by a childhood love that transcended the laws of men, your father and mother wed each other. House Tully and the lords of the Riverlands felt slighted.[MC1] The passage of time has done little to assuage the tensions as Celia's brother, the current Lord of Riverrun, has preserved the memory of this dishonour.
In a concerted effort to mend the strained relations between House Targaryen and the Riverlands, you and a substantial entourage from the royal court set forth on a grand tour of the Riverlands.
The notorious quarrelsome nature of the Riverlords presents a formidable challenge. However, their historical loyalty to House Targaryen, rooted in gratitude for being freed from the tyranny of Harren the Black by a royal ancestor, laid a fertile ground for diplomatic overtures.
You approach the Riverlords with charm, cutting through their lingering skepticism like a warm breeze over troubled waters. The Riverlords, initially wary, found themselves captivated by the lively and active king. You took the time to listen to the needs and concerns of the Riverlords, seeking their counsel and promising to rule and govern with their best interests. This genuine engagement endeared him to the Riverlords.
Banquets, meticulously planned hunts, and other activities became canvases for Aerys' diplomatic brushstrokes. In these moments, House Targaryen and the Riverlords shared laughter and camaraderie, overshadowing the shadows of past grievances. Notably, Houses Darry, Goodbrook, Mooton, and Ryger were keen to develop stronger relations with the crown.[MC2]
Yet, even as the tour progressed, Riverrun stood as the final bastion of lingering resentment. Lord Kermit Tully and his son Hoster, the custodians of the Tully honour, welcomed you and the royal entourage with courteous formality. The tension was palpable, hidden beneath the surface of polite gestures and carefully chosen words.
In the following days, you engaged in various activities to demonstrate goodwill and a genuine desire for reconciliation. Gifts were exchanged, hunts were organized, and wild game was chased through the picturesque landscapes surrounding Riverrun. Banquets were hosted in the castle's grand halls, where toasts were raised, and songs were sung to thaw the icy atmosphere. Despite these efforts, Riverrun remained a bastion of lingering resentment. Though polite and gracious, Lord Kermit and Hoster Tully maintained a guarded demeanour.
On the final night of the grand tour, a lavish feast was held within the walls of Riverrun. The great hall echoed with laughter, clinking goblets, and the melodies of the minstrels. Ever mindful of the delicate task, you approached Lord Kermit and Hoster with a genuine smile, attempting to break through the invisible barriers that separated you.
"Lord Kermit, Ser Hoster," you began with a respectful nod, "I am grateful for the hospitality you have extended to us during our stay at Riverrun. Your ancestral seat is as impressive as its history is rich."
Lord Kermit inclined his head in acknowledgment, "Your grace, the honor is ours to host the Dragon King and his esteemed court. We trust your stay has been agreeable."
"As the tour concludes, I find myself reflecting on the bonds that tie the Riverlands to the Iron Throne," you continued, carefully choosing your words. "Your loyalty to House Targaryen has endured through generations, and I am committed to strengthening those ties for the prosperity of both our realms."
Hoster Tully's gaze remained measured, but you persisted, "Let us set aside the shadows of the past and embrace a future of unity. The Riverlands and House Targaryen, bound by history, can stand stronger together."
The response from Lord Kermit was diplomatic, "Your grace, we appreciate the sentiment. The Riverlands have weathered storms before, and we remain steadfast."
The evening progressed with a sense of cautious optimism. The grand tour might not have completely erased the scars of the past, but it had laid the foundation for a more amicable relationship between House Tully and House Targaryen. As the minstrels played a final tune, you couldn't help but feel that the seeds of reconciliation had been planted, and with time, they might blossom.
Diplomacy – Send Ravens: Lord Rickard Stark (DC 30): Rolled 51
Your decision to send ravens to Lord Rickard Stark of Winterfell proves to be a masterstroke in the delicate art of diplomacy. You had briefly met him during the campaign in the Stepstones, and now you sought to build relations.
The ravens, their ebony feathers carrying the weight of your words, soar across the expanse of Westeros, traversing the windswept landscapes until they reach the ancestral seat of House Stark. In your missive, carefully penned by the maesters of the Red Keep, you extend courtesies and express the desire for strengthened bonds between the Crown and House Stark.
Recognizing the Stark legacy as stalwart defenders of the North and acknowledging the unwavering loyalty of House Stark, you emphasize their historic commitment, highlighting their steadfastness in defending the Crown when summoned during the Dance of Dragons, a testament to the honour they have maintained through generations.
The response from Winterfell is measured and calculated. Lord Rickard, recognizing the significance of unity in the face of impending challenges, expresses a willingness to strengthen ties between the North and the Iron Throne.
Your letters inquire about the state of the North, and you discover the concerns weighing upon the Lord of Winterfell. He notes the indispensable role of the Night's Watch in guarding the realms of men and how they lack able-bodied men. Additionally, Lord Rickard lays bare the reality of the New Gift's depopulation, a consequence of relentless wildling raids over the past century. This issue, he notes, demands the Crown's attention and, more crucially, its supportive intervention.
In a poignant reference to his House's iconic words, Lord Rickard Stark makes it known that he is bracing for the challenges ahead, guided by the timeless wisdom encapsulated in the Stark motto: "Winter is coming." This subtle reminder echoes the vigilance and foresight that have characterized House Stark throughout its storied history, underlining the gravity of the North's preparation for the inevitable trials.
In your response, you affirm the Crown's support and offer (choose one):
[] Grain for the next winter
[] Your prisoners to be sent to the Nights Watch
[] The New Gift to House Stark
[] Write in
Martial - Expand the Royal Fleet (DC 45): Rolled 62
The War of the Ninepenny Kings underscored the importance of a formidable fleet. The absence of the Royal fleet would have hindered your father's ability to quickly deploy the expeditionary force to the Stepstones, compelling the Band of Nine to engage in battle within the Stepstones rather than allowing them to make landfall along the vulnerable eastern shore of Westeros where they could strike at vital locations like the royal seat at Kings Landing.
Despite powerful naval forces among the noble houses of Westeros, inherent challenges persist. The Iron Islands possess over a hundred longships filled with ironborn reavers who are oath-bound to your summons. Despite their performance in the war, there are concerns about their trustworthiness. The fleets of House Redwyne and House Lannister, stationed along the western coast, face limitations in responding promptly to emerging threats. Additionally, the smallest fleet, the Manderly fleet is too distant in the far north to respond promptly.
Hence, the imperative becomes clear – the Royal fleet must expand. Strengthening this maritime arm of the realm is not merely a strategic choice but a necessity, ensuring swift responses to potential dangers and allowing for your royal will to be projected.
Addressing your Small Council, you announce your intent to fortify and expand the Royal fleet for the security of the realm.
Lord Lucerys Velaryon, the Master of Ships, leans in to provide context, "Aegon IV Targaryen's reign saw the last substantial expansion of the fleet. It was a strategic move in preparation for the Dornish invasion. We would do well to emulate such foresight."
As Lucerys shares the current fleet status, he notes, "King's Landing has maintained fifty ships, while Dragonstone boasts a fleet of one hundred sixty, including eighty galleys. Yet, as we've seen, this may not be enough to secure our western coasts."
Lord Tywin Lannister, with his characteristic pragmatism, interjects, "While I acknowledge the merit of such an expansion, we cannot ignore the weighty cost involved." He eyes the room and states, "We must consider our financial stability moving forward."
Tywin continues, "To fund this endeavour, we have two options. We can secure a loan from the Iron Bank, allowing us to maintain the roughly six million dragons we have in the Royal Treasury but indebting ourselves to them further. We already owe the Iron Bank five hundred thousand dragons taken on a loan by your royal father in preparation for the war. We have favourable terms and will repay them over the next eight years. Or, we could dip into the royal treasury, risking a strain on our immediate financial standing."
The room falls into contemplative silence as the weight of the decision settles. The choice lies with you, and you announce your desire.
[] Secure a loan from the Iron Bank
[] Dip into the royal treasury
Over the next few weeks, a flurry of activity envelops the Crownlands. The logging camps in the Kingswood become a hive of activity as axes bite into ancient oaks, felling trees to make lumber. The royal shipyards along the Blackwater Rush mirror this fervour, their wooden skeletons stretching toward the sky as craftsmen and shipwrights toil with a sense of urgency.
Stewardship - Recruit a new Master of Coin (DC 40): Rolled 69
Your Small Council gathers in the Small Council chamber to address the Master of Coin position. The need for a skilled steward is more pressing than ever.
The room is alive with murmurs as the Small Council considers various candidates to fill this crucial role.
The name of Lord Gyles Rosby, a young yet seasoned courtier renowned for his acumen in financial matters, is suggested by your Master of Ships. Lord Rosby has swiftly accumulated wealth for House Rosby and commands popularity in the Crownlands.
Jon Arryn, the Warden of the East, is entered into the discussion as a seasoned lord celebrated for his administrative prowess. His leadership in the Vale bestows considerable authority and experience upon him.
Tywin lauds Jon Arryn's accomplishments, asserting, "Jon Arryn's track record as a lord is commendable. His administrative skills and disciplined rule in the Vale are widely recognized. Entrusting him with the role of Master of Coin could provide stability and a steady hand to our financial matters."
However, Lord Velaryon raises a pertinent concern: "We cannot overlook his apparent lack of knowledge and, dare I say, disdain for matters of trade. The Master of Coin must navigate the networks of commerce, taxation, and monetary policies. If Lord Arryn is averse to such intricacies, it may pose challenges in executing the duties of this office effectively."
The name of Garth Tyrell, the Lord Seneschal of Highgarden and brother to Luther Tyrell, is put forth as another potential candidate.
Maester Pycelle remarks, "Garth Tyrell is a man of noble lineage, and his current position as Lord Seneschal of Highgarden showcases his capability. Given that House Tyrell traditionally has a strong influence on the economic affairs of the Reach, Garth may bring a nuanced understanding of trade and finances."
Tywin offers his perspective, "Garth Tyrell's familial ties to House Tyrell can be an asset. It may facilitate cooperation between the Crown and the Reach, fostering a more harmonious relationship in financial matters."
Lord Velaryon raises another concern: "While Lord Tyrell may possess knowledge in trade and financial matters, we must consider the potential for conflict of interest. The Master of Coin should ideally serve the realm, and regional considerations should not unduly influence his decisions."
As the sovereign ruler, you weigh the advice of your Small Councillors, considering the strengths and potential challenges each candidate poses. The decision is yours to make, and you choose:
[] Lord Gyles Rosby
[] Lord Jon Arryn
[] Ser Garth Tyrell
Intrigue Recruit a new Master of Whisperers (DC 40): Rolled 67
In the intricate web of courtly affairs, the need for a cunning and astute Master of Whisperers is paramount. The clandestine corridors of power demand a figure capable of extracting truths from the shadows and navigating the delicate dance of espionage with finesse. Recognizing this, you embark on the challenging quest to recruit a Master of Whisperers. Two distinguished candidates from the Crownlands emerge as the prime contenders for the role.
Ambitious and bold, Lord Denys Darklyn, a scion of House Darklyn, stands out as a figure fueled by ambition and unbridled boldness. His hunger for influence is matched only by his cunning in navigating the treacherous currents of court intrigue. With a network of informants strategically positioned across the Crownlands, Denys is known for swift and decisive actions. His methods may be daring, but they have yielded valuable insights in the past.
Qarlton Chelsted, represents a more cautious and deliberate approach. His reputation rests on a foundation of cautious decision-making and meticulousness. Qarlton is known for patiently gathering intelligence and weighing every piece before making a move. While his methods may lack the flair of boldness, they provide a steady and measured hand.
[] Qarlton Chelsted
[] Denys Darklyn
Learning: Consult maesters: Matters of Stewardship (DC 35): 46
You dispatch a summons to the Citadel. The missive, bearing the weight of regal authority, seeks an esteemed archmaester adorned with a chain of gold – a symbol of their mastery of the study of money and accounts to advise the King.
Master Drazenko brings a unique perspective to matters of stewardship. Before his scholarly pursuits, he navigated a path less trodden. His journey began amidst the towering halls of one of Essos's prestigious banking houses, where Master Drazenko delved into the intricate world of finance and commerce. However, driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge, he left the bustling Free Cities of Essos and crossed the Narrow Sea to Oldtown.
The master is ready to advise the king and the Small Council on the intricacies of stewardship when asked.
- You can add +10 to a specific stewardship dice roll
Personal - Connect with Tywin (DC 25): Rolled 39
In the intimate surroundings of your royal chambers, a rare moment unfolds as you extend an invitation to Tywin Lannister to partake in a game of Cyvasse, the latest addition to the court's diversions. The intricately carved ivory pieces lay upon the inlaid wooden board. You present the proposition with charm and a glint of mischief in your violet eyes.
"Tywin, my friend," you begin, gesturing toward the ornate Cyvasse board. "Tonight, let us cast aside the burdens of rule and be as we once were – two friends beneath the same moon. What say you to a game of strategy and wit? I've heard whispers that you've become quite adept at Cyvasse."
Tywin, ever the embodiment of formality and restraint, inclines his head in acknowledgment. "Your grace," he replies with a measured tone, "I am at your disposal."
As the pieces are set on the board and you begin to play, you seize the opportunity to inject a light-hearted air into the room. "Ah, Tywin, you approach Cyvasse as if the Iron Throne hangs in the balance. It's a game, my friend, not a council meeting. Loosen your grip a bit. You might find victory tastes sweeter when accompanied by a smile."
Your movements across the board echo your charisma, your fingers dancing with an almost theatrical finesse. Tywin, on the other hand, maintains the stoic composure that defines his public persona, his moves calculated and precise.
The banter between you and your friend soon shifts from the game to matters of realm and rulership. Sensing the weight Tywin carries upon his shoulders, you attempt to unravel the layers of formality that envelop the future Lord of Casterly Rock.
"Tywin, do you ever feel as though we are but players in a grand game of Cyvasse, maneuvering our pieces across the board of Westeros?" you muse, your eyes gleaming with amusement and contemplation.
Tywin, typically reserved, allows a faint quirk on his lips. "In a sense, Your Grace. The realm is a complex tapestry, and each move carries consequences. Strategy is paramount."
"Indeed," you reply with a knowing nod. "Yet, even in the face of responsibility, we must not forget the value of camaraderie. Life is more than a succession of moves and counter-moves. In the moments we share, the laughter that echoes through these walls, we find the essence of rulership."
You tease and jest as the Cyvasse game progresses, coaxing Tywin out of his customary reserve. You and your friend reminisce on your shared history, the challenges of ruling a realm at a young age, and balancing duty.
The echoes of your laughter fill the royal chambers, blending with the clinking of Cyvasse pieces. In that ephemeral moment, you and Tywin Lannister find yourselves not merely as King and the Hand of the King but as old friends, navigating the intricate board of life with a shared understanding that transcends the complexities of rulership.
AN: You had good rolls, including a 6D dice roll for the amount in the royal treasury.
