I agree that we don't NEED to placate them any more then we already did, but it may still help. Plus, I just genuinely think that Margery may prove useful.
The Dragon Ascendant: NO SV: Welcome To Another Viserys Targaryen Quest (A Ck2 Quest)
- Thread starter Magoose
- Start date
- Mature Fantasy
- Location
- Spain
Yeah, it may be very useful BUT, when selecting the Guard we should always take people who can be trusted... Her brother could have been extremely useful in the King's Guard, being one of the greatest warriors of the Realm, butI wouldn't trust him with the life of Viserys
The same thing happens here, Margery is really intelligent, really ambitious, but very untrustworthy (which makes her significantly more dangerous than her Brother IMO), so I would rather put Nymaria in the position of Court Expert, if only because she is skilled and trustworthy
The Rumor Mill 2
Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
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- California USA
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- He
The Rumor Mill 2
A Full Year has passed since the start of your reign and despite a lot of things potentially going wrong, the Lords of Westeros are entirely willing to sit back at home and forget many of their grudges and animosity, for a time. Their new king has a dragon, and while you are more restrained… they fear if they act up out of line, things might get worse.
Very Bad for them.
Now Prince Oberyn… the Reports.
The North:
From the Master of Laws: My Wife was always better at planning festivities than I, I believe that the North is in dire need of celebrations after so much war and death. Fun and food and fighting are northern traditions that cannot be forgotten, especially when winter is coming.
As for the news of my son… I do not believe it. He has never had dreams that were accurate and that detailed. I believe he wants something or wishes me to return home. But I believe we have more work that must be done, before things are stable enough for me to return.
And Mance Rayder… That is a name I haven't heard for a long time. He was a Ranger, one of the best. But something happened, and he deserted. I do not know him any more than that, but I have heard… with good intelligence, that he and his cohorts are not disorganized tribes, but a united confederation. They may not have soldiers, but they should not be ignored.
We will need to act quickly, and send them south, so we can have the best word. And the best leverage.
---------------------------------
The Vale:
From the Master of Whispers: I fear that there may be more to this story, than just a simple Stroke. I was chained as Maester of Medicine. And in my professional opinion, Jon Arryn's death was not natural. Someone murdered him or did something to him that I might as well be murdered.
From the Master of War: The Hill tribes number less than ten thousand. We should orginize defenses around the key strongholds, and then scatter the knights of the Vale, let them hunt the Tribes down. Scatter their forces, and prevent them from unifying. We may also use gold to bribe them to stop attacking.
From Lord Royce: Let me handle this your Grace, Lord Cold Water is a friend, and I know he will listen to reason.
-------------------------------------------------
The Westerlands:
From Jaime: I knew he had it in him to be responsible. I just wish he didn't have to… whore his way through the West.
From Lord Tyrell: Never has there been a more loyal subordinate than Kevan. He is always a good person for a laugh, and he is not like his brother.
---------------------------------------
The Iron Islands:
As for Farwynd… I remember Ragnar Farwynd when he was a child during the Conquest… another Ragnar. They called him the Iron Whale, for they claimed he could speak to them during Voyages and they helped his small fleet win victory after victory until the conquest was over. His tory might be repeating itself… and that means something truly is coming.
--------------------------------------------------------------
The Crownlands:
From the City Watch: Your Grace, something is happening. But while my men are able to keep the Peace, the Dragon Knight has committed to a crusade, same with the Sea Dragon that acts as his squire. Quite strange… but we are afraid that things are about to get bloody.
From Lord Stannis: Waters is the finest sailor I have served with, save for Ser Davos. He is a fine admiral and has my full confidence. Better than Redwyne ever was anyhow.
-------------------------------------------------
The Stormlands:
From the Master of War: Davos Named the Boy. Couldn't think of one myself.
---------------------------------------------------------
The Reach:
------------------------------------------------------------------
Dorne:
Elsewhere:
A Full Year has passed since the start of your reign and despite a lot of things potentially going wrong, the Lords of Westeros are entirely willing to sit back at home and forget many of their grudges and animosity, for a time. Their new king has a dragon, and while you are more restrained… they fear if they act up out of line, things might get worse.
Very Bad for them.
Now Prince Oberyn… the Reports.
The North:
- Lady Catelyn Stark has announced that a Melee will be held for her Son Robb's 15th Nameday and that all Lords of the North are invited to attend. While many of the Lords are saddened that Jon Snow, the Bastard of Winterfell, is not participating, as he is down south with his father, many are hoping that the competition, and Young Robb's first Melee, and many are prepared to have a great and jolly time.
- In the Ironwood Forests of Ironwrath, There is talk of a nature spirit, a child of the Forest wandering into the lands, protecting the animals and reforesting many of the North's deforested landscapes. Ironwood and apple tree seeds from the Vaults of the Foresters have been stolen and planted throughout the North. Some of the children call him Johnny. Johnny the Tree.
- Lord Gerion Lannister is planning another expedition, though this time, into the Hills of the Low lands near Long Lake. He believes, quite certainly, that there is Gold in the Mountains. Gold, Silver, and, in his words "A Magical bit of Material, not unlike Valyrian Steel, within an old First Man Ruin."
- In White Harbor, many sitting Septs have been left vacant, as the Curropt Septons (The words of Wyman Manderly), have deceived, and threatened many of the Worshipers of the Old Gods in his city, as well as stealing tens of thousands of Dragons in Gold, and sending it down south, instead of using it on the lands and Septs of the North. Many of the Faithful have strung up the Septons and hung them from the neck. A Punishment fit for Charletons in old Northern Law.
- In Skagos, Wildlings from the Far North have Landed at the Halls, wishing to meet The Ned or the Lord of the North. They speak for Mance Rayder, the King Beyond the Wall.
- At Bear Island, young Lyanna Mormont was riding a Bear. Everyone around her was terrified, but many think that the girl is gifted and unnaturally talented Warg.
- Also at Winterfell: Bran Stark has news… Direwolves, sent by the Old Gods are coming south to the Stark Family. A Mother Direwolf, carrying pups, and it's mate… for the rest of the Stark family. Pups that are linked to the children, and destiny.
From the Master of Laws: My Wife was always better at planning festivities than I, I believe that the North is in dire need of celebrations after so much war and death. Fun and food and fighting are northern traditions that cannot be forgotten, especially when winter is coming.
As for the news of my son… I do not believe it. He has never had dreams that were accurate and that detailed. I believe he wants something or wishes me to return home. But I believe we have more work that must be done, before things are stable enough for me to return.
And Mance Rayder… That is a name I haven't heard for a long time. He was a Ranger, one of the best. But something happened, and he deserted. I do not know him any more than that, but I have heard… with good intelligence, that he and his cohorts are not disorganized tribes, but a united confederation. They may not have soldiers, but they should not be ignored.
We will need to act quickly, and send them south, so we can have the best word. And the best leverage.
---------------------------------
The Vale:
- Jon Arryn was been taken Ill, quickly and suddenly in the night near the New Year. Maester Coleman said it was a stroke. He died before the new moon of the New Year. Jon Arryn is dead. And many fear for Vale's Stability. Lady Arryn has cried for her son to be returned home immediately, instead of remaining in King's Landing, citing her right as Lady Regent.
From the Master of Whispers: I fear that there may be more to this story, than just a simple Stroke. I was chained as Maester of Medicine. And in my professional opinion, Jon Arryn's death was not natural. Someone murdered him or did something to him that I might as well be murdered.
- The Hill Clans are attacking in Force, with one, in particular, the Burned Men, claiming that they have been blessed by Fire, that the Vale, was now theirs, by Blood and fire.
From the Master of War: The Hill tribes number less than ten thousand. We should orginize defenses around the key strongholds, and then scatter the knights of the Vale, let them hunt the Tribes down. Scatter their forces, and prevent them from unifying. We may also use gold to bribe them to stop attacking.
- There is a border dispute between house Sunderland and House Coldwater… for control of the ruins of the fingers. Swords have yet to be drawn, but with Lord Arryn's death? Things might get interesting.
From Lord Royce: Let me handle this your Grace, Lord Cold Water is a friend, and I know he will listen to reason.
-------------------------------------------------
The Westerlands:
- Lord Tyrion has secured his rule, and all the Vessels have paid homage. No hint of Rebellion or anything. You would have thought that they would never follow a Dwarf. But it seems he's won them over, some by out drinking. Others by simple conversations… and the last few… well his mockery of the Imp is not just for show. As their daughters learned, quite a devil in Bed he is.
From Jaime: I knew he had it in him to be responsible. I just wish he didn't have to… whore his way through the West.
- Lord Kevan has been sober for over a month, and he has returned to his more normal duties… of handling the Rock while the Lord of the West is away on duties. While he drinks far more than he may have… he still is not drunk.
From Lord Tyrell: Never has there been a more loyal subordinate than Kevan. He is always a good person for a laugh, and he is not like his brother.
---------------------------------------
The Iron Islands:
- The Ships of the Iron Fleet have received an upgrade from craftsmen from the mainland. It seems that many ships suffered from poor building material, and lumber from the mainland, including some Ironwood, has found its way to the Islands.
- House Farwynd has seen whales, and seals in far greater numbers than this summer season usually afford them. One of the sons, Ragnar Farwynd, a babe of 2, has babbled on about the Drowned God assembling his forces for the defense of the Isles. One of the Maesters and drowned men said that the boy spoke in a childish way. "What comes is not death… What comes is annihilation. The Sea Brings life, but it also brings death."
- Balon's Health has deteriorated. Some have stopped him from committing suicide, but now the man just speaks of how the Drowned God had failed them, not giving them the strength to succeed. He just wishes to die, but will not. He fears Euron is waiting for him.
As for Farwynd… I remember Ragnar Farwynd when he was a child during the Conquest… another Ragnar. They called him the Iron Whale, for they claimed he could speak to them during Voyages and they helped his small fleet win victory after victory until the conquest was over. His tory might be repeating itself… and that means something truly is coming.
--------------------------------------------------------------
The Crownlands:
- In Driftmark, Aeron Waters has taken command of the Fleet of the Narrow Sea, as an Admiral under Lord Stannis and Lord Harlow. He refused to be granted a new surname, as he said. "I will live a Valryeon, or die as a Water." While the statement is fruitful, he has been defending the Coastline well. Even stopping many ships that wished to attack neutral westerosi Vessels.
- At Dragonstone, The Dragonmount is rumbling, and spewing lava. Many of the inhabitants and its stewards are evacuating the artifacts and the keep, to prevent them from being destroyed. This is the first eruption on the Island for almost 200 years, and even then, the last one was small, barely noticeable and the Lava that flowed was away from the City and Keep.
- In King's Landing, the Criminal Theater Troupe "Dancing Mad" Has staked their claim to territory outside the city, acting as highwaymen and bandits and thugs for whoever pays them.
From the City Watch: Your Grace, something is happening. But while my men are able to keep the Peace, the Dragon Knight has committed to a crusade, same with the Sea Dragon that acts as his squire. Quite strange… but we are afraid that things are about to get bloody.
From Lord Stannis: Waters is the finest sailor I have served with, save for Ser Davos. He is a fine admiral and has my full confidence. Better than Redwyne ever was anyhow.
-------------------------------------------------
The Stormlands:
- Stannis has a son. He named him Steffon, after his father.
- Shipbreaker bay has claimed another ship, but this time, the ship was not destroyed by the rocks. It was left intact on the beach. Whole, and once again, without a Crew… or passenger. This time, there was a letter, addressed to Lord Stannis. "Your Fury is a lie. For you are no Stag. You are a fire, that will consume all of Westeros."
- In Summerhall, the castle is said to be making noises. The ghosts of the Past are not done with the world yet. They keep on saying one name. Rhaegar.
From the Master of War: Davos Named the Boy. Couldn't think of one myself.
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The Reach:
- Riots are breaking out all over the city of Old Town, as Traditionalists, men who are sticking to the original mission of the Citidel, as neutral arbitrators of knowledge are clashing with their counterparts, the Learned Men, men who seek to use the new technology of the Printing Press to increase the output of the citadel, to educate Westeros, to bring wisdom and books to the world at large. The Archmaesters have refused to get involved, though Merwyn the Mage has joined the Learned Men.
- Samwell Tarly has been placed in protective custody by the House Hightower, to keep him safe from the traditionalists that are trying to kill him.
- In High Garden, Loras Tyrell has been attacked by a Shade, some say it is Renly's Armor come alive… others say someone stole the armor and is now using it to torment the young Knight of High Garden. Whatever it is, the shade has proven deadly with a sword, and more deadly with his mind games.
- The Faith has called for the inquisition to not listen to the lords of Westeros, to continue to hunt down the Heretics and the heathens. Meanwhile many Septons farther north, in the Crownlands, Riverlands, and the North, believe that the Faith has forgotten that they have lived beside the other faith, the Old Gods, for hundreds of years without incident, and for 300 years as brothers and allies under the Iron Throne. Many of the more outspoken Septons are not Septons but Brothers of the Faith, who have lived among their people, and never have been into a Sept.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Dorne:
- Prince Doran and his wife have been arguing, there is tension in the Dornish household, as the husband and wife are seen and have made it clear that they were working together, but not happy with the current state of affairs. Mellario wishes to come north to King's Landing. Doran just wishes to keep his family together as much as she can.
Elsewhere:
- Maester Aemon has revealed that he has discovered, or at least claims to have discovered, the final resting place of Commander Bloodraven. He says that he cross-referenced ranger reports and that of Bloodraven's final ranging. He believes that Dark Sister is with his corpse.
- In the East, There is talk of the Crusaders who destroyed the Dorthraki. That they have come back from the dead itself… to keep fighting for blood and coin, that they shun the night and crave the night. That Hell is on this earth. And Alesander claims that it is coming from the East. Hell, Monsters, and the worst of man, all trying to get to Valyria, and the Free cities themselves. Looking for Dragons.
- In Yi Ti, A Princess arrives back home. And she tells her father of the Dragon King of the West. How he refused her… and he humiliated her. That he would not save them from the monsters within. The Emperor then said. "We have ways to bring to us."
Well...mostly good news, but the bad ones are foreboding.
Also, we REALLY need to deal with the Faith, but that much is obvious.
Also, we REALLY need to deal with the Faith, but that much is obvious.
I really hope this doesn't end with the poor boy turning out like he did in the show...
This actually worries me the most right now. Who is doing this? And why?
Gumiho
Reach heaven through violence!
Melisandre, no doubt.
Tabascoheath
Unkempt, Evil-eyed Charlatan, and Pseudo-Mystic
- Location
- Your Nearest Orbital Habitat
[X]Plan: Queensguard, Assemble!!
Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
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- California USA
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Well don't worry about it…
It's much worse.
Well for one thing, they ain't human.
Or rather fully human.
No it's not.
Problem after problem, good thing we are viserys the great. Let me speculate a little. So I see a correlation between the drowned god vision and mystery message for stannis. Maester Aemon might meet uncle brynden again. Our mother in law is being a problem. Loras is being haunted, not sure by who. The awakening of the volcano and ghost Rhaegar could be connected.
Magoose
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Corerct, though one thing must be mentioned.
Stannis isn't receiving messages from the Red God.
Very likely not, as Aemon is 98, and will not travel north of the wall. Good thing he has underlings for that.
Or a solution to our Eastern Problems if we wish to use her, and make a deal with her.
Here is a hint:
It's not human. nor is it truly Renly's ghost and spirit.
All i shall say is this: While there aren't any monsters that are in native to Westeros south of the wall...
The Aztecs from the east are going to be bringing them over. So prepare for that.
...
Gumiho
Reach heaven through violence!
Oh dammit, its the fish people aint it.
Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
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- California USA
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nope.
However, local goths have decided to fight the Mannis for his son and daughter.
- Location
- leiden (NL)
[X]Plan: Queensguard, Assemble!!
The Burned Man are bold, saying the Vale is theirs by blood and fire, the royal family's words.
Could the Faith or the Old Gods help with Loras' supernatural haunter?
And I'm curious about Melario, how would she solve the eastern problems? With so many problems home, we might have to negotiate with her.
Could the Faith or the Old Gods help with Loras' supernatural haunter?
And I'm curious about Melario, how would she solve the eastern problems? With so many problems home, we might have to negotiate with her.
Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
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- California USA
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Well here is something that must be stated before things get weird.
Nettles, a dragon rider from the dance was never found after the war, same with her Dragon Sheeps Stealer.
And there were rumors for decades that Daemon the Rouge Prince survived the battle at the Gods Eye, being nursed back to health by the Green men.
Rumors that also said he went to the Vale.
No. Only Loras Himself can stop this haunting.
But that does not mean he has the tools to defeat it, mentally or physically.
As he may start gathering soon.
All I shall say is this: you promised Westeros peace.
Remember that.
The Littlest Titan
Magoose
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The Littlest Titan:
The Small Council was filled to the Brim it seemed and for the first time in many years, the council was overfilled. Lord Stannis and Eddard were next to each other, with Oberyn by you. Ser Barristian and Jaime were at the head of each table, and you looked at the two knights as equals. The only ones not at the table proper, and instead standing at attention, and avoiding the knights… were Lord Tyrell and Harlow, who were both very adamant that they not stand any longer than they needed.
For Lord Harlow, that was simple, you had planned for Ser Barristian to leave when the Kingsguard were going to be briefed with their new assignments for the next month or two, and to introduce the amazons that were the Queensguard. They were not all here yet, but soon they would be protecting Arianne with the same grace and skill she had herself.
Lord Tyrell, would have to stand for the entire meeting. If he wished to complain, you would remind him that he was late, and would suffer the consequences of tardiness.
Ahh, the first of many changes.
"Now Lord Oberyn, I trust that we were brought here for matters that are delicately important to the safety of the realm and that this meeting will require all of my councilors?" You asked.
"Yes." He replied. "It is about the former Master of Whispers, and Traitor to the Realm Peyter Balish."
That made everyone gasp, with Lord Tyrell being overtly dramatic at his gasp, and that was very annoying. But everyone else was shocked and confused at the same time. Balish was always it seems, a shadow that was only found by the greatest masters of the Shadows, like Prince Oberyn and yourself.
But the matter that knawed at you was that he was found at all, a high-ranking member of the new Sea Lord's inner circle. "I heard rumors that he had become Sealord?" Lord Harlow stated, that the question on everyone's mind was clear and present.
"That was out-thought as well, though it appears, that despite his nomination and election, he decided to not accept, and give the Sealord Positon to one Galio Floris." Oberyn stated
That name made you face palm. The brother of the man you robbed all those years ago. "What do we know about Floris?"
The Red Viper smiled. "A Good deal gave his public reputation and record. He's with a newer reform faction taking advantage of the changing winds in the West and East, He's a key holder in the Iron Bank and is a patron of the Moonsinger's religion." He stopped for a moment "Among other things his trade cartel has filled an imbalance within the east that even your consortium's struggled to find a niche."
Ahh, you still needed to adjust your cartel to the changing realities of Essos. Well in due time you will fly to your manse for a much-needed working vacation, not to mention, the Cheesemonger and others needed to be dealt with a much-needed personal touch. "What of Little fingers, position? We can hope that he chooses to remain public with his pursuits."
"He is the Master of Coin and Head of the Docks, as well as a private insurance company that is making loans and offers to highly prominent people in the Free City. He has even insured Volantian Army columns if the rumors are true."
Ahh, he was spreading his tendrils far and wide, if he hasn't done so before the matter. "What do we know about his cartel and company…I was a merchant for many years and never once heard of the man's exploits. Surely he couldn't have hidden his work from an entire class of people who work with money." You said.
Lord Tyrell was silent for but a moment before he said. "Lord Balish, before he was Master of Whispers… was tied to numerous enterprises across Westeros. In fact, many in the Capital, called him the second coming of Tywin Lannister. But there was a problem. It involved a shortage of financial backers. Every business he started had some success before falling out, the investors being left a fair bit lighter in the pocket but still financially solvent."
"And Littlefinger suspiciously richer than he started." You said.
"No all profits were reinvested into other enterprises at least two months after the failure…like clockwork as it were." He said.
"What's a clock?" Lord Eddard asked.
"New invention, a time-keeping device from the East. impractical, large, and utterly useless." Lord Tyrell. "Though more reliable than a candle."
Hmm, you'd need to invest in that, sounded useful. "Gentlemen please, now if we cannot track how Lord Pyter acquired and moved his funds to the extent that he was able to establish himself in Bravvos, then we move to the other matters, like what to do with that information?"
At that, the cue, Ser Barristian stood up. "I shall assemble the guard, and we shall investigate any ledgers he left behind."
Jaime also stood. "I'm sure Lord Arryn left something for us here that we can use?"
"Everyone else, continue your duties, and please, if you find something, tell me." You stated. "Now let's go about the rest of the meeting. Lord Stannis, you are talking about the New Navy Budget."
"Yes." Stannis stated with a very stony frown.
---------------------------------------
The hours passed…time faded away as you looked at your book, Bravvosi Banking and the Iron intricacies of the Iron Bank.
Bloody slog this fucking thing is. The words and thoughts in your mind were important.
If it seemed you were fighting the Bank itself, it was best to learn all of its functions, but alas it was only a minor explanation that failed to mention their use of faceless men as a financial bargaining tool.
Among other tools they used. You even checked the ledgers from the last several months, nothing out of the ordinary, just grain prices and internal shipments.
"Bahh, how does one hide an empire of this size?!" You said.
"Simple, not in the shadows, but plain sight." You froze as you dove out of your chair and drew your sword. "Because Power is a curious thing… you should know that better than anyone, draw into the shadows like you always have been."
"Show yourself!" You demanded, trying to recognize the voice from your memories.
"Oh, you will find that your guards and Kingsguard will not be able to hear you, as you sent them elsewhere so you may think and be alone." He stated as he walked out. The voice finally had a shape and a face.
It was Varys?! Lord Varys, Master of Whispers… The Spider. The man you thought you killed years ago, as he felt the wrath f your subverting and taking over the Spy network he spent decades fermenting and formulating. "Varys, how are you-"
"Alive? Truthfully, being an actor allowed me to play many parts, including one that involves dying." He stated with a small smirk. "Also, your choice in assassins was very poor. Only one of them actually wanted to kill me, and he did for a house."
"To be fair…your knives weren't any better at the sept." You responded remembering the last attempt in your life that was so close to succeeding. That wasn't Euron. A Battle… or involved Robert Baratheon.
"Good help is so difficult to find in this day in age your grace, the assassins that are out there in the world are hardly good, and the Facelessmen… well they are not the most trustworthy of the forces that can work. The Price they offer is always too steep…I still wonder how you motivate your spies in the east? I truly must know that secret." He said in a faux genuine questioning tone.
You shrugged. "Start with employment benefits. I also offer day jobs at my company for good wages. To keep them from having to worry about, other problems. The fact that these day jobs produce far better information than children, beggars or embedded spies and espionage is always helpful."
He nodded. "So you have beaten me in one matter of the craft, you inspire true loyalty…or at least the illusion of loyalty. But alas we are not here to reminisce."
"Why are you here Varys? And also, why was Illyrio mourning you when you were still alive? You asked.
"Well, for one thing, it was a wonderful role that he always wanted to play, the grieving friend that was offered one last job. Don't you think? He smiled as he sat down.
"And the accounts that I stole from him?" You asked. "He had to know I had them?"
"Of course, he knew, in fact, it was part of the Plan to get it to Aegon. Though considering what happened, it was rather well that it came to you?" He said.
You finally smiled. "Indeed…I have his name…and he had mine. It was best to leave without injuring future relations."
"Indeed…but this game has many players and you want to learn of Littlefinger?" He said.
"Why do you want him dealt with?" You asked.
"There are great threats in this world that threaten Westeros, but the deadliest one is always of the Traitors that seek destruction and power," he said as he looked out into the window. "And while my disgust for magic drives me to contain it… when Westeros is threatened, all matters seem small… don't you agree?"
"You speak of Westeros like it is your home? You are not from my Kingdom, you are from the east."
"That is true. But I choose to believe in the Iron Throne of Westeros for the possibility of it being the best possible provider for the future. Because after seeing what the East had to offer to take that role, I'd rather take my chances with the West."
"And what do you see in Westeros that the East does not provide?" You asked.
"Hope that man can be better than his demons. That they can be free and enslaved people. And above all else, perhaps change for the better." He said.
He then finally sat down, and for a moment you thought you saw his true age, one aged and wizened by pain and suffering. " May I tell you a story Viserys, about a man learning what true evil and danger are."
"What is it?" You sounded like a child, being told a scary story that may give them nightmares, but still carried on anyway.
"The Man I met so long ago was not a man, but an agent of something far darker than we could comprehend, he spoke of dark gods, terrible nightmares beyond comprehension, and he spoke of them with the same reverence of kings and great hero's…it was all that he could see beyond the old walls of Volintis's old city." He started. "I was young then, just trying to get to the West, to ply my Trade to your father. I made him laugh when I told him I was heading to Westeros. He said that the West was where men were broken, and men were killed in a Game of Thrones."
You saw the appeal. "He's right about that last part."
"Would you shut up your grace, and let me tell the story." He frowned, and you submitted to the continued storytelling.
"Before he sent me to the man who cut my balls off, he told me of Power, the Dark pit chaos that gives the illusion of control before swallowing us all, he claimed to have been within the doom of valyria and would go east to be named its emperor." He said.
"The Blood of the First Emperor Aurion flows through the veins of mine…the Last True Dragonlord of the East…the Last Valyrian." He continued. "He told me he would be the same man he was now when I was old and grey. And when I watched the Fires show me what was to come I SAW HIM SLAYING THE SEER OF THE WEIRWOOD in his throne and casting the west into darkness and death from which it would never end, a New Bloodstone Emperor…for a new Bloodstone Age."
You then frowned. "Aurion… that's impossible, the Doom killed him and all his army when he went to Claim Valyria and its secrets."
"The Doom did not kill you Viserys, what makes you think others could not survive?" He asked.
"Fair enough."
"I have tracked that man my entire life. And he's continuing East. some say he will go past Asshai… to the land that is not on any map." He stated. "He will come from the West, to destroy the West."
"You mentioned Aurion… is he the same man?"
"No. He is not the same man. A descendent of some sort, but he claimed to be born within the Doom, and he is not the sort of man to lie…meaning that he is a Child of the Valyrian survivors."
"There were survivors?" You asked.
"Your family survived by fleeing. And given Valyria's power and magic. It may have been possible for something to live or at least linger?" He said.
"Aerea…" You said.
"Your Grace?" He said confused for but a moment.
"Princess Aerea traveled on Balerion the Black Dread to Valyria, she died due to some kind of fire worm monster…Balerion died from injuries because of it. Now, what could survive the Doom and wound the largest dragon ever recorded?" You said.
"No beast I know of?" Varys said.
"What if it was not just a beast but someone who tamed them to hide something from the world." You hypothesized. "To find a secret…or to keep it away from so they are the only ones who control it."
Varys's eyes widened in fear. "By the Gods… Why are you telling me all this?"
"Because the Emperor, as he calls himself, wishes to destroy all that is left of Valyria that could threaten his rule. The Targaryens were the weakest of the Dragon Lords, and they conquered Westeros and created a nation. Tell me, does that sound like a threat that they can ignore?" You said.
"It is not…in fact I'd call it prudent, for your family survived the end of an age when they should have died… no one could have predicted the doom without the foresight of the Dreamer."
Foresight…It all came back to foresight…
"Let me ask you a question, how many ways could you know about the end of the world Lord Varys?" You asked.
"There is foresight, coincidence, luck, seeing the signs of the end or-" He said.
Discovery:D100 + 31 => 130 #Discovering the Truth
Then you finally looked through the Shatterpoint, not into the future or the present, but into the distant past. Every fault line that was there, cracking and breaking in the Earth led back to a single girl. A single choice.
A single decision.
In the end, you saw a man disgusted by what he saw. A Girl who was afraid.
And monster below, that could hardly be called human.
Everything clicked in your mind. A four-hundred-year-old mystery, silently solved. "They caused it." You whispered.
"What?" Varys asked.
"The Targaryen's caused the Doom of Valyria." You stated. "All to stop this man from taking over the Entire World."
Reward: Littlefinger has been discovered working in Bravvos as an upstanding member of the community and member of the government. He is fully entrenched in matters of the east and his network remains considerably entrenched in the West's economy.
It will take years to dislodge now…but you at least have a start.
Varys has returned, from the dead itself it seems, to warn you of great many dangers. And there is considerable… danger in the east.
The Emperor, as he is called is moving East, to the lands east of east… And West of West.
All Targaryan Members gain this Trait:
Forebears of the DOOM: It's not the End of the World, but you can see it from here. A Lifetime ago Targaryn's ended the world to save it, dooming an empire in the process, with the help of Lannister gold and a Stark looking to buy a Valyrian Steel Sword called Ice. YOU ARE THE DOOM'S ARCHITECT and its Master. (-100 relations with all Valyrians should the truth come out as your line caused the Doom of Valyria. +5 Willpower, +1 Intrigue)
AN:
Well, he's still going to gather the Aztecs, but that Emperor guy has a fucking Grudge.
The Small Council was filled to the Brim it seemed and for the first time in many years, the council was overfilled. Lord Stannis and Eddard were next to each other, with Oberyn by you. Ser Barristian and Jaime were at the head of each table, and you looked at the two knights as equals. The only ones not at the table proper, and instead standing at attention, and avoiding the knights… were Lord Tyrell and Harlow, who were both very adamant that they not stand any longer than they needed.
For Lord Harlow, that was simple, you had planned for Ser Barristian to leave when the Kingsguard were going to be briefed with their new assignments for the next month or two, and to introduce the amazons that were the Queensguard. They were not all here yet, but soon they would be protecting Arianne with the same grace and skill she had herself.
Lord Tyrell, would have to stand for the entire meeting. If he wished to complain, you would remind him that he was late, and would suffer the consequences of tardiness.
Ahh, the first of many changes.
"Now Lord Oberyn, I trust that we were brought here for matters that are delicately important to the safety of the realm and that this meeting will require all of my councilors?" You asked.
"Yes." He replied. "It is about the former Master of Whispers, and Traitor to the Realm Peyter Balish."
That made everyone gasp, with Lord Tyrell being overtly dramatic at his gasp, and that was very annoying. But everyone else was shocked and confused at the same time. Balish was always it seems, a shadow that was only found by the greatest masters of the Shadows, like Prince Oberyn and yourself.
But the matter that knawed at you was that he was found at all, a high-ranking member of the new Sea Lord's inner circle. "I heard rumors that he had become Sealord?" Lord Harlow stated, that the question on everyone's mind was clear and present.
"That was out-thought as well, though it appears, that despite his nomination and election, he decided to not accept, and give the Sealord Positon to one Galio Floris." Oberyn stated
That name made you face palm. The brother of the man you robbed all those years ago. "What do we know about Floris?"
The Red Viper smiled. "A Good deal gave his public reputation and record. He's with a newer reform faction taking advantage of the changing winds in the West and East, He's a key holder in the Iron Bank and is a patron of the Moonsinger's religion." He stopped for a moment "Among other things his trade cartel has filled an imbalance within the east that even your consortium's struggled to find a niche."
Ahh, you still needed to adjust your cartel to the changing realities of Essos. Well in due time you will fly to your manse for a much-needed working vacation, not to mention, the Cheesemonger and others needed to be dealt with a much-needed personal touch. "What of Little fingers, position? We can hope that he chooses to remain public with his pursuits."
"He is the Master of Coin and Head of the Docks, as well as a private insurance company that is making loans and offers to highly prominent people in the Free City. He has even insured Volantian Army columns if the rumors are true."
Ahh, he was spreading his tendrils far and wide, if he hasn't done so before the matter. "What do we know about his cartel and company…I was a merchant for many years and never once heard of the man's exploits. Surely he couldn't have hidden his work from an entire class of people who work with money." You said.
Lord Tyrell was silent for but a moment before he said. "Lord Balish, before he was Master of Whispers… was tied to numerous enterprises across Westeros. In fact, many in the Capital, called him the second coming of Tywin Lannister. But there was a problem. It involved a shortage of financial backers. Every business he started had some success before falling out, the investors being left a fair bit lighter in the pocket but still financially solvent."
"And Littlefinger suspiciously richer than he started." You said.
"No all profits were reinvested into other enterprises at least two months after the failure…like clockwork as it were." He said.
"What's a clock?" Lord Eddard asked.
"New invention, a time-keeping device from the East. impractical, large, and utterly useless." Lord Tyrell. "Though more reliable than a candle."
Hmm, you'd need to invest in that, sounded useful. "Gentlemen please, now if we cannot track how Lord Pyter acquired and moved his funds to the extent that he was able to establish himself in Bravvos, then we move to the other matters, like what to do with that information?"
At that, the cue, Ser Barristian stood up. "I shall assemble the guard, and we shall investigate any ledgers he left behind."
Jaime also stood. "I'm sure Lord Arryn left something for us here that we can use?"
"Everyone else, continue your duties, and please, if you find something, tell me." You stated. "Now let's go about the rest of the meeting. Lord Stannis, you are talking about the New Navy Budget."
"Yes." Stannis stated with a very stony frown.
---------------------------------------
The hours passed…time faded away as you looked at your book, Bravvosi Banking and the Iron intricacies of the Iron Bank.
Bloody slog this fucking thing is. The words and thoughts in your mind were important.
If it seemed you were fighting the Bank itself, it was best to learn all of its functions, but alas it was only a minor explanation that failed to mention their use of faceless men as a financial bargaining tool.
Among other tools they used. You even checked the ledgers from the last several months, nothing out of the ordinary, just grain prices and internal shipments.
"Bahh, how does one hide an empire of this size?!" You said.
"Simple, not in the shadows, but plain sight." You froze as you dove out of your chair and drew your sword. "Because Power is a curious thing… you should know that better than anyone, draw into the shadows like you always have been."
"Show yourself!" You demanded, trying to recognize the voice from your memories.
"Oh, you will find that your guards and Kingsguard will not be able to hear you, as you sent them elsewhere so you may think and be alone." He stated as he walked out. The voice finally had a shape and a face.
It was Varys?! Lord Varys, Master of Whispers… The Spider. The man you thought you killed years ago, as he felt the wrath f your subverting and taking over the Spy network he spent decades fermenting and formulating. "Varys, how are you-"
"Alive? Truthfully, being an actor allowed me to play many parts, including one that involves dying." He stated with a small smirk. "Also, your choice in assassins was very poor. Only one of them actually wanted to kill me, and he did for a house."
"To be fair…your knives weren't any better at the sept." You responded remembering the last attempt in your life that was so close to succeeding. That wasn't Euron. A Battle… or involved Robert Baratheon.
"Good help is so difficult to find in this day in age your grace, the assassins that are out there in the world are hardly good, and the Facelessmen… well they are not the most trustworthy of the forces that can work. The Price they offer is always too steep…I still wonder how you motivate your spies in the east? I truly must know that secret." He said in a faux genuine questioning tone.
You shrugged. "Start with employment benefits. I also offer day jobs at my company for good wages. To keep them from having to worry about, other problems. The fact that these day jobs produce far better information than children, beggars or embedded spies and espionage is always helpful."
He nodded. "So you have beaten me in one matter of the craft, you inspire true loyalty…or at least the illusion of loyalty. But alas we are not here to reminisce."
"Why are you here Varys? And also, why was Illyrio mourning you when you were still alive? You asked.
"Well, for one thing, it was a wonderful role that he always wanted to play, the grieving friend that was offered one last job. Don't you think? He smiled as he sat down.
"And the accounts that I stole from him?" You asked. "He had to know I had them?"
"Of course, he knew, in fact, it was part of the Plan to get it to Aegon. Though considering what happened, it was rather well that it came to you?" He said.
You finally smiled. "Indeed…I have his name…and he had mine. It was best to leave without injuring future relations."
"Indeed…but this game has many players and you want to learn of Littlefinger?" He said.
"Why do you want him dealt with?" You asked.
"There are great threats in this world that threaten Westeros, but the deadliest one is always of the Traitors that seek destruction and power," he said as he looked out into the window. "And while my disgust for magic drives me to contain it… when Westeros is threatened, all matters seem small… don't you agree?"
"You speak of Westeros like it is your home? You are not from my Kingdom, you are from the east."
"That is true. But I choose to believe in the Iron Throne of Westeros for the possibility of it being the best possible provider for the future. Because after seeing what the East had to offer to take that role, I'd rather take my chances with the West."
"And what do you see in Westeros that the East does not provide?" You asked.
"Hope that man can be better than his demons. That they can be free and enslaved people. And above all else, perhaps change for the better." He said.
He then finally sat down, and for a moment you thought you saw his true age, one aged and wizened by pain and suffering. " May I tell you a story Viserys, about a man learning what true evil and danger are."
"What is it?" You sounded like a child, being told a scary story that may give them nightmares, but still carried on anyway.
"The Man I met so long ago was not a man, but an agent of something far darker than we could comprehend, he spoke of dark gods, terrible nightmares beyond comprehension, and he spoke of them with the same reverence of kings and great hero's…it was all that he could see beyond the old walls of Volintis's old city." He started. "I was young then, just trying to get to the West, to ply my Trade to your father. I made him laugh when I told him I was heading to Westeros. He said that the West was where men were broken, and men were killed in a Game of Thrones."
You saw the appeal. "He's right about that last part."
"Would you shut up your grace, and let me tell the story." He frowned, and you submitted to the continued storytelling.
"Before he sent me to the man who cut my balls off, he told me of Power, the Dark pit chaos that gives the illusion of control before swallowing us all, he claimed to have been within the doom of valyria and would go east to be named its emperor." He said.
"The Blood of the First Emperor Aurion flows through the veins of mine…the Last True Dragonlord of the East…the Last Valyrian." He continued. "He told me he would be the same man he was now when I was old and grey. And when I watched the Fires show me what was to come I SAW HIM SLAYING THE SEER OF THE WEIRWOOD in his throne and casting the west into darkness and death from which it would never end, a New Bloodstone Emperor…for a new Bloodstone Age."
You then frowned. "Aurion… that's impossible, the Doom killed him and all his army when he went to Claim Valyria and its secrets."
"The Doom did not kill you Viserys, what makes you think others could not survive?" He asked.
"Fair enough."
"I have tracked that man my entire life. And he's continuing East. some say he will go past Asshai… to the land that is not on any map." He stated. "He will come from the West, to destroy the West."
"You mentioned Aurion… is he the same man?"
"No. He is not the same man. A descendent of some sort, but he claimed to be born within the Doom, and he is not the sort of man to lie…meaning that he is a Child of the Valyrian survivors."
"There were survivors?" You asked.
"Your family survived by fleeing. And given Valyria's power and magic. It may have been possible for something to live or at least linger?" He said.
"Aerea…" You said.
"Your Grace?" He said confused for but a moment.
"Princess Aerea traveled on Balerion the Black Dread to Valyria, she died due to some kind of fire worm monster…Balerion died from injuries because of it. Now, what could survive the Doom and wound the largest dragon ever recorded?" You said.
"No beast I know of?" Varys said.
"What if it was not just a beast but someone who tamed them to hide something from the world." You hypothesized. "To find a secret…or to keep it away from so they are the only ones who control it."
Varys's eyes widened in fear. "By the Gods… Why are you telling me all this?"
"Because the Emperor, as he calls himself, wishes to destroy all that is left of Valyria that could threaten his rule. The Targaryens were the weakest of the Dragon Lords, and they conquered Westeros and created a nation. Tell me, does that sound like a threat that they can ignore?" You said.
"It is not…in fact I'd call it prudent, for your family survived the end of an age when they should have died… no one could have predicted the doom without the foresight of the Dreamer."
Foresight…It all came back to foresight…
"Let me ask you a question, how many ways could you know about the end of the world Lord Varys?" You asked.
"There is foresight, coincidence, luck, seeing the signs of the end or-" He said.
Discovery:D100 + 31 => 130 #Discovering the Truth
Then you finally looked through the Shatterpoint, not into the future or the present, but into the distant past. Every fault line that was there, cracking and breaking in the Earth led back to a single girl. A single choice.
A single decision.
In the end, you saw a man disgusted by what he saw. A Girl who was afraid.
And monster below, that could hardly be called human.
Everything clicked in your mind. A four-hundred-year-old mystery, silently solved. "They caused it." You whispered.
"What?" Varys asked.
"The Targaryen's caused the Doom of Valyria." You stated. "All to stop this man from taking over the Entire World."
Reward: Littlefinger has been discovered working in Bravvos as an upstanding member of the community and member of the government. He is fully entrenched in matters of the east and his network remains considerably entrenched in the West's economy.
It will take years to dislodge now…but you at least have a start.
Varys has returned, from the dead itself it seems, to warn you of great many dangers. And there is considerable… danger in the east.
The Emperor, as he is called is moving East, to the lands east of east… And West of West.
All Targaryan Members gain this Trait:
Forebears of the DOOM: It's not the End of the World, but you can see it from here. A Lifetime ago Targaryn's ended the world to save it, dooming an empire in the process, with the help of Lannister gold and a Stark looking to buy a Valyrian Steel Sword called Ice. YOU ARE THE DOOM'S ARCHITECT and its Master. (-100 relations with all Valyrians should the truth come out as your line caused the Doom of Valyria. +5 Willpower, +1 Intrigue)
AN:
Well, he's still going to gather the Aztecs, but that Emperor guy has a fucking Grudge.
- Location
- California,USA
I mean....it makes sense if you think about it.
They had much to gain from it...
And then their's the DnD Big bad evil guy...can't get more obvious then that.
Tabascoheath
Unkempt, Evil-eyed Charlatan, and Pseudo-Mystic
- Location
- Your Nearest Orbital Habitat
Holy fuck, now ain't that a twist.
The spider returned is a profitable(?) thing, we can use him in some capacity or other. But the big thing is our brand new secret, the dragonlord runts murder the single largest empire on the planet and demote the world to low fantasy bordering on historical fantasy, and now some asshole is here to avenge the old empire upon the west. I think we might have to pull out something a bit bigger than a few knives.
The spider returned is a profitable(?) thing, we can use him in some capacity or other. But the big thing is our brand new secret, the dragonlord runts murder the single largest empire on the planet and demote the world to low fantasy bordering on historical fantasy, and now some asshole is here to avenge the old empire upon the west. I think we might have to pull out something a bit bigger than a few knives.
Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
Well... Lets be honest here. You chose the Apocolypse where the Aztecs were coming west.
And it seems, that someone really wants to bring them West, besides.
It took me several months to come up with that one. It's why I didn't update the quest for that long.
I just didn't know how to properly put it.
Making it part of the lets kill littlefinger agenda... just made it make sense.
Turns out, the Spider is in fact, better then us. for now at least.
But the fact we got the drop on him at all shows how good we are.
Not just restoring the Empire. That shit is far to small for this immortal.
He wants to use its magics, and the Aztecs who have magic bullshit... to conquer and take over the whole world.
Well, We have all of Westeros at our disposal. Perhaps we can come up with something.
Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
Oh and thanks to your actions, you are slowly turning this low fantasy world, back into a high fantasy setting.
it may take generation, but this is the turning point.
Considering the Alternative was a powerful evil Bastard taking over the World...
At least they had better reasons then just wanting Power.
So the spider is on our side, well the enemy of my enemy and all that. So the targaryens causing the doom was something I didn't see coming. I was expecting they fled to escape the emperor guy from his sith ritual or that the emperor was somehow also a targaryen considering we now have several secret targs running around. Speaking of which, are the blackfyres still around? Is Varys a blackfyre? Or is that plot hook your holding in reserve?
Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
The Targaryens, until Aegon really only cared about making sure the dragons are long-lived, and healthy, and making sure the family remained alive. There is also the truly pretty much greatest reason why they weren't dicks to everyone.
The family basically was not interested in power. They were DND protagonists that just wanted to adventure, not to rule... They just wanted to survive the bullshit that was the Century of Blood intact.
Fuck no.
There is a single Blackfyre running around.
As for the Emperor. He is not something that is very good.
For the world, and for us.
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Well we already have Jon and jester running around and the possible blackfyre made me think secret targaryen everywhere. Though I have to ask what does typhon have to do with all this. I thought typhon cause the doom, unless the ritual that emperor guy did just pissed it off.