The Dragon Has Three Heads - ASOIAF Quest

[Lunasmeow]

Voting Tutorial
Condensed and Updated
Please Read & Follow
#StickiedForAReason
Votes that do not follow the template will not be counted!​

Spoiler: Write-in Vote Guide

At this time I am using a counter system, listing the number of days votes take to be put into action. However for write-in votes you don't know how many days an action may take. For this we will use the old system of Major/Minor Decisions, and I will tell you how many days/weeks/months the plan will take. Remember that every month has 28 days, and that there are 13 months in the year with New Years as a special day alone outside the months. There is no leap year, as their calendar is not accurate to that degree.

Spoiler: Major Decisions

Major decisions are any new endeavors. Finding new investments. Finding new allies (specify what type, where you're looking if possible, what you want from them, etc) finding new trainers, starting new training even if it is with people you already know... Anything new.

No mixing something that would qualify as a minor decision or free action into your major votes! If you have a question about your votes, ask me.

Spoiler: Minor Decisions

Talking with specific people about specific subjects. You can generally only talk with one person at a time with this. There are simple logical exceptions, Husband & Wife combos can be put together as one conversation, brother & sister, stuff like that. I'll clarify if a combo is unacceptable when I see the vote. This is also for continuing any long term action. Any major decision that you have already voted to start (not just mused about in-story) can be a minor action the next time around. Continuing training that you have already begun for example. Continuing a long-term investigation or plot. Stuff like this.

Spoiler: Free Actions

Making small talk with characters. You will not learn anything special really, but it gives you more insight into their backgrounds and history, can raise/lower their loyalty or other relationship points with you, etc. Raising/lowering and how much depends on rolls.

Spoiler: Immediate Actions

These can interrupt any current action(s) and will take precedence over the current plan. A way to change things on the fly as you discover new information or alternate ways to potentially enhance your plan, or change it completely if needed.

Spoiler: Party Members

Remember for all votes if you take a guard or other individual with you, you will need to write-in which guard/person you take with you (just saying take a guard or ally will leave the decision of which one up to me) and also whether Daenerys tries to use any future knowledge on the decision as well if it is one of hers or she is present. (She still may decide to try and use her future knowledge without your consent if she thinks it necessary.) These details are sub-votes.

Spoiler: Plan Votes

[] [Plan] X (Current Month, Short Term, Long Term, Immediate Actions, Purchases, etc.)
-[] Major Decisions: Character name here
--[] Major Decision 1
---[] Sub-conditions of Major Decision 1
---[] Sub-conditions of Major Decision 1
--[] Major Decision 2
---[] Sub-conditions of Major Decision 2
---[] Sub-conditions of Major Decision 2
-[] Minor Decisions: Character name here
--[] Minor Decision 1
---[] Sub-conditions of Minor Decision 1
---[] Sub-conditions of Minor Decision 1
--[] Minor Decision 2
-[] Free Actions: Character name here
--[] Free Action 1
---[] Sub-conditions
--[] Free Action 2
---[] Sub-conditions

You get the jist of this.

However, under the plan vote, you will then put a "Priority" Vote.

[] Aegon Priority: 1. Major Decision 1, 2. Free Action 2, 3. Minor Decision 1, 4. Major Decision 2, etc.
[] Daenerys Priority: 1. Free Action 2, 2. Major Decision 3, 3. Minor Decision 1, etc.

This way we can vote on the general plan, then I can separate the order of events in said plan.

Don't put V1, V2, or any other such revision information into your plan. Just leave it like I have it. Nothing extra. The tally system will update to your newest post. No need to make version markers. It just makes things harder for me.

If an action in a plan is not one for a specific character, more a general idea of what needs to be done, it will still need to go into the priority matrix.

Spoiler: Reasoning For Votes

At the end of all your votes, put your reasons explaining your vote choice. As I've said before, a plan with reasons will get more weight than one without. Because reasons matter. I care about reasons more than numbers. I need reasons to help build the characters. Get used to putting reasons into your plans, as eventually reasons will become a requirement rather than a suggestion. This post will change when that occurs.

Spoiler: Following Another Person's Plan

[] [Plan] X

You may (but are not required to) put additional reasons to agree with that plan beneath your vote if there are reasons for it that the original vote creator didn't put in that you thought of. The more/better the reasoning inside explaining a vote, the greater the chance it will be added into the story.

Spoiler: Vote Closings and Tiebreakers

Votes are typically closed after either 12 or 24 hours unless real life interferes. Ties will be either decided by me, or by whoever is in the forum or the Discord that has not voted already at the time. I will @ whoever is currently in the forum or Discord that I choose to be the tiebreaker.

Plans have specific timelines. Immediate Actions are obviously immediate. Current Month is similarly self-explanatory. Short Term is something that can conceivably be done within 1-3 months, and Long Term is 3-6 months.

 

[Lunasmeow]

Ok, one thing found:

Master of Renewal (Declining):
Assists with reconstruction efforts after disasters such as war, famine, drought, depression, etc.
---
Maybe give them the responsibility of maintaining roads, buildings (common and historic), etc. Otherwise they don't have work during times of prosperity.

Click to shrink...

Eh, seem to fit Master of Buildings (Remaining) more. Even in times of prosperity though, there are people whose businesses fail, homes that get foreclosed, etc. He could handle that stuff? People who lose their property to the state?

 

[OnlineArmadillo]

Eh, seem to fit Master of Buildings (Remaining) more. Even in times of prosperity though, there are people whose businesses fail, homes that get foreclosed, etc. He could handle that stuff? People who lose their property to the state?

Click to shrink...

Makes sense, but then he's saddled with being that guy who repossesses things from struggling citizens... Not a happy job. Could tack on something like charity work or some such. Give them something uplifting as well.

 

[Lunasmeow]

Makes sense, but then he's saddled with being that guy who repossesses things from struggling citizens... Not a happy job. Could tack on something like charity work or some such. Give them something uplifting as well.

Click to shrink...

I mean, sure it's not a happy job, but that's kinda what foreclosure people do. It's all they do. Non-happy jobs exist, but someone has to do them. He can always do charity on his own time. If there's on thing I learned from the AF, it's that being forced to do charity work makes you not want to. I used to do charity stuff on my own. When I had to in order to get a good performance rating? I hated it. Now I do exactly as much as I must and no more. Because I hate being forced to do it. And so do all my troops honestly. They do anything to avoid it.

 

[Isaacssv558]

To expand on the purpose of each grouping:
Groupings are meant to collaborate closely. Military operations require the Three to work in tandem while the Master of Renewal will work closely with the Masters of Coin and Buildings as well as occasionally the Masters of Conquest and Death.

The Five:
They are meant to collaborate on management of the realm itself. Everything from the treasury to fortifications are handled by this group.

The Three:
They are meant to collaborate on management of the military. While the Royal Family has supreme command of the military, they exert that command with the assistance of The Three.

The Two:
They are meant to manage the the inhabitants of the realm. The Five handle the economy, Two Two handle the people and beast that run it.

The One: (Probably that 400 year old Valyrian woman.)
She is meant to handle the supernatural. This includes not just Sorcery and the Eldritch, but the Gods as well.

The One Above:
He is meant to supervise the Small Council as a whole. In particular, he helps manage cross group collaboration. Second only to the Royal Family in power.

The Zero:
He is meant to carry out actions so heinous as to deny him his very name. It is every Rulers wish that this position remains unfilled in Truth. I'm not sure exactly what would require his actions rather than the Master of Death, but something crazy like summoning Hastur to mutual kill the White Walkers.

The Undefined:
They are meant to ensure the Royal Family knows things others do not. They is meant to mysterious. However, unlike The Zero, they are not meant to be nonexistent. Could even be multiple people filling one position.

Ok, one thing found:

Master of Renewal (Declining):
Assists with reconstruction efforts after disasters such as war, famine, drought, depression, etc.
---
Maybe give them the responsibility of maintaining roads, buildings (common and historic), etc. Otherwise they don't have work during times of prosperity.

Click to shrink...

That would fall under the domain of the Master of Buildings, who is themed around remaining. However, I don't think its a huge problem. Even during times of prosperity, there is likely to be a region or city in trouble. It is the Master of Renewal's job to reverse these declines before they progress. For example, if excellent harvests led to a population boom he would have to fix the overwhelmed sanitation systems or if a hurricane hit the Stepstones he would lead the reconstruction efforts.

Also, the repossession stuff lunas mentioned.

I am in love with this. The Royal Guard are the head of the family's protection. The best nine are split among the King, the Queen, and the Heir. Any other royal family members have other members of the Royal Guard (no longer a Kingsguard or Queensguard - maybe those names can be used for the 3 specifically for them? This would necessitate the name Princeguard or Princessguard depending on the gender of the current heir) but they are not the "best of the best".

Click to shrink...

The trios are also meant to be further split to suit personal need. An Heir might leave one with spouse, a King might take 6 when riding to war, a Queen might assign one to guard her dragon while she meets with the Small Council, etc.

 

[godofsmallthings]

Maybe it's just me but I think that's too many Masters.

If we are keeping them all then we should kick half of them out of the Small Council. There's no need to have that many Small Council members.

Like half of these people can just be subordinates to the other half.

 

[Lunasmeow]

To expand on the purpose of each grouping:
Groupings are meant to collaborate closely. Military operations require the Three to work in tandem while the Master of Renewal will work closely with the Masters of Coin and Buildings as well as occasionally the Masters of Conquest and Death.

The Five:
They are meant to collaborate on management of the realm itself. Everything from the treasury to fortifications are handled by this group.

The Three:
They are meant to collaborate on management of the military. While the Royal Family has supreme command of the military, they exert that command with the assistance of The Three.

The Two:
They are meant to manage the the inhabitants of the realm. The Five handle the economy, Two Two handle the people and beast that run it.

The One: (Probably that 400 year old Valyrian woman.)
She is meant to handle the supernatural. This includes not just Sorcery and the Eldritch, but the Gods as well.

The One Above:
He is meant to supervise the Small Council as a whole. In particular, he helps manage cross group collaboration. Second only to the Royal Family in power.

The Zero:
He is meant to carry out actions so heinous as to deny him his very name. It is every Rulers wish that this position remains unfilled in Truth. I'm not sure exactly what would require his actions rather than the Master of Death, but something crazy like summoning Hastur to mutual kill the White Walkers.

The Undefined:
They are meant to ensure the Royal Family knows things others do not. They is meant to mysterious. However, unlike The Zero, they are not meant to be nonexistent. Could even be multiple people filling one position.


That would fall under the domain of the Master of Buildings, who is themed around remaining. However, I don't think its a huge problem. Even during times of prosperity, there is likely to be a region or city in trouble. It is the Master of Renewal's job to reverse these declines before they progress. For example, if excellent harvests led to a population boom he would have to fix the overwhelmed sanitation systems or if a hurricane hit the Stepstones he would lead the reconstruction efforts.

Also, the repossession stuff lunas mentioned.


The trios are also meant to be further split to suit personal need. An Heir might leave one with spouse, a King might take 6 when riding to war, a Queen might assign one to guard her dragon while she meets with the Small Council, etc.

Click to shrink...

Yeah, I'm really liking this. This is happening. Figure out who sits where everyone. Also, "The Bloodguard" are for those who are also "of the blood" but aren't King, Queen, or Heir. So they are collectively the Royal Guard, with sub-titles depending on who they guard personally. Someone who just guards the palace might be a Royal Guard, but isn't a Bloodguard. Whoever guards Viserys would be Bloodguard (after you and Dany have children, Princeguard before) and his kids would also have Bloodguard.

 

[Lunasmeow]

Maybe it's just me but I think that's too many Masters.

If we are keeping them all then we should kick half of them out of the Small Council. There's no need to have that many Small Council members.

Like half of these people can just be subordinates to the other half.

Click to shrink...

Maybe have them all be in "The Council" like a president's cabinet, but only the most important for the normal day to day management being in the "Small Council". You normally only need to deal with these directly, but in major situations you might call the full council in to discuss things.

So while the heads of the military are on the council, unless you are currently at war, they don't sit in on "small council" meetings for example, instead just submitting general reports.

 

[Lunasmeow]

Also, @Isaacssv558, you get a 20 for this shit.

 

[OnlineArmadillo]

@Isaacssv558 Care to donate to the Grace pool?

I already sent out a mass collection post but thought I'd ask anyway

 

[Isaacssv558]

Maybe have them all be in "The Council" like a president's cabinet, but only the most important for the normal day to day management being in the "Small Council". You normally only need to deal with these directly, but in major situations you might call the full council in to discuss things.

So while the heads of the military are on the council, unless you are currently at war, they don't sit in on "small council" meetings for example, instead just submitting general reports.

Click to shrink...

I was thinking that each grouping could be assembled separately and The Hand would help with coordination. The Treasury running low? Assemble The Five and The One Above. Military crisis? Assemble the Three. Tornado season came early? Meet with the Master of Renewal.

Maybe it's just me but I think that's too many Masters.

If we are keeping them all then we should kick half of them out of the Small Council. There's no need to have that many Small Council members.

Like half of these people can just be subordinates to the other half.

Click to shrink...

Not every member of the Council needs to be busy all the time and there is a benefit to specialization. Also, each member can be blessed by the god most suited for their role.

@Isaacssv558 Care to donate to the Grace pool?

I already sent out a mass collection post but thought I'd ask anyway

Click to shrink...

Pretty sure I was already tagged in the mass collection.

 

[OnlineArmadillo]

I was thinking that each grouping could be assembled separately and The Hand would help with coordination. The Treasury running low? Assemble The Five and The One Above. Military crisis? Assemble the Three. Tornado season came early? Meet with the Master of Renewal.

Not every member of the Council needs to be busy all the time and there is a benefit to specialization. Also, each member can be blessed by the god most suited for their role.

Pretty sure I was already tagged in the mass collection.

Click to shrink...

Yep, but I said I'd post whenever someone got a 20. I'm also rethinking that policy. Thoughts?

 

[Lunasmeow]

I was thinking that each grouping could be assembled separately and The Hand would help with coordination. The Treasury running low? Assemble The Five and The One Above. Military crisis? Assemble the Three. Tornado season came early? Meet with the Master of Renewal.

Not every member of the Council needs to be busy all the time and there is a benefit to specialization. Also, each member can be blessed by the god most suited for their role.

Pretty sure I was already tagged in the mass collection.

Click to shrink...

Any kind of mix can work, as long as it isn't all of them all the time. I leave it to you all to hash out the details. As for the mass collection, you need to say every time you want to donate and how much to which pools. I'm not gonna remember every person's chosen pool to donate to even if they say "always give mine to X". Too much other stuff to do.

 

[OnlineArmadillo]

To expand on the purpose of each grouping:
Groupings are meant to collaborate closely. Military operations require the Three to work in tandem while the Master of Renewal will work closely with the Masters of Coin and Buildings as well as occasionally the Masters of Conquest and Death.

The Five:
They are meant to collaborate on management of the realm itself. Everything from the treasury to fortifications are handled by this group.

The Three:
They are meant to collaborate on management of the military. While the Royal Family has supreme command of the military, they exert that command with the assistance of The Three.

The Two:
They are meant to manage the the inhabitants of the realm. The Five handle the economy, Two Two handle the people and beast that run it.

The One: (Probably that 400 year old Valyrian woman.)
She is meant to handle the supernatural. This includes not just Sorcery and the Eldritch, but the Gods as well.

The One Above:
He is meant to supervise the Small Council as a whole. In particular, he helps manage cross group collaboration. Second only to the Royal Family in power.

The Zero:
He is meant to carry out actions so heinous as to deny him his very name. It is every Rulers wish that this position remains unfilled in Truth. I'm not sure exactly what would require his actions rather than the Master of Death, but something crazy like summoning Hastur to mutual kill the White Walkers.

The Undefined:
They are meant to ensure the Royal Family knows things others do not. They is meant to mysterious. However, unlike The Zero, they are not meant to be nonexistent. Could even be multiple people filling one position.


That would fall under the domain of the Master of Buildings, who is themed around remaining. However, I don't think its a huge problem. Even during times of prosperity, there is likely to be a region or city in trouble. It is the Master of Renewal's job to reverse these declines before they progress. For example, if excellent harvests led to a population boom he would have to fix the overwhelmed sanitation systems or if a hurricane hit the Stepstones he would lead the reconstruction efforts.

Also, the repossession stuff lunas mentioned.


The trios are also meant to be further split to suit personal need. An Heir might leave one with spouse, a King might take 6 when riding to war, a Queen might assign one to guard her dragon while she meets with the Small Council, etc.

Click to shrink...

Also, @Isaacssv558, you get a 20 for this shit.

Click to shrink...

You should compile a final draft that Luna can threadmark. It's really very good.

 

[Isaacssv558]

Added the below to my council plan:
Also, everyone should be blessed by the relevant god where possible. We can't ensure blessed of Urrax and Tesserion, but if we get any we should consider giving them the relevant positions. We'll have to restrict council membership to those of Valyrian blood if we want them all to have blessings, but we're in Volantis so it shouldn't be a big deal. In fact, I bet the Old Blood will love that policy. In addition, we may get some sort of bonus from the religious aspect of the themeing.

@Lunasmeow Can we get some sort of bonus for having blessed of each god in the positions? Maybe boost the potency of the council members' blessings?

Yep, but I said I'd post whenever someone got a 20. I'm also rethinking that policy. Thoughts?

Click to shrink...

I'd leave it to just the mass collection. Doing otherwise is more work for both parties for very little gain.

 

[Lunasmeow]

Added the below to my council plan:
Also, everyone should be blessed by the relevant god where possible. We can't ensure blessed of Urrax and Tesserion, but if we get any we should consider giving them the relevant positions. We'll have to restrict council membership to those of Valyrian blood if we want them all to have blessings, but we're in Volantis so it shouldn't be a big deal. In fact, I bet the Old Blood will love that policy. In addition, we may get some sort of bonus from the religious aspect of the themeing.

@Lunasmeow Can we get some sort of bonus for having blessed of each god in the positions? Maybe boost the potency of the council members' blessings?



I'd leave it to just the mass collection. Doing otherwise is more work for both parties for very little gain.

Click to shrink...

You can try to get the council blessed above the "normal" blessing for your followers IC. We'll see what happens then.

If anything though, it will only happen if and when you actually have lands to rule, not when they're just a figurehead for what is to come.

 

[Isaacssv558]

Dragonguard (9 members):
The Dragonguard are the elite heads of the Royal Guard. They are nine in number, three for each head of the Targaryen Dragon. Their Sigil is a 9 headed Hydra. Each commands a contingent of Guardsmen, the most trusted of whom form the Bloodguard entrusted with the protection of all Dragonlords. They are assisted in their commands by their appointed successors, who serve as vice-commander and apprentice. Their duty is the protection of the Royal Family from blade and poison overt or hidden. Those Dragonlords within their number are granted a dragon as their steed.

The personal guard of the Royal Family may have special titles such as Kingsguard, Queensguard, Princesguard, or Princessesguard. However, these titles are ceremonial only and convey no special authority beyond their status as Bloodguard.

Council:
The council assist the Royal Family with all aspects of their rule. All command their respective organizations and subordinates with the aid of their chosen successor. Each councilor is dedicated to one of the 14 flames and assumes duties appropriate to their patron. All councilors save those of Urrax and Tessarion must have the blessing of the appropriate deity. As such, all councilors must be of Valyrian blood and faith. Exceptions to the blood requirement may occur only for the Masters of None and Secrets. If a councilor should commit a transgression that results in loss of his blessing he shall immediately be stripped of rank and title.

OOC: When we achieve a proper country and rekindle the Valyrian faith we will attempt to sanctify the Council, boosting the blessings of the councilors. Ideally we will perform a similar ceremony for our throne. I propose reforging the broken swords of the Iron Throne into a Valyrian steel Dragon Throne along with whatever sacrifices our gods desire. Maybe we can quench it in the blood of the High Septon or something.

Full council meetings can be rare as once a month. However, it is common for groups of councilors to hold council as needed. The Hand is expected to handle the coordination of the other councilors in accordance with royal decree.

The Five: (The Realm)
They are meant to collaborate on management of the realm itself. Everything from the treasury to fortifications are handled by this group.

Master of Conquest (Becoming/Balerion):
In charge of foreign military expeditions and newly conquered areas. Does not directly command troops but instead handles logistics and integration. Carries out the initial establishment of royal institutions in conquered areas before turning them over to his colleagues.

Master of Coin (Increasing/Syrax):
Handles the treasury. Responsible for investment and payment of debts.

Master of Buildings (Remaining/Meraxes):
Handles infrastructure and construction projects. Maintains roads, fortresses, shipyards, etc.

Master of Renewal (Declining/Caraxes):
Assists with reconstruction efforts after disasters such as war, famine, drought, depression, etc. Handles foreclosures, bankruptcy, and debt collection. His purpose is not to prevent decline (that would be the Master of Buildings) but to turn decline into renewal.

Master of Death (Ending/Morghul):
Destroys that which cannot be suffered to live. Duties include slaying any with unauthorized knowledge of the Eldritch, assassination, preventing a plague by killing infected, reenacting the Mongol's destruction of Babylon, etc.

The Three: (The Military)
They are meant to collaborate on management of the military. While the Royal Family has supreme command of the military, they exert that command with the assistance of The Three.

Master of Sky (Weather and the Sky/Tyraxes):
Head of the Air Force. Handles dragons and other fliers. All deployments require the assistance of the Master of Stone or the Master of Sea to minimize risk to the dragons. Prevents non-dragonlords from obtaining dragons.

Master of Stone (Earth and Stone/Vermax):
Head of the Army. Handles the infantry and cavalry. Prevents banditry.

Master of Sea (Sea and Shore/Vermithor):
Head of the Navy. Handles the ships and marines. Prevents piracy.

The Two: (The Living)
They are meant to manage the the inhabitants of the realm. The Five handle the economy, Two Two handle the people and beast that run it.

Master of Laws (Hearts and Minds of Men/Meleys):
Head of the judiciary. Also responsible for propaganda. She is expected to supervise the ways of the people.

Master of Beasts (Birds and Beasts/Vhagar):
Handles livestock and wildlife. Prevents epidemics. Protects livestock and peasants from predators. Maintains the royal hunting grounds.

The One: (The Mystical)
She is meant to handle the supernatural. This includes not just Sorcery and the Eldritch, but the Gods as well.

Master of Mystery (What Was And May Be, Yet Is Not/Shrykos):
Handles mystical matters. Sorcerous rituals and divination form part of her duties. She is also expected to combat the Eldritch in cooperation with the Master of Death and to prevent interference by foreign deities.

The One Above: (The Head)
He is meant to supervise the Small Council as a whole. In particular, he helps manage cross group collaboration. Second only to the Royal Family in power.

Hand of The Emperor (Light and the Sun/Urrax):
Head of the council. Handles coordination between other councilors to carry out royal commands. Executes the will of the Ruler.

The Zero: (The Rogue)
He is meant to carry out actions so heinous as to deny him his very name. It is every Ruler's wish that this position remains unfilled in truth.

Master of Betrayal (Ice, Cold, and Night/He-Who-Was-Once-Serwyn):
A position that will always remain officially empty. Handles matters which require plausible deniability. Only a traitor may hold this position.

The Undefined: (The Secrets)
They are meant to ensure the Royal Family knows things others do not. They is meant to mysterious. However, unlike The Zero, they are not meant to be nonexistent. Could even be multiple people filling one position.

Master of Secrets (Secrets/Tessarion):
Head of the intelligence network. Does not handle assassinations, but does handle all forms of knowledge acquisition including scholarly research and espionage.

 

[Lunasmeow]

The Royal Guard

Click to shrink...

Gonna edit this just a bit. Edits are italicized.

---

Dragonguard (9 members):
The Dragonguard are the elite heads of the Royal Guard. They are nine in number, three for each head of the Targaryen Dragon. Their Sigil is a 9 headed Hydra. Each commands a contingent of Guardsmen, the most trusted of whom form the Bloodguard entrusted with the protection of all Dragonlords. They are assisted in their commands by their appointed successors, who serve as vice-commander and apprentice. Their duty is the protection of the Royal Family from blade and poison overt or hidden. Those Dragonlords within their number are granted a dragon as their steed.

The personal guard of the Royal Family may have special titles such as Kingsguard, Queensguard, Princesguard, or Princessesguard. However, these titles are ceremonial and generally conveys no special authority beyond their status as Bloodguard. However if a member of any of these special "sub-groups" sees a danger to their personal charge, they may immediately assume command of any and all normal Royal Guard members, up to and including other members of the Bloodguard, in order to safeguard the King, the Queen, or Heir. Once the threat is dealt with, the members are released back to their normal duties. Abuse of this privilege results in severe penalties.

Council:
The council assists the Royal Family with all aspects of their rule. All command their respective organizations and subordinates with the aid of their chosen successor. Each councilor is dedicated to one of the 14 flames and assumes duties appropriate to their patron. All councilors save those of Urrax, Serwyn-that-was and The Nameless One (Tessarion as known only to Dragonlords, his Chosen, the High Priest and their apprentice.) must have the blessing of the appropriate deity. As such, all councilors must be of Valyrian blood and faith, or be one who has been accepted and blessed by the gods despite not being Valyrian born. Exceptions to this requirement may occur only for the Masters of None and Secrets. If a councilor should commit a transgression that results in loss of his blessing he shall immediately be stripped of rank and title.

OOC: When we achieve a proper country and rekindle the Valyrian faith we will attempt to sanctify the Council, boosting the blessings of the councilors. Ideally we will perform a similar ceremony for our throne. I propose reforging the broken swords of the Iron Throne into a Valyrian steel Dragon Throne along with whatever sacrifices our gods desire. Maybe we can quench it in the blood of the High Septon or something. (I personally like this idea of using the High Septon as a sacrifice. I wish you luck in pulling it off. You might get something special for it!)

Full council meetings can be as rare as once a month. However, it is common for groups of councilors to hold council as needed. The Hand is expected to handle the coordination of the other councilors in accordance with royal decree.

The Five: (The Realm)
They are meant to collaborate on management of the realm itself. Everything from the treasury to fortifications are handled by this group.

Master of Conquest (Becoming/Balerion):
In charge of foreign military expeditions and newly conquered areas. Does not directly command troops but instead handles logistics and integration. Carries out the initial establishment of royal institutions in conquered areas before turning them over to his colleagues.

Master of Coin (Increasing/Syrax):
Handles the treasury. Responsible for investment and payment of debts.

Master of Buildings (Remaining/Meraxes):
Handles infrastructure and construction projects. Maintains roads, fortresses, shipyards, etc.

Master of Renewal (Declining/Caraxes):
Assists with reconstruction efforts after disasters such as war, famine, drought, depression, etc. Handles foreclosures, bankruptcy, and debt collection. His purpose is not to prevent decline (that would be the Master of Buildings) but to turn decline into renewal.

Master of Death (Ending/Morghul):
Destroys that which cannot be suffered to live. Duties include slaying any with unauthorized knowledge of the Eldritch Abominations, assassination, preventing a plague by killing infected, reenacting the Mongol's destruction of Babylon, etc. (I added abominations here because to far too many, eldritch simply means magical. I wanted it to be clear that it was the dangerous knowledge that was under his jurisdiction. Also, Mongol destruction of Babylon Baghdad?)

The Three: (The Military)
They are meant to collaborate on management of the military. While the Royal Family has supreme command of the military, they exert that command with the assistance of The Three. Normal border controls and the normal small skirmishes between nations are generally handled at the discretion of the Three. Actual wartime control is under that of the crown, and the Three are the generals who achieve the objectives set forth by the crown.

Master of Sky (Weather and the Sky/Tyraxes):
Head of the Dragon Flights. Handles dragons, wyverns, and any other possible fliers. All deployments with other branches of the military require the assistance of the Master of Stone or the Master of Sea to minimize risk to the dragons and those they are travelling with. Prevents non-dragonlords from obtaining dragon eggs, and also is tasked with hunting down rogue Dragonlords and bringing their dragons to be mastered by a more loyal servant. (The Dragon people know how to handle their dragons among themselves. It is with others that they need help. Also, anyone who masters a dragon is a Dragonlord by default. Whether this can only be done by Valyrians or those blessed by their gods is unknown for certain, but believed to be the case.)

Master of Stone (Earth and Stone/Vermax):
Head of the Army. Handles the infantry and cavalry. Prevents banditry.

Master of Sea (Sea and Shore/Vermithor):
Head of the Navy. Handles the ships and marines. Prevents piracy.

The Two: (The Living)
They are meant to manage the the inhabitants of the realm. The Five handle the economy, Two Two handle the people and beasts that run it.

Master of Laws (Hearts and Minds of Men/Meleys):
Head of the judiciary. Also responsible for propaganda. She is expected to supervise the ways of the people.

Master of Beasts (Birds and Beasts/Vhagar):
Handles livestock and wildlife. Prevents epidemics. Protects livestock and peasants from predators. Maintains the royal hunting grounds. Due to their close connection with wildlife and their potential for spreading disease, medical services fall under their jurisdiction as well. Though some few doctors insist that humans are merely another type of animal and thus this is only fitting, this is not confirmation of that assertion. (Seems nice to add some Lore to the world here with that. This is an age where science has potential to bud, or to butt heads with faith and superstition.)

The One: (The Mystical)
She is meant to handle the supernatural. This includes not just Sorcery and the Eldritch Abominations, but the Gods as well.

Master of Mystery (What Was And May Be, Yet Is Not/Shrykos):
Handles mystical matters. Sorcerous rituals and divination form part of her duties. She is also expected to combat the Eldritch in cooperation with the Master of Death and to prevent interference by foreign deities. Any sorcerers or sorceresses who are authorized to learn secrets of the Eldritch Abominations in order to better face their threat undergo both regular (monthly? annual? bi-annual?) and random testing to ensure corruption has not taken root within them. If corruption is found, they are immediately turned over to the Master of Death for purification.

The One Above: (The Head)
He is meant to supervise the Small Council as a whole. In particular, he helps manage cross group collaboration. Second only to the Royal Family in power.

Hand of the King/Emperor (Light and the Sun/Urrax):
Head of the council. Handles coordination between other councilors to carry out royal commands. Executes the will of the Ruler. (Added King because you have to get one first, then you can work towards the second.)

The Zero: (The Rogue)
He is meant to carry out actions so heinous as to deny him his very name. It is every Ruler's wish that this position remains unfilled in truth.

Master of Betrayal (Ice, Cold, and Night/He-Who-Was-Once-Serwyn):
A position that officially does not exist, and if somehow discovered is officially empty. Handles matters which require plausible deniability. Only a traitor may hold this position, (Why? Just thematic for Serwyn? Because that seems rather... dangerous. Have to talk about this one.) This office carries no prestige, no special rank, and no privileges. The holder must be willing to perform any action, no matter how heinous, and be prepared to be publicly called a traitor to the realm if they are caught in the performance of this duty. Those who retire from this position are rare, but those who do garner the gratitude of the Royal Family for the rest of their lives for their exemplary service. For those who are caught in their work and must be summarily captured and executed as traitors, their families are taken care of. Their spouse is given housing under the guise of "monitoring" the family for any further traitors, and their children given a royal funded education under the guise of "re-educating" them to ensure no further traitors may be raised from "poisoned ideals". Great care must be taken when offering this job, as any who are offered the chance and refuse, must be killed to preserve the secrecy of the position's existence. They cannot be warned of this consequence beforehand either, in order to avoid a person only pretending to accept. (Gotta have some kind of incentive for the job, so this works. Assured care for the family, but in a way that makes it look like a punishment even if it actually is a benefit. More plausible deniability.)

The Undefined: (The Secrets)
They are meant to ensure the Royal Family knows things others do not. They is meant to mysterious. However, unlike The Zero, they are not meant to be nonexistent. Could even be multiple people filling one position. (I don't like that bit, can cause friction over who is really in charge. I would be amenable to possibly having a "fake" Master of Secrets, with a public one who everyone else thinks is the true one. That way they're all on guard against the wrong person. The King, Queen, Heir and potentially their personal guards can know who the real Master is, so that this person can get them alone to report when needed on short notice. More thought into this though, maybe only the King and Queen, or King, Queen and Heir (after they come of age). The more who know the truth, the more likely the real Master's identity can be compromised after all...)

Master of Secrets (Secrets/Tessarion):
Head of the intelligence network. Does not handle assassinations, but does handle all forms of knowledge acquisition including scholarly research and espionage.

---

Go ahead and propose further changes.

 

[Raybomber]

snip

Click to shrink...

Siege of Baghdad (1258) - Wikipedia

He's most likely refering to Baghdad, seeing as how ancient Babylon is ruins. It was a center of knowledge and the Mongols sacked and pillaged it into the stone age. The Grand Library of the city which contained a lot of historical documents and books ranging many subjects, was destroyed. Lastly, Baghdad had some serious irrigation infrastructure which was destroyed and never repaired again causing agriculture in the area to decline. It was left a depoluted ruined city for several centuries afterwards iirc.

 

[Lunasmeow]

Siege of Baghdad (1258) - Wikipedia

He's most likely refering to Baghdad, seeing as how ancient Babylon is ruins. It was a center of knowledge and the Mongols sacked and pillaged it into the stone age. The Grand Library of the city which contained a lot of historical documents and books ranging many subjects, was destroyed. Lastly, Baghdad had some serious irrigation infrastructure which was destroyed and never repaired again causing agriculture in the area to decline. It was left a depoluted ruined city for several centuries afterwards iirc.

Click to shrink...

Okay, that makes a bit more sense. Because the history fan in me was very confused. You have a 20.

 

[Isaacssv558]

Okay, that makes a bit more sense. Because the history fan in me was very confused. You have a 20.

Click to shrink...

Yep, just made a typo and didn't notice because Babylon is also a city.

Dragonguard (9 members):
The Dragonguard are the elite heads of the Royal Guard. They are nine in number, three for each head of the Targaryen Dragon. Their Sigil is a 9 headed Hydra. Each commands a contingent of Guardsmen, the most trusted of whom form the Bloodguard entrusted with the protection of all Dragonlords. They are assisted in their commands by their appointed successors, who serve as vice-commander and apprentice. Their duty is the protection of the Royal Family from blade and poison overt or hidden. Those Dragonlords within their number are granted a dragon as their steed.

The personal guard of the Royal Family may have special titles such as Kingsguard, Queensguard, Princesguard, or Princessesguard. However, these titles are ceremonial and generally convey no special authority beyond their status as Bloodguard. However, if a member of any of these special "sub-groups" sees a danger to their personal charge, they may immediately assume command of any and all normal Royal Guard members, up to and including other members of the Bloodguard, in order to safeguard the King, the Queen, or Heir. Once the threat is dealt with, the members are released back to their normal duties. Abuse of this privilege results in severe penalties.

Click to shrink...

I like this idea. Made a couple minor fixes.

Council:
The council assists the Royal Family with all aspects of their rule. All command their respective organizations and subordinates with the aid of their chosen successor. Each councilor is dedicated to one of the 14 flames and assumes duties appropriate to their patron. All councilors save those of Urrax, Serwyn-that-was, and The Nameless One (Tessarion is known only to Dragonlords, his Chosen, the High Priest and their apprentice.) must have the blessing of the appropriate deity. As such, all councilors must be of Valyrian blood and faith, or have been blessed despite their heritage. Exceptions to this requirement may occur only for the Masters of None and Secrets. If a councilor should commit a transgression that results in loss of his blessing he shall immediately be stripped of rank and title.

OOC: When we achieve a proper country and rekindle the Valyrian faith we will attempt to sanctify the Council, boosting the blessings of the councilors. Ideally we will perform a similar ceremony for our throne. I propose reforging the broken swords of the Iron Throne into a Valyrian steel Dragon Throne along with whatever sacrifices our gods desire. Maybe we can quench it in the blood of the High Septon or something. (I personally like this idea of using the High Septon as a sacrifice. I wish you luck in pulling it off. You might get something special for it!)

Full council meetings can be as rare as once a month. However, it is common for groups of councilors to hold council as needed. The Hand is expected to handle the coordination of the other councilors in accordance with royal decree.

Click to shrink...

Nice to know that a non-Valyrian could be blessed. I shortened a sentence, but didn't change any meaning. I'm leaving your note on the High Septon in italics.

The Five: (The Realm)
They are meant to collaborate on management of the realm itself. Everything from the treasury to fortifications are handled by this group.

Master of Conquest (Becoming/Balerion):
In charge of foreign military expeditions and newly conquered areas. Does not directly command troops but instead handles logistics and integration. Carries out the initial establishment of royal institutions in conquered areas before turning them over to his colleagues.

Master of Coin (Increasing/Syrax):
Handles the treasury. Responsible for investment and payment of debts.

Master of Buildings (Remaining/Meraxes):
Handles infrastructure and construction projects. Maintains roads, fortresses, shipyards, etc.

Master of Renewal (Declining/Caraxes):
Assists with reconstruction efforts after disasters such as war, famine, drought, depression, etc. Handles foreclosures, bankruptcy, and debt collection. His purpose is not to prevent decline (that would be the Master of Buildings) but to turn decline into renewal.

Master of Death (Ending/Morghul):
Destroys that which cannot be suffered to live. Duties include slaying any with unauthorized knowledge of the Eldritch Abominations(Horrors?), assassination, preventing a plague by killing infected, reenacting the Mongolian destruction of Baghdad, etc.

Click to shrink...

Good catch on Eldritch, I was treating it as an IC synonym for lovecraftian. Do you think Abominations or Horrors is better?

The Three: (The Military)
They are meant to collaborate on management of the military. While the Royal Family has supreme command of the military, they exert that command with the assistance of The Three. Normal border controls and the normal small skirmishes between nations are generally handled at the discretion of the Three. Actual wartime control is under that of the crown, and the Three are the generals who achieve the objectives set forth by the crown.

Master of Sky (Weather and the Sky/Tyraxes):
Head of the Dragon Flights. Handles dragons, wyverns, and any other possible fliers. All deployments alongside other branches of the military require the assistance of the Master of Stone or the Master of Sea to minimize risk to the dragons and their companions. Prevents non-dragonlords from obtaining dragon eggs. Is also tasked with hunting down rogue Dragonlords and reassigning their dragons.

Click to shrink...

No issue with the edits.

Master of Stone (Earth and Stone/Vermax):
Head of the Army. Handles the infantry and cavalry. Prevents banditry.

Master of Sea (Sea and Shore/Vermithor):
Head of the Navy. Handles the ships and marines. Prevents piracy.

The Two: (The Living)
They are meant to manage the the inhabitants of the realm. The Five handle the economy, Two Two handle the people and beasts that run it.

Master of Laws (Hearts and Minds of Men/Meleys):
Head of the judiciary. Also responsible for propaganda. She is expected to supervise the ways of the people.

Master of Beasts (Birds and Beasts/Vhagar):
Handles livestock and wildlife. Prevents epidemics. Protects livestock and peasants from predators. Maintains the royal hunting grounds. Due to their close connection with wildlife and their potential for spreading disease, medical services fall under their jurisdiction as well. Though some few doctors insist that humans are merely another type of animal and thus this is only fitting, this is not confirmation of that assertion.

Click to shrink...

I like the idea of adding medical services here. Especially since Meleys is Hearts and Minds, not simply Men.

The One: (The Mystical)
She is meant to handle the supernatural. This includes not just Sorcery and the Eldritch Abominations, but the Gods as well.

Master of Mystery (What Was And May Be, Yet Is Not/Shrykos):
Handles mystical matters. Sorcerous rituals and divination form part of her duties. She is also expected to combat the Eldritch Abominations(Horrors?) in cooperation with the Master of Death and to prevent interference by foreign deities. Anyone with knowledge of Eldritch Abominations(Horrors?) must undergo bimonthly random tests to monitor for corruption. Any corrupted are immediately turned over to the Master of Death for purification.

Click to shrink...

I like the idea of adding medical services here. Especially since Meleys is Hearts and Minds, not simply Men. I think bimonthly monthly random tests are a good interval. Twice a month is a lot of testing, but we can't afford to take any chances with the Lovecraft mythos.

The One Above: (The Head)
He is meant to supervise the Small Council as a whole. In particular, he helps manage cross group collaboration. Second only to the Royal Family in power.

Hand of the King (Light and the Sun/Urrax):
Head of the council. Handles coordination between other councilors to carry out royal commands. Executes the will of the Ruler.

Click to shrink...

Fair enough.

The Zero: (The Rogue)
He is meant to carry out actions so heinous as to deny him his very name. It is every Ruler's wish that this position remains unfilled in truth.

Master of Betrayal (Ice, Cold, and Night/He-Who-Was-Once-Serwyn):
A position that officially does not exist, and if somehow discovered is officially empty. Handles matters which require plausible deniability. Only a traitor may hold this position, (Why? Just thematic for Serwyn? Because that seems rather... dangerous. Have to talk about this one.) This office carries no prestige, no special rank, and no privileges. The holder must be willing to perform any action, no matter how heinous, and be prepared to be publicly called a traitor to the realm if they are caught in the performance of this duty. Those who retire from this position are rare, but those who do garner the gratitude of the Royal Family for the rest of their lives for their exemplary service. For those who are caught in their work and must be summarily captured and executed as traitors, their families are taken care of. Their spouse is given housing under the guise of "monitoring" the family for any further traitors, and their children given a royal funded education under the guise of "re-educating" them to ensure no further traitors may be raised from "poisoned ideals". Great care must be taken when offering this job, as any who are offered the chance and refuse, must be killed to preserve the secrecy of the position's existence. They cannot be warned of this consequence beforehand either, in order to avoid a person only pretending to accept. (Gotta have some kind of incentive for the job, so this works. Assured care for the family, but in a way that makes it look like a punishment even if it actually is a benefit. More plausible deniability.)

Click to shrink...

I meant to imply that if they allow their position to be discovered we would disavow them. I'm not 100% sure what to put here.

The Undefined: (The Secrets)
It is meant to ensure the Royal Family knows things others do not. It is meant to mysterious. However, unlike The Zero, it is not meant to be nonexistent. No one outside the Royal Family knows its identity.

Click to shrink...

I see your point. I've just removed that sentence and added one stating they are known to the royalty alone.

Master of Secrets (Secrets/Tessarion):
Head of the intelligence network. Does not handle assassinations, but does handle all forms of knowledge acquisition including scholarly research and espionage.

Click to shrink...

 

[Lunasmeow]

Yep, just made a typo and didn't notice because Babylon is also a city.

I like this idea. Made a couple minor fixes.

Nice to know that a non-Valyrian could be blessed. I shortened a sentence, but didn't change any meaning. I'm leaving your note on the High Septon in italics.

Good catch on Eldritch, I was treating it as an IC synonym for lovecraftian. Do you think Abominations or Horrors is better?

No issue with the edits.

I like the idea of adding medical services here. Especially since Meleys is Hearts and Minds, not simply Men.

I like the idea of adding medical services here. Especially since Meleys is Hearts and Minds, not simply Men. I think bimonthly monthly random tests are a good interval. Twice a month is a lot of testing, but we can't afford to take any chances with the Lovecraft mythos.

Fair enough.

I meant to imply that if they allow their position to be discovered we would disavow them. I'm not 100% sure what to put here.

I see your point. I've just removed that sentence and added one stating they are known to the royalty alone.

Click to shrink...

Just go ahead and recompile it. Include the doctors under both beasts and hearts and minds of men though. One for physical injuries, another for mental issues. Psych and the like makes sense under hearts and minds.

 

[Isaacssv558]

Dragonguard (9 members):
The Dragonguard are the elite heads of the Royal Guard. They are nine in number, three for each head of the Targaryen Dragon. Their Sigil is a 9 headed Hydra. Each commands a contingent of Guardsmen, the most trusted of whom form the Bloodguard entrusted with the protection of all Dragonlords. They are assisted in their commands by their appointed successors, who serve as vice-commander and apprentice. Their duty is the protection of the Royal Family from blade and poison overt or hidden. Those Dragonlords within their number are granted a dragon as their steed.

The personal guard of the Royal Family may have special titles such as Kingsguard, Queensguard, Princesguard, or Princessesguard. However, these titles are ceremonial and generally convey no special authority beyond their status as Bloodguard. However, if a member of any of these special "sub-groups" sees a danger to their personal charge, they may immediately assume command of any and all normal Royal Guard members, up to and including other members of the Bloodguard, in order to safeguard the King, the Queen, or Heir. Once the threat is dealt with, the members are released back to their normal duties. Abuse of this privilege results in severe penalties.


Council:
The council assists the Royal Family with all aspects of their rule. All command their respective organizations and subordinates with the aid of their chosen successor. Each councilor is dedicated to one of the 14 flames and assumes duties appropriate to their patron. All councilors save those of Urrax, Serwyn-that-was, and The Nameless One (Tessarion is known only to Dragonlords, his Chosen, the High Priest and their apprentice.) must have the blessing of the appropriate deity. As such, all councilors must be of Valyrian blood and faith, or have been blessed despite their heritage. Exceptions to this requirement may occur only for the Masters of None and Secrets. If a councilor should commit a transgression that results in loss of his blessing he shall immediately be stripped of rank and title.

OOC: When we achieve a proper country and rekindle the Valyrian faith we will attempt to sanctify the Council, boosting the blessings of the councilors. Ideally we will perform a similar ceremony for our throne. I propose reforging the broken swords of the Iron Throne into a Valyrian steel Dragon Throne along with whatever sacrifices our gods desire. Maybe we can quench it in the blood of the High Septon or something. (I personally like this idea of using the High Septon as a sacrifice. I wish you luck in pulling it off. You might get something special for it!)

Full council meetings can be as rare as once a month. However, it is common for groups of councilors to hold council as needed. The Hand is expected to handle the coordination of the other councilors in accordance with royal decree.

The Five: (The Realm)
They are meant to collaborate on management of the realm itself. Everything from the treasury to fortifications are handled by this group.

Master of Conquest (Becoming/Balerion):
In charge of foreign military expeditions and newly conquered areas. Does not directly command troops but instead handles logistics and integration. Carries out the initial establishment of royal institutions in conquered areas before turning them over to his colleagues.

Master of Coin (Increasing/Syrax):
Handles the treasury. Responsible for investment and payment of debts.

Master of Buildings (Remaining/Meraxes):
Handles infrastructure and construction projects. Maintains roads, fortresses, shipyards, etc.

Master of Renewal (Declining/Caraxes):
Assists with reconstruction efforts after disasters such as war, famine, drought, depression, etc. Handles foreclosures, bankruptcy, and debt collection. His purpose is not to prevent decline (that would be the Master of Buildings) but to turn decline into renewal.

Master of Death (Ending/Morghul):
Destroys that which cannot be suffered to live. Duties include slaying any with unauthorized knowledge of the Eldritch Abominations(Horrors?), assassination, preventing a plague by killing infected, reenacting the Mongolian destruction of Baghdad, etc.

The Three: (The Military)
They are meant to collaborate on management of the military. While the Royal Family has supreme command of the military, they exert that command with the assistance of The Three. Normal border controls and the normal small skirmishes between nations are generally handled at the discretion of the Three. Actual wartime control is under that of the crown, and the Three are the generals who achieve the objectives set forth by the crown.

Master of Sky (Weather and the Sky/Tyraxes):
Head of the Dragon Flights. Handles dragons, wyverns, and any other possible fliers. All deployments alongside other branches of the military require the assistance of the Master of Stone or the Master of Sea to minimize risk to the dragons and their companions. Prevents non-dragonlords from obtaining dragon eggs. Is also tasked with hunting down rogue Dragonlords and reassigning their dragons.

Master of Stone (Earth and Stone/Vermax):
Head of the Army. Handles the infantry and cavalry. Prevents banditry.

Master of Sea (Sea and Shore/Vermithor):
Head of the Navy. Handles the ships and marines. Prevents piracy.

The Two: (The Living)
They are meant to manage the the inhabitants of the realm. The Five handle the economy, The Two handle the people and beasts that run it.

Master of Laws (Hearts and Minds of Men/Meleys):
Head of the judiciary. Also responsible for propaganda and mental health. She is expected to supervise the ways of the people.

Master of Beasts (Birds and Beasts/Vhagar):
Handles livestock and wildlife. Prevents epidemics. Protects livestock and peasants from predators. Maintains the royal hunting grounds. Due to their close connection with wildlife and their potential for spreading disease, medical services fall under their jurisdiction as well. Though some few doctors insist that humans are merely another type of animal and thus this is only fitting, this is not confirmation of that assertion.

The One: (The Mystical)
She is meant to handle the supernatural. This includes not just Sorcery and the Eldritch Abominations, but the Gods as well.

Master of Mystery (What Was And May Be, Yet Is Not/Shrykos):
Handles mystical matters. Sorcerous rituals and divination form part of her duties. She is also expected to combat the Eldritch Horrors in cooperation with the Master of Death and to prevent interference by foreign deities. Anyone with knowledge of Eldritch Horrors must undergo bimonthly random tests to monitor for corruption. Any corrupted are immediately turned over to the Master of Death for purification.

The One Above: (The Head)
He is meant to supervise the Small Council as a whole. In particular, he helps manage cross group collaboration. Second only to the Royal Family in power.

Hand of the King (Light and the Sun/Urrax):
Head of the council. Handles coordination between other councilors to carry out royal commands. Executes the will of the Ruler.


The Zero: (The Rogue)
He is meant to carry out actions so heinous as to deny him his very name. It is every Ruler's wish that this position remains unfilled in truth.

Master of Betrayal (Ice, Cold, and Night/He-Who-Was-Once-Serwyn):
A position that officially does not exist, and if somehow discovered is officially empty. Handles matters which require plausible deniability. The holder must be willing to perform any action, no matter how heinous, and be publicly declared a traitor if revealed. In return, the holder's family will receive preferential treatment.

The Undefined: (The Secrets)
It is meant to ensure the Royal Family knows things others do not. It is meant to mysterious. However, unlike The Zero, it is not meant to be nonexistent. No one outside the Royal Family knows its identity.

Master of Secrets (Secrets/Tessarion):
Head of the intelligence network. Does not handle assassinations, but does handle all forms of knowledge acquisition including scholarly research and espionage.

 

[Lunasmeow]

Winning Vote

Spoiler: Adapting & Overcoming

While at the bank, inquire as to the possibility of purchasing or renting a private dock for your fleet. Space/warehouses to store supplies for any future voyages would be useful as well. Look into all properties that are available for purchase. Both inside and outside the Black Walls (Even if you are not yet allowed within the Black Walls, you can still plan). Ask about the process of starting a business in Volantis.
This is now put off for the Dragon Bank.

Send out some trusted retainers to get a feel for the state of affairs in the city. (Matalarr, Laena, Nelaehra, etc.) Have Boromun supervise the fleet while we are gone.

Check on your personal possessions. Dragon eggs, V. Steel Shield, rare books, everything else important and/or irreplaceable.

Spoiler: Short Term Vote

[X] Seek out the merchants. You ordered a birthday/engagement gift for Daenerys, and had it sent to Volantis. It should be here outside the Black Walls rather than inside. Find out what merchant has it and obtain it. 1-2 days searching.
-[X] Take a Guard: Ser Jorah. (How has our old buddy been doing? Let's ask.)
-[X] Keep an eye out for anything interesting (How do the people react to us. Is there anything else we'd like to buy?)

[X] Send Laena out to listen for rumors. Give her some funds in case she needs it (3GT, 20GD, 25SD, 50CW). You've met foul creatures on the seas and need to know if there are more about. Other rumors could also be useful. 1-2 days searching.
-[X] Have Laena ask Nelaehra for advice and points of interest (places to go and avoid).
-[X] Zaros had contacts all over, does he have some here?
Will be covered in an Omake if @OrangeArmadillo is up to it.

Day 4 of the Eighth Month 297 AC​

You are heading to the marketplace to find Dany's engagement gift, but you can't stop thinking about what has been happening with her, especially the last encounter. That... was strange but easy. Still these various presences are starting to feel distinctly different. You've felt three so far, and only one was totally 100% recognizably Daenerys. The others were her... but different. As if something changed her. Maybe she merely experienced more, or knew more or something. One was worse, one could be considered better, with the newest being just... her. The Daenerys you know. But then, do you want her to always be the Daenerys you know now? Would you be hurting her by stunting her growth into a stronger and slightly different her than she currently is? Is it just you selfishly wanting her never to change, or you actually wanting what is best for her? Should it even be your choice to make?

Right now you don't know what to make of these three different "Danys" but... you can only hope that there aren't more of them, and that you can get more information somehow to help you come to a decision eventually. But time and gods and magic is all just too confusing. For now you can only focus on the present, and do the best you can, hoping that you make the right decisions.

'Speaking of decisions...' you look to your left and watch "Ser" Jorah Mormont. Funny, but until you saw him with a whore who looks just like your betrothed, you had no real problem with him. Now though, your blood bubbles slightly every time you look at him. Still, better to have him here with you than with Dany on the ships. 'This is going to be an interesting trip.'​

---

The marketplace is a crowded place. For a moment you think you've spotted Laena chatting up some merchant, but when you look again she's not there. 'What is it with people disappearing lately?' you wonder. No matter. The place is crowded, so it isn't so surprising that you might lose sight of someone.

You try store after store and you see lots of interesting things for sale, but not what you are looking for. Clothes, furniture, people... Is it really so hard to just find someone who sells gems and accessories? Finally you find the shop that the vendor in Braavos said would have your order.

It's a tiny little place, like most of these shops, but the man is excited to see you enter. "Come in, come in! I have much to show you my Lord! This is the one stop shop for any of the Old Blood who see to jewelry not found within the Black Walls!" The merchant is a little man, dark of skin, likely from Astapor or some such town. His head is balding, but he still has some time yet before the hair vanishes completely.

You almost have to sigh in frustration. All day people have been trying to sell you things at extremely exorbitant prices. Things that you know they are overcharging for by far. Apparently the don't often get members "of the Old Blood" here, and they are eager to part the aristocracy from their gold. 20 silver for a pan to bake bread in? Ridiculous. 2 Gold for a bolt of cloth? Trash. A golden talon for a table and chairs? These people either have no idea how to price things higher but not too high for nobles because the Old Blood never shop here, or the Old Blood are idiots that throw money around like the Usurper is said to. Tens of thousands of talons to winners of tournaments. Ha! You remember those stories from Illyrio well. The real question now is how much more is this man going to try and charge you for your gift? A delivery fee is understandable, but at the prices they seem to expect you to pay...

"I am Aegon Velaryon, you should have a package for me," you say, remembering that the package was sent in the name you went by in Braavos and not your true name.

The little man's eyes widen and a smile spreads across his lips. "Oh yes! The foreign Valyrian lord, of course! From Braavos no? I have the package here." He heads into the back of the shop and starts digging around through various boxes muttering to himself incomprehensibly. Ser Jorah looks rather bored at the whole affair, simply keeping his eyes out for thieves or other trouble. He's been rather quiet this whole trip, and you suspect that you haven't been as successful at keeping your irate mood hidden from him. Hopefully he thinks you are merely irritated by the shopping and not with him personally.

"Aha!" you hear the merchant exclaim. "Here it is my lord! Exactly as ordered!"

You are presented with a box. You open it and look inside and indeed, the workmanship is exquisite. Three dragons, two intertwined, guarded protectively by the third look back at you. You reach out and life it from the box, and you feel... something. It surprises you so much that you nearly drop the thing in shock. It takes a few minutes of study but eventually you realize that the Dragonglass in the amulet is reacting to your mana! It's almost like it wants to be filled with it. You are tempted to do so just to see what happens, but you resist and put the amulet back into the box. It would probably be better to ask Nalaehra about that before you do something irrevocable to what is a very important gift.

You look back at the merchant who promptly replies "Two talons for delivery my lord!"

If you weren't expecting a ridiculous price and had been drinking, you would have embarrassed yourself rather thoroughly. "Two talons?" you ask brows raised. "You really expect me to pay such a ridiculous amount for a simple delivery fee? I may be Old Blood, but I am not so out of touch with the world that I don't know highway robbery when I see it."

The man seems panicked for a moment before understanding dawns. "Ah, I forgot for a moment that you are a foreigner, and unaware of the way things are here. I assure you, this is a fair price my lord. At least, when we are dealing with a member of the Old Blood."

Your voice goes deadly calm as you ask your next question. "You think that you can tell me to my face that you are charging me more, because you assume that I am wealthy, and that I won't have a problem with that?"

The man flinches back and looks over at Jorah's sword which has been removed from its sheathe at the tone of your voice. "Please my lord, you misunderstand! I have no choice!"

Hearing this you pause. This is starting to suspiciously seem like it might be connected to why the bank didn't seem to want your custom. Perhaps it would do you well to hear him out...​

---

Do you have any idea how hard it is to find rolls that I can freely explain to you all without giving away the story? If I try to explain a roll in a conversation, and I explain that you rolled low insight, suddenly you know that you were lied to by a character. If I explain that you rolled high persuasion, you know that despite his appearances to the contrary, a person who says "I'll think about it" is going to accept. It tells you far too much and helps metagaming be a thing.

So, I finally got some rolls that definitely aren't going to tell you hidden stuff.

Mercantile - You have +2 to it from skills. You also have a circumstance bonus from in character experience. Living on the streets as a child taught you some things. Common knowledge of how the merchants love to rip off the Nobles for more gold. That gave +5 more to knowing that you were being overcharged. You have no particular skill to help with insight, so it is a roll that comes straight from your stats. I say insight is from Wisdom, so you get +1 from your Wisdom stat. That gives you +8 total to the roll to knowing good prices, and you rolled a 14 for a total of 22. Now normally you'd have passed by maybe 7 if the overpricing was a normal amount. (DC 15.) However with the pricing being so outrageously overpriced the DC was 7. I didn't even need to roll. You had already passed. The only reason I rolled was to make sure you didn't get a 1 and for some reason weren't just stupid that day.

Insight - You have a +2 to wisdom again here. You have no skills for it. So when the merchant said he was charging you more because you were Old Blood, you only had +2 to the roll, and you rolled a 3. That's five total. Which is why you assumed that he was admitting to cheating you instead of simply hearing his explanation out. You got the wrong idea from what he said and started to act on it.

This is how I roll for Aegon (and other characters) reacting to things. Not every singe character has a fully detailed character sheet of course, but I approximate stats and skills based on the characters as needed. Permanent characters that are definitely only going to NPCs that you will be interacting with a lot get detailed sheets that you don't see. Potential recruits get sheets when you get them under you, and have approximated ones until then.

Encounters - I roll for whether something happens, generally just a simple 50/50 high low odds. If something happens, I make a mental list of all the things that are possible to happen, likely or not, at the given time and place. I then give them approximate odds of happening, and roll a d100 to see which happens. This time you saw a friend on their own business. Nothing major. Simple fluff, but fluff could perhaps grow to be more depending on what happens in the story.​

---

So in other news, I'm finally moving back to the states. I move out of my house tomorrow and into a hotel until I fly out. I'm hoping the hotel has a pc to use because I only have a desktop, no laptop. I don't even get to the states until the night of the 17th, and then I'm in another hotel while I look for a place to live at my new base. Needless to say, updates may be slim or even non-existent during this time. I won't be just disappearing, I'm just moving so the fic isn't dead. Just fyi.

If the hotels have PCs for me to use like some others I've been in, updates will be a thing. If not, I'll do what I can but no promises.

 

[Raybomber]

@Lunasmeow Have a safe flight & welcome back.

 

[Isaacssv558]

Well, we obviously need to ask about this. We probably should have asked at the bank, but the incident with Jorah was rather distracting.
[X] Hear him out