From: Volantis, First Daughter of Valyria
To: Pentos
Our scholars are attempting to catalog all records from Valyria so as best to preserve what our forefathers left us. We would request you allow our scholars into your libraries and monuments to study and transcribe inscriptions and documents from Valyria.
Current Ruler: Archon Rhaenor Arthaerys Type of Government: Feudal Government Capital: Tolos Religion: Gods of Valyria
Internal Events:
- The Archon continues to consolidate political power to muster will for action.
- The bureaucracy of Tolos expands with the need to administer the various settlements brought under Tolosi administration
- Tolos continues to adjust to the new norm.
Military
6,500 Foot
35 Ships
Alliances, Pacts, and Trade
Trade with Volantis, New Ghis
Major Action
1. Expand farming at Black Cliffs area. Provide incentives for farmers.
2. Start horse breeding program for work and war using horses received from Volantis. Hire expert horse breeders.
3. Train some cavalry with horses not used for breeding.
4. Continue claiming territory in the north towards the Painted Mountain. Integrate various settlements and villages. Keep an eye out for sources of lumber.
Name: Free City of Pentos Ruler: Prince Hareo Pentaris Religion: No official religion, several faiths
Events:
- An agreement has been made with Volantis, which more or less has the support of most of the magisters. With trade continuing to flow, that is what keeps most of them content. What has proven to be more difficult is securing funds to expand the navy.
- It has been decided to expand Pentos' area of influence east towards the Velvet Hills. In order to do this several measures need to be taken.
1. As the magisters are unwilling to unite in paying for an expansion of the navy, funds are to be taken through other means. As a way to limit the followers of R'hllor, all followers of that faith not native to Pentos are to be sent away. Their property left behind auctioned and those funds used for a navy.
2. Sites are to be selected along the Valyrian road between Pentos and the Velvet Hills were watch towers and small forts are to be built. These will assist in the actual control of territory which Pentos claims. To have enough support for the venture, the Valyrian Party will claim these are to better secure trade caravans and the plantations that are at a distance from the city walls.
3. The most senior magisters begin work on replacing all high ranking military officials with their favorites, captains who are loyal to the ruling coalition.
Military
Army: 12,000 total
- 10,000 Infantry
- 2,000 cavalry
OOC: really? I assumed the mountain range stretches in a horizontal line to my north as well. so if that's the case, have i reclaimed all the territory i can?
Well, how about a compromise. To elliminate competition with the Redwynes we amend the provision on alcoholic beverages. Instead we make it only applicable of a proof high enough to catch alight when struck with a match in exchange for removing Oldtown's monopoly. That way trade is still encouraged and your vassals are not impeded.
Lys will grant the House Gardener:
A reduction in custom fees and other import taxes of barley grain harvested in the Reach to 80% of the nominated fee.
A reduction in custom fees and other import taxes of wheat grain to 80% of the nominated fee.
A reduction in custom fees and other import taxes of rye grain to 40 of the nominated fee.
House Gardner will be granted a Manse and gardens in Lys.
House Gardener will grant Lys:
Wave import and custom fees for the sale of potent alcoholic beverages imported into the Reach by Lyseni traders.*
An increase in import and custom fees for wines and other alcoholic beverages imported*** by non Lyseni traders.
Lyseni Traders are made the sole traders permitted to import perfumes**** into the Reach.
*Lyseni traders defined as traders granted a writ of trade by house Baelareon.
*** Imports are to be strictly defined as items foreign to the Reach, that is items imported from other kingdoms, Essos, the Summer Islands, etc.. Domestic goods such as "Arbor Red" are not imports.
**** Perfumes being defined as fragrant oils and other aromatic compounds to be applied to the skin, hair, clothing or other similar materials to be defined by House Baelareon. This however does not include substances to be burnt to release their aromatic properties as defined by House Baelare
Our scholars and scribes are attempting to catalog as many texts and materials relating to Valyria as possible. Would you be willing to allow our scribes entry into your lands to conduct such an effort? We will take no texts but merely transcribe them for our own records. We do not wish to lose what our forefathers left behind.
Our scholars and scribes are attempting to catalog as many texts and materials relating to Valyria as possible. Would you be willing to allow our scribes entry into your lands to conduct such an effort? We will take no texts but merely transcribe them for our own records. We do not wish to lose what our forefathers left behind.
Tyrosh: Take them with you. The followers of Trios want nothing of Valyria!
Mnatarys: Yes, please come! Bring with you any medical or magical texts you have!
Lorath: A city has no such things. A city was founded to flee some men who made those things.
Tyrosh: Take them with you. The followers of Trios want nothing of Valyria!
Mnatarys: Yes, please come! Bring with you any medical or magical texts you have!
Lorath: A city has no such things. A city was founded to flee some men who made those things.
Our scholars and scribes are attempting to catalog as many texts and materials relating to Valyria as possible. Would you be willing to allow our scribes entry into your lands to conduct such an effort? We will take no texts but merely transcribe them for our own records. We do not wish to lose what our forefathers left behind.
- A trade deal has been reached with Qarth
- A trade deal has been reached with New Ghis, Mereen and Volantis
- The united Sarnori army heads east
1. The main thoroughfares through the King's Hills and out of the Kingdom of Kasath are to be fortified and have watchmen and beacons stationed along them, at the first sign the Dothraki move out from their siege the beacons are to be lit and the High King warned
2. Scouts are sent to the south of the kingdom of Sarnath, seeing the lay of the land and how many settlements are between it and Hazdhan Mo and their friendliness to the Sarnori
3. Scouts are sent west from Sarnath, seeing how many settlements are between it and Essaria and the friendliness of those settlements to the Sarnori
- A trade deal has been reached with Qarth
- A trade deal has been reached with New Ghis, Mereen and Volantis
- The united Sarnori army heads east
1. The main thoroughfares through the King's Hills and out of the Kingdom of Kasath are to be fortified and have watchmen and beacons stationed along them, at the first sign the Dothraki move out from their siege the beacons are to be lit and the High King warned
2. Scouts are sent to the south of the kingdom of Sarnath, seeing the lay of the land and how many settlements are between it and Hazdhan Mo and their friendliness to the Sarnori
3. Scouts are sent west from Sarnath, seeing how many settlements are between it and Essaria and the friendliness of those settlements to the Sarnori
4. The Kings of Hornoth and Rathylar are invited to send their heirs to Saranth to spend time with the Princess Ianna and her younger sister and cousin, if they get along well then a match may be made
5. The King of Gornath is asked if he has a suitable female relation for a match with one of the two Saranthi princes
From: Zimudar Alexi, King of Saranth and High King of Sarnor
To: Visruth Thakar, King of Rathylar and Sagar Macwan, King of Hornoth @Ceslas
Brothers
Would you consider sending your heirs to the court at Saranth for a time? I have decided it shall be either of them who my daughter marries, if they spend more time together courting her we can be sure of a successful match that will benefit both our kingdoms, my younger daughter and niece are also available for marriage should one of your heirs take a liking to them
From: Zimudar Alexi, King of Sarnath and High King of Sarnor
To: Ganesh Pathak, King of Gornath and Guardian of the East @Ceslas
Brother
My son is in need of a wife, do you have a daughter or niece who would be suitable for him?
From: Zimudar Alexi, King of Saranth and High King of Sarnor
To: Visruth Thakar, King of Rathylar and Sagar Macwan, King of Hornoth @Ceslas
Brothers
Would you consider sending your heirs to the court at Saranth for a time? I have decided it shall be either of them who my daughter marries, if they spend more time together courting her we can be sure of a successful match that will benefit both our kingdoms, my younger daughter and niece are also available for marriage should one of your heirs take a liking to them
From: Zimudar Alexi, King of Sarnath and High King of Sarnor
To: Ganesh Pathak, King of Gornath and Guardian of the East @Ceslas
Brother
My son is in need of a wife, do you have a daughter or niece who would be suitable for him?
Princes of the Pearl Palace
Lords of the great Isle of Koj Ruler: Jalabhar Xaq, Prince of Koj Government: Princedom Capital: Pearl Palace Religion: Countless Deities of love, beauty and fertility
Major Actions: @Celas 1) Backing the SSTC: Further expansion of the previously established Sunset Sea Trading Company, with greater investment in the currently developing trade routes through the Sunset Sea to the north, between the many different nations in Western Essos. While we have no official ties nor official agreements between the many city-states, introducing our training company into foreign markets and establishing a foothold outside of the Summer Isles is an important step to take in developing longer term trade, especially as we have access to numerous trade goods such as precious stones, valuable metals, exotic spices and strange beasts to sell.
2) Developing the Port of Koj: While Koj is rightfully regarded as the premiere shipyard in the entirety of the Summer Isles for our skill in building mighty Swanships to ply the southern seas, the primary port near the Pearl Palace is rather lacking, especially when compared to the grand Lotus Port to the north in Walano. By expanding the dockyard, we can further develop the income of Koj and cement the House of Xaq as the primary Prince in control of Koj, as the wealth of the world flows both too and from our new port. Furthermore, it is in the interests of House Xaq that the shipyards undergo an inspection, and the mighty yards from which dozens of ships are birthed may be considered for future expansion.
3) Setting the foundations in Port Lotus: Even as our new Port in Koj is developed, it is clear that Lotus Port shall remain the most established, and well-connected port in the Summer Isles for now, and as such, we must begin making inroads into establishing both our political connections to potential allied Princes that might be of aid. Establishing both the SSTC in the region, alongside minor connections from the various holdings of both our own House and that of the fellow Princes in support of our rule, would go a long way to establishing a foundation upon which to build in the coming years, so our profits may grow.
4) Mapping the Sea Ways: The Summer Isles have long been home to the greatest nautical navigators in the world. This is known. However, we the rise in trade and the collapse of the Valyrians, what was once a series of trade routes and iron-clad shipping waterways may now be influx as the world outside of Valyria adjusts to the loss of the once dominating power. Therefore, our navigators are to begin charting the waters along their voyages north, investigating the most effective waterways and noting the changing shipping patterns, to both identify the ones promising the greatest wealth, and which places may see pirates or privateers ravaging the region before long.
Would you consider sending her to Saranth after we defeat the horse curs? So as my son can spend time with her and get to know her, if the Hundred Gods are good we may be joined by blood soon
Would you consider sending her to Saranth after we defeat the horse curs? So as my son can spend time with her and get to know her, if the Hundred Gods are good we may be joined by blood soon
Name: House Gardener of Highgarden Words: Spring Forth (official) You Reap What You Sow (common) Sigil: Argent, a hand couped vert Colours: White, Green King of the Reach: Garth XII Gardener Lord of Highgarden: Garth XII Gardener Lord Paramount of the Mander: Garth XII Gardener Defender of the Marches: Garth XII Gardener Shield of the Faith: Garth XII Gardener Prince of Summer: Marion Gardener First Hand of the Realm: Marion Gardener Grand Master of the Order of the Green Hand: Marion Gardener High Steward of Highgarden: Mathios Tyrell Common Language: Andalish (The Common Tongue) Religion: The Faith of the Seven Currency: Hands (Gold), Thorns (Silver), Grains (Copper) Capital: Highgarden Largest Cities, Towns, and Villages: Oldtown, Highgarden, Tumbleton, Ashford, Ryamsport, Longtable, Stonebridge, Goldengrove, Old Oak, Grassy Vale Cadet Branches: House Florent, House Rowan, House Oakheart, House Redwyne, House Peake, House Ball, House Fossoway, House Tarly, House Oldflowers, House Uffering, House Hewett, House Bulwer, House Crane, House Beesbury, House Tyrell
House Gardener Family Tree
His Majesty, Garth XII Gardener, King of the Reach, Lord of Highgarden, Lord Paramount of the Mander, Defender of the Marches, and Shield of the Faith (b. 9575)
His wife, Queen Laurane Gardener (nee Peake) (b. 9578)
Their son, Prince Marion Gardener, Prince of Summer, First Hand of the Realm, and Grand Master of the Order of the Green Hand (b. 9598) A great knight, jouster, and man at arms. Twin of Kathlyn.
His wife, Princess Alissa Gardener (nee Hightower) (b. 9598) Eldest daughter of Lord Hubert Hightower
Their daughter, Princess Daeryssa Gardener(b. 9615)
Their son, Prince Garse Gardener (b. 9617)
Their second daughter, Princess Kaelyn Gardener(b. 9618) Twin of Kyra.
Their third daughter, Princess Kyra Gardener (b. 9618) Twin of Kaelyn.
Their daughter, Kathlyn Osgrey (nee Gardener) (b. 9598) Twin of Marion.
Her husband, Lord Addam Osgrey (b. 9594)
Children covered in House Osgrey's family tree
Their second son, Prince Gyles Gardener (b. 9599)
Their third son, Prince Meryn Gardener(b. 9601)
Their second daughter, Princess Alayne Gardener (b. 9605)
Her betrothed, Prince Monfryd Durrandon (b. 9600)
Their third daughter, Princess Alerie Gardener (b. 9607)
Her betrothed, Prince Gerold Lannister (b. 9605)
Domestic Events:
King Garth XII
The devastation which has befallen much of Essos in the immediate aftermath of the Doom of Valyria has revealed itself in full to the Reach. With the greatest empire in world history little more than smoke and ash, the various powers across central and western Essos begin to jockey for power in this new and unstable world. The Gardener Kings across the Narrow Sea look on with mild caution.
The Crown of Iron Roses and Thorns, worn by the Kings of the Reach when at war
However, back in Westeros things are looking bright. The threat of invasion by the Dragonlords of Valyria seems to be gone, and with Essos in chaos the time has apparently come for a new age, one where Westeros captivates the world's attention while the cities of Essos squabble and fight over the crumbs of Valyria. With the second largest kingdom, the largest population, the largest army, and the largest city in all of Westeros, the Kingdom of the Reach may very well be on the cusp of a new golden age of prosperity. The current King, Garth XII, has spent the past 20 years ensuring that his son and successor will inherit a safe and powerful Kingdom. Garth has largely overseen the build up of the Reach's military forces over the past two decades, though he has declined to openly seek war with many of his neighbors unless forced to do so.
Elsewhere, Garth's son Marion proves to be a promising heir in the making. Already an accomplished tourney knight and man-at-arms, Marion has recently been awarded the title of Grand Master of the Order of the Green Hand by his father, making him the most senior member of the military order. He currently wields House Gardener's ancestral blade, the Valyrian Steel sword Thorn
Oldtown on a stormy night, the largest city in Westeros and home to the Citadel, the Faith of the Seven, and House Hightower
The Kingdom of the Reach is also the home to Westeros' cultural and religious pillars. Both the Citadel and the Starry Sept are located in the ancient city of Oldtown. The Reach contains a vast collection of knowledge and information collected from across the world, and it is said that the libraries in the citadel as well as in Highgarden are among the richest on Earth.
The Faith of the Seven is widely regarded as one of the most powerful institutions in the Reach. With the Church's headquarters being located in Oldtown and with the largest Septs in all of Westeros found in the Reach, the Gardener Kings have taken on the title of "Defender of the Faith" several thousand years ago when they converted to the Faith from the Old Gods. The King of the Reach is one of the few Westerosi Kings to be personally crowned and anointed with the Seven Oils by the High Septon upon his coronation and ascension to the throne. House Gardener maintains an excellent relationship with the Faith, and is one of their steadfast supporters and defenders in nearly all matters.
Economy:
The Reach is the wealthiest kingdom in Westeros, with House Gardener widely considered to be among the richest families on the entire continent.
Additionally, the Reach is by far the most fertile kingdom in Westeros. The products it produces are melons, fireplums, peaches, apples, and grapes, among many others. The Arbor, an island off the coast of the Reach and the seat of House Redwyne, is said to make the finest of wines in all of Westeros, from dry fruity reds to a rich golden vintage. Woodharps made in Oldtown are highly sought after as well. It is widely said that the Reach feeds well over half of Westeros, making it one of the richest and most prosperous Kingdoms on the entire continent.
The Reach's large population allows it to have a vast labor pool.
Golden coins from the Reach, called "Hands", are widely used across Westeros south of the God's Eye.
The Reach possesses the largest merchant navy in all of Westeros, with over 3,000 ships of various types, among whom 1,000 ships are supplied by House Redwyne alone.
A massive merchant voyage to the Far East is currently underway.
Construction on the Mander-to-Blackwater Canal has begun after House Durrandon offered to put forward half of the manpower and finances necessary to see its construction completed.
Trade agreements with Lys and Braavos have been concluded over the past year.
Military and Foreign Policy:
Bannermen of House Gardener
There are currently at least 70 Noble Houses sworn to Highgarden.
Due to her large population, the Reach can raise armies almost twice as large as those of any of the other regions. It is widely believed the Reach can muster around 70,000 men when at war, by far the largest number of men in all of Westeros, with only the Kingdom of the Stormlands matching her thanks to the incorporation of the Riverlands.
While the Reach can raise armies twice as large as any other region, it also has twice as many (potentially) hostile borders compared to other regions, with long standing rivalries (and pacts of friendships) with nearly all her neighbors.
The Reach is a very fertile and productive land, and her knights are so wealthy that they can afford full plate armor (in contrast with the hardscrabble lands of the North, whose soldiers often have to settle for cheaper chainmail).
The Navy of the Reach is one of the largest and most experienced in all of Westeros. The Redwyne Fleet based out of the Arbor is highly regarded as one of the greatest fleet in Westeros, though the fleets of the Iron Islands certainly commands just as much respect and admiration. House Gardener, being located farther inland in the Reach uses her ships merely to guard the Shield Islands and protect the mouth of the Mander River. Thus, she delegates most of the naval responsibilities of the Reach to House Redwyne.
The Hightower Fleet based out of Oldtown is the second largest in the Reach and is usually tasked with defending the coastline of the Reach as well as patrolling the Redwyne Straights.
Together, the combined power of the various Houses of the Reach and their navies gives House Gardener one of the largest fleet in all of Westeros (though this only serves as bragging rights as the combined fleets of the Iron Islands is larger).
The naval forces of the Reach focuses on four main points:
Defense of the coastline of the Reach, the Mouth of the Mander River and the entrance to Oldtown.
Patrolling the Redwyne Straights and the seas off the south-west coast of the Reach for smuggler and pirates.
Escorting the Reach's large merchant navy whenever such services are deemed necessary.
Services to the Crown whenever the naval services of the Reach are called upon for the defense of the kingdom.
As Marshals of the Northmarch, House Osgrey is charged with defending the northern border of the Reach, specifically the lengthy border with the Kingdom of the Rock.
As Marshals of the Dornish Marches, House Peake is charged with defending the southern border of the Reach, specifically the lengthy border with Dorne (and technically the Stormlands as well). The Red Mountains have always been used as a means for both the Reach and Dorne to raid one another. House Peake leads the Marcher houses in defending what has traditionally been one of the Reach's most crucial land borders.
Founded thousands of years ago before the arrival of even the Andals according to their Great Charter, the Order of the Green Hand is the most senior military order in the Kingdom of the Reach. With membership at roughly 20,000 men, and roughly a tenth of them being Knights. Only those both virtuous and skilled in arms are offered membership into the order as a full-fledged Knight, making it a great honor to become a member. Those who are not Knights or members of the Order's leadership are given the title "Acolytes". The Order of the Green Hand is lead by the Grand Master, a title traditionally (but not always) held by the most senior and skilled Knight of House Gardener, with all senior titles in the Order's hierarchy being elected by the organization's members. The Order is essentially House Gardener's elite personal army outside of the realm of traditional levees and bannermen, and they form the core of the Reach's most skilled soldiers in battle. Members of the Order are charged with the protection of the Royal Family, defending the Reach against foreign invasion, keeping the King's Peace, and upholding traditional chivalric traditions of defending the weak and innocent. When not engaged in combat, Knights of the Order often perform charitable duties helping the smalfolk across the realm alongside the Faith of the Seven. While the Order claims its existence pre-dates that of the Andals' arrival into the Reach, prior to the introduction of Knighthood by the Andals the Order lacked the title of "Knight". Due to its ancient history, the Order of the Green Hand is one of the few organizations or institutions in the Reach to maintain semblances of its First Men roots. Despite the fact that the Order now is heavily centered on the teachings of the Faith as well as the Andal concepts of Knighthood and chivalry, it greatly relies on imagery and customs harkening back to the Age of Heroes, offering a unique blend of the Reach's past and present.
Defensive fortifications along the mouth of the Mander are currently being constructed.
House Gardener has concluded alliances with two of its strongest neighbors, Houses Durrandon and Lannister. This has been done in order to ensure peace in central Westeros and enable Highgarden to pursue its ambitious projects both in the Reach itself, and overseas.
A Knight of the Order of the Green Hand, bearing the traditional uniform, helm, and shield of the Order
Army:
The Reach can assemble about 30,000 men relatively quickly. The remaining 40,000 troops would take some time to properly field.
House Gardener of Highgarden: 15,000 men (Roughly 2,000 of which are Knights of the Order of the Green Hand)
House Hightower of Oldtown: 10,000 men
House Beesbury: 1,000 men
House Bulwer: 1,000 men
House Costayne: 800 men
House Cuy: 1,000 men
House Mullendore: 700 men
House Osgrey of Coldmoat: 5,000 men
House Rowan of Goldengrove: 1,000 men
House Osgrey of Leafy Lake: 700 men
House Osgrey of Standfast: 300 men
House Caswell of Stonebridge: 3,000 men
House Meadows of Grassy Vale: 1,500 men
House Florent of Brightwater Keep: 2,000 men
House Merryweather of Longtable: 3,000 men
House Ball: 1,000 men
House Footly of Tumbleton: 2,000 men
House Fossoway of Cider Hall: 1,000 men
House Oakheart of Old Oak: 2,000 men
House Peake of Starpike: 5,000 men
House Redwyne of the Arbor: 1,000 men
House Tarly of Horn Hill: 2,000 men
The remaining 10,000 men come from the various other Houses of the Reach
Construction is to continue on the plans previously laid out for the mouth of the Mander River.
The fleet sent to the far east is to continue its previously laid-out voyage.
Construction is to begin on the Mander-to-Blackwater Canal now that House Durrandon has agreed to fund half of the costs and manpower needs involved in its construction.
With the alliance with the Stormlands cemented through marriage and now a major infrastructure project that will benefit both kingdoms, it is time to fully win over the Westerlands as well. Emissaries are to be sent to several major and minor Houses in the Westerlands to win over House Lannister's vassals in supporting Casterly Rock's recent decision to ally with Highgarden. They are to stress the peaceful intentions of the Reach towards the lands of the Kingdom of the Rock, and how Highgarden's recent betrothal and alliance pact with their overlord was undertaken in order to ensure peace and prosperity for both Kingdoms. King Garth himself will offer to set up betrothals and marriages between Houses that lie on the Northmarch and those of the southern and eastern Westerlands near the border of the Reach in order to bring the two Kingdoms closer together.
Alliances, Agreements, Pacts and Trade: -Marriage Pact with House Hightower
-Marriage Pact with House Osgrey
-Marriage Pact with House Peake
-Trade Agreement with Lys
-Trade Agreement with Braavos
-Marriage Pact and Alliance with House Durrandon
-Marriage Pact and Alliance with House Lannister
Honourable Sealord,
We believe the men and women of the city's guard are largely in our side. The only resistance would be from the slaver merchant's personal retinues, as they ave been locked out of all positions of power since the detestable governor of the dragonlords was ousted. If you are fne with it, I would like to travel to Braavos to discuss this and other things in more detail, so that communication might be faster.
Aliandros,
Lord High Steward
Temple of the Lord of Light, Chapterhouse Myr.