The End and The Beginning-An ASOIAF Nation Game-IC

[Arryn]

To His Majesty, Garth Gardener, the Twelfth of His Name, King of the Reach, Lord of Highgarden, Lord Paramount of the Mander, Defender of the Marches, and Shield of the Faith (@Arryn)

We would be most happy to receive her at Storm's End, and I have no doubt Prince Monfryd would enjoy the opportunity to acquaint himself with his future wife.

My nephew, Prince Qarlton, would be a fine candidate to serve as a squire to your person; however he is but a babe of three at the moment, perhaps in a few years he can be dispatched to Highgarden to serve as both a ward and a squire, if of course you find such an arrangement satisfactory?

Signed,

His Grace, Arrec Durrandon, the First of His Name, Storm King, King of the Trident, Lord of the Stormlands and Riverlands, Lord of Storm's End, Guardian of Shipbreaker Bay and the God's Eye, and Protector of the Realm

Click to shrink...

This is most acceptable. In the meantime, we have a few proposals we'd like to run by you.

We think it would be in our mutual interests to conclude an alliance now even before Alayne and Monfryd can be wed so that a sense of peace, stability, and prosperity can return to the lands that make up both sides of the Reach-Stormlands border. If the Lords and Smallfolk that live along the border regions know that Highgarden and Storm's End are friends and that there is no possibility of conflict between us, we think it would be mutually beneficial. The specifics of such an alliance can be hammered out as soon as we hear back from you regarding your thoughts.

Furthermore, we'd like to discuss a project that would certainly require the assistance of Storm's End (OOC: It would be an action that both of us would take starting this turn) and which we believe would lead to great benefits for both House Gardener and House Durrandon. What are your thoughts on a canal linking the Mander and the Blackwater? At its ideal location, it would be around 57 miles/97 kilometers, and would connect two of the greatest rivers in Westeros. The lands north of the Mander and south of the Blackwater are fairly calm and even. The headwaters of the Mander aren't located high in the mountains like other great rivers, and the landscape is more than suitable to construct such a canal. Furthermore, there will not be any risk of pollusing the freshwater of either river with saltwater since we are merely connecting two rivers, rather than a river with the sea.

A Mander-to-Blackwater canal would be advantageous that I can only assume my ancestors never constructed such a thing due to the fact that the Reach has never held sway over the north bank of the Blackwater. It would massively undercut travel times from Oldtown to Blackwater Bay, allow for food from the Reach to...well, reach the Riverlands in record time should famine or war ever hit the region, and most of all, it will allow for troops and ships to be sent north in a matter of days to provide aid to you in times of war. While our borders extend to the south bank of the Blackwater, we believe it would be best to seek your cooperation before attempting such a project. If House Durrandon would be willing to put forward 50% of the costs associated with constructing such a canal and pay for 50% of the costs associated with maintaining the canal for the future, we will be willing to give merchants operating from the Stormlands the right to use the canal free of charge so long as House Gardener and House Durrandon remain allies.

 

[Arryn]

Our thinking is in accord. The assistance of the Redwyne fleet would be most appreciated in these troubled times.

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Let's discuss terms then.

We'd be willing to offer our services, certainly at sea, to combat any raids or attacks from the Ironborn. As the Martells have ignored our messages to them seeking peaceful co-existence, we'd like your support in the event of any war or conflict with them.

 

[Shebe Zuu]

Let's discuss terms then.

We'd be willing to offer our services, certainly at sea, to combat any raids or attacks from the Ironborn. As the Martells have ignored our messages to them seeking peaceful co-existence, we'd like your support in the event of any war or conflict with them.

Click to shrink...

We can agree to this. However, we would also like assurances that the Reach will come to the support of the Rock should the Durrandons attempt to expand their rule west.

 

[Arryn]

We don't have any desire for conflict with the Durrandons. To that point, we don't support any pact with Storm's End that includes a war with the Rock either.

 

[Atomicwalrus]

From: King Garth XII
To: Free City of Lys
I think we are much closer to a deal now, but I'm afraid that lowering tariffs on alcoholic beverages would greatly upset some of our most loyal and prestigious vassals. House Redwyne has built its wealth up almost entirely on international shipping as well as the wine industry in Westeros, and we fear that agreeing to the terms outlined here (while likely driving down the cost of alcohol across the Reach, which can hardly be said to be a bad thing) would likely enrage the Arbor, and for good reason.

We have no problems raising tariffs on other wine makers, as the only other good wines that exist by our standards are found in Dorne (hardly a friend of the Reach), and the Vale, which does little trade with us already. If we can agree to removing or altering that first clause of our end of the bargain, I think we can strike a deal.

Click to shrink...

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.

Spoiler: Lys-Reach Trade Pact

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

 

[Tyrell]

HOUSE NYMEROS MARTELL



1 AD​

​

The rich and luxurious trappings of the Prince of Dorne's solar were a fitting reminder of his station, Master of the Nymeros Martell Line, Champion of the Rhoynar etc etc. For Prince Oberyn it was a prison, a gilded cage for men best left free. But he had long ago accepted the shackles at his father's behest. He was the blood of Nymeria, Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken. He had not allowed this poisoned chalice to bend him, he'd forged ahead. When his father had passed away it had been hard but with his brother by his side they had passed the trials of his early rule. Now though, another trial loomed, Valyria's Doom brought chaos. Trade had dwindled as cities had turned into blisters of violence and horror, all sanity seeming lost in Essos. War was brewing at every corner.

"One year, brother," Prince Oberyn huffed, "its been just one year!"

Prince Quentyn gave a rueful grin. "A year that has seen the fall of the most powerful empire upon Planetos brother, what else could we have expected."

"Well we had better prepare brother, every week I get new reports of ill-kind."

"Oh, what is the latest?"

"Nothing less than the rise of those Rhollorites it would seem to great heights of power. Myr apparently has become a Temple State, sworn to the Red God and its fires."

"Seven save us." A look of horror played across Quentyn's face, once Septon Walys heard of this it would be even more preaching of doom and gloom. It was hard enough to enjoy his hour long sermons.

===================================

FAMILY TREE

​

PRINCE OBERYN NYMEROS MARTELL.​

Crown Prince of Dorne, Lord of Sunspear, Lord of the Sandship. Age. 35. M. Lady Romilya Jordayne.​

Best known for his exploits in his younger years as a squire in the service of House Dayne on the Dornish Marches, he proved himself to be an wise commander of men and as a warlike youth he attracted many of the younger sons and lordlings of the realm to him. It was with these men that the Prince trusted in when it came time for him to take the crown from his father at his passing. Now they are full grown and come into their prime, for some it has seen them take their father's place in their lands and then there are the ones without such opportunity. They've flocked to Sunspear now where their chief voice is the Prince's own brother at his ear.​

​

Issue:​

Arthur Flowers - Squire of Lord Wyl. Age. 16

Princess Ashara Nymeros Martell - Heir to Dorne. Age. 11

Prince Morion Nymeros Martell - Age. 9

Ysaine Sands - Ward of House Wyl. Age. 8

Princess Myria Nymeros Martell - Age. 2​

PRINCE QUENTYN NYMEROS MARTELL.
​

Prince of Dorne, Knighted. Age. 29. Um.​

Quentyn Nymeros Martell is not a man to be trifled with. A warrior for his brother in his wars, he has proven himself a capable commander and a valuable sword in his brother's employ. However, for Prince Quentyn while he is true to his brother he does long for the chance to be lord of his own house, to see to his own holdings and hold council over his own lords like his brother does. It's in this interest that he has oft spoken to his brother for the younger sons of the houses of Dorne, pushing their agenda, a youthful one. A risky one.
​

​

​

 

[Tyrell]

HOUSE MARTELL


@Ceslas​

---

Major Actions
​

1] House Martell in the wake of the dark omens of Valyria's fall has witnessed many of its neighboring powers fall into obscene orgies of violence as the breaking of the Dragon lords rule has left them free to act on all their darkest impulses. For House Martell its first concern must be to seeing such events don't overtake Dorne and lead to similar bloodshed and chaos.
Thus Prince Quentyn has been ordered to bring together a mustering of soldiery from across Dorne at Sunspear (These are men who aren't sworn to any lords, freeriders, knights and men-at-arms without masters).

2) Prince Oberyn calls on the lords of the Dornish Marches to double their watch on the borders and to report if any signs of aggression from the Reachlords or Stormlords was escalating beyond the normal affairs of the raids.

3) The great fleet the Rhoynar first arrived with has long since dwindled away in the employ of House Martell, but times have changed, the unquestionable hegemony and protection of Valyria is stripped from the seas and already an uptick in piracy can be noted in the Stepstones as the old dragon lord outposts no longer have dragon's fire to back their word. The Lords of the Salt Shore and the Greenblood have been asked to provide aid in rebuilding a fleet for all of Dorne, be it with mariners, shipwrights or just labor.

​

---

Diplomacy:

To: The High Septon @Ceslas
From: Prince Oberyn Martell

Your Most Holy Grace, In these distressing times it worries me greatly that the foul slaving realms of the East seem in some cases to have bent their gaze upon the Stepstones, I fear that they might seek to bring their vile ways upon those lands and even on my shores to fill their holds. I would ask if the warrior's sons and their ships might be willing to aid me if such attempts were to be made on the people. Right now I gird myself for the worst though it has yet to come and all I wish your grace is that you might see the worth in aiding me in such a mission if what I fear for comes to pass.​

 

[Khwatawch]

Temple of the Lord of Light
Chapterhouse Myr​

Ruler: Aliandros, Lord High Steward of the Temple
Capital: Myr
Religion: R'hllorism.

Major Actions: @Ceslas

• Expansion: Essos is ripe for the taking. We will expand Eastward, and seize control of everything inbetween Myr and the Rhoyne, and we will expand south, and take everything between Myr and the coast of the Summer Sea. We will use the slaves we have freed and recruited into the Temple's service to do this.
• We will begin training a professional standing army /city-guard to defend Myr.
• We will begin building shipyards so that we may have a fleet in the future.
• Begin organizing a sort of civil service to administer Myr and our other possessions, which will be separate from the Temple's hierarchy.

 

[Magnive]

To: Aliandros, Lord High Steward of the Temple (@Khwatawch)

Greetings, High Steward,

The day I was informed of your triumph in Myr, my heart swelled with joy. No longer would Braavos be the only "Free" City standing against the abomination that is slavery.

However, as further news trickled in, I found myself profoundly saddened. Though your priesthood managed to overthrow the governor and seize control of the city, you not only let the slavers leave but to let them either keep their slaves or to reward slavery by paying them far too much money: for any money given to slavers at all is too much.

And more disappointing still, you denied the former slaves the freedom owed to all men and forced them into something only marginally better. For while the Red Priests in Braavos have never expressed any regret for their choices, it was their choice, rather than something forced upon them.

But I believe that you are, at heart, a good and pious man, thus I beseech you: continue what you started when you threw down the despots ruling Myr. End the evil men who practice slavery and let the former slaves choose whether they will serve R'hllor in the temples or if they will bring glory to the Lord of Light in other ways.

From:
Lotho Temittis, Sealord of Braavos

 

[Ceslas]

HOUSE MARTELL


@Ceslas​

---

Major Actions
​

1] House Martell in the wake of the dark omens of Valyria's fall has witnessed many of its neighboring powers fall into obscene orgies of violence as the breaking of the Dragon lords rule has left them free to act on all their darkest impulses. For House Martell its first concern must be to seeing such events don't overtake Dorne and lead to similar bloodshed and chaos.
Thus Prince Quentyn has been ordered to bring together a mustering of soldiery from across Dorne at Sunspear (These are men who aren't sworn to any lords, freeriders, knights and men-at-arms without masters).

2) Prince Oberyn calls on the lords of the Dornish Marches to double their watch on the borders and to report if any signs of aggression from the Reachlords or Stormlords was escalating beyond the normal affairs of the raids.

3) The great fleet the Rhoynar first arrived with has long since dwindled away in the employ of House Martell, but times have changed, the unquestionable hegemony and protection of Valyria is stripped from the seas and already an uptick in piracy can be noted in the Stepstones as the old dragon lord outposts no longer have dragon's fire to back their word. The Lords of the Salt Shore and the Greenblood have been asked to provide aid in rebuilding a fleet for all of Dorne, be it with mariners, shipwrights or just labor.

​

---

Diplomacy:

To: The High Septon @Ceslas
From: Prince Oberyn Martell

Your Most Holy Grace, In these distressing times it worries me greatly that the foul slaving realms of the East seem in some cases to have bent their gaze upon the Stepstones, I fear that they might seek to bring their vile ways upon those lands and even on my shores to fill their holds. I would ask if the warrior's sons and their ships might be willing to aid me if such attempts were to be made on the people. Right now I gird myself for the worst though it has yet to come and all I wish your grace is that you might see the worth in aiding me in such a mission if what I fear for comes to pass.​

Click to shrink...

If such a threat should appear the Face of the Warrior shall authorize a levy of some of the 700 and 7,000 as well grantign their chapter-masters that ability to give war-oaths for the duration of the conflict.

OOC: The Faith has no ships. It does not need them.

 

[Khwatawch]

To: Aliandros, Lord High Steward of the Temple (@Khwatawch)

Greetings, High Steward,

The day I was informed of your triumph in Myr, my heart swelled with joy. No longer would Braavos be the only "Free" City standing against the abomination that is slavery.

However, as further news trickled in, I found myself profoundly saddened. Though your priesthood managed to overthrow the governor and seize control of the city, you not only let the slavers leave but to let them either keep their slaves or to reward slavery by paying them far too much money: for any money given to slavers at all is too much.

And more disappointing still, you denied the former slaves the freedom owed to all men and forced them into something only marginally better. For while the Red Priests in Braavos have never expressed any regret for their choices, it was their choice, rather than something forced upon them.

But I believe that you are, at heart, a good and pious man, thus I beseech you: continue what you started when you threw down the despots ruling Myr. End the evil men who practice slavery and let the former slaves choose whether they will serve R'hllor in the temples or if they will bring glory to the Lord of Light in other ways.

From:
Lotho Temittis, Sealord of Braavos

Click to shrink...

Honourable Sealord, @Magnive

The freedmen introduced to the Temple's service hold no lands or wealth to their names, and the world can be a cruel place for such a person. While serving the Lord of Light is hard work, these freedmen will be entitled to a wage apportioned from a fraction of the Temple's treasure, a roof above their head at night, food on the table, and a higher purpose. The freemen serving the Temple might also leave at a moment's notice, unless they have joined the Priesthood and sworn an oath. We nevertheless thank you for your concern, rest assured that while we would have preferred to deliver swift justice to slaves and slavers both, never again shall a person born in these domains be condemned to slavery.

Aliandros,
Lord High Steward
Temple of the Lord of Light, Chapterhouse Myr.

 

[Arryn]

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.

Spoiler: Lys-Reach Trade Pact

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 50% of the nominated fee.
• House Gardener will be granted a Manse and gardens in Lys.

House Gardener will grant Lys:

• An elimination on 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 who reside in Lys and are 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. Gifts from foreign powers to House Gardener or her vassals as part of the traditional diplomatic, negotiation, or alliance-making process do not apply. Goods the Reach seizes through raiding, warfare, or via peace settlements with foreign powers do not apply.
**** 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.

Click to shrink...

Lys wants to send Wildfire to the Reach? (A poor attempt at a joke)

Our proposed amendments to the deal can be found in the above attachment (your previous message). Our biggest amendment is clarifying that those writs of trade shall not be sold or otherwise granted to anyone who is not a resident of Lys. We do not care to see rights to trade in the Reach being sold off to anyone in Essos who is willing to pay Lys money to be granted those rights. Traders must be residents or citizens of Lys to be eligible to be granted the privileges we are negotiating here.

We would also like to add a clause committing both powers to clearing the sea lanes between Lys and the Reach of pirates and corsairs, in order to help facilitate the increased commercial vessels that will naturally be traveling the Summer Sea between our ports.

 

[Atomicwalrus]

Lys wants to send Wildfire to the Reach? (A poor attempt at a joke)

Our proposed amendments to the deal can be found in the above attachment (your previous message). Our biggest amendment is clarifying that those writs of trade shall not be sold or otherwise granted to anyone who is not a resident of Lys. We do not care to see rights to trade in the Reach being sold off to anyone in Essos who is willing to pay Lys money to be granted those rights. Traders must be residents or citizens of Lys to be eligible to be granted the privileges we are negotiating here.

We would also like to add a clause committing both powers to clearing the sea lanes between Lys and the Reach of pirates and corsairs, in order to help facilitate the increased commercial vessels that will naturally be traveling the Summer Sea between our ports.

Click to shrink...

I think we are getting much closer to a deal.

How is this?

Spoiler: Lys-Reach Trade Pact

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 50% of the nominated fee.
• House Gardener will be granted a Manse and gardens in Lys.

House Gardener will grant Lys:

• An elimination on 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.

Both Parties

• Both parties will agree to keeping their respective waters free from piracy.

*Lyseni traders defined as traders who reside in Lys and are 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. Gifts***** from foreign powers****** to House Gardener or her vassals as part of the traditional diplomatic, negotiation, or alliance-making process do not apply. Goods the Reach seizes through raiding, warfare, or via peace settlements with foreign powers do not apply.
**** 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.
***** Gifts being defined as items granted without a reciprocal item or currency exchanged
****** Explicitly excluding merchants or those acting as merchants.

 

[Magnive]

Honourable Sealord, @Magnive

The freedmen introduced to the Temple's service hold no lands or wealth to their names, and the world can be a cruel place for such a person. While serving the Lord of Light is hard work, these freedmen will be entitled to a wage apportioned from a fraction of the Temple's treasure, a roof above their head at night, food on the table, and a higher purpose. The freemen serving the Temple might also leave at a moment's notice, unless they have joined the Priesthood and sworn an oath. We nevertheless thank you for your concern, rest assured that while we would have preferred to deliver swift justice to slaves and slavers both, never again shall a person born in these domains be condemned to slavery.

Aliandros,
Lord High Steward
Temple of the Lord of Light, Chapterhouse Myr.

Click to shrink...

Pious Lord High Steward,

The world can indeed be a cruel place, particularly for slaves. However, long has Braavos stood as a beacon in Essos, wishing to see all men free as they ought to be and with the ability to prosper. If the men inducted to the temples are indeed free to leave, then I suggest that they be given the offer to move to Braavos. Here, at least, they will no longer have to walk streets where slavers and slaves still walk.

Alternatively, if your caution in moving against the slavers are due to their forces, then I can promise the Braavosi army to aid in bringing them to justice.

Lotho Temittis,
Sealord of Braavos

 

[EmperorCasey]

From: Triarchs of Volantis
To: High Priest of R'hllor @Ceslas
Private

Given our new understanding with one another we want to understand our potential. We understand that different sects of the Lord of Light are competing. How much influence can you have over the faith in different cities in Essos? This will be crucial if we are to rebuild Valyria.

 

[Ceslas]

From: Triarchs of Volantis
To: High Priest of R'hllor @Ceslas
Private

Given our new understanding with one another we want to understand our potential. We understand that different sects of the Lord of Light are competing. How much influence can you have over the faith in different cities in Essos? This will be crucial if we are to rebuild Valyria.

Click to shrink...

I admit my influence right now does not extend past Volantis. This will be corrected.

 

[EmperorCasey]

I admit my influence right now does not extend past Volantis. This will be corrected.

Click to shrink...

We certainly hope so. There are many followers of the Lord of Light that can be saved from violence with your critical influence.

 

[KnightofTempest]

Religion in New Ghis

The Ghiscari of New Ghis worship a few gods, The Harpy, Goddess of Fertility, the Skyfather, God of Law and the Storm, the Lady of Spears, Goddess of War, The Lord of Tides, the God of the Sea, and Grazdan the Great as a form of Ancestor Worship.

As the Story Goes, The Harpy married the Skyfather and from their union the First Ghiscari was born. He had many thousands of children with many peoples and spirits and his Youngest was known as Grazdan, who founded the City of Old Ghis for his Bretheren and Organized them into Legions, spreading their dominion around Slaver's Bay and subjugating a multitude of peoples. Thus the Sons of the Harpy spread througout the lands.

The Cult of the Lady of Spears is mostly worshipped by the Iron Legions and Military Men, while Farmers and Planters revered the Harpy as the Goddess of Fertility as well as the Mother of the Ghiscari, the Navy and Merchants worship the Lord of Tides, and the Magistrates and Princeps worship the Skyfather in his aspect as Lawgiver.

Every Ghiscari Worships Grazdan as the Divine Ancestor from which the Modern Ghiscari People descend.

A multitude of gods are worshipped by the Slaves, from the gods of Sarnor and Valyria to the Gods of the Qaathi and Lhazareen. Very few slaves worship R'hollor as very few Slaves come from so far west.

On the last week of the Year, a series of festivals and ceremonies are held to the gods. This week is known as Godsweek and is a Holy Week that is used to honor the Gods to gain their blessings for the new year.

 

[Altzek]

Our faces for the city


​

The Doom took Meereen by surprise. While the city's inhabitants - bonded and free, citizen and slave alike - welcomed the destruction of the accursed conqueror and its implications, Meereen was nevertheless off-balance.
So used it was on relying on the protection provided by her accursed conquerors that, for millenia, Meereen lacked any standing military force except its civic guard, which certainly would have not been enough in the event of a siege, as the loss of Ghardaq and her sisters showed.
The city was in a situation that it hadn't experienced in millenia but, thankfully, its citizens didn't lack the enthusiasm to overcome this predicament.

The idea of reforming the city's military came from elements of the civic guard in the city's popular assembly, who soon attracted the interest of much of its constituents.
The idea in principle was simple enough: expand the city's military far beyond its civic guard, to constitute a proper citizen army for defensive - and offensive - purposes. Service would last for three years and extend to all men of military age.
Simple and effective, the proposal met the acclaim of the assembly's constituents, who almost unanimously voted in its favour.
Even the city's nobles, far from a martially-inclined people - though horseback riding and sword-handling experience weren't lacking considering their frequent direct participations in arena fights in which they reevoked in a bloody manner the battles fought by the old empire - saw this as a golden chance to gain more prestige in the new city, which would allow them to keep their importance. If anything, they were the ones who could afford horses and better equipment, so that certainly increased their odds of survival in battle.

So, the will to constitute a military was there, but how was this military supposed to look like?
The unanimous response was "Why, as the legions of old, of course, who would have trampled Valyria itself under their sandals were it not for its dragons".
But what were these legions like? And as this question was asked, silence befell on the discourse.
Descriptions of the legions abounded in both Valyrian texts and the few remaining written by their ancestors, but if Valyria's descriptions were comprehensible but unlikely to be entirely accurate and subject to embellishments, the Ghiscari ones were largely incomprehensible.
Meereen and Old Ghis shared a common writing system but the language was nevertheless hard to decipher, and deriving much of its lexicon from it didn't help considering that millenia of mutations had to be taken account of.
Few isolated pockets speakers of proper Ghiscari - not the Low Valyrian with consistent Ghiscari elements that dominated the major cities of the region - remained but they existed outside of the city's reach and among conservative, rural and largely illiterate communities, and of course their Ghiscari was unlikely to be the same spoken by Grazdan the Great five millenia earlier.
Linguists and interpreters were at a dead end, and so Meereen had to improvise and adapt.

After several consultations, a final asset was decided: the army would be composed of corps of lightly-armoured spearmen wearing checkered vests as colorful as their city whose main equipment would be composed of a round shield and a spear about three foot long, with a short sword and two more spears hidden beneath its shield acting as auxiliary weapons for both close quarters and limited ranged skirmishes. A mobile cavalry would protect their flanks, and small corps of archers with limited melee capabilities would complete the set.
But the most bizarre feature of this new army was its policy to foster discipline and cohesion. These were not the legions of old, gone were the days of lockstep marches and perfect formations, and so something had to compensate the loss. That something was nothing short of the complete erasure of the self for as long as one was in service, and that erasure began from the face itself.
No longer men, these soldiers were meant to be beasts, Loyal Beasts, each file a different pack, from foxes and apes and wolves in the front rows all the way to lions and bulls in the back, their identity - and mask - changing every day. There was no man, there was no self, the soldier swore before the gods; only a pack.
To the cavalry corps - increasingly hegemonized by the city's vain old blood - this was an "unwieldy" solution, and so the brass and wooden masks were only accepted by the infantry and the city watch.

Few in the city truly believe the Loyal Beasts - or any formation claiming that legacy - to be the legions of old come again but the pride of them is great.
And so are expectations for them.

 

[Sejanus]

Excellent we bring the following proposal to you.

Spoiler: Lys - Stormlands Trade Compact

Lys will grant the Stormlands:

• House Durrandon will be granted a manse and gardens in Lys.
• House Durrandon will be granted a household of freemen to maintain said manse and gardens.
  
• A 50% reduction in tariffs and customs fees for lumber imported to Lys.
• The removal of any tarrifs, port or customs fees for Amber imported to Lys.

The Stormlands will grant to Lys:

• Remove import and custom fees for the sale of wines and other alcoholic beverages imported into the Stormalnds 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 Stormlands.
• Lyseni Trades are granted a 25% discount on lumber purchased in The Stormlands.

*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 Baelareon.

From

Bhaela Baelareon, First Magister of Lys

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To Serenity, Bhaela Baelareon, First Magister of Lys (@Atomicwalrus)

We gladly accept.

Signed,

His Grace, Arrec Durrandon, the First of His Name, Storm King, King of the Trident, Lord of the Stormlands and Riverlands, Lord of Storm's End, Guardian of Shipbreaker Bay and the God's Eye, and Protector of the Realm

This is most acceptable. In the meantime, we have a few proposals we'd like to run by you.

We think it would be in our mutual interests to conclude an alliance now even before Alayne and Monfryd can be wed so that a sense of peace, stability, and prosperity can return to the lands that make up both sides of the Reach-Stormlands border. If the Lords and Smallfolk that live along the border regions know that Highgarden and Storm's End are friends and that there is no possibility of conflict between us, we think it would be mutually beneficial. The specifics of such an alliance can be hammered out as soon as we hear back from you regarding your thoughts.

Furthermore, we'd like to discuss a project that would certainly require the assistance of Storm's End (OOC: It would be an action that both of us would take starting this turn) and which we believe would lead to great benefits for both House Gardener and House Durrandon. What are your thoughts on a canal linking the Mander and the Blackwater? At its ideal location, it would be around 57 miles/97 kilometers, and would connect two of the greatest rivers in Westeros. The lands north of the Mander and south of the Blackwater are fairly calm and even. The headwaters of the Mander aren't located high in the mountains like other great rivers, and the landscape is more than suitable to construct such a canal. Furthermore, there will not be any risk of pollusing the freshwater of either river with saltwater since we are merely connecting two rivers, rather than a river with the sea.

A Mander-to-Blackwater canal would be advantageous that I can only assume my ancestors never constructed such a thing due to the fact that the Reach has never held sway over the north bank of the Blackwater. It would massively undercut travel times from Oldtown to Blackwater Bay, allow for food from the Reach to...well, reach the Riverlands in record time should famine or war ever hit the region, and most of all, it will allow for troops and ships to be sent north in a matter of days to provide aid to you in times of war. While our borders extend to the south bank of the Blackwater, we believe it would be best to seek your cooperation before attempting such a project. If House Durrandon would be willing to put forward 50% of the costs associated with constructing such a canal and pay for 50% of the costs associated with maintaining the canal for the future, we will be willing to give merchants operating from the Stormlands the right to use the canal free of charge so long as House Gardener and House Durrandon remain allies.

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To His Majesty, Garth Gardener, the Twelfth of His Name, King of the Reach, Lord of Highgarden, Lord Paramount of the Mander, Defender of the Marches, and Shield of the Faith (@Arryn)

Indeed, let there be friendship between our houses: there is no more need for wanton violence and aggression, it only serves to weaken us to the benefit of our mutual adversaries, namely the Ironborn and the Dornish - uncultured as they both are. Let us thus move forward and discuss the specifics of said friendship.

I certainly see the merits in a Mander to Blackwater canal, and can give my consent to such an idea, indeed let it be the starting point of our new future: the union of the two rivers symbolizing our own. The terms you offer also seem fair, but perhaps we can include a shared profit of the tolls collected on said canal, but that can be a discussion for another date if you will.

Signed,

His Grace, Arrec Durrandon, the First of His Name, Storm King, King of the Trident, Lord of the Stormlands and Riverlands, Lord of Storm's End, Guardian of Shipbreaker Bay and the God's Eye, and Protector of the Realm

 

[Khwatawch]

Pious Lord High Steward,

The world can indeed be a cruel place, particularly for slaves. However, long has Braavos stood as a beacon in Essos, wishing to see all men free as they ought to be and with the ability to prosper. If the men inducted to the temples are indeed free to leave, then I suggest that they be given the offer to move to Braavos. Here, at least, they will no longer have to walk streets where slavers and slaves still walk.

Alternatively, if your caution in moving against the slavers are due to their forces, then I can promise the Braavosi army to aid in bringing them to justice.

Lotho Temittis,
Sealord of Braavos

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Honourable Sealord,

We would be interested in the cooperation you speak of. Support from Braavos would certainly tilt the balance of power decisively towards us, and allow us end slavery once and for all in these lands.

Aliandros,
Lord High Steward
Temple of the Lord of Light, Chapterhouse Myr.

 

[Magnive]

Honourable Sealord,

We would be interested in the cooperation you speak of. Support from Braavos would certainly tilt the balance of power decisively towards us, and allow us end slavery once and for all in these lands.

Aliandros,
Lord High Steward
Temple of the Lord of Light, Chapterhouse Myr.

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Pious Lord High Steward,

How large a part of your city's forces do you believe would side with you over the slavers?

Lotho Temittis,
Sealord of Braavos

 

[King Saul]

House Arryn

Major Actions: @Ceslas

.Royal Envoy: King Egbert's third son, Prince Symond will be sent to Braavos to learn more about the culture and customs of Free City as established by the agreement between the Kingdom of the Mountain and the Vale and Braavos.

.Braavosian Fashion in the Royal Court: As also established by the agreement, both the Royal Family and its court servants will wear from clothing to Braavos jewelry to promote this fashion in the Kingdom.

.Gulltown Expansion: The port city of Gulltown will have expanded its port facilities, with the primary goal of harboring more Kingdom ships.

.Buying Ships: King Egbert wants to expand the Kingdom's maritime force, and as such he intends to buy ships at a *reasonable price from Braavos.

 

[Arryn]

To His Majesty, Garth Gardener, the Twelfth of His Name, King of the Reach, Lord of Highgarden, Lord Paramount of the Mander, Defender of the Marches, and Shield of the Faith (@Arryn)

Indeed, let there be friendship between our houses: there is no more need for wanton violence and aggression, it only serves to weaken us to the benefit of our mutual adversaries, namely the Ironborn and the Dornish - uncultured as they both are. Let us thus move forward and discuss the specifics of said friendship.

I certainly see the merits in a Mander to Blackwater canal, and can give my consent to such an idea, indeed let it be the starting point of our new future: the union of the two rivers symbolizing our own. The terms you offer also seem fair, but perhaps we can include a shared profit of the tolls collected on said canal, but that can be a discussion for another date if you will.

Signed,

His Grace, Arrec Durrandon, the First of His Name, Storm King, King of the Trident, Lord of the Stormlands and Riverlands, Lord of Storm's End, Guardian of Shipbreaker Bay and the God's Eye, and Protector of the Realm

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At the moment, a simple defensive pact seems to be the best course of action in our eyes, though we are open to other proposals related to the aforementioned military alliance.

As to sharing profits, if Storm's End is willing to put up half of the manpower and funds needed to construct the canal, as well as half of the costs related to maintaining it, we are open to splitting any profits that it generates between us 50/50.

 

[SneakyWalrus]

House Xaq of the Summer Isles

Princes of the Pearl Palace
Lords of the great Isle of Koj
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Ruler: Jalabhar Xaq, Prince of Koj
Government: Princedom
Capital: Pearl Palace
Religion: Countless Deities of love, beauty and fertility

Major Actions: @Celas​

1) Securing political dominance on Koj: The infighting between the many Princes of the Summer Isles is rarely bloody due to strict adherence to specific codes of ritualized combat and heavy oversight from the numerous elders charged with documenting the long history of the Isles. That does not however, mean that the political turmoil that exists amid the petty nobility has ceased, and steps must be taken to cement the House of Xaq's control over the Pearl Palace of Koj, and our place at the primary house controlling the Isle's political interests. Sending out courtiers, attendants and a bevy of minor political operatives to gain an understanding of the current political views of the Isle of Koj should provide a baseline to build on.

2) Sunset Sea Trading Company establishment: Although the Summer Isles lacks for resources such as iron and bronze, it has always remained a place of wonder and wealth. Now is the time to expand on that, by establishing a merchant company with a number of noble backers as a source of supporting funds, and taking an account of the wealth of the Isles in order to trade to the rest of the wider world. The pelts and hides of great beasts such as the infamous Red Wolves, rare spices and endless numbers of jewels are of great value to the rest of the world, and by establishing a primary method of trading with the northern realms, we can expand our wealth.

3) Expanding the Harbours: Koj is home to one of the greatest naval harbours in the world, for no other port can create the massive, powerful Swanships that are the pride of the Summer Isles. By expanding both the current port to allow for more available trade and shipping both within the Summer Isles and beyond it, while laying the foundations for further development of mighty shipyards by which to lay down more powerful vessels, we can provide a basis to build our wealth, prestige and power on going into the future.

4) Seeking support: Gaining trading allies among the Summer Isles is important to secure our current princely position as Prince of Koj, and will be vital if we are to expand our trade further afield from the isles themselves. By sending out affirmations and rich gifts to the more powerful Princes on the surrounding isles of Walano, Omboru and Jhala. Strike up new friendships and comfortable connections, while our merchants can begin establishing themselves in the major Lotus Port, allowing us to begin shipping material from the Summer Isles across the Sunset Seas.
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