[X] [Jeyne] Ask for Advice on ruling and how to deal with men who will oppose you.
[X] [Otto] Insist on the matter. Otto needs to support the annulment.

I'm fine being "favor neutral" here.
 
[X] [Jeyne] Ask for Advice on Alicent and her possible interest in you.
[X] [Jeyne] Ask for Advice on ruling and how to deal with men who will oppose you

[X] [Otto] Insist on the matter. Otto needs to support the annulment.
 
Voting closed
Voting closed

Adhoc vote count started by Teen Spirit on Sep 10, 2024 at 11:04 AM, finished with 88 posts and 45 votes.
 
Yes but I'm going with the show where he just seems to be musician of some note. Not important to the story.

To be fair the point of Mushroom as a chronicler is that people often didn't really pay attention or thought he was important enough to notice, which supposedly lead to him hearing some things he shouldn't have.
 
To be fair the point of Mushroom as a chronicler is that people often didn't really pay attention or thought he was important enough to notice, which supposedly lead to him hearing some things he shouldn't have.
Your periodic reminder that we need to make a friend who's good at Intrigue.
 
Curious how Viserys will react to the annulment request, I am sure with three people we can convince him of it tho.

I'm curious how Daemon reacts, assuming it gets approved- on the one hand, he absolutely loathes being married to Rhea Royce, to the point of murdering her in show!canon to get out of said marriage. On the other, this is a massive slap in the face, and Daemon's misogyny and ego won't react well to this. On the third hand (I am Mehrunes Dagon apparently), murdering her after an annulment feels like the kind of breach of the King's Peace that even Viserys can't tolerate from Daemon. On the fourth hand, perhaps Daemon just takes the opportunity to marry Laena?
 
. On the fourth hand, perhaps Daemon just takes the opportunity to marry Laena?
I think this is the most probably option, dunno if he will marry her immediately nor not. With Jeyne warning, Daemon getting angry is the likely outcome...
Other question is: Who will Rhea marry after the annulment ? At least she and Jeyne can divide the flood of marriage offer between the two of them instead of just Jeyne.
 
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I'm curious how Daemon reacts, assuming it gets approved- on the one hand, he absolutely loathes being married to Rhea Royce, to the point of murdering her in show!canon to get out of said marriage. On the other, this is a massive slap in the face, and Daemon's misogyny and ego won't react well to this. On the third hand (I am Mehrunes Dagon apparently), murdering her after an annulment feels like the kind of breach of the King's Peace that even Viserys can't tolerate from Daemon. On the fourth hand, perhaps Daemon just takes the opportunity to marry Laena?

I'm guessing he reacts very poorly if he learns that Otto supported it - he might have been happy about it or a least okay with it if Otto wasn't involved. But when your rival who hates you is in favor of something, it makes sense to assume it's bad for you even if it doesn't immediately appear that way.
 
I'm guessing he reacts very poorly if he learns that Otto supported it - he might have been happy about it or a least okay with it if Otto wasn't involved. But when your rival who hates you is in favor of something, it makes sense to assume it's bad for you even if it doesn't immediately appear that way.

Securing proactive Hightower, Arryn, and Royce support for Rhaenyra in the Dance by virtue of "Daemon will murder us all", well done questers! :p
 
If we do get time to have children and have them grow up before Daemon or any upstart decides to start a dance, I support having our children try and claim Vhagar, Vermithor and Silverwing first.

Viserys' "non Rhaenyras" can have their little dragon eggs (as long as Sunfyre is one of them, he's a good boy). Our bloodline will hold onto the real power of the Targaryens, teach them to master the blade and the dragon.

So... among our choices, who do we choose as the father of our kids? Because everyone is dead set on Alicent as the true love.
 

Laena will probably have Vhagar by the time we have children. Although getting Vermithor, Gēliotīkun (aka. Silverwing) & Ēdrurzys (aka. Dreamfyre) is important. Although if we have to use an egg for one of our children, I propose we use Sunfyre's egg.

Once we get our children, we also need to secure betrothals to gain more allies in the Dance to come. I am thinking maybe a Second Son of ours for one of Borros Baratheon daughters, that way we lock down Eastern Westeros (as long as Velaryon isn't againist us).
 
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So... among our choices, who do we choose as the father of our kids? Because everyone is dead set on Alicent as the true love.

I like the idea of Gwayne. He seems a decent sort. It locks in Otto as an ally, although I anticipate he'll still disagree with us a lot. I expect he'd be upset about us & make trouble under any other circumstances but will hopefully begrudgingly decide that a royal match is worth it even if it 'costs' two kids rather than one. Also, it means Rhaenyra's kids would be Alicent's nieces and nephews, so that's nice.

I wouldn't be in favor of proposing that until Rhaenyra built up relationships and talked it out with Alicent, Gwayne, and Otto though and made sure they were all on board, as well as getting to the point where it doesn't give stress. (Maybe talking it over with Alicent and Gwayne and presenting it to Otto as the carrot).

Although this is partially because I think Hightower-aligned Rhaenyra would be interesting.

If Otto proves to be unreasonable or too set in his ways in this though, then that becomes a bad idea - if we're not going to get Hightower support we need other backing.

Outside of Gwayne - I think Laenor is a trap, and kind of a retread of canon besides. I'll note that this would require either Rhaenyra having sex with someone who doesn't want it and finds it unpleasant, or Rhaenyra finding a male lover (which complicates any Alicent relationship). Additionally while Corlys is apparently okay with the Strong boys in the show, this doesn't make much sense and could change on us.
 
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On the fourth hand, perhaps Daemon just takes the opportunity to marry Laena?

Well Daemon was hardly against bigamy before so don't think the Rhea Royce marriage existing or not really impacts he whether hes wife searching. It does make another wife seem more legitimate to others, but Daemon was just gonna kill Rhea anyways. This does technically make it easier for him, but hey Rhaenyra getting some experience exercising political chops and kinda making allies?
 
Laenor is gonna have to marry a woman he doesn't want to no matter happens. Someone like Rhaenyra being super chill about each having a queer lover on the side is the best he can ask for. Otherwise he's likely to end up with a wife who resents him.

But for real - are we looking for a political marriage where we have true lovers on the side or are we looking for some kind of polycule where we have multiple lovers who are hopefully friendly with each other.

Like if it's the former - we're not doing better than Laenor.

If it's the latter - we're much more limited in our husbando options, to Harwin and few others, probably just the ones on TeenSpirits spoiler list.

And don't forget we also to have to help Alicent find a husband who's also cool with all of this and that Otto is satisfied with!

Otto may be Hand be he's a second son with no lands or incomes of his own beyond the crowns favor, so Rhaenyra is probably going to have to help him make this happen.
 
Otto may be Hand be he's a second son with no lands or incomes of his own beyond the crowns favor, so Rhaenyra is probably going to have to help him make this happen.
She technically already helped by making Alicent her handmaiden since that is one the benefits of being one for noble ladies - raise their marriage prospects - and Teen Spirit said if we want any influence on who Alicent marries we have to have a good relationship with Otto which is currently sitting on Neutral right now.
 
Turn 6: Of Things Lost and Gained
Adhoc vote count started by Teen Spirit on Sep 10, 2024 at 11:04 AM, finished with 88 posts and 45 votes.
Turn 6: Of Things Lost and Gained

"I must insist on your support, Lord Otto," you pressed. "I understand your concerns about Daemon remarrying, but I don't believe my cousin Rhaenys would so eagerly support such a match."

You honestly didn't know where Rhaenys stood in regards to your uncle, but you knew she was a caring mother and seemed to have misgivings about the idea of marrying Laena to your father. If she was hesitant about that, she would have been even more reticent about Daemon. Until Laena was of age at least.

"Hmm, very well," Otto nodded. "You have a point regarding the Princess Rhaenys. At the very least she would prefer waiting until her daughter is of age."

Of course, by the standards of nobility, 16 was considered of age by most. Still. Even three years of waiting could mean your uncle would decide to choose someone else entirely instead.

"So we're agreed then?" You asked.

"Yes. I will write a letter to Lady Rhea," Otto explained. "Once she confirms what we've talked about today, I will bring up her concerns to the King."

"Thank you. I'm sure Rhea will sleep easier at night knowing she will no longer have to suffer a Rogue Prince for a husband," you remarked.

"Of that I have no doubt," Otto agreed.

Otto Hightower no longer considers himself in your debt


"Actually, while I'm here, I was hoping you could give me a bit of advice," you spoke cautiously, making sure no one besides Jeyne was listening to you. "You are the most powerful women in the Seven Kingdoms to rule in her own right. I will some day rule the Seven Kingdoms in my own name. I was wondering if you might have advice on how to rule, and how to prepare for those who might oppose me."

Jeyne may have only ruled one kingdom, but with no other queens ever sitting the Iron Throne in their own name and the only other ruling ladies you could find being more minor nobles, you really had no one else to compare to.

"You do have a few advantages on me already," Jeyne mused. "I was barely saying my first words when they made me Lady of the Eyrie, so you won't have to suffer a Regent. And I lack in dragons."

"But you had the lords of one kingdom to worry about, not seven," you countered.

"True enough," Jeyne replied, smiling sympathetically. "If you want my advice, you need to make the lords, even those serving you, understand that you should be treated as they would treat a king. Some will hate you for it, but those lords were never going to support you to begin with. If you don't assert yourself, then even those lords who serve you will find every excuse they can to take more and more power from you until you're nothing more than a pretty figurehead for them."

"I have plenty of experience asserting myself against the men in my life," you said with a cocky grin, "but thank you."

"They'll start with military matters," Jeyne went on. "My lords would tell me to leave the Mountain Clans to those with more experience and knowledge, and when I tried to educate myself they pushed back, seeing the subject as unsuitable for a 'proper lady'."

"I aim to prove myself worthy of becoming a knight one day," you admitted. "And I am more skilled with a blade the most lords. Any who thinks they can tell me that I am not suited to handle military matters is a fool and will be treated as such."

"Yes. I've heard tales of you terrorizing the boys of the Red Keep and just one look at you," Jeyne said as she gazed at your arms, clearly impressed, "would tell me that you have put quite a bit of effort into this dream of yours. I think you may one day become a knight, but it won't make things easier for you. Many men will hate you for it. See it as emasculating for them."

You were almost taken aback. Besides your own sworn shield, Lady Jeyne was the first person who had taken your dream seriously, even treating it as achievable.

"I don't do it for them," you argued. "I strive to become a knight because it's who I am."

"Of course. We cannot change what the gods made us to be. I know that far too well," Jeyne replied.

You nodded in agreement.

"I would warn you that your uncle is currently your biggest threat but considering you came here to help his wife get a divorce, I think you knew that already," she added.

The man had stolen your castle and proclaimed himself to still be heir in defiance of your father. You knew full well that he was a walking threat to your rightful inheritance.

"I do not wish to fight my uncle," you said tactfully, "but I doubt he feels the same."

"When a woman sits the throne, every man with their last name things they're entitled to it," Jeyne said cynically.

Thankfully, your family was rather small at the moment. Beyond your father and your uncle, you were pretty sure the only man left in the family was Vaegon at the Citadel, and you weren't even sure if that Maester was still alive.

"You second biggest threat is right there," Jeyne gestured with one finger towards the Red Keep. "Your father's new wife."

"Johanna?" you asked skeptically. "We've gotten along decently enough."

"It won't last," Jeyne shook her head. "The moment she has a son, she's going to view you as a threat to her son's 'rightful inheritance'. I know my Cousin Arnold's mother was one of his first and loudest supporters. Even if Johanna has nothing but daughters, she would still prefer one of them sat the Iron Throne instead of you."

You couldn't deny that you often worried what would happen once Johanna had a son. Your father had made clear to you that you would remain heir no matter how many children his new wife bore, but would the lords of the realm accept that?

"Also, I saw how she stared at us," Jeyne said, a flash of anger in her eyes. "I know that look all too well. She will hate you for being what you are."

"You caught that from just a look?" You were skeptical. "She's probably just annoyed I caused a scene at her wedding."

"Maybe," Jeyne shrugged, "but I have known many ladies like her, and they despise me. There's a reason I normally don't dance in public with my favorites. We only do so in private."

You hadn't considered that before, but then again how much would it really matter? Your father had made clear he didn't care that ladies interested you as much as men, so what did your step-mother's opinions matter?

"Thank you, Lady Jeyne," you said with a bow. "You've given me much to think about."

"I am happy to help, cousin," Jeyne replied. "And thanks for coming to me for advice. I have few books back at the Eyrie that I think would prove quite helpful for a future Queen such as yourself. I'll send them to you once I get back."

"I'd appreciate that very much," you smiled.

"And do come visit me when you have the chance," Jeyne urged. "I would love to chat with you further, some place where the surroundings didn't stink of fish."

The odor was rather repugnant, undeniably so.

"I will do my best," you replied.

Relationship with Lady Jeyne Arryn Improved


The clear weather brought little in the way of good news to the Red Keep. Not long after you cousin left, news reached you of a revolt in the Vale. Arnold Arryn was again pressing his claim to be the rightful liege lord of the Kingdom, saying no 'soft lady' could rule the mountains. The revolt was notable but not large, Arnold's only support so far seeming to come from House Coldwater, House Templeton, some minor lords in the Fingers, the Three Sisters, and various second sons and unlanded knights, though their were rumors that Arnold was trying to hire a sellsword army as well. A notable surprise was that House Royce announced their support for Lady Jeyne, even providing escort for her back to the Eyrie after a failed kidnapping attempt in Gulltown.

The conflict had yet to break out into open warfare. Both sides had declared their loyalty to the Iron Throne, but neither had requested their lieges support. The Small Council had urged Viserys to stay out of it, seeing the matter as an internal problem that would quickly resolve itself due to Arnold's rather lackluster support and they argued the Iron Throne getting involved could just inflame things. You knew that Syrax and you could probably put an end to all of this in a day, but none of the lords on the Small Council were even considering such an action.

News from the Stepstones were better at least. Bloodstone had fallen to Prince Daemon and even more of the Tirachy's fleet was reduced to burning wreckage. The Crabfeeder and much of his army were now reduced to hiding in caves across the remaining islands and launching raids against the Sea Snake's fleet. This shift in tactics bore some success and cost your uncle and Lord Corlys a number of ships, but it was clearly a move of desperation.

Rumors abounded that some of the men following your uncle had already taken to calling him "King of the Narrow Sea". These were further given credit by reports that he was constructing a keep on Bloodstone. Dorne was sending letters of protest to your father, demanding him to order Daemon to withdraw. The king refused of course, saying the war was the private affair of his brother and of his vassal, not a matter for the Iron Throne.

Roughly a month after Lady Jeyne departed, your father disappeared for a few days. When he reappeared a few days later, his infected finger was now missing. He claimed in private it was to prevent the spread of the disease, but you had your doubts as to it's effectiveness.

As per your agreement with the Hand of the King, Otto pressed your father about the need to fill some of the remaining command positions within the City Watch, and he then quickly suggested the task of choosing should be given to you. You made a show of debating over the various candidates, even talked to a few of them, but ultimately you kept up your end of the bargain and made Ser Gwayne Hightower the new Commander of the Dragon's Gate.

Viserys Health has Deteriorated. New Status: Fair

Relationship with Gwayne Hightower has Improved. New Status: Cordial

Fourth Season, 113 AC

Free Action: Free Action allows to make one additional Conversation or Action per turn (So 3 Conversations and 2 Actions or 2 Conversations and 3 Actions). However, using it on an Action creates Stress from Rhaenyra being overworked and reduces the effectiveness of Relaxing.

Each turn is 3 months, though this may change as the quest goes on. You can pick either from the options below for your tasks or use write-in actions after QM approval. Please use plan voting for turn votes.


Conversations (Pick Two)

[] [Conversation] Speak with Viserys
Between his new Wife, his promises to make up for your subdued name-day, Rhea Royce's efforts to annul her marriage with your Uncle, your dance with Jeyne Arryn, and his ongoing illness, there is quite a bit you could discuss with your father.

[] [Conversation] Speak with Alicent Hightower
After your recent conversation with Gwayne, you've become very aware that your best and only friend may have romantic feelings for you. Perhaps it's time to talk with her about them, or perhaps there's something else you wish to speak about with your handmaiden.
-[] Talk with her about her possible feelings.
-[] Avoid the topic of romance, for now.

[] [Conversation] Speak with Otto Hightower
Between Gwayne and Alicent, you have done a lot to help the Hightowers gain greater status and power within King's Landing. Perhaps you could use that to improve relations with the Hand of the King.

[] [Conversation] Speak with Gwayne Hightower
You could see how Gwayne is adjusting to his new Command position.

[] [Conversation] Speak with Lord Commander Harrold Westerling
The Lord Commander must have some thoughts about his kin marrying your family. Perhaps he has some insight on your step-mother as well.

[] [Conversation] Speak With Lady Johanna Westerling
You couldn't help but notice the new Queen had a rather strong reaction to your dance. It might be wise to talk with her and see if you had accidentally caused some offense that you need to smooth over.

[] [Conversation] Speak with Ser Raylon Tarly
The two of you have been training a lot in recent months, and while the results have been quite effective, there's always room for improvement. Perhaps a good conversation would allow you to refine and improve your training even further.

[] [Conversation] Speak with Lord Lyonel Strong
The Master of Laws and Lord of Harrenhal. A stalwart voice on the council and man you know generally strives to do what is best for the Kingdom. He could provide much needed insight in your efforts to earn a seat on the Small Council.

[] [Conversation] Speak with Lord Lyman Beesbury
The Master of Coin. Beesbury is loyal, perhaps not as sharp as Lord Strong, but he is quiet loyal to your father. Perhaps he could be of some help in your quest to gain a seat on the Small Council.

[] [Conversation] Speak with Grand Maester Mellos
While your father assured you that he would make a full recovery in time, the loss of his finger suggests that's very much not the case. Perhaps the Grand Maester could help you better understand the situation and lay your worries to rest.

[] [Conversation] Speak with Lady Jeyne Arryn
She has left for the Eyrie and is currently fighting a rebellion.

[] [Conversation] Write-in
Subject to QM approval, has to have a reasonable chance of being in King's Landing.

Actions (Pick Two)

[] [Action] Relax
The Wedding was harder for you to deal with then you expected . Perhaps you should take some time to yourself, read in the godswood, fly around with Syrax for fun, and just enjoy yourself for a while.

[] [Action] Investigate the Death of King Aenys
Most Maesters and other writers agree that Queen Visenya had poisoned her nephew, King Aenys, to allow her own son to take the throne. But you have already seen how much those same authors were willing to ignore Visenya's contributions and slander her already. Perhaps this is simply another case of slander. If you could prove that, it could improve Queen Visenya's reputation considerably and make a stronger argument for your own eventual rule.

[] [Action] Study Valyrian History with your Father.
The little you've learned already has proven of great value to your training with Syrax, and has brought a bit of joy into your father's life. Who knows what further research may uncover.

[] [Action] Train
Ser Raylon Tarly insists that if you keep the heavy training up for a while longer you could easily become one of the best sword fighters in the Seven Kingdoms.

[] [Action] Train with Syrax
The Dragonkeepers are reporting that Syrax has grown a bit larger as of late, perhaps more training is needed to help adjust to another increase in size.

[] [Action] Sneak out and Explore the City
When your father and uncle were your age, they regularly went out of the King's Landing at night for all kinds of things. Naturally such things were forbidden to you as they were "unbefitting a princess" but as heir to the throne, shouldn't you have a chance to let loose and explore the city you'll one day rule? And if nothing else it will be great practice if you ever need to sneak for more adventurous pursuits.

[] [Action] Push to become involved in the Stepstones
While a Dragon and the largest fleet in Westeros should be enough to secure victory in the Stepstones, having another Dragonrider would speed things along. This could be a rare opportunity to earn real glory for yourself and prove you capabilites as warrior. You could also use the chance to check up on your uncle and the Sea Snake, ensure this war of theirs isn't a cover for something far more sinister.

[] [Action] Push to become involved in the Vale. (Aggressive)
While the revolt in the Vale has so far remained peaceful and the odds are in Jeyne's favor, there's no certainty that either will remain true. You know the best way to secure your cousin's position is with a quick visit from Syrax to the holds of the rebel lords. Perhaps if you pushed the small council to give you leave, they might agree with you.

[] [Action] Push to become involved in the Vale. (Subtle)
Instead of a direct show of force, you could maybe convince the Small Council of a more subtle message to the rebels. You have publicly talked with both Rhea Royce and Lady Arryn, so a friendly visit to their keeps on Syrax could be claimed to be just that, thus avoiding the need to make direct threats to anyone.

[] [Action] Request a Role in the City Watch
You know you are years away from your father even entertaining the idea of you leading the City Watch, but Daemon's recent actions have shown the who order to have dangerous flaws. Perhaps you could request some sort of role in it's rebuilding, overseeing the training or something like that as a way to ensure the next Goldcloaks are loyal. The role would probably be small and it wouldn't get you a seat on the Small Council but it could be a good first step on the way towards one.

[] [Action] Study
There is always room to improve your education.

[] [Action] Scout out Tourneys
There are few better ways to test one's skill in combat than a tourney. While you are quite aware that no tourney, however small, would allow you to openly compete, there was always the option of entering as a mystery knight. Your own grandfather was knighted after he entered a tourney as a mystery knight. While it was unlikely there would be a tourney as big as the one King's Landing had the day your mother died for quite some time, there was always some lord getting married or some heir having an important nameday. If you could find one close enough you might be able to sneak off and enter as a mystery knight. Of course, entering one and winning are two different things, and a quick defeat may hamper your efforts to become a knight.

[] (Action) Write-in
Subject to QM approval


QM's Note: The details are vague about Arnold Arryn's efforts to claim the Vale but it did say he rose against his cousin so I assume these were full on rebellions.
 
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