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The Heir of the Dragon: A Rhaenyra Targaryen Quest
- Location
- Lake Wobegon
- Pronouns
- He/Him/His
He also attempted to court Rhaenyra in Azel's hypothetical where she, as the Silver Falcon, absconded with Alicent in White Harbor.
CharlieKing
Pure of Heart, Dumb of Ass
- Pronouns
- They/Them
if players genuinely want to try for bringing Dorne into the fold (without engineering a war, because i don't see them stirring shit right now. they've seemed kind of isolationist so far?), we would probably need to start either diplomaxxing or moneymaxxing just as hard as we've been knightmaxxing, maybe both?
either become a diplomatic powerhouse that can smooth over the ruffled feathers a dornish marraige brings, or start up strong enough economic ties with dorne that marrying dornish royalty doesn't ruffle feathers too bad in the first place because MONEY
i'm probably missing some other routes too
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- Location
- Volksstaat Hessen, Deutsches Reich
Did Aegon I engineer shit? Did Daeron I?
- Location
- Lake Wobegon
- Pronouns
- He/Him/His
Demolition is a kind of engineering.
- Location
- Spain
Yeah, and from what we have seen in the omake he seems like quite an Amazon Chaser (very much like Harwin), so he is probably significantly more interested in Rhaenyra in this scenario...
- Location
- Mid-Atlantic
Tarly might not be dead of old age before Rhaenyra inherits the throne, but if Rhaenyra actually does try to conquer Dorne, then in the 'happy' event that she succeeds, I'm pretty sure Tarly will be dead of old age before Rhaenyra finishes conquering Dorne.
Because if Visenya couldn't do it fast, I doubt Rhaenyra can either.
Well...
in Westeros it's strongly implied that pretty much the entire northern half of the Seven Kingdoms and especially the North has apocalypse bunkers in place to ride out the absurd years-long super-winters (though I gather that in-quest these can be modeled more as periodic intense climate change, with yearly average temperatures going up and down even as the normal seasonal cycle still continues).
Dorne is so far south that even the "Winter" period (low mean temperatures) don't hit them very hard, so maybe they just put all the effort everyone else puts into building apocalypse bunkers to survive the cold years, and instead invests it into making bunkers to hide troops.
I think part of the problem the Targaryens have trying to conquer Dorne is that the armies don't only occupy heavily fortified castles; they also split up and filter back into the hill country into places that are relatively hard to locate even on dragonback and grim death to try and find on foot with guerillas taking potshots at you from the cliffs. Also, the castles they do have may be a lot easier to rebuild because they don't need to be as impressive, because it's logistically impossible to bring a huge siege army to bear against a castle in Dorne because of the climate.
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Turn 12: Early Snows
New
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Turn 12: Early Snows
Ser Raylon's clear unease at the prospect of traveling by dragon made it clear you had to pick someone else to travel north with you. You did not want to subject your sworn shield to any possible embarrassment. With Alicent refusing to go, you ended up deciding to pick Rhea Royce as your traveling companion. Offically, Ser Raylon was creating too much of a weight imbalance for Syrax to comfortably handle, so Rhea had to take his place. She would acting as your temporary sworn shield until you arrived at the Twins, her bronze armor and mace doing a lot to sell the image. Of course, in reality, while Rhea had some combat training, you were far stronger and more experienced then she was by a considerable measure. In reality, you simply did not want spend weeks at Winterfell and the Wall without any familiar faces around and Rhea was familiar enough.
She seemed quite eager at first to ride on dragon back, but you noticed on the day of your departure that her attitude had grown considerably more nervous. You said your goodbyes to Ser Raylon and Alicent before making your way towards Syrax. Even through her runic armor, it was easy to see the nervousness building in Rhea as the two of your approached. The tension in her shoulders alone was already clear for all to see.
Then Syrax turned towards you and Rhea froze mid-step, her eyes growing wide as the color drained from her face.
Syrax was simply curious, confused why another was with you as you were clearly set to ride. But it seemed Rhea didn't realize that. To her, all she saw was a giant fire breathing monster that was now staring directly at her.
"Be calm, Syrax," you urged in Valyrian. "Rhea is a friend."
As far as your dragon was concerned, that was enough of an explanation and the great beast turned away, adjusting herself so you and your guest could easily climb on. Rhea gasped loudly as if she had just remembered how to breath.
You stroked Syrax's neck affectionately as your traveling partner waited uneasily. Rhea climbed on first while you kept calming the dragon. Syrax's saddle had been enlarged before leaving King's Landing, so there was enough room for the two of you. You showed Rhea how to properly chain her legs before you climbed up yourself.
You felt something tight around your shoulders as Syrax took off, her great wings flapping as she began to rise above the grasslands surrounding White Harbor. Looking back, you saw Rhea holding onto your shoulders tightly, her eyes sealed shut.
The sight brought a bemused smile to your face as Syrax soared higher and higher through the air. You had never flown with someone before, so you had no idea how someone who had never flown before, someone who was not even a Targaryen at that, would react to it. Part of you feared the worst may happen and Rhea would become so terrified she put herself or both of you in danger.
Personally, your first flight had been a bit scary, but hardily terrifying. Then again, Syrax had been much smaller at the time and you only flew a few low circles around Dragonstone that day. You were much higher than that now.
Syrax rose far into the sky, to the point where you were level with the few clouds that dotted the sky. The White Knife had become little more than blue line in a vast sea of greens and browns.
Rhea was still clinging to you, eyes remaining shut.
"You're missing the best part!" you said over the wind.
"What best par--- woah!" Rhea's terror quickly shifted to awe. You looked back to see her eyes wide in disbelief as she gazed at everything around you. Her hand reaching into the sky as she tried to touch one of the nearby clouds, her fingers cutting through the vapor like knives.
There was a look of sincere wonder across her face as she took in everything. Now and then, a brief look of terror appeared on her face, but the awe and wonder quickly returned.
"Seven hells!" Rhea exclaimed. "We're so high up. Even the trees look like little sticks from here."
You laughed, but Rhea's joy was quite infectious. Flying with Syrax had never boring, yet there were times when a lot of it became, perhaps not mundane to you, but certainly rather ordinary. Rhea's reaction reminded you just what a privilege and honor it was to be up here among the clouds.
"And you get to enjoy this whenever you want?" Rhea's voice was a mix of but awe and envy. "It's a wonder you ever leave the skies."
"Sometimes it's tempting," you confessed. "To just leave everything behind and spend the rest of my days on dragonback. But alas, it is simply not possible."
"Thank you Rhaenyra!" Rhea said, either having not heard your reply or simply to wrapped up in the moment to give it much thought. "Thank you. This truly is amazing. Absolutely fucking terrifying, but amazing!"
Relationship with Rhea Royce Improved.
The three of you arrived in Winterfell to find the place covered in a light dusting of snow, the air frigid, the wind biting at your face.
Even from the air, the seat of House Stark was large, though nowhere close to Harrenhal in size. It's two massive walls covered acres of land. Inside, there were numerous courtyards, along with various keeps and towers. Some ancient, some still under construction. It's godswood was smaller than Harrenhal's, though much less overgrown. Outside the walls was a small town of muddy streets and wooden buildings. The town seemed largely abandoned, though even from the air you spotted a number of people, some on foot, some on animals, making their way into the town. Presumably to shelter for the coming winter.
Lord Rickon Stark was waiting for you and Rhea at the front gate. Before you stood an old man, not ancient, but perhaps old enough to have been your grandfather's peer. His hair had gone entirely white by this point. He stood proudly, his back having so far refused to bend from age, his frame wrapped in a fur cloak that had two wolf heads decorating it's leather straps. Besides him was a tall, brown haired woman with striking dark eyes and a toddler hiding behind her fur cloak. Your arrival seemed to have spooked Lord Rickon's son and heir.
Along with them, Lord Rickon's younger brother Bennard Stark was waiting for you too. Despite being young enough that his hair was just starting to grey, he had three sons that looked roughly your age.
To your surprise, Lord Stark did not have a message from your father with him as you had dreaded. Indeed, no word had arrived from King's Landing. It had not been that long since the tourney, but that still should have been enough time for a Raven to get from White Harbor to King's Landing and another to arrive here. There was no doubt in your mind that your father must have heard about your victory by now, and there was no way he wouldn't react to it.
You hadn't violated any of his rules or commands. By the letter of things, you had broken no rules, but you weren't blind to the realities of what you did. Your victory was probably being talked about in many keeps across the entire realm. There was no way your father would not have any sort of reaction. And yet you had arrived to what was effectively silence from the royal court. You had no idea if that was a good sign or not.
To further add to your confusion, Lord Rickon seemed glad to have you here. It was hard to tell behind that rough northern exterior, but he was quick to mention Lord Manderly's praise for you and mentioned his approval for your actions in the Vale, noting how rare it was to see a southern lord, particularly a Targaryen, deal with a cur like Ser Arnold Arryn so directly. You knew your actions had impressed Lord Stark from what Lord Manderly had said, though you didn't expect the famously reclusive Starks to say so directly.
A curious start to your stay in Winterfell.
114 AC
Actions during a Royal Progress (Take Three Total)
While taking part in a royal progress, turns are shortened. Instead of three months they now represent one stop on the progress. As a result, you are now limited to three actions per turn. These can be three regular actions or three conversations or any combo of the two. Tourneys, feasts, and judgments will all be important parts of your progress due to the vote and there will be multiple examples of each along the trip though not every location will have every option, nor is it expected of you to take every option when presented. So a couple of judgments for example will be enough to satisfy your promises to your father. Also note that some stops will have an interlude, some won't, and a few may even just be covered in an interlude.
Conversations
[] [Conversation] Speak with Lord Rickon Stark
Much is known about Starks. They're honorable to a fault, a house who's word you could trust above all others. They keep to the Old Ways of the First Men and guard the realm against Wildlings and whatever else lays beyond the Wall. But little is known about Rickon Stark himself. The Starks are generally reclusive and Lord Rickon himself is no exception. You've only seen the man twice in your life before now, once at the Great Council when you were quite young, and again when you were made heir. All you really know about him is what you can see. That he is an old man with a young heir. A man who clearly to some extent approves of you, but how much you cannot say. Now is perhaps the only chance you will have to better understand this man and what he thinks of you and your family.
[] [Conversation] Speak With Lady Gilliane Glover
Lord Strong's wife was long dead, as was Lord Grafton's. Lord Manderly's wife was simply too busy to speak with you. Until now you never had the chance to speak with the wife of any of the Lords on your progress, but Lady Glover has the time and is more than willing to speak with you. You do not have the easiest time with most noble ladies, most care nothing for your interests and you often find their interests rather dull. There are exceptions of course like Jeyne, Rhea, and of course your fair lady Alicent. As a woman more used to the rugged north, Gilliane should be more approachable. And perhaps Lady Stark could provide more insight into her husband and the North in general then a simple conversation with Lord Rickon might.
[] [Conversation] Speak with Rhea Royce
Rhea seems to be hoping to find a new husband in Winterfell. It couldn't hurt to talk to her and listen to her thoughts on the matter, maybe give your own opinions. If nothing else it would be a bit silly to bring her all this way and then all but ignore her.
[] [Conversation] Write-in
Subject to QM approval, has to have a reasonable chance of being in Winterfell.
Actions
[] [Action] Relax
After everything you've been through it would be nice to unwind for a bit.
None of the Northern Lords seem interested in sparring with you, and Rhea Royce has declined all offers you've made to practice sparring. With Ser Raylon heading towards the Twins, you have no one to do any meaningful training with. Though considering your recent victory at White Harbor, training hardly seems needed right now.
[] [Action] Train with Syrax
Perhaps it would be good to get some practice with Syrax over the vast hills and plains that surround Winterfell
You have arrived at an awkward moment. With Winter maybe a year away, Lord Stark is preparing for a grand feast where he will host all his vassals for one big celebration before Winter sets in, but with the Tourney having drawn many of his lords south, the feast is not set to begin for another month, well after you left. And Lord Rickon is not particularly interested in doing two feasts so close together.
[] [Action] Take Part in a Judgement
Lord Rickon was impressed by your actions in the Eyrie, remarking on how rare it is to see a southern lord both pass the sentence and do the dirty work themselves. As such, there's a number of issues he is willing to let you sit in on and pass judgement. You explained your father's prohibition on taking part in any trials by combat, though Lord Rickon noted executions weren't covered by this prohibition.
[] [Action] Take Part in a Hunt
With Autumn setting in, Lord Rickon Stark is preparing a massive hunt before too many game animals begin heading south. Naturally, Lord Rickon has invited both you and Rhea Royce along for the hunt. It seems you may even get the chance to partake in the more dangerous parts of the hunt instead of just hawking or hunting smaller game.
[] [Action] Study
There is always room to improve your education and Winterfell's library, while modest for it's size, is still quite large and full of ancient tomes.
[] [Action] Decide What to Do With Your Tourney Winnings
In the grand scheme of your holdings, your tourney winnings were very modest indeed. And you didn't even have them with you right now. But they were your winnings, coin you earned through your deeds alone. And there was enough there that you could do a fair amount with those gold dragons. Even if it would be a while before you could do anything with them, it wouldn't hurt to have a plan ready.
[] [Action] Improve your Poetry
The Great Northern Tourney has given you a fair bit of inspiration for how you could improve your poetry writing.
[] [Action] Study Music
To your surprise, Winterfell has a music instructor well versed in many instruements. Apparently, the man had been hired by Lord Stark's Wife, one Lady Gilliane Glover, a few years ago to teach her how to play the flute. The instructor is more than willing to help you study and while the couple of weeks you're staying at Winterfell are hardly enough time to do more than learn the basics, it would be a good start at least.
[] (Action) Write-in
Subject to QM approval
QM Notes: I will freely admit Feasting isn't an option because I had absolutely no idea what to do with it this turn. And yes for the moment it's basically radio silence from home but trust me, King Viserys is quite aware of what happened. The Dragon Knight name is even on the lips of many average people in King's Landing itself. But Lord Rickon himself doesn't really care since tourneys are generally a very southern thing. Also, for those curious, Rickon's young son is Cregan Stark, who would be a major figure in the canonical Dance of Dragons and live a long freaking time, eventually having a famous duel with the youngest son of Rhaenyra's youngest son, to give some perspective.
- Location
- Germany
[X] Plan The Full Winterfell Experience
-[X] [Conversation] Speak with Lord Rickon Stark
-[X] [Action] Take Part in a Judgement
-[X] [Action] Take Part in a Hunt
Speaking with Rickon Stark is all but mandatory, with the option even pointing out that this might be one of the only chances we get to chat with him.
Judgments would be good for our stated progress goals and it's clear that Stark values a just ruler highly, so we can score more points here.
Lastly, the hunt is fun, an experience we are unlikely to get anywhere else, and it's great bonding time with Rhea.
-[X] [Conversation] Speak with Lord Rickon Stark
-[X] [Action] Take Part in a Judgement
-[X] [Action] Take Part in a Hunt
Speaking with Rickon Stark is all but mandatory, with the option even pointing out that this might be one of the only chances we get to chat with him.
Judgments would be good for our stated progress goals and it's clear that Stark values a just ruler highly, so we can score more points here.
Lastly, the hunt is fun, an experience we are unlikely to get anywhere else, and it's great bonding time with Rhea.
- Location
- Earth
We should hunt because it might lower stress and will likely boost some relationships, and we should talk to Lord Stark, I can then be sold on the 3rd action but I lean towards talking to his wife. See what a woman of the north has to say about warrior women see if it influences us, that sort of thing. I'm also partial to studying music though
- Pronouns
- They/Them
I kinda want either Judgement or Music for the third.
[X] Plan The Full Winterfell Experience
-[X] [Conversation] Speak with Lord Rickon Stark
-[X] [Action] Take Part in a Judgement
-[X] [Action] Take Part in a Hunt
-[X] [Conversation] Speak with Lord Rickon Stark
-[X] [Action] Take Part in a Judgement
-[X] [Action] Take Part in a Hunt
- Pronouns
- They/Them
This isn't a reason not to do it, but going, "Okay, so no active combat, so I'll execute prisoners and go on a dangerous hunt" is hilarious.
- Location
- Germany
"I was just partaking in the local culture, as a ruler should to make her subjects feel that their customs are respected and valued."
- Location
- Lake Wobegon
- Pronouns
- He/Him/His
Perhaps, but in no other instance up to now has the well-versedness of the instructor in many instruments been highlighted. And perhaps it is sadly typical Quester fixation on the new and shiny thing, but that sticks out to me. Plus, y'know, bagpipes. Hence, options for folks to consider (I'm not married to either):
[X] Plan The Indoor Winterfell Experience
-[X] [Conversation] Speak with Lord Rickon Stark
-[X] [Action] Take Part in a Judgement
-[X] [Action] Study Music
[X] Plan The Outdoor Winterfell Experience
-[X] [Conversation] Speak with Lord Rickon Stark
-[X] [Action] Take Part in a Hunt
-[X] [Action] Study Music
EDIT: these also makes sense to me
[X] Plan: The Partial Winterfell Experience (Hunt Version)
-[X] [Conversation] Speak with Lord Rickon Stark
-[X] [Conversation] Speak with Rhea Royce
-[X] [Action] Take Part in a Hunt
[X] Plan The Hunter, The Judge, and The Lady.
-[X] [Conversation] Speak With Lady Gilliane Glover
-[X] [Action] Take Part in a Hunt
-[X] [Action] Take Part in a Judgement
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- Location
- New York
- Pronouns
- He/Him
[X] Plan: The Partial Winterfell Experience
-[X] [Conversation] Speak with Lord Rickon Stark
-[X] [Action] Take Part in a Judgement
-[X] [Conversation] Speak with Rhea Royce
I'm actually fine going on a hunt but I wanted to make a plan that actually progresses Rheas supposed plan to find a husband.
Edit:
[X] Plan: The Partial Winterfell Experience (Hunt Version)
-[X] [Conversation] Speak with Lord Rickon Stark
-[X] [Action] Take Part in a Judgement
-[X] [Conversation] Speak with Rhea Royce
I'm actually fine going on a hunt but I wanted to make a plan that actually progresses Rheas supposed plan to find a husband.
Edit:
[X] Plan: The Partial Winterfell Experience (Hunt Version)
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- Location
- Earth
Blood for the blood god innit.
Anyway to put down some more of my thoughts: I think our goal here should be to thoroughly win over House Stark and with them The North. The Starks and the Lannisters are the most "in control" of their vassals of the Wardens / Lords Paramount. Unlike say the Riverlands or Reach or to a lesser extent Stormlands and Vale if they side with us their vassals side with us, at least in a civil war
Rickard is likely to die soonish, and Benard does canonically contest the succession but Cregan wins that. I'm almost shocked there isn't an option to spar with baby Cregan, he's probably like 10 or something at this point? But he goes on to be an amazing swordsman.
Anyway we should woo all the Starks, and maybe draw Cregans uncle down south for a bit
- Pronouns
- He/Him
He's a Toddler. Like Cregan is always stated to be close to Jace's Age in canon but a bit older. So I figure early 20s in the dance at oldest.
Temes1066
To Defy Gravity you must Let It Go
- Location
- Coleraine
[X] Plan The Outdoor Winterfell Experience
-[X] [Conversation] Speak with Lord Rickon Stark
-[X] [Action] Take Part in a Hunt
-[X] [Action] Study Music
We need to study Music, sooner or later.
[X] Plan The Poetic Winterfell Experience
-[X] [Conversation] Speak with Lord Rickon Stark
-[X] [Action] Take Part in a Hunt
-[X] [Action] Improve your Poetry
Our we can work on our Poetry
-[X] [Conversation] Speak with Lord Rickon Stark
-[X] [Action] Take Part in a Hunt
-[X] [Action] Study Music
We need to study Music, sooner or later.
[X] Plan The Poetic Winterfell Experience
-[X] [Conversation] Speak with Lord Rickon Stark
-[X] [Action] Take Part in a Hunt
-[X] [Action] Improve your Poetry
Our we can work on our Poetry
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- Location
- Spain
Since one of the reasons why we took Rhea's Here was because getting a new husband was a good way of wrapping another powerful house to our Vale Alliance which will be the biggest support in the future, so it would be dumb to pass up the chance of playing matchmaker here, and besides that as the update says "If nothing else it would be a bit silly to bring her all this way and then all but ignore her."...
And Honestly, the I prefer the Hunt Rather than the Judgment...
[X] Plan: The Partial Winterfell Experience (Hunt Version)
-[X] [Conversation] Speak with Lord Rickon Stark
-[X] [Conversation] Speak with Rhea Royce
-[X] [Action] Take Part in a Hunt
And Honestly, the I prefer the Hunt Rather than the Judgment...
[X] Plan: The Partial Winterfell Experience (Hunt Version)
-[X] [Conversation] Speak with Lord Rickon Stark
-[X] [Conversation] Speak with Rhea Royce
-[X] [Action] Take Part in a Hunt
[X] Plan The Full Winterfell Experience
-[X] [Conversation] Speak with Lord Rickon Stark
-[X] [Action] Take Part in a Judgement
-[X] [Action] Take Part in a Hunt
-[X] [Conversation] Speak with Lord Rickon Stark
-[X] [Action] Take Part in a Judgement
-[X] [Action] Take Part in a Hunt
