The Three-Headed Dragon: A Viserys Targaryen Quest Continuation [abandoned]

The Many Lives of Viserys Targaryen, Part I
The Many Lives of Viserys Targaryen Part 1:


The Many Lives of Viserys Targaryen





By Maester Galwyn





Circa: (670 AC)​




No man, from more Fascinating of beginnings, and enigmatic ends has met the same popularity, enduring legal and military legacy as one Viserys Targaryen, the Third of His name, king of the Andals, the Rhynor and the Firstmen of the Iron Throne.

He has fascinated authors and histories alike with tales of intrigue, heroism, will, pragmatism and forgiveness. The impossibility of the actions taken in his life are only known from sources that were close to the king, and his words of the contrary, from the king's own biographies. Many have read the stories, and tales of his life that made him famous…

But few truly realize just how close to death the Great Viserys Targaryen was to death, and there are many times history could have been thrown of its course, had events played out differently.

But it is thankful they have not… for we could only speculate such a drastic change in circumstance… And we can only pray, goodness would pull through.

These are Three of those crucial moments in history.

----------------------------------------------------------
#1 The Flight from Dragonstone.

The Best way to start the reign and lives of King Viserys, is not at his birth, but at his foremost beginning… the beginning of his adventures in the east. Robert's Rebellion was at its end, Prince Rhaegar and King Areys were dead, one killed in battle, the other by one of his trusted bodyguards. The Allies of the young king were scattered, surrendered, or dead, with many of his own retainers on Dragonstone itself, ready to mutiny, and defect to the now certain victor.

But Rhaella Targaryen, Viserys' mother, chose to defend the last vestiges of her families legitimacy, and crowned young Viserys king of the Iron Throne, and prepared to flee into exile, to rally supporters and prepare a restoration.

However, shortly before after ascending, both tragedy and miracle struck the family.

Tragedy in the death of Queen Rhaella by childbirth, and the miracle, in the birth, and later escape with Danerys, to Bravvos, by the luck and skill of Ser Willem Darry.

The Great Escape was one that made the life of the two royals that followed possible.

Many have speculated what might have occurred had young Viserys been captured. While most modern historians have painted Stannis Baratheon as a law bringer, and one of the key founders of the Naval Academy and doctrines of Westeros, he was viewed as a ruthless pragmatic leader.

Would that man kill the young prince and his sister?

Debates still rage, and many remember the future man he would become, under Viserys leadership. That maybe, some mercy existed in his heart.

AN: I decided to make a few short prompts that serve as a recap to the previous quest.
 
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The Many Lives of Viserys Targaryen Part 1
I've always been fond of the "historical text looking back from a far future" approach for ASoIaF-based omakes, and this one is no different. +10 to a roll of your choosing!

Also, I may consider adding "Create a Naval Academy" to the list of Martial actions I've been pecking away at -- Stannis as a permanently grumpy headmaster/commandant is a mental image I'm going to cherish.
 
Guys, seriously, that stupid Iron Monstrosity has never brought anyone anything good and may very well be cursed! Let's get rid of it NOW before it does who knows what to us.

It's a very important symbol of Targaryen might and our legitimate right to rule as King over the entire 7 Kingdoms. If we aren't going to centralize like Robert tried to then we are going to be rather dependent on symbols to maintain unity. Let's at least get us a Valyrian link Maester to look at it before we destroy it.


Well if it wasn't before it is now. This is what comes of giving the GM ideas.

Anyways, so can those in favor of destroying the Doom Chair now realize we need to inspect it for magical booby traps first?
 
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It's a very important symbol of Targaryen might and our legitimate right to rule as King over the entire 7 Kingdoms. If we aren't going to centralize like Robert tried to then we are going to be rather dependent on symbols to maintain unity. Let's at least get us a Valyrian link Maester to look at it before we destroy it.

I agree that we should keep the chair for now, but this gave me a thought- I know that centralization is one of the reasons we were able to overthrow Robert and we'll definitely have to give the lords back some power, but I wonder if we can keep some of the gains he made (for the areas that weren't our allies). Robert did a lot of stupid things, but centralization wasn't necessarily one of them.
 
Adhoc vote count started by Marlowe310811 on Oct 2, 2020 at 6:48 AM, finished with 62 posts and 18 votes.

  • [X]Plan But I like the Doom Chair
    -[X] You hope for someone with links of Valyrian steel, for the higher mysteries
    -[X] Sandor Clegane, once the sworn sword of Prince Joffrey...
    --[X] will be allowed to remain in the city
    - [X] Gyles Rosby, the former Master of Coin...
    --[X] will stand trial for his role in the Dragon's Screams
    -[X] Paxter Redwyne, the former Master of Ships...
    - [X] Wait on it. It isn't going anywhere, and neither are you. You can decide what you want to do with it when you have a better idea of the king you are and will need to be.
    [X]Plan New Era, Old Problems.
    - [X] You hope for someone with links of silver, specialised in medicine and healing
    -[X] Sandor Clegane, once the sworn sword of Prince Joffrey...
    --[X] will be allowed to remain in the city
    - [X] Gyles Rosby, the former Master of Coin...
    --[X] will stand trial for his role in the Dragon's Screams
    -[X] Paxter Redwyne, the former Master of Ships...
    -[X] Destroy it. It is a conqueror's throne, and you are a liberator. You'll figure out something else to take its place, but this must go.
    [X]Plan Lets get the Economy started
    -[X] You hope for someone with links of yellow gold, skilled with maths and economics
    -[X] Sandor Clegane, once the sworn sword of Prince Joffrey...
    --[X] will be allowed to remain in the city
    - [X] Gyles Rosby, the former Master of Coin...
    --[X] will stand trial for his role in the Dragon's Screams
    -[X] Paxter Redwyne, the former Master of Ships...
    -[X] Destroy it. It is a conqueror's throne, and you are a liberator. You'll figure out something else to take its place, but this must go.

Calling the vote for "But I Like the Doom Chair". Update will hopefully be posted this evening.

@Magoose - would you like to save your +10 for another time, or have it applied to the roll for the Grand Maester letter?
 
The Great Work Begins, Part II
Seated upon the Iron Throne, you come to a decision. You think you'll...

[ ] Wait on it. It isn't going anywhere, and neither are you. You can decide what you want to do with it when you have a better idea of the king you are and will need to be.

It's for the best, you think. There's already so much you plan on doing, so much more you want to start thinking about doing, and both categories are stuffed with things that will rile traditionalists and change things in Westeros in a truly fundamental way. Trying to diminish or destroy the Iron Throne, for better or worse a unifying image for nearly three hundred years, might be a bridge too far for right now. And for all you know, you may even come to like this thing, in your own way.

You take a deep breath, let it out, and find yourself able to relax the slightest bit more. Your back loses some tension, and there's no prick at your side or pain at your back. For now, at least, the Iron Throne appears to judge you worthy.

You don't relax completely. Its design, its very nature is to prevent such a thing. Maybe that's good, maybe that helps focus the mind. You find yourself beginning to focus a little on those designs you have for Westeros, and let yourself smile a little. This throne will make a few of those things a bit easier to get off the ground, at least.


-------------


It doesn't take too much time for Gerion to discover that, with Pycelle's death, you're probably actually more unhindered than you would have been with his life; according to the novices that 'aided' him, Pycelle never bothered with the ravens except to try and read messages before passing them along, and left the actual work to his servants. With that knowledge, you bump up the letter to the Citadel a few points on your To-Do list, and when writing to the archmaesters you do your best to subtly, diplomatically suggest that you'd like Valyrian steel to be among the higher-numbered links on the next Grand Maester's chain.


[DC: 20 / 40 / 60 / 80]
[72 + 19 (Diplomacy) + 10 (Omake Bonus) = 101]


The letter you receive in return seems nothing short of relieved. It appears that Pycelle was neither popular with his brethren, nor a particularly good advocate for the Citadel to their minds, and the archmaesters stop just short of saying they're thrilled to have the opportunity to replace him … but only just. Slightly more politic in the rest of their response, you're nonetheless able to read between the lines and gather that they have a shortlist of men that they're already curating to better fit your desires. You take a small moment to think that, after struggling to survive for years, facing mad risks and mad kings and dangerous lords who might betray you to their mad king, it's really quite refreshing to have anyone be so obliging.

In short order, word comes that a new Grand Maester is anointed and will be arriving in the company of the Hightower contingent, coming to King's Landing for your coronation.


-------------


About two weeks pass with little fanfare, though with plenty of work, and a depressingly high number of meetings. You can't say that any of them are unimportant or don't matter, though. Even if some of the participants might disagree.

"You're very kind to take time to see me, Your Grace, but it's a waste of it," Ser Warrek tells you, and for a moment you can smile that, despite all the other changes, he's still willing to tell you off if he thinks you need it. Your smile fades, though, in looking at one of those other changes.

"How is your arm healing, Ser Warrek?"

He shrugs, wincing only slightly. "Well enough, I suppose. The healer tells me there's no infection or risk of losing more of the arm, so long as I do what he tells me." He grumbles. "I've never washed and changed fabrics so much in my life, and now he has me doing it at least twice a day. More if I do anything to push myself "too hard", like walk outside or go to a tavern. Seven forbid I even look at a sword until he tells me I can."

"If they don't forbid it, I do," you command. "He clearly knows what he's doing, and I would not lose you or your arm over a moment's discomfort."

Warrek sighs, "Yes, Your Grace." Then adds, "It's not just a moment's discomfort, though, with him around."

"No?"

"No. I don't know where the sellswords found him, but he ... " Warrek trails off.

"Ser Warrek, please continue," you say firmly.

He had the decency to look abashed. "Sorry, Your Grace. I don't mean to speak ill of the man, he's been a great help to me. But there's a term in the Riverlander smallfolk: there's always been tales of Harrenhal being haunted by Harren the Black, and this term started as children mispronouncing his name, and it's stuck as the feeling the place gives off. This man, Qyburn, gives me the heebie-jeebies."

You can respect the feeling, especially as regards Harrenhal, but if the man is good with healing... "Your candor is appreciated, ser. So long as his advice is helping you heal, continue to follow it. And when you see him next, tell him the king requests his presence at his earliest convenience." After Warrek nods, your face softens a bit. "How's your other hand?"

"Uninjured, Your Grace," he looks a little confused at the question.

You clarify. "How's your other hand work for you? Please, old friend, speak plain."

It looks like Warrek is trying to gauge if you're serious, for a second, before he seems to decide either you are, or he doesn't care if you're not. "My left works like it's run by a council of Reacher lords. Good for flowery presentation, putting on clothes, and fuck-all else."

The snort that escapes you is decidedly unkingly. "Well, I appreciate your honesty. You think you'll improve?"

"Maybe," he twiddles the fingers on his left hand, glares like he wanted a better performance from them. "But not right away, and likely not ever as good as my right. I don't think I'm fighting any more wars for you, Your Grace," he sounds flippant, but looks so achingly regretful.

"One was quite enough for me, thank you," you respond lightly. "You'll stay in the city till your arm heals?"

Warrek gives you a more genuine smile now. "So long as you're still paying to put me up, Your Grace, I'll stay wherever you tell me."

"Good man," you acknowledge as you rise from your seat, and he matches you. "Come by as you find the time, I want to stay in the know on your recovery and future plans."

"Your Grace is too kind," he tries to dodge. "Surely there are more pressing concerns for the King than a mangled hedge knight."

"The King's time is best spent however he sees fit," you reply pompously, before giving him a private, more genuine smile. "And it is a poor lord or leader that forgets his friends along the way. I like to keep mine close at hand." Warrek's eye twitches just a little, but says nothing to that, and the reality of how easily you can now get away with barbs, puns and rude comments begins to dawn on you.

It's the little things in life you treasure.


-------------


Bit by bit, the full picture of the realm's financial position is revealed to you, as Lord Gerion is able to get what he needs from Rosby after almost two weeks of time and interrogation in the Black Cells. You almost wish he didn't.


[Your Domain has been updated! Crown Finances have been added!]


"Small wonder the Usurper was so eager to debase himself for a million gold," you observe grimly. In the Small Council chamber, you and he sit looking at the notes on scattered scrolls of parchment, wanting to talk before the meeting begins in earnest.

"Indeed, Your Grace." Like you, Gerion is almost impressed in a maudlin way at how utterly Robert had buggered his realm and himself on coin. "The Tyrell's position becomes a little clearer, too."

"How do you mean? Lord Mace wasn't into the Usurper for all that much, considering what his family probably has stashed away in Highgarden." You'd never seen their financials for yourself, but you guesstimated that they were probably slightly wealthier than you were personally, and year-to-year they almost certainly brought in much more from Reacher taxes than you did from your commercial ventures.

"Not on parchment, perhaps. But," Gerion extracts a single scroll from the mess with some particular details, "the payment schedule and interest on the loans is such that House Tyrell pays the Crown next to nothing in taxes. If Tywin had been here, and if the Usurper weren't such an indulgent wastrel--" he begins before you gesture with a spinning finger. You never mind hearing Robert being spoken ill of, and another time you might have let Gerion flex his inherent Lannister talent for insults and cutting remarks, but you have more present concerns. "If those were different, he might have discovered how well Lord Mace was fleecing him. Meanwhile, Reacher lords pay the same taxes to the Tyrells as before and instead of passing that along to the Iron Throne, the Tyrells further enrich themselves. It's a neat little scheme, Your Grace, I almost respect the grift," he remarks.

"Almost?"

Gerion adds dryly, "I'm sure I'd respect it more if it wasn't also, at present, my problem. One of them, anyway."

Your mouth grimaces slightly in sympathy. "Lady Briony remains unwell?"

He sighs a little, flicks at the small scroll at his side, from the morning's raven from Winterfell. "Not unwell, so much as not well enough for Lewyn to feel comfortable with her facing the stress of travelling here. She and the children remain in Winterfell." A deeper sigh. "At least the Stark children will like of that, they're all quite fond of Joy and Jacen." He shakes his head. "My apologies, Your Grace, my cares should not distract me from yours."

"You have my thanks, my lord," you say to him. "And my sympathies." The ship from Dorne is due any day now, but you miss your little family terribly. You can only imagine how the absence stings at your acting Master of Coin.

He swallows a little, nods, and continues. "I suppose one benefit to my nephew being Lord of Casterly Rock now is that he'll renegotiate on that particular line of debt much more favourably than my brother would have done. Especially with me here."

"No doubt Lord Tywin fears the same thing," you agree. "Before I saw all this, I would have scoffed at using our relationship in such a way. Now, though..."

"If it's any small consolation, Your Grace, if there's one thing I've learned in serving Lord Stark on his small councils," Gerion offers, "it's that necessity will often make wretches of us all. The best of folk don't hold too much of it against you, though, so long as one doesn't make a habit of wretchedness."

The image of your father atop his throne, curling talons, sneering lips and wild eyes comes to mind, unbidden. With a will, you shove it away. "Some small consolation," you reply with a smile you don't really feel.

At this time, the other acting members of the Small Council begin to join you, and after the customary pleasantries, you begin to discuss the other hugely pressing issue for you right now: the peace.


------------


The Acting Lords of your current Small Council negotiate terms of peace with the remaining belligerents. While some lords are not exactly happy with what has been taken from them, you succeed in crafting an agreement that all present can agree too, without fostering too much resentment for the future:

[With having the LPs on your side, you are limited in how harshly you can punish the opposition -- chiefly, Houses Tyrell and Arryn will continue to hold their positions as Lords Paramount. Choose four terms from the following list. Write-ins allowed, subject to QM approval.]

[ ] Areas of the Dornish Marches will be removed from the jurisdiction of the Reach and added to Dorne and/or the Stormlands.
[ ] Up to 3 belligerent lords/commanders will be sent to the Wall *
-[ ] Randyll Tarly
-[ ] Gerold Grafton
-[ ] Harrold Hardyng
-[ ] Ilyn Payne
-[ ] Courtnay Penrose
-[ ] Mandon Moore
-[ ] Write-in
[ ] A highborn hostage will be sent to the Red Keep (Write-in)
[ ] A substantial sum of gold and silver will be taken from each of the defeated Great Houses (+500,000 Dragons each)
[ ] A significant amount of ships and material will be taken from each of the defeated Great Houses (Royal Fleet & Red Keep Garrison become Full Strength)
[ ] The hostages Robert took from across the Seven Kingdoms will remain in King's Landing for one year, to give the new King an opportunity to get to know the future lords of the realm
[ ] Write-in other terms.

*[the term "belligerent lords/commanders" does not give you an end-run around the Lords Paramount keeping their positions, and the results of this may vary. For instance, sending up Ser Tommen of House Selleck, an upstart in the Reach (with a respectable moustache) that got their lands and titles within living memory, probably no one bats an eye; sending up Randyll Tarly (or a son of his) an old and influential but not Great House, would be seen as a dick move but not grounds for fresh revolt in itself; trying to send Leyton Hightower or his immediate heir Baelor would go disastrously for you...partly because they rather quickly took your side in things, but also because of the size and importance of their house.]

-------------

The Small Council must be filled. It would be prudent and expected for you to reward your wartime allies with places here or on the Kingsguard. That said, those same places could also serve as instruments of reconciliation with former belligerents.

[As the King, Advisors will be determined by their position on the council. Whoever you bring on as Master of Coin will serve as your Stewardship Advisor, for example. If your pick for a council seat does not have adequate skills to do a good job, or if you really want someone as your Advisor but appointing them to a council seat would be too scandalous, you may appoint a Shadow Councilor, who will serve as an Advisor without officially being on the council. However, a council member whose authority is being usurped by a Shadow Councilor will notice that they don't have any real power (unless they are very oblivious) and this will probably offend them.

These are not your only options, merely ones offered as suggestions by other advisors, or in some cases are presented with rather blatant self-interest.]

[ ] Master of Laws (Diplomacy Advisor)
-[ ] Stannis Baratheon (Diplomacy 7)
-[ ] Eddard Stark (Diplomacy 17)
-[ ] Raymun Darry (Diplomacy 16)
-[ ] Yohn Royce (Diplomacy 15)
-[ ] Write-in
-[ ] Appoint a Shadow Councilor
--[ ] Edmure Tully
(Diplomacy 14)
--[ ] Daenerys Targaryen (Diplomacy 26)
--[ ] Write-in

[ ] Master of Coin
(Stewardship Advisor)
-[ ] Gerion Lannister (Stewardship 13)
-[ ] Harry Strickland (Stewardship 17)
-[ ] Mace Tyrell (Stewardship 10)
-[ ] Selwyn Tarth (Stewardship 15)
-[ ] Write-in
-[ ] Appoint a Shadow Councilor
--[ ] Arianne Martell
(Stewardship 16)
--[ ] Olenna Tyrell (Stewardship 18)
--[ ] Write-in

[ ] Master of
Whispers (Intrigue Advisor)
-[ ] Oberyn Martell (Intrigue 17)
-[ ] Arianne Martell (Intrigue 19)
-[ ] Jorah Mormont (Intrigue 12)
-[ ] Garret of Saltpans (Intrigue 16)
-[ ] Write-in
-[ ]
Appoint a Shadow Councillor
--[ ] Write-in

[ ] Grand Maester
(Learning Advisor)
-[X] Jacaerys (unfortunately, you don't pick the Grand Maester)
-[ ] Appoint a Shadow Councillor
--[ ] Tyrion Lannister
(Learning 20)
--[ ] Qyburn (Learning 20)
--[ ] Arianne Martell (Learning 19)
--[ ] Write-in

[Your Martial advisor is a special case. Since there is not a specific council seat devoted to the realm's armies, what I'm going to do is have you select the rest of the council members and then choose which one you want to be the Martial advisor. Or you can create an entirely new seat, the Master of War, though this will cause traditionalists to sigh and grumble about the Small Council not having the auspicious number of 7 anymore.]

[ ] Hand of the King
-[ ] Eddard Stark
-[ ] Jaime Lannister
-[ ] Jon Connington
-[ ] Oberyn Martell
-[ ] Stannis Baratheon
-[ ] Brynden Tully
-[ ] Write-in

[ ] Master of Ships
-[ ] Rodrik Harlaw
(Martial 17)
-[ ] Aurane Waters (Martial 15)
-[ ] Wylis Manderly (Martial 12)
-[ ] Alester Florent (Martial 14)
-[ ] Write-in

[ ] Lord Commander of the Kingsguard
-[X] Barristan Selmy
(Martial 20) [Remember that you cannot easily dismiss a Kingsguard without their consent, because Joffrey/Cersei hasn't set the precedent. He was, however, technically a belligerent commander on the Crown's side...]

Your Martial advisor will be:

[ ] the Hand of the King
[ ] the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard
[ ] the Master of Ships
[ ] the Master of War
-[ ] Eddard Stark
(Martial 18)
-[ ] Jon Connington (Martial 18)
-[ ] Oberyn Martell (Martial 17)
-[ ] Stannis Baratheon (Martial 21)
-[ ] Brynden Tully (Martial 19)
-[ ] Write-in


[Some of the lesser positions are listed here as well. Given these positions are not filled by Lords Paramount or heads of Great Houses, most of these men will not vanish because they weren't selected at this moment for this role or that – for instance, if you don't pick Ser Harras Harlaw for a role now, he'll still be available for things like the Kingsguard at a later date.]

[ ] Lord Commander of the City Watch (not a Small Council position, but important nevertheless)
-[ ] Janos Slynt is who holds the office now, a man who is rather brazenly for sale despite his pretensions at honour and decency. Formerly a pet of Queen Cersei, he is in the market for a new patron and will do pretty much whatever he's told, so long as it doesn't involve actually being the upright and uncorrupted leader he pretends to be.
-[ ] Jacelyn Bywater is an officer in the goldcloaks, who served with distinction (but not infamy or cruelty) during the Kraken's Folly. Losing a hand in the rebellion, he was knighted for his troubles and has since served ably in the City Watch, yet has not advanced through the ranks nor gained loyalty from many goldcloaks. Privately, you confirm that this is because he is not on board with extortionate bribery or wanton cruelty, and because Commander Slynt rather openly despises him.
-[ ] Aegon Targaryen is a young and unproven man, but one of unquestionable loyalty. He was raised to lead armies and manage realms, so a watch and a city should theoretically be no great test of his abilities. You are quite certain that he's learned things from his time with Lord Stannis, though time will tell what it is he learned.
-[ ] Davos Seaworth would be an unconventional choice, to say the least. A native of King's Landing, he is familiar with both sides of the law here, and is a loyal lieutenant of Stannis Baratheon. Older than the other options, he is still quite competent at management from what you can tell, and anyone who has spent as long as him on the seas has to be able to swing a sword properly.
-[ ] Write-in

[ ] Master-at-Arms of the Red Keep
(not a Small Council seat, but a position of prestige and importance)
-[ ] Warrek of the Hills has lost his dominant sword hand, but has been a long and loyal servant to you, and was specifically injured in your service. You could grant him some lands and a keep and offer him a retirement, or you could keep him close at hand (keeping such puns to a minimum within earshot) and reward him in another way.
-[ ] Jory Cassel is the nephew of Ned Stark's master-at-arms, and has more or less been trained for the role since he was ten. While neither a knight nor a man of the Faith, he served you and Lord Stark well during the war, and unlike Kingsguard positions this is not a life appointment, so he could return home when he wished.
-[ ] Harras Harlaw is a rare man, indeed; an Ironborn knight, albeit one who keeps to the Drowned God instead of the Seven. Naming him to the position would be mildly controversial given his god and his heritage, but he is undoubtedly competent as a leader of men and as a fierce warrior himself. It would also be a good gesture to House Harlaw and the Iron Islands.
-[ ] Bonifer Hasty is a somewhat older knight of the Stormlands, who apparently was once close with your mother, and more recently did not involve himself in the war, except to protect smallfolk from predation from either side. Appointing him would be seen as a move of reconciliation towards Stormlanders not named Connington or Baratheon, would please the Faithful, and he'd possibly be someone to talk to about your mother.
-[ ] Write-in

[ ] The King's Justice
(not a Small Council seat, but a position of some prestige and dignity)
-[ ] Warrek of the Hills has lost one hand, but it doesn't take two to be an executioner and gaoler. You know him to not be corruptible or unnecessarily cruel, and those hold some appeal to you for this position.
-[ ] Sandor Clegane remained in the city, apparently, and has no qualms about killing people he's told to. Considering who may be in the Black Cells in the near future, he would probably jump at the opportunity.
-[ ] Beshka the Basilisk is currently on a ship from Dorne with the majority of your family, but will arrive well in time to take such a job. She is an unconventional option, but she's loyal, intimidating, and cares strongly about justice.
-[ ] Richard Horpe is a servant of Lord Stannis, who was once passed over for a white cloak because of Cersei Lannister. Stannis privately confides that may have been wise, as Ser Richard is "too fond of killing."
-[ ] Write-in


-------------


AN: So, yeah, there's a lot to be getting on with here. You have a Small Council and other offices to fill, and a peace deal to hammer out. Please, discuss ideas and options (and don't hesitate to offer write-ins, the worst I can do is say 'no') and I think, generally speaking, we'll try to stick with plan vote formatting. Don't worry about the Kingsguard overmuch, they'll be a part of the next update's vote. Feel free to ask who's left, though, if you want to send one or two of them someplace very cold.

24-hour moratorium for people to hash out ideas and discuss potential options. I'll be around to answer questions folks have as best as I can. Happy plan-crafting!
 
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Right...I'm thinking Rodrick Harlaw as Master of Ships, Mace Tyrell as Master of Coin with Olenna Tyrell as Shadow Councilor, either Eddard or Stannis as Hand of the King (leaning towards the Mannis personally), Arianne as Master of Whispers, Aegon as Commander of the City Watch, Beshka or Sandor as King's Justice, Warrek as Master-at-Arms and Darry as Master of Laws. Also, keeping Barristan as Lord Commander, at least for now.
 
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@Marlowe310811 I noticed that Garet of Saltpans doesn't have a character sheet- is he not available as a hero unit/potential Master of Whispers?
No, he's there under Master of Whispers. I just haven't built/adapted his character sheet yet, so that's why he doesn't have one publicly available. If other characters get chosen for the Small Council, I'm gonna prioritise completing their sheets over his. His will appear, though, don't worry.
Just for your full information, IC you'd know that Stannis would rather like to impose his Lawful Neutral tendencies onto Westeros (Mr. "let's ban all the brothels, that can only end well"). If that's the same thing you want, good on ya, just be sure to go for a Master of Laws or Hand of the King that can work with that.
 
I wonder if Eddard would accept the Position of Hand of the King here. In Canon, he just wanted to be up North with his Family and only went because his best Friend asked him to.

Here though, he's a good deal more pragmatic then he was before. Maybe he would actually accept if offered and probably do a decent Job too.
 
The Tyrell's were on the losing side though. I love Olenna but not sure they should be rewarded with a council position. Also @Marlowe310811 did Tywin end up going on trial?
IC they were suggested by Gerion and Edmure for the Small Council as a 'Westerosi equivalent of an olive branch'. No one will be surprised or upset if they aren't asked (besides perhaps Lord Mace, who is quite confident his Stewardship ranks in the high 20s).

Lord Jaime has not yet returned from the Westerlands. His major remaining family members intend to accompany him for the coronation, including Tywin, who is quite certain that the coronation and his impending Small Council seat are the reasons he's coming along. Lord Jaime has not said anything to correct this impression.

EDIT: technically, you would be entirely within your rights to name Tywin to the Small Council. He does not lack for impressive stats.
 
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I think we should make Dany master of laws. She has diplomacy 26 and more importantly has a dragon which negates the whole "but you're a woman" problem- nothing equalizes the sexes like fire breathing monsters!
 
I think we should make Dany master of laws. She has diplomacy 26 and more importantly has a dragon which negates the whole "but you're a woman" problem- nothing equalizes the sexes like fire breathing monsters!
Problem is, she's still a Child. People wouldn't accept her until she's older. And the only other Options for a Councilor she could Shadow would probably notice and be offended.
 
Problem is, she's still a Child. People wouldn't accept her until she's older. And the only other Options for a Councilor she could Shadow would probably notice and be offended.
If Dany were not appointed to any particular role, it isn't as though she'd bugger off to Dragonstone and be unavailable to you -- she'll be sticking around King's Landing as a Hero Unit if not given official responsibilities beyond "Princess of the Seven Kingdoms". In case that matters to anyone's designs or intentions...
 
You don't relax completely. Its design, its very nature is to prevent such a thing. Maybe that's good, maybe that helps focus the mind. You find yourself beginning to focus a little on those designs you have for Westeros, and let yourself smile a little. This throne will make a few of those things a bit easier to get off the ground, at least.
At least Viserys understands that the Iron Throne is not be fucked with, and needs to be treated with respect.
[DC: 20 / 40 / 60 / 80]
[72 + 19 (Diplomacy) + 10 (Omake Bonus) = 101]
Hot Diggity, a buffed 101... I knew that bonus was well spent.
The letter you receive in return seems nothing short of relieved. It appears that Pycelle was neither popular with his brethren, nor a particularly good advocate for the Citadel to their minds, and the archmaesters stop just short of saying they're thrilled to have the opportunity to replace him … but only just. Slightly more politic in the rest of their response, you're nonetheless able to read between the lines and gather that they have a shortlist of men that they're already curating to better fit your desires. You take a small moment to think that, after struggling to survive for years, facing mad risks and mad kings and dangerous lords who might betray you to their mad king, it's really quite refreshing to have anyone be so obliging.

In short order, word comes that a new Grand Maester is anointed and will be arriving in the company of the Hightower contingent, coming to King's Landing for your coronation.
Ha! Suck it Pycelle. You may have been good at the game, but not at your job.
"The King's time is best spent however he sees fit," you reply pompously, before giving him a private, more genuine smile. "And it is a poor lord or leader that forgets his friends along the way. I like to keep mine close at hand." Warrek's eye twitches just a little, but says nothing to that, and the reality of how easily you can now get away with barbs, puns and rude comments begins to dawn on you.

It's the little things in life you treasure.
It's nice to know we're still a bro to the men who kept us safe and sound during out exile. Because they deserve all the comedy we can get.
[Your Domain has been updated! Crown Finances have been added!]
Looks at the Front Page.

Jesus Robert, you somehow did worse then Canon!

Though I'm not surprised, considering I wrote you like that due to your paranoia.
"Not on parchment, perhaps. But," Gerion extracts a single scroll from the mess with some particular details, "the payment schedule and interest on the loans is such that House Tyrell pays the Crown next to nothing in taxes. If Tywin had been here, and if the Usurper weren't such an indulgent wastrel--" he begins before you gesture with a spinning finger. You never mind hearing Robert being spoken ill of, and another time you might have let Gerion flex his inherent Lannister talent for insults and cutting remarks, but you have more present concerns. "If those were different, he might have discovered how well Lord Mace was fleecing him. Meanwhile, Reacher lords pay the same taxes to the Tyrells as before and instead of passing that along to the Iron Throne, the Tyrells further enrich themselves. It's a neat little scheme, Your Grace, I almost respect the grift," he remarks.
Jesus!

I mean really though, the Tyrells are super smart, of course, they would do that.

Alright, let me start by going over all this bull, and give my two cents on the subject of our... Peace.
[ ] Areas of the Dornish Marches will be removed from the jurisdiction of the Reach and added to Dorne and/or the Stormlands.
Holy shit, redrawing borders after a successful conflict, that won't come back to bite us in the ass a generation down the line :V

But really though, we weaken the Reach, get some badass marcher lords under the thumb of allies, and maybe the Tyrells get the hint that the realm is under new management.
[ ] Up to 3 belligerent lords/commanders will be sent to the Wall *
Well... I mean, we're making a statement of the people who fought against us.

And it might also deprive future rebellions of commanders.
[ ] A highborn hostage will be sent to the Red Keep (Write-in)
I mean... with the way Viserys rolls, we might as well do that, just to make some more friends!
[ ] A substantial sum of gold and silver will be taken from each of the defeated Great Houses (+500,000 Dragons each)
Well, i mean, knowing Viserys, he could triple that in a year, with just his words.
[ ] A significant amount of ships and material will be taken from each of the defeated Great Houses (Royal Fleet & Red Keep Garrison become Full Strength)
Moe troops, less chance of rebellion, also, Stannis might become very happy with that.
[ ] The hostages Robert took from across the Seven Kingdoms will remain in King's Landing for one year, to give the new King an opportunity to get to know the future lords of the realm
it's like the first option, only a college worth of heirs to make friends with.
[ ] Write-in other terms.
Kill Littlefinger is a go @Alexander Sturnn I repeat, kill Littlefinger is a go.


And now onto the Small council:
[ ] Master of Laws (Diplomacy Advisor)
Who should be the man of laws!
-[ ] Stannis Baratheon (Diplomacy 7)
I don't think the Mannis has the charisma to... not make himself the most hated man in Westerosi History.
-[ ] Eddard Stark (Diplomacy 17)
The Ned is awesome, and his contributions are valuble. But he might be better suited elsewhere.
-[ ] Raymun Darry (Diplomacy 16)
Lord Darry is a steadfast ally of the old guard... but he's also kinda old.
-[ ] Yohn Royce (Diplomacy 15)
I mean, the Bronze Yohn is a good peace offering from the Vale... but he's not the best.
-[ ] Appoint a Shadow Councilor
Oh? What is this, a shadow?

I like this.
--[ ] Edmure Tully (Diplomacy 14)
The Tully Rock of Doom made him Stronk... but he is also kinda... needed in the Riverlands right now.
--[ ] Daenerys Targaryen (Diplomacy 26)
Best sis Dany... Knowing her, she'll be ready to take the mantle when she's older.

[ ] Master of Coin (Stewardship Advisor)
Ah, who will be the man to Fix this shit hole of and economy.
-[ ] Gerion Lannister (Stewardship 13)
Gerion, I like you, I really do... but you ain't Tywin level of Badass with coin.
-[ ] Harry Strickland (Stewardship 17)
Harry, we owe you... but we also paid you 5 mil to fight for us in the last quest.

So, no.
-[ ] Mace Tyrell (Stewardship 10)
HAHAHAHAHA!

Wait, you're serious. He's more likely to rob us, then to get us our money.
-[ ] Selwyn Tarth (Stewardship 15)
Well... i mean, he's not terrible.
-[ ] Appoint a Shadow Councilor
--[ ] Arianne Martell
(Stewardship 16)
Arianne is about to have kids, I don't think she's going to be able to do that... at least yet.
--[ ] Olenna Tyrell (Stewardship 18)
While I would enjoy the banter between Viserys and Olenna... she'd dangerous.

Very dangerous.
[ ] Master of Whispers (Intrigue Advisor)
The second most important man in the realm... at least in terms of skill... working for us.

Lets see.
-[ ] Oberyn Martell (Intrigue 17)
Again... why the hell would we let her anywhere near us!
-[ ] Arianne Martell (Intrigue 19)
The wife is the best choice... but also... not the best choice.

We have family to protect.
-[ ] Jorah Mormont (Intrigue 12)
I don't think Ser Friendzone is the best choice, despite his experience.
-[ ] Garret of Saltpans (Intrigue 13)
The Old thief might be out of his depth in this...

Plus he might just want to steal shit for us the rest of his life.
[ ] Grand Maester (Learning Advisor)
-[X] Jacaerys (unfortunately, you don't pick the Grand Maester)
Oh... Hello there.

I hope you've got some good stats, I gave a +10 for you.
-[ ] Appoint a Shadow Councillor
--[ ] Tyrion Lannister
(Learning 20)
This i accept... if only for the banter.
[ ] Hand of the King
Now, who shall be our Prime minister... cause we got a realm in desperate need of an unfucking.
Ah the Ned... Maybe... Maybe.

But you also have family up north to get to... and other things.
-[ ] Jaime Lannister
As much as I believe Jaime is a true friend... he's not Hand Material.

I believe a Vacancy in the Kingsguard can be filled if he so wishes.
While i love the Jon Conn... He dosen't strike me as hand material.
No... I'm sorry Oberyn, but we need the red viper out and about... not sitting in the capital.
-[ ] Stannis Baratheon
Stannis the Mannis... You may not be king, but you are the Hand.
Blackfish, what are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be with Hoster?
Alright, the Saily boys!
-[ ] Rodrik Harlaw (Martial 17)
We've got to repay the Ironborn... Plus, after Bobby B screwed them over, they deserve a victory.
-[ ] Aurane Waters (Martial 15)
Hopefully he dosen't steal the Fleet this time and become Pirate King of the Stepstones.

Even though we'd probably plan for that and profit from the damn thing.
-[ ] Wylis Manderly (Martial 12)
I love the Manderly's... but no.
[ ] Lord Commander of the Kingsguard
-[X] Barristan Selmy
(Martial 20) [Remember that you cannot easily dismiss a Kingsguard without their consent, because Joffrey/Cersei hasn't set the precedent. He was, however, technically a belligerent commander on the Crown's side...]
Ahhh... Barry the Bold.

Oh lord, how i wish you fled to us.
[Some of the lesser positions are listed here as well. Given these positions are not filled by Lords Paramount or heads of Great Houses, most of these men will not vanish because they weren't selected at this moment for this role or that – for instance, if you don't pick Ser Harras Harlaw for a role now, he'll still be available for things like the Kingsguard at a later date.]
Skipping over the Master of War for another time.
[ ] Lord Commander of the City Watch (not a Small Council position, but important nevertheless)
Ah... You know I almost made a quest where you were the LC of the Watch... But that was another time.
-[ ] Janos Slynt is who holds the office now, a man who is rather brazenly for sale despite his pretensions at honour and decency. Formerly a pet of Queen Cersei, he is in the market for a new patron and will do pretty much whatever he's told, so long as it doesn't involve actually being the upright and uncorrupted leader he pretends to be.
He's corrupt... but we are the master of shadows... so... really we can make him our bitch in a few short words.
-[ ] Jacelyn Bywater is an officer in the goldcloaks, who served with distinction (but not infamy or cruelty) during the Kraken's Folly. Losing a hand in the rebellion, he was knighted for his troubles and has since served ably in the City Watch, yet has not advanced through the ranks nor gained loyalty from many goldcloaks. Privately, you confirm that this is because he is not on board with extortionate bribery or wanton cruelty, and because Commander Slynt rather openly despises him.
While... This guy is actually a good cop... Problem is, he's got almost zero power and is dispised by the ranks.
-[ ] Aegon Targaryen is a young and unproven man, but one of unquestionable loyalty. He was raised to lead armies and manage realms, so a watch and a city should theoretically be no great test of his abilities. You are quite certain that he's learned things from his time with Lord Stannis, though time will tell what it is he learned.
You know, I just to know if he'll turn into Daemon the Rouge Prince, or Tywin...

Either way, it will be interesting.
-[ ] Davos Seaworth would be an unconventional choice, to say the least. A native of King's Landing, he is familiar with both sides of the law here, and is a loyal lieutenant of Stannis Baratheon. Older than the other options, he is still quite competent at management from what you can tell, and anyone who has spent as long as him on the seas has to be able to swing a sword properly.
I might choose this just for the hilarity that ensues of a former Flea Bottom Smuggler whom is now the LC of the City Watch.
[ ] Master-at-Arms of the Red Keep (not a Small Council seat, but a position of prestige and importance)
Alright, a decent postion of those who might need it.
-[ ] Warrek of the Hills has lost his dominant sword hand, but has been a long and loyal servant to you, and was specifically injured in your service. You could grant him some lands and a keep and offer him a retirement, or you could keep him close at hand (keeping such puns to a minimum within earshot) and reward him in another way.
Paying Back a Bro? certainly!
-[ ] Jory Cassel is the nephew of Ned Stark's master-at-arms, and has more or less been trained for the role since he was ten. While neither a knight nor a man of the Faith, he served you and Lord Stark well during the war, and unlike Kingsguard positions this is not a life appointment, so he could return home when he wished.
But Jory is Loyal and competent! And it gives ned and ear in case he can't be on our council, so we can plot.
-[ ] Harras Harlaw is a rare man, indeed; an Ironborn knight, albeit one who keeps to the Drowned God instead of the Seven. Naming him to the position would be mildly controversial given his god and his heritage, but he is undoubtedly competent as a leader of men and as a fierce warrior himself. It would also be a good gesture to House Harlaw and the Iron Islands.
But we also need to pay back the Ironborn.
-[ ] Bonifer Hasty is a somewhat older knight of the Stormlands, who apparently was once close with your mother, and more recently did not involve himself in the war, except to protect smallfolk from predation from either side. Appointing him would be seen as a move of reconciliation towards Stormlanders not named Connington or Baratheon, would please the Faithful, and he'd possibly be someone to talk to about your mother.
Do i hear Plotbunny?

Cause while Viserys isn't a mama's boy.. .he really dosen't know his mother.
[ ] The King's Justice (not a Small Council seat, but a position of some prestige and dignity)
Ah, our loyal executioner... we need one of those, so we don't feed people to our dragon like a savage.
-[ ] Warrek of the Hills has lost one hand, but it doesn't take two to be an executioner and gaoler. You know him to not be corruptible or unnecessarily cruel, and those hold some appeal to you for this position.
Again, we need to pay back a bro.
-[ ] Sandor Clegane remained in the city, apparently, and has no qualms about killing people he's told to. Considering who may be in the Black Cells in the near future, he would probably jump at the opportunity.
Oh... I know whats about to happen...

CLEGANE BOWL!
-[ ] Beshka the Basilisk is currently on a ship from Dorne with the majority of your family, but will arrive well in time to take such a job. She is an unconventional option, but she's loyal, intimidating, and cares strongly about justice.
but we also have a good friend who is a good person, and won't go around killing people in our name...
-[ ] Richard Horpe is a servant of Lord Stannis, who was once passed over for a white cloak because of Cersei Lannister. Stannis privately confides that may have been wise, as Ser Richard is "too fond of killing."
On the Other hand, having a good killer on staff is never too bad.
 
Kill Littlefinger is a go @Alexander Sturnn I repeat, kill Littlefinger is a go.



And honestly, considering that we know he was Roberts Spymaster and almost certainly involved in the Dragon's Screams, we would have enough Reason to execute or at least imprison him!

...If we ever find him, that is. Middlefinger's pretty good at laying himself low.
We HAVE to get him, however. He will cause endless trouble if he's allowed to run free.
 
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All around fairly insightful. I will point out that I think you misread Oberyn as Olenna, under Master of Whispers. In a different quest, I absolutely want Olenna Tyrell as Master of Whispers, but I figured that's not something that would be immediately presented to you IC. But Oberyn seems quite within character as an option.
Hot Diggity, a buffed 101... I knew that bonus was well spent.
Grand Master Jace is going to be fun.
Kill Littlefinger is a go @Alexander Sturnn I repeat, kill Littlefinger is a go.
I mean ... I'd be the last person to say "no", but bear in mind that a) you're establishing a precedent of trials before sentencing with the other former Small Council lords, and b) wanting to find and kill Littlefinger is quite likely much easier than actually finding and killing him, if he thinks that's your intentions. I won't veto it, but I won't lie to you and say that's a DC 20 kind of choice.
Blackfish, what are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be with Hoster?
The Blackfish did travel with the army from the Trident, and while Hoster might really, obsessively want to pair Brynden off with someone, he'd appreciate the honour of having Brynden on the Small Council (or elsewhere in KL). He isn't Tywin, after all.
 
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