Co-OPs: Krugmar
The year is 298 AC.
Despite the turmoil, insurrection, family feud and political realpolitik that has plagued their reign, the Targaryen Dynasty holds onto the Iron Throne. Their grip upon it has been drenched in iron and blood, but they hold it. Robert's Rebellion merely joins a long list of failed rebellions, cast aside as another family feud of a similar ilk of the Blackfyre rebellions. Westeros inhales in 15 years of relative peace under the son of the Mad King. King Rhaegar Targaryen, the First of His Name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, Protector of the Realm, sits on the Iron Throne in King's Landing. The Usurper died upon the Trident and his rebellion with it.
Long May Rhaegar Reign.
Rubies on a Red Ford throws us into a 'what-if' scenario, that the Rebellious forces of Robert's Rebellion were bested, through a series of mishaps prior to it, on the Trident. With Robert dead and resolve all but lost, a truce was reached within Riverrun. A truce that has defined the Westerosi political scene since. Canon is entirely based on Martin's novels and his other lore-historical works, especially the three canon books written by the Maesters, as far as we can take from them, at least. A lot of this is certainly going to be speculation, our own thoughts have gone into this scenario. You may disagree, but for this I ask you to please don't take it to heart: this is solely the idea of a few of us into an interesting scenario, its not a claim to be a "how this would have played out" and ultimately we seek to be creating a story.
The Background of the Premise
As per normal, Robert's rebellion and all preceding events take place. What changes however, was the war itself. It begins to diverge with the attitudes of Hoster Tully, who is suddenly caught in the cross-fire and procrastinates his decision to join Robert's cause when Lord Randyll Tarly bests Robert at Ashford, far more decisively than in the regular canon. Riverrun's 'neutrality' becomes central, in that Hoster never officially declares nor commits, but commits to "vocal and logistical" support for the cause. The Battle of the Bells occurs, as is valid, but Robert's escape and Connington's failure to decisively best Ned's forces once again causes Hoster to maintain a neutrality.
Rhaegar wins on the Battle of the Trident, cutting down Robert Baratheon in their personal duel, though the manner of which is debated. Some argue Rhaegar cut down Robert’s horse and then it kicked him unconscious into the river, where he drowned. Others state, nominally from the rebellious regions, that Rhaegar cheated and Barristan Selmy fought his way to the duel and cut down Robert from behind. Rhaegar himself maintains that he merely struck Robert during their duel, cutting him across the jugular with his sword. Robert fell, his blood running through the river and Rhaegar held his warhammer on the high. The rebellious forces broke, from the centre to its flanks, and the wounded Dornish flank rallied beneath Lewyn Martell and it broke Robert’s left flank in a decisive push. With the battle won, the remaining rebels having ordered a retreat back up the Trident to Riverrun, the Freys pledged their allegiance to House Targaryen. News arrived to Rhaegar that the Lannisters had done the same, and a force under Tywin Lannister was marching from the Golden Tooth to Riverrun, some 13,000 men - a healthy detachment of foot, supplemented by some 1,200 ~ knights. There are some rumours about what else that letter contained. When news arrived to King’s Landing, Aerys was said to have danced upon the steps to the Iron Throne. He tugged at Jaime’s white cloak and yelled that “My friend, Tywin, returns to me! Duskendale was not his doing! Your father, a valiant man - truly, truly!”
The rebellious forces, broken and battered - made a march for the neutral Riverrun whilst Arryn held the Gates of the Moon. Royalists at their east and south, Freys to their north and Lannisters to their west. Yet what arrived to Riverrun was not a rock from a trebuchet, but a raven in its splendour. A scroll, peace. They spat at the notion of peace, for Aerys was mad - Aerys had burned men alive and Rhaegar had kidnapped and raped Lyanna. Yet, this changed, for the weakened girl of Winterfell was brought aboard a horse to the gates of Riverrun. She beseeched the lords, that they behold Rhaegar had not harmed her. That she loved him. That there was no rape. Rhaegar, standing solemn in black armour, nodded and professed his love. Lewyn Martell is said to have shuddered, and many Dornishmen looked to their commander in confusion - for he had betrayed their Lady Elia.
They were promised freedom and to retain their holds; save for the Baratheons. They were promised reform by Rhaegar at that bank. Many called to the Lord Lannister atop his destrier behind the Prince and said he was proof Rhaegar would not change. Then begun a great confession; that Aerys was unfit - that Aerys was cruel and unkind and Aerys was to be removed. Yet with this outstretched hand came a closed fist, and Rhaegar mentioned that they could not allow the marriages arranged in some “southron ambitions” to take place. Lyanna showed her son, through Rhaegar, and with this the Dornish host left south - yet it moved the Lord of Winterfell “do it for me, Ned. Peace. Don’t let the realm bleed.” He struck down his banners and called for peace, and Hoster opened the gates. With their seals and signatures did they send this to Arryn, who too struck down his banners. Robert was dead, Lyanna was… ‘in love’, and Rhaegar had promised mercy - and that Aerys would not be getting ‘his peace’.
The royalists marched home to King’s Landing, with an assembled entourage of Northern and Riverlands ‘prisoners’ - the Lords. Rhaegar marched into the capital, with the Lord of Casterly Rock at his back, and the two - in a movement quick and decisive - had “The Mad King” detained, to be shipped off to Dragonstone. His pyromancer aimed to continue his orders, but was caught and the wildfire removed and stored again. And this was how Rhaegar ascended to be King of the Seven Kingdoms.
Tywin's Peace
- Lord Paramount of the Stormlands was to fall to House Connington of Griffin’s Roost, now House Connington of Storm’s End.
- Jaime Lannister was to be ‘relieved’ of his ‘vows’ by the king and became Tywin’s heir. To secure the ‘peace of the realm’, Catelyn Tully was married to Jaime Lannister. Ned Stark, now devoid of a betrothed, was to marry Cersei Lannister.
- Benjen Stark and Lysa Tully were to be held as ‘wards’ at King’s Landing and Highgarden to keep the peace until ‘tensions subsided’. As of 287, both became 'free', with Benjen joining the Night's Watch and Lysa marrying into the Mallisters.
- The infant Harrold Hardyng, said to be Jon Arryn’s ‘heir’ given the death of his sons, is to be warded at King’s Landing
- House Darry receives some rewards in lands and wealth from its neighbouring, rebellious houses. It is seen as a counterweight to the 'untrusted' Tullys.
These are but its main points. It was, in general, not as tender as Robert's treatment to Lords who bowed before him - but it is nothing akin to a 'Brest-Litovsk' for the rebellious Westerosi lords.
Rhaegar's Reign, in Brief
- Lyanna dies shortly after the peace proceedings and as a gesture of good will, Rhaegar allows her body to go north with Ned. He, however, keeps their infant son, named Viserys Targaryen.
- Rhaegar detains his father, Aerys, on Dragonstone where he still lives, though is "close to death" as per the recent Maester's reports.
- A Greyjoy Rebellion still happens, though Rhaegar's treatment of the rebellious Greyjoys is much worse than Robert's. "A Second Rebellion" is Rhaegar's ominous reference to it. In the ensuing crushing of it, the Greyjoys are all but obliterated (save for Asha Greyjoy, who becomes - and is - a ward of Ned Stark, Theon Greyjoy, sent to Highgarden and Maron Greyjoy remains at his uncle's hold in Ten Towers. To maintain familial links, Rhaegar appoints Rodrik Harlaw as "Lord Reaper of Pyke."
- Rhaegar, obsessed with prophecy, has given the Night's Watch more attention and support. Randyll Tarly's recent declaration that he is sending his "first-born son to the wall" has been praised by Rhaegar heavily.
- Despite the overall measures of peace and relative stability, there are tensions and definite resentments. Some lords in the Stormlands, Vale, Riverlands are underground Baratheon loyalists, in the North they sit in seclusion, mourning the sons who perished in the south, on the Iron Islands a very way of life is threatened by Rodrik and in Dorne resentment for Rhaegar's treatment of Elia spurns the fire within them every time she ventures south on her "trips". The Royal Household is fractured, merely plastered over with faint strokes in an attempt to make all seem normal. Yet despite all this, Rhaegar has maintained control. He has fulfilled his promises. And the smallfolk appear to love him as much as it is claimed.
- The Wall is at 2,500 men and is preparing an excursion to reclaim Westwatch-by-the-bridge.
Rhaegar's Small Council
- Tywin Lannister, Hand of the King.
- Mace Tyrell, Master of Coin.
- 'Lord' Varys, Master of Whispers.
- Rodrik 'The Reader' Harlaw, Master of Ships (The most recent appointment, occurring but three years ago when Lord Velaryon requested to Rhaegar to be allowed to return home. It is also a move to "continentalise" the Iron Islands.)
- Jon Connington, Master of Laws.
- Ser Arthur Dayne, Lord Commander of the Kingsguard.
- Pycelle, Grand Maester.
- Oberyn Martell, in the place of Doran.
The Kingsguard
- Ser Arthur Dayne, Lord Commander.
- Lewyn Martell, who is old and sickly and not expected to live much longer.
- Barristan Selmy.
- Oswell Whent.
- Jonothor Darry.
- Garlan Tyrell.
- Daven Lannister.
The Night's Watch' (Its leaders and important members)
- Jeor Mormont, Lord Commander.
- Othell Yarwyck, First Builder.
- Bowen Marsh, First Steward.
- Benjen Stark, First Ranger.
- Denys Mallister, Commander of the Shadow Tower.
- Qhorin Halfhand, Shadow Tower’s Second in Command.
- Aemon Targaryen, the Maester of Castle Black.
- Mullin, the Maester of the Shadow Tower.
- Harmune, Maester of Eastwatch-by-the-Sea.
- Cotter Pyke, Commander of Eastwatch-by-the-Sea.
- Brynden Tully, Leader of the Rangers at Shadow Tower.
Individuals who are dead. (Who are not, at the beginning of A Game of Thrones)
- Balon, Euron and Aeron Greyjoy
- Robert and Stannis Baratheon
- Lyn Corbray
- All of Ned’s kids with Catelyn never existed.
- Sweetrobin does not exist, either.
- A small collection of Riverlander, Vale and Northern Lords and Knights (or their northern equivalent) who fell at the Trident; such as Wyman Manderly
- Ramsay Snow is believed to be dead, but is actually at the wall, having been sent after a minor hedge knight caught him committing a murder.
- Furthermore, some lords are injured to a high degree (but not dead), such as Roose Bolton, who is missing a leg.
Individuals who are alive. (That were dead at the beginning of A Game of Thrones)
- Aerys, Rhaegar, Elia, Aegon, Rhaenys and Rhaella Targaryen
- Oswell Whent, Arthur Dayne, Lewyn Martell, Jonothor Darry
- Maron Greyjoy
- Essentially every member of House Darry
- A variety of new children from various marriages between characters who have different fates in this RP, such as the children of Ned/Cersei, Jaime/Catelyn and Jon Connington/Shyra
- Domeric Bolton, who actually listens to his father and does not go to find Ramsay.
- This may be expanded as per applications, though we will be assessing all requests.
Important Family Trees
I'm 100% serious. As a basic note, when you click on the link to gauge the situation, on the bottom bars enable "middle names" "images" and "profession". It'll help clear a lot of stuff up.
The "Lannister" Family Tree (which basically covers a huge portion of the Houses). We had a lot of fun creating.
The Connington Family Tree
The Harlaw Family Tree
Rules
- Forum Site rules apply, obviously.
- When referring to canon, please refer to the above when dealing with situations in the RP and then followed by the glorious holy texts of our lord and saviour; the A Song of Ice and Fire books.
- Posts must be of a good quality. No one, two, three liners. There must be a decently sized paragraph per post!
- My word is law
- Activity is certainly a well sought after commodity; if you are going to be absent please inform me via a TG. If you are absent for a period of more than three days I will remove you from the RP.
- This RP is going to be condensed. Westeros is the only location of this RP, no Essos, or anything of that ilk. Individuals may appear from Essos, or events in Essos may be a matter for the court to concern, but all applications are for Westeros
- I know how much you want to RP House Poole and its immensely fertile lands of tundra and snow, and all three people in it, but please consider not to. Important Houses, aka Lord Paramounts, the Royal House and the Night's Watch are our priority. When a location has its Lord Paramount fulfilled, I will consider opening up the major houses they hold (i.e., if we have the Starks, the Boltons and Manderlys for instance, will be opened.) Please also RP for the 'rulers' of the House, this is normally one individual, like Tywin, but for the Tyrells for example, it is fine to have both for Olenna and Mace. When you RP a House, you RP everyone in it and all of your vassals (unless they are app'd for when opened.)
- The Night's Watch is going to be RP'd, and mostly controlled, by a single individual. To make RP more fun however, important members of the NW, (say Brynden Tully and Benjen Stark) will be RP'd by their houses to make the RP more fun and less boring for a NW player. Use a House application for the NW, but modify where you see necessary.
- I will be conducting the movements of the Others.
- Reservations last for 24 hours.
Westerosi House
- Code: Select all
[b]House Name:[/b]
[b]Culture: (Westerlander, Northerner, etc)[/b]
[b]Leader:[/b]
[b]Lands:[/b]
[b]Sovereign:[/b]
[b]Coat of Arms:[/b]
[b]Direct Forces/Vassal Forces:[/b]
[b]History of the House since 282 AC[/b]
429 - DO NOT REMOVE.
(REMOVE EVERYTHING IN BRACKETS, INCLUDING THIS)
Westerosi Lord/Lady
- Code: Select all
[b]Name:[/b]
[b]Titles:[/b]
[b]Culture:[/b]
[b]Age:[/b]
[b]Gender:[/b]
[b]Appearance:[/b]
[b]Allegiance:[/b]
[b]Profession:[/b]
[b]Religion:[/b]
[b]Family Members:[/b]
[b]Personal History since 282 AC:[/b]
- Code: Select all
House being reserved:
Time stamp: (Please put the time of your post in here.)
312 - DO NOT REMOVE
(REMOVE EVERYTHING IN BRACKETS, INCLUDING THIS)
So, what can I app for?
- House Targaryen having a player opens: House Rykker and House Velaryon
- House Lannister having a player opens: House Crakehall and House Lefford
- House Stark having a player opens: House Manderly and House Bolton
- House Tyrell having a player opens: House Hightower and House Redwyne
- House Connington having a player opens: House Tarth and House Dondarrion
- House Martell having a player opens: House Yronwood and House Dayne
- House Arryn having a player opens: House Royce of Runestone and House Grafton of Gulltown
- House Tully having a player opens: House Frey and House Darry
- The Night's Watch is open. (To stimulate RP, members in the Night's Watch (such as Brynden) can be RP'd by their Houses to make it interactive.)
