1.

The Battle of the Blackwater.

The Bells of Baelor's Sept have been ringing all day. As Baratheon troops mass outside the King's Gate and River Gate. Ser Gwayne Caron has force marched his men to arrive at the Black Dragon's door by break of dawn.

Daemon II. looks over the old city walls. His father had died, not far from here, at the Redgrass field, trying to claim his throne from Daeron Targaryen. The throne that he sat on. The Stags had not sent tribute as he requested. Neither had the others. It was Edmund Tully that won him this throne. He was going to name the man Hand. How he wished for a Hand now. The Blackfyre army outside the gates was strong, but divided, without proper leadership. The Baratheon host, although smaller, was disciplined.

He had five armies from different kingdoms, all hoping to win glory and a seat at his council. But full of younger sons who's fathers were ready to turn heel and abandon his cause if their struggle failed. The Stag? When all the minor lords flocked to his banner, House Reyne and Cerwyn, Bracken and Peake, none came from the Stormlands. Neither the Trants nor the Selmy's answered his call. The Baratheons had united their Kingdom against him. "Which one is the bigger number?" he thought. "Five? Or one?" He would join his men on the field today. He would face House Baratheon. That was the only way to keep them in line.

It was to the astonishment of the Blackfyre lords that Daemon the Younger marched with them. He stood at the helm of his forces as they swarmed the tourney grounds and the fishmarkets by the Blackwater. He led the cavalry charge that broke the first Baratheon line and pushed them back towards the Kingdswood. He rode like the wind, pushing his advantage and his larger host toward the southern harbor.

His first battle was proving Daemon a natural warrior. He had these Stormlanders on the run towards the harbor, his cavarly making short work of them on the exposed riverbank. Then he heard arrows whizzing. And a call for retreat.

year 211 after conquest - 9 Chapters

Daemon II. preparing to march against Ser Gwayne Caron.

It was by the harbor, that his troops were ambushed. With his cavalry boxed in between the fishmarket and the River Gate, archers opened fire from rafts set in the river.

A force of armored knights descended on his rear, tearing his formation apart, they fought him on the docks and market grounds. Another Baratheon host cleared the crossing by the King's Gate, effectively splitting his army in two. Daemon knew his forces west of the city would see the slaughter ahead and flee. So he pushed his vanguard hard, towards the main Baratheon host, to unite his banners.

As the battle devolved into more and more chaos, forces west of the outer wall began deserting. His army was melting away as Daemon struggled to unite them. Each Lord calculating the cost of defeat and gathering their banners up the King' Road.

Daemon saw his western forces abandon the front, leaving the entire Baratheon army free to turn and decimate him by the banks of the Blackwater.

The young King Daemon Blackfyre II. would be remembered, not for his dreams of dragons, his establishment of his fathers line, or even his valiant effort at the Blackater. He would be remembered for his short reign and its tumultuous end.

The slaughter by the River Gate as Daemon's forces begin to retreat.

Gwayne Caron

Daemon Blackfyre II.

2.

The War Council At Lannisport.

None know what happens behind closed doors. What House Lannister spoke of at the council, how they justified their recent war on Highgarden and who was to lead their agressive efforts, is only heard through rumors spread by those attending.

But the sellsword captains and siegework engineers speak of many Lords vying to win the Lions favor. And many speak of how the oldest son of Lord Lannister secured the city. Of the many guards and sentries searching for any major Lord of the realm. Stopping travelers and overturning wagons to make sure they did not find any attendant of the council escaping. A truly horrific sight.

Despite this, many still, flock to their banners, with two new nobles offering their services to the Lannister Household.

A daughter of the ancient but diminished House Velaryon, Rhaela continues the tradition of glory and notoriety brought to her house by way of war.

Known as the Goldfinger, Lord Cedrick Marbrand leaves his seat of Ashemark to support his liege Lord in the managing of the Westerlands.

3.

The Siege of Highgarden.

The open fields around the magnificent seat of Highgarden have been awash with tents and trebuchets for weeks, if not months now. The garrison of the overwhelmed castle holding steadfast, assault after assault by Maxwell Lannister.

General Xander Rowan had long abandoned the hope for reinforcements. His duty was a clear one: to stand, with the few troops left to him, and defend this ancestral seat of the Gardner Kings. As a man of duty, he would fulfil his promise to the last. Lady Khailee had taken the remaining Tyrell troops on another expedition weeks ago. The Tyrell Household had left their quarters before that. It was just him and Highgarden.

As he held firm against months of Lannister pressure, Lord Rowan saw, what would be their end. The banners of House Farman, a vassal of the Lannisters, flying over fresh reinforcements. A smaller host with an experienced commander to complete the siege.

It was on the battlements and walls, the courtyards and gardens that the battle was decided on. With Lord Farman's tunnelers and diverson tactics, the meager garrison was overwhelmed within a week. Then, Lord Rowan stood with his men as he prepared a final stand. A setback to the assaulting forces, to give his Kingdom more time.

It was a quick affair after that. House Lannister raised the golden lion banner over the halls of Highgarden, quickly taking stock of losses and organizing their troops.

Xander Rowan

Thomas Farman

Maxwell Lannister

4.

A City of Tents.

The Barrowlands are some of

the most fertile lands in the

North. With rolling hills and

grazing cattle, one may be the

excused for mistaking the domain

of the Barrowlords for the verdant

lands of the Reach. If not for the winter

chills rolling over the sloping mounds and woodlands.

It is here that House Stark holds a grand Moot. A gathering

of warriors and generals, of northmen and travelers, to aid

the North in its times of hardship.

Amongst feasting and contests of wits and bravery, many

nobles of the rugged north distinguish themselves as useful to the Stark's effort.

A Castellan, experienced in the managing of lands and holdings:

D6, Resourcefulness 1, Stewardship 1, Fortitude 1, Command 1

A general, experienced in combat with outlaws and raiders:

D8, Fortitude 2, Command 2

A socialite and political climber from a minor house:

D8, Resourcefulness 2, Stewardship 2

The Lords interested in recruiting these Characters must send envoys to the Barrowlands, paying the travel toll on the Omen of Winter, and then must bid on one or more of the two Characters, any resources that they may, with the winning bid recruiting the Character and all other bids being generously returned.

5.

Taking Old Oak.

The town of Old Oak lies on the Oceanroad, right between Highgarden and Lannisport. A few months ago, a Lannister host moved through this territory, onwards to Highgarden.

Khailee Flowers takes the remnants of the Tyrell

army, mostly veterans of the battle of Highgarden and experienced cavarly officers on a detour. This fast and manoeuvrable force manages to evade the Lannister troops past Golden Grove and down to Old Oak.

With the taking of the town, the Oceanroad and the only path from the Reach into the Westerlands is now held by House Tyrell.

Khailee Flowers

6.

The Twins.

With the passing of Lord George Tully, his son now rules the Riverlands and all its lords. House Frey, one of their greatest vassals, have seen it fit to pay homage to both the late Lord Tully and his son at the crossing of the Twins.

House Frey has hosted this large gathering for all bannermen and Riverlords to pay their respects and renew their oaths. Many have traveled from across the Riverlands and further afield to seek audience with House Tully. Some for glory, some for coin, some for older contracts, written in blood.

A Castellan, experienced in the managing of lands and holdings:

D6, Resourcefulness 1, Stewardship 1, Fortitude 1, Command 1

A general, experienced in combat with outlaws and raiders:

D8, Fortitude 2, Command 2

A Knight of the Seven, sworn to protect and serve:

D10, Command 3

The Lords interested in recruiting these Characters must send envoys to the Twins, paying the travel toll on the Omen of Winter, and then must bid on one or more of the two Characters, any resources that they may, with the winning bid recruiting the Character and all other bids being generously returned.

7.

Attack on the Eyrie.

Edric Waters looked down from his marble clad tower as the fires spread.

As the Tully army marched from the Trident up the Highroad, no scouts every reached the Eyrie. Edmund Tully had paid the mountain clansmen handsomely to make sure no lonely rider made it back to the Arryn heartland. All ravens that flew, were shot down. And so, when Edmund Tully's force arrived at the Bloody Gate, no preparations were made. Quickly, trebuchets all aimed at and collapsed a portion of the northern rockface, creating an ascention spot for siege ladders. A group of archers rained hellfire on the approach so the ridge was cleared in less than an hour. With the Bloody Gate cleared, the road up to the Eyrie was secured.

The Tully army marched with speed and determination. Edmund had made sure to advance in combination columns of archers and pikemen, the best drilled leading the vanguard. The mountain clansmen provided guides and with minimal losses, Edmund arrived at the Falcon's nest, the Eyrie.

A gorgeous summer palace of white marble and limestone, the Eyrie was quite a sight to behold. Edmund made sure to preserve both the beauty of the outer walls and the defensiveness of the keep by sending in small parties of sappers and tunnelers, while distracting the garrison with false charges and attacks. Once the fire was lit, Edmund watched the white castle illuminate the night sky like a torch.

And Edric Waters looked down from his marble clad tower as the fires spread.

Edmund put him to the sword as he took the castle. Yasmeen Arryn perished in the fires. When he first presented with the charred body, as he unmounted within the halls of the palace, his generals quote Edmund saying "Poor lass. Shouldn't have waited so long to be wed."

Edmund Tully

Edric Waters

Yasmeen Arryn

8.

Forging Steel.

As the Realm erupts in war and destruction, many are forging the means to continue their battles. Troops are readied and bannermen trained in the Stormland, the North, the Reach, the Westerlands and the Vale.

9.

The Storm Changes Its Course.

The realm trembles on the brink of war as news spreads of Daemon

Blackfyre's sudden death. From the shadows, rumors and intrigue,

messengers scurry from one lord's hall to the next, bearing word of

the passing of the late king - and the rise of his brother, Lord Haegon.

Once a rival of the same blood, Haegon now stands as the new

Blackfyre heir. His brother’s death is no mere accident, whispers

claim, for Haegon’s ambition burns brighter than any loyalty. His

retainers claim, he carries fire in his heart and vengeance on his lips,

stirring the old grudges between the great houses of Westeros.

Rumors are avound that House Lannister, House Arryn, and House

Tully - all scramble to earn favor with the new Blackfyre lord. Each

seeks to place itself beside him, eager to ride the coming tide of war,

dreaming of the seats of power besides the Iron Throne in King’s

Landing.

From the high castles to the lowly inns, whispers spread, the winds of

change blow through Westeros, and the storm is at hand.

Then, at last, the messengers of Haegon arrive. A simple word -

delivered through a dozen trusted hands - his message is heavy with

meaning: War. Kings Landing will fall, and with it, the crown itself.

Haegon Blackfyre will wear his brothers crown.

"Daemon fought valiantly. Daemon fought nobly. Daemon fought honorably. And Daemon died.

My time has come. This storm will reveal who is noble enough to stand by my side! Chose your ambitions wisely my Lords."

Lords stir uneasy in their chambers. Haegon is to take the Iron Throne. Spies return with more ill tidings: Haegon is already preparing his fleet. The ships anchored in the shadowed harbors of Essos, ready to set sail, are those of Lord Dagon Greyjoy. They whisper of the tides, of the blood that will be spilled, of alliances forged in the dark...

Past Omens of Winter...

The Wolves' Moot in the Barrowlands:

The fertile lands of the Barrowlords host a grand northern gathering of Lords and Knights, Bannermen and Warriors, to present themselves to House Stark. Tents are raised in the rolling hills between Moat cailin and Barrowtown as many caravans divert from the King's Road to witness the gathering.

Besides oaths of fealty and service, many minor Lords from across the realm also travel to the Barrowlands in hopes of raising their station and offering their services in these crucial times of war.

- As the Wolves' Moot begins, Characters may attend for a low price of travel, be it for a single Character or more:

A total of 2 resources of your choice.

Success: The event will see many travelers. Characters may be recruited here through hidden bids with the highest bid winning.

Many flock to the emerging city of tents every day.

Remembrance at the Twins:

With the untimely passing of so many members of House Tully in such a recent time, the castle of the Twins now host a precession of Lords and Knights in its halls.

Many Riverlords and many outsiders are to travel here, paying their respects to the Wardens of the Trident. A grand ceremony is to be held in the light of the seven, after which the gathered Lords will likely follow their ambitions and machinations, to hoist themselves into the importance at the cusp of war.

- As the ceremony begins, Characters may attend for a low price of travel, be it for a single Character or more:

A total of 2 resources of your choice.

Success: The gathering will see many travelers. Characters may be recruited here through hidden bids with the highest bid winning.

The only crossing over the Green Fork until the Trident, the seat of House Frey exacts its toll on many Riverlords.