How would Robert treat a Dornish Princess?

[Azai]

Specifically the second daughter of Doran Martell. My friends and I are role-playing a story and being the DM I got a little stuck.  We aren't there yet but I want to try and nail the interactions as perfect as they can be.

So the set up is character is a couple years younger than Arianne and she is traveling one stop being King's Landing. The Royal family knows she is coming (Or at least the small council.) Would she be afford respects as someone like Oberyn? Or much less? Would they house her in the Red Keep? Or would they expect her to find her own accommodations? 

[GallowsKnight]

Jon Arryn would diplomatically treat her with the utmost of respect and give her quarters as deserving of her status. She would sit at the high table next to the royal family at feasts. Jon is keen to soften the bad blood between the two houses and mend the realm. 

Robert would try to bang her.

[Bright Blue Eyes]

Way, way better than Oberyn. He was housed by Joffrey the stupid shit, Mace Tyrell, who holds him responsible for his crippled son and Tywin, who has a talent to insult everybody.

 

She'd be treated basically like Ned Stark. Jon Arryn would make sure of that and while Robert may be interested in her, he'd be way to uncomfortable with the whole "excused the rape and murder of your aunt and cousins" to actually show it.

[Azai]

Thanks guys this is awesome feedback. I was leaning towards the direction you were saying, but didn't realize she be treated that well.  I know Jon Arryn would be incredibly respectful though I didn't know she sit with the royal family during feasts and such. I feel I am safe to assuming that while watching tournaments she'd also be seated with the royal family? (I am fudging the dates that they will be there while Joffrey's name day tournament is being held.)

[redtree]

Jon Arryn would be full of courtesy, perhaps even proposing marriage to one of rebel lords to bring Dorne back into fold. 
Robert, if this princess looks like Arianne, would probably stare a little too much and make some suggestive jokes but it"d stop there

Cersei on the other hand, is a wild card. Either she'd give cold courtesy or if she were ultra stupid she'd probably bring up Elia 

[Azai]

Yeah, I had an idea about Cersei especially if Robert was leering at the character.  While we are on these subjects, what about the royal children?(Oh I aged them up a bit for the campaign so they are all teenagers at some degree). I have it that Myrcella would be interested in the "beautiful" Princess and want to be around, play games, or learn about Dorne from her. I also have Shireen (As Stannis was in King's landing at this point, regardless if his wife or daughter were I am having them there.) want the courage to speak up and talk to the player character but be shy and unable to do it unless the character approaches them.  Still finding ways for Joff to be a horrible person as well. (Probably just tantrums because Robert is still alive)

Welp I mean why not through all my ideas out to the community at this point. I have it that Tyrion would be friendly maybe even a flirt in some way (Or more that joking not serious speech he has). The player character is a very kind person so the idea of a dwarf wouldn't offend nor bother her.  Also I am feeling that Tyrion would offering sincere condolences for what happened to the characters Aunt and cousins. 

Though a place I am getting stuck at is what kind of Intrigue would Baelish or Varys try to pull if any. The campaign is the Princess wants to see the Wall for herself. King's landing is her first stop and then she'll be traveling upwards. (We know they will want to stop at Winterfell, but the Eyriee, Riverrun, the neck etc may be stops as well. ) But it would be public knowledge they are traveling the king's road that will lead through Winterfell. At least to the royald, small council and the like. 

[Thersites]

Have an amiable, non-threatening, helpful, amusing fellow who has a seat on the small council turn up. Have him propose simple and elegant solutions to any problem that presents itself. Have him be from a lesser house, so not taken into consideration by other lords as a force to be reckoned with. Make it believable for the characters that he is the best friend they met since they set foot at King's Landing. Other than letting them know that he is on the same page and one paragraph ahead of the characters about anything going on, have him a mile away from anything unscrupulous.

Of course, your players know the guy's name is Petyr "the Devil" Baelish, so they'll assemble a team of intelligence service analysts to put his every breath under the microscope. And uncover every secret from the BBEG's plan to the baker's unfaithful wife while chasing after his intentions, even if his plans are "chill out, eat some blood oranges and imagine everyone's face while it's being pecked on by crows when I plunge the Seven Kingdoms into civil war" (hint: they won't be)

And have a mysterious, underhanded soft-spoken fellow turn up with information from an undisclosed source, which is absolutely crucial, and if not acted upon the results would be catastrophic. Have it present it in such a way it is believable for the characters that the informer, while shady, is absolutely indispensable. Have him steadfastly declare his allegiance to the realm.

Once again, your players know the guy's name is Varys the Spider, so while they'll probably be more inclined to believe what he says, they'll be just as paranoid about his intentions, if not more so.

If not tied to the main plot, you can have a spy in the player's retinue. Have the spy revealed by another character (NOT Baelish or Varys, bonus paranoia points for an exotic beauty from the Free Cities if you want your players jumping at every shadow), who gives off a subtle vibe of being someone else's catspaw. Infiltrating your character's retinue could mean that one could send his agents on any possible number of underhanded things in the north, and judging from the fact that the seats of any number of Lords Paramount may be stops in the journey, the opportunities are too juicy to pass up. And if everything goes with no one noticing, it will be the player, not the mastermind behind the plan, who will be caught in the crossfire.

However, maybe Varys is outing Baelish's informer to insert a catspaw. Maybe Baelish is cutting off an unreliable asset to put someone more dependable in the player's good graces, Maybe either of them considered the player's presense in King's Landing to complicate matters, and wants to drive them away. Maybe either of them wants to keep them here to dig deeper, so a secret is uncovered and presented by someone above reproach.

If you are absolutely certain your players will not read this thread, provide some specifics. Both Varys and Baelish are quite capable at adjusting to a situation, so whatever else is happening they will find a way to try and twist it to their advantage. However, if all that is happening is "Younger daughter of Doran Martell goes on vacation", other than using the opportunity to assess Dorne's stregnth and intentions or insert their people in the Dornish court, at first glance anything involving their plots further down the line is too much risk for too little gain.

[Azai]

Yes, my players will never see this thread. Even if they come upon it they wouldn't want to look anyways so not to "ruin" anything for themselves. I like the ideas you have for Varys and Baelish it actually opens a lot of doors for some of my ideas. The  campaign idea of going to the Wall was supposed to be a chance for the group to explore Westeros and perhaps make a bit of a name for themselves.  The Princess, not unfamiliar with intrigue, is curious about the dynamics of the families of the great houses of Westeros. And she has a bit of a wanderlust and desires to see something "magical" (As from Dorne the Wall can almost seem like a fairy tale). Though she wants to 'learn' about the other seven Kingdoms and also perhaps Dorne's place in it all. Not say spy, but definantly wants to see how things have settled with Robert as the King and absence of the Targaryens( She is also really close with her Uncle the Viper, and like many what happened to her Aunt doesn't sit well with her.)

She also has a strange companion. A fellow from Leng or Yi Ti (He keeps it vague). He served with a The Red Viper in a mercenary company(A friend and one of the few to survive the Viper's poison) and is the Princess' teacher and guardian in the arts of war. He is nicknamed "Thousand Eyes" as no one ever seems able to surprise him and he never doesn't  know when someone is around him. Thus he has a "thousand eyes' (Admittedly we all love the show Marco Polo, and the character is loosely based on Hundred eyes from that). The thing is he fights with only his first and with some house ruling we were able to get it up to par with most other fighting styles.  Introduced a few Martial arts rules. Well keep as close to theme as possible, this is our little twist to things. It is fun enough it doesn't break our immersion of the setting. But he can take on those in armor and so forth. Which could be a little bit of surprise to the other lands (Hasn't had to display it yet to the greater Westeros, but those in Dorne and the Martells know it very well.)

Their entire party is Thousand Eyes, the Princess (nicknamed Ali), a made up Maester Darrick. Then I stole two characters Daemon Sand,Bastard of God's grace(I like the idea of his feelings towards her older sister and how they may play into things. Also his personality as well.) and Gerris Drinkwater as Guards for the Princess.  

[BlueNightzx]

Robert would definitely  try to bang her, or be extra charming, at this point robert not be so fat and drunk, he would still be gallant, and we know robert likes exotic women,  cersei would act superior and try to belittle her with sarcasm and cold courtesy,

i don't know if cersei would make cruel remarks about elia and her children, she met elia as a child in casterly rock, and she blames Aerys for not marrying Rhaegar to her, and Robert for killing him, i don't think she has any ill will against elia, and as a mother, i don't think she would make fun of babies bashed to the wall.

but its cersei, an angry outburst with cruel japes are not beneath her

Joffrey would not care a bit, tommen would be sweet and polite, myrcella might be curious about dorne and befriend her.

 

Jon arryn would be a perfect gentleman and treat her with every honor and courtesy he could show as a way to better the relations between dorne and the IT, and even if this was not the case, Jon arryn is indeed agentleman and a kind man, he would treat her nicely even if they didn't have a diplomatic crisis.

[GallowsKnight]

2 hours ago, Azai said:

She also has a strange companion. A fellow from Leng or Yi Ti (He keeps it vague). He served with a The Red Viper in a mercenary company(A friend and one of the few to survive the Viper's poison) and is the Princess' teacher and guardian in the arts of war. He is nicknamed "Thousand Eyes" as no one ever seems able to surprise him and he never doesn't  know when someone is around him. Thus he has a "thousand eyes' (Admittedly we all love the show Marco Polo, and the character is loosely based on Hundred eyes from that). The thing is he fights with only his first and with some house ruling we were able to get it up to par with most other fighting styles.  Introduced a few Martial arts rules. Well keep as close to theme as possible, this is our little twist to things. It is fun enough it doesn't break our immersion of the setting. But he can take on those in armor and so forth. Which could be a little bit of surprise to the other lands (Hasn't had to display it yet to the greater Westeros, but those in Dorne and the Martells know it very well.)

Their entire party is Thousand Eyes, the Princess (nicknamed Ali), a made up Maester Darrick. Then I stole two characters Daemon Sand,Bastard of God's grace(I like the idea of his feelings towards her older sister and how they may play into things. Also his personality as well.) and Gerris Drinkwater as Guards for the Princess.  

The foreigner is in an interesting position and his treatment is really based on the Princess' introduction. If he gives off the impression of nobility and seen as a curiosity, he might be seated amongst the higher nobility with figures like Jalabhar Xho and Thoro of Myr.  Nobles (Bronze Yohn, Balon Swann) would try to glean information from him about his distance lands. He'd be given small but comfortable quarters. 

Whereas if he is more quiet, seen as a bodyguard, servant or just part of an entourage. He might be lucky to get a seat at one of the lowest tables, if at all, and a small nook amongst castle servants (or near the princess to be of assistance.) 

Drink and Damon sand would probably sit amongst house knights (men like Massey, Horpe) and petty lords (the Stokeworths). Both are of strong noble houses but one is a bastard and the other not high in the succession order (I think). They'd probably quarter in a barricks with any other guards/escort.

The Maester would probably be seated with them, or at a lower table but close to be of assitance to the princess. The older he is the more deference he'll likely be shown. The other thing is despite giving up his last name, if he is of a prominent noble house he'll probably get better treatment.

[Azai]

Yeah, Thousand Eyes would be quiet. His backstory is from a noble family or clan of sorts. Though this something he'd talk. He is also a willing eunuch (Though obviously not everyone knows this.) Though he is the Guardian of Ali, so I was wondering of Joff and the Hound situation where he'd be back to stand by her sides (At least in tournaments.)
 

[Jon's Queen Consort]

I have to ask. We are talking about RobertPrime or AGOTRobert?

[GallowsKnight]

4 hours ago, Azai said:

Yeah, Thousand Eyes would be quiet. His backstory is from a noble family or clan of sorts. Though this something he'd talk. He is also a willing eunuch (Though obviously not everyone knows this.) Though he is the Guardian of Ali, so I was wondering of Joff and the Hound situation where he'd be back to stand by her sides (At least in tournaments.)
 

At a feast it's rude to have a guard behind you, insults the host's honour. But at other times yeah it's cool to have a bodyguard/sworn sword or other attendant who hangs around behind you. In a tournament he'd be allowed in the same pavilion but probably a row or so back. The best views/seats going to important people and it's a better vantage for danger. At informal gatherings he'd probably be expected to stand to one side while Ali sits.

[Azai]

5 hours ago, Jon's Queen Consort said:

I have to ask. We are talking about RobertPrime or AGOTRobert?

I am assuming Robertprime is the book Robert? It will be probably a blend of both. I watched the first season of Game of Throne as Iback then I had never heard of the books. Afterwards viciously burned through all the books, before the start on the next season (I am more a book fan than show if that matters). I love the actor that plays him, but do have ideas on how Robert would act book wise.

So behind her in certain situations is fine. Awesome Thanks GallowsKnight and the others helping me out. I would assume that Winterfell, and other lords or ladies she may stop by would be giving her the same respect? At least, if they are a modest household, to the best of their means?

 

[Jon's Queen Consort]

10 minutes ago, Azai said:

I am assuming Robertprime is the book Robert?

Not really. RobertPrime is Robert "a maiden's dream".

[Azai]

Oh, I'm sorry I misunderstood. The start of the campaign takes place a year right before a game of thrones starts. So I am assuming he is past his prime.

[GallowsKnight]

8 hours ago, Azai said:

So behind her in certain situations is fine. Awesome Thanks GallowsKnight and the others helping me out. I would assume that Winterfell, and other lords or ladies she may stop by would be giving her the same respect? At least, if they are a modest household, to the best of their means?

Yeah even more so because she is on their level or above in the case of lesser houses. Her reception might be frosty in the Highgarden or with Marcher Lords of the Stormlands but still polite. But the further away North the warmer the reception (the Vale, Westerlands, Riverlands etc).

If she visited a smaller castle or keep the Lord/Lady/Landed Knight would probably give their personal quarters up to her. However there'd be the assumption she'd pass on soon, as staying longer would be imposing on them (costs to feed and house her etc).

[Azai]

This really helps a lot. I know being apart of one of the big houses would make a difference, and factoring in that she is a Dornish "Princess" though I didn't think this much. I guessed the Reach would be polite but not really inviting nor friendly. (Frosty as you said).

This also helps a lot with the role-playing as there is an assumption she'll be dealing with people like Eddard. The Tully's. Arryns etc, etc.
Or at least play excitement for an excuse too.

Now, jumping onto asking a bunch of questions now, Castle Black. She'd be given respects but would they allow her past the wall?

[GallowsKnight]

A lot of the main characters are of great houses in the series so we loses perspective. Lord Paramounts are the equivalent of Medieval Kings of large nations and their family would be treated as much. There's only a fraction of the population on that level.

Castle Black. That is a conundrum. The Old Bear knows how weak the Watch is and how unsavoury many of his recruits are. He'd be keen to try and to court donations.. Probably reference Qorgyle who was Lord Commander and a Dornishman. But at the same time she is from the Kingdom furtherest from the Wall and probably contributes the least. He'd be equally keen to have her rushed away lest something bad happens to her as a woman to further sour the Watch's reception.

So to that end he'd probably assigned Benjen Stark, Jaremy Rykker or Thoren Smallwood or whoever is around to accompany her at all times to make sure that she doesn't get accosted by a former rapist or something.

As for going beyond the Wall. Yes under heavy ranger escort in the middle of daylight perhaps as far as the Godswood. No further though. So if your players want to explore North of the Wall they'd probably have to slip away (hard given the Rangers would track them) or bribe a Merchant ship at Eastwatch to drop them off North of the Wall.

[Azai]

Awesome. I don't know if the player will dare to cross the wall but her character might want to try it once reaching it. It helps a lot to look at the Lord Paramounts and their family as essentially Medieval kings of nations. I always knew they were the great houses and demand the most respect next to the royal family, but it is easy to forget that most of these Paramounts were kings before Aegon. And essentially, if I remember correctly, they are left to govern their lands pretty much how they want despite a few laws and customs here and there?

She will have her own guards, but being assigned someone makes sense. Also gives another tie to the Starks if the characters want to play towards winning their friendship. Well, see it how it goes, they may just want to see it chat a bit and then head back down south. 

Though there is one other little thing... Joffrey. I wonder what are the limits he can act towards the character, and the limits she can act back. I mean character wise they'll do what their characters would do. Though I figured Joff was a little more tempered when Robert was a live at least out of fear and his desire to gain his "father's" approval. I'm sure it'd be a hard political scandal if there was an incident that happened between a Princess of Dorne and Prince Joffrey. (Which may in itself be fun to play out)