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Stormlands Noble House Scenario


James Steller

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Imagine you're the head of a noble house in the Stormlands (assume it’s been there for as long as the others). Your keep is within a day’s ride from Storm’s End. You are an old man, but still robust, and one of the most respected noblemen in the Stormlands. Your family consists of four children by your first wife, one son by your second wife, and one illegitimate grandson.

-Your eldest son, Norran, was fighting with King Axyl, leading a third of your bannermen. As of now, many of them are wounded, including Norran. He is in a stable condition, but it will be a long time before he and his men return home.

-Your middle son, Cadfael, is at Blackhaven, squired to the younger brother of Ser Loius Dondarrion.

-Your daughters, Stiorra and Selene, are at your home, along with Norran's bastard son, an infant boy whom he took in when the child’s mother, a cook’s daughter, died of a sickness.

-Your youngest son, Gillis, is a tall and strong lad, but slow-witted. He is also quick-tempered and suspicious of laughter, as he has gotten used to the notion that any laughter is at his expense. As a result, he is a sullen youth, and you worry that nobody will take him as a squire.

It has been a hundred years since the Storm Kings seized the Riverlands for their own. The Storm Kings rule more land than they’ve ever done. And as a result, power and wealth has led to many seeking to claim it for themselves.

The old king Axyl Durrandon and his only son, Alastor, have successfully suppressed an attempted uprising by a number of riverlords, but at the cost of both their lives. Now there is a crisis of succession, in which you are involved, having been one of Axyl’s most trusted advisors.

Axyl’s daughter, a tall, warlike woman named Alys, is riding south to Storm’s End, intending to crown herself Queen. Axyl indulged his daughter by allowing her to learn how to handle weapons, and she often sat in during lessons of war. Some say she is a fitter heir than her brother ever was, while others denounce her as an unnatural freak. Some even whisper that she has no interest in men, given that she keeps a special bodyguard of women who have learned how to wear armour instead of dresses.

While taking shelter at Stonedance, Alys has sent you a coded message in secrecy. She knows that she has enemies throughout the Stormlands, who insist that her cousin, Bex Durrandon, is plotting to seize Storm’s End for his own. She is aware that he has always lusted for her, and has heard of a plot to have her ambushed, and brought bound and gagged to their wedding bed, only for him to make her a prisoner in her own home. She urges you to make for Storm’s End, take command of the garrison in her name, and hold the castle against Bex’s forces while she coordinates those houses loyal to her and decides whether to come south by land or by sea. In return, she will betrothe herself to Gillis, so that she may continue her family line with a man whom she can rule through.

By sheer coincidence, earlier that day you found that a man had snuck into your chambers, wearing a mask. You didn’t recognize his voice, but he said that he represented Bex Durrandon. As far as Bex is concerned, Axyl was only ever a good king because his younger brother, and Bex’s father, gave such good advice. Now that Axyl and Alastor are dead, the storm lords will not follow a female Durrandon. Initially visiting his mother’s family at Rain House, Bex is now preparing forces. However, the masked man wouldn’t say whether it was to march to Storm’s End or sail to Massey’s Hook to openly engage Alys in battle. He merely asks that you go to Storm’s End and hold it for Bex Durrandon until he arrives. In return, Bex will marry Stiorra and name her Queen. In addition to that, he also promises to find good marriages for your sons, and even offers to squire Gillis personally.

Even as you think on this strange visitor as you burn Alys’ letter in the fire, you think on the situation. Due to garrisons required to keep the Riverlands in line, as well as the hundreds of soldiers killed to achieve her father’s pyrrhic victory, Alys is in a precarious position. You know she can count on the support of the marcher lords, but you know from Cadfael that they are currently preoccupied with the Dornish, who are trying to come north and seize land from the Durrandons in the wake of King Axyl’s death. She can also count on Tarth, Estermont, the Masseys, the Farrings, and Fells. Bex, meanwhile, can call upon the Darklyns, Bar Emmons, Morrigans, Bucklers, Toynes, and Errols. You don’t know about everyone else, but you imagine they will side with whomever they think will win. You are not as close with Alys as you were to her father or brother, and she is a woman in a man’s world, but while Bex is an accomplished knight, you have heard stories of cruelty that make you wonder if he is any more worthy for Storm’s End than Alys.

But before all this began, you had issues concerning your children. Cadfael has sent a letter, which is approved of by his master’s older brother, Lord Lyle Dondarrion. He requests reinforcements to help the marcher lords repel the Dornish raiders, and in return he will marry Selene. This would strip you of resources to protect your holdings if war does break out between Alys and Bex. But on the other hand, revealing how close the Stormlands are to war before it happens would cause the powder keg to explode.

Other suitors for your daughters have contacted you in the past several days. Lord Ebsenor Tarth, having lost both his sons in the Riverlands, is in need of a new heir, and he asks to wed Stiorra, and he promises to squire Gillis to one of his best knights. However, you know that this generous offer will only be valid if you support Alys’s claim. The young lord Manfred Toyne, a handsome and rich man, but also one of Bex’s closest allies, wishes to marry Selene. It goes without saying that you can only marry Stiorra to Ebsenor or marry Selene to Manfred. But not all offers are fuelled by taking sides. Ser Clive Woolley, head of a knightly house sworn to you, lost all but one of his sons keeping Norran safe. His last son is nearing manhood, and you know that he is in love with Stiorra. The old and laconic Ishamel Connington wishes to marry Selene to his son and heir, a courteous young man though very homely in appearance. Lord Connington has heard of the upcoming succession crisis and, knowing that he can join you and share in the spoils of turning the tide for whomever you choose, offers to provide reinforcements, in the form of his heir leading half his bannermen to be commanded by you as you see fit.

What do you do, and how do you run this household?

Note to the administrators: I assure you this is not a game, this is strictly a hypothetical scenario that is entirely subjective and up to each person who answers.

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31 minutes ago, Universal Sword Donor said:

Who is Nestor? I don't want this man's illegitimate son, borne of lust and drunkenness, near my trueborne daughters. In fact, I will order Norran to imprison him.

My mistake. Nestor was Norran's original name. I've corrected it accordingly. Sorry about the confusion, and thanks for letting me know.

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I'll side with Alys Durrandon.

This means I can wed Stiorra to Lord Ebsenor Tarth, and also send Gillis there to be a squire. That gets two of my children safely out of the way in case war comes to the Stormlands.

I make the deal with Lord Connington to marry our children together, and send his heir down to Blackhaven to aid the Dondarrions. I also write a letter to Cadfael explaining the situation, apologizing for not having enough bannermen to send personally, and give him whatever excuse sounds best.

I take fifty of my best guards and ride for Storm's End, and I'll hold it in the name of Lady Alys Durrandon, knowing that my son will be a Storm King (albeit in name only).

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Ok, this is a political situation I can use, 

Everything seem to circulate around this succession crisis and both parties are seeking my support with basically the same offer - my blood will be part of the new dynasty. I am clearly the make-or-break it nobleman and seems to be right now the most powerful noble in the region. 

First, I must say that I disapprove of Bex from the start: He sneaks into my room with a masked courier (He know he have to work in the shadows), he is a cousin instead of a children to the dead lord, there are bad rumors about him - everything basically oozes ambitious usurper from him. Sure, he claims no one will follow Alys, but frankly most seem to do just that. Her allies are from finer houses and more numerous than his, including the Marcher lords, which i consider to be second in that respect as a group. And Axyl did indulge his daughter so I certainly get the vibe that my dead lord saw his daughter as his replacement. I had a strong relation with Axyl and I am not going to sully his memory unless payed very well for it. 

But not only that, I myself are connected to the Dondarrions (Marcher lords) with my second son AND the fact that Alys is in a woman is in my favor. After all, as a woman, she will need me more in order to come off as credible and competent. Bex, on the other hand, can easily sack me. So Bex offer need to be alot better - and it isn´t. More marriages I can fix myself. What I want is land, cash, influence etc. The good stuff.

So, I am Holding Storm´s End for Alys, making it clear to her later, diplomatically of course, that not only do I expect children between her and Gillis but my future support will mean more rewards of course for faithful service. More...material reward... so to speak. If she refuses, then I think it will be easier to kickstart a new rebellion against her than against Bex. 

As for Cadfael and the Dondarrions, they need to be informed about that powder keg and Bex ambitions. After all, the Marchers Lords support Alys and should have a understanding that Stormland succession is more important than anything the dornish can do. I refuse to send support and diplomatically explain why. Indeed, they might write angry letters, influencing the mood further away from Bex. 

Siorras marriage is open to her as long as she pick one of the two candidates. Lord Tarth is giving her the best offer with a nice island she can co-rule (and makes Gillis a squire, but since he will marry the new queen, squiring is just a bonus), but our knightly house Woolley deserve something for their efforts and while his heir is in love with her, I don´t know if that reflects my daughters feeling. She can pick whatever one she want (and it gives me the argument to please the one that wasn´t picked, that I only respected my daughter´s wish). If she need time, I can give her half a year to meet the individuals and evaluate, not more.

Selenes options are less open. Since I support Alys, the Toynes are out and the Conningtons in, so she will marry his heir regardless of homelyness. He is also giving me troops to make sure I can win this war and profit. Also, by bending the Conningtons to my will and make them follow my lead, I gain more prestige and status. In the future, I am aiming for them to swear me an oath as my bannerman. 

After Alys victory, I am going to be her main advisor - protecting her in return for low taxes, more land, more titles and basically whatever my house want that the moment. 

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I stop and wonder what is this powder keg that sprung to my mind when I was deliberating about Dornish invasion and civil war. Keg of powder that explodes, that would be mighty useful in say war, Seven bless me, the Smith has given me visions, gods themselves seek to make their humble servant master of all the land. I take Storm's End, make powder kegs and then take over all the Westeros!

Now in not-revolutionizing-the-warfare-based-on-the-gamemaster's-slip-of-the-tongue way.

Well having son as king consort is better than having daughter as queen as no one takes women seriously (mine supreme leverage over the queen Alys). Given that she is also next in line and has bigger support, I side with Alys. I ship Stiorra and future king Gillis to Tarth. I accept Connington's offer and his army, my new son-in-law gets some part of my own forces, say quarter of the remaining and is send of to defend the Marches. When he is successful, Marcher lords will come north with him, given they already support Alys. I put another quarter of my army, preferably old men in charge of my castle, widespread recruitment of peasants and training the newly collected force to defend my castle. Then I take the main part of the army, half of what remains and take the Storm's End.

As I have strong garrison and impregnable fortress, I can then wait out the conflict and undertake another of my schemes, I put forth the rumors that my son's bastard is in fact Alastor's bastard I have been hiding all along (people loved that kind of stories in feudalism). No one has to believe it, mere existence raises my bargaining chips far more.  I know I cannot press the bastards claim since both Alys and Bex are far stronger, but since I now have Storm's End and alternative "heir" all depends on the upcoming events. If Alys comes right away by sea or wins decisively I make her take the kid as heir if she doesn't produce her own (do to perhaps being overly fond of female bodyguards), and I can wrest some other concessions for the bastard, my other kids and my allies while I'm at it. If Bex somehow wins or kills or kidnaps Alys, his opponents are likely to be open for persuasion about continuing the war (not for the bastard, for their own sake, it's always  better to win, not to lose and await victor's justice). If Alys is sufficiently weakened or loses support so she too can be disposed of, by the combination of my personal allies, her backers that were lured to my cause and defeated supporters of Bex. If it looks promising I make it so, crown my bastard grandson as "Durradon" king and then and there starts glorious Regency of me.

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5 hours ago, Protagoras said:

 Sure, he claims no one will follow Alys, but frankly most seem to do just that. Her allies are from finer houses and more numerous than his, including the Marcher lords, which i consider to be second in that respect as a group.

 

3 hours ago, Equilibrium said:

Given that she is also next in line and has bigger support, I side with Alys. I ship Stiorra and future king Gillis to Tarth. I accept Connington's offer and his army, my new son-in-law gets some part of my own forces, say quarter of the remaining and is send of to defend the Marches. When he is successful, Marcher lords will come north with him, given they already support Alys.

You're both making a grave mistake. When discussing the houses on Alys' side, the Marcher Lords' support can't be included. According to the OP, they are having so much trouble with the Dornish that they're actually reaching out to other houses like yours for aid. Plus, our King and Heir Apparent just died in a devastating battle with hundreds of their followers. This is going to throw many houses into disarray, and presumably many of them are not at full strength. Since we can't be sure of who they are, let's look at who seems most likely to win.

Alys is hurrying back home as fast as she can, sheltering with the Masseys, who are not a significant house. Since the Marcher Lords are completely busy and we have no idea how long they'll be dealing with the Dornish, her strongest supporters are the two island powers of Tarth and Estermont, neither of whom are especially powerful. Include the Masseys, the Fells, and the Farrings, and we have five houses of various size that are scattered across the Stormlands. Bex's support, meanwhile is more focused. He has the Morrigans, who are right by Griffin's Roost (more on that later). He has the Darklyns, the most prominent house of Blackwater Bay, and the Bar Emmons, who are right at the Masseys' doorstep. Alys is trapped on Massey's hook by the sea, and directly south of her, the Bucklers and Errols are in charge of the path to Storm's End.

Now I'm sure people are grinding their teeth and pointing out what Bex plans to do with Alys, not to mention the stories of cruelty that I've heard. Well, in regards with Alys' fears of a plot to force her into a marriage with Bex, of course she would say that to sway me. Bex is talking about taking my daughter to be his queen, he wouldn't be so stupid as to mistreat the family of the man who is going to give him Storm's End.

I send a message to Bex promising my support, on a couple of conditions. One, I want Norran's son legitimized, so that he can be named heir if something happens to my sons. Two, I don't want Cadfael's association with the marcher lords to be held against him. Three, for the sake of the king whom I loyally served, I want Alys Durrandon treated honourably if she is captured, and brought to my keep where I will take full responsibility keeping her captive.

Lord Connington is apparently ready to put his heir and half his army into my another lord's hands and let him do what he wants with both. Either I'm almost as powerful as the Durrandons themselves, or Connington is an idiot, or Connington is plotting to betray me if I don't do what he secretly wants me to do. Plus, his home is right next to the  Morrigan, which is the only house in that region which has given any indication of following Bex or Alys, the others are all being quiet. So I'll keep Connington at arm's length, and marry Selene to Manfred Toyne.

When it comes to the marcher lords, I won't send them any aid. They will doubtless be furious when they find out my role in helping Bex, and they already have my second son. I won't give them any more potential hostages, and I'll be forced to write Cadfael off for the near future. Either he dies a hero fighting the Dornish, or he's executed by the Dondarrions in revenge for my help bringing Bex to the throne (which I'm sure they won't do given that it would be completely dishonourable and cold-blooded). Also, Cadfael might share in their opinion, in which case he'll be dead to me in another way.

I go to Storm's End with fifty of my best men and pull rank on the garrison there. They should recognize me so they'll let me in, especially given that the king and his heir are dead so they won't know who to support anymore.

I hold the castle while a number of my men head north to aid Bex, with orders that they are to capture Alys and treat her honourably, in case the other bannermen get some bad ideas in their heads.

When all is said and done, Alys will either die in battle against Bex, or be taken prisoner. If we manage to capture her before Bex's other allies get her, she will be escorted to my keep and be given all comforts she desires, and even her choice of personal bodyguard. I crown Bex as he marries my daughter, and I will pray to the gods that their bedding produce a healthy boy.

For on the sixth day after my grandson is born, Bex Durrandon will suddenly fall ill, and will tragically succumb to his illness. I will not be surprised, because I will have long ago invested in such a poison, and upon the birth of my grandson, I will pass the poison to Stiorra, who will have been carefully prepared for this day.

Bex is buried, and either I free Alys to assume the role of co-regent with myself and the Queen Mother, or if she dies, I will be the sole regent, and enjoy the autumn years of my life ruling the Stormlands in all but name, as my daughter is queen and my grandson grows up. Norran will ideally return home alive and well, Gillis will either be knighted by the time Bex dies, or if not, I will arrange for his knighthood otherwise. Cadfael will be a wild card, but even if he loathes me, he'll be in no position to cause trouble.

And so the Stormlands will be mine, for what life I have left, and I can look forward to a future where my family reigns through the Durrandon name, which surely must continue to go on for the rest of time! I mean, it's not like hundreds of years later some bleach blond, indbred assholes will illegally immigrate to Westeros and start conquering people with magic, right?

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10 hours ago, Canon Claude said:

You're both making a grave mistake. When discussing the houses on Alys' side, the Marcher Lords' support can't be included. According to the OP, they are having so much trouble with the Dornish that they're actually reaching out to other houses like yours for aid. Plus, our King and Heir Apparent just died in a devastating battle with hundreds of their followers. This is going to throw many houses into disarray, and presumably many of them are not at full strength. Since we can't be sure of who they are, let's look at who seems most likely to win.

Alys is hurrying back home as fast as she can, sheltering with the Masseys, who are not a significant house. Since the Marcher Lords are completely busy and we have no idea how long they'll be dealing with the Dornish, her strongest supporters are the two island powers of Tarth and Estermont, neither of whom are especially powerful. Include the Masseys, the Fells, and the Farrings, and we have five houses of various size that are scattered across the Stormlands. Bex's support, meanwhile is more focused. He has the Morrigans, who are right by Griffin's Roost (more on that later). He has the Darklyns, the most prominent house of Blackwater Bay, and the Bar Emmons, who are right at the Masseys' doorstep. Alys is trapped on Massey's hook by the sea, and directly south of her, the Bucklers and Errols are in charge of the path to Storm's End.

Now I'm sure people are grinding their teeth and pointing out what Bex plans to do with Alys, not to mention the stories of cruelty that I've heard. Well, in regards with Alys' fears of a plot to force her into a marriage with Bex, of course she would say that to sway me. Bex is talking about taking my daughter to be his queen, he wouldn't be so stupid as to mistreat the family of the man who is going to give him Storm's End.

Did you read my whole post, as I have addressed in length why backing Alys gives me more leverage, because if you turn on female ruler you get bonus allies on sexism account alone, not to mention she is in the position to sustain much greater losses even if she wins battle with Bex.

First you are obviously confusing the ASOIAF 300 AC houses and their hundreds of years prior status. Masseys were kings once and by all accounts pretty powerful, Tarths were also kings, they married into Durradon dominion and were powerful as well, not to mention the island thing is a strength not weakness, because of defensive capabilities and naval power.

Whole point of my approach counting on Alys losing and dying in the clash with Bex. If I supported Bex, he would 1) take Storm's End immediately while he had full army, which is a loss for me or 2) go on to fight Alys, which would be all good if he won, but if he lost, I would have to worry about her and Marcher Lords on the back. 

Since Connington and I helped Marcher Lord who hate Bex already they would rally to my cause much sooner than if I backed Bex, and than courted their support to overthrow him.

And I Alys was somehow to win, she would have weak army and as you said she would be surrounded with hostile houses, not to mention her main allies (Marchers vunerable to the Dornish attacks and indebted to me for saving them) and the whole women (and of curious sexual habits) thing working against her, so I could demand pretty much anything, not to mention option of my son, the king consort, usurping her. On the other handif I back Bex who has much greater chance of decisive win in the battlefield, surrounded with loyal houses would be in much stronger position, Marchers would be reluctant to side win me and my daughter would have no influence on court, not to mention Bex's supposed cruelty would be deterrant to would be rebels after he takes the throne. 

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21 hours ago, Canon Claude said:

 

You're both making a grave mistake. When discussing the houses on Alys' side, the Marcher Lords' support can't be included. According to the OP, they are having so much trouble with the Dornish that they're actually reaching out to other houses like yours for aid. Plus, our King and Heir Apparent just died in a devastating battle with hundreds of their followers. This is going to throw many houses into disarray, and presumably many of them are not at full strength. Since we can't be sure of who they are, let's look at who seems most likely to win.
 

Of course they can! They might be busy, but they are still supporting her. Their word still has a value. And it shows that Bex is a liar. If they are willing to follow her lead has nothing to do on how much they are contributing to keep her in power. It is understandable that  the marcher lords, due to their task to guard the border, are exempt from at least some of the vassal- liege bond. And they can still send out messages, drawing in different contacts to influence the current situation.

But if we are only looking to which side that will win...well, that is most likely the side I and Connington support. I am one of Axyl’s most trusted advisors and have an uncommited force. So of course, I support the person that looks more likely to reward me, will need me more in the future and acts less of a backstabber. That person is Alys. Yes, Bex is extremely likely to discard you as a wet rag afterwards. Why?, Because he was able by his own to usurp the current ruler and that you are too connected to the old order as Axyl’s advisor. Indeed, maybe he will give your head to the crowd in order to please the other lords in the region after Alys death. 

Your own plan tbh seem to hinge on that you are able to poison Bex (and you are the only one that has to introduce a new variable, succeding at poisoning, to make your plan work!). But assassinations are a gamble to succed and even if you do succed, you are the clear candidate to suspect, since you profited. In addition, there is no way he will give you Alys into your custidy ever. He will either keep her for herself or kill her. Because, as you pointed out. Alys is in a bit of a pickle. She actually need your help. Bex doesn´t. He would like it, yes - but he is also pretty ok if you just stay out of his way. And when Bex has stabilized the situation, you will be out in the cold. 

As for moral reasons/grinding my teeth, I don´t give a fig if Alys ends up as Bex sex-toy in his dungeon, getting raped and tortured daily. What I do care about are good options for my house and previous bonds of loyalty. Alys has an advantage on both these counts over Bex.

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9 hours ago, Protagoras said:

 

Your own plan tbh seem to hinge on that you are able to poison Bex 

 

That's more of an ace in the hole, it Bex turns out to be awful. If he's a good ruler, I'll sit back and let him live.

Im not depending on Alys' or Bex's survival. Just that my grandson becomes the new Durrandon.

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On 3/28/2017 at 4:27 PM, James Steller said:

Imagine you're the head of a noble house in the Stormlands (assume it’s been there for as long as the others). Your keep is within a day’s ride from Storm’s End. You are an old man, but still robust, and one of the most respected noblemen in the Stormlands. Your family consists of four children by your first wife, one son by your second wife, and one illegitimate grandson.

-Your eldest son, Norran, was fighting with King Axyl, leading a third of your bannermen. As of now, many of them are wounded, including Norran. He is in a stable condition, but it will be a long time before he and his men return home.

-Your middle son, Cadfael, is at Blackhaven, squired to the younger brother of Ser Loius Dondarrion.

-Your daughters, Stiorra and Selene, are at your home, along with Norran's bastard son, an infant boy whom he took in when the child’s mother, a cook’s daughter, died of a sickness.

-Your youngest son, Gillis, is a tall and strong lad, but slow-witted. He is also quick-tempered and suspicious of laughter, as he has gotten used to the notion that any laughter is at his expense. As a result, he is a sullen youth, and you worry that nobody will take him as a squire.

It has been a hundred years since the Storm Kings seized the Riverlands for their own. The Storm Kings rule more land than they’ve ever done. And as a result, power and wealth has led to many seeking to claim it for themselves.

The old king Axyl Durrandon and his only son, Alastor, have successfully suppressed an attempted uprising by a number of riverlords, but at the cost of both their lives. Now there is a crisis of succession, in which you are involved, having been one of Axyl’s most trusted advisors.

Axyl’s daughter, a tall, warlike woman named Alys, is riding south to Storm’s End, intending to crown herself Queen. Axyl indulged his daughter by allowing her to learn how to handle weapons, and she often sat in during lessons of war. Some say she is a fitter heir than her brother ever was, while others denounce her as an unnatural freak. Some even whisper that she has no interest in men, given that she keeps a special bodyguard of women who have learned how to wear armour instead of dresses.

While taking shelter at Stonedance, Alys has sent you a coded message in secrecy. She knows that she has enemies throughout the Stormlands, who insist that her cousin, Bex Durrandon, is plotting to seize Storm’s End for his own. She is aware that he has always lusted for her, and has heard of a plot to have her ambushed, and brought bound and gagged to their wedding bed, only for him to make her a prisoner in her own home. She urges you to make for Storm’s End, take command of the garrison in her name, and hold the castle against Bex’s forces while she coordinates those houses loyal to her and decides whether to come south by land or by sea. In return, she will betrothe herself to Gillis, so that she may continue her family line with a man whom she can rule through.

By sheer coincidence, earlier that day you found that a man had snuck into your chambers, wearing a mask. You didn’t recognize his voice, but he said that he represented Bex Durrandon. As far as Bex is concerned, Axyl was only ever a good king because his younger brother, and Bex’s father, gave such good advice. Now that Axyl and Alastor are dead, the storm lords will not follow a female Durrandon. Initially visiting his mother’s family at Rain House, Bex is now preparing forces. However, the masked man wouldn’t say whether it was to march to Storm’s End or sail to Massey’s Hook to openly engage Alys in battle. He merely asks that you go to Storm’s End and hold it for Bex Durrandon until he arrives. In return, Bex will marry Stiorra and name her Queen. In addition to that, he also promises to find good marriages for your sons, and even offers to squire Gillis personally.

Even as you think on this strange visitor as you burn Alys’ letter in the fire, you think on the situation. Due to garrisons required to keep the Riverlands in line, as well as the hundreds of soldiers killed to achieve her father’s pyrrhic victory, Alys is in a precarious position. You know she can count on the support of the marcher lords, but you know from Cadfael that they are currently preoccupied with the Dornish, who are trying to come north and seize land from the Durrandons in the wake of King Axyl’s death. She can also count on Tarth, Estermont, the Masseys, the Farrings, and Fells. Bex, meanwhile, can call upon the Darklyns, Bar Emmons, Morrigans, Bucklers, Toynes, and Errols. You don’t know about everyone else, but you imagine they will side with whomever they think will win. You are not as close with Alys as you were to her father or brother, and she is a woman in a man’s world, but while Bex is an accomplished knight, you have heard stories of cruelty that make you wonder if he is any more worthy for Storm’s End than Alys.

But before all this began, you had issues concerning your children. Cadfael has sent a letter, which is approved of by his master’s older brother, Lord Lyle Dondarrion. He requests reinforcements to help the marcher lords repel the Dornish raiders, and in return he will marry Selene. This would strip you of resources to protect your holdings if war does break out between Alys and Bex. But on the other hand, revealing how close the Stormlands are to war before it happens would cause the powder keg to explode.

Other suitors for your daughters have contacted you in the past several days. Lord Ebsenor Tarth, having lost both his sons in the Riverlands, is in need of a new heir, and he asks to wed Stiorra, and he promises to squire Gillis to one of his best knights. However, you know that this generous offer will only be valid if you support Alys’s claim. The young lord Manfred Toyne, a handsome and rich man, but also one of Bex’s closest allies, wishes to marry Selene. It goes without saying that you can only marry Stiorra to Ebsenor or marry Selene to Manfred. But not all offers are fuelled by taking sides. Ser Clive Woolley, head of a knightly house sworn to you, lost all but one of his sons keeping Norran safe. His last son is nearing manhood, and you know that he is in love with Stiorra. The old and laconic Ishamel Connington wishes to marry Selene to his son and heir, a courteous young man though very homely in appearance. Lord Connington has heard of the upcoming succession crisis and, knowing that he can join you and share in the spoils of turning the tide for whomever you choose, offers to provide reinforcements, in the form of his heir leading half his bannermen to be commanded by you as you see fit.

What do you do, and how do you run this household?

Note to the administrators: I assure you this is not a game, this is strictly a hypothetical scenario that is entirely subjective and up to each person who answers.

I love these.

I seem to be in the position of power here. I send affirmatives to Bex and Alys and take Storm's End. Then I hold the greatest symbol of the kingdom, as well as the strongest castle. While it's tempting to name myself the new Storm King, I need a justification, or all the stormlands will rise against me. So no throne for me. :(

My next step will be to prevent civil war that could destroy everything that has been built. I send a raven to Alys, agreeing to turn over her father's seat to her, but she will marry Cadfael, who will be a better king then my youngest son. I also get myself named Protector of the Realm.

I have no reason to believe that the masked man represents Bex at all, really. So while he carries word that I am taking Storm's End for Bex, the masked man cannot be trusted, and only serves to decieve Bex.

I call upon Lord Connington, and accept his offer for Selene, and send his forces to Bex, with a good archer who I can trust completely. One well placed arrow and the threat of civil war is averted.

I marry off Stiorra to Lord Tarth, who then squires Gillis. With my new status as Protector of the Realm, I marry off both my sons as well, to Bex's former supporters, whose daugthers become hostages as well. Then send forces off to repel the Dornish

 

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In regards to the succession matters things are clear to me. In the absence of a named heir primogenture is what goes and as such Alys is the lawful heir. Its her that I will side with, screw that pretender Bex. Now how I will play this is as follows. I shall take Lord Connington's offer and send his son to bolster the Marcher Lords, letting the young man earn his spurs in Dornish blood. I shall then take my forces to take possession of Storm's End in favor of Queen Alys Durrendon. This should leave some acceptable protection for my own lands.

As for marriage we'll go like this:

Stiorra - Woolley's son to ensure that both my daughter will have a husband who cares for her and as a reward to Woolley for his good service. I was tempted by Lord Lyle Dondarrion but I really don't want to risk marrying my daughter of to an old fossile.

Selene - The Connington heir, a great rise for her to reach so high as to become the Lady Connington and I want to cement the alliance between us for the future.

Gillis - Alys Durrendon, clear win for my House I'd say.

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