Story

## The chronicles of the Three Dragons

### **Prelude**

The roots of the conflict stirring now started burrowing into the heart of the Kingdom many, many years ago. During the rule of King Aegon IV, he took many mistresses and lovers. Besides the child he fathered with his wife, Queen Naerys Targaryen, the young Prince Daeron, he also had a child with his Cousin, Daena “the Defiant”. Daemon Waters, soon to be known as Daemon Blackfyre, would be legitimised on his father’s deathbed, along with all bastard children, and granted Daemon the ancestral sword Blackfyre- giving the bastard his infamous last name.

For the next 70 years, a total of four Blackfyre rebellions would be fought in an attempt to place Daemon, and later, his children, on the Iron Throne. But the House Targaryen managed to defeat every single one of them. So here we are, in the year 233 AC, with King Maekar I Targaryen on the Iron Throne

### **The Great Council in 233 AC**

After the death of his grace, King Maekar, in 233 AC at Starpike when fighting a rebellious Lord on the Dornish Marches, the hand of the King (Brynden Rivers) called for a Great Council to decide on who would inherit the crown. Though there were many in the Family whose claim was quickly discarded, two rival factions arose in those days.

The eldest son of King Maekar, Prince Daeron "the Drunken" had already died prior to the death of the king. The claim of his only child, a feeble-witted and simple girl by the name of Vaella. Her claim was briefly considered but dismissed rather quickly.

The late Prince Aerion had sired heirs with Lady Myrielle Reyne. However, the claims of his issues, namely his first-born son Prince Aelor, were turned down , with Aelor's legacy looming over them and many fearing that his offsprings would be as cruel and mad as Prnce Aerion was.

The claim of Prince Aegon, fourth and youngest son of the king, seemed to be the most obvious ones but due to the prince's wanderings in his youth and the fact that the King only had two daughters with his wife Rosalys Hightower, there was a certain amount of skepticism towards him, unwilling to risk another succession crisis if Lady Hightower should be unable to bear any more heirs. And so, a secret offer was made to the third son of the King, Maester Aemon. The Maester however refused the crown, referring to his vows as a Maester of the Citadel, therefore ceding the crown to the fourth and youngest son of the king, Prince Aegon. However, there was a fifth claimant turning up during the Small Council. Aenys Blackfyre, last and only surviving son of Daemon Blackfyre. Upon arrival, however, Aenys was immediately arrested and brought to the Red Keep, where he was executed. His head was presented to the council as a warning against those who might still bear sympathies for House Blackfyre. And so - the Great Council chose Prince Aegon soon thereafter, leading to the ascension of King Aegon V Targaryen.

The children of Prince Aerion however were granted the palace of Summerhall in the Stormlands by their uncle as an attempt to avoid bad blood. Nonethanless, for all of Aegon’s reign, contempt and lust for power has been festering in the newly founded House Brightflame of Summerhall, named in the honour of Prince Aerion "Brightflame".

Haegon Blackfyre's younger brother, Aenys Blackfyre, also tried to make his claim, and travelled to King's Landing but he was arrested and killed on the orders of Brynden "Bloodraven" Rivers, serving as a warning to all of those who might still hold sympathies for the Blackfyres. As a result, the newly crowned Aegon V sent Lord Brynden to the wall, though the damage had already been done and the Blackfyres had been angered by such a betrayal.

### **The reign of King Aegon V**

Aegon was crowned Lord of the Seven Kingdoms in 233 AC when he was thirty-three years old. With him only having a set of twin daughters at that time, the new King did show himself convinced that Queen Rosalys would eventually bear an male heir, yet it became clear after a while that the Queen wouldn't be able to do so anymore. And so - the discussion of his own succession would dominate throughout his reign, with the realm being splitted between those who think that Prince Aerion’s line should succeed him while others raised their voice for the king’s daughter to be named as Princess of Dragonstone and heiress of the Iron Throne due to the fear of Prince Aerion’s children inheriting their father’s madness. The king, willing to see his line on the throne, decided to name Princess Rhaenys, the eldest of the two twins, as his heiress.

As for his political legacy - Aegon's first act as king was the arrest of Lord Brynden Rivers, the Hand of the King, for the murder of Aenys Blackfyre, as Bloodraven had offered Aenys safe conduct to Westeros for the Great Council but had Aenys executed when he arrived in the capital. Though all were glad another Blackfyre pretender was dead, Aegon had to punish Lord Bloodraven to prove the word of the Iron Throne was not worthless. Although Brynden was sentenced to death, Aegon allowed him to join the Night's Watch. Aegon's brother, Maester Aemon, decided to join the Watch as well, to prevent any plots in which he would be used against his brother. Aegon's reign als featured a harsh winter which lasted until 236 AC. The benevolent Aegon sent massive shipments of food and grain to aid starving northmen, though there were those who felt he provided too much aid. However, from then on, the North was always very supportive towards the king and his named heiress. Once the winter ended, the Blackfyre Pretenders also returned, with the Fourth Blackfyre Rebellion taking place in 236 AC. Daemon III Blackfyre attempted to seize the Iron Throne with the Golden Company, but few rallied to his side. Aegon and his sons rode to meet and repel the invaders, and Ser Duncan the Tall slew Daemon in single combat, ending the rebellion while Aegor Rivers, known as Bittersteel, managed to flee with the remaining men of the Golden Company back across the narrow sea. Most of Aegon's troubles during his reign resulted from his efforts to improve the lives of the smallfolk, whom he had contact with when he was the quire of Ser Duncan. Although the smallfolk loved Aegon for his reforms, there were those feeling that their powers over peasantry were diminished by the king’s acts. Lacking the dragons controlled by early Targaryen Kings, Aegon reluctantly compromised with the recalcitrant lords on several issues.

But nonethanless - there was still war in his reign. In the year 236 AC, the so-called "Year of the Red Spring", the venom which now fills the Realm escalted once more. Just as a harsh six-year winter was beginning to recede, Daemon III Blackfyre crossed the Narrow Sea with an army and attempted to invade Westeros. His Grandfather, Daemon I Blackfyre, the bastard-born Son of the Old King, Aegon IV, had been robbed of his throne, and Daemon III wished to see his grandfather’s dream come true in what would become the Fourth Blackfyre Rebellion.  The end of winter saw the return of the Blackfyre Pretenders, with the Fourth Blackfyre Rebellion taking place in 236 AC. Daemon III Blackfyre attempted to seize the Iron Throne with the Golden Company, but few rallied to his side. Ser Duncan the Tall slew Daemon in single combat, ending the rebellion. Aegor Rivers, known as Bittersteel, managed to flee with the remnants of the Golden Company across the narrow sea. The rivers ran red with the countless casualties but the Blackfyres were defeated in the Battle of Wendwater Bridge, where the Kingsguard of the young King Aegon V, Ser Duncan the Tall slew Daemon III and beat back the Blackfyres.

### **The Year 245 AC**

When the wave of sickness arrived in the capital in 245 AC, it didn't spare the king. Unfortunately, the health of the king decreased rapidly and he passed away. With the untimely death of his grace, rumors quickly began to spread and the most absurd suggestions could be heard across the realm with many people suspecting kingslaying. But the truth was that it was just a fever that took him. Now, war is on the horizon once more as Westeros is about to fall into chaos again.

## The Three Dragons

### **House Targaryen of King's Landing**

House Targaryen of King’s Landing has ruled as the Kings and Queens of the Seven Kingdoms for almost 300 years by now, following the line of Aegon the Conqueror, Jahaerys the Good and Maekar I. By the laws of the Land, they are the rightful rulers of Westeros from their home in the Red Keep, a massive fortress built upon Aegon’s Hill. Yet, in the past century, House Targaryen has fallen into disarray. Petty squabbles, betrayal and the death of the last dragon have weakened the House.

The House currently consists of the two daughters of the late King Aegon V and Queen Rosalys Hightower - Queen Rhaenys I Targaryen, Princess Helaena Targaryen and Princess Lyrella Targaryen. However, the Reign of the new Queen is seen with scepticism, especially due to the fact that the realm bled before when a woman tried to take the crown.

### **House Brightflame of Summerhall**

While the legacy they shoulder is ancient, House Brightflame is still young. Formally, their founder was Prince Aeiron “Brightflame”, yet even when King Aegon granted them their titles and palace, he was already dead. This action however sparked only more tensions arose in the Stormlands as King Aegon V carved lands from the territories of House Caron, House Dondarrion and House Selmy for the founding of House Brightflame, making the three Houses swear oaths of fealty to the newly-made House Brightflame.

Their seat is the majestic and lavish palace of Summerhall in the Stormlands by the Dornish Mountains. Their claim to the Throne is largely based on the fact that Prince Aerion, the father of the Princes and Princesses of Summerhall, was passed over in the line of succession in favour of his younger brother, Aegon. Prince Aerion Brightflame may have left this mortal coil for a long time but his legacy and scorn lives on in his children, namely Prince Aelor Brightflame, who seek to correct this injustice for they are dragons still. Parts of the Westlands too, especially those gathering around the ever-ambitious House Reyne, see promise in the children of Aerion and his late wife, Myrielle Reyne. Besides the Reynes and Baratheons, countless minor houses hope to be on the right side of history by seeking the favour of House Brightflame. Especially those unhappy with Aegon but adverse to the brutal reputation of House Blackfyre are common guests at Summerhall - maybe this is their chance to shift the power dynamic in their favour.

### **House Blackfyre**

The name of the Blackfyres is one which has evoked both awe and fear for almost a century of westerosi history. Four Blackfyre rebellions have since ran their course, with the last only a decade prior to the present day. Afterwards, the Blackfyres fled to Tyrosh with the Golden Company and the Second Sons, though now they name returned to Westeros. In King Aegon’s attempts to soothe the hatred between the Targaryens and Blackfyres, he allowed their return after the death of Aegor “Bittersteel” Rivers. However, the Blackfyres never truly got over the death of Aegor "Bittersteel" Rivers. Many Lords of the Riverlands see promise in the kin of Bittersteel and Haegon Blackfyre. For centuries, they have paid the price of the Targaryen rule and especially House Bracken fills the minds of many minor lords with promise.

After their return, the Blackfyres have carved out a small area in the Boneway under the control of their own - with the late Prince Haegon Blackfyre having taken Jynessa Yronwood to wife. Along with mighty allies in Dorne and the Riverlands, the Blackfyres also have friends among the mercenary companies in the east and rumours of another  campaign to finally seat themselves on the Iron Throne are afoot as the Blackfyres gather their strength as the House is led by Prince Aegon Blackfyre.

## The Seven Kingdoms

### **The North**

The North, steadfast and ancient, holds loyal to the crown and Queen Rhaenys I. Though even their loyalty did come at a price. The harsh winter, lasting almost a decade, threatened to wipe wide parts of the North, if not for the generous aid of King Aegon. For years, countless ships full of grain, vegetables and milk were shipped to White Harbor to supply the North, and while they made it through the Winter, the cold weakened their numbers and lands. Meanwhile, the generosity they received soured many lords of the south to the Starks and their Bannermen.

### **The Vale of Arryn**

he mountainous terrain of the Vale has only been bothered by two problems these last few years, unlike many other kingdoms, while both problems came from behind their borders. The Pirates and Corsairs from the Free Cities sailed dangerously close to the Vale, even to the extent of looting and sinking some of Lord Grafton's patrol ships. Sensing their opportunity, while the Arryns prepared a fight back on the sea to deal with these pirates. Meanwhile. the mountain clans also restarted their activities and while the pirates raided the coastline, more and more people from the countryside are knocking on their Lord's door, with bad news of their homes burned, gold stolen and women raped by these mountain clans.

### **The Riverlands**

With the tensions on the rise in the Capital and the Realm, the many old blood feuds within the riverlands have been ignited anew.

The Brackens and the Blackwoods once again threw insults at each other, splitting the plentiful lands of the Riverlords. When Lord Tully tried to accuse the two feuding houses of crimes against the King's peace, he was quite literally beaten back by the Master of the Crossing, Lord Frey, who defended his old time friends, the House of Blackwood.  The Riverlands have also traditionally not been held by a strong, central government. Frequent shifts in authority and long-simmering feuds (most famously that of the Brackens and Blackwoods, which according to legend has endured for millennia) have left the region with a strong independent streak. Although the Tullys rule from Riverrun, many houses do all but disdain them (most notably the Freys) and it is questionable if all of the region’s taxes are accurately tallied.

The Riverlands once more threaten to descend into chaos beneath the weak leadership of House Tully with House Blackwood, Bracken and Frey squabbling for power in the coming conflict.

### **The Westerlands**

House Reyne's mines ran dry a few decades ago and before long the once mighty Red Lions were forced  to ask the Lords of  Casterly Rock for funds and aid. By that time, Lord Tyland Lannister ruled the Westerlands. The man was well beloved and respected among his bannermen, but he was weak, opulent, and weak-minded when it came to politics and economics. After a few years, he made so many investments, and gave out so many loans, that when the money was not paid back to Casterly Rock, the Lannisters were conned out of a quarter of the wealth.  Aerion Brightflame’s line , seeking allies for his scheme to take the throne, set his sight on the Westerlands, and instead of intertwining his line with that of the Lannister House, he did so with the Reynes, seeing the obvious imbalance of power in the Westerlands. Yet soon after, Aerion Brightflame passed and three years after him, Tyland Lannister left this mortal life as well, leaving the task to restore the Lannister iron fist over the West to his son, Loren Lannister and leaving the Realm breathless on the matter which side the realm of gold and sunset will pick in the upcoming conflict.

### **The Stormlands**

The Stormlands, simply by proximity to Summerhall, have the most Brightflame supporters. Though the blood of the Dragon has long faded from the line of House Baratheon, they still refuse to support the Brightflames, with the young Lord Lyonel Baratheon being loyal to Queen Rhaenys. However, other houses may see the infighting as a lucrative opportunity for the Stormlands.

### **The Reach**

The Reach, fertile and wealthy, stands divided in these days.

In the South, the Hightowers forged a strong alliance with House Targaryen in their marriage to King Aegon V. However, in the dornish mountains, the Blackfyres loom close and to the east, the Stormlands under House Brightflame gather their strength. Whereas many of the past wars burned through the Riverlands and Stormlands, the upcoming conflict threatens to swallow the Reach whole. If they wish to survive what is coming, they must pick a side and pray to the seven for protection.

### **Dorne**

While both the Mother and Grandmother of King Aegon V were Ladies of Dorne, the Lands of the Martells are divided. Eversince the Yronwoods allied with House Blackfyre -  both of them thorns in the sides of their liege, the Lords of the Yronwood have been steadily gaining power, influence and strength.  The Martells must stand against their overambitious bannermen or risk losing the hold they have held on Dorne for thousands of years to the Bloodroyal of House Yronwoods and now they stand alone with the Reach and Stormlands holding ancient grudges towards the Martells.