Westeros: A Game of Thrones. Game thread.

[johnhughthom]

Westeros: A Game of Thrones

Castle Black, Year 298 after Aegon's Landing;

Lord Commander Jeor Mormont looked out the window of his tower, watching the new recruits training in the yard below. A sudden shiver ran through his body, it wasn't the cold, he had been here long enough that he rarely shivered. Oh he noticed it, he doubted the day would ever come he didn't notice it, especially as he was getting old, but it was no longer the all encompassing cold he remembered from his early days. A knock on his door, and his maestar, Aemon, entered the room. "A raven, Lord Commander. It appears our King has been mortally wounded. He was gored by a boar, two days ago." Mormont frowned. "Two days ago? Who sent the raven?" "It came from King's Landing my Lord, it appears they sent ravens all over the realm when they received the news." Another frown. The blind maestar could sense Mormont was disturbed by the news. "Ah. I see. The King was wounded two days ago, the raven must have been sent to King's Landing immediately. Then more sent immediately from King's Landing. This news was not a surprise to some in King's Landing..." A sigh. "Still, we take no part in the squabbles to the south."

"No. No we don't. Still, there is every chance the King is already dead. Who knows what is happening in King's Landing as we speak?"

Faction List:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Dragonstone:
Characters:
Stannis
Melisandre
Davos Seaworth
Axel Florent

Players:
Beskar
Csargo
Secura
Kival

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

House Greyjoy:
Characters:
Balon
Theon
Aeron
Victarion

Players:
Jarema
scottishranger
The Stranger
Craterus

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

House Martell:
Characters:
Doran
Quentyn
Oberan
Arianne

Players:
Arjos
autolycus
Montmorency
TCV

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

House Tyrell:
Characters:
Mace
Willas
Loras
Garlan

Players:
Ishmael
Kagemusha
Diamondeye

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

House Lannister:
Characters:
Tywin
Jaime
Cersei
Tyrion

Players:
atheotes
Greyblades
Gurkhal
Seon

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

House Stark:
Characters:
Eddard (deceased)
Robb
Catelyn
Rodrik Cassell

Players:
Sigurd
Skooma Addict
White eyes

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Storm's End:
Characters:
Renly
Brienne
Beric Dondarrion
Cortnay Penrose

Players:
Double A
Khazaar
Captain Blackadder

Maps:

Clickable map of Westeros.*

Factional regions.*

Gameplay:

Westeros: A Game of Thrones is a game that may take some getting used to for many players, much of the game is up to the players to decide. So far as possible, I will try to accept any actions that you wish to attempt. The obvious exception would be orders that include other faction's or NPC characters (orders specifying they behave in a certain way, you can of course target other factions or characters), unless I receive orders from that faction confirming the action.

Each phase of gameplay will last one week real time, Monday to Friday for discussion and orders, and the weekend for results and write ups. Each phase will be one month in Westeros, so plan your orders accordingly.

Each team will have a quicktopic they can use to plan and give orders. For a faction with enough players to each play individual characters, orders can also be given via pm, these will always override any QT orders, so if you send a pm then change your mind in the QT you will need to send another pm cancelling the previous. Players are free to discuss the game with other players however they wish, email, IM etc, unless specifically told otherwise eg because they are imprisoned.

Factional results will be given in the QT, personal results via pm and there will be a general write up in thread.

Characters:

Each faction has a list of characters who are directly controlled by the players, as well as a number of minor character and allies or vassals who can be given orders, but are not fully under the player's control and may have varying degrees of loyalty and willingness to carry out orders. The factional characters have a list of stats that govern how succesfully they will carry out orders, these can change over time. Allies and vassals may give bonuses to the faction, or character within the faction.

Each team will control the faction as a whole, rather than individual characters, if a team has four players at any stage they can, if they wish, decide to control individual characters, with the faction leader able to give orders for any inactives. In this situation, orders from the faction leader to allies or vassals will always override those of other characters in the faction. If we get enough players, some allies or vassals may be allowed to join as a full member of a faction.

New players joining will go into the faction with fewest players, they will be allowed to choose if there is more than one. Factions may recruit for new players, in which case they will need to tell me the name of the new player and that person will join the faction that recruited them, regardless of player numbers.

There may also be NPCs in the areas you control, you can attempt to give orders to these characters, and they could possibly join your faction as an ally or vassal, but their reliability and loyalty will be even less certain than allies or vassals.

Military:

Each area will have a certain number of troops recruitable per turn. They will have a training cost on recruiting, as well as an upkeep cost each turn. There are four types of military on land, foot, archers, cavalry and knights, with each having their own role on the battlefield as well as differing training and upkeep costs. The stats used for battles will not be public. Battles will have many variables , including army composition, terrain and leadership.

Costs:

Foot: Training = 10 gold per thousand, Upkeep = 5 gold per thousand
Archers: Training = 15 gold per thousand, Upkeep = 5 gold per thousand
Cavalry: Training = 50 gold per thousand, Upkeep = 25 gold per thousand

There will also be naval combat, with four varieties of ship, carrack, caravel, cog and longship. Fishing fleets can also be used in combat, though they will not be very effective. Ships will also be limited in recruitment, with variable building and upkeep costs.

Carracks: Building = 150 gold per ship, Upkeep = 50 gold per turn
Caravels: Building = 100 gold per ship, Upkeep = 20 gold per turn
Cogs: Building= 50 gold per ship, Upkeep = 10 gold per ship
Longships: Greyjoys only
Fishing fleets: No upkeep, but reduced faction income if pressed into service


Diplomacy:

Factions are free to make any kind of alliance, pact or power block they wish, these can be declared publicly or kept private. No agreements will ever be binding on the players, orders will need to be sent in to keep to the terms of any deal. The only in game penalty to not keeping to a deal will be a lose of trust amongst other players.

Any orders that are blatant (or subtle) attempts to use knowledge from the books/tv series that the characters wouldn't realistically possess might result in, accidents...

FAQ:

What about xxxx character? You can ask me to put any character you feel should be in the game as part of your faction, check with me first and so long as they aren't elsewhere they will be available next turn.

How do I use sworn Houses? Sworn Houses have a set number of troops you can call up when at war, names, troop numbers and type per house are in post 2 of your faction QT. You can also use a Head of House in your orders, eg Head of House Org to govern the Gameroom.

Are there any limits on declarations? You must declare war on another faction at least 24 hours before the end of a phase.

Can I have different troop types? No, to keep combat manageable only the troop types specified will be available in the game, some others may become available through in game events. You can, however, attempt to use existing types in unusual and creative ways.

How many men can the ship types carry? These aren't strict rules, more guidelines. A carrack can carry up to 250 people before getting crowded, a caravel 150 and a cog 100. A horse takes the space of two men, so a cavalry unit = 3 spaces. You can try to cram more on, but there may be consequences.

How should orders be submitted? Faction orders should be titled as such: Faction orders for turn X, Final. It is okay to edit them up to the end of the phase, just make a post at the top of the thread which post number it is. Order pms for individuals should be titles as such: Westeros Phase X: Individual orders for CHAR NAME.

*Thanks to Beskar for the maps.

[johnhughthom]

King's Landing, Year 298 after Aegon's Landing;

The bells tolled throughout King's Landing, everybody in the city, rich and poor, knew what it meant. The King was dead. Robert Baratheon, first of his line, conqueror of the mad King was no more, killed by a boar whilst out hunting. For the small folk life went on, they had more important things to worry about, like putting food on the table, but the talk around the market stalls was speculation on the circumstances of the King's demise. All sorts of wild rumours could be heard, some of them close to the truth, but most complete nonsense.

For the noble born the situation was more personal, and dangerous. Eddard Stark had a piece of paper in his hand as he sat at his desk listening to the bells through his window. Cersei Lannister smiled as she prepared her eldest son for the day ahead. Renly Baratheon sat with Loras Tyrell, heads close together eagerly discussing their plans for the future.

For some the game of thrones had begun, for others this was merely the next stage in a game they had been playing for a long time.

When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die. There is no middle ground.

[johnhughthom]

The game has started, it is now Phase One.

[Montmorency]

The Embassy of All Kingdoms has now opened in Ghaston Grey. Telegraph lines run directly from here to every royal palace and every fortified place in the world.

[The Stranger]

Pyke is open for business.

[Beskar]

Stannis: "Renly, surrender your dreams of claiming the throne for yourself and support me, the rightful King and follow the Order of Succession. I am the older brother, the Iron Throne is mine by right. :sternface:"
"Would you rather forsake honour for petty opportunism and play yourself in the hand of House Lannister?"

[Ishmael]

House Tyrell is here and Growing Strong.

[Greyblades]

This message has been sent by raven from Kings landing to the heads of each Great house.

My lord.

I am saddened to bring to you the news of King Robert's death, Seven rest his soul, and to invite your Noble selves to attend the Funeral ceremony to be carried out in the Great Sept of Kings landing. We also invite you to attend the subsequent coronation of King Joffrey to be carried out in the Red Keep.

Attendance of the funeral is not mandatory but the King has commanded each High Lord attends the coronation to pledge allegiance to your new King as you did to Good King Robert so long ago.

Regards,
Grand Maester Pycell.
Servant of the King.

[Montmorency]

You will pay for what you did to Princess Elia, Lannister dog.

[Greyblades]

I was unaware the mountain had re-named himself lannister.

[Sigurd]

Stannis: "Renly, surrender your forces to me, the rightful King and follow the Order of Succession. I am the older brother, the Iron Throne is mine by right. :sternface:"
"You would rather forsake honour for petty opportunism and play yourself in the hand of House Lannister?"

By what right do you claim succession Stannis? I was not aware of the fact that your father had the throne before Robert?

[Greyblades]

By what Right would either of you rule? I was unaware Robert left us heirless, and our custom is the son allways succeeds the father over the Uncles.

[Sigurd]

By law, the King's Hand rules until a new King is crowned.
And yes, It was exactly this point I was making, Tywin. King Robert, bless his soul, was the first Baratheon on the throne as he won it. It was not Baratheon's throne, it was Robert's. Any succession should come through the loins of that man.

[Greyblades]

Then we are in agreement, Eddard stark will manage the kingdom until Joffrey's coronation, what happens after that will be whatever the King wills.

[Kagemusha]

House Tyrell is interested to hear what the late King´s will is. Can we soon know of it Lord Stark?

[Sigurd]

House Tyrell is interested to hear what the late King´s will is. Can we soon know of it Lord Stark?

The last will and testament of the late King Robert, the first of his line, will be publicly announced at a council with the prominent factions representation present. Time and place will be announced.

[Gurkhal]

Would a cold guess be that this little meeting will take place in Winterfell and as soon as you've got yourself back there? :P

[Beskar]

By what right do you claim succession Stannis? I was not aware of the fact that your father had the throne before Robert?

*grinds his teeth upon reading this statement*

I am sure you are aware as you played the role of "Kingmaker", my brother, Robert Baratheon is the closest legitimate blood relative (after myself) following the destruction of the House Targaryen and strongest claimant upon the throne. Following the death of Robert, the strongest blood-tie is the rightful heir to the throne, which would make me, Stannis, the heir to the throne.

As I recall, base-born brats of Robert's drunken whoring are not in line to succession.

[Arjos]

OoC: guys remember that all of us are quite apart from eachother right now :P

Unless Stannis, Tywin, Robb and Doran can shout across the whole of Westeros XD

[Beskar]

Dark wings flutter across the sky to all the houses of Westeros, from the greatest to the most humble, the ravens soar across the air bearings the words of Stannis Baratheon.

All men know me for the trueborn son of Steffon Baratheon, Lord of Storm's End, by his lady wife Cassana of House Estermont. I declare upon the honour of my House that my beloved brother Robert, our late King, left no trueborn issue of his body, the boy Joffrey, the boy Tommen, and the girl Myrcella being abominations born of incest between Cersei Lannister and her brother Jaime the Kingslayer.

By right of birth and blood, I do this day lay claim to the Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros. Seated as King Robert's chosen Heir Apparent, the Lord of Dragonstone.

Let all true men declare their loyalty.

Under the sign and seal of:
Stannis of House Baratheon
The First of his name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, and Lord of the Seven Kingdoms

[The Stranger]

Dark wings, dark words indeed.

What proof do you have of this.

Lord Balon

[Kagemusha]

What says the hand? Truly disturbing suggestion indeed.

Mace Tyrell
Warden of the South

[Beskar]

Dark wings, dark words indeed.

What proof do you have of this.

Lord Balon

It is a not an unknown fact that the Lannisters are blonde, especially in the pure blondeline where kin mix with kin of that line.
It is a not an unknown that all children born of Baratheon are born with the Black manes of our fathers.

As example, I present to you the case of Robert's bastard, Edric Storm. The very image of his father, the late King Robert.
Now, look at the couplings of "Cersei and Robert", the children bear no traits of a true Baratheon, a line unbroken which even the Targaryen's could not change. The boy Joffrey is the very image of his true father, the Kingslayer.

I tasked the former hand, the late Lord Jon Arryn upon this matter. We all know of his unfortunate end, poisoned by the hands of Lannisters themselves. Resulting in my withdrawal to Dragonstone and that of his heir, Lord Robert Arryn and Widow to the Vale.

[Greyblades]

Dark wings flutter across the sky to all the houses of Westeros, from the greatest to the most humble, the ravens soar across the air bearings the response of Tywin Lannister.
All men know me for the trueborn son of Tytos Lannister, Lord of Lannisport. I declare upon the honour of my House that my beloved King Robert, left only one trueborn brother, Renly. Stannis, being an abomination, born of incest between Cassana Estermont and her brother Eldon Estermont.

By right of birth and blood, I do this day refute Stannis' claim on the Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros.

It is a not an unknown fact that the Estermonts are hairless, even in youth, especially in the pure baldline where kin mix with kin of that line.
It is a not an unknown that all children born of Baratheon are born with the manes of thier fathers that they bare for thier entire lives.

As example, I present to you the case of Robert and his brother, Renly. The very images of thier for-farthers, the late lords of Storms End.
Now, look at the second coupling of "Steffon and Cassana", the child bear no traits of a true Baratheon, a line unbroken which even the Targaryen's could not change. The boy stannis is bald as an egg, the very image of his true father, Eldon Estermont.

I am the former hand, the Lord Tywin Lannister, and was tasked upon this matter during the first days of robert's Reign. We all know of my unfortunate end, rejected as the Hand of the king after many years of faithful service and sent back to casterly rock.

[Beskar]

Stannis reads the proclamation as he scratches his head. Whilst being an age older than his brother, he is only marked by a receding hairline with his hair short cropped upon the top and the sides. He looks across to his fellow councillors, then places down the letter.

This is my response:
"Is this the worth of Tywin of House Lannister's words?

In petty self-mockery, he responds to my accusation like a child spurned by their mother's breast. His words are so worthless, that you merely have to step into Dragonstone to clearly see that I am not bald. Lannister's mouth contains no honour, no virtue, what a Lannister only speaks is gold as they no loyalty other than to themselves. Only word I will accept of a Lannister's is action, as such, as the Rightful Heir, I proclaim this.

Any and all armed forces of House Lannister are to withdraw from King's Landing to Castery Rock. If they do not, this would be treated as unlawful occupation of my sovereign territory and branded as traitors to the crown. If they go as far as to proclaim a pretender, this will be an open declaration of war.

Under the sign and seal of:

Stannis of House Baratheon
The First of his name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, and Lord of the Seven Kingdoms"

[Kagemusha]

Raven from Highgarden.


House Tyrell will claim neutrality for now in these affairs, but any attacks against us will be met with fierce resistance. We hope that any actions of any factions will not make us raise our War Banners.

Signed

Mace Tyrell
Warden of the South

[Greyblades]

Ravens flies from Casterly rock to all gentry on Dragonstone.

"Lords and ladies of Dragonstone.

It seems that the Lord of Dragonsport cannot take what he can give out, His last message was given to the fool and he managed to come up with as valid a conspiracy within a minute.

My lord gives you all two choices, depose Stannis and bring him in chains to Kings landing or Die with the rest of the island at the hands of the king's justice.

As for the Hair, if Lord stannis has any on his brow then Lady Florent has a forest on her backside.

Silver-Socks
Jester and fool of Casterly Rock"

Ravens fly from kings landing to all lords of Westeros.

"Lords and ladies of Westeros

Stannis Baratheon has committed treason against good King Joffrey and has been declarerd an outlaw along with all his house and anyone in residence with them.

King Joffrey has given leave that whichever man brings the Head of stannis Baratheon will be awarded with the Isle of Dragonstone as thier fife along with the neccissary titles.

Regards
Pycell
Grand Maester of Kings landing."

[The Stranger]

I, Lord Balon, declare war on house Tully in Riverrun, lords of the Riverlands.

[scottishranger]

WE DO NOT SOW!

Drowned men for the Drowned God!

[Jarema]

My Drowned Men will crush you

What is dead can never die, but rises again, harder and stronger