Post by Don't Wake the Dragon on Mar 22, 2019 14:12:27 GMT
This AAR is an alternate history of the Dance of Dragons and supposes three key factors that would alter the course of history.
1. Princess Rhaenyra does not become "Maegor with teats" because all of her sons survive. Not only does she reward those who support her claim, but she inspires the loyalty of her subjects.
2. Prince Lucerys captures Aemond One-Eye, who later dies of his wounds in a cell.
3. Ulf White decides that upon being granted a Knighthood for taming the dragon, Silverwing that it's time to quit drinking and become one of the Queen's most loyal supporters.
I've altered the traits of Queen Rhaenyra and maimed Vhagar in order to save Prince Lucerys. I've also tweaked Ulf a bit to go along with his change in lifestyle and desire to be a loyal servant of the Queen, as well as giving him enough gold to build a dragonpit, a hospital, and a few other odds and ends at Stokeworth. Aside from those little tweaks, I will not be editing any other characters throughout this playthrough and the AAR will end when/if house White ends.
Chapter One - A Reward With Strings
Dragonstone, 129AC
Ser Ulf the White, dubbed so for the color of his hair and his obvious Valyrian heritage waited nervously for the Queensguard amidst a long line of landed Knights, men-at-arms, nobles displaced by the recent battles and most notably, the sole surviving children of House Stokeworth, whose lord had been grievously injured and imprisoned by Aegon the Usurper. Stokeworth's son and heir had also been captured and neither would survive the black cells at the Red Keep. Many lords of the Crownlands and the Riverlands had died and many more would follow them before the war was done. Stokeworth had supported Rhaenyra as the rightful heir to the Iron Throne, so keeping them on side was in the best interests of the Lord of the Tides, who now served as Rhaenyra's Hand. The matter of who would rule those lands was now in question and the Sea Snake meant to settle it swiftly in a way that would serve his Queen.
Before earning his spurs, Ser Ulf had done what many had only dreamed of and tamed the dragon Silverwing. While his lineage was questionable at best, few could doubt that Ulf White had the blood of the dragon in his veins. Some said he was a bastard of one of the old King's sons, but Ulf did not dare make such a bold claim. In truth, he knew neither who his father had been, nor what became of his mother. He had been a man-at-arms on Dragonstone when the Prince called for dragonriders, promising a Knighthood and riches to any man brave enough to tame one of the riderless dragons and Ulf had never lacked in bravery. Unlike his fellow dragonseed, Hard Hugh Hammer, upon earning a Knighthood and the young Prince's favor, Ser Ulf had sworn off drinking, gambling, and many other pursuits that had once consumed so much of his time, devoting himself instead to learning courtly etiquette, High Valyrian customs, and bettering his ability to read as he'd never been particularly well-educated. An affable sort, Ulf had made fast friends with the Sea Snake's cousins, from whom he'd learned a great deal on what was expected of him as a Knight. His transformation from a drunken, low-born man-at-arms to a proper Knight of Dragonstone was now complete and today, he had come to swear an eternal oath of fealty to his rightful Queen in the hopes of being rewarded some small lands on Dragonstone.
When at last he was called, it was not a Knight of the Queensguard that came for him, but Ser Daemion Velaryon and the Lord of the Tides himself. "Her Grace has a proposition for you, Ser Ulf. Best we do not keep her waiting." Said the Sea Snake while Ser Damion only grinned at Ulf. He knows something, he thought as the three made their way to see the Queen.
Queen Rhaenyra stood at the head of the painted table dressed in the black and red colors of her house, her father's crown upon her head. Ulf went to one knee immediately upon being announced, but the Queen bade him to rise. "Ser Ulf..." She began, eyeing him with scrutiny. The change in his lifestyle had made him lean and strong as a Knight should be and the Queen most certainly took note of this. "In recognition of your leal service, I would offer you the lands and lordship of house Stokeworth--in marriage to Lady Maia." She added the last a heartbeat later. And there it is, Ulf thought. This girl will surely resent the marriage--she's probably ugly besides... Maia Stokeworth was a maid of six and ten and while she had an older sister, the girl had been married off to one of Aegon's supporters, so the Sea Snake reasoned that the best way to keep Stokeworth loyal to his queen was to marry Maia to one of the Queen's men.
Before Ser Ulf could answer his Queen, a young woman was brought forth. She was so beautiful and immaculately well-dressed that Ulf thought her one of the Queen's Ladies in waiting at first. It was only when Lord Corlys announced her that he realized how greatly his fortunes had improved. "Lady Maia of house Stokeworth, Your Grace." Said the Sea Snake.
The Queen gestured for the girl to come forward. "Lady Maia, we are so very saddened by the loss of your noble father and his heir, your brother." She began. The girl bowed her head solemnly. It had been just days since word reached them of her father and brother's deaths in the dungeons of the Red Keep. Thankfully, Maia had been spared the grim details of how Aegon had ordered her father tortured. "Before this war is done, their deaths shall not go unpunished." Rhaenyra insisted. The girl glanced over at Ulf, the look in her eyes suggesting that she already knew of the Queen's offer to him. "Your Grace... Is this my betrothed?" She inquired, gesturing to Ulf. The Queen smiled. "Indeed it is, my lady. Ser Ulf the White, rider of Silverwing and soon to be your lord husband--that is if he accepts... What say you, Ser Ulf?"
His stomach twisted in knots. She was beautiful--a daughter of an ancient and noble family and he was little more than some up-jumped man-at-arms, clearly unworthy of such a bride. It was only Lady Maia's smile that put him at ease. "You honor me, Your Grace... And--and you, my lady." He said, addressing Maia. "I'd be honored to have you as my bride." He managed to untangle his tongue at long last.
They were married later that same week in a small, but happy ceremony in the Sept on Dragonstone. As Ulf had no living family, Ser Daemion and his brothers stood in for them and for one night at least, the mood on Dragonstone was a happy one despite the ongoing war. Ser Ulf the White became Lord Ulf of Stokeworth and just days after the wedding, set out with his new bride to take possession of their lands.
Upon defeating a small host of the Usurper's loyalists, Lord Ulf was able to take possession of Stokeworth and with coin from the Queen's treasury set the builders to the task of constructing a dragonpit for Silverwing. Adopting the customs of his high valyrian ancestors did not sit well with some ancient houses, but as a dragon rider, none could deny him that right.
Having no knowledge of heraldry or the histories of the great houses of Westeros, Lady Maia, Ser Daemion, and his two sworn shields helped him to design a coat of arms appropriate for one who was blood of the Dragon. Thus, the noble house of White was born. Their words, Fear the Dragon, would be known throughout Westeros before the war was over.
Much to the new-made lord's pleasure, it was not long after taking possession of their lands that Lady Maia announced that she was carrying his child.
Days later, a raven arrived with a message from Storm's End. The first battle involving dragons had taken place and Aemond One-Eye, grievously wounded in the battle was now a prisoner of Queen Rhaenyra. Vhagar had been maimed before meeting Arrax in battle, the wound ultimately resulting the death of the last living creature from the days of Aegon's conquest of the seven Kingdoms. The young Prince, Lucerys Velaryon returned triumphant to Dragonstone. Sadly, Prince Aemond One-Eye--or fortunately, depending upon one's point of view, died just a few days later of his wounds.
Stokeworth, 129AC
When he wasn't fighting, Ulf spent his time with Maia, from whom he learned much and more about being a lord and all that was expected of him. Despite being mocked behind his back, none dared voice such things in his presence for fear of drawing the ire of his lady wife. Indeed, Maia had come to care for her new husband, who doted upon her with gifts, ever affectionate and willing to defer to her judgement where ruling his new lands was concerned. Skilled in diplomacy, Maia served on his council, heard petitions, dispensed justice, and handled nearly all the day-to-day responsibilities of governing her late father's lands while Ulf commanded troops for Rhaenyra and brought dragonflame to bear upon her enemies. So well-regarded was he that Rhaenyra even named him to her small council. The Fool, Mushroom would have us believe that the Queen wanted him on her council so that she could more easily seduce him, and while it is known that the Queen took on many paramours while Prince Daemon was away, such rumors regarding Lord Ulf have no basis in truth. By all accounts, the lord of Stokeworth was utterly devoted to his lady wife and would take no other into his bed.
To Be Continued...
1. Princess Rhaenyra does not become "Maegor with teats" because all of her sons survive. Not only does she reward those who support her claim, but she inspires the loyalty of her subjects.
2. Prince Lucerys captures Aemond One-Eye, who later dies of his wounds in a cell.
3. Ulf White decides that upon being granted a Knighthood for taming the dragon, Silverwing that it's time to quit drinking and become one of the Queen's most loyal supporters.
I've altered the traits of Queen Rhaenyra and maimed Vhagar in order to save Prince Lucerys. I've also tweaked Ulf a bit to go along with his change in lifestyle and desire to be a loyal servant of the Queen, as well as giving him enough gold to build a dragonpit, a hospital, and a few other odds and ends at Stokeworth. Aside from those little tweaks, I will not be editing any other characters throughout this playthrough and the AAR will end when/if house White ends.
Chapter One - A Reward With Strings
Dragonstone, 129AC
Ser Ulf the White, dubbed so for the color of his hair and his obvious Valyrian heritage waited nervously for the Queensguard amidst a long line of landed Knights, men-at-arms, nobles displaced by the recent battles and most notably, the sole surviving children of House Stokeworth, whose lord had been grievously injured and imprisoned by Aegon the Usurper. Stokeworth's son and heir had also been captured and neither would survive the black cells at the Red Keep. Many lords of the Crownlands and the Riverlands had died and many more would follow them before the war was done. Stokeworth had supported Rhaenyra as the rightful heir to the Iron Throne, so keeping them on side was in the best interests of the Lord of the Tides, who now served as Rhaenyra's Hand. The matter of who would rule those lands was now in question and the Sea Snake meant to settle it swiftly in a way that would serve his Queen.
Before earning his spurs, Ser Ulf had done what many had only dreamed of and tamed the dragon Silverwing. While his lineage was questionable at best, few could doubt that Ulf White had the blood of the dragon in his veins. Some said he was a bastard of one of the old King's sons, but Ulf did not dare make such a bold claim. In truth, he knew neither who his father had been, nor what became of his mother. He had been a man-at-arms on Dragonstone when the Prince called for dragonriders, promising a Knighthood and riches to any man brave enough to tame one of the riderless dragons and Ulf had never lacked in bravery. Unlike his fellow dragonseed, Hard Hugh Hammer, upon earning a Knighthood and the young Prince's favor, Ser Ulf had sworn off drinking, gambling, and many other pursuits that had once consumed so much of his time, devoting himself instead to learning courtly etiquette, High Valyrian customs, and bettering his ability to read as he'd never been particularly well-educated. An affable sort, Ulf had made fast friends with the Sea Snake's cousins, from whom he'd learned a great deal on what was expected of him as a Knight. His transformation from a drunken, low-born man-at-arms to a proper Knight of Dragonstone was now complete and today, he had come to swear an eternal oath of fealty to his rightful Queen in the hopes of being rewarded some small lands on Dragonstone.
When at last he was called, it was not a Knight of the Queensguard that came for him, but Ser Daemion Velaryon and the Lord of the Tides himself. "Her Grace has a proposition for you, Ser Ulf. Best we do not keep her waiting." Said the Sea Snake while Ser Damion only grinned at Ulf. He knows something, he thought as the three made their way to see the Queen.
Queen Rhaenyra stood at the head of the painted table dressed in the black and red colors of her house, her father's crown upon her head. Ulf went to one knee immediately upon being announced, but the Queen bade him to rise. "Ser Ulf..." She began, eyeing him with scrutiny. The change in his lifestyle had made him lean and strong as a Knight should be and the Queen most certainly took note of this. "In recognition of your leal service, I would offer you the lands and lordship of house Stokeworth--in marriage to Lady Maia." She added the last a heartbeat later. And there it is, Ulf thought. This girl will surely resent the marriage--she's probably ugly besides... Maia Stokeworth was a maid of six and ten and while she had an older sister, the girl had been married off to one of Aegon's supporters, so the Sea Snake reasoned that the best way to keep Stokeworth loyal to his queen was to marry Maia to one of the Queen's men.
Before Ser Ulf could answer his Queen, a young woman was brought forth. She was so beautiful and immaculately well-dressed that Ulf thought her one of the Queen's Ladies in waiting at first. It was only when Lord Corlys announced her that he realized how greatly his fortunes had improved. "Lady Maia of house Stokeworth, Your Grace." Said the Sea Snake.
The Queen gestured for the girl to come forward. "Lady Maia, we are so very saddened by the loss of your noble father and his heir, your brother." She began. The girl bowed her head solemnly. It had been just days since word reached them of her father and brother's deaths in the dungeons of the Red Keep. Thankfully, Maia had been spared the grim details of how Aegon had ordered her father tortured. "Before this war is done, their deaths shall not go unpunished." Rhaenyra insisted. The girl glanced over at Ulf, the look in her eyes suggesting that she already knew of the Queen's offer to him. "Your Grace... Is this my betrothed?" She inquired, gesturing to Ulf. The Queen smiled. "Indeed it is, my lady. Ser Ulf the White, rider of Silverwing and soon to be your lord husband--that is if he accepts... What say you, Ser Ulf?"
His stomach twisted in knots. She was beautiful--a daughter of an ancient and noble family and he was little more than some up-jumped man-at-arms, clearly unworthy of such a bride. It was only Lady Maia's smile that put him at ease. "You honor me, Your Grace... And--and you, my lady." He said, addressing Maia. "I'd be honored to have you as my bride." He managed to untangle his tongue at long last.
They were married later that same week in a small, but happy ceremony in the Sept on Dragonstone. As Ulf had no living family, Ser Daemion and his brothers stood in for them and for one night at least, the mood on Dragonstone was a happy one despite the ongoing war. Ser Ulf the White became Lord Ulf of Stokeworth and just days after the wedding, set out with his new bride to take possession of their lands.
Upon defeating a small host of the Usurper's loyalists, Lord Ulf was able to take possession of Stokeworth and with coin from the Queen's treasury set the builders to the task of constructing a dragonpit for Silverwing. Adopting the customs of his high valyrian ancestors did not sit well with some ancient houses, but as a dragon rider, none could deny him that right.
Having no knowledge of heraldry or the histories of the great houses of Westeros, Lady Maia, Ser Daemion, and his two sworn shields helped him to design a coat of arms appropriate for one who was blood of the Dragon. Thus, the noble house of White was born. Their words, Fear the Dragon, would be known throughout Westeros before the war was over.
Much to the new-made lord's pleasure, it was not long after taking possession of their lands that Lady Maia announced that she was carrying his child.
Days later, a raven arrived with a message from Storm's End. The first battle involving dragons had taken place and Aemond One-Eye, grievously wounded in the battle was now a prisoner of Queen Rhaenyra. Vhagar had been maimed before meeting Arrax in battle, the wound ultimately resulting the death of the last living creature from the days of Aegon's conquest of the seven Kingdoms. The young Prince, Lucerys Velaryon returned triumphant to Dragonstone. Sadly, Prince Aemond One-Eye--or fortunately, depending upon one's point of view, died just a few days later of his wounds.
Stokeworth, 129AC
When he wasn't fighting, Ulf spent his time with Maia, from whom he learned much and more about being a lord and all that was expected of him. Despite being mocked behind his back, none dared voice such things in his presence for fear of drawing the ire of his lady wife. Indeed, Maia had come to care for her new husband, who doted upon her with gifts, ever affectionate and willing to defer to her judgement where ruling his new lands was concerned. Skilled in diplomacy, Maia served on his council, heard petitions, dispensed justice, and handled nearly all the day-to-day responsibilities of governing her late father's lands while Ulf commanded troops for Rhaenyra and brought dragonflame to bear upon her enemies. So well-regarded was he that Rhaenyra even named him to her small council. The Fool, Mushroom would have us believe that the Queen wanted him on her council so that she could more easily seduce him, and while it is known that the Queen took on many paramours while Prince Daemon was away, such rumors regarding Lord Ulf have no basis in truth. By all accounts, the lord of Stokeworth was utterly devoted to his lady wife and would take no other into his bed.
To Be Continued...
