Post by SinStar87 on Nov 6, 2017 17:23:17 GMT
Repost because I like to come back to it and promise to continue it at some point even though I know I'm not going to... Atleast not soon...
House Collins Lords of the Riverlands
Cody I, of House Collins, Lord of the Claws and First General of the Riverlands
Founding of a Dynasty and Freedom from Tyranny
Rebellion of the Sevenists
March on the Vale
Rule of Medgar, Lord of Harrenhal
Lords of the Claw and Trident
Death of a Dragon
The Two Queens
War of the Queens’ Throne
The Storms and the Reach
Rule of Wendel, Paramount of the Claw and the Trident
The Claw, The Trident, and the Dragons
War of the Dragon and the Claw
Rule of Alexander, Hand of the King
Conversion and Growth
The Independence Wars - The calm and the coming Storm
The Independence Wars - The Rock and a Hard place
The Independence Wars - The Vulture’s Perch
The Plague
Bennifer I, Last Hand of the King
Reavers, Rapers, and Renegades Run Roughshod
The Reach looks West as Rebels rise and Reavers ravage the Realm
The Reach on the Ropes, the Reavers retreat, and Bennifer called to the Capital
Elmar I, The Babe Prince
Rebels rise once again
House Collins Lords of the Riverlands
Cody I, of House Collins, Lord of the Claws and First General of the Riverlands
Founding of a Dynasty and Freedom from Tyranny
I founded my House in Red Fork, rather small and insignificant as we were, but I set myself to task and under the loving care of my mother we survived. My free time was spent in study, I oft found myself drawn to martial pursuits and war making so that is what I read. I was still a boy of 12, no 11, in 10 BC, by today’s counting, when a call to arms came from my neighbor, Lord Harroway, his given name escapes me at time of writing but I certainly remember his family name. Seemed some rebellious elements had risen in Riverrun and King Hoare threatened to have all the Riverlands lashed to sleds if it wasn’t ended.
That fight’s not a happy memory for me, cutting down my fellow Riverlanders for fighting for what we all wanted, but I did what I had to. After we ended their fight, Lord Edmyn Tully invited the lot of us to his castle for a feast. It was their I met his youngest sister, Nike, the brown haired girl that would be my wife. ’Course she was still a round faced girl of 10 at the time but I fell for her. After the feast our armies returned home, along the way Lord Harroway and I rode together and made friendly banter, then finally he offered me a position at his court as a vassal. Over the next 2 years I strengthened Lord Harroway’s lands and offered wise counsel in his decisions…
When I wasn’t moonlighting in Riverrun, secreting away with Nike. Till finally we had aged enough for the law and I stormed into Edmyn’s keep and demanded to be allowed to marry Nike. She laughed, peeking from the doorway, as Edmyn stood and shouted, “Dear Father! What the hell‘s in you boy?” After the surprise of the moment wore off, he agreed to the wedding and even held it in the yards of Riverrun later that month.
Three years would pass in our Realm as I toiled for Lord Harroway, disciplining his peasantry levies and bringing what justice I could in our small piece of it. My heart sank as Harren’s conscriptors came through, rounding up our people and the people of neighboring kingdoms, chaining them, and marching them to work on his damned castle. And what’s worse we were commanded to crush the sparking rebellions in the Riverlands. It was a very sullen time in my life, only ever brightened by my love, Nike. Finally in 5 BC, Harroway had enough and wanted to leave his position, and he looked to me. “Lord Collins,” he said, “It’s time for you to take up the lordship, I’m going to find some corner of the Realm and live my life in peace.” Within days, Lord’s Tully, Darry, Mooton, and Cox arrived and assented to the proposal, the latter three swearing fealty to me.
Finally the chance came for our land, the young Dragon Aegon, laid claim on Westeros and word spread of his landfall in Blackwater Bay. Before long ravens arrived from Harren demanding the Lords ride to defend his castle. His message was then followed by word from Edmyn, declaring The Dragon as King and denouncing the vicious Harren, with such bold action, my brother in law stirred the strength of the Riverlands and one by one we all declared for the One True King. You must know by now the story of Harren and his hall, so I won’t go on and describe it, let it suffice to say House Hoare was ended and the Riverlands set free from the iron chains. The other lords and I all rode to Riverrun and swore our oaths in person to our new liege, Edmyn, Lord Paramount of the Riverlands, the celebration was followed by appointments, where I was honored as First General of the Riverlands.
That fight’s not a happy memory for me, cutting down my fellow Riverlanders for fighting for what we all wanted, but I did what I had to. After we ended their fight, Lord Edmyn Tully invited the lot of us to his castle for a feast. It was their I met his youngest sister, Nike, the brown haired girl that would be my wife. ’Course she was still a round faced girl of 10 at the time but I fell for her. After the feast our armies returned home, along the way Lord Harroway and I rode together and made friendly banter, then finally he offered me a position at his court as a vassal. Over the next 2 years I strengthened Lord Harroway’s lands and offered wise counsel in his decisions…
When I wasn’t moonlighting in Riverrun, secreting away with Nike. Till finally we had aged enough for the law and I stormed into Edmyn’s keep and demanded to be allowed to marry Nike. She laughed, peeking from the doorway, as Edmyn stood and shouted, “Dear Father! What the hell‘s in you boy?” After the surprise of the moment wore off, he agreed to the wedding and even held it in the yards of Riverrun later that month.
Three years would pass in our Realm as I toiled for Lord Harroway, disciplining his peasantry levies and bringing what justice I could in our small piece of it. My heart sank as Harren’s conscriptors came through, rounding up our people and the people of neighboring kingdoms, chaining them, and marching them to work on his damned castle. And what’s worse we were commanded to crush the sparking rebellions in the Riverlands. It was a very sullen time in my life, only ever brightened by my love, Nike. Finally in 5 BC, Harroway had enough and wanted to leave his position, and he looked to me. “Lord Collins,” he said, “It’s time for you to take up the lordship, I’m going to find some corner of the Realm and live my life in peace.” Within days, Lord’s Tully, Darry, Mooton, and Cox arrived and assented to the proposal, the latter three swearing fealty to me.
Finally the chance came for our land, the young Dragon Aegon, laid claim on Westeros and word spread of his landfall in Blackwater Bay. Before long ravens arrived from Harren demanding the Lords ride to defend his castle. His message was then followed by word from Edmyn, declaring The Dragon as King and denouncing the vicious Harren, with such bold action, my brother in law stirred the strength of the Riverlands and one by one we all declared for the One True King. You must know by now the story of Harren and his hall, so I won’t go on and describe it, let it suffice to say House Hoare was ended and the Riverlands set free from the iron chains. The other lords and I all rode to Riverrun and swore our oaths in person to our new liege, Edmyn, Lord Paramount of the Riverlands, the celebration was followed by appointments, where I was honored as First General of the Riverlands.
The joy and unity, of course, did not last. In late 1 AC, while King Aegon was on march from Oldtown, newly anointed Aegon of House Targaryen, the First of His Name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm, Zealots of the Seven razed the Weirwoods in Blackwood. Over the next few days, thousands of Sevenists joined them, in no time the defenders at Raventree were overcome and word spread through the Rivers. Eventually the pious men of the Seven in the Stoney Sept rose against lord Edmyn, citing impiety and calling for the revocation of the heathen holders. It was a chaotic time in the Riverlands.
Before the official Call to Arms was even writ, I had raised my banners and marched my force against the rebels of the Blackwood. Before long we met and melded with Lord Michael’s force in Red Fork and pushed towards Blackwood from the east. In short order, I caught sight of the Hall or rather the smoke billowing from the ravaged holdfast. Despite this, the castle was still an imposing conquest, I knew I didn’t have the forces for a storm so I encircled the walls and set it to siege. But scouts returned with reports of thousands of rebel forces marching to relieve the holding.
I was hemmed in, the Red Fork had been cut off, to the North and West as well, part of my force maintained the siege, the rest were left to a desperate fight where the Sevenists had the favor of the Warrior and the Maiden, my men with the gifts from the Smith and the light of the Crone. So, for the better part of the day my men took charge after charge from the Sevenists, who shouted prayers to the Father and the Warrior as they were cut down by my infantry line. And for the next 5 days, the battle carried on, my men standing in rank as steadfast bulwarks against the raging waters of the Sevenist rebels, but time has seen my mighty wall slowly crumble and the Sevenist river grow stronger and wilder. Thankfully, you can count on Fervored rebels to under prepare and over celebrate, leaving the castle garrison to grow weak from lack of supplies.
On the seventh day food raids and piety trials carried by the occupiers against the civilian population within the yards had raised ires and once again rebellion broke out in Raventree. Seeing advantage I sent my brother inside with a squad of men and he captured the gate and not long after the Sevenists inside were dead or imprisoned, giving reprieve from battle to my men. And even managing ravens for reinforcements who crushed the Red Fork flank and smashed into the Sevenists’ right and rear. The battle of Blackwood and Siege of Raventree were ended with the zealous leaders killed or executed and Lord Blackwood back in command of his keep. For my efforts Lord Edmyn named me Lord of the Trident in addition to my Lordship over the Claws.
Before the official Call to Arms was even writ, I had raised my banners and marched my force against the rebels of the Blackwood. Before long we met and melded with Lord Michael’s force in Red Fork and pushed towards Blackwood from the east. In short order, I caught sight of the Hall or rather the smoke billowing from the ravaged holdfast. Despite this, the castle was still an imposing conquest, I knew I didn’t have the forces for a storm so I encircled the walls and set it to siege. But scouts returned with reports of thousands of rebel forces marching to relieve the holding.
I was hemmed in, the Red Fork had been cut off, to the North and West as well, part of my force maintained the siege, the rest were left to a desperate fight where the Sevenists had the favor of the Warrior and the Maiden, my men with the gifts from the Smith and the light of the Crone. So, for the better part of the day my men took charge after charge from the Sevenists, who shouted prayers to the Father and the Warrior as they were cut down by my infantry line. And for the next 5 days, the battle carried on, my men standing in rank as steadfast bulwarks against the raging waters of the Sevenist rebels, but time has seen my mighty wall slowly crumble and the Sevenist river grow stronger and wilder. Thankfully, you can count on Fervored rebels to under prepare and over celebrate, leaving the castle garrison to grow weak from lack of supplies.
On the seventh day food raids and piety trials carried by the occupiers against the civilian population within the yards had raised ires and once again rebellion broke out in Raventree. Seeing advantage I sent my brother inside with a squad of men and he captured the gate and not long after the Sevenists inside were dead or imprisoned, giving reprieve from battle to my men. And even managing ravens for reinforcements who crushed the Red Fork flank and smashed into the Sevenists’ right and rear. The battle of Blackwood and Siege of Raventree were ended with the zealous leaders killed or executed and Lord Blackwood back in command of his keep. For my efforts Lord Edmyn named me Lord of the Trident in addition to my Lordship over the Claws.
Following the quelling of the Sevenist Rebellion, Lord Edmyn called his vassals for a regular grand feasts, in an effort to settle the tensions in the realm. At the feast of the Riverlands in 13 AC, my management of the Claw and the Trident and my rapid rise in wealth and rank created in me a curiosity, so I became a major topic of discussion. The discussion, of course, lead to the histories of my house. Before long, and after much wine, several of the petty lords broached on a distant relative of mine. “You related to that one Collins what once ruled over in Wickenden?” He said then questioned another of the petty lords, “You know him, what was his name?” The other lord couldn’t remember either but knew of the man.
I’ve since forgotten the relation’s name but I remember answering, “Oh yes, I remember a distant uncle from there.” My response Lord Edmyn’s ears perked and he spent the rest of the feast silent and uneasy, then quickly dismissed the Lords when good manners permitted. It was a bit strange but I missed my home anyway so I quickly gathered my Men at Arms and rode off.
As my train arrived in Harroway’s town, the Maester rushes, a limping gait limits his speed, from the keep to great me. “Urgent message from Riverrun, My Lord.” He excitedly shouts, waving a paper, which read.
“Lords of the Riverlands, we are tasked at this time with a great challenge, our Lord of the Claw and the Trident has rightful claim against the lands of Wickenden, long wrongfully held by Lord Arryn and the Valemen. But no longer. We ride to War.”
The Maester then presented another slip of paper, this one named me as a Commander of the 1st Army of the Riverlands.
The prideful and more powerful of the Riverland Lords urged direct assault on the Vale, so, despite my objections, Lord Edmyn bowed to the pressure and ordered the assault. I did managed to bully personal command of a part of the force and did my best to protect the army, but the headstrong Lords pushed for assault on the Gate, and over the next three years they exemplified the spirit of its ages old Name.
While the 1st Army saw the slaughter of so many of our levies, I had my Brother gathering and training my person force and by 15 AC my plans were ready. A well paid spy in Wickenden brought news that the Army of the vale had marshalled most of their troops and marched to defend the Bloody Gate, leaving the coasts poorly defended. I remember smiling at the news and thanking the man with a large purse of dragons. As soon as the most recent failed assault ended, I drafted a message to my Brother simply stating “It’s time.”
It took nearly a year but by early 17 AC Michael had carried the Trident Army into Gulltown and routed the defending Vale forces between himself and the Gate. After a short march, the few thousand men fell upon the rear lines of the defenders and forced them to rout, leaving the Bloody Gate in Riverlands hands. Messages of negotiation flew from the Eyrie as I handed control of the Gate over to Lord Edmyn. It wasn’t long before Lord Arryn himself rode up to our lines and surrendered, the Lands south of the Mountains were given over to the Rivers and I was proclaimed their Liege.
I’ve since forgotten the relation’s name but I remember answering, “Oh yes, I remember a distant uncle from there.” My response Lord Edmyn’s ears perked and he spent the rest of the feast silent and uneasy, then quickly dismissed the Lords when good manners permitted. It was a bit strange but I missed my home anyway so I quickly gathered my Men at Arms and rode off.
As my train arrived in Harroway’s town, the Maester rushes, a limping gait limits his speed, from the keep to great me. “Urgent message from Riverrun, My Lord.” He excitedly shouts, waving a paper, which read.
“Lords of the Riverlands, we are tasked at this time with a great challenge, our Lord of the Claw and the Trident has rightful claim against the lands of Wickenden, long wrongfully held by Lord Arryn and the Valemen. But no longer. We ride to War.”
The Maester then presented another slip of paper, this one named me as a Commander of the 1st Army of the Riverlands.
The prideful and more powerful of the Riverland Lords urged direct assault on the Vale, so, despite my objections, Lord Edmyn bowed to the pressure and ordered the assault. I did managed to bully personal command of a part of the force and did my best to protect the army, but the headstrong Lords pushed for assault on the Gate, and over the next three years they exemplified the spirit of its ages old Name.
While the 1st Army saw the slaughter of so many of our levies, I had my Brother gathering and training my person force and by 15 AC my plans were ready. A well paid spy in Wickenden brought news that the Army of the vale had marshalled most of their troops and marched to defend the Bloody Gate, leaving the coasts poorly defended. I remember smiling at the news and thanking the man with a large purse of dragons. As soon as the most recent failed assault ended, I drafted a message to my Brother simply stating “It’s time.”
It took nearly a year but by early 17 AC Michael had carried the Trident Army into Gulltown and routed the defending Vale forces between himself and the Gate. After a short march, the few thousand men fell upon the rear lines of the defenders and forced them to rout, leaving the Bloody Gate in Riverlands hands. Messages of negotiation flew from the Eyrie as I handed control of the Gate over to Lord Edmyn. It wasn’t long before Lord Arryn himself rode up to our lines and surrendered, the Lands south of the Mountains were given over to the Rivers and I was proclaimed their Liege.
Lords of the Claw and Trident
*Annotation written by Medgar* “Father was 13 and Mother 11 at the Riverrun Rebellion and their later meeting”
*2nd Annotation by Medgar*”Family history is important, with that in mind I will add to the House Records”
In 16 AC, while Uncle’s War against the Vale raged futilely against the gate and the first snows of winter blanketed the field, Father broke from his focus from the war effort because he saw a good match for me in House Qoherys. His eldest daughter, Alyx, was newly flowered and ready for marriage, and thinking back, she had a way to her, while I didn’t love her, at least at first, I found the match agreeable. The great houses of Westeros visited, I even met the heir to the Iron Throne, Jacaerys, and sparked a conversation, soon developing a fast friendship. To finish the celebration and as a wedding gift, Father granted me lordship over the Keep in Wickenden.
We had an amiable relationship and I grew to love her over the next few years, then in 19 AC Alyx’s father, Quenton, died, leaving her Harrenhal and lordship of the surrounding lands. One night, while we lie in bed together the cool night creeped in from the wintery mountains North of Wickenden, She snuggled up to me, laying her head upon my chest, and amidst recounts and stories, finally told me “I’ve always hated that place, the air is heavy and off, the melted stone causes me discomfort to look on. And more than that I believe it’s cursed, I know it took my brothers. I want nothing to do with it.”
I told her it’s just stone and mortar, but she was adamant and ended the discussion saying, “No you can take it, I want to forget its existence.” And in one night I became the Lord of Harrenhal, and as if celebrating my rise in station, ravens arrived later that week announcing the end of the short winter.
Over the next two years I settled into my position and worked with father to settle the Lords of Wickenden, along the way taking firsts in the tournaments of the Realm, save ones were Father would participate. Gods, on a horse with a lance, Few could hope to match him. Ofcourse that all ended in 21 AC, a raven arrived from Harroway’s Town.
“Your father, Cody I, Lord of the Claw and the Trident, failed to be roused this morning, the Maester declared him dead shortly thereafter. May he forever sup with The Father in his Golden Halls.
As his firstborn and heir, Lord Medgar, you are to immediately take up his lands and titles.”
The news shook me, my father was always vibrant and hale, a few weeks ago he had rode to the championship of the Westerlands tourney. I didn’t want to believe he could just fall to age. The next few months saw me inconsolable, ravaged by grief.
*2nd Annotation by Medgar*”Family history is important, with that in mind I will add to the House Records”
In 16 AC, while Uncle’s War against the Vale raged futilely against the gate and the first snows of winter blanketed the field, Father broke from his focus from the war effort because he saw a good match for me in House Qoherys. His eldest daughter, Alyx, was newly flowered and ready for marriage, and thinking back, she had a way to her, while I didn’t love her, at least at first, I found the match agreeable. The great houses of Westeros visited, I even met the heir to the Iron Throne, Jacaerys, and sparked a conversation, soon developing a fast friendship. To finish the celebration and as a wedding gift, Father granted me lordship over the Keep in Wickenden.
We had an amiable relationship and I grew to love her over the next few years, then in 19 AC Alyx’s father, Quenton, died, leaving her Harrenhal and lordship of the surrounding lands. One night, while we lie in bed together the cool night creeped in from the wintery mountains North of Wickenden, She snuggled up to me, laying her head upon my chest, and amidst recounts and stories, finally told me “I’ve always hated that place, the air is heavy and off, the melted stone causes me discomfort to look on. And more than that I believe it’s cursed, I know it took my brothers. I want nothing to do with it.”
I told her it’s just stone and mortar, but she was adamant and ended the discussion saying, “No you can take it, I want to forget its existence.” And in one night I became the Lord of Harrenhal, and as if celebrating my rise in station, ravens arrived later that week announcing the end of the short winter.
Over the next two years I settled into my position and worked with father to settle the Lords of Wickenden, along the way taking firsts in the tournaments of the Realm, save ones were Father would participate. Gods, on a horse with a lance, Few could hope to match him. Ofcourse that all ended in 21 AC, a raven arrived from Harroway’s Town.
“Your father, Cody I, Lord of the Claw and the Trident, failed to be roused this morning, the Maester declared him dead shortly thereafter. May he forever sup with The Father in his Golden Halls.
As his firstborn and heir, Lord Medgar, you are to immediately take up his lands and titles.”
The news shook me, my father was always vibrant and hale, a few weeks ago he had rode to the championship of the Westerlands tourney. I didn’t want to believe he could just fall to age. The next few months saw me inconsolable, ravaged by grief.
Over the next few years I slowly came to terms with the death of my father, assumed to my place has head of House Collins and saw to the development and maintenance my family lands. I even returned to the Lists, winning the regional tourneys. Then in 26 AC, the Osgrey’s of Northmarch, angered at the destruction of House Gardener in the Conquest, denounced King Aegon and rose in revolt. Of course it was a foolish decision, the Osgrey’s lacked support, supplies, and manpower to be of any threat. They only managed to last because the Rule of House Tyrell was in decline, the passing of the Reach into the hands of a Babe and an internal fight for the Regency distracted Reach forces. Reachmen’s Inability to respond saw King Aegon, now in his fifties, once again in the saddle and marching to war.
The Osgreys did get lucky on a couple of counts though. Aegon, ever toeing the line between King and Conqueror, decided against bringing Balerion and its kin to the field, fearing alienating the Lords with use of Dragon’s Fire on subjects of the Iron Throne, even ones in open rebellion. Additionally, Aegon made no calls to his Paramounts, though I can’t say for certain why, perhaps he wanted to remind the Realm he was King. Not that the Rivers were in any position to offer aid, Lord Edmyn had past in the last year and his Son, Edmyn II, rose to the Seat, this would normally leave the Rivers a bit Chaotic, but he was a Dwarf, and that’s a bitter weed for many in Westeros.
Whatever his thoughts, Aegon made first contact with the Rebels on the fields surrounding Standfast. Reports and rumors say the Throne forces were winning the day, when Aegon, fighting on the front lines, was caught off-guard by the Osgrey Champion he was in melee with. This strike caught him in the face and removed his eye. Fighting half blind, the King’s stance became wild and he struck out furiously. This left him at the Osgrey mercy and with two moves he had knocked free Blackfyre and impaled the Dragon, the hilt catching on the King’s black steel armor.
The death of the Conqueror shocked the Crownlanders, this gave the enemy advantage and the Osgrey rebels managed to force them from the field. But the new King, Jacaerys, took command of the Throne forces and saved them from a full rout, winning the Conqueror’s body, Jacaerys withdrew to Highgarden to allow his men to lick their wounds.
After arrangements for Aegon’s body were made, Jacaerys returned his men to Standfast. All the rumors say the Young Dragon handled the battle masterfully, overcoming the center and forcing a rout, pursuing the fleeing army to the gates of Coldmoat itself. Victory won, Jacaerys saw to the peace. Rather than destroying the Osgrey line, The young king demonstrated a magnanimousness, locking up his father’s killer, accepting a new oath from the the House Head, and placing the Heir of Coldmoat in command of the Western march into King’s landing. As Jacaerys returned his father’s body to King’s Landing, I was named General of the Riverlands and appointed to Lord Edmyn II’s council.
The Osgreys did get lucky on a couple of counts though. Aegon, ever toeing the line between King and Conqueror, decided against bringing Balerion and its kin to the field, fearing alienating the Lords with use of Dragon’s Fire on subjects of the Iron Throne, even ones in open rebellion. Additionally, Aegon made no calls to his Paramounts, though I can’t say for certain why, perhaps he wanted to remind the Realm he was King. Not that the Rivers were in any position to offer aid, Lord Edmyn had past in the last year and his Son, Edmyn II, rose to the Seat, this would normally leave the Rivers a bit Chaotic, but he was a Dwarf, and that’s a bitter weed for many in Westeros.
Whatever his thoughts, Aegon made first contact with the Rebels on the fields surrounding Standfast. Reports and rumors say the Throne forces were winning the day, when Aegon, fighting on the front lines, was caught off-guard by the Osgrey Champion he was in melee with. This strike caught him in the face and removed his eye. Fighting half blind, the King’s stance became wild and he struck out furiously. This left him at the Osgrey mercy and with two moves he had knocked free Blackfyre and impaled the Dragon, the hilt catching on the King’s black steel armor.
The death of the Conqueror shocked the Crownlanders, this gave the enemy advantage and the Osgrey rebels managed to force them from the field. But the new King, Jacaerys, took command of the Throne forces and saved them from a full rout, winning the Conqueror’s body, Jacaerys withdrew to Highgarden to allow his men to lick their wounds.
After arrangements for Aegon’s body were made, Jacaerys returned his men to Standfast. All the rumors say the Young Dragon handled the battle masterfully, overcoming the center and forcing a rout, pursuing the fleeing army to the gates of Coldmoat itself. Victory won, Jacaerys saw to the peace. Rather than destroying the Osgrey line, The young king demonstrated a magnanimousness, locking up his father’s killer, accepting a new oath from the the House Head, and placing the Heir of Coldmoat in command of the Western march into King’s landing. As Jacaerys returned his father’s body to King’s Landing, I was named General of the Riverlands and appointed to Lord Edmyn II’s council.
After Jacaerys returned to King’s Landing, he dismissed his levies and saw to his Father’s Funeral arrangements. He called on the most renowned of the Silent Sisters to see to the care of the body of the Conqueror. After a week the official Ceremony was held and all the lords of the Stormlands, Riverlands, Vale, Reach, and Westerlands paid homage to the dead Dragon, the officiating overseen by the High Septon himself. Jacaerys led the pallbearers openly weeping, as they carried his Father’s corpse to the boats, which set sail for Dragonstone as the whole of King’s Landing saw them off.
Shortly before Jacaerys’ 16th nameday, Edmyn II Lord of the Riverlands, fell from his saddle and, following a quick sickness, passed away. seeing his eldest brother, my cousin, Melwys, known covertly as the Dwarf, ascended to the seat of Riverrun. He kept his brother’s appointments, so I remained as General of the Armies of the Riverlands and Advisor to the Lord.
In 29 AC, It had been little more than a year since the funeral of King Aegon, the year saw a cooling between Jacaerys and his two elder sisters, the latter two left Westeros for their mother’s court in the Steps. The year also saw Jacaerys finally come of age and announce his marriage ceremony to his Third eldest sister, Rhaelle. The grand celebration would serve as a Wedding and Crowning and promised to be the grandest feast the Realm would ever see.
It was not to be however, as my friend Jacaerys’ personal invite arrived, two Ravens flew in, the first carried the Proclamation of “Queen” Maega, declaring her the rightful Queen of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm. While the second was from “Queen” Aelora naming her Queen of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm.
I rushed the declarations to Lord Melwys who was meeting the Riverlords in the chamberhall of Riverrun. I think I shouted for silence from the other lords as I approached my cousin. “Why the Look?” he questioned as I laid the parchments on his table, sliding them in front of him. “The Realm’s at war!” I declared, the assembled party stood in shocked silence as Lord Melwys read over the presentations. Finally, I could hold my silence no longer, “Well, Cousin?!” I snapped.
“What concern is it of the Riverlands?” he retorted, discarding the two missives. “That’s a Crownlands issue, until forces are threatening the Riverlands, I see no reason to exert our levies.” “And furthermore, Cousin, it’s Lord Melwys.” he punctuated. I couldn’t even believe it, but I knew that look and he would not be swayed. So finally I stormed from the Keep and raced to Harroway.
The next few nights saw me to sleeplessness, I couldn’t see the right path, struggled with my duty to my Lord and my yearning to help my friend. My dear Alyx saw my unease and each night would stroke my hair as I lie awake, worrying on my troubles. Such a small thing, but I think it helped, for I soon decided to aid my friend. Not even waiting for day, I made for the maester’s room and drafted my intentions. The Claw and the Trident were for their King.
Shortly before Jacaerys’ 16th nameday, Edmyn II Lord of the Riverlands, fell from his saddle and, following a quick sickness, passed away. seeing his eldest brother, my cousin, Melwys, known covertly as the Dwarf, ascended to the seat of Riverrun. He kept his brother’s appointments, so I remained as General of the Armies of the Riverlands and Advisor to the Lord.
In 29 AC, It had been little more than a year since the funeral of King Aegon, the year saw a cooling between Jacaerys and his two elder sisters, the latter two left Westeros for their mother’s court in the Steps. The year also saw Jacaerys finally come of age and announce his marriage ceremony to his Third eldest sister, Rhaelle. The grand celebration would serve as a Wedding and Crowning and promised to be the grandest feast the Realm would ever see.
It was not to be however, as my friend Jacaerys’ personal invite arrived, two Ravens flew in, the first carried the Proclamation of “Queen” Maega, declaring her the rightful Queen of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm. While the second was from “Queen” Aelora naming her Queen of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm.
I rushed the declarations to Lord Melwys who was meeting the Riverlords in the chamberhall of Riverrun. I think I shouted for silence from the other lords as I approached my cousin. “Why the Look?” he questioned as I laid the parchments on his table, sliding them in front of him. “The Realm’s at war!” I declared, the assembled party stood in shocked silence as Lord Melwys read over the presentations. Finally, I could hold my silence no longer, “Well, Cousin?!” I snapped.
“What concern is it of the Riverlands?” he retorted, discarding the two missives. “That’s a Crownlands issue, until forces are threatening the Riverlands, I see no reason to exert our levies.” “And furthermore, Cousin, it’s Lord Melwys.” he punctuated. I couldn’t even believe it, but I knew that look and he would not be swayed. So finally I stormed from the Keep and raced to Harroway.
The next few nights saw me to sleeplessness, I couldn’t see the right path, struggled with my duty to my Lord and my yearning to help my friend. My dear Alyx saw my unease and each night would stroke my hair as I lie awake, worrying on my troubles. Such a small thing, but I think it helped, for I soon decided to aid my friend. Not even waiting for day, I made for the maester’s room and drafted my intentions. The Claw and the Trident were for their King.
I called up my banners and personal levies, with a rally point set at Harrenhal. Once we were arrayed, I rode along the lines, many of my force were blooded veterans of March on the Vale and that was a strength I hoped to lean on once we reached King’s Landing.
Within the week of our outset, we reached Rollingford, there we setup temporary camp and I ordered forage parties to refill our supplies. A ways to the south, the dusk sky was blackened by giant plumes of smoke. “Dragons” my uncle Michael declared, the utterance sent chills down my spine.
I wasn’t alone in my fear, by the dawning of the new day, a portion of my levies had fled, as the rumors of dragons spread through the camp. But that couldn’t be helped, we broke camp and the bulk of my host made for King’s Landing double quick. As we arrived at the outmost grounds of King’s Landing, we were welcomed by the smell of burnt flesh and smoke, the charred bodies of hundreds of Crownlanders lay freshly burned on the northern fields as spotty fires about still burned furiously.
We seized upon the capital, despite the carnage outside, the city inside the walls sat largely undamaged. As we entered the Red Keep, it sat empty, the throne unused, at once I could guess the events of the previous day. King Jacaerys knew his Sister’s needed him to win. So he detached a token force to hold the Two Queens’ forces while he slipped away, saving the city from Dragon’s Fire. “Clever.” I suddenly declared, surprising my assembled commanders then rushed my army out of the city and south into the Kingswood.
After tromping through the dense forest for three days, we finally met up with the King’s army as the third night fell upon the woodlands. “Gods, it’s good to see you, my friend.” Jacaerys shouted as I dismounted my horse and approached. “Good to see you too, Your Grace.” I responded as he wrapped his arms around me and brought me in close, slapping his hands against my back while he laughed loudly. “Your Grace, perhaps we should discuss our plans?” I proffered and he agreed.
As our meeting peaked, the assemblage was disrupted by a massive roar. “By the Gods, how’ve you managed to keep that thing hidden??” My uncle called out, Balerion again roared, his mighty chain leash shook and the tree it was attached to nearly uprooted. “I think we are agreed, and tomorrow we can find our enemy. We are all depending on you, Your Grace.” As dawn again broke on the Kingswood, our armies marched out into the Stormlands to meet the Queens’ Army. Several flaps of its wings saw Balerion clear of the army, soaring above our army as we came into sight of the enemy host.
As I maneuvered the combined army into the enemy ranks, Jacaerys and Balerion met with the hatchlings of Meraxes and Vhagar, Predatorion and Jemaza. The three dragons danced and swirled as I took advantage on the fields. Balerion released a massive fire and Jemaza cried out a last time and plummeted to the ground. I pushed my men into a savage fight and soon took hold of the fallen rider, she was injured but survived. A roar soon followed and Predatorion’s right wing was torn free, sending the beast amongst our army, as the dragon was speared, the last queen was chained and finally the war was ended.
Within the week of our outset, we reached Rollingford, there we setup temporary camp and I ordered forage parties to refill our supplies. A ways to the south, the dusk sky was blackened by giant plumes of smoke. “Dragons” my uncle Michael declared, the utterance sent chills down my spine.
I wasn’t alone in my fear, by the dawning of the new day, a portion of my levies had fled, as the rumors of dragons spread through the camp. But that couldn’t be helped, we broke camp and the bulk of my host made for King’s Landing double quick. As we arrived at the outmost grounds of King’s Landing, we were welcomed by the smell of burnt flesh and smoke, the charred bodies of hundreds of Crownlanders lay freshly burned on the northern fields as spotty fires about still burned furiously.
We seized upon the capital, despite the carnage outside, the city inside the walls sat largely undamaged. As we entered the Red Keep, it sat empty, the throne unused, at once I could guess the events of the previous day. King Jacaerys knew his Sister’s needed him to win. So he detached a token force to hold the Two Queens’ forces while he slipped away, saving the city from Dragon’s Fire. “Clever.” I suddenly declared, surprising my assembled commanders then rushed my army out of the city and south into the Kingswood.
After tromping through the dense forest for three days, we finally met up with the King’s army as the third night fell upon the woodlands. “Gods, it’s good to see you, my friend.” Jacaerys shouted as I dismounted my horse and approached. “Good to see you too, Your Grace.” I responded as he wrapped his arms around me and brought me in close, slapping his hands against my back while he laughed loudly. “Your Grace, perhaps we should discuss our plans?” I proffered and he agreed.
As our meeting peaked, the assemblage was disrupted by a massive roar. “By the Gods, how’ve you managed to keep that thing hidden??” My uncle called out, Balerion again roared, his mighty chain leash shook and the tree it was attached to nearly uprooted. “I think we are agreed, and tomorrow we can find our enemy. We are all depending on you, Your Grace.” As dawn again broke on the Kingswood, our armies marched out into the Stormlands to meet the Queens’ Army. Several flaps of its wings saw Balerion clear of the army, soaring above our army as we came into sight of the enemy host.
As I maneuvered the combined army into the enemy ranks, Jacaerys and Balerion met with the hatchlings of Meraxes and Vhagar, Predatorion and Jemaza. The three dragons danced and swirled as I took advantage on the fields. Balerion released a massive fire and Jemaza cried out a last time and plummeted to the ground. I pushed my men into a savage fight and soon took hold of the fallen rider, she was injured but survived. A roar soon followed and Predatorion’s right wing was torn free, sending the beast amongst our army, as the dragon was speared, the last queen was chained and finally the war was ended.
Within four years of their failed war, Jacaerys’ two sisters were dead, his eldest died of a sickness while locked away in the grand prison the King had built for the two. The second followed her to the grave soon after, rumors say a loyal friend of the King saw to her end but it is only rumor. Their deaths saw the Realm to a long awaited peace, and Jacaerys ruled well during it. I was even honored with the guardianship and teaching of the Second Prince.
But nothing lasts forever, little more than ten and five years after the Two Queens War, the Westerlands fractured, lord after lord renounced their oath to Casterly Rock and it’s ruler Lyman Lannister. The Rebels quickly grew in number and as they did, they turned from the Throne, and that the Realm couldn’t abide and soon the Ravens flew. But the fractures grew, ‘til even the Reach and new Lord of the Stormlands saw their chance. With the Black Dread passing shortly after the War, they renounced the Throne and called in their banners. The Realm was at war.
Though the Crownlands saw the Royalist support of the Riverlands, the Vale, and the Fractured Westerlands, the Rebels had numbers and consisted of the Majority of the Westerlands, The Reach, and the Stormlands, though they were only loosely tied, each fighting for themselves. While, the Iron Isles and Dorne saw no reason to intervene in the war and the North dealt with it’s own calls for independence, I gathered my levies and marched to defend the Westerlands.
I arrived in time to see the Royalist Westerland forces being driven to the Riverlands in Golden Tooth, Lyman futilely stammering for his forces, his drunken words shouted incoherently. I remember shaking my head at the display, as I saw the Rebels point, but still my duty was to the Realm so I called up my light cavalry and charged into the Rebel flank. Our shock attack took hold and the rebels retreated further into the Tooth. I had no time for a siege so I split off a stable force and placed my cousin in charge, and coerced and cajoled Lyman to leave with me as we made for the capital.
Thankfully, we arrived to a secure castle, asking of the Had, I was informed the king had marched on the Reach to preempt their forces two days past, but word had arrived that the Stormlanders were moving to surround the king. I was left with little choice and I lead my host to halt their advance and soon met them in the Fields outside Dalston keep.
The first day of battle was fierce, the Stormlanders having numbers and lead by the the surviving child of Orys, Lady Daena, she was every bit her father’s daughter, cutting a swath through my lines and dismantling the morale of my force. But we stood until night and our lines back to our camps. With the moon waned that night, Daena and her best troops called for a raid on our camp, I was ready however, and she was welcomed with a volley of arrows and my soldiers dressed for battle.
The Lady survived the encounter but her troops didn’t, with new advantage, I pressed into her camp and broke the Stormlanders, the King’s back was secure. When the Sun broke, a messenger arrived and I was named Lord Paramount of the Claw and the Trident.
But nothing lasts forever, little more than ten and five years after the Two Queens War, the Westerlands fractured, lord after lord renounced their oath to Casterly Rock and it’s ruler Lyman Lannister. The Rebels quickly grew in number and as they did, they turned from the Throne, and that the Realm couldn’t abide and soon the Ravens flew. But the fractures grew, ‘til even the Reach and new Lord of the Stormlands saw their chance. With the Black Dread passing shortly after the War, they renounced the Throne and called in their banners. The Realm was at war.
Though the Crownlands saw the Royalist support of the Riverlands, the Vale, and the Fractured Westerlands, the Rebels had numbers and consisted of the Majority of the Westerlands, The Reach, and the Stormlands, though they were only loosely tied, each fighting for themselves. While, the Iron Isles and Dorne saw no reason to intervene in the war and the North dealt with it’s own calls for independence, I gathered my levies and marched to defend the Westerlands.
I arrived in time to see the Royalist Westerland forces being driven to the Riverlands in Golden Tooth, Lyman futilely stammering for his forces, his drunken words shouted incoherently. I remember shaking my head at the display, as I saw the Rebels point, but still my duty was to the Realm so I called up my light cavalry and charged into the Rebel flank. Our shock attack took hold and the rebels retreated further into the Tooth. I had no time for a siege so I split off a stable force and placed my cousin in charge, and coerced and cajoled Lyman to leave with me as we made for the capital.
Thankfully, we arrived to a secure castle, asking of the Had, I was informed the king had marched on the Reach to preempt their forces two days past, but word had arrived that the Stormlanders were moving to surround the king. I was left with little choice and I lead my host to halt their advance and soon met them in the Fields outside Dalston keep.
The first day of battle was fierce, the Stormlanders having numbers and lead by the the surviving child of Orys, Lady Daena, she was every bit her father’s daughter, cutting a swath through my lines and dismantling the morale of my force. But we stood until night and our lines back to our camps. With the moon waned that night, Daena and her best troops called for a raid on our camp, I was ready however, and she was welcomed with a volley of arrows and my soldiers dressed for battle.
The Lady survived the encounter but her troops didn’t, with new advantage, I pressed into her camp and broke the Stormlanders, the King’s back was secure. When the Sun broke, a messenger arrived and I was named Lord Paramount of the Claw and the Trident.
The Claw, The Trident, and the Dragons
I, Wendel of the House Collins, Lord Protector of the Claw and the Trident, Lord of Harrenhal, take up the House records to continue the traditions of my Father and his Father.
In 54 AC, the previously mentioned battles against the Stormlands and Reach took a poor turn soon after, my Father met with the King’s forces and preceded to engage the Rebels at Stonebridge, things were going well ‘til he slipped on a stone and plummeted from the trestles, our Ancestral sword finding its way through his armor and into his chest. The surgeon’s said he died instantly so thank the Seven for that. The King, too, died around this time, succumbing to an illness shortly after my Father’s accident.
The deaths put the Realm in dire straits, the News of Maelor “the Mad” rising to the throne, emboldened the the independent Lords and soured Royalist favor. No one, after all, wanted to submit to the whims of a lunatic. In particular the new Westerlands Lord, Lorimer Lannister, who’s daughter was roughly handled and returned blind by the Mad Monster. I was left with little option, I called in our remaining banners and rode to the Capital to dethrone a King.
Thankfully I knew just the Targaryen for the throne, the King’s younger Brother, Gaemon. He and I had grown up together, guarded by my Father, and I even married his older sister Daena. He was a good man, a worthy king. As my host arrived at the Dragon Gate, I made greetings with my informants and the guards welcomed us inside, the war was won. My thousand men at arms secured the Keep and I took control of the King.
It was on the entrance steps of the Red Keep that I passed sentence over the Mad Monster. Unsheathing my family sword, the blade shone a faint purple as the sun glinted off the metal, I pressed the blade to the Madman, who simply smirked and chuckled. A simple thrust along the neck and the Monster was no more. After the scene was cleared and Maelor’s body put to rest, the new King arrived from his holdfast in Stokeworth and assumed his place on the Iron Throne.
*Annotation written by Wendel* Father, perhaps in effort to spare my Mother embarrassment, has neglected to mention my sisters, born of an affair between himself and Jacaerys’ youngest sister. But I feel it is important because the marriage of Jacaerys’ Second Son, Gaemon, to Rhaeys, my younger sister eldest of the two, and my marriage to Jacaerys’ Second Daughter, Daena, has tied our line with that of the Targaryens.
The transfer granted us a strong and capable Ruler, and the wedding of my second sister with the Vale granted us a fresh breath against the Rebels, moreover the breaking of the Westermen allowed us to swell our diminished ranks as our tied up forces were freed. And by 58 AC, the Reach and the Stormlands had gathered on the southern side of Stonebridge for a last gasp at independence.
The fight was long and fierce, Lady Daena herself catching a fever and passing soon after the initial day of battle, striking a crushing blow to the Rebels. In the end the Storm and Reach were broken, pressed to Highgarden itself, the rebellion was over and the Baratheon line passed to the Florents.
In 54 AC, the previously mentioned battles against the Stormlands and Reach took a poor turn soon after, my Father met with the King’s forces and preceded to engage the Rebels at Stonebridge, things were going well ‘til he slipped on a stone and plummeted from the trestles, our Ancestral sword finding its way through his armor and into his chest. The surgeon’s said he died instantly so thank the Seven for that. The King, too, died around this time, succumbing to an illness shortly after my Father’s accident.
The deaths put the Realm in dire straits, the News of Maelor “the Mad” rising to the throne, emboldened the the independent Lords and soured Royalist favor. No one, after all, wanted to submit to the whims of a lunatic. In particular the new Westerlands Lord, Lorimer Lannister, who’s daughter was roughly handled and returned blind by the Mad Monster. I was left with little option, I called in our remaining banners and rode to the Capital to dethrone a King.
Thankfully I knew just the Targaryen for the throne, the King’s younger Brother, Gaemon. He and I had grown up together, guarded by my Father, and I even married his older sister Daena. He was a good man, a worthy king. As my host arrived at the Dragon Gate, I made greetings with my informants and the guards welcomed us inside, the war was won. My thousand men at arms secured the Keep and I took control of the King.
It was on the entrance steps of the Red Keep that I passed sentence over the Mad Monster. Unsheathing my family sword, the blade shone a faint purple as the sun glinted off the metal, I pressed the blade to the Madman, who simply smirked and chuckled. A simple thrust along the neck and the Monster was no more. After the scene was cleared and Maelor’s body put to rest, the new King arrived from his holdfast in Stokeworth and assumed his place on the Iron Throne.
*Annotation written by Wendel* Father, perhaps in effort to spare my Mother embarrassment, has neglected to mention my sisters, born of an affair between himself and Jacaerys’ youngest sister. But I feel it is important because the marriage of Jacaerys’ Second Son, Gaemon, to Rhaeys, my younger sister eldest of the two, and my marriage to Jacaerys’ Second Daughter, Daena, has tied our line with that of the Targaryens.
The transfer granted us a strong and capable Ruler, and the wedding of my second sister with the Vale granted us a fresh breath against the Rebels, moreover the breaking of the Westermen allowed us to swell our diminished ranks as our tied up forces were freed. And by 58 AC, the Reach and the Stormlands had gathered on the southern side of Stonebridge for a last gasp at independence.
The fight was long and fierce, Lady Daena herself catching a fever and passing soon after the initial day of battle, striking a crushing blow to the Rebels. In the end the Storm and Reach were broken, pressed to Highgarden itself, the rebellion was over and the Baratheon line passed to the Florents.
Westeros entered, more or less, a tranquil state, but as if this was a facade, veiling it’s natural state, war, chaos, and blood were never long to return. As they did once again, in 61 AC my sister and sitting Queen, Rhaeys, declared herself Lady of the Claw and Trident. The best the King could offer was neutrality in the conflict, unable to denounce our friendship nor cast aside his beloved Queen. A hard decision placed upon him, I think, so I could never hold it against him. Thus the land would again have blood.
Out the outset of conflict, The War of the Dragon and the Claw as they call it, I determined to handle the struggle alone, no ravens will fly to my brothers in law in Dorne and the Vale and all offers of aid from recent allies are politely declined. This decision has been denounced by my court in its entirety, my cousins in Red Fork and Wickenden ridicule me, and the smallfolk eventually turned calling me “Simple Lord” and “The Collins who lost the Claw.” But I knew the struggles of war, and whatever the opposing wishes the Land may have, I will not allow my family to return the Realm to total war.
*Additions from the War Diary of Wendel Collins*
Rhaeys’ Claim on the Claw and the Trident - Fifth Night
My forces have rallied at Harroway in record pace, the full host of the Claw and the Trident at my doorstep, where the future not of blood, it would be a miraculous sight. My scouts have returned with reports, Lady Rhaeys’ force had landed in Crackclaw and begun march on Harrenhal.
*Additions from the War Diary of Rhaeys Collins*
Rhaeys’ Claim on the Claw and the Trident - Sixth Night
My fresh-faced bright-eyed levies quickly left the galleys and we have marched for a full day, the haunting figure of the Kingspyre quickly came into view, its melted stone facade towering above the horizon. We’ll soon meet my brother.
*Additions from the War Diary of Wendel Collins*
Rhaeys’ Claim on the Claw and the Trident - Eighth Night
Today, we saw the first engagement, when the Sun reached its height, Rhaeys flew into view from Shoreham, Johegagon’s golden scale dazzling in the sunlight and orange flames jetting in all directions. The spectacle was quickly followed by the tens of thousands of men at arms. She had much of our father in her, proven that day.when she overwhelmed my left flank, dotting her victory with a frivolous dragon-led charge. Thankfully the sun set and saved me from utter destruction and I managed to withdraw my men into Harrenhal.
*Additions from the War Diary of Rhaeys Collins*
Rhaeys’ Claim on the Claw and the Trident - Tenth Night
Brother has hidden in his keep for more than a day now, seeing to added missilemen to prevent a second Harrenhal, not that Johegagon is as grand as his ancestor. It’s no matter, my brother is simply prolonging his defeat. As the Eldest Targaryen spawn of our Father, I will take my place as Lord of the Claw.
*Additions from the War Diary of Wendel Collins*
Rhaeys’ Claim on the Claw and the Trident - Tenth Night
I will lead a desperate gambit this night, its success will see me to victory, its failure will see me dead.
It worked, I slipped from Harrenhal across the God’s eye in black boats and wrapped oars, I met with a hastily conscripted levy of horsemen and charged through the night, just as dawn cracked the East, we hit Rhaeys’ camp, she made effort to rally and get Johegagon into the air, but it was stopped with a few volleys and Johegagon stayed grounded, grievously, though not mortally, wounded. My sister knelt before our ancestral sword and accompanied me Harroway and over then next year, we rebuilt the bridges and she acknowledges me as head of House Collins. After a time I saw her escorted back to King’s Landing, Johegagon in tow hidden away in a grand cage and strong chain leash. In short order I was called to the capital for the Crowning and meet with my Nephew, Haegon, for the first time.
For now, the Struggles of House Collins are ended.
Out the outset of conflict, The War of the Dragon and the Claw as they call it, I determined to handle the struggle alone, no ravens will fly to my brothers in law in Dorne and the Vale and all offers of aid from recent allies are politely declined. This decision has been denounced by my court in its entirety, my cousins in Red Fork and Wickenden ridicule me, and the smallfolk eventually turned calling me “Simple Lord” and “The Collins who lost the Claw.” But I knew the struggles of war, and whatever the opposing wishes the Land may have, I will not allow my family to return the Realm to total war.
*Additions from the War Diary of Wendel Collins*
Rhaeys’ Claim on the Claw and the Trident - Fifth Night
My forces have rallied at Harroway in record pace, the full host of the Claw and the Trident at my doorstep, where the future not of blood, it would be a miraculous sight. My scouts have returned with reports, Lady Rhaeys’ force had landed in Crackclaw and begun march on Harrenhal.
*Additions from the War Diary of Rhaeys Collins*
Rhaeys’ Claim on the Claw and the Trident - Sixth Night
My fresh-faced bright-eyed levies quickly left the galleys and we have marched for a full day, the haunting figure of the Kingspyre quickly came into view, its melted stone facade towering above the horizon. We’ll soon meet my brother.
*Additions from the War Diary of Wendel Collins*
Rhaeys’ Claim on the Claw and the Trident - Eighth Night
Today, we saw the first engagement, when the Sun reached its height, Rhaeys flew into view from Shoreham, Johegagon’s golden scale dazzling in the sunlight and orange flames jetting in all directions. The spectacle was quickly followed by the tens of thousands of men at arms. She had much of our father in her, proven that day.when she overwhelmed my left flank, dotting her victory with a frivolous dragon-led charge. Thankfully the sun set and saved me from utter destruction and I managed to withdraw my men into Harrenhal.
*Additions from the War Diary of Rhaeys Collins*
Rhaeys’ Claim on the Claw and the Trident - Tenth Night
Brother has hidden in his keep for more than a day now, seeing to added missilemen to prevent a second Harrenhal, not that Johegagon is as grand as his ancestor. It’s no matter, my brother is simply prolonging his defeat. As the Eldest Targaryen spawn of our Father, I will take my place as Lord of the Claw.
*Additions from the War Diary of Wendel Collins*
Rhaeys’ Claim on the Claw and the Trident - Tenth Night
I will lead a desperate gambit this night, its success will see me to victory, its failure will see me dead.
It worked, I slipped from Harrenhal across the God’s eye in black boats and wrapped oars, I met with a hastily conscripted levy of horsemen and charged through the night, just as dawn cracked the East, we hit Rhaeys’ camp, she made effort to rally and get Johegagon into the air, but it was stopped with a few volleys and Johegagon stayed grounded, grievously, though not mortally, wounded. My sister knelt before our ancestral sword and accompanied me Harroway and over then next year, we rebuilt the bridges and she acknowledges me as head of House Collins. After a time I saw her escorted back to King’s Landing, Johegagon in tow hidden away in a grand cage and strong chain leash. In short order I was called to the capital for the Crowning and meet with my Nephew, Haegon, for the first time.
For now, the Struggles of House Collins are ended.
Conversion and Growth
Father's rule continued for near a decade in relative peace and the Realm saw a period of stability under Haegon, with Father taking up the position of General of the Armies. He, Wendel, developed a friendship with Blackwoods and Starks, which had a major impact on him, leading him to eventually renounce The Seven and their Septons for the Old Gods of the Forest. It wasn’t long before my siblings and I adapted this old faith in respect of our father. That was my reasoning for conversion, at least, I never held much regard for the teachings of the Sept or their Gods.
The last few years of his life was spent in a flurry. Father worked tirelessly at court, putting out any sparks or embers that could potentially flare up and ignite the Realm, stomping out religious revolts and quelling violent disputes between various lords. While at home he continuously strengthened the Rivers, working with renowned stewards to reconstruction the towers and walls of Harren’s Hall and even had the largest Weirwood trees brought down from the North and filled a Sacred Grove within its walls. He planned the rebuild so well that within the decade of his death, I was able to complete his work and restore that grand Castle and take it as my seat.
So diligent was he, that he forwent the chronicling of his reign in the house histories, leaving this task to me. But despite his obsessions with work and construction, he always had time for family and friends. Throwing yearly gatherings, great feasts, hunts, and tourneys, and warding my younger brothers himself, so respected was Lord Wendel, that at his funeral, the heads of all the houses in the Realm turned out and wept openly for his passing. It was there that the waning Lord Tully of the Riverlands swore himself to my house and reunited the Riverlands, split some years ago. Though, mayhaps, they simply recognized the power at my hands and wished to avoid a slaughter if either of us gave into the tensions, but whatever the case the Riverlands were whole again and I had several statues of him carved, placing the greatest in the great hall here, in Harrenhal, another placed in the river convergence in Harroway, and presenting the others to the Tullys, Freys, and Blackwoods.
But the Realm bucked and Haegon’s reign began cracking soon after my father’s death so he looked again to my house for loyalty and power, naming me Hand and assigning me the task of maintaining the stability of the Realm.
The last few years of his life was spent in a flurry. Father worked tirelessly at court, putting out any sparks or embers that could potentially flare up and ignite the Realm, stomping out religious revolts and quelling violent disputes between various lords. While at home he continuously strengthened the Rivers, working with renowned stewards to reconstruction the towers and walls of Harren’s Hall and even had the largest Weirwood trees brought down from the North and filled a Sacred Grove within its walls. He planned the rebuild so well that within the decade of his death, I was able to complete his work and restore that grand Castle and take it as my seat.
So diligent was he, that he forwent the chronicling of his reign in the house histories, leaving this task to me. But despite his obsessions with work and construction, he always had time for family and friends. Throwing yearly gatherings, great feasts, hunts, and tourneys, and warding my younger brothers himself, so respected was Lord Wendel, that at his funeral, the heads of all the houses in the Realm turned out and wept openly for his passing. It was there that the waning Lord Tully of the Riverlands swore himself to my house and reunited the Riverlands, split some years ago. Though, mayhaps, they simply recognized the power at my hands and wished to avoid a slaughter if either of us gave into the tensions, but whatever the case the Riverlands were whole again and I had several statues of him carved, placing the greatest in the great hall here, in Harrenhal, another placed in the river convergence in Harroway, and presenting the others to the Tullys, Freys, and Blackwoods.
But the Realm bucked and Haegon’s reign began cracking soon after my father’s death so he looked again to my house for loyalty and power, naming me Hand and assigning me the task of maintaining the stability of the Realm.
The cracks in the Realm grew over the next few years, as Haegon increased demands on the Lords , requiring more and more taxes to fund his grand feasts and extravagant tournaments, if anyone complained, he would threaten their family and children to force them into obeying then take hostages to ensure they did.
Before I had even been officially named Hand or left for the capital, this cycle of tyranny reached its peak when Haegon sent word to the Lady of the Stormlands demanding she surrender her only child to the crown. She refused and called in her banners, sent ravens throughout the realm, declaring war on “The Targaryen Tyrant” and intent to march on the capital.
As the word went out, I pulled in my personal garrison in Harrenhal and headed to intercept, leaving word to rally my vassals and divide the levies in to offense and defense. Offense followed after me and Defense held choke points on the rivers and coast.
Not long after I departed Harrenhal, a rider arrived with word from the Westerlands, Dorne, and Reach.
We will no longer hold to a Tyrant, from this day to the end of days, we rule ourselves.
I noted there was no word from the Vale and North, hopefully meaning they would remain neutral in the war. So I sent the rider back with orders to place my distant cousin in the Trident in command of Defense force and hold the southern passes.
After a hard march, with little rest, my force made it to the outskirts of the capital, but the Stormlanders had not yet arrived, the King had word called from the walls that the Storm army was sailing up the Blackwater, so I broke off a small force, leaving most of my guard to aid the walls, fell back, and joined up with Offense and made way down the Kingsroad south and to siege Storm’s End.
My forces choked off the approach and set up camp, scouts arrived that the Storm army had made landfall and turned south to relieve the castle. I detached a force to maintain the siege and marched north, engaging the Storm Army on the outskirts of the castle’s domain. I took command of the right, heading the cavalry leaving my infantry to my marshal as they absorbed the charge from the Storm.
My cavalry crashed into the enemy’s and I began to hew and cleave the enemy riders as we pushed into the enemy’s front ranks. We slowly cutdown the enemy cavalry and as we began to encircle them, they broke and fled from the field. The cavalry off the field, allowed me to bring my horses into the rear flank of the Storm army. But they refused to break or surrender, forcing me to slaughter a great many of them, as we did, the Lady was surrounded and bound, what force of her’s remained finally surrendered.
With the Lady in tow, I rejoined the siege forces and brought her to the gates forcing her to release the castle, which she did, and I had her forces on the walls replaced with my own. With the castle under control, the Storm was ended.
Before I had even been officially named Hand or left for the capital, this cycle of tyranny reached its peak when Haegon sent word to the Lady of the Stormlands demanding she surrender her only child to the crown. She refused and called in her banners, sent ravens throughout the realm, declaring war on “The Targaryen Tyrant” and intent to march on the capital.
As the word went out, I pulled in my personal garrison in Harrenhal and headed to intercept, leaving word to rally my vassals and divide the levies in to offense and defense. Offense followed after me and Defense held choke points on the rivers and coast.
Not long after I departed Harrenhal, a rider arrived with word from the Westerlands, Dorne, and Reach.
We will no longer hold to a Tyrant, from this day to the end of days, we rule ourselves.
I noted there was no word from the Vale and North, hopefully meaning they would remain neutral in the war. So I sent the rider back with orders to place my distant cousin in the Trident in command of Defense force and hold the southern passes.
After a hard march, with little rest, my force made it to the outskirts of the capital, but the Stormlanders had not yet arrived, the King had word called from the walls that the Storm army was sailing up the Blackwater, so I broke off a small force, leaving most of my guard to aid the walls, fell back, and joined up with Offense and made way down the Kingsroad south and to siege Storm’s End.
My forces choked off the approach and set up camp, scouts arrived that the Storm army had made landfall and turned south to relieve the castle. I detached a force to maintain the siege and marched north, engaging the Storm Army on the outskirts of the castle’s domain. I took command of the right, heading the cavalry leaving my infantry to my marshal as they absorbed the charge from the Storm.
My cavalry crashed into the enemy’s and I began to hew and cleave the enemy riders as we pushed into the enemy’s front ranks. We slowly cutdown the enemy cavalry and as we began to encircle them, they broke and fled from the field. The cavalry off the field, allowed me to bring my horses into the rear flank of the Storm army. But they refused to break or surrender, forcing me to slaughter a great many of them, as we did, the Lady was surrounded and bound, what force of her’s remained finally surrendered.
With the Lady in tow, I rejoined the siege forces and brought her to the gates forcing her to release the castle, which she did, and I had her forces on the walls replaced with my own. With the castle under control, the Storm was ended.
I returned to the Capital, where the King still refused to allow my army into the city, having his guard shout to me from the walls, “Aye milord, the King is still indisposed, me orders are to refuse entrance to any forces.”
It was so frustrating, how am I expected to fight his war and coordinate our forces like this? *The handwriting grows chaotic nearly illegible here. Alexander names the King a fool, predicts the realm collapsing and return of the Old Kingdoms.*
He even dared to veil a demand that I should I turn over the Lady for his “justice”, I’ve had enough of begging at the gate and so move on to deal with Dorne.
War Diary of Michael Collins, Lord of the Forks
Independence Wars Entry 1
My cousin Alex placed me in charge of Defense, so I took command and pulled the keys at The Crag and Goldentooth, locking down the Northern passes.
Entry 2
Not long ago, I got a raven telling me that the Stormlands are under control and he moves towards Dorne. It also, finally, gives me carte blanche to deal with the West, so I might as well end the Rebellion.
Entry 3
We broke through the Tooth today, broke the left of the Westerners and pushed them east then scattered them, giving us a clear road to The Rock. I guess we’ll soon see if Lann lives up to the tale and protects that old Hill.
Entry 4
As I settled my forces into the siege, all I could think was “Seven Hells, that’s big.” I don’t know how I’m going to take it, but I must. I sent a raven to Seagard with orders to move the fleet and blockade Lannisport. With any luck we can starve them out, that is unless they can EAT gold too.
Entry 5
My foraging parties have been returning earlier and earlier, reporting raids by the Westerner forces, my scouts as well have said the Westerners are regrouping and moving in from the Northeast. I can’t maintain the siege with threat of a rear attack looming.
Entry 6
We engaged the enemy in the fields west of Moreland castle, we slowly edged them out until they were reinforced by Reach forces from the south slamming into our flank. The combined efforts forced us from the field and backed us towards The Rock. As day faded, we were forced into 3 fronts by a sally from the forces defending the Rock.
Entry 7
We fought the enemy furiously, dodging incoming crossbow bolts and arrows as they poured waves of infantry upon us. But despite our valor, before the Sun rose to midday, a quarter of our force was dead or disabled.
War Diary of Gaius Collins
I thrashed the forces holding the Crag and ordered my men on to Casterly, where we saw my father charge the enemy line. I pushed into the enemy to try and relieve his forces but it was too late. I saved a quarter of the army and even captured the Lannister and Reach heirs, but my men brought the body of my father. He was bloody, his arm missing, and chest and stomach filled with stab wounds. I yearned to scream at the Gods for this but I must fulfill my duties. I’ve dispatched ravens to the the Rivers and Crown informing of my victory, the pacification of the Westerlands, and father's death.
It was so frustrating, how am I expected to fight his war and coordinate our forces like this? *The handwriting grows chaotic nearly illegible here. Alexander names the King a fool, predicts the realm collapsing and return of the Old Kingdoms.*
He even dared to veil a demand that I should I turn over the Lady for his “justice”, I’ve had enough of begging at the gate and so move on to deal with Dorne.
War Diary of Michael Collins, Lord of the Forks
Independence Wars Entry 1
My cousin Alex placed me in charge of Defense, so I took command and pulled the keys at The Crag and Goldentooth, locking down the Northern passes.
Entry 2
Not long ago, I got a raven telling me that the Stormlands are under control and he moves towards Dorne. It also, finally, gives me carte blanche to deal with the West, so I might as well end the Rebellion.
Entry 3
We broke through the Tooth today, broke the left of the Westerners and pushed them east then scattered them, giving us a clear road to The Rock. I guess we’ll soon see if Lann lives up to the tale and protects that old Hill.
Entry 4
As I settled my forces into the siege, all I could think was “Seven Hells, that’s big.” I don’t know how I’m going to take it, but I must. I sent a raven to Seagard with orders to move the fleet and blockade Lannisport. With any luck we can starve them out, that is unless they can EAT gold too.
Entry 5
My foraging parties have been returning earlier and earlier, reporting raids by the Westerner forces, my scouts as well have said the Westerners are regrouping and moving in from the Northeast. I can’t maintain the siege with threat of a rear attack looming.
Entry 6
We engaged the enemy in the fields west of Moreland castle, we slowly edged them out until they were reinforced by Reach forces from the south slamming into our flank. The combined efforts forced us from the field and backed us towards The Rock. As day faded, we were forced into 3 fronts by a sally from the forces defending the Rock.
Entry 7
We fought the enemy furiously, dodging incoming crossbow bolts and arrows as they poured waves of infantry upon us. But despite our valor, before the Sun rose to midday, a quarter of our force was dead or disabled.
War Diary of Gaius Collins
I thrashed the forces holding the Crag and ordered my men on to Casterly, where we saw my father charge the enemy line. I pushed into the enemy to try and relieve his forces but it was too late. I saved a quarter of the army and even captured the Lannister and Reach heirs, but my men brought the body of my father. He was bloody, his arm missing, and chest and stomach filled with stab wounds. I yearned to scream at the Gods for this but I must fulfill my duties. I’ve dispatched ravens to the the Rivers and Crown informing of my victory, the pacification of the Westerlands, and father's death.
As Offense passed the Kingswood, on our way to meet the Crown forces at Prince’s Pass who were being lead by the King’s Heir apparent, a messenger raced his horse along the lines and met me, “My Lord,” he paused to catch his breath, “Reachmen forces are moving north into the Westerlands as well as towards the Capital. at the same time, Lord Michael has broken lines in Goldentooth and pushed on to Casterly Rock.”
I exploded on the letter carrier about my great uncle “The fool!” I shouted at the carrier, grasping his tunic and squeezing the breath out of him, “He has no rearguard nor reinforcement, they’ll surround him!”
“Sir!” one of my officers shouted at me, forcing me to release the messenger. I readied my forces and marched to the Stonebridge, sending the messenger south to the Crown forces about my southward delay.
On the outskirts of the bridge, I divided my forces and sent half across the river. Surrounded, an assault on the third day saw the passing conquered, the lord and family imprisoned, and the river secured, giving me a southern base to work from. When the Reachmen arrived, they saw my flags on the forts and retreated shortly afterward.
Though the capital was safe, my uncle was not, a raven arrived declaring his passing, my uncle’s assumption of the Forks, and the capture of the heirs Westerland and Reach. The West more or less pacified allowed me to turn my attention again south to reinforce the Heir.
As Offense reached the Pass, we came across the shattered levies of Prince Haemon. As they mingled with Offense, rumors reached me that the Dornish had managed to capture Haemon in battle and held him in the Vulture’s Roost. Without delay I wheeled my army east and marched hard for the Marches.
I smashed the garrison holding the pass and broke off a quarter of Offense to hold the rear while the rest of the army moved to surround the castle. With the mountains laid castle hemmed off, we settled in for a siege where each day for weeks the defenders would bring the captive Prince out to the walls, his face still caked with the dry blood of his battle wounds, and force him to demand the surrender of my force. The first time they did so, I rode to the front and denounced them, shouting “You traitorous filth! Release the prince immediately and lay down your weapons, or when I take the castle you and your lord will all hang from those walls, food made ready for your vultures.” Then every day after I rode up in much the same manner, foregoing the offer and spoke only the threat.
The siege has been ongoing for more than a month now, and finally the Dornish army broached the fields of Yronwood, ready for battle. I’m leaving a token force to maintain the siege while I move to engage.
I met the Dornish in the valley on the edges of the Roost and crashed my infantry into their front. Fighting was fierce throughout the day and I was slowly pressed back into the valley. Thankfully my separated rearguard received word of the battle and arrived in the late day, just in time to for a charge into the Dornish rear. The battle won, the rearguard rode the routers while I pushed into the Roost.
I captured the walls and guards and found Haemon in the dungeons. A bit worse for wear the Maester said he’d survive his injuries, so I turned my attention to the captives. The dungeon keeper, guards, garrison, and lord were all taken to the walls and as I escorted the Prince through the gates, the valley filled with the crack of a thousand or more ropes.
I exploded on the letter carrier about my great uncle “The fool!” I shouted at the carrier, grasping his tunic and squeezing the breath out of him, “He has no rearguard nor reinforcement, they’ll surround him!”
“Sir!” one of my officers shouted at me, forcing me to release the messenger. I readied my forces and marched to the Stonebridge, sending the messenger south to the Crown forces about my southward delay.
On the outskirts of the bridge, I divided my forces and sent half across the river. Surrounded, an assault on the third day saw the passing conquered, the lord and family imprisoned, and the river secured, giving me a southern base to work from. When the Reachmen arrived, they saw my flags on the forts and retreated shortly afterward.
Though the capital was safe, my uncle was not, a raven arrived declaring his passing, my uncle’s assumption of the Forks, and the capture of the heirs Westerland and Reach. The West more or less pacified allowed me to turn my attention again south to reinforce the Heir.
As Offense reached the Pass, we came across the shattered levies of Prince Haemon. As they mingled with Offense, rumors reached me that the Dornish had managed to capture Haemon in battle and held him in the Vulture’s Roost. Without delay I wheeled my army east and marched hard for the Marches.
I smashed the garrison holding the pass and broke off a quarter of Offense to hold the rear while the rest of the army moved to surround the castle. With the mountains laid castle hemmed off, we settled in for a siege where each day for weeks the defenders would bring the captive Prince out to the walls, his face still caked with the dry blood of his battle wounds, and force him to demand the surrender of my force. The first time they did so, I rode to the front and denounced them, shouting “You traitorous filth! Release the prince immediately and lay down your weapons, or when I take the castle you and your lord will all hang from those walls, food made ready for your vultures.” Then every day after I rode up in much the same manner, foregoing the offer and spoke only the threat.
The siege has been ongoing for more than a month now, and finally the Dornish army broached the fields of Yronwood, ready for battle. I’m leaving a token force to maintain the siege while I move to engage.
I met the Dornish in the valley on the edges of the Roost and crashed my infantry into their front. Fighting was fierce throughout the day and I was slowly pressed back into the valley. Thankfully my separated rearguard received word of the battle and arrived in the late day, just in time to for a charge into the Dornish rear. The battle won, the rearguard rode the routers while I pushed into the Roost.
I captured the walls and guards and found Haemon in the dungeons. A bit worse for wear the Maester said he’d survive his injuries, so I turned my attention to the captives. The dungeon keeper, guards, garrison, and lord were all taken to the walls and as I escorted the Prince through the gates, the valley filled with the crack of a thousand or more ropes.
Though the fires were snuffed, the embers of rebellion still smoldered. Still the Realm has a semblance of peace as battles no longer rage across her lands, so I disbanded the majority of my forces and started back for the Rivers alongside the Prince. But as we travelled along the Kingsroad, we came across group after group of smallfolk heading south. As they intermingled with my travel guard, rumors reached me that King’s Landing has become a place permeated with sickness. Slowly starving, and with death claiming the streets, they decided to flee with whatever they carry.
We reached King’s Landing the next day, the walls were barely manned, the few soldiers on the walls looked as if they were about to fall over and a stench of rot filled the air. My calls to open the gate went unanswered, after a long wait I grew frustrated and the Prince suggested we abandon the Capital and continue on to the Rivers, which we did. The prince and I parted ways on the outskirts of Harrenhal, he went to Maidenpool for a ship to Dragonstone and I returned to Harroway’s Town.
My aunt and uncle died today, seems this Plague has dug itself into the Rivers.
*An ink mark mars the page*
Damn this cough, wakes me up time and again, robbing me of sleep. The maester left, told me that I have this sickness and I must to bed.
*From here on, the handwriting grows poor. Additionally many words are misspelled or missing, so corrections were added after.*
The Realm now knows death more intimately than ever before, not a soul in the Kingdoms has gone unaffected by this accursed sickness, not even the Dragons. Today ravens arrived from the Capital, The King caught the sickness and passed away, while the Prince refuses to leave his Island to claim the Throne. Here in the Riverlands, many of my kin have succumbed, it seems half of House Collins did not greet the day with all the missives I’ve received from the Forks and Wickenden. The Plague hits more still of the small folk, so many bodies are sent into the waters of the Rivers that they run black with rot each day. We have grown so desperate that many have turned to digging wells rather than drinking from the waters that used to sustain us.
Today word arrived from the Wall, those Gods damned wildlings have united and now attack it, My face burns while my body freezes, I’m certain I’ll soon succumb to the sickness so can not venture with the army. I instead sent my Sons at the head of our meager host to kick those fucks back into the frozen shithole. I know they’ll do the house well, and pray that the rumors of the the Far North being free of the Sickness are true and will save them this fate.
We reached King’s Landing the next day, the walls were barely manned, the few soldiers on the walls looked as if they were about to fall over and a stench of rot filled the air. My calls to open the gate went unanswered, after a long wait I grew frustrated and the Prince suggested we abandon the Capital and continue on to the Rivers, which we did. The prince and I parted ways on the outskirts of Harrenhal, he went to Maidenpool for a ship to Dragonstone and I returned to Harroway’s Town.
My aunt and uncle died today, seems this Plague has dug itself into the Rivers.
*An ink mark mars the page*
Damn this cough, wakes me up time and again, robbing me of sleep. The maester left, told me that I have this sickness and I must to bed.
*From here on, the handwriting grows poor. Additionally many words are misspelled or missing, so corrections were added after.*
The Realm now knows death more intimately than ever before, not a soul in the Kingdoms has gone unaffected by this accursed sickness, not even the Dragons. Today ravens arrived from the Capital, The King caught the sickness and passed away, while the Prince refuses to leave his Island to claim the Throne. Here in the Riverlands, many of my kin have succumbed, it seems half of House Collins did not greet the day with all the missives I’ve received from the Forks and Wickenden. The Plague hits more still of the small folk, so many bodies are sent into the waters of the Rivers that they run black with rot each day. We have grown so desperate that many have turned to digging wells rather than drinking from the waters that used to sustain us.
Today word arrived from the Wall, those Gods damned wildlings have united and now attack it, My face burns while my body freezes, I’m certain I’ll soon succumb to the sickness so can not venture with the army. I instead sent my Sons at the head of our meager host to kick those fucks back into the frozen shithole. I know they’ll do the house well, and pray that the rumors of the the Far North being free of the Sickness are true and will save them this fate.
Reavers, Rapers, and Renegades Run Roughshod
My forces arrived at this damn wall some three months ago and we’ve still to see a damned wildling. Oh the Lord Commander swears up and down that they’re going to attack, yet, time and again, rangers head out beyond the wall and report nothing, no sign of this cursed Queen’s army.
Message arrived today from the Neck,
*A Missive is attached to the page*
“This great Plague has burned through the Rivers, the Reach, and the Crowns, the Gods of the Wood scarcely protect one in two of a given household. Not even the Lords are spare the horrors, as Alexander, the Great Lord of the Trident succumbed this week to the illness.”
It seems I’m now the new Lord of the Trident, but am stuck a thousand leagues from my lands at this frozen outpost, to watch as my men slowly freeze to death, out of fear of some Bragard Bitch and her army. *Signs the quill was lifted* But atleast She is a fair opponent, I can only imagine the hellscape that now is the South because of that cruel illness, and thus offer the Gods some thanks that my duties bring me safely away.
We finally caught sight of this Wildling Army, a large patrol appeared at the forest line and my brother lead our light cavalry to quickly smash their force. He even managed to take a few prisoner, who were put to the fire by the Lord Commander and disclosed the whereabouts of the main force. The Lord Commander now wants to march out to meet them, I’m sure my men are as glad as I am that we are finally moving to engage.
*The writing is shaky here*I thought freezing at the Wall was bad, I had no idea there were places this cold. A Black Brother rode into camp today with a message from the Citadel, the Grand Maesters declare the plague is, at long last, dying out. Now I just need to put an end to this upstart Queen Beyond the Wall and I can return home.
We’ve scoured this wasteland for more than 2 weeks and still no sign of the Wildlings, and now another Black Cloak arrived with reports that the Reavers have left their isles and tore into the Western lands. They’ve made it as far as the Greenfork and are even sieging Casterly Rock.
*The dried remains of a bloody thumb print mark the right side of the page*
I’ve heard stories of the cowardice of the Wildlings, I’ve learned different today. Those bastards fought furiously, and they were smart too, nearly lost my brother when his cavalry charged their flank and ran into an endless chasm. But we won the day, our allied archers pincushioned their queen as she and her berserkers charged our frontline for the third time. Without her, the Wildlings broke. Sporadic rumors from the clans say that her death has fractured the lands Beyond the Wall, and the Wall is again safe. I can now return home and set my realm to order.
Message arrived today from the Neck,
*A Missive is attached to the page*
“This great Plague has burned through the Rivers, the Reach, and the Crowns, the Gods of the Wood scarcely protect one in two of a given household. Not even the Lords are spare the horrors, as Alexander, the Great Lord of the Trident succumbed this week to the illness.”
It seems I’m now the new Lord of the Trident, but am stuck a thousand leagues from my lands at this frozen outpost, to watch as my men slowly freeze to death, out of fear of some Bragard Bitch and her army. *Signs the quill was lifted* But atleast She is a fair opponent, I can only imagine the hellscape that now is the South because of that cruel illness, and thus offer the Gods some thanks that my duties bring me safely away.
We finally caught sight of this Wildling Army, a large patrol appeared at the forest line and my brother lead our light cavalry to quickly smash their force. He even managed to take a few prisoner, who were put to the fire by the Lord Commander and disclosed the whereabouts of the main force. The Lord Commander now wants to march out to meet them, I’m sure my men are as glad as I am that we are finally moving to engage.
*The writing is shaky here*I thought freezing at the Wall was bad, I had no idea there were places this cold. A Black Brother rode into camp today with a message from the Citadel, the Grand Maesters declare the plague is, at long last, dying out. Now I just need to put an end to this upstart Queen Beyond the Wall and I can return home.
We’ve scoured this wasteland for more than 2 weeks and still no sign of the Wildlings, and now another Black Cloak arrived with reports that the Reavers have left their isles and tore into the Western lands. They’ve made it as far as the Greenfork and are even sieging Casterly Rock.
*The dried remains of a bloody thumb print mark the right side of the page*
I’ve heard stories of the cowardice of the Wildlings, I’ve learned different today. Those bastards fought furiously, and they were smart too, nearly lost my brother when his cavalry charged their flank and ran into an endless chasm. But we won the day, our allied archers pincushioned their queen as she and her berserkers charged our frontline for the third time. Without her, the Wildlings broke. Sporadic rumors from the clans say that her death has fractured the lands Beyond the Wall, and the Wall is again safe. I can now return home and set my realm to order.
It took more than two months to get below the wall after putting an end to the Queen. As we marched winter hit us hard and many of our number starved and froze. When all was said and done, barely a third of the forces we headed north with made it to the Wall. And when we did, messages from the south did little to boost our morale. The Iron Islanders had raided Seagard, burning the Western fleet, and march on Riverrun and Harroway’s Town. With the depressing reports, I received appointment to my father’s post as Hand of the King and orders to stabilize the Realm.
*There are numerous Ink blots along the beginning of the entry* We were forced to march south, the Northern ports were are all frozen solid so our transports couldn’t dock. Moreover, the country is onto its winter reserves so supplies were increasingly hard to secure. A further third of the army had starved or froze by the time we made it out of the Neck. I fear I’m not up to the task put upon me.
Reinforcements weren’t very forthcoming as we scouted the Riverlands, the scars of and death of the Great Plague were very obvious in the burned out huts and massive, poorly filled in, gravepits, a sickening cloud hung over the land. But I couldn’t dwell on such things, the Vale lord laid claim to the North through his mother and we have received reliable intel on the Iron Reavers. They are marching on Blackwood and so we are moving to cut them off.
It was a hard fight, *some blood drops stain the page* these Iron Islanders really do enjoy their violence. I ended up in personal combat with one of the Reavers and took an axe to the side, if not for my castle-forged chestpiece, it would have ended there. But I took hold of the handle and drove my sword through his chest. The battle continued savagely for the rest of the day before we finally broke them. One threat down, now I turn my attention to aiding the Westerlands.
*The words in this section are darker and several of the letters have torn through the paper* This responsibility weighs heavily on me, even as I win battle after battle. It has begun to feel as if there will be no end, that the Realm is doomed to chaos. We arrived at the Golden Tooth and caught the Westerland rebels besieging the castle by surprise, a charge by our newly reinforced Heavy Cavalry saw their lines break then their entire formation collapse. I dispatched my brother with our Light Horse to run them down as I moved the rest of our force to meet up with the meager and worn-down Western forces.
The Reachmen engaged us today, pressing hard on our lines as we tried to stave off a collapse. By the Gift of the Gods, we managed to hold on ‘til the night fell and battle could no longer continue.
The battle again swayed heavily to the Reach’s favor and our forces began to slip away from the engagement. I began to fear that all was lost when my Brother arrived with a replenished levy of Light Cavalry and crashed into the Reachmen flank turning our collapse and sending our morale skyrocketing. A bloody struggle gave us the field and obliterated the Reach threat.
*There are numerous Ink blots along the beginning of the entry* We were forced to march south, the Northern ports were are all frozen solid so our transports couldn’t dock. Moreover, the country is onto its winter reserves so supplies were increasingly hard to secure. A further third of the army had starved or froze by the time we made it out of the Neck. I fear I’m not up to the task put upon me.
Reinforcements weren’t very forthcoming as we scouted the Riverlands, the scars of and death of the Great Plague were very obvious in the burned out huts and massive, poorly filled in, gravepits, a sickening cloud hung over the land. But I couldn’t dwell on such things, the Vale lord laid claim to the North through his mother and we have received reliable intel on the Iron Reavers. They are marching on Blackwood and so we are moving to cut them off.
It was a hard fight, *some blood drops stain the page* these Iron Islanders really do enjoy their violence. I ended up in personal combat with one of the Reavers and took an axe to the side, if not for my castle-forged chestpiece, it would have ended there. But I took hold of the handle and drove my sword through his chest. The battle continued savagely for the rest of the day before we finally broke them. One threat down, now I turn my attention to aiding the Westerlands.
*The words in this section are darker and several of the letters have torn through the paper* This responsibility weighs heavily on me, even as I win battle after battle. It has begun to feel as if there will be no end, that the Realm is doomed to chaos. We arrived at the Golden Tooth and caught the Westerland rebels besieging the castle by surprise, a charge by our newly reinforced Heavy Cavalry saw their lines break then their entire formation collapse. I dispatched my brother with our Light Horse to run them down as I moved the rest of our force to meet up with the meager and worn-down Western forces.
The Reachmen engaged us today, pressing hard on our lines as we tried to stave off a collapse. By the Gift of the Gods, we managed to hold on ‘til the night fell and battle could no longer continue.
The battle again swayed heavily to the Reach’s favor and our forces began to slip away from the engagement. I began to fear that all was lost when my Brother arrived with a replenished levy of Light Cavalry and crashed into the Reachmen flank turning our collapse and sending our morale skyrocketing. A bloody struggle gave us the field and obliterated the Reach threat.
We’ve pushed the Reachmen south, past Lannisport, along the Searoad, and well into the Reachlands. As they returned through their homeland, they slowly picked up straggling troops and supplies. The Reachmen forces had recovered enough to offer battle by the time we chased them to the outskirts Highgarden. Scouts report that the remainder of the Iron Islanders are moving to join with the Reach forces, so it seems the fate of the West will be decided tomorrow.
*The writing is again shaky*We moved on their lines three times, but were pushed back each time by their counter charge. Thankfully, by dusk the Reavers had enough of the Reachmen and split off from the main force, with this, my Brother was able to wedge his cavalry between the two forces and allow the rest of us to envelope them. Not a man was unbloodied by nightfall but the Iron Islanders were dead to a man and the Reach forces fled into their castle.
Winter’s hit the South hard, we can scarcely keep enough supplies for the army, the horses were a luxury and so I ordered them butchered. Even water has grown lacking, the foragers report that the River has begun to freeze over and it’s taking longer to hew through the ice. Why won’t these Reachman surrender and end this damned war?
Finally. They finally opened the gates, seems the Reach Lord died and his heir didn’t have the stubbornness to carry on. As soon as the gates were clear though, the Westerman rushed inside and desolated the city. Men were put on spikes while women, young and old, were violated and burned alive, and children were fed to beast. On the second night of the occupation, a great fire erupted. It took us many days to bring their rageful slaughter and the flames under control. Even then, punishments were lacking amongst the Westerman, I get the feeling that, that Lannister didn’t seem to mind the rampage.
A raven arrived from the Capital today, the North stopped Vale forces in the Neck, ending their war. There was also a personal message, the King asks me to a feast to celebrate my victory and returning the Realm to peace. The Westerland forces are finally leaving the city, so that Lannister, the Tyrell captive, and I will all head for the capital as soon as we can.
*The writing is chaotic and poorly formed*We arrived to a subdued greeting, a handful of guards met us at the gate then escorted us to the Red Keep. There our guards were dismissed by the Kingsguard, for the King’s protection they said. We entered the keep and the King greeted me, a sly smile formed on his face as he scanned my party.
“You did quite well” He said turning his back to us, “Too bad you weren’t smart enough.”
“My King?” I said but he didn’t acknowledge me. Instead he motioned to his Guard, who sprung on me and Lord Lannister. They quickly had us at swordpoint on bent knee before the King. He went on a tirade about how I planned to usurp his Throne for his sister, and that I concocted this Rebellion to gather support amongst the Lords. I pled with him, swore faith with him and the Throne, but he refused me. Now, after my service to the realm, I’m rewarded with one of the dark cells beneath the Keep. I can only pray my wife and children remain safe from his hands.
The watchman came again today, I heard a jiggling of keys, shouting, and a short scuffle. I couldn’t hear it clearly, but it’s of little matter, it was either the Lannister or the Tyrell and both will be gone soon, leaving only me.
*The writing is again shaky*We moved on their lines three times, but were pushed back each time by their counter charge. Thankfully, by dusk the Reavers had enough of the Reachmen and split off from the main force, with this, my Brother was able to wedge his cavalry between the two forces and allow the rest of us to envelope them. Not a man was unbloodied by nightfall but the Iron Islanders were dead to a man and the Reach forces fled into their castle.
Winter’s hit the South hard, we can scarcely keep enough supplies for the army, the horses were a luxury and so I ordered them butchered. Even water has grown lacking, the foragers report that the River has begun to freeze over and it’s taking longer to hew through the ice. Why won’t these Reachman surrender and end this damned war?
Finally. They finally opened the gates, seems the Reach Lord died and his heir didn’t have the stubbornness to carry on. As soon as the gates were clear though, the Westerman rushed inside and desolated the city. Men were put on spikes while women, young and old, were violated and burned alive, and children were fed to beast. On the second night of the occupation, a great fire erupted. It took us many days to bring their rageful slaughter and the flames under control. Even then, punishments were lacking amongst the Westerman, I get the feeling that, that Lannister didn’t seem to mind the rampage.
A raven arrived from the Capital today, the North stopped Vale forces in the Neck, ending their war. There was also a personal message, the King asks me to a feast to celebrate my victory and returning the Realm to peace. The Westerland forces are finally leaving the city, so that Lannister, the Tyrell captive, and I will all head for the capital as soon as we can.
*The writing is chaotic and poorly formed*We arrived to a subdued greeting, a handful of guards met us at the gate then escorted us to the Red Keep. There our guards were dismissed by the Kingsguard, for the King’s protection they said. We entered the keep and the King greeted me, a sly smile formed on his face as he scanned my party.
“You did quite well” He said turning his back to us, “Too bad you weren’t smart enough.”
“My King?” I said but he didn’t acknowledge me. Instead he motioned to his Guard, who sprung on me and Lord Lannister. They quickly had us at swordpoint on bent knee before the King. He went on a tirade about how I planned to usurp his Throne for his sister, and that I concocted this Rebellion to gather support amongst the Lords. I pled with him, swore faith with him and the Throne, but he refused me. Now, after my service to the realm, I’m rewarded with one of the dark cells beneath the Keep. I can only pray my wife and children remain safe from his hands.
The watchman came again today, I heard a jiggling of keys, shouting, and a short scuffle. I couldn’t hear it clearly, but it’s of little matter, it was either the Lannister or the Tyrell and both will be gone soon, leaving only me.
Rebels rise once again
As I played on the bridge of the Crossing, my father’s steward came with word that father’s men returned today without him. They report that father had taken the Tyrell lord of the Reach captive, and that they and the Westerlands lord all departed for the capital with a handful of guards. I’m concerned that there hasn’t been a raven from the capital.
My concerns were validated today as forces from the capital arrived and threatened the Freys with death and destruction if I wasn’t turned over. Thankfully, Lord Frey refused them, “You can’t afford the Toll” he said, I found it quite humorous. However, it has raised new fears in me, thoughts of my mother and siblings in Harroway’s Town fill my mind. I must get back home, if I’m right, my father may already be dead and the rest of our house is next on the list.
It took a betrothal promise, but Lord Frey finally agreed to return me home with an escort. At midnight, my guard and I slipped from the Crossing in black boats and floated down river. We reached the outskirts of Harroway at midday to the sight of the Capital forces holding my home in siege. Worse than that, the Targaryen commander was a rider and threatened to release Dragonfire if they didn’t surrender. I’m deeply afraid because I’m not sure what to do.
I had no choice but to abandon my family and retreat to Harrenhal to gather my forces, I pray to the Old Gods that history does not repeat itself. I believe I have a plan to settle this siege so I called the maester. I had him draft messages to the capital all the Realm lords stating,
“The King has broken faith with the Realm by imprisoning my father, his faithful Hand. What’s more the King’s dragons now circle in the skies above my home threatening to consume the Rivers in fire. When we are aflame, I have no doubt he will turn the fires to the West, South, and North. I beg the Lords Paramount to rise with the Rivers and protect the Realm, to protect our homes from this Tyrant and his fires.”
My ploy to demonize the use of dragons seems to have worked, the Dragon has been grounded for the last eight days. With this good fortune, a rider from the new Westerland lord arrived with a secret missive;
Lord Elmar of House Collins, Lord of the Rivers. As you may know, My brave father was with yours when this heinous King wrongfully imprisoned them. And now I’m filled with rage as I hear rumors that they have been executed and their heads spiked on the King’s Gate. We can not allow this betrayal to go unanswered. With that in mind, and in memory of the River blood that spilled on our behalf in recent memory, we of the West will stand with the Rivers in their struggle.
Lord Lannister of the West
If I can just gather enough forces to relieve this siege and take command of my father’s veterans inside, I’m sure we can avenge my father and put an end to this war.
My concerns were validated today as forces from the capital arrived and threatened the Freys with death and destruction if I wasn’t turned over. Thankfully, Lord Frey refused them, “You can’t afford the Toll” he said, I found it quite humorous. However, it has raised new fears in me, thoughts of my mother and siblings in Harroway’s Town fill my mind. I must get back home, if I’m right, my father may already be dead and the rest of our house is next on the list.
It took a betrothal promise, but Lord Frey finally agreed to return me home with an escort. At midnight, my guard and I slipped from the Crossing in black boats and floated down river. We reached the outskirts of Harroway at midday to the sight of the Capital forces holding my home in siege. Worse than that, the Targaryen commander was a rider and threatened to release Dragonfire if they didn’t surrender. I’m deeply afraid because I’m not sure what to do.
I had no choice but to abandon my family and retreat to Harrenhal to gather my forces, I pray to the Old Gods that history does not repeat itself. I believe I have a plan to settle this siege so I called the maester. I had him draft messages to the capital all the Realm lords stating,
“The King has broken faith with the Realm by imprisoning my father, his faithful Hand. What’s more the King’s dragons now circle in the skies above my home threatening to consume the Rivers in fire. When we are aflame, I have no doubt he will turn the fires to the West, South, and North. I beg the Lords Paramount to rise with the Rivers and protect the Realm, to protect our homes from this Tyrant and his fires.”
My ploy to demonize the use of dragons seems to have worked, the Dragon has been grounded for the last eight days. With this good fortune, a rider from the new Westerland lord arrived with a secret missive;
Lord Elmar of House Collins, Lord of the Rivers. As you may know, My brave father was with yours when this heinous King wrongfully imprisoned them. And now I’m filled with rage as I hear rumors that they have been executed and their heads spiked on the King’s Gate. We can not allow this betrayal to go unanswered. With that in mind, and in memory of the River blood that spilled on our behalf in recent memory, we of the West will stand with the Rivers in their struggle.
Lord Lannister of the West
If I can just gather enough forces to relieve this siege and take command of my father’s veterans inside, I’m sure we can avenge my father and put an end to this war.