The Crowning of the Iron King (1000 AI)

[Lucius Malfoy]

Due to the cunning and careful planning of Lucimore Greyiron, the Driftwood Crown was won in a quick battle. Patience had always been a virtue of Lucimore and that gave way to his ability to analysis and plan in detail. Thus upon this day, the Driftwood Crown would rest upon this day. Today, he would succeed his tyrant uncle and ensure he became nothing but a footnote in history. Patience had ensured his rise, his revenge and now his crowning. This was his chance to redeem his house's name and revive the might and reputation of the Ironborn after so many years of unsuccessful raids due to his uncle's incompetence.

Once more, the lords would be gathered, but this time, at Orkmont, where the Seastone Chair rested, empty and waiting. Waiting for the rightful heir to take his place.

Upon his return to Orkmont, Lucimore would immediately prepare himself for his ascension. And by noon the following day, all was prepared. All was ready for his crowning. Lucimore sat quietly upon the Seastone Chair as the Drowned Priest brought forth the Driftwood Crown. All lords and allies were present at the rather dull and quiet ceremony. Ironborn never enjoyed the pomp of ceremonies that greenlanders enjoyed showing off. They were always direct when a King was crowned and did not enjoy lavish in their ceremonies.

Lucimore sat quietly, watching as the Crown was brought to him. Today, he would become Lucimore Greyiron, the First of His Name, the Iron King of the Iron Islands.

(This takes place the day after the battle.)

[Poach]

Horas Blackswain, his brother Ramsay, and a smattering of senior Captains from the Black Fleet made up the sole non-Ironborn delegation at the event. Having fought alongside Lucimore, and then Harlaw, at the battle that shattered the Greyjoy fleet and claim. They watched in silence as the Drowned Priest moved forwards with the crown: a simple construction compared to some of the crowns worn by 'Kings' with scarcely more land than a landed knight, it symbolised the spartan and utilitarian nature of the Ironborn as a whole.

[Jokern]

Lord Harmund Greyjoy stood in silence, as pale as a ghost. He wore simple black boiled leather jerkin, breeches and boots under a iron cuirass with the Greyjoy kraken on it, together with a long wool cloak, black and grey with a golden kraken spreading its arms everywhere. His twin swords with the kraken pommels hung in his belt while he steadied himself with a cane, putting more weight on his healthy right leg. The wound had begun to heal properly and had stopped bleeding, but the maesters warned him to not overwork himself so soon. Harmund didn't listen; he was still the Grey Kraken, a single wound couldn't stop him being at the crowning of his next king. A king that he held in contempt and woke a fire of hate inside him. The Driftwood Crown was his and no one would convince him otherwise. For now though, it was better to serve than to rise in a fruitless rebellion. He suddenly lost his strength for a moment and had to be held up by Rodrik and Qarl to not fall and lose consciousness.

He was with his family and vassals, or what remained of them at least. Lord Botley had been slain, whose young son stood in his stead, along with the four sons of Lord Saltcliffe and the nephew of Lord Farwynd, perished in battle. All of the Greyjoys were still alive; Rodrik, his eldest brother and companion in arms, Dagmer in his seaweed and shells and Qarl, his son and heir.

[Axis Sunsoar]

Dagmer Harlaw stood near the Blackswains with his family gathered around him. He awaited the crowning of the new king eagerly, as there was much to be said for having a member of his family become Lord Admiral. He looked toward the back of the room and spied Harmund Greyjoy. The great reaver appeared more ghost than man, all of the blood drained from his face, relying on his family to support him on his injured leg. A ghost of regret passed through Dagmer's mind, before he quashed it, as he had flung aside such thoughts for the greater part of his life. Still... there was no sense in making a permanent enemy of Greyjoy.

Accidents happen, and beloved or not, kings seem more prone to them than most. It will be no good if he becomes the next king, or a member of family, and he still bears me a grudge.


Dagmer touched Quellon on the shoulder. "Engage the Blackswains in some conversation, I am going to speak with Greyjoy."


Quellon turned to Horas Blackswain. "A grand battle, was it not?" The young Harlaw heir grinned. "But even in the grandest of battles, many good men are lost. What say you, Blackswain, how did you find the fighting?"

Even as he spoke, Dagmer moved alongside Harmund. "A fine fight you put up Greyjoy, for the odds being what they were."

[Jokern]

The Grejoys and their vassals all bowed for the new Iron King, the pain in his leg only reminding Harmund of the bitter defeat and treachery that had been committed. He would remember this day well, long after he drank mead with his forefathers in the Drowned God's Halls. His bitter anger would live on from generation to generation until the Driftwood Crown sat upon the head of a Greyjoy once more.

Dagmer Harlaw stood near the Blackswains with his family gathered around him. He awaited the crowning of the new king eagerly, as there was much to be said for having a member of his family become Lord Admiral. He looked toward the back of the room and spied Harmund Greyjoy. The great reaver appeared more ghost than man, all of the blood drained from his face, relying on his family to support him on his injured leg. A ghost of regret passed through Dagmer's mind, before he quashed it, as he had flung aside such thoughts for the greater part of his life. Still... there was no sense in making a permanent enemy of Greyjoy.

Accidents happen, and beloved or not, kings seem more prone to them than most. It will be no good if he becomes the next king, or a member of family, and he still bears me a grudge.

Even as he spoke, Dagmer moved alongside Harmund. "A fine fight you put up Greyjoy, for the odds being what they were."

Harmund didn't even bother with faking a smile; he was too weak and too angry to fake courtesy. He just looked at Lord Harlaw with blank, black eyes.

"The odds would've been better if you'd joined me instead. Did you know about the Blackswains? Is that why you sided with Greyiron boy, because a couple of greenlander ships scared you? We are ironborn, we eat cravens like that when we break the feast. The least you could've done was to hold your claim, and it would've been a better fight for the crown."

[Lucius Malfoy]

With the proper acknowledgement given, Lucimore then has his vassals rise. He then gestures to both Lord Harlaw and Greyjoy.

Harmund Greyjoy and Dagmer Harlaw, please step forward.

To one, Lucimore would keep his promise and reward him as seen fit. To the other, the Iron King sought to satisfy and keep quiet. He gestures to both.

Both of you are models of true Ironborn and are known to have been loyal and steadfast vassals to the Iron Kings before. My uncle neglected your contributions to our Kingdom and let your loyalty go unrewarded, but I will not foget. Both of you shall receive proper rewards for your continued contributions and loyalty.

The Greyiron stands up and approaches Lord Greyjoy first.

To Harmund Greyjoy, I appoint you as Lord Reaper of Pyke. With this title, you are acknowledged as a most notable and proven reaver upon the seas. May your title and name inspire the generations to come to hone their skills to be as legendary as yours. May your presence be awe-inspiring to our raiders and ships while a terrifying presence to our foes! Your heirs and descendants will continue to bear this title for generations and generations until the end of time itself. Your office will add a fleet of five Ironborn Warships, 10 Dromond and 10 Levy ships to your forces.

Lord Reaper of Pyke: Receive the province of Pyke and receive command of a standing fleet of 5 Ironborn Warships, 10 dromons, 10 levy ships

Then Lucimore moves to Lord Harlaw, remembering his promise well.

To Dagmer Harlaw, I appoint you as the Lord Admiral of the Iron Fleet. May you lead our fleets to glory and bring back much plunder to our coffers. May the seas be your ally, may our black sails cover the waters and may all along the coasts fear the sight of our sails once more! With this office, your forces will be bolstered by 5 Ironborn Warships, 10 Dromond and 35 Levy Ships.

Lord Admiral of the Iron Fleet: Receive the province of Volmark and receive command of The Iron Fleet a standing force of 5 Ironborn Warships, 10 dromons, 35 levy ships.

(Just learned that titles no longer grant trait bonuses. And I added your home province to the title, Jokern, cause it wouldn't make sense for the Lord of House Greyjoy not to have the title, but another member of the family due to the 1 province rule.)

[Jokern]

With the proper acknowledgement given, Lucimore then has his vassals rise. He then gestures to both Lord Harlaw and Greyjoy.

Harmund Greyjoy and Dagmer Harlaw, please step forward.

To one, Lucimore would keep his promise and reward him as seen fit. To the other, the Iron King sought to satisfy and keep quiet. He gestures to both.

Both of you are models of true Ironborn and are known to have been loyal and steadfast vassals to the Iron Kings before. My uncle neglected your contributions to our Kingdom and let your loyalty go unrewarded, but I will not foget. Both of you shall receive proper rewards for your continued contributions and loyalty.

The Greyiron stands up and approaches Lord Greyjoy first.

To Harmund Greyjoy, I appoint you as Lord Reaper of Pyke. With this title, you are acknowledged as a most notable and proven reaver upon the seas. May your title and name inspire the generations to come to hone their skills to be as legendary as yours. May your presence be awe-inspiring to our raiders and ships while a terrifying presence to our foes! Your heirs and descendants will continue to bear this title for generations and generations until the end of time itself. Your office will add a fleet of five Ironborn Warships, 10 Dromond and 10 Levy ships to your forces.

Lord Reaper of Pyke: Receive the province of Pyke and receive command of a standing fleet of 5 Ironborn Warships, 10 dromons, 10 levy ships

Lord Harmund straggled forward with his cane and bowed as much as he could without causing too much pain to himself.

"I will give the title of Lord Reaper of Pyke to my brother, Rodrik Greyjoy, instead. He is an excellent commander and reaver, feared along the green land coast."

He stepped back after another quick bow.

"You know damn well I didn't have any true claim Greyjoy. Had I held to my claim, you would be standing here calling me greedy, and unfit to have contended with such as yourself. And no, I had no idea that the Blackswains would fight beside us, but if I had, it would certainly not have changed my mind. Iron blood is better spilt gaining plunder on the greenland than in a squabble between those who should be as brothers."

He grinned lightly back at Harlaw.

"Maybe I would have liked that more than the current outcome. However, what's done is done and we cannot change the past. As you say, ironborn were made to reave and rape and slaughter the green landers. I hope that I can count your House as an ally in that at least."

[Lucius Malfoy]

Lord Harmund straggled forward with his cane and bowed as much as he could without causing too much pain to himself.

"I will give the title of Lord Reaper of Pyke to my brother, Rodrik Harlaw, instead. He is an excellent commander and reaver, feared along the green land coast."

He stepped back after another quick bow.

(Jokern, don't you mean Greyjoy? Not Harlaw? lol)

[Poach]

Horas took a sideways glance at Quellon.

"Bloody." he said sourly.

"He's a man of few words." came a quiet but gruff voice from Quellon's other shoulder. Turning to see, he saw Ramsay Blackswain, Horas' brother and Lord Captain of the Black Fleet. He had a bandage round his head and a bloody streak was visible going from above his right eye down to the ear, which was visible below the bandage and had a slice missing from the sword wound.

[Lucius Malfoy]

The Drowned Priest holding the Driftwood Crown approached the Seastone Chair, causing the murmur among the nobility of the Iron Islands to fade away. Lucimore stood up and knelt before the Priest. Another came forth, spilling salt water upon his head, a sign of being blessed by the Drowned God. To be reborn by the salt water of the Ironborn's home. To be cleansed of who he once was before and become what he was meant to be. The elderly priest who held the crown slowly placed it upon the Greyiron's head.

Rise son of the Iron Islands, rise and take the throne of your forebears.

Lucimore kept his eyes closed as the salt water trickled down his face. He slowly stood up, standing tall and silent. His eyes then opened as they gazed upon the many gathered for his coronation. Among them were family, allies, and enemies. The Driftwood Crown sitting upon his head. After a moment of silence, the elderly priest raised his hands and speaks loudly.

Praise be to the Drowned God who has granted us an Iron King! May he bring fortune and glory to our Kingdom! May he right the wrongs of his predecessor and bring us back to the glorified days of the 'Sea-Scourge' and the Grey King!

Lucimore then slowly sits down upon the Seastone Chair. The elderly Drowned priest then gestures to the Iron King, his voice once more speaking loudly.

All Hail His Grace, Lucimore of the House Greyiron, the First of His Name, King of Salt and Rock, Son of the Sea Wind, Lord Reaper of Orkmont, and Protector of the Iron Islands!

Immediately, the gentry of Old Wyk, Great Wyk and Orkmont knelt, praising the King's name. Victarion, his wife, Rodrik and the Iron Twins did the same, praising Lucimore's name.

(Got the titles from the CK2 AGOT mod. Interesting titles I would say. I feel the title should be King of Salt and Sea, since there is already a King of the Rock in lore.)

[Poach]

The Blackswain delegation knelt and murmured their acknowledgement of Lucimore as the King of the Iron Isles. This ceremony was certainly far less grand and far quieter than many to be found on the mainland. With this unity achieved on the Iron Isles, the coastal lands on the entirety of the west of Westeros would soon tremble: longships had long been a scourge of peasant fishermen and coastal Lord alike, and soon they would return.

Horas thought of home, and wondered if his sons had met with success in the commands he had left them. All going to plan, the ports across the water from the Shield Isles would be under Blackswain control and the powerful Lordship of Goldengrove would have bent the knee. Janos was capable, but rash, while Rodrik was cunning, but no warrior: together, provided Janos hadn't killed Rodrik, they should have met with success.

Importantly now, however, the intentions of the Ironborn would need to be uncovered. It was all but certain that raids would resume, but against whom? Did this Iron King have conquest in mind? Against whom? The north of the Westerlands was fragmented, but the might of Casterly Rock was expanding. The north of the Riverlands had been united under some conquering Lord, and Oldtown's might was also expanding. The Westerlands seemed the easiest place to start, but Ironborn were not men of ease.

[Poach]

[OOC: Bear in mind the 1 province per character rule. Those two Lords couldn't take up the incomes of those second provinces. Also as I understand it your supporters return to being their own High Lords, as the Iron Islands were always united, your allies were supporters rather than direct vassals, right?]

Horas watched in silence as friend and enemy alike were rewarded by the new King. Throwing Greyjoy something to buy loyalty was a smart move, but calculation would be necessary: granting an enemy power is foolhardy, he must be won as a friend.

[Lucius Malfoy]

[OOC: Bear in mind the 1 province per character rule. Those two Lords couldn't take up the incomes of those second provinces. Also as I understand it your supporters return to being their own High Lords, as the Iron Islands were always united, your allies were supporters rather than direct vassals, right?]

Horas watched in silence as friend and enemy alike were rewarded by the new King. Throwing Greyjoy something to buy loyalty was a smart move, but calculation would be necessary: granting an enemy power is foolhardy, he must be won as a friend.

(Yes that is correct. They were supporters, but others were vassals I will have to double check the rules to see which belonged to belonged.
Cause I know Saltcliffe, a supporter of Jokern, is in fact a vassal of Pyke's HL while Lonely Light, another supporter, was its own HL.

Pyke
- Lordsport
- Saltcliffe

Harlaw
- Volmark
- Stonetree

Hammerhorn (Great Wyk)
- Pebbleton
- Sealskin Point

Orkmont (Seastone Isles)
- Old Wyk
- Blacktyde (Reverts from Harlaw back to Greyiron)


Lonely Light (out by itself, House Greyjoy?))

[Axis Sunsoar]

Lord Harlaw bows before his new king. "In my stead, I name Rodrik Harlaw, my brother, as Lord Admiral of the Iron fleet. I am well content with Harlaw itself."

Harmund didn't even bother with faking a smile; he was too weak and too angry to fake courtesy. He just looked at Lord Harlaw with blank, black eyes.

"The odds would've been better if you'd joined me instead. Did you know about the Blackswains? Is that why you sided with Greyiron boy, because a couple of greenlander ships scared you? We are ironborn, we eat cravens like that when we break the feast. The least you could've done was to hold your claim, and it would've been a better fight for the crown."

"You know damn well I didn't have any true claim Greyjoy. Had I held to my claim, you would be standing here calling me greedy, and unfit to have contended with such as yourself. And no, I had no idea that the Blackswains would fight beside us, but if I had, it would certainly not have changed my mind. Iron blood is better spilt gaining plunder on the greenland than in a squabble between those who should be as brothers."

Horas took a sideways glance at Quellon.

"Bloody." he said sourly.

"He's a man of few words." came a quiet but gruff voice from Quellon's other shoulder. Turning to see, he saw Ramsay Blackswain, Horas' brother and Lord Captain of the Black Fleet. He had a bandage round his head and a bloody streak was visible going from above his right eye down to the ear, which was visible below the bandage and had a slice missing from the sword wound.

"A man like my own brother, and my uncle then. My father and I do rattle on a bit, I've been told."

[Poach]

"Aye," chuckled Ramsay, "My brother's rarely a man for conversation. The battle was indeed grand, got myself something new for the ladies."

He tapped the bandage, smiling a mischievous smile as he did so, before watching the new Iron King being confirmed. As they all began to get on their knees for the acknowledgement, he spoke one last sentence.

"You lads've got yourself a new King, then. I hear the Lord of the Crag has so far avoided Casterly Rock's advances. Might be worth a visit, eh?"

[Axis Sunsoar]

"Aye," chuckled Ramsay, "My brother's rarely a man for conversation. The battle was indeed grand, got myself something new for the ladies."

He tapped the bandage, smiling a mischievous smile as he did so, before watching the new Iron King being confirmed. As they all began to get on their knees for the acknowledgement, he spoke one last sentence.

"You lads've got yourself a new King, then. I hear the Lord of the Crag has so far avoided Casterly Rock's advances. Might be worth a visit, eh?"

Quellon's eyes twinkled. The Crag... I wonder if it's true that the lord of the Crag Shites Gold as they say. Might be worth a visit indeed. Perhaps my father won't take offense to my settling there. A golden hall for Quellon the Golden? Wouldn't be too far off the mark in my mind. And if these blackswains can manage their pirating from the greenlands, no reason I shouldn't.

"Aye, it'll be so dreadfully boring now that we're not killing each other. Might be we need a new greenland target after all."

[Poach]

The new king called forth Dagmer Harlaw, and both Quellon and Ramsay watched as he strode forth from near their position. He was rewarded with command of the Iron Fleet.

"The Iron Fleet under a Harlaw," said Ramsay quietly, with a low whistle, "You chose your side well, my Harlaw friend."

Greyjoy was called forward, and confirmed as Lord Reaper of Pyke, a fancy sounding title with unclear functions.

"What say you, Harlaw? Keep your enemies closer? Let's hope Greyjoy forgives and forgets instead of using his increased powers to plot."

[OOC: At this point LM needs to advance what's happening. ]

[Lucius Malfoy]

(Yeah I know, but Jokern hasn't said a thing and I kind of need his response before Lucimore unveils his ambitions and plans for the Ironborn Kingdom.)

Once the titles were dispensed, Lucimore would stand up, causing those present to go quiet. He looks around the room for a moment before speaking.

Our kingdom has come out of a time of uncertainty. My uncle, Urras II, brought misfortune and loss upon our ranks, our dignity and our pride. We have lost face because of this man who killed my father and brought the Ironborn into a period of decline. I stand before you, not only as the one who killed the man who made our Kingdom decay, but to rejuvenate it.

Lucimore pauses for a moment before speaking further.

With the Lord Reaper of Pyke and our Lord Admiral, I know our kingdom will be revived. And with the services of our brothers and the loyalty of our kin, we will conquer! We will make the greenlanders fear our name once more!

He pauses at the forefront of the Seastone Chair. His eyes turn to Lord Harlaw, then to Rodrik Harlaw.

Lord Admiral Rodrik Harlaw, orders will be sent out to the Kingdom to raise a mighty host of soldiers and ships...for today, the Ironborn pass the storm and sail for conquest with favorable winds. Today, our eyes shall look to Eastward, towards new lands, new conquests and the expansion of our realm! Today, the Ironborn will begin an ultimate conquest that will make our name forever feared as it once was under the Grey King and under my grandfather, the Sea Scourge!

[Lucius Malfoy]

With what was needed to be done completed, the coronation was presumed over and the lords began to disperse

(If characters wish to speak with the King, do so now, visit my home thread or wait for a raven.)

[Axis Sunsoar]

Quellon Harlaw approaches the king, with ambition clear in his eyes. "My King, I would request your permission to lead a reaving upon the Crag in the Westerlands."

He grinned lightly back at Harlaw.

"Maybe I would have liked that more than the current outcome. However, what's done is done and we cannot change the past. As you say, ironborn were made to reave and rape and slaughter the green landers. I hope that I can count your House as an ally in that at least."

"From this day forth, our houses stand as friends to my mind. And if our good king is to be believed, there are plenty of good shores that we will be reaving soon."


A grin split his beard, the thought of reaving made him excited.