The Power of the Stormlands

**Jokern** · June 07, 2015, 07:16 AM

A vast camp had been erected outside the walls of Storm's end, a sea of colorful tents visible as far as the eye could see. All the lords of the Stormlands, both high and low, had answered Lord Baratheon's call to arms. The men were merry at the moment, with chatter, laughter, games and drunken bouts being a common sight around the camp. The Stormlanders were a hardened and tough folk, another grand campaign was not out of the ordinary. Especially the men of the Marches were bragging about the amount of Dornish heads they had taken.

Lord Michael Baratheon called for all the lords to gather in the main keep of Storm's End. They met in the lord's solar, where a large table had been made ready with maps of the Seven Kingdoms as well as wine and other refreshments. Michael stood by the short end clad in full plate, looking over a map of the Crownlands. Behind him stood Eleanor Baratheon in cuirass and hauberk, looking over his shoulder.

High Lords of the Stormlands with Levies

Fleets of the Stormlands

**Gandalfus** · June 07, 2015, 07:27 AM

Aemond stood with him, having stayed at Storm's End since his wedding. Again, he wore a simple eyepatch, as well as his black plate armour. A sullen look was on his face as he silently peered down over the map of the Crownlands, waiting for the other lords to arrive at Storm's End.

**Xion** · June 07, 2015, 10:36 AM

Lord Swann, having remained at Storm's End, arrives with his cousin Ythan, his son, and his two vassals at the main keep of Storm's End.

**Trot** · June 07, 2015, 07:07 PM

A Red Eagle banner appears on the horizon followed closely by men holding pikes a precise 45 degree angles. Longbows follow shortly behind with a contingent of light cavalry bringing up the rear. The Band of the red Eagles had arrived.

**Jokern** · June 08, 2015, 09:05 AM

The sellswords are greeted at the wooden pallisades of the camp by a serjant. After inspecting their papers, the men are led to an open part of the camp, while the commander is taken to Storm's End's main keep. He enters the solar where the storm lords had gathered. Lord Michael Baratheon nods his way, before continuing. He pointed and swept with his finger over several maps

"So, my lords, we are at war. The rebels under Rhaenyra Targaryen have begun raising their banners, and more and more lords are swarming to both sides. The Stormlands stand united behind the King, along with the Westerlands and the southern Crownlands, with King's Landing currently held by us. Ashford in the Reach has also declared himself to be a green, and we can assume that the Hightowers are as well due to their kinship with Aegon."

"Otherwise, we don't seem to have any more allies. The narrow sea lords sworn to Dragonstone are loyal to the self-proclaimed queen, and the Vale stand with them. In the Reach, which is a patchwork of allegiances at the moment, Horn Hill, Goldengrove and Tumbleton are all black supporters, and they are among the most powerful Reach Lords. In the Riverlands, we don't have as much information. Tully of Riverrun recently sent out ravens, informing us that they are with Rhaenyra. Whether the rest of their bannermen will follow their lord paramount or not we cannot make sure."

"At the same time, many great houses haven't declared for any side. Tyrell, along with perhaps half of the Reach Lords are silent, along with the Starks and the Iron Islands. Most of the river lords are also missing on either side."

Michael looked around at the lords gathered.

"My fellow storm lords, it's clear to me that we must bring the war to our enemies before they get the chance to invade our lands. We have two prime options at the moment: send one army into the northern Reach, aiding our few allies there against Tarly, Rowan and Footly. Winning Tyrell's favor is also of great importance, since that might sway many uncertain lords to our cause. Our other target is in the Crownlands. With Rosby and Duskendale on Rhaenhra's side, beating them would rob her of her closest allies. It would also open up a path into the Riverlands, where we are in desperate need of green support. Any tboughts on this?"

**Xion** · June 08, 2015, 11:22 AM

Lucifer stares at the maps for some time, allowing other Stormlords to speak their opinion before the Lord of Stonehelm speaks. "With Tyrell's alignment unknown, an incursion into the Reach could turn Tyrell against us, along with the undeclared Reachmen. I feel it would be better to station a defensive force at Nightsong to defend the Stormlands if the Reachman Blacks attempt to attack us, but not risk offending Tyrell until the situation in the Reach is clearer. Plus the army would also serve as a deterrent to the snakes to the South from attempting to sack Nightsong or other Marcher settlements during the war." Swann pauses for a moment. "While attacking Rosby and Duskendale will also secure King's Landing from the threat of attack by the Northern Crownlords."

**Jokern** · June 08, 2015, 02:14 PM

"You bring up some good points, Lord Lucifer. We need to protect the Marches, both from Dornish incursions, as I'm sure the bastards will smell an opportunity if our men are off on campaigns, as well as from the Tarlys. Therefore, I think that leaving all the marcher lords with their troops under your command, Lord Lucifer, will be enough at the moment. From my most recent numbers, that would leave over 14,000 men in defense of our southern borders."

Michael turned to a map of the Crownlands.

"Yes, we need to defend the Crownlands from the blacks as a means to defend both the king and our northern borders. I will personally march north and meet with the king outside King's Landing to discuss our strategy. I will be bringing with me my own troops, the hardened men of the Rainwood and last but not least those houses sworn to Tarth, along with a sellsword company from the Riverlands. That will amount to 25,000 men, the mightiest host ever seen in the Seven Kingdoms."

"This leaves our fleet and an army of just under 19,000 men, from Southpoint, Northview and Cape Wrath. Our biggest threat would be the men of the Reach and an invasion launched by the Sea Snake's fleet. Then again, we cannot forget the constant threat that Dorne poses. Leaving our main fleet at Tarth, under Lord Tarth's command of course, while a minor one sails to Stonehelm, under your command Lord Lucifer, should cover our rear and both our flanks. The last host should be posted on the Reach border, between the Marches and the Kingswood. Summerfield is a good position, so the command would naturally go to Lord Trant. Should the Reachmen try anything, or their true colors show, we'll be ready to strike."

**Xion** · June 09, 2015, 09:08 AM

Originally Posted by Jokern

"You bring up some good points, Lord Lucifer. We need to protect the Marches, both from Dornish incursions, as I'm sure the bastards will smell an opportunity if our men are off on campaigns, as well as from the Tarlys. Therefore, I think that leaving all the marcher lords with their troops under your command, Lord Lucifer, will be enough at the moment. From my most recent numbers, that would leave over 14,000 men in defense of our southern borders."

Michael turned to a map of the Crownlands.

"Yes, we need to defend the Crownlands from the blacks as a means to defend both the king and our northern borders. I will personally march north and meet with the king outside King's Landing to discuss our strategy. I will be bringing with me my own troops, the hardened men of the Rainwood and last but not least those houses sworn to Tarth, along with a sellsword company from the Riverlands. That will amount to 25,000 men, the mightiest host ever seen in the Seven Kingdoms."

"This leaves our fleet and an army of just under 19,000 men, from Southpoint, Northview and Cape Wrath. Our biggest threat would be the men of the Reach and an invasion launched by the Sea Snake's fleet. Then again, we cannot forget the constant threat that Dorne poses. Leaving our main fleet at Tarth, under Lord Tarth's command of course, while a minor one sails to Stonehelm, under your command Lord Lucifer, should cover our rear and both our flanks. The last host should be posted on the Reach border, between the Marches and the Kingswood. Summerfield is a good position, so the command would naturally go to Lord Trant. Should the Reachmen try anything, or their true colors show, we'll be ready to strike."

Lucifer nods. "Then Nightsong would likely be the best location for the army, while I will raise a small contingent of soldiers to reinforce the garrison Lord Dondarrion has left in the Boneway. I must agree, my lord. The men of the Marcher lords should be more than enough to fend off the Dornish unless in the unlikely case the Red Mountains lords manage to convince Martell to muster the full might of Dorne against us."

Swann thinks for a few moments before moving one of the smaller naval pieces to Stonehelm. "Perhaps the fleet from the Redwatch to guard the Slayne will sufficient, to allow the main fleet to bring the majority of the Stormlands' naval might to bear should they have to fight the Blacks' fleet. I do agree the remaining army should be on the border, and Summerfield is a good position that will allow the men under Lord Trant to strike into the Reach or reinforce my army if necessary."

**Jokern** · June 09, 2015, 11:18 AM

Michael nodded before pulling out few wooden pieces and placed them on a large map that his squire rolled out. The whole of eastern Westeros could be seen. Three stag pieces were placed at different locations: one at Nightsong, one at Summerfield and one at King's Landing. Two pieces, both decorated with a ship, were placed at Stonehelm and at Tarth, the Sapphire Isle.

"The fleet of Red Watch and Lord Dondarrion's personal fleet should be sufficient, yes. With close to a hundred ships patrolling, the Dornishmen won't be able to touch us unless they launch a full-scale invasion, and that would be unwise of them. Sooner or later we would return to collect their skulls. That would leave Lord Trant with 400 ships. Combined with the fleets crownlanders loyal to Aegon should be more than enough to smash the blacks' power in the Gullet."

"My lords, if there aren't any objections, I say that we feast tonight and make ready to march within the next days. Prince Aemond, any thoughts on our strategy?"

**Oakshield** · June 09, 2015, 04:06 PM

while the adults treated of their buisnes, little Ed, the 10 years old boy from Tarth that had just recently entered the service of the Lord of the Stormlands as his squire, waited impaciently for the conclusion of the debate. He had seen the Dragon prince pass by as well as the other mighty lords sworn to Baratheon. His own father is one of them. He knew he was at the same time luky and unluky for being thrown into de eye of the storm. He was amazed with the chance to meet the greatest heros of his time. He knew he might even see a dragon if it was the case that he would acompany lord Baratheon ti the battlefield. As a truly passionate kid, his attention to the maintenaince of the armor and weapons and horse of his master was impecable. He never ate befor tendering the animals and the metal would allways shine like tunder thanks to his delicated labour. He worshiped those weapons since he, himself, knew that power was a matter of individual strenth. In his tender age, any one could talk up to him. But once he got his own big warhammer, big shield, and have his big body all covered in big plates of shining metal, then he would be respected. But he had to earn those weapons and armor. And for that, he had ti survive. And being thrown in the middle of a great war was not a very good way to stay alive.

**Trot** · June 09, 2015, 04:27 PM

Edric sat at the tables studying the surrounding lords. His leather jerkin and yew bow made him stand out in the mass of gleaming breast plates and polished swords. However he did command the best company of long bowman in the realm. He just sits and listens to the discussion. He had nothing to add to the plan his men had accepted a contract and he would honor it.

**Lucius Malfoy** · June 10, 2015, 11:27 AM

A raven arrives from King's Landing, detailing a blockade made by Corls Velaryon. The King commands Lord Baratheon to send the might of the Stormlands navy to help him pin the Seasnake and break the blockade before reinforcements arrive.

**Lucius Malfoy** · June 11, 2015, 09:32 PM

A party arrives suddenly before the Baratheon camp that was near King's Landing. The escort had over a few hundred soldiers in attendance around a slow moving carriage. Two figures came forth to identify themselves as Ser Gyles Belgrave and Ser Jon Buckler of the Kingsguard. They were brown capes over their shimmering armor in order to protect their identity and that of those they were escorting. The Kingsguards asked for an audience with Lord Baratheon.

**Jokern** · June 12, 2015, 09:21 AM

The two Kingsguards are admitted into Lord Baratheon's tent, who stands in full armor looking over maps of the local terrain together with Lord Wylde and a few other storm lords. Lord Michael looks up and nods to his guests.

"Kingsguard, welcome, and good to see you again, Ser Jon. If you're here, I guess I must excuse myself to his Grace for not showing my face before the Iron Throne, but I've been busy preparing for battle. Have you come to escort me to the king?"

**Lucius Malfoy** · June 12, 2015, 11:21 AM

Ser Jon Buckler shakes his head to Lord Baratheon after bowing his head.

His Grace has ordered myself, Ser Belgrave and Ser Tyland, with an assigned retinue, to escort the his heirs to Oldtown. With the Roseroad closed due to House Footly, we needed an alternative route to the Reach. We stopped here along the way to ask you for any recommendations that would get us to our destination swiftly.

**Jokern** · June 12, 2015, 01:03 PM

"I don't know, Ser Jon. You would be safe in the Stormlands since the majority of our forces are stationed along the Reach and Dornish border, but from there... Tarly has declared himself loyal to Rhaenyra and blocks the land route to Oldtown, unless you want to go to Highgarden by Ashford, who are green, and sail to Florent lands and from there reach the Hightowers. Though, with Tyrell's intentions unknown, if they were to get their hands on the king's children, who knows what would happen. There's the sea route, if you want to pass by Dorne. I trust the viper bastards even less than I do Tyrell, and even my fleet of a hundred-and-fifty ships would be in danger."

With a quick look at the map again, he turns back to the kingsguard.

"Aren't there dragons available to take the royal children over the mountains and the armies? if so, you could easily make your way to Nightsong and then fly over the Red Mountains to Oldtown."

**Lucius Malfoy** · June 13, 2015, 11:22 AM

A recent message arrived to the King, My Lord. Lady Alla Tyrell defeated Lord Footly and his confederates, opening the Roseroad. She even asked for Jaehaera, the King's daughter, to be a future wife for infant Lord Lyonel Tyrell. The Reach's intentions are pure, My Lord Baratheon. It is just making sure the party stays with those directly loyal to the Tyrells than those who move upon their own agenda. With Prince Aemond and Prince Daeron in the south, I do not think Lord Tarly will succeed in blocking the road to Oldtown for long. Roseroad is cleared and we should be able to make it to Oldtown without much interruption.