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4+ Hours Of The ENTIRE Game of Thrones Timeline To Fall Asleep To

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This content chronicles the vast history of Westeros and Essos, from the mythical Dawn Age to the breaking of the wheel, detailing the rise and fall of civilizations, the impact of magic and conflict, and the cyclical nature of power struggles.

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Hey guys, tonight we journey through the

complete timeline of Westeros and Essos.

From the very dawn of creation to the

final breaking of the wheel. This is the

story of ice and fire, of dragons and

direwolves, of kings and queens who

shaped the world through blood and

magic. A tale that spans thousands of

years where every crown won was paid for

in fire and every throne built was

carved from the bones of the fallen. But

this story begins in darkness, in a time

when the world was young and terrible

things stirred in the shadows. In the

heart of the furthest north, where the

wind howls through ancient forests and

the very stones remember fear, there

once stood a man. He was no king, no

lord, no hero sung in songs. He was just

a man, but in his hands he held a sword

that burned like the sun itself. The

blade was called Lightbringer, and it

was forged in such agony that the gods

themselves wept at its creation. For to

make this sword, this man had to drive

it through the heart of the woman he

loved most in all the world. Her scream

echoed across the frozen wasteland as

the blade ignited. And with that

terrible sacrifice, the longest night in

history finally came to an end. But who

was this man? Why did the dead walk in

endless winter? And what price did

humanity pay for the dawn? These are the

mysteries that thread through every age

of our world, from the children of the

forest to the final dragon queen. They

are the questions that drove kings to

madness and turned brothers into

enemies. So before you get comfortable,

take a moment to like the video and

subscribe, but only if you genuinely

enjoy what I do here. and let me know in

the comments where you're tuning in from

and what time it is for you. It's always

fascinating to see who's joining us from

around the world. Now, dim the lights,

maybe turn on a fan for that soft

background hum. Get into your blanket

and let's ease into tonight's journey

together. Our story begins in the

deepest mists of time when the world was

darker and stranger than it is today.

when magic flowed like water and

creatures of legend walked openly

beneath the sun. This was the dawn age

when the first men to set foot in

Westeros found it already ancient,

already haunted by powers they could

barely comprehend. In those days, the

children of the forest ruled the land.

They were not men as we know them, but

something older, something that belonged

to the trees and the stones and the deep

places of the earth. They had faces like

carved wood and eyes like golden flames,

and they could speak to the heart trees

in voices that sounded like wind through

leaves. They carved their faces into the

weirwoods so that they might watch over

the world even after death, and their

magic was so strong that they could

shatter the very land itself when

threatened. The children lived in peace

for thousands of years, singing their

songs to the old gods and dancing in

moonlit groves. But peace, as all who

know the game of thrones understand, is

always temporary. Change was coming

across the narrow sea, carried on ships

of wood and ambition. The first men were

sailing westward, and they brought with

them bronze swords and a hunger for land

that would not be satisfied. When the

first men landed on the shores of

Westeros, they found a realm beyond

their wildest dreams. Ancient forests

stretched from coast to coast, so thick

that a man could walk for days without

seeing the sky. Rivers ran clean and

cold, teeming with fish that had never

known the taste of nets. The soil was

rich and black, perfect for growing the

crops that would feed their children.

But the land was not empty. The children

of the forest watched from the shadows

of the weirwoods, and they did not

welcome these bronze armed strangers.

The war that followed shook the very

foundations of the world. The first men

cut down the sacred groves and put

entire forests to flame. They drove the

children back into the deepest woods and

the darkest caves. But the children

fought back with magic that the first

men could not understand. They called

upon the earth itself to be their

weapon, and in their desperation, they

shattered the land bridge that connected

Westeros to Essos. The sea rushed in to

fill the wound, and the arm of dawn was

broken forever. Yet even this was not

enough. The first men were too many, too

determined, and their bronze blades bit

deep into the bark of the sacred trees.

The children began to whisper of a

darker magic, of powers that should not

be awakened. In the deepest places of

the world, where the roots of the heart

trees touched the bones of the earth,

they began to work a spell that would

change everything. They took the body of

a first man captured in battle, and

bound him with dragon glass and ancient

words. They drove the obsidian blade

deep into his heart. And as his blood

ran cold, something new was born,

something that was neither living nor

dead, neither man nor child of the

forest. They had created the first of

the others, the first of the white

walkers. And with that creation, they

had doomed the world to an eternal cycle

of ice and fire. But this is just the

beginning of our tale. The wheel of time

turns, and with each revolution, the

game of thrones claims new players and

new victims. Kings will rise and fall,

dragons will soar and die, and the realm

will be painted red with the blood of

the ambitious. The story of Westeros is

written in fire and written in ice. And

tonight, we will read every terrible,

beautiful word. In the beginning, there

was only darkness and the void. And from

that emptiness came the first light. Not

the light of sun or moon, but something

older, something that pulsed with the

rhythm of creation itself. The world was

young then, unmarked by the footsteps of

men or the scars of war. It was a realm

of endless possibilities, where magic

flowed through every stone and every

blade of grass like blood through veins.

This was the dawn age, and it belonged

to the children of the forest. They were

not children as we understand them, nor

were they entirely of the forest, though

both words held truth. They stood no

taller than a man's chest, with

skin-like bark and eyes that held the

deep wisdom of ancient trees. Their

faces were narrow and pointed, beautiful

in the way that wild things are

beautiful, and their voices carried the

music of wind through leaves and water

over stone. They had walked the earth

for thousands of years before the first

man ever dreamed of crossing the narrow

sea. The children lived in harmony with

the world in ways that men have never

truly understood. They did not build

great castles of stone or forge swords

of steel. Instead, they shaped the very

landscape to their will, coaxing caves

from cliffsides and growing bridges from

the living wood of trees. Their homes

were woven into the branches of the

weirwoods. Those pale giants with faces

carved into their trunks and leaves like

drops of blood. The heart trees were

their gods, their libraries, their

eternal watches, and through them the

children could see across vast distances

and speak to one another in whispers

that traveled on the wind. The magic of

the children was not like the sorcery

that would later come from Valyria, all

fire and domination. Theirs was the

magic of growth and change, of seasons

turning and rivers finding their course.

They could sing to the stones and make

them move. Call fish from the depths of

lakes and speak the old tongue that

trees understand. When they died, their

spirits joined the weirwood network,

becoming part of the eternal song that

flowed through the roots beneath the

earth. For countless generations, the

children knew only peace. They danced in

moonlit groves where the trees grew in

perfect circles, their laughter echoing

off the bark of giants that had watched

the world since its birth. They carved

their histories not in books of

parchment, but in the living memory of

the weirwoods, each face a chapter in

the endless story of the world. The

seasons came and went in their proper

order. Winter followed by spring, summer

by autumn, and the children mark time

not in years, but in the slow growth of

their sacred trees. But the world is

never content to remain unchanged.

Across the narrow sea, on the continent

that would one day be called Essos,

other peoples were stirring. The first

men had learned to work bronze and sail

the treacherous waters between the

lands. They had grown numerous and

restless, their tribes searching for new

territories to claim as their own. The

arm of dawn still stretched across the

narrow sea in those days. A land bridge

that connected the two continents like a

giant's causeway. The first of the first

men to cross into Westeros came not as

conquerors, but as explorers, small

bands of hunters and wanderers who

marveled at the endless forests and the

strange, beautiful beings who dwelt

within them. Some of these early

meetings were peaceful. The children

would watch from the shadows of the

trees as the bronze skinned strangers

made their camps and lit their fires.

They observed how the first men prayed

to gods with no faces. How they buried

their dead instead of giving them to the

trees. How they spoke in harsh guttural

sounds that held no music. For a time

there was cautious coexistence. The

first men established small settlements

along the coasts and rivers while the

children retreated deeper into the

forests. The newcomers were few enough

that the land could support them without

great hardship. And the children were

curious about these strange beings who

had come from across the water. They

watched as the first men planted crops

in cleared fields and domesticated

animals that had once run wild. They saw

how the humans built their homes of wood

and stone, creating permanent

settlements instead of moving with the

seasons as the children did. But the

peace was fragile, built on mutual

ignorance rather than understanding. The

first men saw the vast forests as

obstacles to be cleared, the weirwoods

as valuable timber to be harvested. They

did not understand that every tree they

cut was a sacred being, that every grove

they cleared was a temple destroyed. To

them, the children were just another

obstacle, like wolves or bears, to be

driven away from the lands they wished

to claim. The children, for their part,

could not comprehend the first men's

relationship with the world. These

newcomers took without asking, killed

without ceremony, and changed the land

to suit their needs rather than adapting

to its natural rhythms. They cut down

heart trees to build their halls and

drove away the animals that the children

had lived alongside for millennia. Worse

still, they brought with them the

concept of ownership, marking boundaries

and claiming territory as if the earth

could belong to any one creature. The

breaking point came when the first men

began to fell entire groves of

weirwoods, not just for timber, but to

deny the children their sacred spaces.

They had learned that the pale trees

were important to their strange

neighbors, and some chieftains believed

that by destroying them, they could

break the children's power over the

land. They were right in a way. Each

fallen weirwood was like a voice

silenced in the great song that

connected all living things. And the

children felt every cut like a wound in

their own flesh. As the bronze axes bit

deeper into the sacred groves, the

children began to understand that these

invaders would not be satisfied with a

portion of the land. They wanted it all,

and they would not stop cutting until

every tree was gone and every child was

dead or driven into the deepest caves.

The realization filled them with a

sorrow so profound that it changed the

very nature of their magic. The songs

they had once sung to make flowers bloom

now carried notes of protection and

defiance. The dances they had performed

to celebrate the turning seasons became

rituals of war. The war that followed

would shake the foundations of the world

and unleash powers that neither side

truly understood. But it would also

forge the first bonds between the

children and the first men. Bonds that

would endure long after the fighting

ended. For in their struggle against

each other, both peoples would discover

that there were darker things in the

world than their mutual differences.

Ancient evils that stirred in the cold

places beyond the edge of the map. The

dawn age was ending, and with it the

last echo of the world's childhood

innocence, the game of thrones had

begun. Though none who played it in

those early days could have imagined

where it would lead. The war between the

children of the forest and the first men

raged for centuries. A conflict so

brutal and consuming that it changed the

very shape of the world. Where once

there had been songs of peace echoing

through ancient groves, now there was

only the clash of bronze against bark,

the screams of the dying, and the crash

of falling giants that had stood since

the dawn of time. The first men came in

ever greater numbers, their ships

darkening the horizon like storm clouds.

They brought with them not just weapons

and warriors, but entire families

seeking new homes, driving herds of

cattle and horses, carrying seeds for

crops that would transform the wild

landscape forever. What had begun as

exploration became invasion, and what

had started as settlement became

conquest. The children fought back with

every power at their disposal. They

called upon the earth itself to be their

weapon, singing to the stones until they

cracked and split, opening great chasms

that swallowed entire armies. They

commanded the trees to move. Ancient

oaks and towering pines that walked like

men, their roots serving as feet, and

their branches as grasping arms. Rivers

changed their courses at the children's

bidding, flooding camps and drowning

those who dared to cross into sacred

territory. But their greatest and most

terrible weapon was the magic they

worked upon the land itself. In their

desperation, as the bronze axes

continued to fall and the sacred groves

burned, the children reached for power

that had slumbered since the world's

creation, they broke the arm of dawn.

The great landbridge that connected the

continents, calling up such force from

the depths of the earth that the sea

itself rushed in to fill the wound. The

destruction was absolute. The land

bridge shattered into a thousand

islands, and the narrow sea claimed what

had once been solid ground. Yet even

this catastrophic display of power was

not enough. The first men were already

in Westeros by the millions, and more

came every day across the narrow sea in

their long ships. The children began to

retreat deeper into the forests,

abandoning the coastlands and the river

valleys, making their stand in the heart

of the continent, where the oldest and

most powerful weirwoods grew. It was in

this darkest hour when defeat seemed

inevitable and extinction was a breath

away that the children made their most

fateful decision. In the deepest caverns

beneath the roots of the heart trees,

where the magic of the world pulled like

water in a well, they gathered their

greatest singers and their most powerful

magic. They had captured one of the

first men in battle, a warrior whose

bronze sword had cut down too many of

their kind, and they bound him with

chains forged from dragon glass and

sorrow. The ritual they performed that

night was one that would haunt the world

for thousands of years to come. They

laid the man upon a stone altar that had

been carved from the living rock by the

first of their kind, and they surrounded

him with a circle of weirwood branches

that wept red saplike tears. The songs

they sang were not the gentle melodies

of growth and life that had once filled

their groves, but something darker,

older, more primal. They reached back to

the very beginning of the world, to the

powers that had shaped the first dawn,

and they twisted those forces to their

will. The dragon glass blade went into

the man's heart like a whisper. But the

magic that followed was like a scream

that echoed across all of creation. The

man's eyes changed first, becoming blue

as winter ice, cold as the void between

stars. His skin grew pale and hard. His

breath turned to mist. And when he stood

again, he was no longer human. He was

something new, something that was

neither living nor dead, neither man nor

child of the forest. He was the first of

the others, the first of the white

walkers. And with his creation, the

children had doomed the world to an

eternal cycle of ice and fire. The white

walker rose from the altar with a

silence that was more terrible than any

roar. He looked upon his creators with

eyes that held no recognition, no mercy,

no trace of the humanity that had once

dwelt within that body. The children had

meant to create a weapon that would

drive back the first men, but instead

they had unleashed something that would

threaten all life in the world. The

white walker walked out of the cavern

and into the night, and where his feet

touched the ground, frost spread like a

disease. The children tried to control

their creation, to bind it to their

will, as they had bound the trees and

the stones. But the white walker was

beyond their power now. A force of

nature as unstoppable as winter itself.

He began to gather others to his cause,

not through persuasion or conquest, but

through a darker magic. The dead began

to rise where he walked, their eyes

glowing with the same cold light as

their masters. Warriors who had fallen

in battle stood again, their wounds

forgotten, their swords still sharp,

their loyalty absolute. The war changed

overnight. Where once there had been two

sides fighting for dominance, now there

were three, and the newest was the most

terrible of all. The White Walkers cared

nothing for the ancient grudges between

the children and the first men. They

brought death to both sides equally, and

the dead they raised fought with a fury

that no living army could match. The

cold followed in their wake a winter

that fell like a curtain across the

land, turning summer into endless night.

The first men, who had been winning

their war against the children, suddenly

found themselves facing an enemy that

could not be negotiated with, could not

be bribed or threatened, could not be

defeated by bronze swords and leather

armor. Their dead rose to fight against

them, their own fallen comrades becoming

the most terrible foes of all. The cold

seeped into their bones. Their fires

went out and their crops withered in the

unnatural winter that spread across the

land. The children too found themselves

helpless against the monster they had

created. Their magic, which had once

seemed so powerful, was useless against

the white walkers. The others killed

without malice, without anger, without

any emotion at all. They were

wintergiven form, death given purpose,

and they brought with them a darkness

that swallowed light itself. As the

white walkers multiplied, and their army

of the dead grew larger, the long night

began in earnest. The sun still rose and

set, but its light grew weaker each day,

as if the cold was draining the very

life from the sky. Snow fell in the

middle of summer and the crops failed

across the continent. People began to

starve and the starving began to die and

the dead began to rise again with blue

eyes and cold hearts. The war between

the children and the first men became

irrelevant in the face of this greater

threat. Old enemies found themselves

fighting side by side against the

advancing tide of death. The children's

magic proved crucial in the fight, for

they knew secrets that the first men had

never dreamed of. They could forge

weapons from dragon glass that could

actually wound the white walkers, and

they could weave spells that offered

some protection against the cold. But it

was among the first men that the

greatest heroes of the long night arose.

These were the men and women who would

later be remembered as legends whose

deeds would be sung in songs for

thousands of years. There was Brandon

the builder who raised great

fortifications against the dead. There

was Lander Clever who outwitted the

others with riddles and tricks. There

was G the gardener who kept the seeds of

life safe through the endless winter.

And there was one whose name would

become legend above all others. Though

the truth of his identity would be lost

to time and myth. He was called Azor

Azroy, the prince that was promised. The

warrior of light who would stand against

the darkness. But he was not born a

hero. He was just a man like any other

who loved his wife and wanted to protect

his people from the growing cold. The

forging of Lightbringer, the sword that

would end the long night, was a tale of

sacrifice that would echo through the

ages. Azor Ahai worked for 30 days and

30 nights to create a blade that could

stand against the others, tempering it

in water until it was perfect. But when

he drew it from the forge, the sword

shattered like glass at the first blow.

He began again, working for 50 days and

50 nights, tempering the blade in the

heart of a lion until it glowed like the

sun. But again, when he tested it, the

sword broke. For 100 days and 100

nights, Azor Ahai labored on his third

attempt. He poured all his skill, all

his hope, all his love into the forging.

When the blade was finished, he knew

what he had to do to make it truly

strong. He called his wife to him. Nissa

Nissa, the woman he loved more than life

itself, and he told her what was

required. She wept, but she did not

refuse. She bared her breast and smiled

through her tears, and Azor Ahai drove

the sword into her heart. Her cry of

pain and love and sacrifice echoed

across the frozen world, and the sword

caught fire in her blood. Lightbringer

was born in that moment, a blade that

burned with the light of the sun and the

heat of a loving heart. It was a weapon

that could cut through the darkness,

that could stand against the cold, that

could kill even the deathless white

walkers. But the price of its creation

was more than any man should have to

pay. Azor Ahai emerged from that forge

as a hero, but he was also a man forever

broken by what he had done. The sword in

his hands could save the world, but it

could never bring back the woman who had

died to make it possible. He carried

both the light and the darkness within

him, and that duality would define all

the heroes who came after. The long

night stretched on for a generation, and

children grew to adulthood, never having

seen the sun shine truly bright. But

slowly, gradually, the tide began to

turn. The living learned to fight the

dead. The first men and the children

learned to work together, and heroes

arose who could stand against the

darkness. The final battle when it came

was not a single great clash, but a

thousand smaller victories. Each one

pushing the White Walkers a little

further north. Each one reclaiming a

little more of the world for the living.

When the dawn finally came, it was not

with trumpets and celebration, but with

the quiet relief of a world that had

learned the true value of light. The

white walkers retreated to the far

north, beyond the edge of the known

world, and the long night ended. But it

did not end forever. The children of the

forest knew, and the wisest of the first

men suspected that what had been done

could not be undone. The white walkers

still existed, sleeping in the ice,

waiting for their time to come again.

The long night was over, but the Game of

Thrones had truly begun. The world had

learned that there were worse things

than war between men, and that sometimes

the greatest threats came not from

enemies, but from the unintended

consequences of desperate choices. The

children had created the White Walkers

to save themselves. But in doing so,

they had doomed the world to an eternal

cycle of ice and fire, of life and

death, of light and darkness. The wheel

had begun to turn, and it would never

stop. In the wake of the long night's

ending, the world emerged changed

forever. The dawn that finally broke

across the frozen wasteland revealed a

continent scarred by supernatural war.

Where the very landscape bore witness to

the terrible price of victory. Ancient

forests lay withered and dead, their

bark blackened by unnatural cold. Rivers

had changed their courses, seeking new

paths through land that had been cracked

and broken by forces beyond mortal

understanding. The survivors, both

children of the forest and first men,

looked upon this transformed world, and

knew that nothing would ever be the

same. Yet from this devastation arose

the greatest age in the history of

Westeros. The shared struggle against

the White Walkers had forged bonds

between the former enemies that would

endure for millennia. The children, no

longer seeing the First Men as simple

invaders, recognized in them a strength

and courage that complemented their own

ancient wisdom. The First Men, humbled

by their encounter with powers beyond

their comprehension, gained a new

respect for the magic and knowledge of

the children. Together, they began to

rebuild not just their world, but their

understanding of what it meant to be

alive in a realm where death itself

could walk. The hero who would become

known as Bran the Builder stood at the

center of this new age. He was not born

with a crown upon his head or a sword in

his hand, but with a vision that

stretched beyond the horizon and a mind

that could see patterns in chaos. Where

others saw only destruction, Bran saw

opportunity, where others mourned the

fallen. He planned for the future. His

first great work was also his most

necessary. the mighty wall that would

guard the northern border of the realm

for thousands of years to come. The wall

was not simply a fortification, though

it served that purpose admirably. It was

a monument to the cooperation between

the children and the first men, a fusion

of human ambition and ancient magic that

created something greater than either

could have achieved alone. The children

wo their strongest spells into the ice,

binding it with power that would prevent

it from melting through the hottest

summers. They carved runes into the

frozen surface that would turn away the

white walkers should they ever return

from their exile in the far north. The

first men provided the labor and the

determination, hauling blocks of ice

larger than houses, shaping them with

tools blessed by the old gods. 700 ft

high and 300 m long. The wall rose from

the earth like a frozen mountain range.

Its construction took decades and entire

generations of men dedicated their lives

to its completion. They worked through

blizzards and summer heat alike. Driven

by the memory of the long night and the

knowledge that their children's children

would depend upon their efforts. When it

was finished, it stood as a testament to

what could be achieved when humanity

united against a common threat, a

gleaming barrier between the civilized

world and the wild lands beyond. But

Bran the Builder's vision extended far

beyond the wall. He saw a future where

the great houses of Westeros would need

strong seats from which to rule, castles

that could withstand the storms of war

and the passage of time. Storm's End was

perhaps his greatest architectural

achievement. A fortress so perfectly

designed that it could withstand the

fury of the gods themselves. The castle

seemed to grow from the very stone of

the cliff upon which it stood. Its walls

curving in perfect harmony with the

natural contours of the land. No storm

could shake it. No army could breach it.

No time could erode its foundations. The

secret of Storm's end strength lay not

just in its construction, but in the

magic that had been woven into its very

stones. The children had taught Bran the

old ways of building. How to ask the

Earth's permission before disturbing it.

How to align the walls with the natural

flow of power that ran through the world

like hidden rivers. Each stone was

placed with purpose. Each tower

positioned to catch and channel the

forces that lesser architects never even

knew existed. The result was a castle

that was more than the sum of its parts.

A living thing that breathed with the

rhythm of the sea and stood as solid as

the mountains themselves. Winterfell,

the seat of House Stark, was another of

Bran's masterworks, though it served a

different purpose than Storm's End.

Where the southern castle was built to

withstand external threats, Winterfell

was designed to nurture and protect

those within its walls. The hot springs

that bubbled up from deep within the

earth were channeled through the

castle's foundations, warming the stones

and making even the harshest winter

bearable. The gods wood at the heart of

the castle was left untouched by human

hands, a sacred space where the old gods

could dwell and the ancient ways could

be preserved. The crypts beneath

Winterfell were perhaps the most

mysterious part of Bran's design. Carved

deep into the bedrock, they stretched

farther than any living person had ever

explored. The statues of the Stark kings

and lords that lined the walls were not

mere monuments to the dead, but

guardians that watched over the living.

Iron swords lay across their laps, a

tradition that few understood, but all

honored. Some whispered that the swords

were there to keep the dead in their

tombs. Others that they were there to

arm the dead should they be needed

again. The truth was known only to the

children and to Bran himself, and they

kept their secrets well. As the great

castles rose from the earth, so too did

the great houses that would rule them.

The Starks claimed the north, their

blood mixing with that of the first men

until they became the very embodiment of

the old ways. They kept the old gods and

the old customs, speaking the old tongue

in their private moments and carving

their faces into the heart trees. The

words they chose for their house, winter

is coming, were not a boast or a threat,

but a reminder of the terrible truth

that the survivors of the long night

could never forget. In the western

lands, Lan the Clever wo his way into

legend through wit rather than strength.

Casterly rock had belonged to House

Castasterly for a thousand years, its

halls carved from the living gold that

veained the great stone. But Lan saw

opportunity where others saw only an

impregnable fortress. He entered the

rock not with an army or a siege engine,

but with nothing more than his silver

tongue and his golden hair. The tales of

how he won the castle vary in the

telling, but all agree that he used

cunning rather than force, turning the

castasterly against each other until

they destroyed themselves from within.

Some say he convinced them that the rock

was haunted, filling their dreams with

whispers and their days with mysterious

sounds until they fled in terror. Others

claim he seduced the daughters of the

house and set the sons against their

father, using love and jealousy as

weapons. is more potent than any sword.

The truth may be simpler and more

complex than any of these tales suggest.

Lan understood that the greatest

fortress was meaningless if those within

it could not trust each other. And he

exploited that weakness with the

patience of a spider waiting in its web.

The reach bloomed under the careful hand

of Goth the gardener, who claimed

descent from Goth Greenhand, the

legendary figure who had brought the

gift of agriculture to the first men.

Whether this bloodline was real or

invented mattered less than the results

it produced. Under G's guidance, the

fertile lands of the Reach became the

bread basket of Westeros, feeding not

just their own people, but providing

surplus that could be traded to the less

fortunate regions. High Garden rose from

the earth like a flower made of stone.

Its walls covered in climbing roses and

its gardens filled with the most

beautiful and bountiful plants in all

the known world. The Gardener kings

understood that true power came not from

the sword alone, but from the ability to

feed those who wielded the sword. They

developed new techniques for farming,

new breeds of horses and cattle, new

varieties of grain that could grow in

harsh conditions. Their knights rode out

not to conquer but to protect, ensuring

that the trade routes remained open and

that the farmers could work their fields

in peace. The golden rose of house

gardener became a symbol of prosperity

and growth of life triumphant over

death. In the Stormlands, the Durandon

kings built their power through marriage

and alliance, understanding that the

strongest castle was meaningless without

friends to defend it. Storm's End became

the center of a web of loyalties that

stretched across the eastern coast,

binding the smaller houses together in

mutual defense against the pirates and

raiders who prowled the narrow sea. The

Storm Kings were warriors first and

foremost, but they were also diplomats

and judges, settling disputes between

their vassels and leading them into

battle when necessary. The Iron Islands

presented a different challenge

altogether. The Ironborn had always been

a people apart, shaped by the harsh

environment of their rocky home and the

unforgiving nature of the sea that

surrounded them. They worshiped the

drowned god, a deity as alien to the

first men as the old gods were to the

Andals who would come later. The

Ironborn way of life was built around

the concept of paying the iron price,

taking what they needed through strength

and courage rather than buying it with

gold. Their long ships became the terror

of every coast, swift and silent as

sharks, appearing without warning to

raid and pillage before disappearing

back into the gray green waters. Yet

even among the Ironborn, heroes arose

who would be remembered in song and

story. The Grey King was said to have

lived for a thousand years and ruled the

islands with wisdom and strength. He

made a crown from the teeth of sea

dragons and a throne from the bones of

Krakens. Ruling from a hall built from

the ribs of a Leviathan that had washed

up on the shores of Old Wick, his reign

was marked by great victories at sea and

the establishment of the Ironborn as a

force to be reckoned with throughout the

known world. The Riverlands caught

between the mountains and the sea became

a crossroads where all the great houses

met and mingled. The rivers that gave

the region its name provided highways

for trade and communication, binding the

scattered settlements together in a

network of mutual dependence. The Fisher

kings, who ruled from the confluence of

the rivers, understood that their

strength lay not in isolation, but in

connection, in being the bridge between

the proud Northmen and the wealthy

Southruns. As the great houses

established themselves and the age of

heroes reached its peak, the realm

settled into a pattern that would endure

for thousands of years. The north

remained wild and free, its people hard

as the ice that crowned their mountains.

The south grew fat and prosperous, its

fields golden with grain, and its

coffers heavy with gold. The east and

west looked beyond the borders of

Westeros, the Ironborn to the sea, and

the reach to the distant lands across

the narrow sea. And through it all, the

wall stood sentinel in the north, a

reminder of the darkness that had once

threatened to swallow the world. The

children of the forest began their slow

retreat from the world of men during

this age, not in defeat, but in

recognition that their time was ending.

They had played their part in the great

drama, creating both the threat and

helping to end it. Now it was time for

humanity to take up the burden of

defending the realm. Some of the

children remained, dwelling in the

deepest forests and the most remote

caves, keeping the old knowledge alive

for those who would seek it. Others

joined with the weirwood trees, becoming

part of the great network of watchers

that would observe the world long after

their physical forms had crumbled to

dust. The age of heroes was drawing to a

close, but the heroes themselves had

laid foundations that would endure for

millennia. The great houses they had

founded would rise and fall, conquer,

and be conquered. But their bloodlines

would continue to shape the destiny of

Westeros. The castles they had built

would stand as monuments to their vision

and their skill. The traditions they had

established would be passed down from

father to son, from mother to daughter,

carrying the wisdom of the ages into an

uncertain future. But even as the age of

heroes reached its zenith, change was

coming from across the narrow sea. The

dandels were stirring in the hills and

valleys of Essos. Their eyes turned

westward toward the green shores of

Westeros. They carried with them new

gods and new ways, steel swords and

pointed stars, and a hunger for conquest

that would shake the foundations of the

world the heroes had built. The age of

heroes was ending, and the age of

kingdoms was about to begin. Across the

narrow sea, in the rolling hills and

fertile valleys of what would later be

known as Andelus, a new people were

rising to prominence. The Dandals had

watched the smoke from Valyrian forges

darken the eastern sky. Had seen the

dragon lords carve their empire from the

bones of older civilizations. And they

had learned where the first men had

brought bronze and the Valyrianss

wielded fire. The Andals possessed

something that would prove even more

revolutionary steel. The secret of steel

making had come to them through trade

and conquest. passed down from the

smiths of the Royer and refined in the

forges of their mountain strongholds.

But it was not just the metal itself

that made the Andals formidable. It was

what they did with it. Their swords were

sharper than bronze, their armor

stronger than leather, and their tools

more efficient than anything the first

men had ever conceived. More

importantly, they had learned to

mass-roduce these weapons, arming entire

armies with steel while their enemies

still fought with bronze and stone. Yet,

the Andals brought more than just

superior metallurgy to Westeros. They

carried with them a new religion, the

faith of the seven, which would prove to

be as conquering as any sword. where the

first men worshiped the nameless old

gods in sacred groves. And beside still

pools, the Andals built temples of stone

and crystal, raising spires toward the

heavens in honor of their sevenfaced

deity. The father, the mother, the

warrior, the maiden, the smith, the

crone, and the stranger each represented

different aspects of divine power, and

together they offered a more structured

and organized form of worship than the

shamanistic practices of the first men.

The faith of the seven appealed to many

because it offered certainty in an

uncertain world where the old gods

whispered through wind and leaves

speaking in riddles and omens. The seven

spoke clearly through their septumans

and scepters. They offered written

scriptures, formal ceremonies, and a

promise of eternal life for those who

followed their teachings. The faith

provided not just spiritual guidance,

but practical governance with its own

laws and customs that could unite

disperate tribes under a common banner.

The first Andal ships appeared off the

coast of the fingers in the eastern

reaches of the Veil. Their sails marked

with the seven-pointed star that would

become the symbol of their faith. They

came not as raiders, but as colonizers,

bringing with them entire families,

livestock, and the tools needed to build

permanent settlements. The rocky

coastline of the Veale provided numerous

hidden coves and sheltered harbors where

they could establish beach heads beyond

the reach of the local first men lords.

The Veale of Aaron was ruled in those

days by the bronze kings, descendants of

the first men who had held the region

since the age of heroes. They were proud

rulers, skilled in the old ways of war,

but they were unprepared for the kind of

systematic conquest that the Andals

brought to their shores. The bronze

swords and axes that had served their

ancestors well were no match for Andal

steel, and the tribal warfare they

understood was swept away by the

organized military tactics of the

invaders. The Andals did not simply

conquer territory. They transformed it

where they found scattered tribes living

in hill forts and wooden halls. They

built stone keeps and market towns. They

established new trade routes connecting

their settlements to the wider world

through commerce and communication.

Their knights rode out not just to fight

but to administer justice, collect

taxes, and spread their faith to the

common people. The seven-pointed star

began to appear carved into roadside

shrines and painted on the walls of

taverns, a sign that the old world was

passing away. The conquest of the veil

took generations to complete, but it

established the pattern that would be

repeated throughout the southern

kingdoms. The Andals were patient

conquerors, willing to intermar with the

local population when it served their

purposes. Quick to use force when

diplomacy failed. They offered the first

men lords a choice convert to the faith

of the seven and accept Andal souarainti

or face the consequences of resistance.

Some chose accommodation, finding ways

to blend the old ways with the new.

Others fought to the bitter end. Their

names remembered in song long after

their castles had fallen. The Eerie, the

great castle that would become the seat

of House Aaron, was built during this

period as a symbol of Andal dominance

over the veil. Perched on a mountaintop

so high that clouds often obscured its

towers, the castle was virtually

impregnable to assault. Its builders

incorporated both Andal engineering

techniques and the ancient wisdom of the

first men, creating a structure that was

both beautiful and functional. The

throne room, with its moon door opening

onto a 600 ft drop, became infamous as a

place where the Aarin lords dispensed

their own particular brand of justice.

From the veil, the Andal expansion

spread outward like ripples in a pond.

The Riverlands with their network of

rivers and fertile valleys proved

particularly vulnerable to conquest. The

Fisher kings who had ruled the region

for centuries found themselves

outmaneuvered by enemies who could move

faster and strike harder than any force

they had previously encountered. The

Andals used the rivers as highways,

their ships carrying warriors and

supplies deep into the heart of the

continent. The conquest of the

Riverlands was marked by both great

victories and terrible atrocities. The

Andelas showed little mercy to those who

resisted them, burning the sacred groves

and desecrating the heart trees that the

first men held sacred. They saw the old

religion as a form of demon worship. And

their septumans preached that the faces

carved into the weirwoods were the

visages of devils that needed to be

destroyed. Thousands of years of history

went up in smoke as the Andals

systematically eliminated the religious

sights of their enemies. Yet not all the

first men resisted the Andal advance.

Many saw the writing on the wall and

chose to adapt rather than perish. They

converted to the faith of the seven

learned to speak the Andal tongue and

intermarried with the conquerors. Their

children grew up as Andals in all but

blood, carrying steel swords and praying

to the seven, while their first men

heritage became little more than a

distant memory. This process of cultural

assimilation was perhaps the Andal's

greatest weapon, allowing them to absorb

their enemies rather than simply

defeating them. The Stormlands presented

a different challenge to the Andal

invaders. The descendants of the

Durandon kings were skilled warriors who

had learned much from their conflicts

with the Ironborn and the pirates of the

Narrow Sea. They understood siege

warfare and naval combat, and their

great castle of Storm's End remained

unconquered despite numerous attempts to

take it. The Andals found themselves

fighting a series of bloody campaigns

that lasted for decades, with victory

often proving as costly as defeat. The

breakthrough came when the Tandals

learned to exploit the traditional

rivalries between the Stormlords and

their neighbors. By allying with certain

houses against others, they were able to

divide their enemies and conquer them

peace meal. The faith of the seven

proved particularly effective in this

regard as it offered a new form of

legitimacy that could trump the old

bonds of blood and kinship. Lords who

converted to the new faith found

themselves welcomed into the Andal fold,

while those who remained loyal to the

old gods were branded as heathens and

enemies of civilization. The Reach

presented the most complex challenge of

all. The Gardener kings had built their

power on abundance rather than force,

creating a realm where prosperity

mattered more than military might. Their

knights were skilled fighters, but they

were also farmers and merchants. More

interested in protecting their lands

than expanding their territories, the

Andals found themselves fighting an

enemy that could absorb enormous losses

and still continue to resist, sustained

by the agricultural wealth of the most

fertile region in Westeros. The conquest

of the Reach was ultimately achieved

through a combination of military

pressure and economic warfare. The

Andals established their own settlements

along the coasts and rivers, competing

with the gardeners for trade and

resources. They offered better terms to

merchants and craftsmen, attracting

skilled workers away from the existing

power structure. Slowly but surely, they

undermined the economic foundation of

gardener rule until the old royal house

found itself ruling over a realm that

was increasingly andal in all but name.

The western lands proved to be the most

resistant to andal conquest. The

descendants of Landeran the clever had

learned their ancestors lessons well,

using cunning and deception to frustrate

the invaders at every turn. Casterly

Rock itself was impregnable. Its golden

halls carved too deep into the living

stone for any army to assault. The

Lannisters proved to be master diplomats

playing different Andal factions against

each other while building their own

power base among the local first men

houses. The Ironborn protected by the

sea and their own fierce reputation

remained largely untouched by the Andal

invasion. Their long ships continued to

raid the coasts of both the first men

and the Andals, taking slaves and

plunder without regard for the changing

political landscape. The drowned god

cared nothing for the seven, and the

Ironborn warriors who served him were as

skilled with steel as they were with

bronze. The Andals learned to give the

Iron Islands a wide birth, focusing

their efforts on more vulnerable

targets. The North remained completely

beyond the reach of Andal conquest. The

kings of winter who ruled from

Winterfell had learned the lessons of

the long night well, and they maintained

the wall as a barrier against all

threats from the south as well as the

north. The Stark armies were composed of

men who had faced the White Walkers and

lived to tell the tale. Warriors who

understood that there were worse fates

than death in battle. The Andals found

no foothold in the north. No allies

among the first men lords who remembered

the old ways and honored the old gods.

As the centuries passed, the Andal

conquest transformed the face of

Westeros. Five of the seven kingdoms

fell to the steel swords and pointed

stars of the invaders. Their cultures

and religions largely swept away by the

tide of change. The common tongue spoken

by the Andals became the language of

commerce and government. While the old

tongue of the first men retreated to the

most remote corners of the realm, the

faith of the seven established itself as

the dominant religion, building septs

and septaries throughout the conquered

territories. Yet the conquest was not

complete and would never be complete.

The North remained unconquered, its

people clinging to the old ways with a

stubbornness that no amount of steel

could break. The Iron Islands continued

to follow their own path. Their culture

shaped by the sea and the drowned god

rather than the land and the seven. Even

in the conquered territories, elements

of the old culture persisted, hidden in

the names of places and the customs of

the small folk. The Andul invasion

marked the end of the age of heroes and

the beginning of the age of kingdoms.

The great houses that would rule

Westeros for the next several thousand

years were established during this

period. Their power based on a

combination of Andal military might and

first men legitimacy. The stage was set

for the next great drama in the history

of the realm. As the descendants of both

peoples would soon face new challenges

from across the narrow sea. The wheel of

history continued to turn, and with each

revolution, the game of thrones became

more complex and more deadly. The Andals

had brought order to chaos, but they had

also sewn the seeds of new conflicts

that would shape the destiny of Westeros

for generations to come. The age of

conquest was ending, but the age of

politics was just beginning. While the

Andals carved their kingdom from the

bones of the first men's realm, across

the narrow sea, a civilization even more

ancient and sophisticated was reaching

the height of its power. The Royer had

built their empire not on conquest, but

on the life-giving waters of the great

river from which they took their name.

For 3,000 years, they had dwelt along

the banks of the Roy, creating a culture

that rivaled even the dragon lords of

Valyria in its mastery of art, magic,

and the mysteries of water. The Roin was

more than just a river to the Royer. It

was the source of their power, their

religion, and their very identity. They

called it the mother Roin, and they

worshiped it as a goddess who had given

birth to their civilization. From its

headwaters in the hills of Anderlos to

its mouth at the summer sea, the river

flowed through their lands like a silver

thread connecting a string of pearls.

Each city along its banks was a marvel

of engineering and architecture with

water gardens that seemed to float on

the surface of the river and bridges

that spanned the water like frozen

rainbows. The Royer had learned to work

with water in ways that other peoples

could barely comprehend. Their magic was

not the fire and blood sorcery of the

Valyrianss or the earth and tree magic

of the children of the forest, but

something more subtle and more powerful.

They could command the very flow of

rivers, redirecting the course of

waterways to serve their purposes. They

built great dams and canals, creating

networks of irrigation that turned

deserts into gardens and marshes into

fertile fields. Their cities seemed to

float on the water connected by bridges

and walkways that rose and fell with the

tide. Nisar, the greatest of the Royar

cities, was built on a series of islands

in the middle of the Roy where the river

was widest and deepest. The city was a

marvel of water architecture with towers

that seemed to grow from the river

itself and palaces that reflected the

sky in their walls of polished stone.

The bridges that connected the islands

were works of art as much as

engineering, carved with intricate

patterns that told the story of the

Royar people. At the heart of the city

stood the temple of the mother, a great

dome that seemed to float on the water,

its walls so thin that the light from

within made the entire structure glow

like a jewel. The Royer were not just

builders and engineers. They were also

the greatest traders in the known world.

Their turtle ships, massive vessels that

could carry entire households and all

their possessions, pied the waters of

the roy and the narrow sea, trading with

peoples as distant as the summer

islands, and as exotic as the shadow

lands beyond Ashai. They brought silk

and spices from the east, gold and

silver from the west, and knowledge from

every corner of the world. Their

merchants were welcomed in every port,

their goods prized by kings and princes

throughout the known world. But the

Royer were not merely peaceful traders

and builders. When threatened, they

could call upon the power of the mother

Roin herself to defend their lands.

Their water wizards could summon great

floods to wash away enemy armies,

redirect rivers to isolate enemy cities,

and call up mists so thick that invading

fleets would lose their way and founder

on hidden reefs. The river itself became

their ally, rising to swallow those who

would dare to threaten the children of

the Roy. The magic of the Royer was tied

to the natural cycle of the river,

growing stronger during the spring

floods and weaker during the dry season.

Their greatest water wizards could live

for centuries, their lives sustained by

the eternal flow of the Mother Roin.

They passed down their knowledge through

generations of apprentices, creating a

tradition of learning that stretched

back to the dawn of their civilization.

The secret arts of water magic were

jealously guarded, taught only to those

who had proven themselves worthy through

years of study and devotion. The Royer

princes who ruled the great cities were

chosen not by birth, but by their

mastery of the river's ways. They were

expected to be skilled in both war and

peace, capable of leading their people

in battle and governing them in times of

prosperity. The greatest of these

princes was Garin the Great, who ruled

during the height of Royer power when

their empire stretched from the disputed

lands in the west to the bone mountains

in the east. Under his rule, the Roya

reached heights of culture and learning

that would not be equaled for centuries

after their fall. Yet even as the Royar

reached the peak of their power, a new

threat was rising in the east. The

Valyrian Freehold, the great dragon

empire that had conquered half of Essos,

was expanding westward along the shores

of the narrow sea. The dragon lords had

already crushed the ancient empire of

Gears, reducing its great cities to ash

and slavery. Now they turned their

attention to the rich lands of the

Royar, seeing in their water magic a

challenge to their own supremacy. The

conflict between the Royar and the

Valyrianss was not just a war between

two peoples. It was a clash between two

completely different ways of

understanding the world. The Valyrianss

were masters of fire and blood. Their

power based on domination and conquest.

They rode dragons through the sky and

wielded swords of Valyrian steel. Their

very presence a reminder of the violent

forces that had shaped their empire. The

Royar, by contrast, were masters of

water and wisdom. Their power based on

harmony and balance. They sought to work

with the natural world rather than

dominate it, to find strength in unity

rather than in subjugation. The war

began slowly with minor skirmishes along

the borders of the two empires. The

Valyrianss tested the strength of the

Royar defenses, sending small raiding

parties to probe for weaknesses. The

Royar responded with their traditional

tactics, using their water magic to

flood the approaches to their cities and

their turtle ships to harry the Valyrian

fleets. For a time, it seemed that the

two powers might settle into a long

stalemate, each too strong to be easily

defeated by the other. But the

Valyrianss were not content with mere

raids and skirmishes. They were building

towards something much more ambitious, a

great campaign that would crush the

Royer once and for all. The dragon lords

began to gather their forces, calling

upon all the resources of their vast

empire. Dragons flew in from the

furthest reaches of Valyria. Their

riders eager for the glory that would

come with victory over the water

wizards. The Valyrian fleet grew until

it darkened the waters of the narrow

sea. Hundreds of ships carrying

thousands of warriors and the materials

needed to sustain a long campaign. The

Royar seeing the storm clouds gathering

on the horizon began their own preparations. Prince Garin called upon

preparations. Prince Garin called upon all the cities of the Roy to unite

all the cities of the Roy to unite against the coming threat. And for the

against the coming threat. And for the first time in centuries, the fractious

first time in centuries, the fractious princes put aside their differences to

princes put aside their differences to stand together. The great turtle ships

stand together. The great turtle ships were armed for war. Their peaceful

were armed for war. Their peaceful trading vessels transformed into

trading vessels transformed into floating fortresses bristling with

floating fortresses bristling with weapons. The water wizards began to work

weapons. The water wizards began to work their greatest magic, calling upon the

their greatest magic, calling upon the mother Roin to lend her strength to her

mother Roin to lend her strength to her children in their hour of need. The war

children in their hour of need. The war that followed was unlike anything the

that followed was unlike anything the world had ever seen. The Valyrianss

world had ever seen. The Valyrianss struck first, their dragons raining fire

struck first, their dragons raining fire down upon the runar cities along the

down upon the runar cities along the western reaches of the river. The

western reaches of the river. The ancient settlements of Sarm and

ancient settlements of Sarm and Volenththeris were consumed in dragon

Volenththeris were consumed in dragon fire. Their populations slaughtered or

fire. Their populations slaughtered or enslaved. The runar responded with their

enslaved. The runar responded with their own devastating weapons, calling up

own devastating weapons, calling up great floods that washed away entire

great floods that washed away entire Valyrian armies and summoning mists that

Valyrian armies and summoning mists that brought down dragons from the sky. But

brought down dragons from the sky. But the Valyrianss had learned from their

the Valyrianss had learned from their earlier conflicts, and they adapted

earlier conflicts, and they adapted their tactics to counter the Royar

their tactics to counter the Royar magic. They used their dragons to stay

magic. They used their dragons to stay above the reach of the water wizards,

above the reach of the water wizards, raining fire down from heights that the

raining fire down from heights that the Royar could not match. They struck at

Royar could not match. They struck at the sources of the Royar power,

the sources of the Royar power, targeting the great dams and canals that

targeting the great dams and canals that controlled the flow of the river. Most

controlled the flow of the river. Most devastating of all, they began to poison

devastating of all, they began to poison the waters of the Roy itself, using dark

the waters of the Roy itself, using dark sorcery to corrupt the very source of

sorcery to corrupt the very source of Royar strength. The final battle came

Royar strength. The final battle came when Prince Karin gathered the greatest

when Prince Karin gathered the greatest army in Royar history. A quarter of a

army in Royar history. A quarter of a million warriors supported by the most

million warriors supported by the most powerful water wizards ever assembled.

powerful water wizards ever assembled. They met the Valyrian forces at the

They met the Valyrian forces at the confluence of the Roy and the Little

confluence of the Roy and the Little Roin, where the river was deepest and

Roin, where the river was deepest and the Royar power was strongest. The

the Royar power was strongest. The battle raged for days with dragons

battle raged for days with dragons falling from the sky and Valyrian ships

falling from the sky and Valyrian ships sinking beneath the waves. For a moment,

sinking beneath the waves. For a moment, it seemed that the Royar might actually

it seemed that the Royar might actually win. That their ancient magic might

win. That their ancient magic might prove stronger than Valyrian steel and

prove stronger than Valyrian steel and dragon fire. But the dragons were too

dragon fire. But the dragons were too many and the Valyrian sorcery too

many and the Valyrian sorcery too strong. The Roya army was destroyed.

strong. The Roya army was destroyed. Prince Garin himself taken captive and

Prince Garin himself taken captive and caged in gold to be displayed in the

caged in gold to be displayed in the streets of Valyria. The survivors of the

streets of Valyria. The survivors of the battle fled in whatever ships they could

battle fled in whatever ships they could find, carrying with them the remnants of

find, carrying with them the remnants of their once great civilization. The

their once great civilization. The mother Roin herself seemed to weep for

mother Roin herself seemed to weep for her children, her waters running red

her children, her waters running red with blood and ash. Yet even in defeat,

with blood and ash. Yet even in defeat, the Royer had one final weapon to wield.

the Royer had one final weapon to wield. As Prince Garin was paraded through the

As Prince Garin was paraded through the streets of Valyria in his golden cage,

streets of Valyria in his golden cage, he called upon the mother Roin to curse

he called upon the mother Roin to curse his captives. The curse he laid upon the

his captives. The curse he laid upon the Valyrianss was subtle but terrible. A

Valyrianss was subtle but terrible. A slow poison that would work its way

slow poison that would work its way through their civilization like water

through their civilization like water through stone. The great death, a

through stone. The great death, a creeping plague that turned men to stone

creeping plague that turned men to stone from the inside out, began to spread

from the inside out, began to spread through the dragon lord families. It was

through the dragon lord families. It was a curse that would take centuries to

a curse that would take centuries to fully manifest. But when it did, it

fully manifest. But when it did, it would play its part in the doom that

would play its part in the doom that eventually consumed the Valyrian

eventually consumed the Valyrian Freehold. The defeat of the Roya marked

Freehold. The defeat of the Roya marked the end of one of the greatest

the end of one of the greatest civilizations in the history of Essos.

civilizations in the history of Essos. Their cities were destroyed or

Their cities were destroyed or abandoned. Their knowledge scattered to

abandoned. Their knowledge scattered to the winds. Their people killed or

the winds. Their people killed or enslaved. The great river that had been

enslaved. The great river that had been their source of strength became a

their source of strength became a highway for Valyrian conquest. Its

highway for Valyrian conquest. Its waters carrying the Dragon Lord's ships

waters carrying the Dragon Lord's ships ever deeper into the heart of the

ever deeper into the heart of the continent. The turtle ships that had

continent. The turtle ships that had once carried peaceful traders now

once carried peaceful traders now carried refugees fleeing the destruction

carried refugees fleeing the destruction of their homeland. But the Royar story

of their homeland. But the Royar story was not yet finished. Among the

was not yet finished. Among the survivors of the great defeat, was a

survivors of the great defeat, was a princess named Nimriia, a direct

princess named Nimriia, a direct descendant of the ancient river kings.

descendant of the ancient river kings. She gathered the remnants of her people,

She gathered the remnants of her people, perhaps a 100,000 souls, and loaded them

perhaps a 100,000 souls, and loaded them onto a fleet of 10,000 ships. This great

onto a fleet of 10,000 ships. This great exodus would carry the Royar across the

exodus would carry the Royar across the narrow sea to a new home where they

narrow sea to a new home where they would once again prove their resilience

would once again prove their resilience and their genius for adaptation. The

and their genius for adaptation. The legacy of the Royar would live on in

legacy of the Royar would live on in their descendants who would bring their

their descendants who would bring their knowledge of water and their traditions

knowledge of water and their traditions of wisdom to the distant shores of Dawn,

of wisdom to the distant shores of Dawn, but their homeland along the Mother Roin

but their homeland along the Mother Roin was lost forever. Another casualty in

was lost forever. Another casualty in the endless expansion of the Valyrian

the endless expansion of the Valyrian dragon lords. Meanwhile, in other parts

dragon lords. Meanwhile, in other parts of Essos, different peoples were carving

of Essos, different peoples were carving out their own destinies amid the chaos

out their own destinies amid the chaos of a changing world. The Dothraki had

of a changing world. The Dothraki had emerged from the vast grasslands of the

emerged from the vast grasslands of the eastern continent. Nomadic horsemen

eastern continent. Nomadic horsemen whose way of life was as alien to the

whose way of life was as alien to the settled peoples of the west as the Royar

settled peoples of the west as the Royar had been to the Valyrianss, where the

had been to the Valyrianss, where the riverfolk had built their power on water

riverfolk had built their power on water and wisdom. The Dothraki found their

and wisdom. The Dothraki found their strength in speed and savagery, in the

strength in speed and savagery, in the bond between rider and horse that made

bond between rider and horse that made them the most feared cavalry in the

them the most feared cavalry in the known world. The great grass sea that

known world. The great grass sea that stretched from the forest of Kor to the

stretched from the forest of Kor to the shadowlands beyond Ashai was their

shadowlands beyond Ashai was their domain. A realm without cities or

domain. A realm without cities or borders, where the strongest Kalisars

borders, where the strongest Kalisars claimed the best grazing lands, and the

claimed the best grazing lands, and the weak were swept aside like dust before

weak were swept aside like dust before the wind. The Dulthraki followed no

the wind. The Dulthraki followed no kings and built no castles. Their only

kings and built no castles. Their only law was the strength of the sword and

law was the strength of the sword and the speed of the horse. They worshiped a

the speed of the horse. They worshiped a single god, the great stallion, who

single god, the great stallion, who mounted the world, and they believed

mounted the world, and they believed that their destiny was to ride across

that their destiny was to ride across all the lands under the sky. The rise of

all the lands under the sky. The rise of the Dothraki changed the balance of

the Dothraki changed the balance of power throughout Essos. The great cities

power throughout Essos. The great cities that had grown rich through trade now

that had grown rich through trade now found themselves under constant threat

found themselves under constant threat from the horse lords who could appear on

from the horse lords who could appear on the horizon without warning and

the horizon without warning and disappeared just as quickly after their

disappeared just as quickly after their raids were complete. The settled peoples

raids were complete. The settled peoples learned to build higher walls and

learned to build higher walls and maintain larger armies. But the

maintain larger armies. But the grasslands remained forever beyond their

grasslands remained forever beyond their reach, a wild frontier where only the

reach, a wild frontier where only the strongest and most cunning could

strongest and most cunning could survive. In the east, beyond the bone

survive. In the east, beyond the bone mountains and the shadow lands, other

mountains and the shadow lands, other mysteries stirred in the ancient cities

mysteries stirred in the ancient cities of Yeeti and the distant realms of the

of Yeeti and the distant realms of the Sunrise Kingdoms. These were lands so

Sunrise Kingdoms. These were lands so far from Westeros that they seemed like

far from Westeros that they seemed like myths to the lords of the seven

myths to the lords of the seven kingdoms, places where the very sun rose

kingdoms, places where the very sun rose differently, and the seasons followed

differently, and the seasons followed patterns unknown to Western minds. The

patterns unknown to Western minds. The emperor of Yeeti ruled from his golden

emperor of Yeeti ruled from his golden throne in the city of Yin, commanding

throne in the city of Yin, commanding armies that numbered in the millions and

armies that numbered in the millions and fleets that could darken the Jade Sea.

fleets that could darken the Jade Sea. But these eastern powers remained

But these eastern powers remained focused on their own affairs. Their

focused on their own affairs. Their attention turned inward toward their own

attention turned inward toward their own ancient rivalries and eternal conflicts.

ancient rivalries and eternal conflicts. The free cities that would later

The free cities that would later dominate the western shores of Essos,

dominate the western shores of Essos, were beginning to emerge during this

were beginning to emerge during this period, founded by refugees and exiles

period, founded by refugees and exiles from the various conflicts that swept

from the various conflicts that swept across the continent. Braavos, greatest

across the continent. Braavos, greatest of them all, was still hidden in its

of them all, was still hidden in its secret lagoon. Its founders sworn to

secret lagoon. Its founders sworn to secrecy about the location of their new

secrecy about the location of their new home. The city was built by escaped

home. The city was built by escaped slaves and their descendants, men and

slaves and their descendants, men and women who had fled the chains of Valyria

women who had fled the chains of Valyria and other slaveholding powers to create

and other slaveholding powers to create a new kind of society based on freedom

a new kind of society based on freedom and commerce rather than conquest and

and commerce rather than conquest and domination. The other free cities had

domination. The other free cities had their own origins and their own

their own origins and their own characters. Pentos grew fat on trade,

characters. Pentos grew fat on trade, its merchant princes growing wealthy by

its merchant princes growing wealthy by serving as middlemen between the various

serving as middlemen between the various powers of the continent. Mary became

powers of the continent. Mary became famous for its craftsmen who created

famous for its craftsmen who created goods of such quality that they were

goods of such quality that they were prized throughout the known world. Liz

prized throughout the known world. Liz developed a reputation for both beauty

developed a reputation for both beauty and decadence, its pleasure houses and

and decadence, its pleasure houses and its poisons equally renowned. Each city

its poisons equally renowned. Each city was a world unto itself with its own

was a world unto itself with its own laws and customs, its own alliances and

laws and customs, its own alliances and enemies. Volantis, the first daughter of

enemies. Volantis, the first daughter of Valyria, remained the greatest of the

Valyria, remained the greatest of the free cities throughout this period.

free cities throughout this period. Built on the model of the great dragon

Built on the model of the great dragon capital, it sought to inherit the mantle

capital, it sought to inherit the mantle of Valyrian supremacy over the eastern

of Valyrian supremacy over the eastern continent. The old blood families that

continent. The old blood families that ruled the city claimed descent from the

ruled the city claimed descent from the ancient dragon lords, and they

ancient dragon lords, and they maintained many of the traditions and

maintained many of the traditions and practices of their ancestors. The black

practices of their ancestors. The black walls of Volantis enclosed a district

walls of Volantis enclosed a district where only those of pure Valyrian blood

where only those of pure Valyrian blood were permitted to dwell, while the rest

were permitted to dwell, while the rest of the city housed a vast population of

of the city housed a vast population of slaves and freed men who served their

slaves and freed men who served their Valyrian masters. The slave trade that

Valyrian masters. The slave trade that would define so much of Essos in later

would define so much of Essos in later ages was reaching new heights during

ages was reaching new heights during this period. The constant wars and raids

this period. The constant wars and raids that swept across the continent provided

that swept across the continent provided a steady supply of captives while the

a steady supply of captives while the growing wealth of the free cities

growing wealth of the free cities created an insatiable demand for labor.

created an insatiable demand for labor. Great slave markets arose in Lys and

Great slave markets arose in Lys and Marin Tyros where human beings were

Marin Tyros where human beings were bought and sold like cattle. The profits

bought and sold like cattle. The profits from this trade funded the armies and

from this trade funded the armies and fleets that the free cities used to

fleets that the free cities used to maintain their independence and expand

maintain their independence and expand their influence. Yet, even as some

their influence. Yet, even as some cities grew rich on the misery of

cities grew rich on the misery of others, the seeds of their own

others, the seeds of their own destruction were being sown. The slave

destruction were being sown. The slave revolts that periodically swept through

revolts that periodically swept through the eastern continent grew larger and

the eastern continent grew larger and more organized with each passing

more organized with each passing generation. The gladiator pits of

generation. The gladiator pits of Meereen and the fighting schools of the

Meereen and the fighting schools of the other slavers bay cities produced

other slavers bay cities produced warriors who knew no fear and had

warriors who knew no fear and had nothing left to lose. The Unsullied, the

nothing left to lose. The Unsullied, the elite slave soldiers of Astapor were

elite slave soldiers of Astapor were created during this period. Their brutal

created during this period. Their brutal training methods producing the most

training methods producing the most disciplined and effective infantry in

disciplined and effective infantry in the known world. The religions of Essos

the known world. The religions of Essos were as diverse as its peoples,

were as diverse as its peoples, reflecting the complex tapestry of

reflecting the complex tapestry of cultures that had come together on the

cultures that had come together on the eastern continent. The Lord of Light,

eastern continent. The Lord of Light, whose red priests preached of the

whose red priests preached of the eternal struggle between fire and

eternal struggle between fire and shadow, was gaining followers throughout

shadow, was gaining followers throughout the free cities and beyond. The

the free cities and beyond. The manyfaced god of Braavos offered death

manyfaced god of Braavos offered death as a gift to those who suffered, while

as a gift to those who suffered, while the horse god of the Dothraki demanded

the horse god of the Dothraki demanded blood and victory from his followers. In

blood and victory from his followers. In the far east, the followers of the lion

the far east, the followers of the lion of night and the maiden maid of light

of night and the maiden maid of light engaged in theological debates that had

engaged in theological debates that had raged for thousands of years. The

raged for thousands of years. The Faceless Men, the legendary assassins of

Faceless Men, the legendary assassins of Braavos, were founded during this period

Braavos, were founded during this period by slaves who had learned to worship

by slaves who had learned to worship death as the ultimate escape from

death as the ultimate escape from suffering. They developed their arts in

suffering. They developed their arts in secret, learning to change their faces

secret, learning to change their faces and their identities as easily as other

and their identities as easily as other men change their clothes. The gift they

men change their clothes. The gift they offered was available to all slave and

offered was available to all slave and free alike. But the price they demanded

free alike. But the price they demanded was beyond the reach of most. They

was beyond the reach of most. They served no king and followed no flag. But

served no king and followed no flag. But they shaped the destiny of nations

they shaped the destiny of nations through the careful application of their

through the careful application of their deadly skills. Magic, which had been

deadly skills. Magic, which had been commonplace in the days of old Valyria,

commonplace in the days of old Valyria, was becoming rarer and more mysterious

was becoming rarer and more mysterious as the years passed. The dragon lords

as the years passed. The dragon lords had hoarded their secrets jealously, and

had hoarded their secrets jealously, and much of their knowledge died with them

much of their knowledge died with them in the various wars and disasters that

in the various wars and disasters that befell their empire. The surviving

befell their empire. The surviving sorcerers and magicians found themselves

sorcerers and magicians found themselves increasingly isolated, their powers

increasingly isolated, their powers weakened by the changing nature of the

weakened by the changing nature of the world. Some claimed that magic itself

world. Some claimed that magic itself was fading from the world, that the age

was fading from the world, that the age of wonders was ending, and the age of

of wonders was ending, and the age of mundane reality was beginning. Yet in

mundane reality was beginning. Yet in certain places, the old powers still

certain places, the old powers still stirred. The shadow lands beyond Ashai

stirred. The shadow lands beyond Ashai remained as mysterious and dangerous as

remained as mysterious and dangerous as ever. Their dark cities inhabited by

ever. Their dark cities inhabited by sorcerers and demons whose purposes were

sorcerers and demons whose purposes were known only to themselves. The ruins of

known only to themselves. The ruins of old Giz still echoed with the ghosts of

old Giz still echoed with the ghosts of the harpy queens and the bones of

the harpy queens and the bones of dragons could still be found in the

dragons could still be found in the wastelands where the great beasts had

wastelands where the great beasts had fallen in the wars of conquest. The

fallen in the wars of conquest. The world was changing, but it had not yet

world was changing, but it had not yet forgotten the lessons of its magical

forgotten the lessons of its magical past. The stage was being set for the

past. The stage was being set for the next great drama in the history of the

next great drama in the history of the world. The Valyrian Freehold was

world. The Valyrian Freehold was approaching the height of its power. its

approaching the height of its power. its dragon lords preparing for the conquests

dragon lords preparing for the conquests that would make them the undisputed

that would make them the undisputed masters of the known world. But their

masters of the known world. But their very success was breeding the conditions

very success was breeding the conditions for their eventual downfall. As the

for their eventual downfall. As the curse of the Royer worked its slow

curse of the Royer worked its slow poison through their society and the

poison through their society and the contradictions of their slave-based

contradictions of their slave-based economy grew more and more apparent. The

economy grew more and more apparent. The wheel of history continued to turn,

wheel of history continued to turn, carrying all the peoples of Essos toward

carrying all the peoples of Essos toward a future that none of them could

a future that none of them could foresee. The age of heroes was ending in

foresee. The age of heroes was ending in the east as it had in the west, replaced

the east as it had in the west, replaced by an age of empires and trade, of

by an age of empires and trade, of slavery and freedom, of magic and

slavery and freedom, of magic and mundane reality existing side by side in

mundane reality existing side by side in an uneasy balance. The game of thrones

an uneasy balance. The game of thrones was being played on a larger board than

was being played on a larger board than ever before, with stakes that would

ever before, with stakes that would determine the fate of entire continents.

determine the fate of entire continents. In the eastern reaches of Essos, where

In the eastern reaches of Essos, where the summer sea lapped against volcanic

the summer sea lapped against volcanic shores and the earth itself burned with

shores and the earth itself burned with ancient fire, there arose the greatest

ancient fire, there arose the greatest empire the world had ever known. Valyria

empire the world had ever known. Valyria began as little more than a collection

began as little more than a collection of shepherd villages clustered around

of shepherd villages clustered around the 14 flames. Those great volcanoes

the 14 flames. Those great volcanoes that pierced the sky like spears thrown

that pierced the sky like spears thrown by the gods themselves. The people who

by the gods themselves. The people who would become the dragon lords were

would become the dragon lords were unremarkable in those early days. Just

unremarkable in those early days. Just another tribe among many who scratched

another tribe among many who scratched out a living from the harsh volcanic

out a living from the harsh volcanic soil and the few hardy animals that

soil and the few hardy animals that could survive in that burning landscape.

could survive in that burning landscape. But beneath their feet lay something

But beneath their feet lay something that would change the course of history

that would change the course of history forever. The volcanic activity that made

forever. The volcanic activity that made their homeland so inhospitable also

their homeland so inhospitable also created something unique and precious.

created something unique and precious. dragon glass, the black volcanic rock

dragon glass, the black volcanic rock that could cut through steel and hold an

that could cut through steel and hold an edge sharper than any metal blade. More

edge sharper than any metal blade. More importantly, the constant volcanic

importantly, the constant volcanic activity had awakened something ancient

activity had awakened something ancient in the depths of the earth. Creatures

in the depths of the earth. Creatures that had slumbered since the dawn of the

that had slumbered since the dawn of the world. Dragons, the children of fire and

world. Dragons, the children of fire and stone, began to emerge from the deepest

stone, began to emerge from the deepest caves and the hottest lava flows. The

caves and the hottest lava flows. The first dragon taming was not a conquest,

first dragon taming was not a conquest, but a partnership born of mutual need.

but a partnership born of mutual need. The early Valyrians discovered that the

The early Valyrians discovered that the great beasts were not mindless monsters,

great beasts were not mindless monsters, but intelligent creatures capable of

but intelligent creatures capable of forming bonds with those brave enough to

forming bonds with those brave enough to approach them. The dragons needed the

approach them. The dragons needed the volcanic heat to survive and thrive.

volcanic heat to survive and thrive. While the Valyrians needed protection

While the Valyrians needed protection from the harsh environment and the other

from the harsh environment and the other peoples who coveted their lands. Over

peoples who coveted their lands. Over generations, certain bloodlines

generations, certain bloodlines developed the ability to communicate

developed the ability to communicate with dragons, to understand their needs

with dragons, to understand their needs and desires, and eventually to ride them

and desires, and eventually to ride them through the burning skies. The secret of

through the burning skies. The secret of dragon bonding lay in the blood itself,

dragon bonding lay in the blood itself, a magical heritage that was passed down

a magical heritage that was passed down through the great families that would

through the great families that would come to rule the Valyrian Freehold.

come to rule the Valyrian Freehold. These dragon lord bloodlines guarded

These dragon lord bloodlines guarded their secrets jealously, intermaring

their secrets jealously, intermaring among themselves to keep their magical

among themselves to keep their magical abilities pure and strong. They

abilities pure and strong. They developed elaborate rituals and

developed elaborate rituals and ceremonies around the bonding process,

ceremonies around the bonding process, creating a mystical connection between

creating a mystical connection between rider and dragon that went beyond mere

rider and dragon that went beyond mere training or dominance. The dragon became

training or dominance. The dragon became an extension of the rider's will, while

an extension of the rider's will, while the rider became the embodiment of the

the rider became the embodiment of the dragon's power. As the Valyrianss

dragon's power. As the Valyrianss mastered the art of dragon riding, they

mastered the art of dragon riding, they also developed other magical arts that

also developed other magical arts that would set them apart from every other

would set them apart from every other civilization in the known world. They

civilization in the known world. They learned to work with fire, as the Royer

learned to work with fire, as the Royer had worked with water, bending flame to

had worked with water, bending flame to their will and using it to create

their will and using it to create wonders that defied explanation. Their

wonders that defied explanation. Their smiths discovered the secret of Valyrian

smiths discovered the secret of Valyrian steel, a metal so superior to ordinary

steel, a metal so superior to ordinary steel that a Valyrian blade could cut

steel that a Valyrian blade could cut through armor as if it were cloth. The

through armor as if it were cloth. The forging process required not just skill,

forging process required not just skill, but magic, binding spells into the very

but magic, binding spells into the very metal that made it lighter, stronger,

metal that made it lighter, stronger, and sharper than any weapon that had

and sharper than any weapon that had come before. The roads of the Valyrian

come before. The roads of the Valyrian Freehold were another marvel that

Freehold were another marvel that showcased their mastery over the

showcased their mastery over the elements. Built from fused

elements. Built from fused dragonstoneone, these highways stretched

dragonstoneone, these highways stretched across continents without a single joint

across continents without a single joint or seam as if they had been poured from

or seam as if they had been poured from molten rock in a single continuous

molten rock in a single continuous process. The roads could bear any

process. The roads could bear any weight, withstand any weather, and last

weight, withstand any weather, and last for centuries without maintenance. They

for centuries without maintenance. They became the arteries of empire, allowing

became the arteries of empire, allowing Valyrian armies to move with

Valyrian armies to move with unprecedented speed across vast

unprecedented speed across vast distances, while Valyrian merchants

distances, while Valyrian merchants could transport goods safely through

could transport goods safely through territories that had previously been

territories that had previously been impassible. The architecture of old

impassible. The architecture of old Valyria itself was a testament to the

Valyria itself was a testament to the power and ambition of the Dragon Lords.

power and ambition of the Dragon Lords. Their towers rose like frozen flames

Their towers rose like frozen flames toward the sky, spiraling ever upward in

toward the sky, spiraling ever upward in defiance of gravity and common sense.

defiance of gravity and common sense. The building seemed to grow from the

The building seemed to grow from the volcanic rock itself, shaped by magic as

volcanic rock itself, shaped by magic as much as by mortal hands. Great pyramids

much as by mortal hands. Great pyramids housed the dragon pits where the mighty

housed the dragon pits where the mighty beasts were born and raised, while

beasts were born and raised, while elegant palaces provided homes worthy of

elegant palaces provided homes worthy of those who commanded such power. The very

those who commanded such power. The very air above the city was filled with

air above the city was filled with dragons, their wings casting shadows

dragons, their wings casting shadows over the streets below as they soared

over the streets below as they soared between the towers in an endless aerial

between the towers in an endless aerial dance. The government of the Valyrian

dance. The government of the Valyrian freehold was unlike anything that had

freehold was unlike anything that had come before or would come after. Rather

come before or would come after. Rather than being ruled by a single emperor or

than being ruled by a single emperor or king, the empire was governed by a

king, the empire was governed by a council of dragon lord families, each

council of dragon lord families, each wielding power proportional to the

wielding power proportional to the number and size of the dragons they

number and size of the dragons they commanded. This system created a

commanded. This system created a delicate balance of power that prevented

delicate balance of power that prevented any single family from dominating the

any single family from dominating the others while ensuring that decisions

others while ensuring that decisions were made by those who truly understood

were made by those who truly understood the forces they were dealing with. The

the forces they were dealing with. The great families of Valyria became as

great families of Valyria became as legendary as their dragons, the

legendary as their dragons, the Targaryenss, with their silver gold hair

Targaryenss, with their silver gold hair and purple eyes. The Valyrianss who

and purple eyes. The Valyrianss who commanded the seas, the Seltigars who

commanded the seas, the Seltigars who read the future in flame and smoke. The

read the future in flame and smoke. The expansion of the Valyrian Freehold began

expansion of the Valyrian Freehold began slowly with exploratory flights that

slowly with exploratory flights that mapped the known world from the sky. The

mapped the known world from the sky. The Dragon Lords discovered that their

Dragon Lords discovered that their aerial advantage allowed them to see

aerial advantage allowed them to see patterns and opportunities that

patterns and opportunities that groundbased civilizations had missed.

groundbased civilizations had missed. They could identify weak points in enemy

They could identify weak points in enemy defenses, spot resources, and trade

defenses, spot resources, and trade routes from above, and strike at targets

routes from above, and strike at targets that their enemies thought were safely

that their enemies thought were safely beyond reach. The psychological impact

beyond reach. The psychological impact of dragons was almost as powerful as

of dragons was almost as powerful as their physical capabilities. Entire

their physical capabilities. Entire armies would break and flee at the sight

armies would break and flee at the sight of the great beasts approaching from the

of the great beasts approaching from the sky. The conquest of the Gishcari Empire

sky. The conquest of the Gishcari Empire marked the true beginning of Valyrian

marked the true beginning of Valyrian dominance over the eastern continent.

dominance over the eastern continent. The Gizkari had ruled the shores of

The Gizkari had ruled the shores of Slavers Bay for thousands of years.

Slavers Bay for thousands of years. their harpy queens commanding vast

their harpy queens commanding vast armies of slave soldiers and their great

armies of slave soldiers and their great pyramids standing as monuments to their

pyramids standing as monuments to their ancient power. They had weathered

ancient power. They had weathered countless invasions and survived

countless invasions and survived numerous wars, their civilization

numerous wars, their civilization enduring through adaptability and

enduring through adaptability and cunning, but they had never faced an

cunning, but they had never faced an enemy that could strike from the sky

enemy that could strike from the sky with fire and fury. The war between

with fire and fury. The war between Valyria and Geese lasted for centuries,

Valyria and Geese lasted for centuries, a series of conflicts that became known

a series of conflicts that became known as the Geese Kari Wars. Each side

as the Geese Kari Wars. Each side adapted to the others tactics with the

adapted to the others tactics with the Geesekari developing new weapons and

Geesekari developing new weapons and strategies to counter the dragon threat.

strategies to counter the dragon threat. While the Valyrianss refined their

While the Valyrianss refined their aerial combat techniques and developed

aerial combat techniques and developed new breeds of dragons specialized for

new breeds of dragons specialized for different types of warfare. The great

different types of warfare. The great pyramids of the Geesekari cities were

pyramids of the Geesekari cities were transformed into fortresses designed to

transformed into fortresses designed to withstand dragon fire, while the

withstand dragon fire, while the Valyrianss created dragons bred

Valyrianss created dragons bred specifically for siege warfare, capable

specifically for siege warfare, capable of melting stone and metal with their

of melting stone and metal with their breath. The final victory came not

breath. The final victory came not through a single decisive battle, but

through a single decisive battle, but through the systematic destruction of

through the systematic destruction of the Guscari way of life. The Valyrianss

the Guscari way of life. The Valyrianss used their dragons to destroy the

used their dragons to destroy the irrigation systems that fed the Guscari

irrigation systems that fed the Guscari cities, to burn the slave markets that

cities, to burn the slave markets that were the foundation of their economy,

were the foundation of their economy, and to hunt down the harpy queens who

and to hunt down the harpy queens who had ruled for so long. When the last

had ruled for so long. When the last Guscari city fell, its pyramids were

Guscari city fell, its pyramids were left as empty monuments to a vanished

left as empty monuments to a vanished civilization, while the survivors were

civilization, while the survivors were absorbed into the growing Valyrian

absorbed into the growing Valyrian empire as slaves and servants. The

empire as slaves and servants. The defeat of Jers established the pattern

defeat of Jers established the pattern that would define Valyrian expansion for

that would define Valyrian expansion for the next several centuries. Unlike other

the next several centuries. Unlike other conquerors who sought merely to extract

conquerors who sought merely to extract tribute or established trading posts,

tribute or established trading posts, the Valyrianss completely transformed

the Valyrianss completely transformed the societies they conquered. They

the societies they conquered. They imposed their language, their customs,

imposed their language, their customs, and their system of slavery on the

and their system of slavery on the defeated peoples, creating a uniform

defeated peoples, creating a uniform imperial culture that stretched across

imperial culture that stretched across vast distances. The dragons served not

vast distances. The dragons served not just as weapons of war, but as symbols

just as weapons of war, but as symbols of Valyrian authority, flying patrols

of Valyrian authority, flying patrols over the conquered territories to remind

over the conquered territories to remind the subject peoples of the power that

the subject peoples of the power that held them in bondage. The slave system

held them in bondage. The slave system that supported the Valyrian Empire was

that supported the Valyrian Empire was vast and complex, involving millions of

vast and complex, involving millions of human beings who had been reduced to

human beings who had been reduced to property. The Valyrianss categorized

property. The Valyrianss categorized their slaves according to their

their slaves according to their capabilities and origins, creating

capabilities and origins, creating specialized classes for different types

specialized classes for different types of work. The unsullied warrior unics

of work. The unsullied warrior unics were bred and trained in Slavers Bay to

were bred and trained in Slavers Bay to serve as the Empire's infantry, while

serve as the Empire's infantry, while skilled craftsmen from conquered cities

skilled craftsmen from conquered cities were put to work, creating the luxury

were put to work, creating the luxury goods that the dragon lords demanded.

goods that the dragon lords demanded. The mines beneath the 14 flames consumed

The mines beneath the 14 flames consumed thousands of slaves each year, working

thousands of slaves each year, working them to death in the hellish conditions

them to death in the hellish conditions needed to extract the precious metals

needed to extract the precious metals and gems that funded the imperial

and gems that funded the imperial system. Yet for all its cruelty, the

system. Yet for all its cruelty, the Valyrian system also created

Valyrian system also created unprecedented prosperity for those at

unprecedented prosperity for those at the top of the hierarchy. The Dragon

the top of the hierarchy. The Dragon Lord families lived in luxury that

Lord families lived in luxury that surpassed anything the world had ever

surpassed anything the world had ever seen. Dwelling in palaces that floated

seen. Dwelling in palaces that floated on clouds of magic and feasting on

on clouds of magic and feasting on delicacies brought from the farthest

delicacies brought from the farthest corners of the known world. They

corners of the known world. They commanded not just dragons but entire

commanded not just dragons but entire fleets of ships, vast armies of slaves

fleets of ships, vast armies of slaves and sells words and treasuries that

and sells words and treasuries that could fund wars lasting for decades. The

could fund wars lasting for decades. The wealth that flowed into old Valyria

wealth that flowed into old Valyria transformed the city into a wonder of

transformed the city into a wonder of the world. A place where magic and

the world. A place where magic and technology combined to create marvels

technology combined to create marvels that seemed impossible to outside

that seemed impossible to outside observers. The Valyrian approach to

observers. The Valyrian approach to magic was fundamentally different from

magic was fundamentally different from that of other civilizations where the

that of other civilizations where the children of the forest worked with the

children of the forest worked with the natural world and the Royer sought

natural world and the Royer sought harmony with the flow of water. The

harmony with the flow of water. The Valyrians sought to dominate and control

Valyrians sought to dominate and control the forces of nature. They practiced

the forces of nature. They practiced blood magic and fire magic, arts that

blood magic and fire magic, arts that required sacrifice and suffering to

required sacrifice and suffering to achieve their effects. The great works

achieve their effects. The great works of Valyrian sorcery were paid for in

of Valyrian sorcery were paid for in pain, built on foundations of bones and

pain, built on foundations of bones and watered with tears. This approach to

watered with tears. This approach to magic gave them immense power in the

magic gave them immense power in the short term. But it also created

short term. But it also created instabilities and contradictions that

instabilities and contradictions that would eventually contribute to their

would eventually contribute to their downfall. The religion of the Valyrianss

downfall. The religion of the Valyrianss was as complex and contradictory as

was as complex and contradictory as their approach to magic. They worshiped

their approach to magic. They worshiped dozens of gods. Many of them borrowed

dozens of gods. Many of them borrowed from conquered peoples and adapted to

from conquered peoples and adapted to Valyrian needs. The most important of

Valyrian needs. The most important of these was Valyrian the Black Dread, a

these was Valyrian the Black Dread, a god of fire and death who was said to be

god of fire and death who was said to be the father of all dragons. The

the father of all dragons. The Valyrianss built great temples to their

Valyrianss built great temples to their gods, but they also treated them as

gods, but they also treated them as tools to be used rather than masters to

tools to be used rather than masters to be served. Their priests were as much

be served. Their priests were as much sorcerers as holy men, using their

sorcerers as holy men, using their divine connections to work magic that

divine connections to work magic that enhanced the power of the dragon lord

enhanced the power of the dragon lord families. As the centuries passed, the

families. As the centuries passed, the Valyrian Freehold reached heights of

Valyrian Freehold reached heights of power that no empire before or since has

power that no empire before or since has matched. Their dragons darkened the

matched. Their dragons darkened the skies over three continents. Their roads

skies over three continents. Their roads connected distant lands in a network of

connected distant lands in a network of trade and communication, and their

trade and communication, and their fleets ruled the seas from the summer

fleets ruled the seas from the summer sea to the shivering sea. The dragon

sea to the shivering sea. The dragon lords themselves became like gods,

lords themselves became like gods, wielding power over life and death,

wielding power over life and death, commanding the very elements and living

commanding the very elements and living lives that stretched far beyond the

lives that stretched far beyond the normal span of mortal years. But even at

normal span of mortal years. But even at the height of their power, the seeds of

the height of their power, the seeds of destruction were being sown. The

destruction were being sown. The constant intermarriage among the dragon

constant intermarriage among the dragon lord families was beginning to take its

lord families was beginning to take its toll, creating bloodlines that were

toll, creating bloodlines that were increasingly unstable and prone to

increasingly unstable and prone to madness. The vast slave system that

madness. The vast slave system that supported their civilization was

supported their civilization was becoming more and more difficult to

becoming more and more difficult to maintain, requiring ever more brutal

maintain, requiring ever more brutal methods of control. As the enslaved

methods of control. As the enslaved populations grew larger and more

populations grew larger and more restive, the magic that had given them

restive, the magic that had given them their power was exacting an ever greater

their power was exacting an ever greater price, demanding more blood and more

price, demanding more blood and more pain with each passing generation. The

pain with each passing generation. The curse that Prince Garin had laid upon

curse that Prince Garin had laid upon the Valyrianss during his defeat was

the Valyrianss during his defeat was working its slow poison through their

working its slow poison through their society, manifesting as the gray death

society, manifesting as the gray death that turned men to stone from within.

that turned men to stone from within. The disease spread quietly through the

The disease spread quietly through the Dragon Lord families, killing some and

Dragon Lord families, killing some and weakening others, creating gaps in their

weakening others, creating gaps in their ranks that were filled by younger, less

ranks that were filled by younger, less experienced riders. The bonds between

experienced riders. The bonds between dragons and their riders began to weaken

dragons and their riders began to weaken as the bloodlines became more diluted,

as the bloodlines became more diluted, leading to accidents and rebellions that

leading to accidents and rebellions that had been unthinkable in earlier

had been unthinkable in earlier generations. Most ominously of all, the

generations. Most ominously of all, the 14 flames themselves were beginning to

14 flames themselves were beginning to show signs of instability. The volcanic

show signs of instability. The volcanic activity that had created the dragons

activity that had created the dragons and sustained Valyrian power was growing

and sustained Valyrian power was growing more violent and unpredictable. The

more violent and unpredictable. The earth trembled more frequently. The lava

earth trembled more frequently. The lava flows burned hotter and strange gases

flows burned hotter and strange gases began to seep from cracks in the ground.

began to seep from cracks in the ground. The Valyrian sorcerers assured their

The Valyrian sorcerers assured their lords that all was well, that their

lords that all was well, that their magic could control even the fires of

magic could control even the fires of the earth itself. But some among them

the earth itself. But some among them had begun to sense that forces beyond

had begun to sense that forces beyond their comprehension was stirring in the

their comprehension was stirring in the depths below. The Targaryenss, one of

depths below. The Targaryenss, one of the lesser dragon lord families, were

the lesser dragon lord families, were among the first to sense the coming

among the first to sense the coming doom. Their gift for prophetic dreams

doom. Their gift for prophetic dreams had warned them of disaster. Visions of

had warned them of disaster. Visions of fire and ash that would consume

fire and ash that would consume everything they had built. While other

everything they had built. While other families dismissed these warnings as

families dismissed these warnings as superstition or cowardice, the

superstition or cowardice, the Targaryenss quietly began to prepare for

Targaryenss quietly began to prepare for the worst. They moved their dragons to

the worst. They moved their dragons to their holdings on Dragonstoneone, a

their holdings on Dragonstoneone, a volcanic island in the narrow sea that

volcanic island in the narrow sea that would provide refuge when the homeland

would provide refuge when the homeland burned. The height of Valyrian power was

burned. The height of Valyrian power was also the beginning of its end. Though

also the beginning of its end. Though none, save the Targaryenss suspected

none, save the Targaryenss suspected what was coming. The empire had grown so

what was coming. The empire had grown so vast and complex that it was becoming

vast and complex that it was becoming impossible to govern effectively. While

impossible to govern effectively. While the contradictions inherent in their

the contradictions inherent in their system of magic and slavery were

system of magic and slavery were creating pressures that no amount of

creating pressures that no amount of dragon power could contain, the wheel of

dragon power could contain, the wheel of history was turning once again, carrying

history was turning once again, carrying the greatest empire the world had ever

the greatest empire the world had ever known toward a doom that would reshape

known toward a doom that would reshape the very geography of the eastern

the very geography of the eastern continent. The dragon lords flew through

continent. The dragon lords flew through their burning skies. masters of all they

their burning skies. masters of all they surveyed, unaware that their time was

surveyed, unaware that their time was running out. The doom of Valyria was

running out. The doom of Valyria was approaching, and with it would come the

approaching, and with it would come the end of an age and the scattering of

end of an age and the scattering of power to the far corners of the world.

power to the far corners of the world. The Game of Thrones was about to become

The Game of Thrones was about to become infinitely more complex as the survivors

infinitely more complex as the survivors of the coming catastrophe would carry

of the coming catastrophe would carry their ambitions and their dragons to

their ambitions and their dragons to distant shores where new kingdoms waited

distant shores where new kingdoms waited to be born or conquered. The signs of

to be born or conquered. The signs of the coming catastrophe had been building

the coming catastrophe had been building for years, but the dragon lords of

for years, but the dragon lords of Valyria were too proud and too powerful

Valyria were too proud and too powerful to heed the warnings that whispered

to heed the warnings that whispered through their smoking halls. The 14

through their smoking halls. The 14 flames, those great volcanoes that had

flames, those great volcanoes that had been the source of their strength, began

been the source of their strength, began to rumble with an anger that seemed to

to rumble with an anger that seemed to come from the very heart of the world.

come from the very heart of the world. The earth trembled beneath the feet of

The earth trembled beneath the feet of slaves and masters alike, and the air

slaves and masters alike, and the air itself grew thick with ash and sulfur

itself grew thick with ash and sulfur that burned the lungs and stung the

that burned the lungs and stung the eyes. Strange lights danced in the night

eyes. Strange lights danced in the night sky above old Valyria, auroraike

sky above old Valyria, auroraike phenomena that the court sorcerers

phenomena that the court sorcerers claimed were merely the reflection of

claimed were merely the reflection of dragon fire on the clouds, but which

dragon fire on the clouds, but which filled those who saw them with an

filled those who saw them with an inexplicable dread. The dragons

inexplicable dread. The dragons themselves began to behave strangely in

themselves began to behave strangely in those final years. Beasts that had been

those final years. Beasts that had been docile and obedient for generations

docile and obedient for generations suddenly turned savage, attacking their

suddenly turned savage, attacking their handlers and even their bonded riders.

handlers and even their bonded riders. Some dragons simply disappeared,

Some dragons simply disappeared, vanishing into the volcanic depths from

vanishing into the volcanic depths from which their ancestors had first emerged,

which their ancestors had first emerged, as if they sensed the coming doom and

as if they sensed the coming doom and sought to escape it by returning to the

sought to escape it by returning to the fire that had birthed them. Others grew

fire that had birthed them. Others grew listless and refused to fly, spending

listless and refused to fly, spending their days coiled around the spires of

their days coiled around the spires of their master's towers, keening with

their master's towers, keening with voices that sounded almost human in

voices that sounded almost human in their despair. The dreams came to the

their despair. The dreams came to the Targaryenss with increasing frequency

Targaryenss with increasing frequency and intensity as the end approached.

and intensity as the end approached. Dan's the dreamer, daughter of Lord Anna

Dan's the dreamer, daughter of Lord Anna Targaryen, was plagued by visions of

Targaryen, was plagued by visions of fire and ash, of dragons screaming as

fire and ash, of dragons screaming as they fell from poison skies, of the

they fell from poison skies, of the great city of old Valyria crumbling into

great city of old Valyria crumbling into the sea. Her dreams were so vivid and

the sea. Her dreams were so vivid and terrifying that she would wake

terrifying that she would wake screaming, her bed clothes soaked with

screaming, her bed clothes soaked with sweat and her silver gold hair wild with

sweat and her silver gold hair wild with terror. When she told her father what

terror. When she told her father what she had seen, he listened with the

she had seen, he listened with the gravity that prophetic dreams deserved

gravity that prophetic dreams deserved in a family known for their gift of

in a family known for their gift of foresight. Lord Anna Targaryen faced a

foresight. Lord Anna Targaryen faced a choice that would determine the fate of

choice that would determine the fate of his house for generations to come. He

his house for generations to come. He could dismiss his daughter's dreams as

could dismiss his daughter's dreams as the product of a young mind stressed by

the product of a young mind stressed by the strange events occurring around

the strange events occurring around them, or he could act on what she had

them, or he could act on what she had seen and abandon everything his family

seen and abandon everything his family had built in Valyria. The Targaryenss

had built in Valyria. The Targaryenss were not the greatest of the Dragon Lord

were not the greatest of the Dragon Lord families, but they were far from the

families, but they were far from the least. They commanded five dragons,

least. They commanded five dragons, controlled vast estates worked by

controlled vast estates worked by thousands of slaves, and held positions

thousands of slaves, and held positions of honor and influence in the Freeholds

of honor and influence in the Freeholds governing council. To abandon all of

governing council. To abandon all of this based on dreams would mark them as

this based on dreams would mark them as cowards or madmen in the eyes of their

cowards or madmen in the eyes of their peers. But Andar Targaryen was wise

peers. But Andar Targaryen was wise enough to know that the gift of

enough to know that the gift of prophetic dreams had never been wrong in

prophetic dreams had never been wrong in his family's history. When Dany's

his family's history. When Dany's visions grew stronger and more detailed,

visions grew stronger and more detailed, showing not just the destruction of

showing not just the destruction of Valyria, but the specific mechanisms by

Valyria, but the specific mechanisms by which it would occur, he made the

which it would occur, he made the decision that would save his house from

decision that would save his house from extinction. He began to quietly

extinction. He began to quietly liquidate his family's holdings in

liquidate his family's holdings in Valyria, selling their estates and

Valyria, selling their estates and converting their wealth into portable

converting their wealth into portable forms. He claimed that he was simply

forms. He claimed that he was simply diversifying his investments, exploring

diversifying his investments, exploring opportunities in the western reaches of

opportunities in the western reaches of the empire, but in truth, he was

the empire, but in truth, he was preparing for a permanent exodus. The

preparing for a permanent exodus. The other Dragon Lord families watched the

other Dragon Lord families watched the Targaryen preparations with a mixture of

Targaryen preparations with a mixture of amusement and contempt. They mocked

amusement and contempt. They mocked Aninar for his apparent cowardice,

Aninar for his apparent cowardice, calling him the exile and suggesting

calling him the exile and suggesting that he was fleeing from imaginary

that he was fleeing from imaginary threats. Some made offers to buy his

threats. Some made offers to buy his remaining holdings at prices far below

remaining holdings at prices far below their true value, seeing an opportunity

their true value, seeing an opportunity to profit from what they perceived as

to profit from what they perceived as Targaryen weakness. The great families

Targaryen weakness. The great families of Valyria had grown complacent in their

of Valyria had grown complacent in their power, unable to imagine that anything

power, unable to imagine that anything could threaten the empire they had built

could threaten the empire they had built with fire and blood. Dragonstoneone had

with fire and blood. Dragonstoneone had been a Targaryen holding for centuries,

been a Targaryen holding for centuries, a volcanic island in the narrow sea that

a volcanic island in the narrow sea that served as an outpost for their trading

served as an outpost for their trading ventures and a refuge for their dragons

ventures and a refuge for their dragons during the hottest months of summer. The

during the hottest months of summer. The island's strategic location made it

island's strategic location made it valuable for controlling shipping routes

valuable for controlling shipping routes between Essos and Westeros, while its

between Essos and Westeros, while its volcanic nature provided the heat and

volcanic nature provided the heat and sulfur that dragons needed to thrive. As

sulfur that dragons needed to thrive. As Anarer prepared for his family's

Anarer prepared for his family's departure, he began to fortify

departure, he began to fortify Dragonstone and stock it with supplies,

Dragonstone and stock it with supplies, transforming it from a simple trading

transforming it from a simple trading post into a potential seat of power. The

post into a potential seat of power. The move to Dragonstone was accomplished

move to Dragonstone was accomplished gradually over the course of several

gradually over the course of several years, allowing the Targaryenss to avoid

years, allowing the Targaryenss to avoid drawing too much attention to their

drawing too much attention to their preparations. They transported their

preparations. They transported their most valuable possessions in small

most valuable possessions in small shipments, claiming that they were

shipments, claiming that they were simply sending goods to their western

simply sending goods to their western holdings for safekeeping. Their dragons

holdings for safekeeping. Their dragons were moved one at a time with

were moved one at a time with explanations about needing them for

explanations about needing them for various business ventures or

various business ventures or explorations. By the time the other

explorations. By the time the other dragon lord families realized the full

dragon lord families realized the full extent of the Targaryen exodus, it was

extent of the Targaryen exodus, it was too late to prevent or interfere with

too late to prevent or interfere with their departure. The final year before

their departure. The final year before the doom was marked by increasingly

the doom was marked by increasingly strange and ominous events throughout

strange and ominous events throughout the Valyrian heartland. The very air

the Valyrian heartland. The very air seemed to shimmer with heat, even in the

seemed to shimmer with heat, even in the depths of winter, and the lava flows

depths of winter, and the lava flows from the 14 flames began to glow with

from the 14 flames began to glow with colors that had never been seen before.

colors that had never been seen before. The slaves who worked the mines beneath

The slaves who worked the mines beneath the volcanoes reported hearing voices in

the volcanoes reported hearing voices in the darkness, speaking in languages that

the darkness, speaking in languages that predated human civilization. Many of

predated human civilization. Many of these workers simply disappeared, their

these workers simply disappeared, their bodies never found, leaving only empty

bodies never found, leaving only empty tunnels that echoed with the sound of

tunnels that echoed with the sound of something vast and ancient stirring in

something vast and ancient stirring in the depths. The sorcerers of Valyria had

the depths. The sorcerers of Valyria had always prided themselves on their

always prided themselves on their mastery over the forces of fire and

mastery over the forces of fire and earth, but they found themselves

earth, but they found themselves increasingly unable to control or even

increasingly unable to control or even understand what was happening beneath

understand what was happening beneath their feet. Spells that had worked

their feet. Spells that had worked reliably for centuries began to fail or

reliably for centuries began to fail or produce unexpected results. Rituals that

produce unexpected results. Rituals that had once summoned dragons from the

had once summoned dragons from the depths now brought forth only ash and

depths now brought forth only ash and poisonous gas. The very magic that had

poisonous gas. The very magic that had built the Valyrian Empire seemed to be

built the Valyrian Empire seemed to be turning against its masters, as if the

turning against its masters, as if the forces they had bound and commanded for

forces they had bound and commanded for so long were finally breaking free of

so long were finally breaking free of their constraints. Some of the wiser

their constraints. Some of the wiser sorcerers began to whisper about the

sorcerers began to whisper about the true cost of Valyrian magic, about the

true cost of Valyrian magic, about the sacrifices and suffering that had

sacrifices and suffering that had powered their great works for centuries.

powered their great works for centuries. They spoke of blood debts that could

They spoke of blood debts that could never be repaid, of cosmic balances that

never be repaid, of cosmic balances that had been disturbed beyond repair. The

had been disturbed beyond repair. The Royer curse pronounced by Prince Garin

Royer curse pronounced by Prince Garin centuries earlier as he died in his

centuries earlier as he died in his golden cage was remembered by a few

golden cage was remembered by a few scholars who wondered if the slow

scholars who wondered if the slow working poison of the great death was

working poison of the great death was just the beginning of a greater

just the beginning of a greater reckoning. The common people of Valyria,

reckoning. The common people of Valyria, both slave and free, began to flee the

both slave and free, began to flee the city in growing numbers as the omens

city in growing numbers as the omens multiplied and the very ground beneath

multiplied and the very ground beneath their feet grew hot to the touch. But

their feet grew hot to the touch. But the dragon lords remained either unable

the dragon lords remained either unable to believe that their power could be

to believe that their power could be threatened or unwilling to abandon the

threatened or unwilling to abandon the source of their authority. They convened

source of their authority. They convened emergency sessions of the governing

emergency sessions of the governing council, debating what actions should be

council, debating what actions should be taken to address the growing crisis.

taken to address the growing crisis. Some proposed great rituals of

Some proposed great rituals of appeasement, offering massive sacrifices

appeasement, offering massive sacrifices to whatever forces were causing the

to whatever forces were causing the disturbances. Others suggested military

disturbances. Others suggested military solutions as if dragons and swords could

solutions as if dragons and swords could somehow battle the earth itself. The

somehow battle the earth itself. The night before the doom, the last night

night before the doom, the last night that all Valyria would ever see, the 14

that all Valyria would ever see, the 14 flames fell silent for the first time in

flames fell silent for the first time in recorded history. The constant rumbling

recorded history. The constant rumbling that had been the background music of

that had been the background music of the city for generations simply stopped,

the city for generations simply stopped, leaving an eerie quiet that was somehow

leaving an eerie quiet that was somehow more terrifying than the loudest

more terrifying than the loudest volcanic roar. The dragons throughout

volcanic roar. The dragons throughout the city began to keen in unison, their

the city began to keen in unison, their voices rising in a lament that seemed to

voices rising in a lament that seemed to mourn the passing of an age. Those few

mourn the passing of an age. Those few who survived to tell the tale later said

who survived to tell the tale later said that the silence was the most

that the silence was the most frightening sound they had ever heard.

frightening sound they had ever heard. When the doom came, it came without

When the doom came, it came without warning and beyond all comprehension.

warning and beyond all comprehension. The 14 flames erupted simultaneously

The 14 flames erupted simultaneously with a violence that defied all previous

with a violence that defied all previous understanding of volcanic activity. But

understanding of volcanic activity. But this was more than a natural disaster.

this was more than a natural disaster. It was as if the very fabric of reality

It was as if the very fabric of reality had been torn apart above the Valyrian

had been torn apart above the Valyrian Peninsula. The explosions that followed

Peninsula. The explosions that followed were heard as far away as Old Town and

were heard as far away as Old Town and Ashai great thunderclaps that seemed to

Ashai great thunderclaps that seemed to come from the throat of the world

come from the throat of the world itself. The sky above Valyria turned

itself. The sky above Valyria turned black as night in the space of minutes.

black as night in the space of minutes. filled with ash and fire and things that

filled with ash and fire and things that had no names in any human language. The

had no names in any human language. The dragons died first, their riders

dragons died first, their riders clinging to their backs as the great

clinging to their backs as the great beasts plummeted from poison skies. The

beasts plummeted from poison skies. The magical bonds that had connected the

magical bonds that had connected the dragon lord families to their mounts for

dragon lord families to their mounts for generations were severed in an instant,

generations were severed in an instant, leaving both dragons and riders

leaving both dragons and riders screaming as they fell into the chaos

screaming as they fell into the chaos below. The strongest and largest of the

below. The strongest and largest of the dragons, those ancient beasts that had

dragons, those ancient beasts that had lived for centuries and commanded the

lived for centuries and commanded the respect of nations, simply dissolved

respect of nations, simply dissolved into ash and bone, their forms too

into ash and bone, their forms too fragile to survive in the transformed

fragile to survive in the transformed world that was being born from the

world that was being born from the destruction of the old. The city of old

destruction of the old. The city of old Valyria itself lasted perhaps an hour

Valyria itself lasted perhaps an hour after the initial eruption. Its magical

after the initial eruption. Its magical protections and mighty walls proving

protections and mighty walls proving useless against forces that operated on

useless against forces that operated on a scale beyond mortal comprehension. The

a scale beyond mortal comprehension. The great pyramids that had housed the

great pyramids that had housed the dragon lords crumbled like sand castles

dragon lords crumbled like sand castles before a tide. While the roads of fused

before a tide. While the roads of fused dragonstoneone cracked and shattered,

dragonstoneone cracked and shattered, their magical bindings undone by the raw

their magical bindings undone by the raw chaos that swept across the land. The

chaos that swept across the land. The very geography of the region was

very geography of the region was transformed as mountains sank into the

transformed as mountains sank into the earth and new peaks thrust up from the

earth and new peaks thrust up from the depths to scrape the burning sky. The

depths to scrape the burning sky. The human cost of the doom was beyond

human cost of the doom was beyond calculation. Hundreds of thousands died

calculation. Hundreds of thousands died in the first hour alone, incinerated by

in the first hour alone, incinerated by lava flows that moved faster than a

lava flows that moved faster than a horse could run or crushed beneath

horse could run or crushed beneath falling buildings or simply torn apart

falling buildings or simply torn apart by the magical forces that had been

by the magical forces that had been unleashed. The great dragon lord

unleashed. The great dragon lord families that had ruled an empire

families that had ruled an empire spanning three continents were

spanning three continents were extinguished in a matter of minutes,

extinguished in a matter of minutes, their bloodlines ending in fire and ash.

their bloodlines ending in fire and ash. Centuries of accumulated knowledge and

Centuries of accumulated knowledge and magical law were lost forever, burned in

magical law were lost forever, burned in libraries that had taken generations to

libraries that had taken generations to assemble. But the doom did not end with

assemble. But the doom did not end with the destruction of the city and the

the destruction of the city and the death of its inhabitants. The magical

death of its inhabitants. The magical catastrophe that had been unleashed

catastrophe that had been unleashed continued to spread outward,

continued to spread outward, transforming the very nature of the land

transforming the very nature of the land itself. The volcanic peninsula, where

itself. The volcanic peninsula, where old Valyria had stood, was swallowed by

old Valyria had stood, was swallowed by the sea. But the waters that rushed in

the sea. But the waters that rushed in to fill the void were changed by contact

to fill the void were changed by contact with the magical forces still emanating

with the magical forces still emanating from the ruins. The smoking sea, as it

from the ruins. The smoking sea, as it came to be known, became a place where

came to be known, became a place where the normal laws of nature no longer

the normal laws of nature no longer applied, where ships that ventured too

applied, where ships that ventured too far into its mists were never seen

far into its mists were never seen again, and where things that should not

again, and where things that should not exist sometimes breached the surface of

exist sometimes breached the surface of the poisoned waters. The ash cloud that

the poisoned waters. The ash cloud that rose from the destruction of Valyria

rose from the destruction of Valyria circled the globe, darkening skies as

circled the globe, darkening skies as far away as the summer islands and the

far away as the summer islands and the lands beyond the five forts. The

lands beyond the five forts. The volcanic winter that followed lasted for

volcanic winter that followed lasted for years, destroying crops and causing

years, destroying crops and causing famines that killed millions who had

famines that killed millions who had never even heard of the Valyrian

never even heard of the Valyrian Freehold. The very climate of the world

Freehold. The very climate of the world was changed by the doom as the massive

was changed by the doom as the massive amounts of ash and gas released into the

amounts of ash and gas released into the atmosphere altered weather patterns that

atmosphere altered weather patterns that had been stable for centuries. From

had been stable for centuries. From their refuge on Dragonstoneone, the

their refuge on Dragonstoneone, the Targaryenss watched the sky burn and

Targaryenss watched the sky burn and knew that they had witnessed the end of

knew that they had witnessed the end of the world as they had known it. They

the world as they had known it. They were now the last of the dragon lords,

were now the last of the dragon lords, the sole survivors of a civilization

the sole survivors of a civilization that had once commanded half the known

that had once commanded half the known world. Their five dragons, magnificent

world. Their five dragons, magnificent though they were, represented the last

though they were, represented the last remnant of creatures that had once

remnant of creatures that had once numbered in the thousands. The

numbered in the thousands. The responsibility of preserving what

responsibility of preserving what remained of Valyrian culture and

remained of Valyrian culture and knowledge now rested on their shoulders

knowledge now rested on their shoulders alone. The immediate aftermath of the

alone. The immediate aftermath of the doom was a period of chaos and confusion

doom was a period of chaos and confusion that historians would later call the

that historians would later call the century of blood. With the Valyrian

century of blood. With the Valyrian Empire gone, the subject peoples and

Empire gone, the subject peoples and client states that had depended on

client states that had depended on dragon power for protection and

dragon power for protection and governance suddenly found themselves

governance suddenly found themselves free but vulnerable. Old rivals settled

free but vulnerable. Old rivals settled ancient scores while new powers arose to

ancient scores while new powers arose to fill the vacuum left by the fallen

fill the vacuum left by the fallen empire. The free cities fought among

empire. The free cities fought among themselves for the right to inherit

themselves for the right to inherit Valyrian territories. While the

Valyrian territories. While the surviving dragons, those few that had

surviving dragons, those few that had been away from the homeland when the

been away from the homeland when the doom struck, became prizes worth entire

doom struck, became prizes worth entire kingdoms. The Targaryenss on Dragonstone

kingdoms. The Targaryenss on Dragonstone found themselves in a unique position as

found themselves in a unique position as the only legitimate heirs to the

the only legitimate heirs to the Valyrian legacy. Their dragons gave them

Valyrian legacy. Their dragons gave them power far beyond what their numbers

power far beyond what their numbers would suggest, while their knowledge of

would suggest, while their knowledge of ancient lore and magic made them

ancient lore and magic made them valuable allies or dangerous enemies.

valuable allies or dangerous enemies. But they were also alone and vulnerable,

But they were also alone and vulnerable, cut off from the sources of wealth and

cut off from the sources of wealth and manpower that had sustained their

manpower that had sustained their ancestors. The decision of where to go

ancestors. The decision of where to go and what to do with their remaining

and what to do with their remaining power would shape not just their own

power would shape not just their own destiny, but the fate of continents. As

destiny, but the fate of continents. As the ash settled and the fires burned

the ash settled and the fires burned out, it became clear that the old world

out, it became clear that the old world was gone forever. The doom of Valyria

was gone forever. The doom of Valyria had not just destroyed a city or an

had not just destroyed a city or an empire. It had ended an age. The

empire. It had ended an age. The survivors would have to build something

survivors would have to build something new from the ashes of the old. And in

new from the ashes of the old. And in that building, the Game of Thrones would

that building, the Game of Thrones would take on dimensions that none of the

take on dimensions that none of the ancient players could have imagined. The

ancient players could have imagined. The wheel of history had turned with

wheel of history had turned with devastating finality. And from its

devastating finality. And from its revolution would come new kingdoms, new

revolution would come new kingdoms, new conflicts, and new legends that would

conflicts, and new legends that would echo through the ages. In the wake of

echo through the ages. In the wake of the doom, the known world convulsed like

the doom, the known world convulsed like a body in its death throws. Where once

a body in its death throws. Where once the iron grip of Valyrian authority had

the iron grip of Valyrian authority had maintained a brutal but stable order

maintained a brutal but stable order across three continents, now there was

across three continents, now there was only chaos. The fall of the greatest

only chaos. The fall of the greatest empire in history created a power vacuum

empire in history created a power vacuum so vast that entire civilizations were

so vast that entire civilizations were sucked into the maelstrom that followed.

sucked into the maelstrom that followed. What the chronicers would later call the

What the chronicers would later call the century of blood was not merely a period

century of blood was not merely a period of warfare and upheaval. It was the

of warfare and upheaval. It was the violent birth of a new world order

violent birth of a new world order written in the ashes of the old and paid

written in the ashes of the old and paid for with the lives of millions. The

for with the lives of millions. The immediate aftermath of the doom was a

immediate aftermath of the doom was a communications disaster that multiplied

communications disaster that multiplied the initial catastrophe exponentially.

the initial catastrophe exponentially. News of Valyria's destruction traveled

News of Valyria's destruction traveled slowly in those days, carried by traders

slowly in those days, carried by traders and refugees who themselves could barely

and refugees who themselves could barely comprehend what they had witnessed. For

comprehend what they had witnessed. For months, the governors and client kings

months, the governors and client kings who ruled Valyrian territories in the

who ruled Valyrian territories in the name of the dragon lords continued to

name of the dragon lords continued to send reports and tribute to a capital

send reports and tribute to a capital that no longer existed. When the truth

that no longer existed. When the truth finally spread, it did so like wildfire,

finally spread, it did so like wildfire, igniting rebellions and wars across the

igniting rebellions and wars across the known world. As every ambitious lord and

known world. As every ambitious lord and general saw an opportunity to claim what

general saw an opportunity to claim what had once belonged to the masters of

had once belonged to the masters of dragons, the free cities, those proud

dragons, the free cities, those proud settlements that had grown wealthy under

settlements that had grown wealthy under Valyrian protection, suddenly found

Valyrian protection, suddenly found themselves alone and vulnerable in a

themselves alone and vulnerable in a world that had forgotten the meaning of

world that had forgotten the meaning of mercy. Volantis, the first daughter of

mercy. Volantis, the first daughter of Valyria and the greatest of the free

Valyria and the greatest of the free cities, attempted to step into the

cities, attempted to step into the vacuum left by the dragon lords. The old

vacuum left by the dragon lords. The old blood families that ruled the city

blood families that ruled the city declared themselves the rightful heirs

declared themselves the rightful heirs to the Valyrian legacy, claiming

to the Valyrian legacy, claiming dominion over all the former territories

dominion over all the former territories of the Freehold. They mustered the

of the Freehold. They mustered the largest army that had been seen since

largest army that had been seen since the fall of old Giz. Hundreds of

the fall of old Giz. Hundreds of thousands of slaves and mercenaries

thousands of slaves and mercenaries marching under the black walls of the

marching under the black walls of the ancient city. But Volantis discovered

ancient city. But Volantis discovered that claiming an empire was far easier

that claiming an empire was far easier than conquering one. The other free

than conquering one. The other free cities, each jealous of their

cities, each jealous of their independence and suspicious of Valentine

independence and suspicious of Valentine ambitions, formed alliances to resist

ambitions, formed alliances to resist what they saw as a new form of tyranny.

what they saw as a new form of tyranny. Tyro, Lice, and Mir, the so-called

Tyro, Lice, and Mir, the so-called daughters war participants, put aside

daughters war participants, put aside their traditional rivalries to face the

their traditional rivalries to face the common threat from the east. The wars

common threat from the east. The wars that followed were fought with a

that followed were fought with a savagery that shocked even those who had

savagery that shocked even those who had lived through the collapse of Valyria as

lived through the collapse of Valyria as ancient cities were burned and entire

ancient cities were burned and entire populations were sold into slavery. The

populations were sold into slavery. The disputed lands, those fertile

disputed lands, those fertile territories that had been fought over

territories that had been fought over for centuries became a charal house

for centuries became a charal house where the ambitions of the free cities

where the ambitions of the free cities met and clashed in endless cycles of

met and clashed in endless cycles of violence. Armies marched back and forth

violence. Armies marched back and forth across the blood soaked soil, leaving

across the blood soaked soil, leaving behind a landscape of ruins and mass

behind a landscape of ruins and mass graves. The great city of Norvos

graves. The great city of Norvos attempted to remain neutral in the

attempted to remain neutral in the conflicts, but neutrality was a luxury

conflicts, but neutrality was a luxury that few could afford in those chaotic

that few could afford in those chaotic times. The bearded priests who ruled the

times. The bearded priests who ruled the city found themselves forced to choose

city found themselves forced to choose sides, their ancient isolationism

sides, their ancient isolationism shattered by the realities of a world at

shattered by the realities of a world at war. Braavos, the secret city that had

war. Braavos, the secret city that had been founded by escaped slaves in the

been founded by escaped slaves in the mists of a hidden lagoon, emerged from

mists of a hidden lagoon, emerged from the shadows during this period to claim

the shadows during this period to claim its place among the great powers of the

its place among the great powers of the world. The city's unique position as a

world. The city's unique position as a haven for the oppressed gave it moral

haven for the oppressed gave it moral authority that the other free cities

authority that the other free cities lacked, while its vast wealth

lacked, while its vast wealth accumulated through centuries of careful

accumulated through centuries of careful trade and banking provided the resources

trade and banking provided the resources needed to project power beyond its

needed to project power beyond its borders. The sea lord of Braavos began

borders. The sea lord of Braavos began to play the game of thrones with a skill

to play the game of thrones with a skill that would have impressed even the

that would have impressed even the ancient dragon lords using gold and

ancient dragon lords using gold and diplomacy where others relied on steel

diplomacy where others relied on steel and fire. The Arsenal of Braavos, that

and fire. The Arsenal of Braavos, that great shipyard where the city's fleet

great shipyard where the city's fleet was built and maintained, worked day and

was built and maintained, worked day and night to produce the vessels that would

night to produce the vessels that would carry Braavosi influence across the

carry Braavosi influence across the narrow sea. The purple ships of Braavos

narrow sea. The purple ships of Braavos became a common sight in ports from

became a common sight in ports from Pentos to Oldtown. Their captains

Pentos to Oldtown. Their captains serving as both merchants and spies for

serving as both merchants and spies for the secret city. The Iron Bank, which

the secret city. The Iron Bank, which had begun as a simple repository for the

had begun as a simple repository for the wealth of escaped slaves, grew into the

wealth of escaped slaves, grew into the most powerful financial institution in

most powerful financial institution in the known world. Its loans determining

the known world. Its loans determining the fate of kingdoms and its debt

the fate of kingdoms and its debt collectors becoming figures of legend

collectors becoming figures of legend and terror. On the great grass sea, the

and terror. On the great grass sea, the Dothraki horsemen took advantage of the

Dothraki horsemen took advantage of the chaos to expand their territory far

chaos to expand their territory far beyond its traditional boundaries. The

beyond its traditional boundaries. The nomadic Kalazars, no longer constrained

nomadic Kalazars, no longer constrained by Valyrian military power, swept down

by Valyrian military power, swept down from the steps to raid the settled lands

from the steps to raid the settled lands with unprecedented boldness. The great

with unprecedented boldness. The great Kazars who emerged during this period

Kazars who emerged during this period became the stuff of legend, their names

became the stuff of legend, their names spoken with fear from the bone mountains

spoken with fear from the bone mountains to the free cities. Kalmo, whose Kazar

to the free cities. Kalmo, whose Kazar was said to number a 100,000 riders,

was said to number a 100,000 riders, ravaged the countryside around Kazars

ravaged the countryside around Kazars until the city's defenders were forced

until the city's defenders were forced to hire 3,000 Unsullied to drive him

to hire 3,000 Unsullied to drive him back. The battle between the Dothraki

back. The battle between the Dothraki and the Unsullied outside the walls of

and the Unsullied outside the walls of Kuhor became one of the defining moments

Kuhor became one of the defining moments of the century of blood. The legendary

of the century of blood. The legendary discipline and training of the slave

discipline and training of the slave soldiers of Astapor was tested against

soldiers of Astapor was tested against the wild fury and mobility of the horse

the wild fury and mobility of the horse lords in a contest that lasted from dawn

lords in a contest that lasted from dawn to dusk. When the battle ended, 18

to dusk. When the battle ended, 18 Dothraki lay dead for every fallen

Dothraki lay dead for every fallen unsullied, and Caltemo himself had been

unsullied, and Caltemo himself had been slain by a spear thrust from the ranks

slain by a spear thrust from the ranks of the unic warriors. The victory

of the unic warriors. The victory established the reputation of the

established the reputation of the Unsullied as the finest infantry in the

Unsullied as the finest infantry in the world while demonstrating that even the

world while demonstrating that even the mighty Dothraki could be defeated by

mighty Dothraki could be defeated by disciplined resistance. In Slavers Bay,

disciplined resistance. In Slavers Bay, the ancient cities of Meereen, Yunkai,

the ancient cities of Meereen, Yunkai, and Astapor struggled to maintain their

and Astapor struggled to maintain their independence against waves of invaders

independence against waves of invaders and rebels. The great masters who ruled

and rebels. The great masters who ruled these cities had grown wealthy and

these cities had grown wealthy and complacent under Valyrian protection.

complacent under Valyrian protection. Their power based on the vast slave

Their power based on the vast slave armies that worked their fields and

armies that worked their fields and fought their battles. But the collapse

fought their battles. But the collapse of the freehold had unleashed forces

of the freehold had unleashed forces that even the unsullied could not

that even the unsullied could not contain. Slave revolts erupted across

contain. Slave revolts erupted across the region, led by former gladiators and

the region, led by former gladiators and freed prisoners who had nothing left to

freed prisoners who had nothing left to lose and everything to gain. The most

lose and everything to gain. The most significant of these revolts was led by

significant of these revolts was led by a former pit fighter known only as the

a former pit fighter known only as the harpy's son. A man whose real name was

harpy's son. A man whose real name was lost to history, but whose legacy would

lost to history, but whose legacy would endure for centuries. He united the

endure for centuries. He united the scattered rebel groups under a single

scattered rebel groups under a single banner, promising freedom to all who

banner, promising freedom to all who would follow him and death to any who

would follow him and death to any who stood in his way. The rebellion he led

stood in his way. The rebellion he led came closer to overthrowing the

came closer to overthrowing the institution of slavery in Slavers Bay

institution of slavery in Slavers Bay than any movement before or since.

than any movement before or since. Sweeping across the countryside like

Sweeping across the countryside like wildfire and laying siege to all three

wildfire and laying siege to all three of the great cities simultaneously.

of the great cities simultaneously. The great master's response was as

The great master's response was as brutal as it was effective. They

brutal as it was effective. They unleashed their unsullied against the

unleashed their unsullied against the rebels without mercy. While hiring sells

rebels without mercy. While hiring sells sword companies from across the narrow

sword companies from across the narrow sea to reinforce their own armies, the

sea to reinforce their own armies, the fighting that followed was genocidal in

fighting that followed was genocidal in its scope. As entire populations were

its scope. As entire populations were enslaved or exterminated in the name of

enslaved or exterminated in the name of maintaining order, the harpy's son

maintaining order, the harpy's son himself was eventually captured and

himself was eventually captured and crucified along the road between Meereen

crucified along the road between Meereen and Yunkai. His body left as a warning

and Yunkai. His body left as a warning to any who would challenge the ancient

to any who would challenge the ancient order of things. Yet, even as some

order of things. Yet, even as some regions descended into chaos, others

regions descended into chaos, others used the absence of Valyrian authority

used the absence of Valyrian authority to flourish in ways that had been

to flourish in ways that had been impossible under the Dragon Lords. The

impossible under the Dragon Lords. The Summer Islands, protected by distance in

Summer Islands, protected by distance in the sea, experienced a golden age of art

the sea, experienced a golden age of art and culture as refugees from the

and culture as refugees from the mainland brought new ideas and

mainland brought new ideas and techniques to their tropical paradise.

techniques to their tropical paradise. The princes of the summer Isles, who had

The princes of the summer Isles, who had long chafed under Valyrian demands for

long chafed under Valyrian demands for tribute and trade concessions, found

tribute and trade concessions, found themselves free to develop their own

themselves free to develop their own unique civilization. The Swan ships of

unique civilization. The Swan ships of the Summer Islands became a symbol of

the Summer Islands became a symbol of this newfound freedom. Their elegantly

this newfound freedom. Their elegantly curved hulls and billowing white sails

curved hulls and billowing white sails carrying exotic goods and strange tales

carrying exotic goods and strange tales to ports throughout the known world. The

to ports throughout the known world. The islanders developed new forms of art and

islanders developed new forms of art and music that blended their ancient

music that blended their ancient traditions with influences from the

traditions with influences from the refugees who had fled the destruction of

refugees who had fled the destruction of Valyria. Their golden heart boughs

Valyria. Their golden heart boughs crafted from the sacred trees that grew

crafted from the sacred trees that grew only in their archipelago became prized

only in their archipelago became prized possessions among warriors and hunters

possessions among warriors and hunters across Essos and Westeros. The eastern

across Essos and Westeros. The eastern reaches of the former Valyrian Empire

reaches of the former Valyrian Empire experienced their own unique form of

experienced their own unique form of transformation during the century of

transformation during the century of blood. The ancient cities of Yeeti and

blood. The ancient cities of Yeeti and Lang, which had maintained their

Lang, which had maintained their independence even during the height of

independence even during the height of dragon power, found themselves beset by

dragon power, found themselves beset by refugees and raiders seeking to escape

refugees and raiders seeking to escape the chaos further west. The azure

the chaos further west. The azure emperor of Yeeti closed his borders and

emperor of Yeeti closed his borders and turned inward, focusing on internal

turned inward, focusing on internal conflicts and the eternal struggle

conflicts and the eternal struggle against the demons that plagued his

against the demons that plagued his northern frontiers. The isolation that

northern frontiers. The isolation that resulted allowed Yeeti to preserve its

resulted allowed Yeeti to preserve its ancient culture and traditions, but also

ancient culture and traditions, but also left it increasingly disconnected from

left it increasingly disconnected from the broader currents of world history.

the broader currents of world history. As shy by the shadow, that mysterious

As shy by the shadow, that mysterious city at the edge of the known world

city at the edge of the known world became a magnet for sorcerers and

became a magnet for sorcerers and mystics seeking to understand what had

mystics seeking to understand what had caused the doom of Valyria. The

caused the doom of Valyria. The shadowbinders and red priests who dwelt

shadowbinders and red priests who dwelt in the ancient black stone buildings

in the ancient black stone buildings claimed to possess knowledge that could

claimed to possess knowledge that could prevent future catastrophes, but their

prevent future catastrophes, but their price for sharing such wisdom was always

price for sharing such wisdom was always higher than any sane person would be

higher than any sane person would be willing to pay. Strange lights were seen

willing to pay. Strange lights were seen dancing over the city during this

dancing over the city during this period, and traders who ventured too

period, and traders who ventured too close reported hearing voices speaking

close reported hearing voices speaking in languages that predated human

in languages that predated human civilization. The religious upheavalss

civilization. The religious upheavalss that accompanied the political chaos

that accompanied the political chaos were perhaps even more significant than

were perhaps even more significant than the wars themselves. The old gods of

the wars themselves. The old gods of Valyria had died with their worshippers

Valyria had died with their worshippers in the doom, leaving a spiritual vacuum

in the doom, leaving a spiritual vacuum that competing faiths rushed to fill.

that competing faiths rushed to fill. The Lord of Light, whose red priests had

The Lord of Light, whose red priests had long proclaimed the coming of a great

long proclaimed the coming of a great darkness, saw their influence grow

darkness, saw their influence grow dramatically as people sought

dramatically as people sought explanations for the catastrophe that

explanations for the catastrophe that had befallen the world. The priests of

had befallen the world. The priests of ruler preached that the doom had been a

ruler preached that the doom had been a necessary cleansing, a purification by

necessary cleansing, a purification by fire that would prepare the world for

fire that would prepare the world for the coming of Azor Ahai reborn. The

the coming of Azor Ahai reborn. The faith of the seven, which had spread

faith of the seven, which had spread throughout Westeros during the Andal

throughout Westeros during the Andal invasions, found new converts among the

invasions, found new converts among the refugees who fled across the narrow sea.

refugees who fled across the narrow sea. The promise of salvation and order that

The promise of salvation and order that the faith offered was particularly

the faith offered was particularly appealing to those who had witnessed the

appealing to those who had witnessed the collapse of everything they had once

collapse of everything they had once believed to be permanent and unchanging.

believed to be permanent and unchanging. Septans and scepters traveled the roads

Septans and scepters traveled the roads of Essos, spreading their message of

of Essos, spreading their message of hope and redemption to anyone who would

hope and redemption to anyone who would listen. Even stranger cults emerged from

listen. Even stranger cults emerged from the chaos, worshiping new gods born from

the chaos, worshiping new gods born from the trauma of the doom. The Church of

the trauma of the doom. The Church of Starry Wisdom gained followers among

Starry Wisdom gained followers among former Valyrian colonists who believed

former Valyrian colonists who believed that the destruction of their homeland

that the destruction of their homeland had been caused by stellar influences

had been caused by stellar influences and cosmic forces beyond human

and cosmic forces beyond human comprehension. The cult of the Shrouded

comprehension. The cult of the Shrouded Lord arose in the ruins along the Roin,

Lord arose in the ruins along the Roin, centered around a figure who was said to

centered around a figure who was said to be neither fully alive nor completely

be neither fully alive nor completely dead. a being who ruled over the stone

dead. a being who ruled over the stone men and the mists that haunted the

men and the mists that haunted the river's poisoned waters. The economic

river's poisoned waters. The economic consequences of the century of blood

consequences of the century of blood were as farreaching as the political

were as farreaching as the political ones. Trade routes that had operated

ones. Trade routes that had operated safely for centuries became impassible

safely for centuries became impassible due to war and piracy. The great

due to war and piracy. The great commercial networks that had connected

commercial networks that had connected the far corners of the known world broke

the far corners of the known world broke down as cities were destroyed and

down as cities were destroyed and populations displaced. The value of

populations displaced. The value of Valyrian goods, particularly the

Valyrian goods, particularly the legendary steel weapons and magical

legendary steel weapons and magical artifacts, skyrocketed as supplies

artifacts, skyrocketed as supplies dwindled and demand remained high. A

dwindled and demand remained high. A single Valyrian steel sword became worth

single Valyrian steel sword became worth more than a lordship, while the few

more than a lordship, while the few remaining dragon eggs were beyond price

remaining dragon eggs were beyond price altogether. New trade routes emerged to

altogether. New trade routes emerged to replace the old ones, often following

replace the old ones, often following paths that would have been considered

paths that would have been considered too dangerous or unprofitable in

too dangerous or unprofitable in Valyrian times. The merchants of Braavos

Valyrian times. The merchants of Braavos pioneered shipping lanes that avoided

pioneered shipping lanes that avoided the most wartorrn regions, using their

the most wartorrn regions, using their knowledge of winds and currents to find

knowledge of winds and currents to find safer passages across the narrow sea.

safer passages across the narrow sea. The caravans that still braved the land

The caravans that still braved the land routts grew larger and more heavily

routts grew larger and more heavily guarded, resembling military expeditions

guarded, resembling military expeditions more than commercial ventures. The

more than commercial ventures. The technological innovations that emerged

technological innovations that emerged during this period were largely driven

during this period were largely driven by military necessity. The constant

by military necessity. The constant warfare demanded new weapons and

warfare demanded new weapons and tactics, while the breakdown of

tactics, while the breakdown of established supply chains forced

established supply chains forced craftsmen to develop substitutes for

craftsmen to develop substitutes for materials that were no longer available.

materials that were no longer available. The crossbow, previously considered a

The crossbow, previously considered a crude weapon suitable only for hunting

crude weapon suitable only for hunting and siege work, was refined and improved

and siege work, was refined and improved until it became a battlefield weapon

until it became a battlefield weapon capable of penetrating the finest armor.

capable of penetrating the finest armor. New forms of Greek fire were developed

New forms of Greek fire were developed to replace the dragon fire that was no

to replace the dragon fire that was no longer available for siege warfare. The

longer available for siege warfare. The social changes brought about by the

social changes brought about by the century of blood were perhaps the most

century of blood were perhaps the most profound of all. The rigid hierarchies

profound of all. The rigid hierarchies that had characterized Valyrian society

that had characterized Valyrian society were swept away, replaced by more fluid

were swept away, replaced by more fluid arrangements based on military prowess

arrangements based on military prowess and personal loyalty rather than ancient

and personal loyalty rather than ancient bloodlines. Former slaves found

bloodlines. Former slaves found themselves leading armies while noble

themselves leading armies while noble houses that had ruled for centuries were

houses that had ruled for centuries were reduced to beggory. The very concept of

reduced to beggory. The very concept of legitimacy was called into question as

legitimacy was called into question as self-made warlords carved out kingdoms

self-made warlords carved out kingdoms from the ruins of the old order. Women

from the ruins of the old order. Women traditionally excluded from power in

traditionally excluded from power in most of the free cities found new

most of the free cities found new opportunities in the chaos that followed

opportunities in the chaos that followed the doom. The absence of established

the doom. The absence of established authority created space for capable

authority created space for capable individuals to rise regardless of their

individuals to rise regardless of their birth or gender. Several of the most

birth or gender. Several of the most successful military commanders of the

successful military commanders of the period were women who had seized power

period were women who had seized power through force of arms and held it

through force of arms and held it through cunning and ruthlessness. The

through cunning and ruthlessness. The warrior queen Vessa of Lice became

warrior queen Vessa of Lice became legendary for her victories against both

legendary for her victories against both Valentine armies and Dothraki raiders.

Valentine armies and Dothraki raiders. While the pirate admiral Alisan the

While the pirate admiral Alisan the Black terrorized shipping from the

Black terrorized shipping from the Stepstones to the Summer Sea, the

Stepstones to the Summer Sea, the mercenary companies that had long served

mercenary companies that had long served the various powers of Essos found

the various powers of Essos found themselves in unprecedented demand

themselves in unprecedented demand during the century of blood. The Golden

during the century of blood. The Golden Company, founded by the exiled Targaryen

Company, founded by the exiled Targaryen pretender, Egor Rivers, became one of

pretender, Egor Rivers, became one of the most feared military forces in the

the most feared military forces in the known world. Their motto, beneath the

known world. Their motto, beneath the gold, the bitter steel, reflected both

gold, the bitter steel, reflected both their mercenary nature and their

their mercenary nature and their underlying political ambitions. The

underlying political ambitions. The second sons, the wind blown, and dozens

second sons, the wind blown, and dozens of other companies roamed the continent,

of other companies roamed the continent, selling their services to the highest

selling their services to the highest bidder and changing the course of

bidder and changing the course of history with their bronze and steel. As

history with their bronze and steel. As the decades passed and the initial chaos

the decades passed and the initial chaos began to settle into more stable

began to settle into more stable patterns, new powers emerged to fill the

patterns, new powers emerged to fill the vacuum left by Valyria's fall. The free

vacuum left by Valyria's fall. The free cities, having survived the worst of the

cities, having survived the worst of the warfare, began to establish their own

warfare, began to establish their own spheres of influence. Bravos emerged as

spheres of influence. Bravos emerged as the dominant naval power. Its fleets

the dominant naval power. Its fleets patrolling trade routes from the

patrolling trade routes from the Shivering Sea to the Summer Sea.

Shivering Sea to the Summer Sea. Volantis, despite its failed attempt at

Volantis, despite its failed attempt at empire, remained a major force in the

empire, remained a major force in the east. Its vast slave armies and ancient

east. Its vast slave armies and ancient wealth, allowing it to maintain its

wealth, allowing it to maintain its position among the great powers. The

position among the great powers. The Dothraki, having carved out the largest

Dothraki, having carved out the largest land empire in the known world, settled

land empire in the known world, settled into a pattern of seasonal migration and

into a pattern of seasonal migration and raiding that would define the great

raiding that would define the great grass sea for centuries to come. The

grass sea for centuries to come. The cows who emerged victorious from the

cows who emerged victorious from the conflicts of the century of blood

conflicts of the century of blood established the traditions and customs

established the traditions and customs that would govern Dothraki society,

that would govern Dothraki society, creating a warrior culture that prized

creating a warrior culture that prized strength above all else and viewed the

strength above all else and viewed the settled peoples of the world as sheep to

settled peoples of the world as sheep to be harvested at will. In the Far East,

be harvested at will. In the Far East, the cities of Slavers Bay managed to

the cities of Slavers Bay managed to restore their ancient institutions after

restore their ancient institutions after crushing the various rebellions that had

crushing the various rebellions that had threatened their existence. The great

threatened their existence. The great masters rebuilt their pyramids higher

masters rebuilt their pyramids higher than before, while the training pits of

than before, while the training pits of Astapor resumed producing unsullied

Astapor resumed producing unsullied warriors for sale to the highest bidder.

warriors for sale to the highest bidder. The scars of the slave revolts remained

The scars of the slave revolts remained visible in the increased brutality with

visible in the increased brutality with which the ruling classes maintained

which the ruling classes maintained their control, but the basic structure

their control, but the basic structure of their society proved resilient enough

of their society proved resilient enough to survive even the chaos of the century

to survive even the chaos of the century of blood. As the world slowly stabilized

of blood. As the world slowly stabilized into new patterns of power and

into new patterns of power and authority, the survivors of the great

authority, the survivors of the great catastrophe began to assess what had

catastrophe began to assess what had been lost and what had been gained. The

been lost and what had been gained. The Valyrian Empire, for all its faults, had

Valyrian Empire, for all its faults, had provided a framework of order that had

provided a framework of order that had allowed trade and civilization to

allowed trade and civilization to flourish across vast distances. Its

flourish across vast distances. Its destruction had unleashed forces of

destruction had unleashed forces of chaos and violence that had taken

chaos and violence that had taken generations to contain. But it had also

generations to contain. But it had also created opportunities for peoples and

created opportunities for peoples and cultures that had been suppressed under

cultures that had been suppressed under dragon rule. The century of blood was

dragon rule. The century of blood was drawing to a close, but its legacy would

drawing to a close, but its legacy would endure for thousands of years. The

endure for thousands of years. The political map of the known world had

political map of the known world had been redrawn in blood and fire. While

been redrawn in blood and fire. While new traditions and institutions had

new traditions and institutions had emerged from the ashes of the old, the

emerged from the ashes of the old, the stage was set for the next great drama

stage was set for the next great drama in the history of the world. As the

in the history of the world. As the survivors of the chaos looked westward

survivors of the chaos looked westward across the narrow sea to a land that had

across the narrow sea to a land that had remained largely untouched by the great

remained largely untouched by the great upheavalss, the Targaryenss on

upheavalss, the Targaryenss on Dragonstone, the last of the dragon

Dragonstone, the last of the dragon lords, were beginning to dream of

lords, were beginning to dream of conquest once again, their eyes fixed on

conquest once again, their eyes fixed on the seven kingdoms of Westeros and the

the seven kingdoms of Westeros and the iron throne that awaited whoever was

iron throne that awaited whoever was strong enough to claim it. On the

strong enough to claim it. On the volcanic island of Dragonstone, where

volcanic island of Dragonstone, where the salt winds carried whispers of

the salt winds carried whispers of ancient power and the black stone towers

ancient power and the black stone towers reached towards stormclouded skies, the

reached towards stormclouded skies, the last of the dragon lords prepared to

last of the dragon lords prepared to change the course of history. Aegon

change the course of history. Aegon Targaryen, first of his name, stood on

Targaryen, first of his name, stood on the battlements of his ancestral seat

the battlements of his ancestral seat and gazed westward across the narrow sea

and gazed westward across the narrow sea toward the seven kingdoms of Westeros.

toward the seven kingdoms of Westeros. In his veins flowed the blood of old

In his veins flowed the blood of old Valyria, while behind him, in the

Valyria, while behind him, in the smoking peaks of the island, three

smoking peaks of the island, three dragons rested in the warmth of volcanic

dragons rested in the warmth of volcanic vents, their scales gleaming like

vents, their scales gleaming like polished metal in the firelight. The

polished metal in the firelight. The decision to conquer Westeros had not

decision to conquer Westeros had not come suddenly to Aegon. For years, he

come suddenly to Aegon. For years, he had watched the endless conflicts

had watched the endless conflicts between the kings and queens who ruled

between the kings and queens who ruled the fractured realm across the water.

the fractured realm across the water. The Storm King wared with the Dornish

The Storm King wared with the Dornish princes. The King of the Rock schemed

princes. The King of the Rock schemed against the King of the Reach, and the

against the King of the Reach, and the Ironborn raided the coasts with

Ironborn raided the coasts with impunity. While the river kings proved

impunity. While the river kings proved too weak to unite their scattered

too weak to unite their scattered holdings, Westeros was a realm divided

holdings, Westeros was a realm divided against itself, ripe for conquest by a

against itself, ripe for conquest by a power that could unite its disperate

power that could unite its disperate parts under a single crown. But Aegon

parts under a single crown. But Aegon possessed advantages that no previous

possessed advantages that no previous conqueror had enjoyed, where others

conqueror had enjoyed, where others brought only armies of men. He commanded

brought only armies of men. He commanded the last three dragons in the known

the last three dragons in the known world. Belleran the Black Dread,

world. Belleran the Black Dread, mightiest of the three, was a creature

mightiest of the three, was a creature of legend whose shadow could darken

of legend whose shadow could darken entire towns. His breath could melt

entire towns. His breath could melt stone and steel alike, while his

stone and steel alike, while his presence on the battlefield could break

presence on the battlefield could break the courage of the bravest warriors.

the courage of the bravest warriors. Vigar and Merxes, the two smaller

Vigar and Merxes, the two smaller dragons, were no less formidable. Their

dragons, were no less formidable. Their combined power sufficient to reduce

combined power sufficient to reduce castles to rubble and armies to ash. The

castles to rubble and armies to ash. The Targaryen siblings, who would ride these

Targaryen siblings, who would ride these dragons into history, were as remarkable

dragons into history, were as remarkable as the beasts they commanded. Agen

as the beasts they commanded. Agen himself was a man of 27 years, tall and

himself was a man of 27 years, tall and broad shouldered with the distinctive

broad shouldered with the distinctive silver gold hair and purple eyes of his

silver gold hair and purple eyes of his bloodline. He carried Blackfire, the

bloodline. He carried Blackfire, the Valyrian steel sword that had been his

Valyrian steel sword that had been his family's ancestral weapon, and he wore a

family's ancestral weapon, and he wore a crown of Valyrian steel and rubies that

crown of Valyrian steel and rubies that had been forged in the fires of old

had been forged in the fires of old Valyria itself. His presence commanded

Valyria itself. His presence commanded respect even from hardened warriors. For

respect even from hardened warriors. For there was something about him that spoke

there was something about him that spoke of destiny fulfilled in prophecy made

of destiny fulfilled in prophecy made manifest. His sister wives, Vizena and

manifest. His sister wives, Vizena and Rainees, were queens in their own right,

Rainees, were queens in their own right, each possessing skills and qualities

each possessing skills and qualities that complemented their brothers

that complemented their brothers strengths. Vizenya was the warrior of

strengths. Vizenya was the warrior of the three, stern and fierce with a sword

the three, stern and fierce with a sword that could match any knight in single

that could match any knight in single combat. She rode VGA, the bronzecaled

combat. She rode VGA, the bronzecaled dragon whose temper matched her riders,

dragon whose temper matched her riders, and she carried Dark Sister, a Valyrian

and she carried Dark Sister, a Valyrian steel blade that sang with deadly music

steel blade that sang with deadly music when drawn from its sheath. Rainees was

when drawn from its sheath. Rainees was the diplomat and the dreamer, beautiful

the diplomat and the dreamer, beautiful and charming, where her sister was

and charming, where her sister was austere and marshall. She flew upon

austere and marshall. She flew upon Maraxis, the silverc scaled dragon with

Maraxis, the silverc scaled dragon with golden eyes, and her presence could win

golden eyes, and her presence could win hearts as surely as her dragons fire

hearts as surely as her dragons fire could burn cities. The preparations for

could burn cities. The preparations for conquest had taken years to complete.

conquest had taken years to complete. Dragonstone's harbors filled with ships

Dragonstone's harbors filled with ships gathered from across the narrow sea,

gathered from across the narrow sea, their holds packed with weapons, armor,

their holds packed with weapons, armor, and supplies for the campaign ahead. The

and supplies for the campaign ahead. The Targaryen fleet was modest compared to

Targaryen fleet was modest compared to the great Armadas that had once sailed

the great Armadas that had once sailed from old Valyria, but it was sufficient

from old Valyria, but it was sufficient for the task at hand. More importantly,

for the task at hand. More importantly, Aegon had gathered around him a core of

Aegon had gathered around him a core of loyal followers who shared his vision of

loyal followers who shared his vision of a united Westeros under Targaryen rule.

a united Westeros under Targaryen rule. Coris Baratheon, rumored to be Aen's

Coris Baratheon, rumored to be Aen's bastard brother, though never

bastard brother, though never acknowledged as such, served as the

acknowledged as such, served as the conqueror's hand and closest adviser. A

conqueror's hand and closest adviser. A warrior of proven skill and a general of

warrior of proven skill and a general of considerable ability, Hores had helped

considerable ability, Hores had helped plan the invasion strategy and would

plan the invasion strategy and would lead the ground forces while the

lead the ground forces while the Targaryenss took to the skies on Dragon

Targaryenss took to the skies on Dragon Back. The other lords and knights who

Back. The other lords and knights who had sworn themselves to Achen's cause

had sworn themselves to Achen's cause were a mixture of exiles, younger sons,

were a mixture of exiles, younger sons, and ambitious men who saw opportunity in

and ambitious men who saw opportunity in the coming war. The invasion began not

the coming war. The invasion began not with a great battle, but with a landing

with a great battle, but with a landing so unremarkable that many of the local

so unremarkable that many of the local lords initially dismissed it as just

lords initially dismissed it as just another raid. Igen's forces came ashore

another raid. Igen's forces came ashore at the mouth of the Blackwater Rush,

at the mouth of the Blackwater Rush, where the river met Blackwater Bay in a

where the river met Blackwater Bay in a maze of mud flats and tidal marshes. The

maze of mud flats and tidal marshes. The location had been chosen carefully for

location had been chosen carefully for its strategic value rather than its

its strategic value rather than its defensive strength. From here, Aigen

defensive strength. From here, Aigen could strike north toward the

could strike north toward the Riverlands, south toward the Stormlands,

Riverlands, south toward the Stormlands, or west toward the Crownlands and the

or west toward the Crownlands and the heart of Westeros. The first castle to

heart of Westeros. The first castle to fall was not taken by siege or storm,

fall was not taken by siege or storm, but simply abandoned by its defenders

but simply abandoned by its defenders when they learned that dragons were in

when they learned that dragons were in the field. The sight of Bolyrian

the field. The sight of Bolyrian circling overhead was enough to convince

circling overhead was enough to convince the garrison of a minor keep that

the garrison of a minor keep that resistance was futile and they opened

resistance was futile and they opened their gates without a fight. This

their gates without a fight. This pattern would repeat itself throughout

pattern would repeat itself throughout the early stages of the conquest. As

the early stages of the conquest. As word of the dragon spread faster than

word of the dragon spread faster than the Targaryen army itself, many lords

the Targaryen army itself, many lords chose submission over destruction,

chose submission over destruction, bending the knee to preserve their lands

bending the knee to preserve their lands and their lives. But not all of the

and their lives. But not all of the seven kingdoms rulers were willing to

seven kingdoms rulers were willing to yield without a fight. King Haron the

yield without a fight. King Haron the Black, master of the Iron Islands and

Black, master of the Iron Islands and conqueror of the Riverlands, had just

conqueror of the Riverlands, had just completed the construction of Harrenhal,

completed the construction of Harrenhal, the greatest castle ever built in

the greatest castle ever built in Westeros. Its massive towers and thick

Westeros. Its massive towers and thick walls were designed to withstand any

walls were designed to withstand any conventional siege, and Haron believed

conventional siege, and Haron believed that his stronghold could resist even

that his stronghold could resist even dragon fire. He was wrong, and his error

dragon fire. He was wrong, and his error would cost him everything. The burning

would cost him everything. The burning of Harrenhal became the first great

of Harrenhal became the first great demonstration of dragon power in

demonstration of dragon power in Westeros, a spectacle that would be

Westeros, a spectacle that would be remembered for a thousand years. When

remembered for a thousand years. When Aegon's demands for submission were

Aegon's demands for submission were refused, he simply climbed onto

refused, he simply climbed onto Bolyrian's back and flew to the castle

Bolyrian's back and flew to the castle that Haron had thought impregnable. The

that Haron had thought impregnable. The Black Dreads flames turned the great

Black Dreads flames turned the great towers into vast chimneys, while the

towers into vast chimneys, while the stone walls became furnaces that cooked

stone walls became furnaces that cooked everyone inside. Haron and his sons died

everyone inside. Haron and his sons died in the highest tower of their own

in the highest tower of their own castle. Their bodies found fused to

castle. Their bodies found fused to molten stone and metal. The destruction

molten stone and metal. The destruction of Harrenhal sent shock waves throughout

of Harrenhal sent shock waves throughout Westeros, proving that no castle was

Westeros, proving that no castle was safe from dragon attack, and no king too

safe from dragon attack, and no king too powerful to fall. The river kings who

powerful to fall. The river kings who had chafed under Ironborn rule quickly

had chafed under Ironborn rule quickly declared for Aeen, grateful for

declared for Aeen, grateful for liberation from their harsh masters. The

liberation from their harsh masters. The great houses of the Riverlands, the

great houses of the Riverlands, the Tullies and Malisters and Brackens and

Tullies and Malisters and Brackens and Blackwoods, bent the knee and offered

Blackwoods, bent the knee and offered their swords to the dragon king. In a

their swords to the dragon king. In a single night of fire, Agen had gained

single night of fire, Agen had gained control of the Riverlands and

control of the Riverlands and demonstrated the futility of resistance.

demonstrated the futility of resistance. The kings of Westeros began to realize

The kings of Westeros began to realize that they faced a threat unlike any they

that they faced a threat unlike any they had encountered before. Traditional

had encountered before. Traditional military wisdom was useless against an

military wisdom was useless against an enemy who could strike from the sky

enemy who could strike from the sky without warning, while the strongest

without warning, while the strongest castles offered no protection against

castles offered no protection against dragon fire. Some chose to unite against

dragon fire. Some chose to unite against the common threat, while others sought

the common threat, while others sought to make separate peace with the

to make separate peace with the conqueror. The ancient alliances and

conqueror. The ancient alliances and enmities that had defined Westerosi

enmities that had defined Westerosi politics for centuries were suddenly

politics for centuries were suddenly rendered meaningless by the presence of

rendered meaningless by the presence of dragons. King Moon 9 Gardner of the

dragons. King Moon 9 Gardner of the Reach and King Lauren Nepisces Lannister

Reach and King Lauren Nepisces Lannister of the Rock decided to combine their

of the Rock decided to combine their forces in a great alliance that would

forces in a great alliance that would drive the dragon king back across the

drive the dragon king back across the narrow sea. Their combined army was the

narrow sea. Their combined army was the largest that had ever been assembled in

largest that had ever been assembled in Westeros. 60,000 men marching under the

Westeros. 60,000 men marching under the banners of roses and lions. The flower

banners of roses and lions. The flower of Westerosi chivalry rode with them.

of Westerosi chivalry rode with them. Knights whose ancestors had fought with

Knights whose ancestors had fought with honor for a thousand years. They were

honor for a thousand years. They were confident that no force on earth could

confident that no force on earth could stand against their assembled might. The

stand against their assembled might. The battle of the field of fire proved them

battle of the field of fire proved them tragically wrong. The Allied army had

tragically wrong. The Allied army had chosen their ground carefully, deploying

chosen their ground carefully, deploying on a broad plane where their superior

on a broad plane where their superior numbers would give them maximum

numbers would give them maximum advantage. Their battle lines stretched

advantage. Their battle lines stretched for miles, bristling with spears and

for miles, bristling with spears and banners, while their heavy cavalry

banners, while their heavy cavalry waited in reserve for the decisive

waited in reserve for the decisive charge that would shatter the Targaryen

charge that would shatter the Targaryen forces. It should have been a glorious

forces. It should have been a glorious victory for the ancient ways of warfare,

victory for the ancient ways of warfare, a triumph of courage and steel over

a triumph of courage and steel over sorcery and flame. Instead, it became a

sorcery and flame. Instead, it became a demonstration of how dragons had changed

demonstration of how dragons had changed the nature of war itself. Aegon and his

the nature of war itself. Aegon and his sisters took to the sky. As the battle

sisters took to the sky. As the battle began, their three dragons breathing

began, their three dragons breathing fire down upon the packed formations

fire down upon the packed formations below. The knights, who had looked so

below. The knights, who had looked so magnificent in their polished armor,

magnificent in their polished armor, became torches within their steel

became torches within their steel shells, while the common soldiers broke

shells, while the common soldiers broke and fled in panic as flames swept

and fled in panic as flames swept through their ranks. The charge of the

through their ranks. The charge of the heavy cavalry which had been planned as

heavy cavalry which had been planned as the decisive moment of the battle became

the decisive moment of the battle became a route as horses screamed and refused

a route as horses screamed and refused to advance toward the dragons overhead.

to advance toward the dragons overhead. King M died in that field of fire along

King M died in that field of fire along with his sons and heirs, ending the

with his sons and heirs, ending the ancient line of gardener kings that had

ancient line of gardener kings that had ruled the reach for thousands of years.

ruled the reach for thousands of years. King Lauren managed to escape the

King Lauren managed to escape the slaughter, but his army was broken and

slaughter, but his army was broken and his kingdom lay open to conquest. The

his kingdom lay open to conquest. The great lords of the reach, seeing their

great lords of the reach, seeing their king dead and their forces scattered,

king dead and their forces scattered, had no choice but to submit to Agen's

had no choice but to submit to Agen's rule. House Terrell, the stewards of

rule. House Terrell, the stewards of High Garden, were elevated to lordship

High Garden, were elevated to lordship over the reach in reward for their quick

over the reach in reward for their quick submission. The conquest of the West

submission. The conquest of the West followed a different pattern. As King

followed a different pattern. As King Lauren chose diplomacy over destruction,

Lauren chose diplomacy over destruction, rather than face another field of fire,

rather than face another field of fire, he traveled to Aegon's camp under a

he traveled to Aegon's camp under a banner of truce and bent the knee before

banner of truce and bent the knee before the iron throne that had not yet been

the iron throne that had not yet been forged. His submission preserved his

forged. His submission preserved his family's rule over Castelli Rock and the

family's rule over Castelli Rock and the Western lands, though they would

Western lands, though they would henceforth serve as lords rather than

henceforth serve as lords rather than kings. The gold of Casterly Rock would

kings. The gold of Casterly Rock would prove invaluable in funding the new

prove invaluable in funding the new realm that Aegon was building from the

realm that Aegon was building from the ashes of the old. The Stormlands

ashes of the old. The Stormlands presented their own unique challenges as

presented their own unique challenges as the Storm Kings had fortified their

the Storm Kings had fortified their realm with a network of castles that

realm with a network of castles that commanded every major pass and road.

commanded every major pass and road. Storm's End itself. The great seat of

Storm's End itself. The great seat of House Durandon was considered

House Durandon was considered impregnable even to dragons. Its massive

impregnable even to dragons. Its massive walls curved to deflect both

walls curved to deflect both conventional missiles and dragon fire.

conventional missiles and dragon fire. King Argulac the Arrogant, last of the

King Argulac the Arrogant, last of the Storm Kings, prepared for a siege that

Storm Kings, prepared for a siege that he believed could last for years. But

he believed could last for years. But Aegon had learned from his earlier

Aegon had learned from his earlier campaigns that direct assault was not

campaigns that direct assault was not always the most effective strategy.

always the most effective strategy. Instead of besieging Storm's End, he

Instead of besieging Storm's End, he sent Aris Baratheon to lead a carefully

sent Aris Baratheon to lead a carefully planned campaign that isolated the

planned campaign that isolated the castle from its supporting strongholds.

castle from its supporting strongholds. One by one, the lesser keeps of the

One by one, the lesser keeps of the Stormlands fell to combined assault by

Stormlands fell to combined assault by ground forces and dragons, cutting off

ground forces and dragons, cutting off Storm's End from reinforcement and

Storm's End from reinforcement and supply. When King Argolac finally

supply. When King Argolac finally emerged to give battle, he found himself

emerged to give battle, he found himself outnumbered and outmaneuvered by an

outnumbered and outmaneuvered by an enemy who had learned to use both

enemy who had learned to use both traditional tactics and dragon power

traditional tactics and dragon power with devastating effectiveness. The

with devastating effectiveness. The battle of the last storm saw the end of

battle of the last storm saw the end of the ancient Durandon dynasty and the

the ancient Durandon dynasty and the rise of House Baratheon to lordship over

rise of House Baratheon to lordship over the Stormlands. Oris Baratheon having

the Stormlands. Oris Baratheon having slain King Argalac in single combat took

slain King Argalac in single combat took not only his lands and castle but also

not only his lands and castle but also his daughter and his words. Ours is the

his daughter and his words. Ours is the fury became the motto of the new house

fury became the motto of the new house Baratheon. While the crowned stag

Baratheon. While the crowned stag remained their sigil in honor of the

remained their sigil in honor of the storm kings they had replaced. With four

storm kings they had replaced. With four of the seven kingdoms under his control,

of the seven kingdoms under his control, Agon turned his attention to the

Agon turned his attention to the remaining holdouts. The veil of Aaron

remaining holdouts. The veil of Aaron protected by its mountain passes and the

protected by its mountain passes and the impregnable Erie remained under the rule

impregnable Erie remained under the rule of the boy king Ronald Aaron and his

of the boy king Ronald Aaron and his mother the formidable queen regent

mother the formidable queen regent Shara. The north vast and sparssely

Shara. The north vast and sparssely populated was ruled by King Torren Stark

populated was ruled by King Torren Stark from his seat at Winterfell. Dawn with

from his seat at Winterfell. Dawn with its desert strongholds and tradition of

its desert strongholds and tradition of guerilla warfare prepared for the long

guerilla warfare prepared for the long campaign that its princes knew was

campaign that its princes knew was coming. Each of these remaining kingdoms

coming. Each of these remaining kingdoms would require a different approach. As

would require a different approach. As Aegon had learned that successful

Aegon had learned that successful conquest required more than just

conquest required more than just superior military force, the dragons

superior military force, the dragons gave him the power to destroy any castle

gave him the power to destroy any castle or army. But building a lasting realm

or army. But building a lasting realm required the consent of the governed and

required the consent of the governed and the cooperation of the existing power

the cooperation of the existing power structures. The Game of Thrones had

structures. The Game of Thrones had become more complex than simple

become more complex than simple conquest, evolving into a delicate

conquest, evolving into a delicate balance of diplomacy, intimidation, and

balance of diplomacy, intimidation, and strategic vision. As the first year of

strategic vision. As the first year of conquest drew to a close, Egon

conquest drew to a close, Egon established his court on the hill where

established his court on the hill where he had first landed, the site that would

he had first landed, the site that would become King's Landing. There, amid the

become King's Landing. There, amid the mud and marsh of the Blackwater Rush, he

mud and marsh of the Blackwater Rush, he began to plan not just the completion of

began to plan not just the completion of his conquests, but the creation of a new

his conquests, but the creation of a new kind of kingdom. The iron throne that

kind of kingdom. The iron throne that would become the symbol of his rule was

would become the symbol of his rule was still just a dream, but the realm that

still just a dream, but the realm that would support it was already taking

would support it was already taking shape under the shadow of dragon wings.

shape under the shadow of dragon wings. The wheel of history had turned once

The wheel of history had turned once again, carrying Westeros toward a future

again, carrying Westeros toward a future that none of its ancient kings could

that none of its ancient kings could have imagined. The age of the seven

have imagined. The age of the seven kingdoms was ending, and the age of the

kingdoms was ending, and the age of the iron throne was about to begin. The

iron throne was about to begin. The crown that rested upon Aegon's brow in

crown that rested upon Aegon's brow in the great sept of Balor had been forged

the great sept of Balor had been forged from the melted swords of his enemies.

from the melted swords of his enemies. But the kingdom he ruled was built from

But the kingdom he ruled was built from something far more precious and enduring

something far more precious and enduring the willing submission of those he had

the willing submission of those he had conquered. The transformation of seven

conquered. The transformation of seven independent realms into a single unified

independent realms into a single unified kingdom was perhaps a greater

kingdom was perhaps a greater achievement than the military conquest

achievement than the military conquest that had preceded it. Where the dragons

that had preceded it. Where the dragons had won the throne through fire and

had won the throne through fire and blood, it would be wisdom and statecraft

blood, it would be wisdom and statecraft that would keep it for the Targaryen

that would keep it for the Targaryen dynasty for nearly three centuries.

dynasty for nearly three centuries. King's Landing rose from the mud flats

King's Landing rose from the mud flats of the Blackwater like a flower blooming

of the Blackwater like a flower blooming in ashes. What had begun as Aegon's

in ashes. What had begun as Aegon's military camp evolved with remarkable

military camp evolved with remarkable speed into the greatest city in

speed into the greatest city in Westeros, drawing people from across the

Westeros, drawing people from across the seven kingdoms who sought opportunity in

seven kingdoms who sought opportunity in the new order. Merchants arrived with

the new order. Merchants arrived with goods from across the narrow sea.

goods from across the narrow sea. Craftsmen came to build the palaces and

Craftsmen came to build the palaces and temples that a royal capital required,

temples that a royal capital required, and ambitious lords brought their

and ambitious lords brought their households to court in hopes of winning

households to court in hopes of winning favor with the new dynasty. The hill

favor with the new dynasty. The hill where Aegon had first set foot in

where Aegon had first set foot in Westeros became the site of the Red

Westeros became the site of the Red Keep, a massive fortress that would

Keep, a massive fortress that would serve as both royal residence and seat

serve as both royal residence and seat of government for generations to come.

of government for generations to come. The construction of the Red Keep was a

The construction of the Red Keep was a marvel of engineering and artistry that

marvel of engineering and artistry that rivaled anything built since the fall of

rivaled anything built since the fall of Valyria. Aegon commanded vast resources

Valyria. Aegon commanded vast resources drawn from across his new kingdom, and

drawn from across his new kingdom, and he used them to create a palace worthy

he used them to create a palace worthy of the Iron Throne. The great hall,

of the Iron Throne. The great hall, where the twisted metal seat sat in

where the twisted metal seat sat in brooding splendor, was designed to

brooding splendor, was designed to impress and intimidate visitors. Its

impress and intimidate visitors. Its soaring ceiling decorated with dragons

soaring ceiling decorated with dragons wrought in iron and gold. The throne

wrought in iron and gold. The throne room itself became a stage where the

room itself became a stage where the drama of ruling would be performed for

drama of ruling would be performed for centuries. Each king adding his own

centuries. Each king adding his own character to the ancient seat of power.

character to the ancient seat of power. The Iron Throne itself was Aegon's

The Iron Throne itself was Aegon's master stroke of political symbolism, a

master stroke of political symbolism, a physical manifestation of conquest that

physical manifestation of conquest that reminded everyone who saw it of the

reminded everyone who saw it of the price of rebellion. Forged from the

price of rebellion. Forged from the swords of defeated enemies by Bolyrian's

swords of defeated enemies by Bolyrian's dragonfire, the throne was deliberately

dragonfire, the throne was deliberately uncomfortable, bristling with blades

uncomfortable, bristling with blades that cut any who sat upon it carelessly.

that cut any who sat upon it carelessly. Aegon intended it as a reminder that

Aegon intended it as a reminder that ruling was not a privilege to be enjoyed

ruling was not a privilege to be enjoyed but a responsibility to be endured and

but a responsibility to be endured and that power came with its own inherent

that power came with its own inherent dangers. The administrative system that

dangers. The administrative system that Aegon established to govern his new

Aegon established to govern his new realm was a careful blend of Valyrian

realm was a careful blend of Valyrian efficiency and Westerosi tradition. He

efficiency and Westerosi tradition. He understood that successful rule required

understood that successful rule required more than just the threat of dragon

more than just the threat of dragon fire. It needed the cooperation of the

fire. It needed the cooperation of the existing noble houses and the acceptance

existing noble houses and the acceptance of the common people. The feudal

of the common people. The feudal structure that had governed the seven

structure that had governed the seven kingdoms for centuries was preserved,

kingdoms for centuries was preserved, but it was unified under the authority

but it was unified under the authority of the iron throne. The great lords who

of the iron throne. The great lords who had once been kings became wardens and

had once been kings became wardens and lords paramount, maintaining their

lords paramount, maintaining their traditional authority over their

traditional authority over their ancestral lands while acknowledging the

ancestral lands while acknowledging the supremacy of the Targaryen crown. The

supremacy of the Targaryen crown. The hand of the king, a position that Aegon

hand of the king, a position that Aegon created to serve as his chief minister

created to serve as his chief minister and deputy, became one of the most

and deputy, became one of the most powerful offices in the realm. Oris

powerful offices in the realm. Oris Baratheon, the first to hold this title,

Baratheon, the first to hold this title, established many of the precedents that

established many of the precedents that would govern the position for centuries

would govern the position for centuries to come. The hand spoke with the king's

to come. The hand spoke with the king's voice and ruled in his name when

voice and ruled in his name when necessary, making the office both

necessary, making the office both crucial to effective governance and

crucial to effective governance and potentially dangerous to any king who

potentially dangerous to any king who chose his deputy unwisely. The golden

chose his deputy unwisely. The golden pin that marked the hand's authority,

pin that marked the hand's authority, shaped like a grasping hand, became one

shaped like a grasping hand, became one of the most recognized symbols of power

of the most recognized symbols of power in Westeros. The small council that

in Westeros. The small council that advised the king and administered the

advised the king and administered the realm's day-to-day affairs was another

realm's day-to-day affairs was another Aegon innovation that proved its worth

Aegon innovation that proved its worth over the generations. The master of

over the generations. The master of laws, master of coin, master of ships,

laws, master of coin, master of ships, and other council positions were filled

and other council positions were filled by men chosen for their competence

by men chosen for their competence rather than their birth, creating a

rather than their birth, creating a meritocratic element within the feudal

meritocratic element within the feudal system. This balance between traditional

system. This balance between traditional nobility and administrative efficiency

nobility and administrative efficiency would prove crucial to the Targaryen

would prove crucial to the Targaryen dynasty's longevity, allowing it to

dynasty's longevity, allowing it to adapt to changing circumstances while

adapt to changing circumstances while maintaining the support of the

maintaining the support of the established power structure. The King's

established power structure. The King's Guard, the elite brotherhood of seven

Guard, the elite brotherhood of seven knights sworn to protect the king and

knights sworn to protect the king and his family, represented Aegon's attempt

his family, represented Aegon's attempt to create a new chivalri ideal that

to create a new chivalri ideal that transcended regional loyalties. These

transcended regional loyalties. These knights took vows of celibacy and

knights took vows of celibacy and poverty, dedicating their lives entirely

poverty, dedicating their lives entirely to their royal charges. The white cloaks

to their royal charges. The white cloaks and armor that marked their rank became

and armor that marked their rank became symbols of honor and duty throughout the

symbols of honor and duty throughout the realm. While the stories of their deeds

realm. While the stories of their deeds inspired countless young men to seek

inspired countless young men to seek similar glory. The Lord Commander of the

similar glory. The Lord Commander of the King's Guard, traditionally the greatest

King's Guard, traditionally the greatest knight in the realm, served as both

knight in the realm, served as both military adviser and personal protector

military adviser and personal protector to the king. The faith of the seven

to the king. The faith of the seven which had arrived in Westeros with the

which had arrived in Westeros with the Andal invasions found new prominence

Andal invasions found new prominence under Targaryen rule as Aegon sought to

under Targaryen rule as Aegon sought to create unity among his diverse subjects.

create unity among his diverse subjects. While the Targaryenss themselves

While the Targaryenss themselves maintained many Valyrian customs,

maintained many Valyrian customs, including the practice of sibling

including the practice of sibling marriage that horrified conventional

marriage that horrified conventional Westerosi sensibilities, they publicly

Westerosi sensibilities, they publicly embraced the dominant religion of their

embraced the dominant religion of their new kingdom. The high septan who crowned

new kingdom. The high septan who crowned Aegon in the great sept of Baylor

Aegon in the great sept of Baylor legitimized the conquest in the eyes of

legitimized the conquest in the eyes of the faithful. While the royal patronage

the faithful. While the royal patronage of the faith helped to spread Targaryen

of the faith helped to spread Targaryen authority into every corner of the

authority into every corner of the realm. Yet this alliance between crown

realm. Yet this alliance between crown and faith was not without its tensions.

and faith was not without its tensions. The Targaryen practice of plural

The Targaryen practice of plural marriage and their belief in their own

marriage and their belief in their own divine destiny conflicted with many of

divine destiny conflicted with many of the faith's teachings, creating

the faith's teachings, creating theological controversies that would

theological controversies that would plague the dynasty throughout its rule.

plague the dynasty throughout its rule. The doctrine of Targaryen

The doctrine of Targaryen exceptionalism, which held that the

exceptionalism, which held that the royal family was above the common laws

royal family was above the common laws of men due to their dragon blood, became

of men due to their dragon blood, became a source of ongoing conflict with

a source of ongoing conflict with religious authorities who preached the

religious authorities who preached the equality of all souls before the seven.

equality of all souls before the seven. The economic transformation of Westeros

The economic transformation of Westeros under Targaryen rule was as dramatic as

under Targaryen rule was as dramatic as the political changes. The end of

the political changes. The end of constant warfare between the seven

constant warfare between the seven kingdoms allowed trade to flourish as

kingdoms allowed trade to flourish as never before. While the royal roads that

never before. While the royal roads that connected King's Landing to every corner

connected King's Landing to every corner of the realm facilitated the movement of

of the realm facilitated the movement of goods and people, the Targaryen fleet

goods and people, the Targaryen fleet built around the surviving dragons and

built around the surviving dragons and the ships that had carried Aegon's army

the ships that had carried Aegon's army from Dragonstoneone secured the sealanes

from Dragonstoneone secured the sealanes and protected merchant vessels from

and protected merchant vessels from pirates and raiders. The prosperity that

pirates and raiders. The prosperity that resulted from this newfound security

resulted from this newfound security helped to cement Targaryen rule in the

helped to cement Targaryen rule in the hearts and minds of the common people.

hearts and minds of the common people. The legal system that Aegon established

The legal system that Aegon established represented another crucial element in

represented another crucial element in the transformation of seven kingdoms

the transformation of seven kingdoms into one. While local laws and customs

into one. While local laws and customs were largely preserved, the crown

were largely preserved, the crown created a framework of royal justice

created a framework of royal justice that superseded regional variations when

that superseded regional variations when necessary. The king's justice

necessary. The king's justice administered by royal magistrates and

administered by royal magistrates and enforced by royal troops ensured that

enforced by royal troops ensured that the most serious crimes were punished

the most serious crimes were punished according to uniform standards

according to uniform standards throughout the realm. This legal unity

throughout the realm. This legal unity helped to create a sense of shared

helped to create a sense of shared identity among the diverse peoples of

identity among the diverse peoples of Westeros, gradually transforming them

Westeros, gradually transforming them from subjects of various kings into

from subjects of various kings into citizens of a single kingdom. The

citizens of a single kingdom. The cultural flowering that accompanied

cultural flowering that accompanied political unification was perhaps the

political unification was perhaps the most subtle but enduring legacy of

most subtle but enduring legacy of Aegon's conquest. The mixing of

Aegon's conquest. The mixing of traditions from different regions

traditions from different regions created new forms of art, music, and

created new forms of art, music, and literature that reflected the hybrid

literature that reflected the hybrid nature of the new kingdom. The trouidors

nature of the new kingdom. The trouidors who traveled from castle to castle

who traveled from castle to castle carrying news and entertainment helped

carrying news and entertainment helped to spread stories of Targaryen greatness

to spread stories of Targaryen greatness while also preserving local traditions

while also preserving local traditions and customs. The great tournaments that

and customs. The great tournaments that became a hallmark of Targaryen rule

became a hallmark of Targaryen rule provided venues where knights from

provided venues where knights from different regions could compete and

different regions could compete and mingle, creating bonds of friendship and

mingle, creating bonds of friendship and rivalry that transcended ancient

rivalry that transcended ancient regional boundaries. The dragons

regional boundaries. The dragons themselves became central to the

themselves became central to the cultural identity of the new kingdom,

cultural identity of the new kingdom, inspiring artists and poets while

inspiring artists and poets while serving as powerful symbols of royal

serving as powerful symbols of royal authority. The sight of Balleran flying

authority. The sight of Balleran flying over King's Landing was a daily reminder

over King's Landing was a daily reminder of the power that had united the realm.

of the power that had united the realm. While the smaller dragons ridden by

While the smaller dragons ridden by Vizinia and Rainees became beloved

Vizinia and Rainees became beloved figures in their own right. Children

figures in their own right. Children throughout the kingdom grew up with

throughout the kingdom grew up with dragon stories, while craftsmen created

dragon stories, while craftsmen created countless representations of the great

countless representations of the great beasts in every medium, from tapestry to

beasts in every medium, from tapestry to stained glass. The military reforms that

stained glass. The military reforms that Aegon implemented during his reign laid

Aegon implemented during his reign laid the foundation for centuries of

the foundation for centuries of Targaryen dominance. The royal army,

Targaryen dominance. The royal army, drawn from all seven kingdoms and

drawn from all seven kingdoms and trained to common standards, could be

trained to common standards, could be deployed anywhere in the realm to

deployed anywhere in the realm to maintain order or repel invasion. The

maintain order or repel invasion. The dragon riders themselves formed an elite

dragon riders themselves formed an elite force that could respond to threats with

force that could respond to threats with unprecedented speed, while the growing

unprecedented speed, while the growing Targaryen fleet provided the mobility

Targaryen fleet provided the mobility needed to project power across the

needed to project power across the narrow sea. These military innovations

narrow sea. These military innovations ensured that the unified kingdom could

ensured that the unified kingdom could defend itself against both internal

defend itself against both internal rebellion and external threats. The

rebellion and external threats. The death of Queen Rainees during the

death of Queen Rainees during the conquest of Dawn marked the first great

conquest of Dawn marked the first great tragedy of the Targaryen dynasty,

tragedy of the Targaryen dynasty, demonstrating that even dragons were not

demonstrating that even dragons were not invincible. Her loss at Hellhalt, where

invincible. Her loss at Hellhalt, where Maraxis was brought down by a lucky

Maraxis was brought down by a lucky scorpion bolt, shocked the kingdom and

scorpion bolt, shocked the kingdom and reminded everyone that the royal

reminded everyone that the royal family's power, while great, was not

family's power, while great, was not unlimited. The grief that Aegon

unlimited. The grief that Aegon displayed at his sister wife's death

displayed at his sister wife's death humanized him in the eyes of his

humanized him in the eyes of his subjects, while the terrible vengeance

subjects, while the terrible vengeance he riaked upon Dawn in response reminded

he riaked upon Dawn in response reminded them of the consequences of defying

them of the consequences of defying royal authority. The establishment of

royal authority. The establishment of the Dragon Pit in King's Landing

the Dragon Pit in King's Landing represented Aegon's attempt to ensure

represented Aegon's attempt to ensure the survival of his dynasty's greatest

the survival of his dynasty's greatest advantage. This massive underground

advantage. This massive underground complex carved from the living rock

complex carved from the living rock beneath the city provided a secure home

beneath the city provided a secure home for the royal dragons while also serving

for the royal dragons while also serving as a symbol of Targaryen power. The dome

as a symbol of Targaryen power. The dome that covered the pit became one of the

that covered the pit became one of the most recognizable landmarks in King's

most recognizable landmarks in King's Landing. While the carefully trained

Landing. While the carefully trained dragon keepers who tended the great

dragon keepers who tended the great beasts became legendary figures in their

beasts became legendary figures in their own right, the succession question that

own right, the succession question that would plague the Targaryen dynasty for

would plague the Targaryen dynasty for centuries first arose during Aegon's

centuries first arose during Aegon's reign as the complex relationships

reign as the complex relationships between his sister wives and their

between his sister wives and their children created ambiguities in the line

children created ambiguities in the line of inheritance. The crown's decision to

of inheritance. The crown's decision to favor male heirs over female ones

favor male heirs over female ones despite the crucial role that Vizenya

despite the crucial role that Vizenya and Rainees had played in the conquest

and Rainees had played in the conquest established precedents that would later

established precedents that would later tear the kingdom apart. The great

tear the kingdom apart. The great council that would eventually be

council that would eventually be convened to resolve succession disputes

convened to resolve succession disputes had its origins in the informal

had its origins in the informal consultations that Aegon held with his

consultations that Aegon held with his greatest lords when difficult decisions

greatest lords when difficult decisions needed to be made. The integration of

needed to be made. The integration of the Iron Islands into the new kingdom

the Iron Islands into the new kingdom presented unique challenges that

presented unique challenges that required careful handling. The Ironborn

required careful handling. The Ironborn culture of reeving and raiding

culture of reeving and raiding conflicted with the Targaryen vision of

conflicted with the Targaryen vision of a peaceful realm, while their worship of

a peaceful realm, while their worship of the drowned god set them apart from the

the drowned god set them apart from the mainland's faith of the seven. Aegon's

mainland's faith of the seven. Aegon's decision to allow them to maintain their

decision to allow them to maintain their traditional ways while gradually

traditional ways while gradually encouraging them to seek glory in royal

encouraging them to seek glory in royal service rather than piracy represented a

service rather than piracy represented a masterful example of political

masterful example of political compromise that preserved both royal

compromise that preserved both royal authority and local autonomy. As Aegon's

authority and local autonomy. As Aegon's reign progressed, the transformation of

reign progressed, the transformation of Westeros from a collection of waring

Westeros from a collection of waring kingdoms into a unified realm began to

kingdoms into a unified realm began to seem inevitable and natural. The

seem inevitable and natural. The generation that had known the old kings

generation that had known the old kings died off, replaced by younger lords who

died off, replaced by younger lords who had grown up under Targaryen rule and

had grown up under Targaryen rule and accepted it as the natural order of

accepted it as the natural order of things. The customs and traditions that

things. The customs and traditions that Aegon established during these early

Aegon established during these early years would endure for centuries,

years would endure for centuries, creating the framework within which

creating the framework within which future kings would rule and future

future kings would rule and future crises would be resolved. The legacy of

crises would be resolved. The legacy of Aegon's reign extended far beyond the

Aegon's reign extended far beyond the borders of Westeros itself. The

borders of Westeros itself. The establishment of the Iron Throne as the

establishment of the Iron Throne as the premier seat of power in the known world

premier seat of power in the known world shifted the balance of international

shifted the balance of international politics, making King's Landing a

politics, making King's Landing a destination for ambassadors and

destination for ambassadors and merchants from across the narrow sea.

merchants from across the narrow sea. The Targaryen fleet projected royal

The Targaryen fleet projected royal power into distant waters, while the

power into distant waters, while the threat of dragon retaliation deterred

threat of dragon retaliation deterred potential enemies from threatening the

potential enemies from threatening the kingdom's interests abroad. The wheel of

kingdom's interests abroad. The wheel of history had turned completely,

history had turned completely, transforming a collection of feuding

transforming a collection of feuding kingdoms into the mightiest realm in the

kingdoms into the mightiest realm in the known world. The age of conquest had

known world. The age of conquest had ended, but the age of kings had truly

ended, but the age of kings had truly begun with the Iron Throne standing as

begun with the Iron Throne standing as the ultimate prize in the eternal game

the ultimate prize in the eternal game of thrones. The seeds of the greatest

of thrones. The seeds of the greatest civil war in Westerosi history were

civil war in Westerosi history were planted in love, watered with ambition,

planted in love, watered with ambition, and grew into a tree whose bitter fruit

and grew into a tree whose bitter fruit would poison the Targaryen dynasty for

would poison the Targaryen dynasty for generations. King Viseris the third king

generations. King Viseris the third king of his name to sit the Iron Throne was

of his name to sit the Iron Throne was by all accounts a good man and a

by all accounts a good man and a peaceful ruler who desired nothing more

peaceful ruler who desired nothing more than to preserve the prosperity and

than to preserve the prosperity and unity that his forebears had built. Yet,

unity that his forebears had built. Yet, it was his very kindness, his reluctance

it was his very kindness, his reluctance to make the hard choices that kingship

to make the hard choices that kingship sometimes demanded that would ultimately

sometimes demanded that would ultimately tear his kingdom apart and reduce the

tear his kingdom apart and reduce the number of dragons in the world from

number of dragons in the world from dozens to a mere handful. The tragedy

dozens to a mere handful. The tragedy began with love, as so many great

began with love, as so many great tragedies do. Vzeris had been happily

tragedies do. Vzeris had been happily married to Queen Enma Aarin, a gentle

married to Queen Enma Aarin, a gentle woman who had given him a daughter,

woman who had given him a daughter, Princess Rea, but had struggled to

Princess Rea, but had struggled to provide the male heir that the realm

provide the male heir that the realm expected. When Queen Enma died in

expected. When Queen Enma died in childbirth, along with the son she had

childbirth, along with the son she had tried so desperately to deliver, Vizeris

tried so desperately to deliver, Vizeris was left a widowerower with a daughter

was left a widowerower with a daughter he adored, but whom many believed could

he adored, but whom many believed could never rule in her own right. The king's

never rule in her own right. The king's grief was profound and genuine, but

grief was profound and genuine, but political necessity demanded that he

political necessity demanded that he remarry and attempt to father the son

remarry and attempt to father the son that would secure the succession. His

that would secure the succession. His choice of a second wife would prove

choice of a second wife would prove fateful beyond all imagining. Rather

fateful beyond all imagining. Rather than making a politically advantageous

than making a politically advantageous match with one of the great houses,

match with one of the great houses, Vizeris followed his heart and married

Vizeris followed his heart and married Allison Hightowwer, the young daughter

Allison Hightowwer, the young daughter of his hand Otto High Totower.

of his hand Otto High Totower. Allisonant was beautiful and

Allisonant was beautiful and intelligent, possessed of all the grace

intelligent, possessed of all the grace and wisdom that a queen should have. But

and wisdom that a queen should have. But she was also ambitious, and her family

she was also ambitious, and her family was even more so. The high towers of

was even more so. The high towers of Oldtown were one of the oldest and

Oldtown were one of the oldest and wealthiest houses in Westeros, with

wealthiest houses in Westeros, with connections to the faith of the seven

connections to the faith of the seven that gave them influence throughout the

that gave them influence throughout the realm. They saw in Allison's marriage an

realm. They saw in Allison's marriage an opportunity to place their own blood on

opportunity to place their own blood on the iron throne. Princess Reneira, who

the iron throne. Princess Reneira, who had been her father's beloved heir and

had been her father's beloved heir and the apple of his eye, suddenly found

the apple of his eye, suddenly found herself displaced in the royal household

herself displaced in the royal household by a stepmother only a few years older

by a stepmother only a few years older than herself. The relationship between

than herself. The relationship between the two women began cordially enough.

the two women began cordially enough. But as Allison began bearing sons to

But as Allison began bearing sons to King Viseres, the natural rivalry

King Viseres, the natural rivalry between them grew into something darker

between them grew into something darker and more dangerous. Prince Agen, born in

and more dangerous. Prince Agen, born in the second year of his parents'

the second year of his parents' marriage, was followed by Prince Aemon

marriage, was followed by Prince Aemon and Prince Darren, giving the king the

and Prince Darren, giving the king the male heirs he had longed for, but also

male heirs he had longed for, but also creating a succession crisis that would

creating a succession crisis that would define the remainder of his reign. The

define the remainder of his reign. The question of who should inherit the iron

question of who should inherit the iron throne after Viseris became the central

throne after Viseris became the central political issue of the day. By ancient

political issue of the day. By ancient law and tradition, the crown should pass

law and tradition, the crown should pass to the king's eldest son, which would

to the king's eldest son, which would make Prince Aegon the rightful heir. But

make Prince Aegon the rightful heir. But Viseris had publicly declared Rineer his

Viseris had publicly declared Rineer his successor years before his sons were

successor years before his sons were born, and he had compelled all the great

born, and he had compelled all the great lords of the realm to swear oaths of

lords of the realm to swear oaths of feelalty to her. The king's refusal to

feelalty to her. The king's refusal to change his designation, even after

change his designation, even after fathering male heirs, created a

fathering male heirs, created a constitutional crisis that split the

constitutional crisis that split the court and eventually the kingdom itself.

court and eventually the kingdom itself. The faction that supported Princess

The faction that supported Princess Reineer's claim came to be known as the

Reineer's claim came to be known as the Blacks after the color of her dragons

Blacks after the color of her dragons and the banners carried by her

and the banners carried by her supporters. They argued that the king's

supporters. They argued that the king's word was law and that the oaths sworn to

word was law and that the oaths sworn to Reineer were sacred bonds that could not

Reineer were sacred bonds that could not be broken. The princess herself was a

be broken. The princess herself was a formidable claimment, beautiful and

formidable claimment, beautiful and intelligent like her stepmother, but

intelligent like her stepmother, but with a strength of will that reminded

with a strength of will that reminded many of Queen Vizenya. She had married

many of Queen Vizenya. She had married Cerse Raineer of Valerion, uniting her

Cerse Raineer of Valerion, uniting her cause with the powerful maritime house

cause with the powerful maritime house that controlled the royal fleet, and she

that controlled the royal fleet, and she had borne three sons who would carry

had borne three sons who would carry forward the Targaryen bloodline. The

forward the Targaryen bloodline. The faction supporting Prince Aegon became

faction supporting Prince Aegon became known as the Greens. Taking their name

known as the Greens. Taking their name from the color that Queen Allison had

from the color that Queen Allison had worn to Rea's wedding as a subtle

worn to Rea's wedding as a subtle statement of opposition. They contended

statement of opposition. They contended that no amount of royal proclamations

that no amount of royal proclamations could overturn the natural law that

could overturn the natural law that decreed male heirs took precedence over

decreed male heirs took precedence over female ones. Prince Aegon, though

female ones. Prince Aegon, though younger than his halfsister, was the

younger than his halfsister, was the king's eldest surviving son and

king's eldest surviving son and therefore the rightful heir, according

therefore the rightful heir, according to the precedence established by the

to the precedence established by the great council that had chosen Viseris

great council that had chosen Viseris himself over Princess Rainees decades

himself over Princess Rainees decades earlier. As King Viseris aged and his

earlier. As King Viseris aged and his health declined, the two factions grew

health declined, the two factions grew more entrenched in their positions and

more entrenched in their positions and more willing to contemplate violent

more willing to contemplate violent solutions to the succession dispute. The

solutions to the succession dispute. The court at King's Landing became a nest of

court at King's Landing became a nest of intrigue and conspiracy with lords and

intrigue and conspiracy with lords and ladies choosing sides based on

ladies choosing sides based on calculations of advantage rather than

calculations of advantage rather than principles of law or loyalty. The great

principles of law or loyalty. The great houses of Westeros began to align

houses of Westeros began to align themselves with one claimant or the

themselves with one claimant or the other. Their decisions shaped by old

other. Their decisions shaped by old grievances, marriage alliances, and

grievances, marriage alliances, and promises of reward in the coming

promises of reward in the coming conflict. The death of King Viseris in

conflict. The death of King Viseris in his sleep marked the end of the last

his sleep marked the end of the last peaceful night the realm would know for

peaceful night the realm would know for years to come. Within hours of the

years to come. Within hours of the king's passing, Queen Allison and her

king's passing, Queen Allison and her supporters moved to place Aegon on the

supporters moved to place Aegon on the iron throne, crowning him in the great

iron throne, crowning him in the great sept of Bor before word of his father's

sept of Bor before word of his father's death could reach Princess Rea

death could reach Princess Rea Dragonstone. The Greens had prepared for

Dragonstone. The Greens had prepared for this moment for years, securing the

this moment for years, securing the loyalty of the gold cloaks who guarded

loyalty of the gold cloaks who guarded King's Landing and ensuring that their

King's Landing and ensuring that their allies were ready to act when the time

allies were ready to act when the time came. But Rara had not been idle either.

came. But Rara had not been idle either. And when news of her father's death and

And when news of her father's death and her half-brothers usurpation reached

her half-brothers usurpation reached her, she was ready with her own plans.

her, she was ready with her own plans. at Dragonstone, surrounded by her

at Dragonstone, surrounded by her supporters and with a dozen dragons at

supporters and with a dozen dragons at her command, she held her own coronation

her command, she held her own coronation ceremony and declared Aegon II a usurper

ceremony and declared Aegon II a usurper and traitor. The realm now had two

and traitor. The realm now had two sovereigns, each claiming to be the

sovereigns, each claiming to be the rightful ruler, each commanding dragons

rightful ruler, each commanding dragons and armies, each determined to press

and armies, each determined to press their claim regardless of the cost. The

their claim regardless of the cost. The war that followed was unlike anything

war that followed was unlike anything Westeros had ever seen. Where previous

Westeros had ever seen. Where previous conflicts had been fought between men

conflicts had been fought between men with swords and spears, the dance of

with swords and spears, the dance of dragons was a war fought largely in the

dragons was a war fought largely in the sky with great beasts breathing fire

sky with great beasts breathing fire upon armies and castles alike. The sight

upon armies and castles alike. The sight of dragons fighting other dragons in

of dragons fighting other dragons in aerial combat was both magnificent and

aerial combat was both magnificent and terrible, a spectacle that aed and

terrible, a spectacle that aed and horrified those who witnessed it. The

horrified those who witnessed it. The very air above the battlefield became a

very air above the battlefield became a killing ground where ancient creatures

killing ground where ancient creatures that had survived the doom of Valyria

that had survived the doom of Valyria tore each other apart with tooth and

tore each other apart with tooth and claw. The first great battle of the war

claw. The first great battle of the war took place at Rook's Rest where Queen

took place at Rook's Rest where Queen Rainees and her dragon Mellies attempted

Rainees and her dragon Mellies attempted to break the green siege of the castle.

to break the green siege of the castle. The battle that ensued when Prince Ammon

The battle that ensued when Prince Ammon and his dragon Fragar arrived to contest

and his dragon Fragar arrived to contest her was a preview of the carnage to

her was a preview of the carnage to come. Dragons fell from the sky like

come. Dragons fell from the sky like burning stars. Their riders screams lost

burning stars. Their riders screams lost in the roar of flame and the crash of

in the roar of flame and the crash of their impact with the earth below. Queen

their impact with the earth below. Queen Rainees, the queen who never was, died

Rainees, the queen who never was, died as she had lived, courageously facing

as she had lived, courageously facing overwhelming odds in service to her

overwhelming odds in service to her chosen cause. The death of dragons was

chosen cause. The death of dragons was not just a military loss, but a cultural

not just a military loss, but a cultural catastrophe that diminished the very

catastrophe that diminished the very nature of the world. Each great beast

nature of the world. Each great beast that fell represented centuries of

that fell represented centuries of accumulated wisdom and power. Bloodlines

accumulated wisdom and power. Bloodlines that stretched back to the volcanic

that stretched back to the volcanic peaks of old Valyria. Connections to

peaks of old Valyria. Connections to magic and mystery that could never be

magic and mystery that could never be replaced. The small folk who witnessed

replaced. The small folk who witnessed these aerial battles wept not just for

these aerial battles wept not just for the human casualties, but for the

the human casualties, but for the magnificent creatures whose like would

magnificent creatures whose like would never be seen again. The war spread

never be seen again. The war spread across the continent like wildfire,

across the continent like wildfire, drawing in every great house and turning

drawing in every great house and turning the realm into a patchwork of competing

the realm into a patchwork of competing loyalties and ancient grudges. The

loyalties and ancient grudges. The Starks of Winterfell declared for Queen

Starks of Winterfell declared for Queen Reineer, honoring the oath their lord

Reineer, honoring the oath their lord had sworn to King Viseris, while the

had sworn to King Viseris, while the Baratheonss split between the two

Baratheonss split between the two claimments with Storm's End supporting

claimments with Storm's End supporting the Greens and some of the lesser

the Greens and some of the lesser branches backing the blacks. The

branches backing the blacks. The Lannisters threw their golden weight

Lannisters threw their golden weight behind Aegon II, while the Aarens of the

behind Aegon II, while the Aarens of the Veil remained loyal to Rineer, their

Veil remained loyal to Rineer, their young lord, guided by his mother's

young lord, guided by his mother's fierce determination to see justice

fierce determination to see justice done. The Riverlands became a particular

done. The Riverlands became a particular focus of the conflict as their strategic

focus of the conflict as their strategic location and fertile fields made them

location and fertile fields made them crucial to any military campaign. The

crucial to any military campaign. The great houses of the Trident found

great houses of the Trident found themselves caught between competing

themselves caught between competing armies, their ancient loyalties tested

armies, their ancient loyalties tested by the changing fortunes of war.

by the changing fortunes of war. Harrenhal, the great castle that had

Harrenhal, the great castle that had been built by Haron the Black and

been built by Haron the Black and destroyed by Aegon the Conqueror, became

destroyed by Aegon the Conqueror, became a symbol of the war's futility as it

a symbol of the war's futility as it changed hands multiple times. Each

changed hands multiple times. Each occupation leaving it more ruined than

occupation leaving it more ruined than before. The naval war that raged in the

before. The naval war that raged in the narrow sea and around the coast of

narrow sea and around the coast of Westeros was equally devastating as the

Westeros was equally devastating as the great fleets of House Valeran clashed

great fleets of House Valeran clashed with the Royal Navy and hired cell sails

with the Royal Navy and hired cell sails from across the narrow sea. The

from across the narrow sea. The stepstones, those rocky islands that

stepstones, those rocky islands that controlled the sea lanes between

controlled the sea lanes between Westeros, became a crucial battleground

Westeros, became a crucial battleground where fortunes could be made or lost

where fortunes could be made or lost based on the outcome of a single

based on the outcome of a single engagement. The burning ships that

engagement. The burning ships that littered the waters served as funeral

littered the waters served as funeral pers for thousands of sailors and

pers for thousands of sailors and marines whose only crime had been

marines whose only crime had been choosing the wrong side in a conflict

choosing the wrong side in a conflict they barely understood. The most

they barely understood. The most infamous battle of the entire war took

infamous battle of the entire war took place above the god's eye. That great

place above the god's eye. That great lake in the heart of the riverlands

lake in the heart of the riverlands where legends claimed the children of

where legends claimed the children of the forest had once walked on water.

the forest had once walked on water. Prince Aemon Targaryen and Prince Damon

Prince Aemon Targaryen and Prince Damon Targaryen, uncle and nephew locked in

Targaryen, uncle and nephew locked in mortal combat, fought their final duel

mortal combat, fought their final duel in the sky above the sacred waters. Both

in the sky above the sacred waters. Both dragons, Vaggar and Caraxis, were

dragons, Vaggar and Caraxis, were mortally wounded in the battle, and both

mortally wounded in the battle, and both riders perished in the crash that

riders perished in the crash that followed. Their bodies never recovered

followed. Their bodies never recovered from the depths of the lake that had

from the depths of the lake that had swallowed them. The death of Prince

swallowed them. The death of Prince Damon marked a turning point in the war.

Damon marked a turning point in the war. As Rayara lost not only her husband and

As Rayara lost not only her husband and strongest supporter, but also one of her

strongest supporter, but also one of her most experienced dragon riders. The

most experienced dragon riders. The psychological impact of the battle above

psychological impact of the battle above the gods Eye resonated throughout both

the gods Eye resonated throughout both camps. As lords and common soldiers

camps. As lords and common soldiers alike began to question whether any

alike began to question whether any cause was worth the destruction they

cause was worth the destruction they were witnessing. The very sky seemed

were witnessing. The very sky seemed cursed, filled with the ghosts of

cursed, filled with the ghosts of dragons and the echoes of their dying

dragons and the echoes of their dying screams. As the war dragged on, the

screams. As the war dragged on, the moral authority that both sides claimed,

moral authority that both sides claimed, began to erode under the weight of the

began to erode under the weight of the atrocities committed in pursuit of

atrocities committed in pursuit of victory. The sack of Tumbleton, where

victory. The sack of Tumbleton, where two black dragon riders turned their

two black dragon riders turned their coats and burned the town they had come

coats and burned the town they had come to defend, showed how the conflict had

to defend, showed how the conflict had corrupted even those who flew the

corrupted even those who flew the noblest beasts. The riot in King's

noblest beasts. The riot in King's Landing, where the small folk rose up

Landing, where the small folk rose up against the dragons they blamed for

against the dragons they blamed for their suffering, demonstrated that the

their suffering, demonstrated that the common people had grown weary of being

common people had grown weary of being caught between the ambitions of their

caught between the ambitions of their bettors. The storming of the dragon pit

bettors. The storming of the dragon pit by the mob was perhaps the most symbolic

by the mob was perhaps the most symbolic moment of the entire war. As the

moment of the entire war. As the citizens of King's Landing turned their

citizens of King's Landing turned their fury against the dragons themselves, the

fury against the dragons themselves, the great dome that had housed the royal

great dome that had housed the royal beasts for generations became their tomb

beasts for generations became their tomb as angry crowds armed with spears and

as angry crowds armed with spears and torches drove the creatures into the

torches drove the creatures into the flames. The sight of common blacksmiths

flames. The sight of common blacksmiths and fish mongers killing dragons with

and fish mongers killing dragons with crude weapons was both shocking and

crude weapons was both shocking and strangely liberating, proving that even

strangely liberating, proving that even the mightiest symbols of royal power

the mightiest symbols of royal power could be brought low by popular fury.

could be brought low by popular fury. Queen Rana's brief occupation of King's

Queen Rana's brief occupation of King's Landing and the Iron Throne proved to be

Landing and the Iron Throne proved to be a pirick victory that cost her more than

a pirick victory that cost her more than defeat might have. Her harsh treatment

defeat might have. Her harsh treatment of those who had opposed her, including

of those who had opposed her, including the execution of several lords who had

the execution of several lords who had supported Agen II, turned potential

supported Agen II, turned potential allies into bitter enemies. The common

allies into bitter enemies. The common people who had initially welcomed her as

people who had initially welcomed her as a liberator began to see her as just

a liberator began to see her as just another tyrant. While her remaining

another tyrant. While her remaining supporters started to question whether

supporters started to question whether her cause was truly just or merely

her cause was truly just or merely another expression of royal ambition,

another expression of royal ambition, the poisoning of King Aegon II marked

the poisoning of King Aegon II marked the end of the male line of claimments,

the end of the male line of claimments, but it did not end the war. The children

but it did not end the war. The children of both sides remained, their claims

of both sides remained, their claims passed down like heirlooms of hatred and

passed down like heirlooms of hatred and grief. Prince Aegon the Younger, Renea's

grief. Prince Aegon the Younger, Renea's son by Prince Damon, emerged as the

son by Prince Damon, emerged as the compromised candidate who could unite

compromised candidate who could unite the exhausted factions. But his path to

the exhausted factions. But his path to the throne was paved with the bones of

the throne was paved with the bones of dragons and the ashes of his family's

dragons and the ashes of his family's dreams. The hour of the wolf, when Lord

dreams. The hour of the wolf, when Lord Kregan Stark arrived in King's Landing

Kregan Stark arrived in King's Landing with his northern army to dispense

with his northern army to dispense justice in the name of the dead queen,

justice in the name of the dead queen, represented the final act of the tragic

represented the final act of the tragic drama. The northern lord's determination

drama. The northern lord's determination to see the perpetrators of the war

to see the perpetrators of the war punished regardless of their current

punished regardless of their current allegiances showed that some men still

allegiances showed that some men still believed in honor and justice even after

believed in honor and justice even after years of betrayal and bloodshed. His

years of betrayal and bloodshed. His actions helped to establish the

actions helped to establish the legitimacy of the new king while

legitimacy of the new king while ensuring that the worst criminals of the

ensuring that the worst criminals of the war faced appropriate punishment. The

war faced appropriate punishment. The marriage of King Aegon III to his

marriage of King Aegon III to his halfsister Jihara, daughter of the dead

halfsister Jihara, daughter of the dead Aegon II, was intended to heal the

Aegon II, was intended to heal the wounds of the civil war by uniting the

wounds of the civil war by uniting the claims of both sides. The young king and

claims of both sides. The young king and queen, both children who had lost their

queen, both children who had lost their parents to the conflict, became living

parents to the conflict, became living symbols of reconciliation and hope for a

symbols of reconciliation and hope for a better future. Their wedding was

better future. Their wedding was celebrated throughout the realm as the

celebrated throughout the realm as the beginning of a new era of peace and

beginning of a new era of peace and prosperity. Though the scars of the war

prosperity. Though the scars of the war would take generations to fully heal,

would take generations to fully heal, the dragon pit that had once housed

the dragon pit that had once housed dozens of the great beasts now stood

dozens of the great beasts now stood empty and ruined. Its broken dome a

empty and ruined. Its broken dome a monument to the folly of civil war. The

monument to the folly of civil war. The few surviving dragons were either too

few surviving dragons were either too young to be ridden or too wild to be

young to be ridden or too wild to be controlled. And within a generation,

controlled. And within a generation, even these would be gone. The age of

even these would be gone. The age of dragons was ending not with the glory of

dragons was ending not with the glory of conquest, but with the tragedy of

conquest, but with the tragedy of fratricside, as the Targaryenss had

fratricside, as the Targaryenss had proven that their greatest strength

proven that their greatest strength could also be their greatest weakness.

could also be their greatest weakness. The economic devastation caused by the

The economic devastation caused by the war was perhaps even more lasting than

war was perhaps even more lasting than the political consequences. Entire

the political consequences. Entire regions had been laid waste by

regions had been laid waste by dragonfire, their crops burned, and

dragonfire, their crops burned, and their populations scattered. The royal

their populations scattered. The royal treasury, which had been filled with

treasury, which had been filled with gold at the start of Viseris's reign,

gold at the start of Viseris's reign, was now empty. The crown's debts

was now empty. The crown's debts mounting as the cost of reconstruction

mounting as the cost of reconstruction became clear. The great noble houses

became clear. The great noble houses that had survived the conflict found

that had survived the conflict found themselves impoverished and weakened,

themselves impoverished and weakened, their armies destroyed, and their

their armies destroyed, and their castles damaged. The cultural impact of

castles damaged. The cultural impact of the dance of dragons extended far beyond

the dance of dragons extended far beyond the immediate participants as the common

the immediate participants as the common people who had witnessed the conflict

people who had witnessed the conflict developed a deep suspicion of royal

developed a deep suspicion of royal power and the costs of dynastic

power and the costs of dynastic ambition. The songs and stories that

ambition. The songs and stories that emerged from the war painted a picture

emerged from the war painted a picture of heroism tainted by futility, of noble

of heroism tainted by futility, of noble causes corrupted by base motives, of

causes corrupted by base motives, of great deeds overshadowed by greater

great deeds overshadowed by greater tragedies. The very concept of chivalry

tragedies. The very concept of chivalry was called into question as knights who

was called into question as knights who had sworn to protect the innocent found

had sworn to protect the innocent found themselves burning cities and

themselves burning cities and slaughtering civilians in pursuit of

slaughtering civilians in pursuit of victory. The religious implications of

victory. The religious implications of the war were equally profound as the

the war were equally profound as the faith of the seven struggled to explain

faith of the seven struggled to explain how a just god could allow such

how a just god could allow such devastation to befall the faithful. Some

devastation to befall the faithful. Some septans preached that the war was divine

septans preached that the war was divine punishment for the Targaryens's

punishment for the Targaryens's unnatural practices, while others argued

unnatural practices, while others argued that it was a test of faith that the

that it was a test of faith that the righteous would ultimately pass. The

righteous would ultimately pass. The deaths of so many dragons, creatures

deaths of so many dragons, creatures that many believed to be touched by

that many believed to be touched by divine fire, raised theological

divine fire, raised theological questions that would perplex scholars

questions that would perplex scholars for centuries to come. The diplomatic

for centuries to come. The diplomatic consequences of the civil war

consequences of the civil war reverberated far beyond the borders of

reverberated far beyond the borders of Westeros as the free cities and other

Westeros as the free cities and other powers across the narrow sea watched the

powers across the narrow sea watched the realm tear itself apart with a mixture

realm tear itself apart with a mixture of horror and opportunity. Some offered

of horror and opportunity. Some offered military aid to one side or another,

military aid to one side or another, hoping to gain influence in the eventual

hoping to gain influence in the eventual settlement, while others simply waited

settlement, while others simply waited to see which faction would emerge

to see which faction would emerge victorious. The reputation of House

victorious. The reputation of House Targaryen as an invincible dynasty was

Targaryen as an invincible dynasty was shattered, replaced by an image of

shattered, replaced by an image of internal weakness and self-destructive

internal weakness and self-destructive tendencies. The scientific and scholarly

tendencies. The scientific and scholarly losses caused by the war were perhaps

losses caused by the war were perhaps the most tragic of all, as the

the most tragic of all, as the accumulated knowledge of dragon lore and

accumulated knowledge of dragon lore and Valyrian magic died with the beasts and

Valyrian magic died with the beasts and their riders. The secrets of dragon

their riders. The secrets of dragon breeding, the techniques for forging

breeding, the techniques for forging Valyrian steel, and the ancient wisdom

Valyrian steel, and the ancient wisdom of the dragon lords were lost forever,

of the dragon lords were lost forever, leaving future generations poor in

leaving future generations poor in knowledge and power. The great library

knowledge and power. The great library of Dragonstone, which had contained

of Dragonstone, which had contained texts dating back to old Valyria itself,

texts dating back to old Valyria itself, was burned during one of the many raids

was burned during one of the many raids and counter raids of the conflict. As

and counter raids of the conflict. As the survivors of the dance of dragons

the survivors of the dance of dragons attempted to rebuild their shattered

attempted to rebuild their shattered world, they faced the sobering

world, they faced the sobering realization that some things once broken

realization that some things once broken could never be repaired. The unity that

could never be repaired. The unity that Aegon the Conqueror had forged through

Aegon the Conqueror had forged through fire and blood had been shattered by

fire and blood had been shattered by fire and blood, leaving a kingdom that

fire and blood, leaving a kingdom that was technically whole, but spiritually

was technically whole, but spiritually fractured. The Iron Throne remained, but

fractured. The Iron Throne remained, but the awe and fear that had once

the awe and fear that had once surrounded it were diminished, replaced

surrounded it were diminished, replaced by a more pragmatic understanding of the

by a more pragmatic understanding of the limits of royal power. The lessons of

limits of royal power. The lessons of the dance of dragons would echo through

the dance of dragons would echo through Targaryen history for the remainder of

Targaryen history for the remainder of the dynasty's rule, shaping the

the dynasty's rule, shaping the decisions of future kings and queens who

decisions of future kings and queens who had witnessed the consequences of civil

had witnessed the consequences of civil war firsthand. The knowledge that

war firsthand. The knowledge that dragons could die, that thrones could be

dragons could die, that thrones could be lost, and that even the mightiest

lost, and that even the mightiest dynasties were vulnerable to internal

dynasties were vulnerable to internal strife, became part of the royal

strife, became part of the royal family's collective memory, influencing

family's collective memory, influencing their approach to succession, marriage,

their approach to succession, marriage, and the use of power for generations to

and the use of power for generations to come. The wheel of history had turned

come. The wheel of history had turned with devastating consequence, grinding

with devastating consequence, grinding beneath it the dreams and ambitions of

beneath it the dreams and ambitions of an entire generation. The age of dragons

an entire generation. The age of dragons was ending. But the age of bitter memory

was ending. But the age of bitter memory was just beginning as the survivors of

was just beginning as the survivors of the greatest civil war in Westerosi

the greatest civil war in Westerosi history attempted to build something new

history attempted to build something new from the ashes of what had been lost

from the ashes of what had been lost forever. The reign of Aegon III, known

forever. The reign of Aegon III, known to history as the dragon bane, began

to history as the dragon bane, began with the kingdom united but broken like

with the kingdom united but broken like a sword that had been reforged but

a sword that had been reforged but retained the memory of its shattering.

retained the memory of its shattering. The young king who sat the Iron Throne

The young king who sat the Iron Throne was barely 11 years old when he was

was barely 11 years old when he was crowned. A pale, serious child who had

crowned. A pale, serious child who had witnessed horrors that would have broken

witnessed horrors that would have broken grown men. He had watched his mother,

grown men. He had watched his mother, Queen Rea, fed to a dragon, had seen his

Queen Rea, fed to a dragon, had seen his stepfather, Prince Damon, disappear into

stepfather, Prince Damon, disappear into the waters of the God's Eye, and had

the waters of the God's Eye, and had lived through the destruction of nearly

lived through the destruction of nearly everything his family had built over the

everything his family had built over the past century and a half. The dragons

past century and a half. The dragons that had once filled the skies of

that had once filled the skies of Westeros were gone, save for a few

Westeros were gone, save for a few sickly creatures that grew smaller and

sickly creatures that grew smaller and weaker with each passing year. The great

weaker with each passing year. The great beasts that remained were shadows of

beasts that remained were shadows of their ancestors, unable to fly properly

their ancestors, unable to fly properly or breathe the cleansing fire that had

or breathe the cleansing fire that had once made the Targaryenss masters of the

once made the Targaryenss masters of the known world. The dragon pit, that

known world. The dragon pit, that magnificent dome that had housed dozens

magnificent dome that had housed dozens of the creatures, now echoed with

of the creatures, now echoed with emptiness. its broken stones a monument

emptiness. its broken stones a monument to the folly of civil war. Within a

to the folly of civil war. Within a generation, even these last dragons

generation, even these last dragons would perish, taking with them the magic

would perish, taking with them the magic that had elevated House Targaryen above

that had elevated House Targaryen above all other royal dynasties. The absence

all other royal dynasties. The absence of dragons changed the very nature of

of dragons changed the very nature of Targaryen rule, transforming the royal

Targaryen rule, transforming the royal family from near mythical figures

family from near mythical figures commanding creatures of legend into

commanding creatures of legend into merely the greatest of the great houses,

merely the greatest of the great houses, where once a king could enforce his will

where once a king could enforce his will through the threat of dragonfire. Now he

through the threat of dragonfire. Now he had to rely on the same tools of

had to rely on the same tools of diplomacy, bribery, and military force

diplomacy, bribery, and military force that other rulers used. The awe and

that other rulers used. The awe and terror that had kept the realm united

terror that had kept the realm united under Targaryen rule began to fade,

under Targaryen rule began to fade, replaced by a more pragmatic assessment

replaced by a more pragmatic assessment of royal power and its limitations.

of royal power and its limitations. Aegon II's regency was marked by

Aegon II's regency was marked by political instability and competing

political instability and competing factions vying for control of the young

factions vying for control of the young king and the kingdom he represented. The

king and the kingdom he represented. The hand of the king changed hands multiple

hand of the king changed hands multiple times as different noble houses sought

times as different noble houses sought to influence royal policy for their own

to influence royal policy for their own benefit. The scars of the dance of

benefit. The scars of the dance of dragons remained fresh with survivors on

dragons remained fresh with survivors on both sides harboring grudges and

both sides harboring grudges and suspicions that made effective

suspicions that made effective governance nearly impossible. The realm

governance nearly impossible. The realm that had once been held together by the

that had once been held together by the iron grip of dragon power now had to

iron grip of dragon power now had to learn to function through more

learn to function through more conventional means of statecraft and

conventional means of statecraft and diplomacy. The economic recovery from

diplomacy. The economic recovery from the civil war proved slow and painful as

the civil war proved slow and painful as entire regions struggled to rebuild from

entire regions struggled to rebuild from the devastation of dragonfire and

the devastation of dragonfire and conventional warfare. The royal treasury

conventional warfare. The royal treasury remained empty despite the crown's

remained empty despite the crown's attempts to raise revenues through

attempts to raise revenues through taxation and borrowing. The great noble

taxation and borrowing. The great noble houses that had suffered during the war

houses that had suffered during the war were reluctant to provide the financial

were reluctant to provide the financial support that the crown desperately

support that the crown desperately needed. While the common people who bore

needed. While the common people who bore the burden of increased taxes grew

the burden of increased taxes grew restive under the weight of royal

restive under the weight of royal demands, the prosperity that had

demands, the prosperity that had characterized the early Targaryen period

characterized the early Targaryen period seemed like a distant memory. The

seemed like a distant memory. The Blackfire rebellions began during this

Blackfire rebellions began during this period of weakness as descendants of

period of weakness as descendants of legitimized bastards pressed claims to

legitimized bastards pressed claims to the Iron Throne that found support among

the Iron Throne that found support among lords dissatisfied with Targaryen rule.

lords dissatisfied with Targaryen rule. Damon Blackfire, the great bastard who

Damon Blackfire, the great bastard who had been legitimized by King Aen IVth on

had been legitimized by King Aen IVth on his deathbed, represented everything

his deathbed, represented everything that the legitimate Targaryenss had

that the legitimate Targaryenss had lost. He was tall and strong and

lost. He was tall and strong and charismatic, skilled with sword and

charismatic, skilled with sword and lance, possessed of the silver gold hair

lance, possessed of the silver gold hair and purple eyes that marked true dragon

and purple eyes that marked true dragon blood. When he raised his standard in

blood. When he raised his standard in rebellion, calling himself the rightful

rebellion, calling himself the rightful king, many lords flocked to his banner.

king, many lords flocked to his banner. The first Blackfire Rebellion split the

The first Blackfire Rebellion split the kingdom once again, though thankfully

kingdom once again, though thankfully without the presence of dragons to

without the presence of dragons to multiply the destruction. The battle of

multiply the destruction. The battle of Red Grass Field became the decisive

Red Grass Field became the decisive engagement where Damon Blackfire fell

engagement where Damon Blackfire fell along with his twin sons, their deaths

along with his twin sons, their deaths ending the immediate threat, but not the

ending the immediate threat, but not the underlying causes of discontent. The

underlying causes of discontent. The Blackfire cause would continue to

Blackfire cause would continue to smolder for generations, erupting into

smolder for generations, erupting into open rebellion whenever royal authority

open rebellion whenever royal authority seemed weak or when foreign powers

seemed weak or when foreign powers sought to destabilize the Targaryen

sought to destabilize the Targaryen dynasty. King Darren II, called the

dynasty. King Darren II, called the good, represented a brief return to

good, represented a brief return to effective Targaryen rule through his

effective Targaryen rule through his marriage to Mariah Martell of Dawn. This

marriage to Mariah Martell of Dawn. This union finally brought the last of the

union finally brought the last of the seven kingdoms into the royal fold,

seven kingdoms into the royal fold, ending centuries of Dornish independence

ending centuries of Dornish independence through diplomacy rather than conquest.

through diplomacy rather than conquest. The integration of Dawn required

The integration of Dawn required delicate handling as the proud princes

delicate handling as the proud princes of the desert realm insisted on

of the desert realm insisted on maintaining many of their traditional

maintaining many of their traditional laws and customs. The success of this

laws and customs. The success of this peaceful unification showed that the

peaceful unification showed that the Targaryenss could still achieve great

Targaryenss could still achieve great things when they relied on wisdom rather

things when they relied on wisdom rather than force. Yet even this triumph

than force. Yet even this triumph carried the seeds of future problems as

carried the seeds of future problems as the Dornish marriage brought foreign

the Dornish marriage brought foreign influences into the royal court that

influences into the royal court that many traditional Westerosi lords viewed

many traditional Westerosi lords viewed with suspicion. The customs of Dawn,

with suspicion. The customs of Dawn, including their more egalitarian

including their more egalitarian approach to inheritance, and their

approach to inheritance, and their tolerance for bastards conflicted with

tolerance for bastards conflicted with established Westerosi practices. The

established Westerosi practices. The children born of the royal marriage

children born of the royal marriage carried both Targaryen and Martell

carried both Targaryen and Martell blood, creating new complexities in the

blood, creating new complexities in the succession that would trouble future

succession that would trouble future generations. The reign of Aries marked

generations. The reign of Aries marked another low point in Targaryen fortunes.

another low point in Targaryen fortunes. As the scholarly king proved more

As the scholarly king proved more interested in books and manuscripts than

interested in books and manuscripts than in the practical business of ruling, his

in the practical business of ruling, his neglect of governmental affairs allowed

neglect of governmental affairs allowed ambitious lords to pursue their own

ambitious lords to pursue their own agendas while the crown's authority

agendas while the crown's authority continued to erode. The great spring

continued to erode. The great spring sickness that swept through Westeros

sickness that swept through Westeros during his reign killed tens of

during his reign killed tens of thousands and demonstrated the

thousands and demonstrated the monarchy's inability to protect its

monarchy's inability to protect its subjects from natural disasters. The

subjects from natural disasters. The king's own death from the plague seemed

king's own death from the plague seemed to symbolize the dynasty's helplessness

to symbolize the dynasty's helplessness in the face of forces beyond its

in the face of forces beyond its control. The succession of Maka the

control. The succession of Maka the brought military competence back to the

brought military competence back to the throne. But his reign was marked by

throne. But his reign was marked by continued rebellions and the ongoing

continued rebellions and the ongoing challenge of maintaining royal authority

challenge of maintaining royal authority without dragons. The second Blackfire

without dragons. The second Blackfire rebellion, though unsuccessful, showed

rebellion, though unsuccessful, showed that the underlying tensions in the

that the underlying tensions in the realm remained unresolved. The king's

realm remained unresolved. The king's harsh methods of suppressing disscent

harsh methods of suppressing disscent alienated many lords who might otherwise

alienated many lords who might otherwise have supported the crown while his

have supported the crown while his military campaigns drained the treasury

military campaigns drained the treasury and exhausted the kingdom's resources.

and exhausted the kingdom's resources. The tragedy at Summerhal where King

The tragedy at Summerhal where King Aegon Fe and Prince Duncan perished in

Aegon Fe and Prince Duncan perished in the flames that consumed the royal

the flames that consumed the royal summer palace became a symbol of

summer palace became a symbol of Targaryen hubris and the price of

Targaryen hubris and the price of attempting to restore the family's lost

attempting to restore the family's lost glory. The king's obsession with

glory. The king's obsession with hatching dragon eggs using wildfire and

hatching dragon eggs using wildfire and dark magic in his desperate attempts to

dark magic in his desperate attempts to bring the great beasts back to life

bring the great beasts back to life resulted in a confflgration that killed

resulted in a confflgration that killed much of the royal family and destroyed

much of the royal family and destroyed one of their most beautiful residences.

one of their most beautiful residences. The irony that Targaryenss who had once

The irony that Targaryenss who had once commanded dragon fire should die in

commanded dragon fire should die in flames of their own making was not lost

flames of their own making was not lost on those who chronicled the dynasty's

on those who chronicled the dynasty's decline. The reign of Jiheris II was

decline. The reign of Jiheris II was brief but significant. As the king

brief but significant. As the king attempted to restore royal prestige

attempted to restore royal prestige through traditional means of

through traditional means of statecraftraft and marriage alliances,

statecraftraft and marriage alliances, his efforts to strengthen ties with the

his efforts to strengthen ties with the great houses through carefully arranged

great houses through carefully arranged marriages showed a pragmatic

marriages showed a pragmatic understanding of the new realities of

understanding of the new realities of Targaryen rule. However, his reign was

Targaryen rule. However, his reign was overshadowed by the growing threat from

overshadowed by the growing threat from across the narrow sea, where the exiled

across the narrow sea, where the exiled Blackfire pretenders continued to plot

Blackfire pretenders continued to plot their return with the support of foreign

their return with the support of foreign powers. The war of the nine penny kings

powers. The war of the nine penny kings brought the Blackfire threat to a

brought the Blackfire threat to a climax. As me the monstrous led a

climax. As me the monstrous led a coalition of exiles and sell swords in

coalition of exiles and sell swords in an attempt to conquer Westeros, the

an attempt to conquer Westeros, the royal response led by Prince Aries and

royal response led by Prince Aries and his friends successfully repelled the

his friends successfully repelled the invasion, but at great cost. The victory

invasion, but at great cost. The victory at the Stepstones eliminated the last of

at the Stepstones eliminated the last of the Blackfire male line, but

the Blackfire male line, but demonstrated how vulnerable the kingdom

demonstrated how vulnerable the kingdom remained to external threats. The young

remained to external threats. The young princes who fought in the war, including

princes who fought in the war, including the future Mad King Aries II, were

the future Mad King Aries II, were shaped by the violence they witnessed

shaped by the violence they witnessed and the responsibilities thrust upon

and the responsibilities thrust upon them. The cultural changes that

them. The cultural changes that accompanied the dynasty's political

accompanied the dynasty's political decline were equally significant. As the

decline were equally significant. As the realm gradually adapted to life without

realm gradually adapted to life without dragons, the songs and stories that had

dragons, the songs and stories that had once celebrated Targaryen greatness

once celebrated Targaryen greatness began to take on a more melancholy tone,

began to take on a more melancholy tone, focusing on past glories rather than

focusing on past glories rather than present achievements. The great

present achievements. The great tournaments and festivals that had

tournaments and festivals that had marked the height of royal power became

marked the height of royal power became smaller and less frequent, while the

smaller and less frequent, while the courtly culture that had flourished

courtly culture that had flourished under earlier kings grew more

under earlier kings grew more introspective and pessimistic. The faith

introspective and pessimistic. The faith of the seven, which had been carefully

of the seven, which had been carefully managed by earlier Targaryen kings,

managed by earlier Targaryen kings, began to reassert its independence as

began to reassert its independence as royal power weakened. The high septans

royal power weakened. The high septans of this period were less willing to bend

of this period were less willing to bend to royal will. While the militant orders

to royal will. While the militant orders that had been suppressed after the faith

that had been suppressed after the faith militant uprising began to reorganize in

militant uprising began to reorganize in more subtle forms, the relationship

more subtle forms, the relationship between crown and faith, once a source

between crown and faith, once a source of mutual support, became increasingly

of mutual support, became increasingly strained as religious leaders questioned

strained as religious leaders questioned the divine right of kings who no longer

the divine right of kings who no longer commanded supernatural power. The great

commanded supernatural power. The great noble houses that had once trembled

noble houses that had once trembled before Targaryen dragons now began to

before Targaryen dragons now began to assert their own authority more boldly.

assert their own authority more boldly. The Starks of Winterfell, the Lannisters

The Starks of Winterfell, the Lannisters of Casterly Rock, and the other major

of Casterly Rock, and the other major families started to act more like

families started to act more like independent powers than mere subjects of

independent powers than mere subjects of the Iron Throne. Regional conflicts that

the Iron Throne. Regional conflicts that would once have been quickly suppressed

would once have been quickly suppressed by royal intervention were allowed to

by royal intervention were allowed to fester, creating instability that

fester, creating instability that weakened the kingdom's overall unity and

weakened the kingdom's overall unity and strength. The economic decline that had

strength. The economic decline that had begun with the dance of dragons

begun with the dance of dragons continued throughout this period as the

continued throughout this period as the lack of royal authority made trade more

lack of royal authority made trade more difficult and expensive. Pirates and

difficult and expensive. Pirates and bandits operated with greater impunity.

bandits operated with greater impunity. While the great trading companies that

While the great trading companies that had once flourished under royal

had once flourished under royal protection began to look elsewhere for

protection began to look elsewhere for security and profit. The crown's

security and profit. The crown's attempts to raise revenue through

attempts to raise revenue through increased taxation only made the problem

increased taxation only made the problem worse. As overtaxed merchants and

worse. As overtaxed merchants and farmers had less capital to invest in

farmers had less capital to invest in productive activities, the military

productive activities, the military reforms that had once made the Royal

reforms that had once made the Royal Army the most effective force in

Army the most effective force in Westeros were gradually abandoned as the

Westeros were gradually abandoned as the crown could no longer afford to maintain

crown could no longer afford to maintain professional soldiers. The feudal levies

professional soldiers. The feudal levies that replaced them were less disciplined

that replaced them were less disciplined and less reliable, while the lack of

and less reliable, while the lack of dragons meant that even large armies

dragons meant that even large armies could be challenged by determined

could be challenged by determined opponents. The Royal Navy, once the

opponents. The Royal Navy, once the terror of the narrow sea was reduced to

terror of the narrow sea was reduced to a fraction of its former strength, as

a fraction of its former strength, as the crown could no longer afford to

the crown could no longer afford to build and maintain the great warships

build and maintain the great warships that had projected Targaryen power

that had projected Targaryen power across the known world. The intellectual

across the known world. The intellectual and artistic decline that accompanied

and artistic decline that accompanied the political weakening of the dynasty

the political weakening of the dynasty was perhaps the most subtle but

was perhaps the most subtle but ultimately most damaging aspect of the

ultimately most damaging aspect of the period. The great libraries that had

period. The great libraries that had been accumulated by scholarly kings were

been accumulated by scholarly kings were neglected or destroyed, while the

neglected or destroyed, while the patronage that had supported artists and

patronage that had supported artists and musicians was reduced or eliminated

musicians was reduced or eliminated entirely. The loss of knowledge and

entirely. The loss of knowledge and culture that resulted from this neglect

culture that resulted from this neglect impoverished the entire kingdom,

impoverished the entire kingdom, creating a generation that was less

creating a generation that was less educated and less cultured than their

educated and less cultured than their predecessors. As the Targaryen dynasty

predecessors. As the Targaryen dynasty entered what would prove to be its final

entered what would prove to be its final century of rule, the signs of terminal

century of rule, the signs of terminal decline were visible to anyone willing

decline were visible to anyone willing to see them. The kings who sat the Iron

to see them. The kings who sat the Iron Throne were shadows of their ancestors,

Throne were shadows of their ancestors, lacking both the supernatural power that

lacking both the supernatural power that had elevated their house and the

had elevated their house and the political skills necessary to rule

political skills necessary to rule effectively without it. The kingdom they

effectively without it. The kingdom they governed was increasingly fractured and

governed was increasingly fractured and rebellious, held together more by habit

rebellious, held together more by habit and inertia than by any genuine loyalty

and inertia than by any genuine loyalty to the crown. The wheel of history

to the crown. The wheel of history continued to turn, carrying the once

continued to turn, carrying the once mighty Targaryen dynasty toward a doom

mighty Targaryen dynasty toward a doom that many could sense, but few dared to

that many could sense, but few dared to name. The Game of Thrones was entering a

name. The Game of Thrones was entering a new phase, one in which the ancient

new phase, one in which the ancient rules no longer applied, and new players

rules no longer applied, and new players would soon emerge to challenge the

would soon emerge to challenge the established order. The age of decline

established order. The age of decline was ending, but what would replace it

was ending, but what would replace it remained shrouded in mystery and

remained shrouded in mystery and speculation. The madness that would

speculation. The madness that would define the final years of Targaryen rule

define the final years of Targaryen rule did not descend upon King Aras II all at

did not descend upon King Aras II all at once, but crept into his mind like

once, but crept into his mind like poison seeping through cracked stone,

poison seeping through cracked stone, slowly corrupting everything it touched

slowly corrupting everything it touched until reason itself became the enemy. In

until reason itself became the enemy. In his youth, Aras had been everything a

his youth, Aras had been everything a king should be. Handsome and

king should be. Handsome and charismatic, brave in battle and clever

charismatic, brave in battle and clever in council, beloved by lords and small

in council, beloved by lords and small folk alike. The prince who had fought

folk alike. The prince who had fought valiantly in the war of the Nineny kings

valiantly in the war of the Nineny kings and charmed the court with his wit and

and charmed the court with his wit and wisdom seemed destined for a golden

wisdom seemed destined for a golden reign that would restore the Targaryen

reign that would restore the Targaryen dynasty to its former glory. The

dynasty to its former glory. The transformation began slowly almost

transformation began slowly almost imperceptibly with small eccentricities

imperceptibly with small eccentricities that his friends and advisers dismissed

that his friends and advisers dismissed as the harmless quirks of genius. Aris

as the harmless quirks of genius. Aris became increasingly suspicious of those

became increasingly suspicious of those around him, seeing plots and

around him, seeing plots and conspiracies where none existed,

conspiracies where none existed, interpreting innocent gestures as signs

interpreting innocent gestures as signs of treachery. His famous friendship with

of treachery. His famous friendship with Tywin Lannister, forged in their youth

Tywin Lannister, forged in their youth and strengthened through years of shared

and strengthened through years of shared trials, began to sour as the king's

trials, began to sour as the king's paranoia grew. where once he had trusted

paranoia grew. where once he had trusted Tywin above all others, now he saw his

Tywin above all others, now he saw his hand as a potential rival whose

hand as a potential rival whose competence and popularity threatened the

competence and popularity threatened the royal prerogative. The defiance of

royal prerogative. The defiance of Duskandale marked the true beginning of

Duskandale marked the true beginning of the king's descent into madness, though

the king's descent into madness, though its full extent would not become

its full extent would not become apparent for years to come. When Lord

apparent for years to come. When Lord Darklin of Duskandale refused to pay

Darklin of Duskandale refused to pay certain taxes and imprisoned the king

certain taxes and imprisoned the king during what should have been routine

during what should have been routine negotiations, Aris experienced a terror

negotiations, Aris experienced a terror and helplessness that shattered

and helplessness that shattered something fundamental in his psyche. The

something fundamental in his psyche. The rescue mounted by Sir Barristan Selme

rescue mounted by Sir Barristan Selme saved the king's life, but could not

saved the king's life, but could not repair the damage done to his mind

repair the damage done to his mind during those months of captivity and

during those months of captivity and uncertainty. After Duskondale, the king,

uncertainty. After Duskondale, the king, who had once been known for his easy

who had once been known for his easy laughter and quick wit, became

laughter and quick wit, became increasingly withdrawn and erratic. He

increasingly withdrawn and erratic. He refused to allow his hair or fingernails

refused to allow his hair or fingernails to be cut, believing that steel near his

to be cut, believing that steel near his person invited assassination. His once

person invited assassination. His once handsome appearance deteriorated as he

handsome appearance deteriorated as he grew thin and wildl looking, his silver

grew thin and wildl looking, his silver gold hair becoming a tangled mess that

gold hair becoming a tangled mess that reached nearly to his feet. The purple

reached nearly to his feet. The purple eyes that had once sparkled with

eyes that had once sparkled with intelligence now burned with a feverish

intelligence now burned with a feverish intensity that made even his closest

intensity that made even his closest courtiers uncomfortable.

courtiers uncomfortable. The king's growing obsession with

The king's growing obsession with wildfire became the most visible sign of

wildfire became the most visible sign of his deteriorating mental state. Where

his deteriorating mental state. Where his ancestors had commanded dragons,

his ancestors had commanded dragons, Aries became fascinated with the green

Aries became fascinated with the green flames that burned so hot they could

flames that burned so hot they could melt steel and stone. He spent hours

melt steel and stone. He spent hours watching alchemists prepare their

watching alchemists prepare their volatile substances, delighting in the

volatile substances, delighting in the destructive potential of their

destructive potential of their creations. The guild of Alchemists, long

creations. The guild of Alchemists, long a minor institution in King's Landing,

a minor institution in King's Landing, suddenly found themselves elevated to

suddenly found themselves elevated to positions of influence and importance as

positions of influence and importance as the king sought ever more potent forms

the king sought ever more potent forms of the substance he called his dragon

of the substance he called his dragon fire. The deterioration of Aerys's

fire. The deterioration of Aerys's relationship with his queen Raela

relationship with his queen Raela reflected the broader corruption of his

reflected the broader corruption of his character during this period where once

character during this period where once he had been a loving husband, he became

he had been a loving husband, he became increasingly violent and unpredictable.

increasingly violent and unpredictable. His treatment of his sister wife growing

His treatment of his sister wife growing so harsh that even the court that had

so harsh that even the court that had witnessed decades of Targaryen

witnessed decades of Targaryen eccentricity was shocked. The queen bore

eccentricity was shocked. The queen bore the visible marks of his abuse, while

the visible marks of his abuse, while her miscarriages and still births became

her miscarriages and still births became testament to the dysfunction that had

testament to the dysfunction that had infected the royal household. Only the

infected the royal household. Only the birth of Prince Vizeris offered any hope

birth of Prince Vizeris offered any hope for the future of the dynasty. Tywin

for the future of the dynasty. Tywin Lannister's resignation as hand of the

Lannister's resignation as hand of the king marked a turning point in both the

king marked a turning point in both the reign and the kingdom's history. The man

reign and the kingdom's history. The man who had served the crown faithfully for

who had served the crown faithfully for 20 years, transforming the realm's

20 years, transforming the realm's finances and governance with his

finances and governance with his ruthless efficiency, could no longer

ruthless efficiency, could no longer tolerate the king's increasingly erratic

tolerate the king's increasingly erratic behavior. His departure removed the last

behavior. His departure removed the last check on Heresy's worst impulses, while

check on Heresy's worst impulses, while also depriving the crown of its most

also depriving the crown of its most capable administrator. The insult the

capable administrator. The insult the king delivered at Tywin's farewell,

king delivered at Tywin's farewell, suggesting that he had always been a

suggesting that he had always been a servant rather than a friend, ensured

servant rather than a friend, ensured that the former hand would harbor a

that the former hand would harbor a personal grudge against the Targaryen

personal grudge against the Targaryen dynasty. The king's paranoia reached new

dynasty. The king's paranoia reached new heights with his conviction that enemies

heights with his conviction that enemies surrounded him on all sides, plotting

surrounded him on all sides, plotting his downfall and the destruction of his

his downfall and the destruction of his family. He saw treason in every shadow

family. He saw treason in every shadow and conspiracy in every conversation,

and conspiracy in every conversation, turning the Red Keep into a prison where

turning the Red Keep into a prison where trust was a luxury that no one could

trust was a luxury that no one could afford. The small council meetings that

afford. The small council meetings that had once been forums for serious

had once been forums for serious discussion of policy became exercises in

discussion of policy became exercises in fear management as counselors learned to

fear management as counselors learned to tell the king only what he wanted to

tell the king only what he wanted to hear rather than what he needed to know.

hear rather than what he needed to know. The burning of Lord Rickard Stark and

The burning of Lord Rickard Stark and the strangulation of his heir Brandon

the strangulation of his heir Brandon became the axe that transformed royal

became the axe that transformed royal eccentricity into open tyranny. When the

eccentricity into open tyranny. When the young Stark Lord came to King's Landing

young Stark Lord came to King's Landing demanding justice for his sister's

demanding justice for his sister's alleged abduction by Prince Rhaegar, he

alleged abduction by Prince Rhaegar, he was arrested on charges of plotting

was arrested on charges of plotting against the crown. The trial by combat

against the crown. The trial by combat that followed was a mockery of justice

that followed was a mockery of justice with fire serving as the king's champion

with fire serving as the king's champion while Brandon strangled himself trying

while Brandon strangled himself trying to save his father from the flames. The

to save his father from the flames. The sight of a great lord of the north being

sight of a great lord of the north being burned alive while his son died trying

burned alive while his son died trying to reach him shocked even those who had

to reach him shocked even those who had grown accustomed to royal brutality. The

grown accustomed to royal brutality. The demand for the heads of Robert Baratheon

demand for the heads of Robert Baratheon and Ned Stark was the final straw that

and Ned Stark was the final straw that broke the already strained loyalty of

broke the already strained loyalty of the great houses. John Aaron, the Lord

the great houses. John Aaron, the Lord of the Veil, who had fostered both young

of the Veil, who had fostered both young men, faced an impossible choice between

men, faced an impossible choice between honor and survival. His decision to call

honor and survival. His decision to call his banners in defiance of royal command

his banners in defiance of royal command sparked the rebellion that would bring

sparked the rebellion that would bring down the Targaryen dynasty as three of

down the Targaryen dynasty as three of the most powerful regions of Westeros

the most powerful regions of Westeros united against a king they could no

united against a king they could no longer tolerate or trust. Robert's

longer tolerate or trust. Robert's rebellion, as history would remember it,

rebellion, as history would remember it, was fought not just against a king, but

was fought not just against a king, but against the entire system of absolute

against the entire system of absolute monarchy that had governed Westeros for

monarchy that had governed Westeros for three centuries. The rebels represented

three centuries. The rebels represented a new vision of governance, one where

a new vision of governance, one where the power of kings was limited by law

the power of kings was limited by law and custom rather than merely by their

and custom rather than merely by their own conscience and wisdom. The battles

own conscience and wisdom. The battles that followed would determine not just

that followed would determine not just who sat the Iron Throne, but what kind

who sat the Iron Throne, but what kind of kingdom Westeros would become in the

of kingdom Westeros would become in the future. The Battle of the Trident became

future. The Battle of the Trident became the decisive engagement of the war,

the decisive engagement of the war, where Prince Rhaegar Targaryen, the heir

where Prince Rhaegar Targaryen, the heir to the throne, who had been seen as the

to the throne, who had been seen as the dynasty's best hope for redemption, fell

dynasty's best hope for redemption, fell beneath Robert Baratheon's Warhammer.

beneath Robert Baratheon's Warhammer. The prince's death in the Ruby Ford of

The prince's death in the Ruby Ford of the Trident symbolized the end of the

the Trident symbolized the end of the Targaryen dream of restoration, as their

Targaryen dream of restoration, as their most capable leader perished trying to

most capable leader perished trying to defend a father whose madness had made

defend a father whose madness had made the crown itself a source of instability

the crown itself a source of instability and fear. As news of defeat reached

and fear. As news of defeat reached King's Landing, Aerys's madness reached

King's Landing, Aerys's madness reached its final most destructive phase.

its final most destructive phase. Convinced that enemies were closing in

Convinced that enemies were closing in on all sides and that his reign was

on all sides and that his reign was doomed, he commanded the pyromancers to

doomed, he commanded the pyromancers to place caches of wildfire throughout the

place caches of wildfire throughout the city. His plan was simple and terrible.

city. His plan was simple and terrible. If he could not rule King's Landing,

If he could not rule King's Landing, then no one would, and the entire

then no one would, and the entire population would burn along with him in

population would burn along with him in a final confflgration that would deny

a final confflgration that would deny his enemies the prize they sought. The

his enemies the prize they sought. The king's last words, "Burn them all,"

king's last words, "Burn them all," became the epitap for a dynasty that had

became the epitap for a dynasty that had once commanded dragons and ruled the

once commanded dragons and ruled the known world. spoken to Rosset, the chief

known world. spoken to Rosset, the chief pyromancer who had helped place wildfire

pyromancer who had helped place wildfire throughout the city. They represented

throughout the city. They represented the final surrender of sanity to the

the final surrender of sanity to the madness that had consumed the last

madness that had consumed the last Targaryen king. Only the intervention of

Targaryen king. Only the intervention of Sirime Lannister, who killed both the

Sirime Lannister, who killed both the king and his pyromancer before they

king and his pyromancer before they could ignite the city, prevented the

could ignite the city, prevented the capital from becoming a funeral p for

capital from becoming a funeral p for half a million people. The death of

half a million people. The death of Aries II in the throne room of the Red

Aries II in the throne room of the Red Keep, stabbed in the back by a knight of

Keep, stabbed in the back by a knight of his own king's guard, was as englorious

his own king's guard, was as englorious as his reign had been tragic. The man

as his reign had been tragic. The man who had once seemed destined for

who had once seemed destined for greatness died alone and unmourned. His

greatness died alone and unmourned. His body left on the cold stone floor, while

body left on the cold stone floor, while the city he had tried to destroy

the city he had tried to destroy celebrated its salvation. The golden

celebrated its salvation. The golden hand that had once worn the rings of

hand that had once worn the rings of office was stained with blood, while the

office was stained with blood, while the Iron Throne itself seemed to reject its

Iron Throne itself seemed to reject its last Targaryen occupant. The sack of

last Targaryen occupant. The sack of King's Landing that followed Robert's

King's Landing that followed Robert's victory was brutal and thorough as years

victory was brutal and thorough as years of accumulated resentment against

of accumulated resentment against Targaryen rule found expression in

Targaryen rule found expression in violence and destruction. The royal

violence and destruction. The royal family that had once seemed untouchable

family that had once seemed untouchable was scattered or destroyed with Princess

was scattered or destroyed with Princess Alia and her children murdered by

Alia and her children murdered by Lannister troops eager to prove their

Lannister troops eager to prove their loyalty to the new regime. The wealth

loyalty to the new regime. The wealth that the Targaryenss had accumulated

that the Targaryenss had accumulated over three centuries of rule was looted

over three centuries of rule was looted or destroyed while the symbols of their

or destroyed while the symbols of their power were torn down or defaced. The

power were torn down or defaced. The discovery of the wildfire caches hidden

discovery of the wildfire caches hidden throughout the city served as a final

throughout the city served as a final revelation of how close the kingdom had

revelation of how close the kingdom had come to total destruction. The green

come to total destruction. The green flames that areas had intended as his

flames that areas had intended as his legacy were carefully removed and

legacy were carefully removed and disposed of. But the knowledge of how

disposed of. But the knowledge of how near the city had come to annihilation

near the city had come to annihilation haunted those who learned the truth. The

haunted those who learned the truth. The Mad King's final plan represented the

Mad King's final plan represented the ultimate expression of the Targaryen

ultimate expression of the Targaryen motto, fire and blood, turned not

motto, fire and blood, turned not against enemies, but against the very

against enemies, but against the very people they had sworn to protect. The

people they had sworn to protect. The escape of Prince Vizeris and the

escape of Prince Vizeris and the pregnant Queen Raela to Dragonstone

pregnant Queen Raela to Dragonstone ensured that the Targaryen bloodline

ensured that the Targaryen bloodline would survive, though in exile rather

would survive, though in exile rather than glory. The birth of Princess

than glory. The birth of Princess Daenerys during the storm that gave her

Daenerys during the storm that gave her the nickname Stormbborn provided a final

the nickname Stormbborn provided a final irony. As the dynasty's last hope was

irony. As the dynasty's last hope was born on the ancestral seat that had

born on the ancestral seat that had witnessed its rise to power centuries

witnessed its rise to power centuries earlier, the children who fled across

earlier, the children who fled across the narrow sea carried with them the

the narrow sea carried with them the dreams and ambitions of their ancestors,

dreams and ambitions of their ancestors, but also the burden of their father's

but also the burden of their father's madness and the crimes committed in

madness and the crimes committed in their family's name. The fall of the

their family's name. The fall of the Targaryen dynasty was not just a

Targaryen dynasty was not just a political revolution, but a cultural

political revolution, but a cultural transformation that changed the very

transformation that changed the very nature of Westerosi society. The

nature of Westerosi society. The absolute monarchy that had existed since

absolute monarchy that had existed since Aegon's conquest was replaced by a more

Aegon's conquest was replaced by a more limited form of kingship, where the

limited form of kingship, where the great houses retained significant

great houses retained significant autonomy, and the crown ruled by consent

autonomy, and the crown ruled by consent rather than fear. The age of dragons was

rather than fear. The age of dragons was truly over, replaced by an age where

truly over, replaced by an age where power flowed from loyalty and alliance

power flowed from loyalty and alliance rather than supernatural authority. The

rather than supernatural authority. The economic disruption caused by the

economic disruption caused by the rebellion and its aftermath was severe

rebellion and its aftermath was severe but ultimately liberating as the rigid

but ultimately liberating as the rigid structures that had governed trade and

structures that had governed trade and commerce under Targaryen rule gave way

commerce under Targaryen rule gave way to more flexible arrangements. The great

to more flexible arrangements. The great houses that had once been merely

houses that had once been merely subjects of the Iron Throne now became

subjects of the Iron Throne now became partners in governance. their

partners in governance. their cooperation essential to the stability

cooperation essential to the stability and prosperity of the realm. The

and prosperity of the realm. The merkantile classes that had been

merkantile classes that had been constrained by royal monopolies found

constrained by royal monopolies found new opportunities for profit and

new opportunities for profit and expansion. The religious implications of

expansion. The religious implications of the Targaryen fall were equally

the Targaryen fall were equally significant as the faith of the seven

significant as the faith of the seven was freed from the uncomfortable

was freed from the uncomfortable accommodation it had maintained with a

accommodation it had maintained with a dynasty that practiced incest and

dynasty that practiced incest and claimed divine right. The new royal

claimed divine right. The new royal house, drawn from the ancient Andal

house, drawn from the ancient Andal nobility, represented a return to more

nobility, represented a return to more traditional religious values and

traditional religious values and customs. The Septans, who had once been

customs. The Septans, who had once been forced to justify Targaryen

forced to justify Targaryen exceptionalism, could now preach a

exceptionalism, could now preach a simpler message of moral law and divine

simpler message of moral law and divine justice. As the realm adjusted to life

justice. As the realm adjusted to life under a new dynasty, the legacy of the

under a new dynasty, the legacy of the Mad King served as a constant reminder

Mad King served as a constant reminder of the dangers of absolute power and the

of the dangers of absolute power and the importance of limiting royal authority.

importance of limiting royal authority. The lessons learned from Aras II's reign

The lessons learned from Aras II's reign would influence Westerosi political

would influence Westerosi political thought for generations, shaping the

thought for generations, shaping the relationship between crown and nobility

relationship between crown and nobility in ways that made future tyranny more

in ways that made future tyranny more difficult to establish. The wheel of

difficult to establish. The wheel of history had turned once again, crushing

history had turned once again, crushing beneath it a dynasty that had once

beneath it a dynasty that had once seemed eternal and invincible. The crown

seemed eternal and invincible. The crown that Robert Baratheon claimed through

that Robert Baratheon claimed through right of conquest, sat heavy upon his

right of conquest, sat heavy upon his head, weighed down not by gold and

head, weighed down not by gold and jewels, but by the ghost of the woman he

jewels, but by the ghost of the woman he could never save. And the burden of

could never save. And the burden of ruling a kingdom he had never truly

ruling a kingdom he had never truly wanted. The great warrior who had

wanted. The great warrior who had shattered the Targaryen dynasty with his

shattered the Targaryen dynasty with his Warhammer found that governing was a far

Warhammer found that governing was a far more complex challenge than warfare,

more complex challenge than warfare, requiring patience and attention to

requiring patience and attention to detail that his restless nature could

detail that his restless nature could barely tolerate. The Iron Throne that

barely tolerate. The Iron Throne that had been forged by dragon fire cut him

had been forged by dragon fire cut him as it had cut so many kings before. But

as it had cut so many kings before. But these wounds were nothing compared to

these wounds were nothing compared to the deeper pain that Lyanna Stark's

the deeper pain that Lyanna Stark's memory carved into his heart. The early

memory carved into his heart. The early years of Robert's reign were marked by a

years of Robert's reign were marked by a prosperity that seemed to validate the

prosperity that seemed to validate the rebels decision to overthrow the Mad

rebels decision to overthrow the Mad King. The realm that had been torn apart

King. The realm that had been torn apart by civil war began to heal under the

by civil war began to heal under the steady guidance of capable

steady guidance of capable administrators, while the king's larger

administrators, while the king's larger than-l life personality helped to unite

than-l life personality helped to unite former enemies under a common banner.

former enemies under a common banner. Robert's great feasts and tournaments

Robert's great feasts and tournaments became legendary throughout the seven

became legendary throughout the seven kingdoms. Spectacles of generosity and

kingdoms. Spectacles of generosity and celebration that reminded the people why

celebration that reminded the people why they had welcomed his rule. The sight of

they had welcomed his rule. The sight of their new king laughing and drinking

their new king laughing and drinking with lords who had once been his enemies

with lords who had once been his enemies demonstrated a magnanmity that few

demonstrated a magnanmity that few monarchs could match. Yet beneath the

monarchs could match. Yet beneath the surface of this golden age, problems

surface of this golden age, problems were already beginning to accumulate

were already beginning to accumulate like storm clouds on a distant horizon.

like storm clouds on a distant horizon. The royal treasury, which had been

The royal treasury, which had been replenished by the spoils of victory and

replenished by the spoils of victory and the confiscation of Targaryen wealth,

the confiscation of Targaryen wealth, began to empty as Robert's appetite for

began to empty as Robert's appetite for expensive celebrations grew. The king,

expensive celebrations grew. The king, who had won his throne through careful

who had won his throne through careful planning and strategic thinking in war,

planning and strategic thinking in war, proved remarkably careless about the

proved remarkably careless about the mundane details of governance in peace.

mundane details of governance in peace. He left the running of the kingdom to

He left the running of the kingdom to his hand and small council while he

his hand and small council while he pursued the pleasures that helped him

pursued the pleasures that helped him forget his deeper sorrows. John Aarin,

forget his deeper sorrows. John Aarin, the lord of the veil, who had raised

the lord of the veil, who had raised Robert from boyhood and guided the

Robert from boyhood and guided the rebellion to victory, became the true

rebellion to victory, became the true ruler of Westeros in all but name. His

ruler of Westeros in all but name. His steady hand and careful policies

steady hand and careful policies provided the stability that allowed the

provided the stability that allowed the realm to recover from the trauma of

realm to recover from the trauma of civil war. While his reputation for

civil war. While his reputation for honor and justice helped to legitimize

honor and justice helped to legitimize the new dynasty, the childless lord

the new dynasty, the childless lord treated Robert as the son he had never

treated Robert as the son he had never had, indulging his excesses while

had, indulging his excesses while quietly working to minimize their

quietly working to minimize their harmful effects on the kingdom's

harmful effects on the kingdom's governance. The marriage between Robert

governance. The marriage between Robert and Cersei Lannister, arranged to bind

and Cersei Lannister, arranged to bind the new dynasty to the wealth and power

the new dynasty to the wealth and power of Castelli Rock, represented both the

of Castelli Rock, represented both the political necessities and personal

political necessities and personal tragedies that defined the reign. Robert

tragedies that defined the reign. Robert had loved only one woman in his life,

had loved only one woman in his life, and she was dead, making any subsequent

and she was dead, making any subsequent marriage a matter of duty rather than

marriage a matter of duty rather than affection. Cersei, beautiful and

affection. Cersei, beautiful and intelligent, but proud and ambitious,

intelligent, but proud and ambitious, found herself wed to a man who called

found herself wed to a man who called her by another woman's name in their

her by another woman's name in their marriage bed. The union that should have

marriage bed. The union that should have been a source of strength for both house

been a source of strength for both house and kingdom became instead a wellspring

and kingdom became instead a wellspring of resentment and mutual contempt. The

of resentment and mutual contempt. The children born of this troubled marriage

children born of this troubled marriage inherited both the throne's burdens and

inherited both the throne's burdens and their parents' dysfunction. Growing up

their parents' dysfunction. Growing up in a royal household where love was

in a royal household where love was scarce and trust was even rarer. Prince

scarce and trust was even rarer. Prince Joffrey, goldenhaired and greeneyed like

Joffrey, goldenhaired and greeneyed like his mother, showed early signs of the

his mother, showed early signs of the cruelty that would later define his

cruelty that would later define his character. While Princess Meella and

character. While Princess Meella and Prince Tommen seemed to embody the

Prince Tommen seemed to embody the gentler virtues that their elder brother

gentler virtues that their elder brother lacked. The royal family that should

lacked. The royal family that should have provided stability and continuity

have provided stability and continuity for the new dynasty instead became a

for the new dynasty instead became a source of weakness and future conflict.

source of weakness and future conflict. The Greyjoy rebellion that erupted

The Greyjoy rebellion that erupted during the 10th year of Robert's reign

during the 10th year of Robert's reign provided the king with a welcome

provided the king with a welcome opportunity to return to the battlefield

opportunity to return to the battlefield where he felt most at home. The Ironborn

where he felt most at home. The Ironborn Lord Balon Greyjoyy's attempt to restore

Lord Balon Greyjoyy's attempt to restore the independence of the Iron Islands was

the independence of the Iron Islands was crushed with swift efficiency,

crushed with swift efficiency, demonstrating that the new royal house

demonstrating that the new royal house could project military power as

could project military power as effectively as its predecessor. The

effectively as its predecessor. The siege of Pike became the last great

siege of Pike became the last great military triumph of Robert's reign,

military triumph of Robert's reign, showing the kingdom that their warrior

showing the kingdom that their warrior king had lost none of his prowess with

king had lost none of his prowess with hammer and sword. The fostering of Theon

hammer and sword. The fostering of Theon Greyjoy at Winterfell following his

Greyjoy at Winterfell following his father's defeat represented the kind of

father's defeat represented the kind of wise policy that characterized the best

wise policy that characterized the best aspects of Robert's reign. Rather than

aspects of Robert's reign. Rather than simply executing the rebels or ruling

simply executing the rebels or ruling through fear, the crown chose to bind

through fear, the crown chose to bind former enemies through personal

former enemies through personal relationships and shared interests. The

relationships and shared interests. The young Ironborn Lord grew up among the

young Ironborn Lord grew up among the Starks, learning the values of honor and

Starks, learning the values of honor and loyalty that had made the North the

loyalty that had made the North the backbone of Robert's rebellion while

backbone of Robert's rebellion while serving as a living reminder of the

serving as a living reminder of the costs of defying royal authority. The

costs of defying royal authority. The peace that settled over Westeros during

peace that settled over Westeros during the middle years of Robert's reign was

the middle years of Robert's reign was deeper and more enduring than anything

deeper and more enduring than anything the realm had known since the early days

the realm had known since the early days of Targaryen rule. The great houses that

of Targaryen rule. The great houses that had spent centuries feuding with their

had spent centuries feuding with their neighbors found common cause in

neighbors found common cause in supporting a monarchy that respected

supporting a monarchy that respected their traditional rights while providing

their traditional rights while providing effective central authority. Trade

effective central authority. Trade flourished as never before, while the

flourished as never before, while the arts and learning experienced a

arts and learning experienced a renaissance that rivaled the greatest

renaissance that rivaled the greatest periods of the past. The tournaments

periods of the past. The tournaments that Robert loved became venues where

that Robert loved became venues where the kingdom's elite could compete and

the kingdom's elite could compete and mingle, forging relationships that

mingle, forging relationships that strengthened the realm's unity. Yet,

strengthened the realm's unity. Yet, even as the kingdom prospered, the king

even as the kingdom prospered, the king himself grew increasingly dissatisfied

himself grew increasingly dissatisfied with the constraints of rule and the

with the constraints of rule and the burdens of responsibility. The young

burdens of responsibility. The young warrior who had dreamed of glory on the

warrior who had dreamed of glory on the battlefield found himself trapped behind

battlefield found himself trapped behind a desk, forced to listen to endless

a desk, forced to listen to endless discussions of trade agreements and tax

discussions of trade agreements and tax policy when he longed to be hunting in

policy when he longed to be hunting in the forests of the Stormlands. His

the forests of the Stormlands. His weight increased along with his

weight increased along with his drinking, while his legendary strength

drinking, while his legendary strength began to fade as years of excess took

began to fade as years of excess took their toll on his once magnificent

their toll on his once magnificent physique. The death of John Aaron in the

physique. The death of John Aaron in the final year of Robert's reign marked the

final year of Robert's reign marked the end of an era and the beginning of the

end of an era and the beginning of the crisis that would ultimately destroy the

crisis that would ultimately destroy the kingdom's hard one piece. The hand who

kingdom's hard one piece. The hand who had served as father figure, chief

had served as father figure, chief minister, and wise counselor left behind

minister, and wise counselor left behind a vacuum that no one seemed capable of

a vacuum that no one seemed capable of filling. His final words muttered on his

filling. His final words muttered on his deathbed about the seed being strong

deathbed about the seed being strong hinted at the dangerous secrets he had

hinted at the dangerous secrets he had uncovered in his final months. Knowledge

uncovered in his final months. Knowledge that would die with him and leave the

that would die with him and leave the realm vulnerable to the chaos that was

realm vulnerable to the chaos that was coming. Robert's decision to travel

coming. Robert's decision to travel north to Winterfell and offer the

north to Winterfell and offer the position of hand to his old friend Ned

position of hand to his old friend Ned Stark represented both his instinctive

Stark represented both his instinctive wisdom in choosing capable advisers and

wisdom in choosing capable advisers and his tragic inability to see the larger

his tragic inability to see the larger forces that were already in motion. The

forces that were already in motion. The reunion between the two men who had been

reunion between the two men who had been closer than brothers during the

closer than brothers during the rebellion was bittersweet, marked by the

rebellion was bittersweet, marked by the passage of time and the weight of

passage of time and the weight of accumulated sorrows. Neither man could

accumulated sorrows. Neither man could have imagined that their meeting would

have imagined that their meeting would set in motion the events that would tear

set in motion the events that would tear the kingdom apart and bring an end to

the kingdom apart and bring an end to the peace they had both worked so hard

the peace they had both worked so hard to build. The hunt that would claim

to build. The hunt that would claim Robert's life began as a celebration of

Robert's life began as a celebration of friendship and a brief escape from the

friendship and a brief escape from the burdens of kingship. But it became

burdens of kingship. But it became instead the final chapter in the story

instead the final chapter in the story of a man who had won everything he

of a man who had won everything he thought he wanted only to discover that

thought he wanted only to discover that victory brought its own forms of

victory brought its own forms of suffering. The boar that gored him in

suffering. The boar that gored him in the woods near King's Landing was just

the woods near King's Landing was just an animal following its instincts. But

an animal following its instincts. But the wounds it inflicted would prove

the wounds it inflicted would prove fatal not just to the king, but to the

fatal not just to the king, but to the stability of the entire realm. As Robert

stability of the entire realm. As Robert lay dying in the Red Keep, surrounded by

lay dying in the Red Keep, surrounded by the symbols of power he had never truly

the symbols of power he had never truly wanted, the kingdom he had built through

wanted, the kingdom he had built through force of arms and strength of character

force of arms and strength of character began to fracture along the fault lines

began to fracture along the fault lines that had always existed beneath its

that had always existed beneath its peaceful surface. The great lords who

peaceful surface. The great lords who had united to overthrow one dynasty now

had united to overthrow one dynasty now prepared to fight each other for control

prepared to fight each other for control of the crown. While the common people

of the crown. While the common people who had prospered under his rule faced

who had prospered under his rule faced the prospect of another devastating

the prospect of another devastating civil war, the reign that had begun with

civil war, the reign that had begun with such promise ended in tragedy and

such promise ended in tragedy and forboding as the wheel of history

forboding as the wheel of history prepared to turn once again. The peace

prepared to turn once again. The peace that Robert had given Westeros was about

that Robert had given Westeros was about to be shattered, replaced by a conflict

to be shattered, replaced by a conflict that would make the wars of his youth

that would make the wars of his youth seem small by comparison. The Game of

seem small by comparison. The Game of Thrones was entering a new and more

Thrones was entering a new and more deadly phase, one where the stakes would

deadly phase, one where the stakes would be higher and the costs more terrible

be higher and the costs more terrible than any previous generation had

than any previous generation had imagined. The execution of Edard Stark

imagined. The execution of Edard Stark in the shadow of the great Sept of Bor

in the shadow of the great Sept of Bor was the spark that ignited a

was the spark that ignited a confflration across the seven kingdoms,

confflration across the seven kingdoms, transforming political maneuvering into

transforming political maneuvering into open warfare that would consume a

open warfare that would consume a generation and leave the realm forever

generation and leave the realm forever changed. The sight of ice, the ancient

changed. The sight of ice, the ancient Valyrian steel sword of House Stark,

Valyrian steel sword of House Stark, falling upon the neck of the most

falling upon the neck of the most honorable man in Westeros, sent shock

honorable man in Westeros, sent shock waves through every corner of the

waves through every corner of the kingdom. Lords who had been content to

kingdom. Lords who had been content to play the game of thrones through

play the game of thrones through whispers and alliances suddenly found

whispers and alliances suddenly found themselves forced to choose sides in a

themselves forced to choose sides in a conflict that would demand everything

conflict that would demand everything they possessed. King Joffrey's decision

they possessed. King Joffrey's decision to order the execution against the

to order the execution against the advice of his mother and the small

advice of his mother and the small council revealed the dangerous

council revealed the dangerous unpredictability that would characterize

unpredictability that would characterize his brief reign. The boy king who

his brief reign. The boy king who ascended the Iron Throne at 13 possessed

ascended the Iron Throne at 13 possessed all of his mother's cruelty and none of

all of his mother's cruelty and none of her cunning, making decisions based on

her cunning, making decisions based on impulse and spite rather than political

impulse and spite rather than political calculation. His golden crown sat at top

calculation. His golden crown sat at top a head filled with sadistic fantasies

a head filled with sadistic fantasies and delusions of absolute power, while

and delusions of absolute power, while his green eyes reflected the madness

his green eyes reflected the madness that seemed to run in both sides of his

that seemed to run in both sides of his true heritage. The North's response was

true heritage. The North's response was swift and devastating. as Rob Stark

swift and devastating. as Rob Stark called his banners and marched south

called his banners and marched south with an army of 30,000 men seeking

with an army of 30,000 men seeking justice for his father's murder. The

justice for his father's murder. The young Wolf King, barely 16 years old,

young Wolf King, barely 16 years old, proved to possess a natural genius for

proved to possess a natural genius for military strategy that reminded veterans

military strategy that reminded veterans of battles long past. His victories at

of battles long past. His victories at Oxcross and the Whispering Wood

Oxcross and the Whispering Wood demonstrated that the old ways of

demonstrated that the old ways of warfare still had power when wielded by

warfare still had power when wielded by someone who understood both honor and

someone who understood both honor and necessity. The sight of his direwolf

necessity. The sight of his direwolf grey wind fighting alongside northern

grey wind fighting alongside northern soldiers became the stuff of legend,

soldiers became the stuff of legend, inspiring his own troops while striking

inspiring his own troops while striking terror into his enemies. Stannis

terror into his enemies. Stannis Baratheon's claim to the Iron Throne was

Baratheon's claim to the Iron Throne was based on the iron certainty of law and

based on the iron certainty of law and legitimacy. As Robert's younger brother

legitimacy. As Robert's younger brother possessed the strongest legal right to

possessed the strongest legal right to the crown after Joffrey's true parentage

the crown after Joffrey's true parentage was revealed. The master of Dragonstone

was revealed. The master of Dragonstone had spent years in his brother's shadow,

had spent years in his brother's shadow, serving faithfully but without

serving faithfully but without recognition, his rigid sense of duty

recognition, his rigid sense of duty earning him respect but not love. His

earning him respect but not love. His alliance with the red priestess

alliance with the red priestess Melisandre brought him power beyond

Melisandre brought him power beyond anything he had previously commanded,

anything he had previously commanded, but at a price that would corrupt both

but at a price that would corrupt both his cause and his soul. The shadow that

his cause and his soul. The shadow that Melisandre birthed in the caves beneath

Melisandre birthed in the caves beneath Storm's End, was an abomination that

Storm's End, was an abomination that violated the natural order of life and

violated the natural order of life and death. Yet, it achieved what

death. Yet, it achieved what conventional siege warfare could not.

conventional siege warfare could not. The murder of Renley Baratheon by his

The murder of Renley Baratheon by his brother's dark magic eliminated the most

brother's dark magic eliminated the most charismatic claimment to the throne

charismatic claimment to the throne while demonstrating the terrible forces

while demonstrating the terrible forces that the red god's servants could

that the red god's servants could unleash. The sight of Renley's corpse

unleash. The sight of Renley's corpse bearing wounds that no earthly weapon

bearing wounds that no earthly weapon could have inflicted, shattered his

could have inflicted, shattered his great army, and sent thousands of

great army, and sent thousands of knights fleeing into the night. Renley's

knights fleeing into the night. Renley's death was perhaps the greatest tragedy

death was perhaps the greatest tragedy of the war's early phase, as the Lord of

of the war's early phase, as the Lord of Storm's End possessed the combination of

Storm's End possessed the combination of political skill, personal charm, and

political skill, personal charm, and military resources that might have ended

military resources that might have ended the conflict quickly and bloodlessly.

the conflict quickly and bloodlessly. His vision of a realm ruled through

His vision of a realm ruled through consensus rather than fear, represented

consensus rather than fear, represented a different path for Westeros, one where

a different path for Westeros, one where the lessons of Robert's rebellion could

the lessons of Robert's rebellion could have been applied to create a more just

have been applied to create a more just and stable form of government. His

and stable form of government. His murder by supernatural means showed that

murder by supernatural means showed that the Game of Thrones had entered a new

the Game of Thrones had entered a new phase where ancient powers and forgotten

phase where ancient powers and forgotten magics would play increasingly important

magics would play increasingly important roles. The battle of Blackwater Bay

roles. The battle of Blackwater Bay became the decisive engagement of the

became the decisive engagement of the war's first phase as Stannis's attempt

war's first phase as Stannis's attempt to take King's Landing by storm met the

to take King's Landing by storm met the wildfire trap that Tyrion Lannister had

wildfire trap that Tyrion Lannister had prepared with the help of the

prepared with the help of the pyromancer's guild. The green flames

pyromancer's guild. The green flames that consumed half of Stannis's fleet

that consumed half of Stannis's fleet were a deliberate echo of the Mad King's

were a deliberate echo of the Mad King's final plot, turning the Baratheon

final plot, turning the Baratheon pretender's strength against him in a

pretender's strength against him in a spectacular conflration. The sight of

spectacular conflration. The sight of ships burning on the river with an

ships burning on the river with an unnatural fire reminded everyone present

unnatural fire reminded everyone present of the dangerous legacy that the

of the dangerous legacy that the Targaryenss had left behind. The arrival

Targaryenss had left behind. The arrival of Tywin Lannister and his Tyrell allies

of Tywin Lannister and his Tyrell allies at the battle's climax saved the capital

at the battle's climax saved the capital and the young king, but it also

and the young king, but it also demonstrated the political realignments

demonstrated the political realignments that were reshaping the kingdom's power

that were reshaping the kingdom's power structure. The alliance between Lion and

structure. The alliance between Lion and Rose, sealed by the betroal of Joffrey

Rose, sealed by the betroal of Joffrey to Marjgery Tyrell, brought together the

to Marjgery Tyrell, brought together the wealth of Castasterly Rock and the

wealth of Castasterly Rock and the agricultural abundance of the Reach in a

agricultural abundance of the Reach in a combination that no other faction could

combination that no other faction could match. The hands chain that stretched

match. The hands chain that stretched across Blackwater Bay became a symbol of

across Blackwater Bay became a symbol of Lannister ingenuity, while the broken

Lannister ingenuity, while the broken ships that littered the river bottom

ships that littered the river bottom testified to the costs of challenging

testified to the costs of challenging their authority. The red wedding at the

their authority. The red wedding at the twins represented the nether of honor in

twins represented the nether of honor in Westerosce politics as guest right and

Westerosce politics as guest right and sacred hospitality were violated in

sacred hospitality were violated in service of political expediency. The

service of political expediency. The murder of Rob Stark, his mother Catelyn,

murder of Rob Stark, his mother Catelyn, and most of the northern leadership

and most of the northern leadership under Walder Freys roof was orchestrated

under Walder Freys roof was orchestrated by Tywin Lannister, but carried out by

by Tywin Lannister, but carried out by men who valued revenge above honor. The

men who valued revenge above honor. The sight of Grey Wind's head sewn onto his

sight of Grey Wind's head sewn onto his master's body became a symbol of the

master's body became a symbol of the war's brutality and the death of the old

war's brutality and the death of the old codes that had once governed noble

codes that had once governed noble behavior. The psychological impact of

behavior. The psychological impact of the Red Wedding extended far beyond its

the Red Wedding extended far beyond its immediate military consequences as the

immediate military consequences as the violation of guest right sent shock

violation of guest right sent shock waves through every corner of Westerosi

waves through every corner of Westerosi society. The common people who had

society. The common people who had witnessed the breakdown of honor among

witnessed the breakdown of honor among their betters began to question all

their betters began to question all forms of authority, while the great

forms of authority, while the great houses realized that the old rules no

houses realized that the old rules no longer protected anyone from the

longer protected anyone from the consequences of political

consequences of political miscalculation. The songs that emerged

miscalculation. The songs that emerged from the massacre were not celebrations

from the massacre were not celebrations of victory, but laments for a lost age

of victory, but laments for a lost age of chivalry and honor. King Joffrey's

of chivalry and honor. King Joffrey's death at his own wedding feast provided

death at his own wedding feast provided a moment of poetic justice that

a moment of poetic justice that satisfied few and solved nothing. As the

satisfied few and solved nothing. As the boy king's cruelty was replaced by the

boy king's cruelty was replaced by the more subtle but equally dangerous

more subtle but equally dangerous ambitions of those who had orchestrated

ambitions of those who had orchestrated his demise, the strangler poison that

his demise, the strangler poison that killed him worked slowly and publicly,

killed him worked slowly and publicly, ensuring that his final moments were as

ensuring that his final moments were as undignified as his brief reign had been

undignified as his brief reign had been brutal. The crown passed to his younger

brutal. The crown passed to his younger brother Tommen, a gentle boy who would

brother Tommen, a gentle boy who would serve as a puppet for the various

serve as a puppet for the various factions seeking to control the Iron

factions seeking to control the Iron Throne. The rise of the faith militant

Throne. The rise of the faith militant during this period represented a

during this period represented a response to the chaos and moral decay

response to the chaos and moral decay that had infected the realm's leadership

that had infected the realm's leadership as the common people sought spiritual

as the common people sought spiritual authority to replace the failed secular

authority to replace the failed secular powers. The High Sparrow who led this

powers. The High Sparrow who led this movement was a man of genuine piety

movement was a man of genuine piety whose simple message of justice and

whose simple message of justice and redemption resonated with those who had

redemption resonated with those who had suffered under the nobles wars. The

suffered under the nobles wars. The armed Septans who enforced his will

armed Septans who enforced his will represented a return to an earlier era

represented a return to an earlier era when the faith had possessed its own

when the faith had possessed its own military power and political

military power and political independence. Stannis Baratheon's march

independence. Stannis Baratheon's march north to the wall demonstrated both his

north to the wall demonstrated both his strategic vision and his growing

strategic vision and his growing desperation as the self-proclaimed king

desperation as the self-proclaimed king sought new allies among the outcasts and

sought new allies among the outcasts and misfits of the Night's Watch. His

misfits of the Night's Watch. His intervention in the battle against the

intervention in the battle against the Wildling army showed that he still

Wildling army showed that he still possessed the military skills that had

possessed the military skills that had made him Robert's most trusted general.

made him Robert's most trusted general. While his recognition of the threat

While his recognition of the threat beyond the wall revealed an

beyond the wall revealed an understanding of larger forces that his

understanding of larger forces that his rivals lacked, the burning of his

rivals lacked, the burning of his daughter Shireen as a sacrifice to the

daughter Shireen as a sacrifice to the Red God marked the complete corruption

Red God marked the complete corruption of his cause and the abandonment of

of his cause and the abandonment of everything he had once claimed to

everything he had once claimed to represent. The liberation of Slavers Bay

represent. The liberation of Slavers Bay by Daenerys Targaryen across the narrow

by Daenerys Targaryen across the narrow sea added a new dimension to the

sea added a new dimension to the conflict as the last scion of the dragon

conflict as the last scion of the dragon kings began her own campaign to reclaim

kings began her own campaign to reclaim her birthright. Her dragons, the first

her birthright. Her dragons, the first scene in the world for over a century,

scene in the world for over a century, represented both a return to the old

represented both a return to the old Targaryen power and a new form of

Targaryen power and a new form of warfare that could reshape the balance

warfare that could reshape the balance of forces across both continents. The

of forces across both continents. The sight of Drogon, Rhaegal, and Vizerian

sight of Drogon, Rhaegal, and Vizerian soaring over the pyramids of Meereen

soaring over the pyramids of Meereen served notice that the age of dragons

served notice that the age of dragons was returning, whether the current

was returning, whether the current occupants of the Iron Throne were ready

occupants of the Iron Throne were ready or not. The northern resistance that

or not. The northern resistance that emerged from the ashes of Stark defeat

emerged from the ashes of Stark defeat showed that some flames could not be

showed that some flames could not be easily extinguished as loyal Banammen

easily extinguished as loyal Banammen like the Mormonts and Umbers continued

like the Mormonts and Umbers continued to fight in the name of their fallen

to fight in the name of their fallen kings. The phrase the North remembers

kings. The phrase the North remembers became a rallying cry for those who

became a rallying cry for those who refused to accept southern rule. While

refused to accept southern rule. While the prospect of Jon Snow's return from

the prospect of Jon Snow's return from the wall offered hope for eventual

the wall offered hope for eventual revenge against those who had

revenge against those who had orchestrated the Red Wedding. As the war

orchestrated the Red Wedding. As the war entered its final phase, the realm lay

entered its final phase, the realm lay broken and exhausted. Its population

broken and exhausted. Its population decimated by years of conflict and its

decimated by years of conflict and its institutions corrupted by the moral

institutions corrupted by the moral compromises that survival had demanded.

compromises that survival had demanded. The Game of Thrones had claimed kings

The Game of Thrones had claimed kings and commoners alike, leaving behind a

and commoners alike, leaving behind a kingdom that bore little resemblance to

kingdom that bore little resemblance to the peaceful realm that Robert Baratheon

the peaceful realm that Robert Baratheon had once ruled. The wheel of history was

had once ruled. The wheel of history was grinding toward another turn, carrying

grinding toward another turn, carrying with it the promise of either redemption

with it the promise of either redemption or final destruction for the seven

or final destruction for the seven kingdoms of Westeros. The p that burned

kingdoms of Westeros. The p that burned on the Dothraki sea under the red

on the Dothraki sea under the red comet's baleful light was meant to honor

comet's baleful light was meant to honor a fallen hell. But it became instead the

a fallen hell. But it became instead the crucible that would forge a new age of

crucible that would forge a new age of fire and blood. Daenerys Targaryen, the

fire and blood. Daenerys Targaryen, the exiled princess who had lost everything

exiled princess who had lost everything but her name and her dragon eggs, walked

but her name and her dragon eggs, walked into those flames as a grieving widow

into those flames as a grieving widow and emerged as the mother of dragons.

and emerged as the mother of dragons. The three petrified eggs that had been

The three petrified eggs that had been wedding gifts became living creatures of

wedding gifts became living creatures of legend. their wings casting shadows that

legend. their wings casting shadows that would eventually darken the skies over

would eventually darken the skies over two continents. The dragons that hatched

two continents. The dragons that hatched from stone and flame were small at

from stone and flame were small at first, no larger than cats, their scales

first, no larger than cats, their scales soft and their fire weak. Drogan, black

soft and their fire weak. Drogan, black as night with scarlet eyes and wings,

as night with scarlet eyes and wings, was named for the Klesi's dead husband,

was named for the Klesi's dead husband, and would grow to become the largest and

and would grow to become the largest and most willful of the three. Regal, green

most willful of the three. Regal, green and bronze with golden eyes, carried the

and bronze with golden eyes, carried the name of Prince Rhaegar, and possessed a

name of Prince Rhaegar, and possessed a temperament as complex as the brother

temperament as complex as the brother Daenerys had never known. Vizerian cream

Daenerys had never known. Vizerian cream and gold with the disposition closest to

and gold with the disposition closest to his namesake's cruelty, completed the

his namesake's cruelty, completed the trinity that would restore dragon fire

trinity that would restore dragon fire to a world that had forgotten its power.

to a world that had forgotten its power. The miracle of their birth was witnessed

The miracle of their birth was witnessed by only a handful of survivors from Kal

by only a handful of survivors from Kal Drogo's Kalisar. But word of the dragon

Drogo's Kalisar. But word of the dragon spread across the Dothraki sea like

spread across the Dothraki sea like wildfire. The horse lords who had once

wildfire. The horse lords who had once dismissed the pale queen as just another

dismissed the pale queen as just another conquered prize now spoke her name with

conquered prize now spoke her name with reverence and fear. She was no longer

reverence and fear. She was no longer merely Daenerys Stormbborn of House

merely Daenerys Stormbborn of House Targaryen, but Daenerys unburnt, the

Targaryen, but Daenerys unburnt, the silver queen whose children breathed

silver queen whose children breathed fire and whose destiny stretched beyond

fire and whose destiny stretched beyond the grasslands to the great cities of

the grasslands to the great cities of the east. The long journey across the

the east. The long journey across the red waste that followed tested both the

red waste that followed tested both the dragons and their mother. As the small

dragons and their mother. As the small band of survivors sought refuge in lands

band of survivors sought refuge in lands that few Dothraki had ever seen, the

that few Dothraki had ever seen, the desert that had swallowed countless

desert that had swallowed countless caravans and armies welcomed the dragon

caravans and armies welcomed the dragon queen, perhaps recognizing in her

queen, perhaps recognizing in her something that belonged to an older and

something that belonged to an older and more dangerous world. The dragons

more dangerous world. The dragons learned to hunt in those harsh lands,

learned to hunt in those harsh lands, their prey ranging from lizards and

their prey ranging from lizards and snakes to the occasional trader who

snakes to the occasional trader who wandered too far from the established

wandered too far from the established roots. Cor, the greatest city that ever

roots. Cor, the greatest city that ever was or will be according to its

was or will be according to its inhabitants, opened its gates to the

inhabitants, opened its gates to the mother of dragons with the mixture of

mother of dragons with the mixture of avarice and curiosity that characterized

avarice and curiosity that characterized all merchant princes. The Corine had

all merchant princes. The Corine had heard rumors of the dragons, but seeing

heard rumors of the dragons, but seeing them in person was a revelation that

them in person was a revelation that sent tremors through their council

sent tremors through their council chambers and counting houses. The

chambers and counting houses. The creatures that had once brought old

creatures that had once brought old Valyria to the height of its power, were

Valyria to the height of its power, were walking through their gardens and

walking through their gardens and perching on their balconies, turning

perching on their balconies, turning legend into reality with every beat of

legend into reality with every beat of their wings. The House of the Undying,

their wings. The House of the Undying, that sinister tower where the Warlocks

that sinister tower where the Warlocks of K practiced their ancient arts,

of K practiced their ancient arts, became the site of Daenerys's first

became the site of Daenerys's first great trial as a dragon queen. The

great trial as a dragon queen. The visions that assaulted her in those

visions that assaulted her in those twisted halls showed her glimpses of

twisted halls showed her glimpses of past and future, of the Iron Throne she

past and future, of the Iron Throne she had never seen, and the burning throne

had never seen, and the burning throne room where her father had died. The

room where her father had died. The dragons that rescued her from the

dragons that rescued her from the warlock's trap announced to the world

warlock's trap announced to the world that the age of magic was returning, and

that the age of magic was returning, and that those who sought to use the mother

that those who sought to use the mother of dragons for their own purposes did so

of dragons for their own purposes did so at their peril. The conquest of Slavers

at their peril. The conquest of Slavers Bay began not with grand strategy, but

Bay began not with grand strategy, but with a simple moral imperative, as

with a simple moral imperative, as Daenerys found herself unable to ignore

Daenerys found herself unable to ignore the suffering of those who toiled in

the suffering of those who toiled in chains while their masters lived in

chains while their masters lived in luxury. The city of Astapor, with its

luxury. The city of Astapor, with its pyramid topped temples and its fighting

pyramid topped temples and its fighting pits filled with unsullied warriors,

pits filled with unsullied warriors, represented everything that was wrong

represented everything that was wrong with the old order. The dragons that had

with the old order. The dragons that had seemed like mere curiosities in Cth

seemed like mere curiosities in Cth revealed their true power when Drogon

revealed their true power when Drogon bathed the good masters in dragonfire,

bathed the good masters in dragonfire, turning their golden pyramids into

turning their golden pyramids into furnaces and their slave pens into ash.

furnaces and their slave pens into ash. The liberation of the unsullied was

The liberation of the unsullied was achieved through cunning as much as

achieved through cunning as much as force as Daenerys traded one of her

force as Daenerys traded one of her dragons for an army only to reveal that

dragons for an army only to reveal that the bond between dragon and dragon rider

the bond between dragon and dragon rider could not be bought or sold. The sight

could not be bought or sold. The sight of 8,000 Unic warriors kneeling before

of 8,000 Unic warriors kneeling before their new queen while Astiple burned

their new queen while Astiple burned behind them announced that a new power

behind them announced that a new power had risen in the east. One that combined

had risen in the east. One that combined the legendary might of old Valyria with

the legendary might of old Valyria with a revolutionary vision of justice and

a revolutionary vision of justice and freedom. Yonkai and Meereen fell in turn

freedom. Yonkai and Meereen fell in turn as the dragons grew larger and more

as the dragons grew larger and more formidable. Their wingspans expanding as

formidable. Their wingspans expanding as their hunger for flesh and fire

their hunger for flesh and fire increased. The yellow city's surrender

increased. The yellow city's surrender without a siege showed that the

without a siege showed that the reputation of dragon fire could be as

reputation of dragon fire could be as effective as the flames themselves.

effective as the flames themselves. While Marine's determined resistance

While Marine's determined resistance required all three dragons working in

required all three dragons working in concert to breach its walls. The sight

concert to breach its walls. The sight of the great pyramid of Meereen crowned

of the great pyramid of Meereen crowned with Targaryen banners marked the

with Targaryen banners marked the establishment of the first Targaryen

establishment of the first Targaryen seat of power since the fall of the

seat of power since the fall of the dynasty in Westeros. The challenges of

dynasty in Westeros. The challenges of ruling proved more complex than the

ruling proved more complex than the conquest itself. As Daenerys discovered

conquest itself. As Daenerys discovered that liberating slaves was easier than

that liberating slaves was easier than integrating them into a functioning

integrating them into a functioning society. The freed men who looked to her

society. The freed men who looked to her as their mother and protector had spent

as their mother and protector had spent their lives in bondage, knowing only how

their lives in bondage, knowing only how to serve and obey. The former masters

to serve and obey. The former masters who remained in the city chafed under

who remained in the city chafed under the new order while plotting its

the new order while plotting its overthrow. Their hatred burning as hot

overthrow. Their hatred burning as hot as dragon fire. but far more subtle in

as dragon fire. but far more subtle in its expression. The dragons themselves

its expression. The dragons themselves became both a source of strength and a

became both a source of strength and a growing problem as they matured beyond

growing problem as they matured beyond their mother's ability to fully control

their mother's ability to fully control them. Drogon's attack on a shepherd's

them. Drogon's attack on a shepherd's child forced Daenerys to confront the

child forced Daenerys to confront the reality that her children were predators

reality that her children were predators as well as symbols of liberation,

as well as symbols of liberation, creatures of instinct and appetite that

creatures of instinct and appetite that could not be reasoned with or restrained

could not be reasoned with or restrained by moral considerations. The decision to

by moral considerations. The decision to chain Regel and Vizerion in the depths

chain Regel and Vizerion in the depths of the Great Pyramid was perhaps the

of the Great Pyramid was perhaps the most painful choice she had ever made,

most painful choice she had ever made, trading their freedom for the safety of

trading their freedom for the safety of her people. The Sons of the Harpy

her people. The Sons of the Harpy insurgency that plagued marine streets

insurgency that plagued marine streets showed that dragon fire could destroy an

showed that dragon fire could destroy an army in open battle, but could not root

army in open battle, but could not root out enemies who hid among the civilian

out enemies who hid among the civilian population. The former masters and their

population. The former masters and their supporters waged a campaign of terror

supporters waged a campaign of terror and assassination that turned every

and assassination that turned every shadow into a potential threat and every

shadow into a potential threat and every freedman into a possible collaborator.

freedman into a possible collaborator. The dragons that had conquered cities

The dragons that had conquered cities proved less effective against opponents

proved less effective against opponents who struck in darkness and melted away

who struck in darkness and melted away before retribution could find them. The

before retribution could find them. The fighting pits that Daenerys had closed

fighting pits that Daenerys had closed in her campaign against slavery became a

in her campaign against slavery became a symbol of the compromises that ruling

symbol of the compromises that ruling required as political necessity forced

required as political necessity forced her to reopen institutions she found

her to reopen institutions she found morally repugnant. The gladiatorial

morally repugnant. The gladiatorial combat that the Marinese elite demanded

combat that the Marinese elite demanded as their price for cooperation

as their price for cooperation represented everything the dragon queen

represented everything the dragon queen opposed. Yet her advisers convinced her

opposed. Yet her advisers convinced her that some concessions were necessary to

that some concessions were necessary to maintain peace. The decision to attend

maintain peace. The decision to attend the great games herself was intended as

the great games herself was intended as a gesture of reconciliation, but became

a gesture of reconciliation, but became instead the stage for her most dramatic

instead the stage for her most dramatic demonstration of power. Drogan's return

demonstration of power. Drogan's return to the fighting pit, drawn by the scent

to the fighting pit, drawn by the scent of blood and the roar of the crowd

of blood and the roar of the crowd marked a turning point in both

marked a turning point in both Daenerys's reign and her relationship

Daenerys's reign and her relationship with her children. The Black Dragon's

with her children. The Black Dragon's rampage through the arena and his

rampage through the arena and his subsequent flight with his mother

subsequent flight with his mother clinging to his back showed the world

clinging to his back showed the world that the bond between Targaryen and

that the bond between Targaryen and Dragon was stronger than chains or

Dragon was stronger than chains or political considerations. The image of

political considerations. The image of the Silver Queen disappearing into the

the Silver Queen disappearing into the sky on Dragon Bend

sky on Dragon Bend before she had even landed, inspiring

before she had even landed, inspiring songs and stories that would spread

songs and stories that would spread across both continents. The Dothraki

across both continents. The Dothraki Kalisar that found Daenerys alone in the

Kalisar that found Daenerys alone in the grass sea after Drogon's flight could

grass sea after Drogon's flight could not have known they were witnessing the

not have known they were witnessing the beginning of their own conquest. The

beginning of their own conquest. The widow of Kala Drogo who returned to

widow of Kala Drogo who returned to claim leadership of all the horse tribes

claim leadership of all the horse tribes brought with her powers that no Kaled

brought with her powers that no Kaled had ever possessed and a vision that

had ever possessed and a vision that stretched far beyond the traditional

stretched far beyond the traditional boundaries of Dothraki ambition. The

boundaries of Dothraki ambition. The burning of the D'H Kali and the Kalaju

burning of the D'H Kali and the Kalaju would have enslaved her marked the

would have enslaved her marked the beginning of a new kind of horde. One

beginning of a new kind of horde. One united not just by strength but by

united not just by strength but by loyalty to the dragon queen. The sight

loyalty to the dragon queen. The sight of Daenerys emerging unburnt from the

of Daenerys emerging unburnt from the flames that consumed the sacred city of

flames that consumed the sacred city of Vey Dothrak with every Dothraki warrior

Vey Dothrak with every Dothraki warrior kneeling before her in the firelight

kneeling before her in the firelight announced that the most dangerous phase

announced that the most dangerous phase of her campaign was about to begin. The

of her campaign was about to begin. The 100,000 horsemen who now called her Kesi

100,000 horsemen who now called her Kesi represented the largest army that had

represented the largest army that had ever been assembled under a single

ever been assembled under a single banner. While the dragons that had grown

banner. While the dragons that had grown to full size during her absence in the

to full size during her absence in the east were ready to carry fire and blood

east were ready to carry fire and blood across the narrow sea. The ships that

across the narrow sea. The ships that would carry this great host westward

would carry this great host westward were already gathering in the harbors of

were already gathering in the harbors of Meereen and Volantis, their holds

Meereen and Volantis, their holds prepared for horses and dragons alike.

prepared for horses and dragons alike. The wheel of history was turning once

The wheel of history was turning once again, carrying the last Targaryen back

again, carrying the last Targaryen back toward the Iron Throne that her

toward the Iron Throne that her ancestors had forged and her father had

ancestors had forged and her father had lost. The Game of Thrones was about to

lost. The Game of Thrones was about to enter its final phase, where fire and

enter its final phase, where fire and blood would determine not just who

blood would determine not just who ruled, but what kind of world would

ruled, but what kind of world would emerge from the ashes of the old. The

emerge from the ashes of the old. The wall that had stood for 8,000 years as

wall that had stood for 8,000 years as humanity's shield against the darkness

humanity's shield against the darkness finally fell, not to siege engines or

finally fell, not to siege engines or dragon fire, but to the very power it

dragon fire, but to the very power it had been built to contain. The ancient

had been built to contain. The ancient barrier of ice and magic raised by Bran

barrier of ice and magic raised by Bran the Builder with the help of giants and

the Builder with the help of giants and the children of the forest crumbled

the children of the forest crumbled before the blue flames of an undead

before the blue flames of an undead dragon. Its destruction marking the end

dragon. Its destruction marking the end of the longest piece the world had ever

of the longest piece the world had ever known. The collapse sent tremors through

known. The collapse sent tremors through the earth that were felt as far south as

the earth that were felt as far south as Winterfell, while the roar of falling

Winterfell, while the roar of falling ice echoed across the frozen wasteland

ice echoed across the frozen wasteland like the death cry of hope itself. The

like the death cry of hope itself. The Zerion, the dragon that had once soared

Zerion, the dragon that had once soared through warm skies above the pyramids of

through warm skies above the pyramids of Meereen, now flew on rotting wings

Meereen, now flew on rotting wings through the perpetual winter that

through the perpetual winter that followed the Night King's army. The blue

followed the Night King's army. The blue fire that poured from his throat was

fire that poured from his throat was cold as the void between stars, a

cold as the void between stars, a corruption of dragon flame that burned

corruption of dragon flame that burned away life itself rather than merely

away life itself rather than merely destroying flesh and stone. The sight of

destroying flesh and stone. The sight of a dragon serving the forces of death was

a dragon serving the forces of death was an abomination that violated the natural

an abomination that violated the natural order. Yet, it was also a terrible

order. Yet, it was also a terrible demonstration of the Night King's power

demonstration of the Night King's power to corrupt and command even the

to corrupt and command even the mightiest creatures. The Night King

mightiest creatures. The Night King himself rode upon the undead dragon's

himself rode upon the undead dragon's back. a figure of crystalline ice and

back. a figure of crystalline ice and ancient malice whose very presence

ancient malice whose very presence turned the air to frost and the ground

turned the air to frost and the ground to perafrost. He was the first of the

to perafrost. He was the first of the white walkers, the original weapon that

white walkers, the original weapon that the children of the forest had created

the children of the forest had created in their desperation to defeat the first

in their desperation to defeat the first men. But he had long since transcended

men. But he had long since transcended his creators intentions. The crown of

his creators intentions. The crown of ice that adorned his head was not a

ice that adorned his head was not a symbol of earthly kingship, but a mark

symbol of earthly kingship, but a mark of dominion over death itself, authority

of dominion over death itself, authority that extended to every corpse that had

that extended to every corpse that had ever drawn breath. The army that poured

ever drawn breath. The army that poured through the broken wall was beyond

through the broken wall was beyond counting a tide of the dead that

counting a tide of the dead that stretched from horizon to horizon under

stretched from horizon to horizon under the green glow of the aurora that danced

the green glow of the aurora that danced perpetually in the northern sky. Whites

perpetually in the northern sky. Whites that had once been men, women, and

that had once been men, women, and children stumbled forward with blue

children stumbled forward with blue flames burning in their empty sockets,

flames burning in their empty sockets, while fallen horses carried skeletal

while fallen horses carried skeletal riders whose spears dripped with ice.

riders whose spears dripped with ice. Giants moved among them like walking

Giants moved among them like walking mountains, their massive forms animated

mountains, their massive forms animated by the same cold magic that gave purpose

by the same cold magic that gave purpose to the smallest reanimated child.

to the smallest reanimated child. Winterfell, the ancient seat of House

Winterfell, the ancient seat of House Stark and the heart of the north, became

Stark and the heart of the north, became the last bastion of the living. As the

the last bastion of the living. As the great and small houses of Westeros

great and small houses of Westeros united in the face of extinction, the

united in the face of extinction, the castle's walls, which had been built to

castle's walls, which had been built to withstand human enemies, offered little

withstand human enemies, offered little protection against foes who felt no pain

protection against foes who felt no pain and knew no fear. The crypts beneath the

and knew no fear. The crypts beneath the castle, where generations of Stark Lords

castle, where generations of Stark Lords lay in stone tombs with iron swords

lay in stone tombs with iron swords across their laps, became battlegrounds

across their laps, became battlegrounds as the dead rose to fight the living in

as the dead rose to fight the living in the very heart of the stronghold. Jon

the very heart of the stronghold. Jon Snow, revealed at last as Aegon

Snow, revealed at last as Aegon Targaryen and rightful heir to the Iron

Targaryen and rightful heir to the Iron Throne, stood with Longclaw in his hand

Throne, stood with Longclaw in his hand as the forces of ice and fire prepared

as the forces of ice and fire prepared for their final confrontation. The

for their final confrontation. The bastard of Winterfell, who had found his

bastard of Winterfell, who had found his true heritage in the shadow of the wall,

true heritage in the shadow of the wall, now faced the enemy that had haunted his

now faced the enemy that had haunted his dreams since childhood. Beside him stood

dreams since childhood. Beside him stood Daenerys Targaryen, the aunt he had

Daenerys Targaryen, the aunt he had unknowingly loved, her surviving dragons

unknowingly loved, her surviving dragons breathing true fire against the tide of

breathing true fire against the tide of unnatural cold that swept down from the

unnatural cold that swept down from the north. The battle of Winterfell raged

north. The battle of Winterfell raged through the longest night since the age

through the longest night since the age of heroes as living fought dead in a

of heroes as living fought dead in a struggle that would determine the fate

struggle that would determine the fate of all humanity. The dragon glass

of all humanity. The dragon glass weapons that had been forged in the

weapons that had been forged in the fires of dragonstoneone cut through

fires of dragonstoneone cut through whites like scythe through wheat while

whites like scythe through wheat while Valyrian steel sang as it cleaved

Valyrian steel sang as it cleaved through the supernatural ice that

through the supernatural ice that armored the white walkers. The sight of

armored the white walkers. The sight of Sarah Jorah Mormont falling while

Sarah Jorah Mormont falling while defending his queen of Theon Greyjoy

defending his queen of Theon Greyjoy dying to protect Bran Stark. Of Lyanna

dying to protect Bran Stark. Of Lyanna Mormont bringing down a white giant with

Mormont bringing down a white giant with her final breath became the stuff of

her final breath became the stuff of legend. Even as the battle raged, the

legend. Even as the battle raged, the dead seemed endless, rising again and

dead seemed endless, rising again and again. No matter how many times they

again. No matter how many times they were cut down, their numbers swelling

were cut down, their numbers swelling with each fallen defender who joined

with each fallen defender who joined their ranks. The living found themselves

their ranks. The living found themselves fighting not just the army of the dead,

fighting not just the army of the dead, but their own fallen friends and family

but their own fallen friends and family members forced to destroy beloved faces

members forced to destroy beloved faces that had been animated by malevolent

that had been animated by malevolent purpose. The psychological toll of this

purpose. The psychological toll of this horror was almost as devastating as the

horror was almost as devastating as the physical carnage as hardened warriors

physical carnage as hardened warriors broke under the strain of killing those

broke under the strain of killing those they had once loved. Bran Stark, the

they had once loved. Bran Stark, the three-eyed raven who held the memory of

three-eyed raven who held the memory of the world within his consciousness,

the world within his consciousness, served as bait to draw the Night King

served as bait to draw the Night King into the open. The young man who had

into the open. The young man who had once climbed the walls of Winterfell now

once climbed the walls of Winterfell now sat motionless in his wheeled chair, his

sat motionless in his wheeled chair, his consciousness soaring through time and

consciousness soaring through time and space, while his body remained

space, while his body remained vulnerable to the approaching darkness.

vulnerable to the approaching darkness. The ancient grudge between the Night

The ancient grudge between the Night King and the three-eyed raven stretched

King and the three-eyed raven stretched back to the dawn of the world when the

back to the dawn of the world when the children of the forest had first created

children of the forest had first created their terrible weapon. Arya Stark, the

their terrible weapon. Arya Stark, the girl who had become no one before

girl who had become no one before reclaiming her identity, struck the blow

reclaiming her identity, struck the blow that saved humanity from eternal

that saved humanity from eternal darkness. The Valyrian steel dagger that

darkness. The Valyrian steel dagger that had once been used in an attempt to

had once been used in an attempt to murder Bran became the instrument of the

murder Bran became the instrument of the Night King's destruction. As the trained

Night King's destruction. As the trained assassin materialized from shadow to

assassin materialized from shadow to drive the blade into the ancient evil's

drive the blade into the ancient evil's heart, the Night King's destruction sent

heart, the Night King's destruction sent shock waves through his entire army. As

shock waves through his entire army. As every white and white walker crumbled to

every white and white walker crumbled to dust in the space of heartbeats, the

dust in the space of heartbeats, the silence that followed the collapse of

silence that followed the collapse of the army of the dead was perhaps more

the army of the dead was perhaps more profound than the noise of battle that

profound than the noise of battle that had preceded it. The aurora that had

had preceded it. The aurora that had danced in the northern sky faded away.

danced in the northern sky faded away. While the unnatural cold that had

While the unnatural cold that had gripped the land began to lift for the

gripped the land began to lift for the first time in months, the survivors who

first time in months, the survivors who stood among the piles of bones and

stood among the piles of bones and rusted weapons could hardly believe that

rusted weapons could hardly believe that the threat that had hung over humanity

the threat that had hung over humanity for 8,000 years had been ended by a

for 8,000 years had been ended by a single thrust of Valyrian steel. The

single thrust of Valyrian steel. The cost of victory was staggering, as half

cost of victory was staggering, as half the defenders of Winterfell lay dead in

the defenders of Winterfell lay dead in the castle's yards and halls. The great

the castle's yards and halls. The great houses of the north had been decimated.

houses of the north had been decimated. Their proud banners torn and bloodied.

Their proud banners torn and bloodied. Their ancient lineages ended in a single

Their ancient lineages ended in a single night of horror. The common soldiers who

night of horror. The common soldiers who had stood against the tide of death were

had stood against the tide of death were mourned alongside the great lords. Their

mourned alongside the great lords. Their sacrifice recognized as equal to any

sacrifice recognized as equal to any noble deed in the long history of

noble deed in the long history of Westeros. The crypts of Winterfell,

Westeros. The crypts of Winterfell, where the dead Starks had risen to fight

where the dead Starks had risen to fight their own descendants, were blessed and

their own descendants, were blessed and sealed by the surviving septans and red

sealed by the surviving septans and red priests who had witnessed the battle.

priests who had witnessed the battle. The iron swords that had been displaced

The iron swords that had been displaced from the stone hands of ancient lords

from the stone hands of ancient lords were reforged into commemorative

were reforged into commemorative weapons, while new tombs were prepared

weapons, while new tombs were prepared for those who had fallen in humanity's

for those who had fallen in humanity's final victory over the darkness. The

final victory over the darkness. The dragons that had survived the battle,

dragons that had survived the battle, scarred and wounded, but still

scarred and wounded, but still magnificent, became symbols of the

magnificent, became symbols of the triumph of fire over ice. Drogan and

triumph of fire over ice. Drogan and Regel had proven that the flame of life

Regel had proven that the flame of life could overcome even the cold of death.

could overcome even the cold of death. Their dragon fire serving as the light

Their dragon fire serving as the light that held back the darkness during the

that held back the darkness during the realm's darkest hour. The bond between

realm's darkest hour. The bond between Dragon and Ryder had been tested in the

Dragon and Ryder had been tested in the Ultimate Crucible and emerged stronger

Ultimate Crucible and emerged stronger than ever. The Night Watch, whose

than ever. The Night Watch, whose purpose had been fulfilled with the

purpose had been fulfilled with the destruction of the threat they had been

destruction of the threat they had been founded to guard against, faced an

founded to guard against, faced an uncertain future as the wall lay broken,

uncertain future as the wall lay broken, and their ancient enemy was no more. The

and their ancient enemy was no more. The men in black, who had taken vows to

men in black, who had taken vows to defend the realm until death could now

defend the realm until death could now consider whether their duty had been

consider whether their duty had been completed, or whether new threats would

completed, or whether new threats would emerge to take the place of the old

emerge to take the place of the old ones. As dawn finally broke over the

ones. As dawn finally broke over the battlefield, painting the snow-covered

battlefield, painting the snow-covered ground in shades of gold and crimson,

ground in shades of gold and crimson, the survivors began the long process of

the survivors began the long process of mourning their dead and rebuilding their

mourning their dead and rebuilding their world. The long night had ended, not

world. The long night had ended, not with the coming of a prophesied hero,

with the coming of a prophesied hero, but with the courage of a young woman

but with the courage of a young woman who had learned that even the mightiest

who had learned that even the mightiest enemies could fall to a well-placed

enemies could fall to a well-placed blade wielded by someone willing to risk

blade wielded by someone willing to risk everything for those they loved. The

everything for those they loved. The wheel of history had turned once more,

wheel of history had turned once more, grinding beneath it an evil that had

grinding beneath it an evil that had existed since the dawn of time. The age

existed since the dawn of time. The age of ice was ending, but the age of fire

of ice was ending, but the age of fire was about to begin. As the survivors of

was about to begin. As the survivors of humanity's greatest victory prepared to

humanity's greatest victory prepared to face the more mundane, but no less

face the more mundane, but no less dangerous challenges of determining who

dangerous challenges of determining who would rule the world they had saved. The

would rule the world they had saved. The victory over the Night King should have

victory over the Night King should have united the realm in celebration and

united the realm in celebration and gratitude. but instead it merely cleared

gratitude. but instead it merely cleared the stage for a more intimate and

the stage for a more intimate and perhaps more tragic conflict. The great

perhaps more tragic conflict. The great enemy that had threatened all humanity

enemy that had threatened all humanity was gone, leaving behind the smaller but

was gone, leaving behind the smaller but no less destructive ambitions of those

no less destructive ambitions of those who had survived to claim dominion over

who had survived to claim dominion over the living. The bonds forged in the

the living. The bonds forged in the crucible of the long night proved

crucible of the long night proved fragile when tested against the ancient

fragile when tested against the ancient hunger for power that had driven the

hunger for power that had driven the game of thrones for centuries. Daenerys

game of thrones for centuries. Daenerys Targaryen, who had sacrificed so much to

Targaryen, who had sacrificed so much to save a world that had never welcomed

save a world that had never welcomed her, found herself increasingly isolated

her, found herself increasingly isolated as the euphoria of victory faded into

as the euphoria of victory faded into the cold reality of politics. The dragon

the cold reality of politics. The dragon queen, who had broken chains across

queen, who had broken chains across Slavers Bay, discovered that the lords

Slavers Bay, discovered that the lords of Westeros viewed her not as a

of Westeros viewed her not as a liberator, but as a foreign conqueror

liberator, but as a foreign conqueror whose dragons and Dowriki followers

whose dragons and Dowriki followers threatened their traditional way of

threatened their traditional way of life. The love she had hoped to find in

life. The love she had hoped to find in her ancestral homeland remained elusive,

her ancestral homeland remained elusive, replaced by fear and resentment that no

replaced by fear and resentment that no amount of heroism could overcome. The

amount of heroism could overcome. The revelation of Jon Snow's true parentage

revelation of Jon Snow's true parentage as Aegon Targaryen created a crisis that

as Aegon Targaryen created a crisis that neither he nor Daenerys could resolve

neither he nor Daenerys could resolve through compromise or negotiation. The

through compromise or negotiation. The bastard of Winterfell, who had never

bastard of Winterfell, who had never wanted power, found himself the rightful

wanted power, found himself the rightful heir to the Iron Throne. While the woman

heir to the Iron Throne. While the woman who had spent her life preparing to rule

who had spent her life preparing to rule discovered that her claim was secondary

discovered that her claim was secondary to that of the nephew she had come to

to that of the nephew she had come to love. The irony that the Targaryen

love. The irony that the Targaryen dynasty's salvation lay in the union of

dynasty's salvation lay in the union of its last two members was overshadowed by

its last two members was overshadowed by the political reality that only one

the political reality that only one could rule. The march south toward

could rule. The march south toward King's Landing became a procession of

King's Landing became a procession of mounting tension and growing despair as

mounting tension and growing despair as Daenerys felt the tide of loyalty

Daenerys felt the tide of loyalty turning against her with each passing

turning against her with each passing mile. The death of Missande, her closest

mile. The death of Missande, her closest friend and adviser at the hands of

friend and adviser at the hands of Cersei Lannister's headsman was a

Cersei Lannister's headsman was a personal blow that struck deeper than

personal blow that struck deeper than any military defeat. The sight of her

any military defeat. The sight of her friend's severed head falling from the

friend's severed head falling from the walls of the red keep filled the dragon

walls of the red keep filled the dragon queen with a fury that burned hotter

queen with a fury that burned hotter than dragon fire and consumed what

than dragon fire and consumed what remained of her mercy. King's Landing,

remained of her mercy. King's Landing, the greatest city in Westeros and the

the greatest city in Westeros and the seat of Targaryen power for three

seat of Targaryen power for three centuries, had become a fortress held by

centuries, had become a fortress held by enemies who showed no intention of

enemies who showed no intention of yielding to the rightful queen's

yielding to the rightful queen's demands. Cersei Lannister, the lioness

demands. Cersei Lannister, the lioness who had clawed her way to power through

who had clawed her way to power through cunning and ruthlessness, prepared for a

cunning and ruthlessness, prepared for a siege that she hoped would break the

siege that she hoped would break the dragon queen's resolve. The city's

dragon queen's resolve. The city's million inhabitants became unwilling

million inhabitants became unwilling pawns in a game where their lives

pawns in a game where their lives mattered less than the political

mattered less than the political advantage their suffering might provide.

advantage their suffering might provide. The bells of surrender that rang across

The bells of surrender that rang across King's Landing as Drogon circled

King's Landing as Drogon circled overhead should have marked the end of

overhead should have marked the end of the war and the beginning of Daenerys's

the war and the beginning of Daenerys's reign. The golden sound that echoed from

reign. The golden sound that echoed from every septant tower announced that the

every septant tower announced that the city was ready to yield, that the

city was ready to yield, that the bloodshed could end without further loss

bloodshed could end without further loss of life. For a moment, it seemed that

of life. For a moment, it seemed that wisdom and mercy might prevail over

wisdom and mercy might prevail over vengeance and fury, that the cycle of

vengeance and fury, that the cycle of violence that had plagued Westeros for

violence that had plagued Westeros for generations might finally be broken. But

generations might finally be broken. But the bells that promised peace became

the bells that promised peace became instead the signal for destruction. As

instead the signal for destruction. As something snapped in the mind of the

something snapped in the mind of the dragon queen who had lost too much and

dragon queen who had lost too much and suffered too long. The madness that had

suffered too long. The madness that had claimed her father found new expression

claimed her father found new expression in dragon fire turned against innocence.

in dragon fire turned against innocence. As Drogon's flames swept through streets

As Drogon's flames swept through streets filled with civilians who had played no

filled with civilians who had played no part in the wars of kings and queens.

part in the wars of kings and queens. The liberation that Daenerys had

The liberation that Daenerys had promised became a holocaust that reduced

promised became a holocaust that reduced the ancient city to ash and bone. The

the ancient city to ash and bone. The destruction of King's Landing was both a

destruction of King's Landing was both a strategic triumph and a moral

strategic triumph and a moral catastrophe as the dragon queen's

catastrophe as the dragon queen's victory came at the cost of everything

victory came at the cost of everything she had claimed to represent. The former

she had claimed to represent. The former slaves who had called her mother watched

slaves who had called her mother watched in horror as their liberator became the

in horror as their liberator became the destroyer of innocence. While the

destroyer of innocence. While the Westerosi lords, who had grudgingly

Westerosi lords, who had grudgingly accepted her claim, now saw confirmed

accepted her claim, now saw confirmed their worst fears about Targaryen

their worst fears about Targaryen madness. The Iron Throne sat in a throne

madness. The Iron Throne sat in a throne room filled with ash, ruling over a

room filled with ash, ruling over a capital that had become a graveyard. Jon

capital that had become a graveyard. Jon Snow's discovery of the true extent of

Snow's discovery of the true extent of Daenerys's destruction forced him to

Daenerys's destruction forced him to confront the terrible choice between

confront the terrible choice between love and duty that had defined the

love and duty that had defined the Targaryen dynasty's relationship with

Targaryen dynasty's relationship with power. The woman he loved had become a

power. The woman he loved had become a tyrant whose vision of liberation

tyrant whose vision of liberation required the enslavement or elimination

required the enslavement or elimination of all who opposed her will. The man who

of all who opposed her will. The man who had been raised on honor and duty found

had been raised on honor and duty found himself facing the same impossible

himself facing the same impossible decision that had once confronted

decision that had once confronted Lannister in this very throne room. The

Lannister in this very throne room. The death of Daenerys Targaryen came not in

death of Daenerys Targaryen came not in battle against enemies, but through the

battle against enemies, but through the blade of the man who loved her most as

blade of the man who loved her most as Jon Snow drove a dagger into her heart

Jon Snow drove a dagger into her heart while she spoke of the glorious future

while she spoke of the glorious future they would build together. The kiss that

they would build together. The kiss that preceded the killing was both an act of

preceded the killing was both an act of love and a moment of profound betrayal.

love and a moment of profound betrayal. As the last Targaryen king took the life

As the last Targaryen king took the life of the last Targaryen queen to save the

of the last Targaryen queen to save the world from her vision of perfect

world from her vision of perfect tyranny. Drogon's grief at his mother's

tyranny. Drogon's grief at his mother's death was perhaps the most human moment

death was perhaps the most human moment in the entire tragedy. as the last

in the entire tragedy. as the last dragon in the world nudged his fallen

dragon in the world nudged his fallen rider with his great head before turning

rider with his great head before turning his fury upon the iron throne itself.

his fury upon the iron throne itself. The seat of power that had been forged

The seat of power that had been forged by his ancestors fire was melted by his

by his ancestors fire was melted by his flames. The twisted metal running like

flames. The twisted metal running like water as the symbol of absolute monarchy

water as the symbol of absolute monarchy was destroyed by the very force that had

was destroyed by the very force that had created it. The dragon's departure,

created it. The dragon's departure, carrying his mother's body toward the

carrying his mother's body toward the sunrise, marked the end of the age of

sunrise, marked the end of the age of dragons and the beginning of something

dragons and the beginning of something new. The great council that assembled in

new. The great council that assembled in the ruins of King's Landing faced the

the ruins of King's Landing faced the monumental task of rebuilding not just a

monumental task of rebuilding not just a city, but an entire system of government

city, but an entire system of government from the ashes of the old order. The

from the ashes of the old order. The lords and ladies who had survived the

lords and ladies who had survived the wars of the past generation looked upon

wars of the past generation looked upon the melted remains of the Iron Throne

the melted remains of the Iron Throne and understood that the old ways of

and understood that the old ways of ruling were as dead as the dynasty that

ruling were as dead as the dynasty that had once commanded dragons. The time had

had once commanded dragons. The time had come to forge something new from the

come to forge something new from the ruins of the past. Brandon Stark, the

ruins of the past. Brandon Stark, the three-eyed raven who had sacrificed his

three-eyed raven who had sacrificed his humanity to become the living memory of

humanity to become the living memory of the world, was chosen to rule, not

the world, was chosen to rule, not because of his bloodline or his

because of his bloodline or his conquests, but because of his unique

conquests, but because of his unique ability to see beyond the petty

ability to see beyond the petty ambitions that had driven so much

ambitions that had driven so much suffering. The broken boy who had once

suffering. The broken boy who had once climbed the walls of Winterfell would

climbed the walls of Winterfell would sit upon a throne of his own making,

sit upon a throne of his own making, ruling through wisdom rather than fear,

ruling through wisdom rather than fear, through knowledge rather than force. The

through knowledge rather than force. The decision to grant independence to the

decision to grant independence to the north with Sansa Stark as its queen,

north with Sansa Stark as its queen, recognized the reality that some bonds

recognized the reality that some bonds could not be rebuilt, and some wounds

could not be rebuilt, and some wounds ran too deep to heal. The kingdom that

ran too deep to heal. The kingdom that had bled most heavily in the wars of the

had bled most heavily in the wars of the past generation would go its own way.

past generation would go its own way. Following the old gods and the old ways

Following the old gods and the old ways under the rule of a queen who had

under the rule of a queen who had learned statecraft in the hardest

learned statecraft in the hardest possible school, the white dire wolf

possible school, the white dire wolf banners that flew from Winterfell's

banners that flew from Winterfell's towers proclaimed that the north

towers proclaimed that the north remembered and that it would never again

remembered and that it would never again kneel to southern kings. Darius Stark's

kneel to southern kings. Darius Stark's decision to sail west of Westeros

decision to sail west of Westeros represented the adventurous spirit that

represented the adventurous spirit that had survived all the horrors of war and

had survived all the horrors of war and politics. As the young woman who had

politics. As the young woman who had been forged into a weapon chose to

been forged into a weapon chose to become an explorer instead, the ships

become an explorer instead, the ships that carried her beyond the sunset

that carried her beyond the sunset sailed toward unknown lands where new

sailed toward unknown lands where new stories waited to be written, where the

stories waited to be written, where the game of thrones was replaced by the

game of thrones was replaced by the simple human desire to discover what lay

simple human desire to discover what lay beyond the horizon. The small council

beyond the horizon. The small council that gathered in the rebuilt Red Keep to

that gathered in the rebuilt Red Keep to advise the new king represented a new

advise the new king represented a new generation of leaders who had been

generation of leaders who had been tempered by war and loss but not broken

tempered by war and loss but not broken by it. Tyrion Lannister as Hand, Samuel

by it. Tyrion Lannister as Hand, Samuel Tarly as Grand Maester, Sir Davos

Tarly as Grand Maester, Sir Davos Seaworth as master of ships, each

Seaworth as master of ships, each brought their own hardearned wisdom to

brought their own hardearned wisdom to the task of rebuilding a kingdom that

the task of rebuilding a kingdom that had nearly destroyed itself in pursuit

had nearly destroyed itself in pursuit of power. The wheel that Daenerys had

of power. The wheel that Daenerys had promised to break had indeed been

promised to break had indeed been shattered, but not in the way she had

shattered, but not in the way she had envisioned. The Game of Thrones had

envisioned. The Game of Thrones had ended not with the triumph of good over

ended not with the triumph of good over evil, but with the recognition that

evil, but with the recognition that power itself was the true enemy, that

power itself was the true enemy, that the pursuit of absolute authority

the pursuit of absolute authority inevitably corrupted those who sought

inevitably corrupted those who sought it. The new realm that emerged from the

it. The new realm that emerged from the ashes would be built on different

ashes would be built on different foundations where the lessons of the

foundations where the lessons of the past would guide rather than condemn the

past would guide rather than condemn the future. As spring returned to Westeros

future. As spring returned to Westeros for the first time in years, bringing

for the first time in years, bringing green shoots through the blackened earth

green shoots through the blackened earth of King's Landing and melting the last

of King's Landing and melting the last snows of an endless winter. The

snows of an endless winter. The survivors of the great game began the

survivors of the great game began the long work of healing. The songs that

long work of healing. The songs that would be sung of their deeds would tell

would be sung of their deeds would tell of heroes and villains, of love and

of heroes and villains, of love and betrayal, of the price that power

betrayal, of the price that power extracted from all who sought it, and

extracted from all who sought it, and the hope that could emerge even from the

the hope that could emerge even from the darkest tragedy. In the years that

darkest tragedy. In the years that followed the breaking of the wheel,

followed the breaking of the wheel, Westeros began to heal from wounds that

Westeros began to heal from wounds that had seemed too deep to mend. The

had seemed too deep to mend. The scattered stones of King's Landing were

scattered stones of King's Landing were rebuilt not as monuments to royal power,

rebuilt not as monuments to royal power, but as homes for the common people, who

but as homes for the common people, who had always been the true foundation of

had always been the true foundation of the realm. Where once the Red Keep had

the realm. Where once the Red Keep had loomed over the city like a crimson

loomed over the city like a crimson crown, now gardens bloomed in

crown, now gardens bloomed in courtyards, where children played among

courtyards, where children played among flowers that grew from soil enriched by

flowers that grew from soil enriched by ash and memory. King Bran the Broken

ash and memory. King Bran the Broken ruled from a throne carved not from the

ruled from a throne carved not from the swords of enemies, but from the ironwood

swords of enemies, but from the ironwood of the north, its branches reaching

of the north, its branches reaching upward like the heart trees that had

upward like the heart trees that had watched over the realm since the dawn of

watched over the realm since the dawn of time. His reign was marked not by

time. His reign was marked not by conquest or grandeur, but by the quiet

conquest or grandeur, but by the quiet work of justice and reconstruction, as

work of justice and reconstruction, as the realm learned to govern itself

the realm learned to govern itself through councils and compromise rather

through councils and compromise rather than the will of a single monarch. The

than the will of a single monarch. The ravens that carried his messages across

ravens that carried his messages across the seven kingdoms bore words of

the seven kingdoms bore words of reconciliation rather than commands of

reconciliation rather than commands of war. The great houses that had once

war. The great houses that had once schemed and fought for centuries of

schemed and fought for centuries of advantage now found themselves partners

advantage now found themselves partners in the greater work of rebuilding

in the greater work of rebuilding civilization from its foundations. The

civilization from its foundations. The Starks ruled the independent north with

Starks ruled the independent north with wisdom gained through suffering, while

wisdom gained through suffering, while the Lannisters sought to redeem their

the Lannisters sought to redeem their legacy through service rather than

legacy through service rather than dominance. The Tyrells planted new roses

dominance. The Tyrells planted new roses in the fertile fields of the Reach,

in the fertile fields of the Reach, while the Baratheians learned that true

while the Baratheians learned that true strength lay in protection rather than

strength lay in protection rather than conquest. In the north, Queen Sansa

conquest. In the north, Queen Sansa presided over a realm that had chosen

presided over a realm that had chosen its own path, where the old gods watched

its own path, where the old gods watched over their children from the heart

over their children from the heart trees, and the long winters no longer

trees, and the long winters no longer brought terror, but simply the turning

brought terror, but simply the turning of seasons in their proper order.

of seasons in their proper order. Winterfell's halls echoed with laughter

Winterfell's halls echoed with laughter instead of the clash of swords. While

instead of the clash of swords. While the crypts below held their honored dead

the crypts below held their honored dead in peaceful rest, their iron swords no

in peaceful rest, their iron swords no longer needed to guard against the

longer needed to guard against the darkness. The wall, though broken, was

darkness. The wall, though broken, was not abandoned, but transformed into

not abandoned, but transformed into something new. The Knights Watch evolved

something new. The Knights Watch evolved from a military order into a brotherhood

from a military order into a brotherhood of scholars and healers who tended to

of scholars and healers who tended to the needs of the free folk who had

the needs of the free folk who had settled the lands beyond. The castles

settled the lands beyond. The castles that had once been fortresses became

that had once been fortresses became schools and libraries, while the ranging

schools and libraries, while the ranging that had once sought enemies now

that had once sought enemies now explored the mysteries of lands that

explored the mysteries of lands that were no longer forbidden. Beyond the

were no longer forbidden. Beyond the narrow sea, the cities that Daenerys had

narrow sea, the cities that Daenerys had liberated continued the work she had

liberated continued the work she had begun. Though they chose their own paths

begun. Though they chose their own paths toward freedom, the former slaves of

toward freedom, the former slaves of Slavers Bay built new lives as free

Slavers Bay built new lives as free citizens, while the pyramids that had

citizens, while the pyramids that had once housed masters now served as

once housed masters now served as schools and hospitals. The dragons were

schools and hospitals. The dragons were gone, but the memory of liberation lived

gone, but the memory of liberation lived on in the hearts of those who had broken

on in the hearts of those who had broken their own chains. Arya Stark's voyages

their own chains. Arya Stark's voyages to the lands west of Westeros brought

to the lands west of Westeros brought back tales of wonders that reminded the

back tales of wonders that reminded the realm that there were still mysteries to

realm that there were still mysteries to be solved and adventures to be found

be solved and adventures to be found that did not require conquest or

that did not require conquest or bloodshed. Her ships returned laden not

bloodshed. Her ships returned laden not with gold or slaves, but with knowledge

with gold or slaves, but with knowledge and stories, new crops and healing

and stories, new crops and healing herbs, proving that exploration could

herbs, proving that exploration could enrich the world without impoverishing

enrich the world without impoverishing others. The faith of the seven found new

others. The faith of the seven found new purpose in healing rather than judgment.

purpose in healing rather than judgment. As the septumans and scepters who had

As the septumans and scepters who had once preached about divine justice

once preached about divine justice learned to tend to the earthly needs of

learned to tend to the earthly needs of their flocks, the great sept of Balor

their flocks, the great sept of Balor was rebuilt as a hospital and place of

was rebuilt as a hospital and place of learning, where the wounded could heal

learning, where the wounded could heal and the ignorant could learn, where the

and the ignorant could learn, where the seven faces of God smiled down upon

seven faces of God smiled down upon works of mercy rather than acts of war.

works of mercy rather than acts of war. The songs that the bards sang in taverns

The songs that the bards sang in taverns and great halls told stories of the

and great halls told stories of the heroes who had saved the world from

heroes who had saved the world from darkness. But they also celebrated the

darkness. But they also celebrated the smaller victories of farmers who fed the

smaller victories of farmers who fed the hungry, of merchants who traded fairly,

hungry, of merchants who traded fairly, of parents who raised their children in

of parents who raised their children in peace. The great game that had consumed

peace. The great game that had consumed so many lives gave way to countless

so many lives gave way to countless smaller games where the stakes were

smaller games where the stakes were happiness rather than power, love rather

happiness rather than power, love rather than dominance. To Rian Lannister, the

than dominance. To Rian Lannister, the dwarf who had survived through wit when

dwarf who had survived through wit when strength would have failed him, found

strength would have failed him, found his greatest satisfaction not in the

his greatest satisfaction not in the cleverness of his schemes, but in the

cleverness of his schemes, but in the simple pleasure of governance that

simple pleasure of governance that served the people rather than the

served the people rather than the powerful. His reforms to the law codes

powerful. His reforms to the law codes ensured that justice was available to

ensured that justice was available to all rather than just to those who could

all rather than just to those who could afford it. While his management of the

afford it. While his management of the royal finances proved that prosperity

royal finances proved that prosperity could be built through trade and

could be built through trade and taxation rather than conquest and

taxation rather than conquest and plunder. The children who grew up in

plunder. The children who grew up in this new world knew the stories of

this new world knew the stories of dragons and white walkers as legends

dragons and white walkers as legends rather than memories. tales told by the

rather than memories. tales told by the fireside to entertain rather than

fireside to entertain rather than warnings of real dangers that might

warnings of real dangers that might return. They played at being knights and

return. They played at being knights and queens, but their games ended with

queens, but their games ended with laughter rather than tears, with

laughter rather than tears, with embraces rather than funerals. The

embraces rather than funerals. The seasons turned in their ancient pattern,

seasons turned in their ancient pattern, unmarked by human interference or

unmarked by human interference or supernatural threat. Spring brought new

supernatural threat. Spring brought new growth to lands that had been scorched

growth to lands that had been scorched by dragonfire. Summer blessed the realm

by dragonfire. Summer blessed the realm with abundance that was shared rather

with abundance that was shared rather than hoarded. Autumn prepared the people

than hoarded. Autumn prepared the people for winters that were measured in months

for winters that were measured in months rather than years. And winter itself was

rather than years. And winter itself was welcomed as a time of rest and

welcomed as a time of rest and reflection rather than feared as a

reflection rather than feared as a harbinger of death. The misters who had

harbinger of death. The misters who had once served individual lords now work

once served individual lords now work together to preserve and expand human

together to preserve and expand human knowledge. Their chains no longer

knowledge. Their chains no longer symbols of servitude, but of connection

symbols of servitude, but of connection to the great work of understanding the

to the great work of understanding the world. Their ravens carried not just

world. Their ravens carried not just messages between castles, but news of

messages between castles, but news of discoveries and innovations that

discoveries and innovations that enriched all the realm rather than just

enriched all the realm rather than just their immediate masters. Magic, which

their immediate masters. Magic, which had returned to the world in fire and

had returned to the world in fire and ice, settled into gentler forms that

ice, settled into gentler forms that healed rather than destroyed. The red

healed rather than destroyed. The red priests still tendered their flames, but

priests still tendered their flames, but they burned for warmth and light rather

they burned for warmth and light rather than as weapons of war. The children of

than as weapons of war. The children of the forest emerged from their hiding

the forest emerged from their hiding places to share their ancient wisdom

places to share their ancient wisdom with those who would listen, teaching

with those who would listen, teaching new ways to live in harmony with the

new ways to live in harmony with the natural world. The Iron Throne was gone,

natural world. The Iron Throne was gone, melted by dragon fire, and replaced by

melted by dragon fire, and replaced by something that could not be conquered

something that could not be conquered because it existed in the hearts and

because it existed in the hearts and minds of free people rather than as a

minds of free people rather than as a physical object to be seized. The crown

physical object to be seized. The crown passed not through inheritance or

passed not through inheritance or conquest, but through the choice of

conquest, but through the choice of those who understood that true authority

those who understood that true authority came from service rather than dominance.

came from service rather than dominance. And in the godswood of King's Landing,

And in the godswood of King's Landing, where a harsh tree had been planted in

where a harsh tree had been planted in soil that remembered both sorrow and

soil that remembered both sorrow and joy, the faces carved in the white bark

joy, the faces carved in the white bark seemed to smile as they watched over a

seemed to smile as they watched over a realm finally at peace. The old gods and

realm finally at peace. The old gods and the new had found common purpose in

the new had found common purpose in protecting rather than conquering, in

protecting rather than conquering, in nurturing rather than commanding. The

nurturing rather than commanding. The game of thrones was ended, but the

game of thrones was ended, but the greater game of life continued. Played

greater game of life continued. Played not for crowns and castles, but for love

not for crowns and castles, but for love and laughter, for the simple joy of

and laughter, for the simple joy of watching children grow in safety and

watching children grow in safety and prosperity. The wheel that had crushed

prosperity. The wheel that had crushed so many beneath it was broken at last,

so many beneath it was broken at last, replaced by the turning of seasons, and

replaced by the turning of seasons, and the cycle of generations, where each new

the cycle of generations, where each new day brought the possibility of wonder

day brought the possibility of wonder rather than the certainty of sorrow. In

rather than the certainty of sorrow. In the end, it was not fire and blood that

the end, it was not fire and blood that saved the realm, but the recognition

saved the realm, but the recognition that some victories were worth more than

that some victories were worth more than all the Iron Thrones that could ever be

all the Iron Thrones that could ever be forged. The long night was over, the

forged. The long night was over, the dawn had come, and the world was ready

dawn had come, and the world was ready to begin again. Thank you for joining me

to begin again. Thank you for joining me on this journey through the complete

on this journey through the complete timeline of Westeros and Essos. If

timeline of Westeros and Essos. If you've enjoyed these stories of ice and

you've enjoyed these stories of ice and fire, of dragons and dire wolves, of the

fire, of dragons and dire wolves, of the rise and fall of dynasties, and the

rise and fall of dynasties, and the eternal human struggle for power and

eternal human struggle for power and meaning, please consider subscribing for

meaning, please consider subscribing for more deep dives into the worlds we love.

more deep dives into the worlds we love. Until next time, may your dreams be

Until next time, may your dreams be filled with the gentle turning of wheels

filled with the gentle turning of wheels that lift rather than crush, and may you

that lift rather than crush, and may you wake to dawns that promise hope rather

wake to dawns that promise hope rather than fear.

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YouTube Transcript:4+ Hours Of The ENTIRE Game of Thrones Timeline To Fall Asleep To