The North
Staunch allies since the Age of Heroes, even the Northern Houses have not escaped the infighting that plagues Westeros. Surprisingly, the minor House Forrester, with little history of their own compared to Houses such as Stark, have emerged the strongest of the Northern Houses. After revolting from Lord Stark's control (along with Houses Reed and Mormont), they quickly sent ravens far and wide to recruit what hedgeknights they could to secure the hold on Ironrath.
No strangers to the harsh realities of war and struggle in an unforgiving environment, the Houses of Stark, Mormont, and Reed have also held their own during the Great War. None of the Northern Houses are out of contention in the battle for the Iron Throne, though many have been lost as casualties of the conflict (notably ser Abdullah of House Stark and ser Peterson of House Reed).
The Riverlands and Iron Islands
At the onset of war, the ironborn laid waste to the Riverlands as quickly as their ships could get them ashore. While House Codd assisted in the early steps of the invasion, they were overcome when they engaged with House Wode, and were destroyed. Riverrun is in disarray as Lord Tully plots his future retaliation against the Greyjoy fleet. While ravens have circulated of a rogue band of former knights attempting to stand up for the besieged smallfolk, they have been largely ineffectual and are of no concern for the Crown.
The Vale
The former Warden of the East has lost all control of the Vale, and has retreated to the Eyrie in hopes that new recruits will save the once-powerful House. With only a sickly boy to claim as Lord, the House is not likely to survive the coming Winter. Lord Baelish has been quick to take advantage of the power vacuum left in the Vale, securing a dominant hold on the region despite a modest resistance from Houses Royce and Egen. The Realm's former Master of Coin is a shrewd operator, the remaining major Houses would be wise to be wary of his ravens.
Beyond the Wall
Meanwhile in the far North, the Night's Watch has been attempting to hold back the many dangers that threaten Westeros. With the Seven Kingdoms in disarray, that job has been a difficult one. Waves of wildling bands have been attacking the Wall for months, leaving the Watch short on supplies. Worse still, the reports of the return of the White Walkers may be more than fairy tales. The army of the undead seems a dominant force, only losing a single skirmish to date. There have also been reports of the mythical Children of the Forest making appearances during the chaos of battle, though none of these reports have been substantiated. They may simply be the delusions of weary combatants.
The Stormlands
His Grace has attempted to hold the Seven Kingdoms intact despite the rebellion, but he did not account for the return of the Targaryen claimant to the Throne. Houses Swann and Fell have taken advantage of the Baratheon/Targaryen fued to make their own claims on Kings Landing. King Baratheon's hold on the Iron Throne is slipping, though the coming Winter may subdue the dragons enough for His Grace to regain control of the Red Keep and put an end to the Targaryen threat once and for all.
The Reach
While the other Kingdoms have suffered tremendously as armies battle each other, the Reach has been calm by comparison. The Tyrells have maintained their control with their vast army, subduing the minor rebellion from Houses Tarly and Hightower (if one could even call their futile attempt a "rebellion"). The Maesters have been locked away in the Citadel, sending out a high number of ravens but their actual plans still remain a mystery.
Essos and Dorne
In Dorne the two most powerful entities are locked in a battle of equal forces. The Bastard daughters of Oberyn Martell have seized control of Sunspear and the Water Gardens, while their former vassals of House Santagar have worked to secure their hold of the remaining Dornish strongholds. Across the Narrow Sea myths that the Faceless Men were a secret arm of the Iron Bank have been debunked, as the accountaints of Braavos have absolutely destroyed the trained assassins, forcing them to hide behind the closed doors of the House of Black and White.
The Westerlands
Atop Casterly Rock, Tywin Lannister has relied on his cunning to maintain his control of the Westerlands. The largest threat to that control is the surprising betrayal by House Clegane. The latter House owes their position to the Lannisters granting them land and titles, yet when the opportunity to challenge their former masters presented itself, they took it. The remnants of the ancient House Casterly have also taken advantage of the chaos, though they have made little progress in their advancement to reclaim their ancestral seat. Another Lannister vassal, the Baneforts also attempted to get out from under their allegiances, though their meager army could not withstand the wealth and power of the other Houses in the region. Their days might be numbered, as it is well known the type of retribution that comes from betraying Tywin Lannister.
As Lords and Ladies play their game, little mind is being paid for the seasons. The days are growing shorter, and snowfall has been reported as far south as Riverrun. Winter is coming, and the Thirty Two would do well to prepare.
Excellent work, House Reed.
ReplyDelete