The Next Royce Marriage

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

Ooh, I am very much not happy with this. It better be a good plan .

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

If it was an all-out fight, maybe. But Selwyn thinks Elane might not like what he wants to do. I'll tell you here, since you seem to be going for it: the Black Shields will help Kennos and Aerie escape the city for Aranya's freedom.

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

Now Kid Death has butted his head in. Not sure how to react to that.

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

Yeah, exactly. Urg. And he'd tip the advantage of numbers to Keath, not to mention Kid Death could cut us all down.

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

Elane, tone down Aranya's rebel streak (the bit with the frayed rope). Aryie agreed to the deal in PM. You're making her nervous now though.

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

I'm telling you, ankle restraint for Aranya now .

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

Selwyn should get a skill "Extract Aranya: Expert".

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

Okay, back to the subject of marriage. Elane, I know you're set on the idea of having Callen and Elane marry. I'm against it. I'll lay out my reasons -- both in-game and meta-game. Let me know what you think.

In-game:

Marriage is Callen's ace in the hole for alliance. While he's in a decent position, he isn't nearly as strong as he thinks, and he needs to win the loyalties of more lords. Right now, he's got the Reach and the Vale by agreement and the Crownlands and most of the Stormlands through the strength of his position. But if he marries himself to either a Royce or a woman of the Reach, he loses a VERY important opportunity to make alliance with a powerful Riverlord or House Stark. House Stark is NOT in his corner right now. He needs them.

He doesn't need to win over the Vale. He has it. Marrying Elane would give him no strategic advantage. Since our fortunes are tied to his, it behooves us to make sure he makes the best deal possible. Heck, Elane isn't even the daughter of Lord Royce or Lord Arryn -- she's cousin to both.

Meta-game: Callen is due for a fall. There is no way he'll simply line up every one of the Seven Kingdoms, unify everyone, and rule happily ever after. There is no story in that. While we're committed to him up to a point, we can always back away and defend ourselves in the Vale if we need to. Especially with our dragon eggs. But a marriage between you and Callen would be different -- suddenly, if he sinks, we have to drown ourselves with him. Since I'm firmly convinced he'll fall someday, well, I don't think we should make that mistake. Work on his behalf, but not as his spouse. Get yourself Mistress of Coins or Mistress of Whispers.

I know you think it would be fun to roleplay and of course being Queen would buy you a lot of power. But I think it could be both his and our downfall. Please think about it. In game, Rhodri plans on suggesting marrying a Stark, just so you know. He has misgivings about several of Callen's decisions, and thinks a Stark alliance is just what he needs.

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

I had no plans on suggesting Aerie. I'm pushing for a Stark.

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

And I'm not trying to piss you off. I hope you're not mad.

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

It would be a mistake for Callen. And we'll just have to make sure nothing happens with Aerie.

As to advice, I try. Thank you.

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

Dorne wouldn't take it, frankly. They'd rather be free than have an heir to the Iron Throne.

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

Well, that should be left up to Callen. It's his kingdom to run.

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

And Jon Arryn died.

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

Let's not jump the gun. It really messed up Sara's game when we made her marry Lannister. She had to drop what her character was supposed to be about.