western westeros background guide

7/30/2019 Western Westeros Background Guide

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WesternWesteros

Background Guide

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Table of Contents

Introduction 3

Simulation Structure 4

Factions 5

Faction Strengths and Weaknesses 6

Roles 11

Participant Conduct 16

Simulation Systems 17

Glossary 19

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Introduction

On behalf of Western Washington Universitys Game of Thrones Club, Foul Play: A Murder Mystery

Club, and the International Affairs Association we welcome you to the first annual Western Westeros

simulation. The simulation is intended to be a fun, exciting and surprisingly thought provoking simulatio

of an original crisis occurring with the fictional environment of George R. R. Martins best selling series

A Song of Ice and Fire, (orA Game of Thrones for the lowborn).

Although a relatively short simulation, this temporality belies the simulations true depth. Our staff have

worked to craft a simulation where any participant, regardless of familiarity with George R. R. Martins

work or experience in political simulations can interact with fellow university students to shape the

experiences and outcomes of their peers. Participants will work both as individuals as well as part of a

greater whole to pursue their interests, wage war, and lay claim to the greatest prize of all: the Iron

Throne of Westeros.

Contained within this document is our guide to everything that you need to know about this simulation,

including how to participate, what to expect, and how to excel. If you have any questions about the

simulation, please feel free to contact our staff before, during, or after the event.

Valar Dohaeris,

Director of Simulations Charlie Walentiny

Chief of Staff Jesse Barnett

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Simulation Structure

Participants in the simulation fulfill a role within the fictional world of A Song of Ice and Fire. Their role

is defined by their job description and the faction that they belong to. There are 3 Simulated Factions:

the forces ofKing Joffrey, the forces ofKing in the North Robb Stark, and the forces ofKing

Renly Baratheon. Each of the 3 factions has 10 Members, who collectively make up each factions

Small Council. All Small Council Members fall within two categories roles: Advisory and

Bannermen.

Advisory: These roles, such as Master of Coin, Master of Whispers, and any other role that isnt part

of a Bannered House, work to advise the King, represented via the Hand of the King. There are 7

Advisory roles on each council. The Advisory members do not have lands or military forces of their

own, but do have the power of the King to work with on a closer level than the Houses. They ultimately

serve the efforts of the crown, first and foremost, and work to further its greater goal while making a

better life for themselves. They make their requests, ideas and moves known to the hand, who thenpresent it to the King for consideration, to which he will respond accordingly. Things like declarations o

war, production of units and facilitating marriages will be discussed by these members.

Bannermen: Bannermen, such as House Tully, House Tyrell, or House Clegane, have more

independant power than the Advisor roles. They have their own military forces, naval powers, and allies

that can work for or against their cabinet. Being that they attend to their own lands and people, they are

more removed from the efforts of the crowns inner politics, but server a greater role in the actual battles

as they are the main force of war for the crown. The Kings cannot hope to win wars without their

bannermen, but the bannerman rely on the support and infrastructure granted by the crowns authority.

They make their desires, offerings and appeasements to the Kings Hand, but also have the ability todefect from their faction and join another if it is more strategically viable. There are 2-3 Bannermen per

Faction.

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Factions

Forces of Joffrey I of the House Baratheon

Hail to Joffrey of the Houses Baratheon and Lannister, First of His Name, King of the Andals, the

Rhoynar and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm. The son of King

Robert Baratheon and Cersei Lannister, Joffrey is first in the line of succession for the realm and is

followed by his younger sibling Tommen I and Myrcella I. Despite his surname, the Forces of Joffrey

are drawn primarily from the Westerlands and the Crownlands. The Westerlands, famed throughout the

world for their productive gold mines, considerable wealth, and led by the indomitable Tywin Lannister

of House Lannister provide the true strength of Joffreys forces. Complementing the Westerlands

economic base, the Crownlands contains the cultural and political soul of Westeros, and is home to

Kings Landing, the largest city in the world and capital of all of Westeros. The Forces of Joffrey are

famed for their wealth, ambition, and willingness to succeed at all costs.

Forces of Robb of the House Stark

Hail to Robb of the House Stark, King in the North, King of the Trident, and Lord of Winterfell. The

son of Eddard Stark and Catelyn Stark (nee Tully), Robb is the eldest son of the Stark family,

consisting of brothers Brandon and Rickon, sisters Sansa and Arya, and the bastard John Snow. After

Eddard served the King Robert Baratheon in Roberts Rebellion and Robert claimed the Throne, he

withdrew to the north, maintaining the hard border at Moat Cailin while maintaining his claim on the

riverlands south of the Neck and north of Highgarden. To the north is The Wall, a 700 foot barrier of

ice and rock that divides the the frozen tundra from the civilized lands below, guarded by the Nights

Watch. Due to its isolation and location, the North rarely sees unrest from the south, though the claimson the riverlands do bring contention, and a recent rebellion from the Greyjoys to the west have resulted

in tensions from along the Western shore. Lord Eddard rode south to serve as Hand of King, and Robb

has ruled in his stead with his mother Catelyn as an advisor since.

Forces of Renly of the House Baratheon

Hail to Renly of the House Baratheon, Lord of Storms End, Master of Laws, and King of the Seven

Kingdoms. As Renly the younger brother of the current King of Westeros Robert Baratheon and the

current Lord of Dragonstone and Master of Ships Stannis Baratheon, Renly Baratheon was raised in a

life of privilege and luxury. Too young to participate in his elder brother Roberts rebellion against theMad King Aerys Targaryen, Renly was fostered in the Baratheon fortress of Storm's End. Despite this

upbringing, Renly enjoys little support from the Stormlands, and has instead forged deep ties with the

Reach's House Tyrell. Drawing upon his own personal charisma as well as the considerable diplomatic

and economic resources of House Tyrell, the forces of Renly Baratheon are not to be taken lightly.

Renlys interest in ruling is largely a result of his conversion to the faith of the Red God Rhllor, a faith

which despite the fervor of its worshippers, has made adherents of the more traditional faiths wary.

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Strengths and Weaknesses

Forces of Joffrey I of the House Baratheon

Strengths

All the Wealth of Casterly Rock: Maintaining access to both the historical

wealth of the Westerlands as well as control of the Royal Finances, King Joffrey

is the wealthiest of the claimants. Not only can Joffrey rely upon the constant

production of Gold from his family's holdings in Casterly Rock, Castamere, the

Pendric Hills, Golden Tooth and Nunns Deep but he may also borrow from

others against the Crowns considerable assets. As a result, Joffrey retains close

ties with the Iron Bank, the financial arm of the Faith of the Seven, Essosi

lenders and other merchants.

Loyal Bannermen: Joffrey - and in particular his grandfather and Lord ofCasterly Rock Tywin Lannister - commands the absolute loyalty of his vassals,

ruling through fear, intimidation and outright violence. The Lannisters are seldom

crossed without repercussion, giving rise to the phrase A Lannister always

pays his debts. The House Lannister does not tolerate insubordination let alone

rebellion, and has even gone so far as to annihilate the rebellious Houses of

Reyne and Castamere. Joffrey can expect that his bannermen will remain with

him until the end and will not betray the faction.

The Seat of the King: With a contingent of Lannister soldiers, the knights of

the Kingsguard, and the city guard, Joffrey maintains control over KingsLanding, the site of Aegon the Conquerors first conquest and the traditional

capital of Westeros. In addition to the Citys strategic location - sitting upon the

convergence of the Goldroad, the Kingsroad, and the Roseroad - the city

confers legitimacy onto Joffreys cause. So long as Joffrey holds Kings Landing

and the Iron Throne his claim cannot be ended.

Wed and Bed: Despite his quirks, Joffrey remains the most eligible bachelor in

the Seven Kingdoms. In addition, his younger siblings Tommen and Myrcella

have also yet to be engaged and remain useful bargaining chips. Marriages

could be used to either to ensure the loyalty of those bannermen alreadypledged to Joffrey or to establish ties with families that remain uncommitted to

the Lannister cause, or even committed to one of their foes.

Weaknesses

Harder!: Although no one would be so foolish as to say so aloud, Joffrey

Baratheon is quite simply unhinged. Despite the best counsel of many of the

Kingdoms wisest advisors, Joffrey ultimately gets what he wants. Even on

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matters that gain the Small Councils complete agreement, the King may choose

a contradictory course. Despite his own self-assurances to the contrary, Joffrey

remains an inept tactician, a tactless diplomat, and an unpredictable leader.

Feared, Not Loved: The Lannisters and Joffrey command the loyalty of their

banner-men, it is not through the belief and desire of their subjects. Asintimidation maintains their hold over their people, House Lannister/Baratheon is

not loved by its populace or sworn houses. Their loyalty extends only as far as

Tywins intimidation. Should Lannister holdings find themselves without a

Lannister military presence, they can expect discontent and even riots in those

holds.

A Golden Hand: Despite - or perhaps because - of the factions considerable

power, it is beset on all sides by all manner foes. While the port of Lannisport

remains potentially exposed to lightning raids emanating from the Greyjoys of

the Iron Islands, the Westerlands is also bordered by fierce lords of theRiverlands to the North, and the might of Highgarden to the South. The strength

behind Joffreys claim is itself awkwardly positioned, concentrated at Casterly

Rock and Kings Landing. Although these concentrations are certainly

powerful, this concentration comes at the loss of territorial control. Should any

Lannister host march, its foes will be informed of any territories left unguarded.

Forces of Robb of the House Stark

Strengths

The King in the North: Though House Starks bannermen are diverse inopinion and independently powerful, they all united under the banner of Robb as

King In the North. Not held by gold, fear or threat, the bannermen of the Starks

are loyal to him on principle rather than personal gain. Though the same could

not be said of the Lords in Riverrun, the Lords of North belief in Robs cause

and claim to the throne keep them loyal, especially in times of victory.

Winter is Coming: The Starks are a hardy people and have survived and

thrived in an environment in which many would find their doom. Well acquainted

with winter, the Starks and their allies find that their larders are well stocked and

their soldiers adequately prepared. Stark military operations are not penalized

during winter.

The Young Wolf: Robb listens to the counsel of his generals, makes sound

tactical decisions, and is extremely well versed in both hand-to-hand combat

and military strategy. Robb Stark is also seen as diplomatic and fair by his

bannermen, and in addition is a highly eligible bachelor for houses to vie for the

favor of. The availability, skill, charisma and level head of Robb Stark makes

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him an excellent leader that his subjects both admire and respect, well earned

through skill in battle and in diplomacy in court. Those loyal to Robbs cause

remain so under even the harshest circumstance.

Veterans: Having fought and excelled in the War of the Ninepenny Kings,

Roberts Rebellion, the Greyjoy Rebellion and countless skirmishes against thenotorious Wildlings, both the factions commanders as well as its soldiers are

well well acquainted with the realities of war. Although largely lacking the

contingents of mounted knights that mark warfare in the rest of Westeros, the

Starks make use of superior tactics and strength of arms to win victories, even

in the face of superior numbers. In the case of battle between an otherwise

equally matched opponent, Stark forces can rely on their experience to win the

day.

Weaknesses

The North: The Stark alliance is largely dependent upon geography, whichitself can be a blessing or a curse. Moat Cailin, for example, has historically

proved an impenetrable obstacle against those wishing to enter the North

without the permission of the Starks. Despite this advantage, geography has

traditionally constrained Stark aspirations. As the largest of the Kingdoms in

Westeros and one of the least populated, Stark forces are largely dispersed and

autonomous. As a result, Stark hosts raised in the North take two or even three

times as long to muster as those of other factions.

The Riverlands: Similar to the issues faced by the Starks within their own

homeland, the Riverlands present two primary challenges. First, although hometo some of Westeros largest fortifications at Harrenhal, Riverrun, Seagard and

the Twins, the lands fertile countryside is largely unprotected and is vulnerable

to raids, banditry, and neglect. Because of this, enemy operations in the

Riverlands are particularly damaging to the faction. Second, the Riverlands are

not inappropriately named, and is riven by rivers, most notably the raging

Trident. Although too deep to ford, the Trident may be crossed quickly at the

Twins with the permission of House Frey or slowly by boat. Although this will

greatly impede the speed of Stark hosts operating in the region, the same is also

true of those seeking to invade it.

Something Fishy: Though loyal to House Stark from the marriage of Catelyn

Tully and Eddard Stark, the location of the riverlands cause the River Lords to

bear the brunt of military attacks. This tests the loyalty of the southern Lords,

who are prone to infighting, bribery and disloyalty as a result of the increased

military activity in their area. Extra sensitivity is required when dealing with the

desires of the river lords, as they hold vital strategic value both in arms and

geographically.

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Isolationist: The Greyjoys, Lannisters and Wildings do not cooperate with the

Starks, leading to having enemies on three sides north, south and east. This,

coupled with a notable lack of allies outside of their bannermen, lead to difficulty

gaining favor with neutral and enemy houses. Their isolation makes them appear

untrustworthy, and as a result any advancement into new territory will be metwith either indifference or hostility.

Forces of Renly of the House Baratheon

Strengths

Growing Strong: The backing of Renly by House Tyrell has brought the full

power of the Reach to bear for the first time since the downfall of the

Targaryens. Although not as wealthy as the Lannisters, House Tyrell rules over

the fertile Reach which gives them considerable influence and wealth in an

otherwise hungry continent. House Tyrell is therefore able to not only raise largehosts faster than other factions, but is capable of using its bountiful food to aid

allies and win friends amongst the citizens of whatever territory they might be

warring. Because of this, regions under the control of House Tyrell face little

chance of revolt and civilian populaces will in fact frequently support Tyrell

operations.

The Knights of Flowers: The traditions of chivalry, honor and knighthood are

in full bloom in the Reach. Occupying a middling position between noble lords

and the baseborn smallfolk, knights are integral to not only the feudal system

on which life in Westeros depends, but also the military stratagems of many acommander. Although knights are expected to be chivalrous, brave, and just, in

reality skill at arms is the only metric on which most knights are judged. Fighting

from horseback, clad in heavy plate and armed with a lance and shield, knights

combine the mobility of light cavalry with the destructive potential of heavy

infantry. Because of the Reachs reverence for them, knights require little to no

cost to maintain.

Climbing High: Renly and his allies are drawn from among Westeros most

ambitious lords and ladies. Well versed in the rituals of courtship, the

particularities of court intrigue and maintaining cordial relations with nearly every

family of note in Westeros, Renlys diplomatic prowess is unmatched. From

providing food for orphans to showering lords with gifts of finery, Renlys

diplomats are able to bribe, cajole, and flatter their way into the corridors of

power amongst non-aligned actors (such as the Iron Islands, Dorne, the Vale,

or sellswords). Because of this, the faction is always informed of any other

factions attempt to bring a non-aligned power into their fold.

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Azor Ahai Reborn: Renly is believed by many adherents of the Red God

Rhllor - including himself - to be the avatar of the legendary hero Azor Ahai

reborn. A messianic figure, the return of Azor Ahai is held by believers to signify

the conclusion of a religious struggle between the forces of Light and Darkness.

As such, he is treated reverently by believers and is accorded the services

rendered by the Red Priests, services which are rumored to include the use ofmagic. Although belief in the Red God is far less common than belief in the Old

Gods of the First Men and the Andals Faith of the Seven, those that do believe

will fight until the last man and are incapable of conversion to any other faith.

Weaknesses

Wrath of Rhllor: Rhllor works in mysterious ways. Though not always

through the means one might expect, His will is always done. As a result, He

will interfere with plans that do not align with His, sowing confusion and anger

amongst the Baratheons and their bannermen, resulting in death, destruction and

misfortune.Those loyal to the Seven are struck with a fear induced zeal whenfacing those loyal to the Red God, and as a result will fight with greater resolve

when facing Renlys troops.

A Rose by Any Other Name: Like many leaders of his kind, Renly is a

flawed man. He suffers from indolence, failure to act and decadent hungers.

Tastes for the finer things in life have left him less in touch with the issues of

the common man, which can create rifts between him as a leader and his

people. Though well loved, he is considered somewhat out of touch by his

generals and captains. Though they remain loyal to Renlys claim, his actions

and demeanor may alter negotiations with potential allies for the worse.Throughout the campaign, Renly may call for stops to the progression of the

campaign to indulge these habits.

His sigil ought to be a fat man sitting on his arse: Despite the size of

the levies that they command, the generalship of the military forces of House

Tyrell is among the worst in Westeros. Largely inexperienced as a result of their

reluctance to engage in the larger wars of recent history, the armies of Renly and

his allies are incapable of operating with the same level of efficiency and

professionalism as those of their opponents. Aside from the masterful leadership

of Tyrell bannerman Randyll Tarly, the vast majority of Renlys military leaders

are so placed not because of their competency or courage but because of

political considerations. Because of this, should the Tyrells be engaged in more

than one conflict at the same time, their forces will not be conferred any of the

positive advantages associated with terrain and will suffer twice any negative

advantages associated with terrain.

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Roles

Please note that (A) denotes an advisory position while (B) denotes a bannerman position. For more

information on the difference between the two positions, please see page 4.

Joffrey of the House Baratheon

Master of Coin (A)

An advisory position, the Master of Coin is charged with the care of the Kings finances. In this

capacity, the Master of Coin is responsible for finding the gold necessary to conduct all of his or

her factions operations. Whether they borrow, earn, or steal the gold is ultimately immaterial,

only that it is found.

Master of Ships (A)

Responsible for the construction, crewing, maintenance and operation of the Kings armadas,the Master of Ships is an indispensable part of any Small Council. Subject to the whims of not

only the seas, but also feckless merchants, bungling administrators, and bloodthirsty corsairs, the

Master of Ships must ensure that the sea lanes remain under the Kings control.

Grand Maester (A)

Part healer, part scientist, part advisor, the Grand Maester is considered one of the most

learned individuals in all the Seven Kingdoms. The Maester is expected to provide both the

King and his Hand the wise and oftentimes unpopular counsel on which decisions depend.

Master of Whisperers(A)The Master of Whisperers is a merchant in what might be the most important trade of all:

information. Through their legion of spies, paid informants, and researchers, the Master of

Whisperers weaves a delicate web of intrigue and deception. Responsible for not only

conducting espionage abroad, but also prevent it at home, the Master of Whisperers must tread

carefully in the service of the King.

High Septon(A)

The forces of Joffrey and his allies are traditionally adherents of the Faith of the Seven. With the

religion itself based out of the Great Sept of Baelor in Kings landing, the Iron Throne and the

Faith have traditionally had close, if at times strained ties. The High Septon must work to ensurethat the Faith of the Seven remains the dominant religion in Westeros while simultaneously

working to eliminate what it sees as sources of vices and sins throughout Joffreys holdings.

Master of Foot (A)

Although they receive none of the recognition heaped upon the nobility, it is footsoldiers that win

wars. Whether through a stoic shield wall or a withering hail of arrows, it is peasant soldiers

without expensive armor or horses that perform the majority of the killing as well as the dying in

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the conflicts of Westeros. It is the Master of Foots job to see that they do so in the manner that

best serves the realm.

Master of Horse (A)

While far fewer in number than their unmounted colleagues, the mounted units of the Kings

Army are far superior in terms of mobility and strength, to say nothing of breeding. The Masterof Horse must ensure that these valuable units are adequately cared for and are employed to

their full potential. The Master of Horse is also expected to serve as a liaison between the

nobility that the knights belong to and the leaders for which they fight.

Representative of House Rosby (B)

Situated to the North of Kings Landing in the town of Rosby, the House of Rosby is one of the

largest and most influential Houses in the Crownlands. House Rosby is tasked with providing

much of the food necessary to sustain to the massive population of King's Landing, as well as

much of the military might needed to police the citys unruly mobs. It is expected by the Crown

that House Rosby will work to ensure that the other families in the Crownlands obey the Kingscommands.

Representative of House Clegane (B)

A relatively new family, House Clegane has risen quickly from the Lannisters kennel keepers to

a family of feared warriors. Headed by the fearsome Gregor Clegane, whose monstrous size

has given him the moniker the mountain that rides, the Clegane's and their soldiers are superb

raiders, who specialize in sowing fear, terror, and destruction amongst enemy populations.

Though their brutality may be off putting, their results are undoubtedly effective.

The Lord Commander of the Kingsguard (A)Leader of the Kings bodyguard, the Lord Commander is tasked with ensuring that the King

and his family remain protected at all costs. Although the Lord Commander may at times

disagree with the King, the Lord Commander is expected to fulfill the Kings commands without

question and is vested with the authority to act on the Kings behalf. In addition to these

powers, the Lord Commander is also placed in control of the Gold Cloaks, which operate as

the city watch and garrison for the city of Kings Landing.

Robb of the House Stark

Master of Coin (A)





Master of Ships (A)

Responsible for the construction, crewing, maintenance and operation of the Kings armadas,

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the Master of Ships is an indispensable part of any Small Council. Subject to the whims of not

only the seas, but also feckless merchants, bungling administrators, and bloodthirsty corsairs, the

Master of Ships must ensure that the sea lanes remain under the Kings control.

Grand Maester (A)

Part healer, part scientist, part advisor, the Grand Maester is considered one of the mostlearned individuals in all the Seven Kingdoms. The Maester is expected to provide both the


Master of Whisperers(A)

The Master of Whisperers is a merchant in what might be the most important trade of all:





Master of the Faith (A)

The forces of Robb Stark and his allies are as diverse in their religions as they are in their origin.

The Master of Faith must work to balance the interests of the Starks Old Gods with those of

the more prevalent Faith of the Seven. The Master of Faith is above all tasked with ensuring that

religion does not divide House Starks forces and must therefore advance ideas of toleration,

and respectful disagreement.

Master of Foot (A)


wars. Whether through a stoic shield wall or a withering hail of arrows, it is peasant soldierswithout expensive armor or horses that perform the majority of the killing as well as the dying in



Master of Horse (A)


Army are far superior in terms of mobility and strength, to say nothing of breeding. While the

Starks largely eschew the notions of knighthood associated with other Great Houses, they

nonetheless employ significant numbers of heavy cavalry which fulfill comparable roles. The

Master of Horse must ensure that these valuable units are adequately cared for and are

employed to their full potential.

Representative of House Tully (B)

Family, Duty, Honor. These are the words of House Tully, one of the Great Houses of the

Seven Kingdoms and traditional ally of House Stark. Ruling over the riparian Riverlands, House

Tully is a family of middling power, a family blessed by great abundance but cursed by poor

geography. As a representative of this House, you are tasked with serving your King as well as

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ensuring the continued survival of House Tully.

Representative of House Frey (B)

Built across one of the few crossings of the river Trident, the castle at the Twins is one of the

most important structures in all of Westeros and is under the complete control of House Frey.

Second only in Riverrun to House Tully, to which they are sworn to follow, House Freys truepower is far greater than their relatively low status might otherwise indicate.

Representative of House Manderly (B)

Home to the Starks greatest port at White Harbor, the Manderlys preside over the greatest

part of the Kings navy, and are charged with the security of the Norths eastern seaboard.

House Manderly is unique amongst the non-Riverrun bannermen in that they follow the Faith of

the Seven despite living in the North.

Renly of the House Baratheon

Master of Coin (A)





Master of Ships (A)

Responsible for the construction, crewing, maintenance and operation of the Kings armadas,

the Master of Ships is an indispensable part of any Small Council. Subject to the whims of not

only the seas, but also feckless merchants, bungling administrators, and bloodthirsty corsairs, theMaster of Ships must ensure that the sea lanes remain under the Kings control.

Grand Maester (A)

Part healer, part scientist, part advisor, the Grand Maester is considered one of the most

learned individuals in all the Seven Kingdoms. The Maester is expected to provide both the


Master of Whisperers(A)

The Master of Whisperers is a merchant in what might be the most important trade of all:





High Priest of Rhllor (A)

Sent to Westeros to convert Renly to the Red God, the High Priest has succeeded in his original

mission and must now work to aid in the conversion of the realm as a whole. The High Priest

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must work to advance the interests of Rhllor while not running afoul of the other parties serving

his patron, parties that at times find themselves in violent opposition to the Red Gods plans.

Master of Foot (A)


wars. Whether through a stoic shield wall or a withering hail of arrows, it is peasant soldierswithout expensive armor or horses that perform the majority of the killing as well as the dying in



Master of Horse (A)


Army are far superior in terms of mobility and strength, to say nothing of breeding. With the

Reach home to a higher than average number of knights, the Master of Horse is tasked with

ensuring that this critical part of Renlys military is not wasted. The Master of Horse must ensure

that these valuable units are adequately cared for and are employed to their full potential.

Representative of House Hightower (B)

Arguably the second most powerful family in the Reach after the Tyrells, House Hightower is

famed throughout the land for their loyal and stalwart nature. The Hightowers control the city of

Oldtown, which itself is home to not only the largest port in Westeros but also the Citadel, the

heart of academia and education in Westeros.

Representative of House Redwyne (B)

Situated on the Arbor, a large island off the southern coast of the Reach, the Redwynes are one

of the most powerful Houses in the Reach, and maintain close ties with their liege lords theTyrells. Although known in noble circles for the quality of their wine, their infamy in military

circles comes from their considerable naval strength, which boasts some of the largest and most

powerful ships in all of Westeros.

Representative of House Penrose (B)

One of the most important of the Storm Lords, house Penrose currently controls Storms End,

one of the strongest fortifications in all of the Seven Kingdoms. Sworn to the Baratheon family,

the soldiers and leaders of House Penrose are well versed in the ways of war and siegecraft,

having helped hold Storms End against royalist forces during Roberts Rebellion.

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Participant Conduct

Attitude and Formality

Model Westeros is first and foremost intended to be a fun evening of entertainment,

collaboration, and competition. Players are encouraged to get into their positions, rally for their houses

and use every aspect of their role to its fullest extent and achieve their goals. That being said, costumes

and traditionalrole-play elements are being downplayed for this event. You will also notice some

non-canon material, added or removed for the sake of playability and cohesiveness. This is not because

we as organizers are miserly and fun-hating in any essence of the phrase, these measures to keep in

line with our approach, which is twofold:

1. We want to include as many people as possible, both literally and figuratively. Costumes can

be a great way to build immersion and get you into your character for a traditional role-playing

experience, but the level of quality and comfort level for those around you these costumes bring togames like these varies so much that it would be unrealistic to expect every member to do so, and we

want to make sure everyone involved feels accepted into their roles by their merits and dedication to the

part. We want you to get into it, and not worry about what you look like, since this game is taking place

in a 1980s board room with a projected map on a whiteboard.

2. An important distinction between what were doing here, and what it looks like were doing

here. These arent characters, per se, theyre roles. Each player has a set of goals both to their faction,

and to themselves, and its up to them to use their powers as they see fit to achieve them. However, we

want each person to be making theirown decisions. You dont have to be Tywin Lannister, Ned Stark,

or any other character from the books/show, because Westeros is yours to shape. As a member ofyour factions cabinet, you arent playing a character, youre part of a team. Compete, collaborate, or

anything in between in order to achieve your goals. You cant be assassinated, because its assumed

that should a person in your role be killed, someone would fill its place. Remember, you are your

position, not a character directly.

If you ever feel confused or are unsure about how to proceed or what you can do as your role,

or just need a clarification on whether or not something is a good idea, we will always be available to

answer those questions as well. Just put META in the subject line of your message for these sorts of

questions so we can answer them faster.

All that being said, the chief goal here is to have fun. Hopefully you will be able to exercise your

mind, your social skills and everything in between to leverage yourself and your team for what you think

is the good of the realm. Were not reenacting the books, were re-envisioning them.

I serve the Realm my lord. Someone must. - Varys the Spider

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Simulation Systems

How It Works:

Step 1: Players receive information. Just as information is the lifeblood of leaders and empires,

so too is intelligence the foundation on which the simulation thrives. Participants may receive

information three ways 1) Privately via staff member, handwritten note, or email, 2)

Semi-Publicly via an announcement to your assigned Small Council or 3) Publicly via a post to

the conference blog. Information sent privately will be viewed only by yourself, although you

may share the information as you see fit. Information sent semi-publicly will be disseminated

amongst only your confederates on your Small Council. Information sent publicly will be viewed

by all participants regardless of faction affiliation.

Step 2: Players reflect. Players are should think critically about the received information, how it

impacts Westeros as a whole, how it affects their faction, and what implications it holds for themas an individual. Participants are encouraged to question, discuss, and debate the information

they receive, with a critical eye towards its relevance, validity and implications.

Step 3: Players react. Players are expected to formulate responses to those pieces of

information they deign worthy. Players can affect the simulation two different ways:

1) Personal Directive. Personal directives do not require the consent of the Hand of the

King or the Small Council (although some restrictions do apply) and may be issued at

any time. Participants are not required to disclose to their fellows on the Small Council

that they are issuing a Personal Directive, though they may do so if they so choose. Theexact kinds of Personal Directives that a player may issue are dependent upon their

position within the small council, although examples include arranging marriages,

ransoming individuals, mustering soldiers, converting to a different religion and

requesting to defect. If a player wishes to conduct a Personal Directive that is not

included in the list that they receive, they may petition a staff member to do so.

2) Council Proclamation. Council Proclamations generally carry greater weight and are

farther reaching than Personal Directives. Council Proclamations do, however, require

that a majority of the Small Council members vote in favor of the issuance of the

proclamation, with the Hand of the King casting the deciding vote in case of a tie.Carrying greater weight than Personal Directives, Council Proclamations include the

ability to declare war, to declare peace, to form alliances, and to order assassinations.

After deciding upon an action to undertake, whether by Personal Directive or Council

Proclamation, a written request is sent via note or email to the Hand of the King. If requested by

a participant, the Hand of the King will not share the request with any individual on the Small

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Council, and will continue to interact with the participant as if they had not seen the contents of

the request. In essence, should a participant decide to undertake an option that amounts to

treason, the Hand of the King will pretend that he or she is not aware of the pending betrayal.

Step 4: Participants receive response. After the Hand of the King has received a request for a

Personal Directive or a Council Proclamation the request is forwarded the Simulations Staffwho determine whether or not to accept the request, based upon its clarity, feasibility, and

nature. Should the Simulations Staff choose to accept the request the individual or group that

submitted the request will be informed that it is pending. If the request is refused by the

Simulations Staff, the requesting party will be informed of its failure and why it was rejected.

The Simulations Staff will move to implement the pending actions as quickly as possible.

Step 5: Repeat. After the simulation is altered by those decisions made by players and the

simulations staff, players are informed (albeit asymmetrically) of the aftermath. Players are then

expected to receive this new information, reflect upon it, and react accordingly via the process

outlined previously.

Conflict and Combat

If conflict occurs and cannot be resolved diplomatically, combat can be engaged in. The outcome of

combat is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to force size, geography,

fortification, force makeup (cavalry, navy and infantry), and simple luck.

Victory Conditions

Each faction will have a unique condition under which they can achieve victory. The victory conditions

of each team are not mutually exclusive, though some players will play them as such.

Staff Policy

As a holistic experience Western Westeros must balance the considerations of player-led decision

making and independence against the structure necessary in any simulation. As a policy most of the

actions within the simulation are to be player-led, and participants are encouraged to be creative, novel,

and detailed in their proposals. Staff involvement will be felt in three different ways. First, staff exist to

implement the actions decided upon by participants. Staff, both seen and unseen, are responsible for

interpreting player commands, deciding their feasibility and determining the consequences of player

actions. Second, staff exist to facilitate the simulation. Although strong leadership is encouraged, staff

positions such as the Hands of the Kings will moderate debate if needed, and provide opportunities for

interactions for more reticent participants. Finally, staff exist to add detail to the simulation and help

immerse participants in the activity. Staff will not only be on hand to offer questions, but will also help to

drive the story of the simulation by introducing new events to participants.

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Glossary

People

Azor Ahai = A messianic figure in the religion of Rhollr, sent to vanquish the Darkness.

Believed to be reincarnated for a coming war that will decide the fate of the world.

Craven = A coward.

Sellsword = A mercenary, they fight (usually) for the highest bidder.

Places

Westeros = The westernmost continent on which most of A Song of Ice and Fire occurs

Essos = The eastern-most continent, it is home to a diverse assortment of kingdoms, khalasars

and empires.

ReligionsRhllor = Also known as the Red God, Rhllor is a God worshipped by most in Essos, as well

as many in Renly Baratheons faction.

The Old Gods = The gods of the first men, pagan influenced. Gods of Stone, Earth and Tree.

The Laws of Hospitality are most important to followers of the Old Gods.

The Seven = A collective of seven godly personalities worshiped by the majority across

Westeros, they preside over life of their followers from birth till death, covering all aspects of

life.

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http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fawoiaf.westeros.org%2Findex.php%2FFather_(the_Seven)&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGtYqHKCJ8Sok6-eIyDipzntTvz8Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fawoiaf.westeros.org%2Findex.php%2FFaith_of_the_Seven&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFG7yQL-bpHQxlfdKKoild60uCA0Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fawoiaf.westeros.org%2Findex.php%2FFaith_of_the_Seven&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFG7yQL-bpHQxlfdKKoild60uCA0A


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western westeros background guide

Documents