Before the game:
Starting date: 1.1.8200 (200 AC)Character: Justys 'Brightflame', 20 years old (born 6.12.8179), R'hllor, High Valyrian
House: Brightflame, cadet branch of Targaryens
House words: “Knowledge lights the way”
Title holding: High Lordship of Harrenhal (1 province owned)
Vassals: 2 counts + barons
Suzerain: Lord Paramount of Riverlands
From author:
AGOT mod CK2 was always one of my favorites, due to both its content and the fantasy world of GRRM’s books – even if I didn’t read books and I know the lore only from the TV series, internet, this mod and 'A World of Ice and Fire’ book.So when I finally got satisfied with CK3’s great start, I thought of returning to Westeros, especially it was around patch 2.4 of CK2 when I played it last time. But the mod is not yet ready for CK3 so I just returned to its great predecessor.
Please bear in mind that despite many efforts I never felt satisfied with playing characters already existing in mod. Being interested in alternate history this wasn’t a problem for historical characters of vanilla, but somehow it didn’t work here. So I used my OC created for other fandom to add here, made a sub-mod to not bother with Ruler Designer (and editing saves) every now and then... just had to write some nice backstory.
So here it is, I hope you will find it interesting. I haven’t done any AAR since ages, so please comment and share your opinions, while I’ll do my best to entertain you.
Modifications:
Game & version: Crusader Kings 2, patch 3.3.4 (SOHY) + all main DLCsMain mod: A Game of Thrones v. 2.2
Sub-mods: AGOT Tale of the Flame (my own, private), AGOT Reformations, High Lordship of Bear Island, Bigger Interface for Game of Thrones (added later)
Game Rules: From below, there is one not visible and I forgot about it, but it was set in vanilla game - rulers had received generic marriages and offspring; it quite suited the game so I left it as is
Code:
game_rules=
{
alternate_start=no
exclave_purge="limited"
interfaith_marriages="open" #This caused little chaos, but was necessary - I try to soothe up with save-editing, to avoid totally crazy marriages
invitation="open"
grant_independence="unrestricted"
conclave_education_focuses="all"
ck2_version_warning="off"
r_l_j="on" #means nothing at starting point
aztec_invasion="off"
disinheritance_decisions="unrestricted"
abdication="on"
colinisation_time="short" #This was a mistake, seeing too many ruins colonized, so I changed it later to standard
dynastic_stability="on"
seize_valyrian_swords="unrestricted" #I will take them all, and I won't be sorry XD
}Q&A:
Why creating my own character and dynasty?
I admit, I have not read any of GRRM’s books. I could not experience its beauty, as for a long time I find no time nor interest in taking any book and read it during my free time. Most of the time spent since 2011 are computer games and sometimes TV.
At the time I’ve had access to HBO and already heard of newly emitted TV series called “Game of Thrones”, which caught my interest. And once I started to watch it, it really got me interested. At least to the point of searching some information on the internet. But honestly, while having a good time, I was only able to watch first two seasons. I started the third one, which I already had problem to find time to watch, but reaching the point of tortures... this was kind of discouraging and I turned it off - to watch later, at some better time - but in the end, I never returned to it again.
It didn’t stop my interest though, so when I noticed AGOT mod for Crusader Kings 2, the game that was already taking lot of my gaming time (over 3,5 thousand hours since CK2 release), I felt I should install it and play. While at the time, despite best efforts, I could not find myself playing any existing character, simply not being the thing I was looking for.
I was really interested in different things at the time: history, languages, people’s names... Solid foundation to create something on my own in a fantasy world of Ice and Fire. I was also a huge Gothic games fan and the character names of Gothic series seemed suitable to be implemented here. After playing Arcania (I know, I know, but it had "Gothic" in it's title back then) I kind of liked the name of lord Ethorn VI, enough to use it now in the mod. And so using Ruler Designer and later modifying the save file I have started to play as Aethorn I of Harrenhal (with plan to reach VI). Didn’t last long, but at least I liked playing this game session.
I took some break from the mod, but returned to it later. I knew I’d create my own character like before, but this time it was not Aethorn who I was about to play.
I was also engaged in a way different fandom, to the point where I created my own OC and started writing his story in that world. Like I mentioned, I really loved languages and history, so the backstory of character I created was highly oriented on Latin and Roman culture. And – surprise, surprise – the Valyrian was also inspired by it.
So once I decided to return to AGOT mod, I knew I would rather add my OC as a game character. I tried those new bookmarks, new characters and dynasties (like Reynes or Starks), but even years before the book events I did not feel comfortable playing "existing" characters from this world. It was after a long while, the mod grew bigger again, so I decided to settle up during Aerys II’s reign in Duskendale (inspired by story of Duskland Kingdom of old I read on the internet). Thinking of the character’s name, and not knowing much of High Valyrian language created by David J. Peterson, I simply put my OC's original name (or rather it's English version) in the game, just bastardizing the first name’s suffix (latin -us to valyrian -ys).
And so Lord Justys Brightflame – of a cadet dynasty of Targaryens – was born. I played quite enjoyable game session as a new lord of Duskendale (to even reach Kingdom of Stepstones at the end), but the time passed and so the next CK2 patches and DLCs, so I moved on, even taking break from CK2 at all.
Once back to the game there was a new patch coming up soon, so I was afraid to play AGOT mod. Not that I didn’t take any effort – even more, I resigned from simply editing save file and set to actually modding the mod, putting my character directly into mod files – so I could always update it with the new patch.
But I knew it will take time, so in the meantime I started playing other mod. Unfortunately, I found it so enjoyable that, despite all, I got stuck in it for a greater session, not updating the game in the end. But this was a tougher time in my life, though, so I haven’t had that much time to play as before. After 3 years, the game finally reached its last patch and I haven’t get to planned end date yet.
Then with the release of Crusader Kings 3, a fan like me couldn’t just not try to play it, so my next game was placed there.
But once you played Game of Thrones one cannot easily forget about it. CK3 was still in its infancy, the AGOT mod set as planned, but it will take lot of time before I can actually play it. Also, CK3 differed from its precedessor in terms of modding, so I’d need to learn it first if I want to add new character.
Urging to play in Westeros again, there was only one way – I updated CK2 to the latest patch and installed the newest AGOT mod version I found!
I knew I’d rather revive Justys Brightflame, but I had to prepare the mod files again. And instead of adding them directly to AGOT mod, I changed them into my personal sub-mod. Now it is ready, nothing gonna stop me! But wait, why not preparing an AAR as well? If time let me, it won’t be that hard.
And here I am, with you, while my Tale of the Flame is ready to start...
At the time I’ve had access to HBO and already heard of newly emitted TV series called “Game of Thrones”, which caught my interest. And once I started to watch it, it really got me interested. At least to the point of searching some information on the internet. But honestly, while having a good time, I was only able to watch first two seasons. I started the third one, which I already had problem to find time to watch, but reaching the point of tortures... this was kind of discouraging and I turned it off - to watch later, at some better time - but in the end, I never returned to it again.
It didn’t stop my interest though, so when I noticed AGOT mod for Crusader Kings 2, the game that was already taking lot of my gaming time (over 3,5 thousand hours since CK2 release), I felt I should install it and play. While at the time, despite best efforts, I could not find myself playing any existing character, simply not being the thing I was looking for.
I was really interested in different things at the time: history, languages, people’s names... Solid foundation to create something on my own in a fantasy world of Ice and Fire. I was also a huge Gothic games fan and the character names of Gothic series seemed suitable to be implemented here. After playing Arcania (I know, I know, but it had "Gothic" in it's title back then) I kind of liked the name of lord Ethorn VI, enough to use it now in the mod. And so using Ruler Designer and later modifying the save file I have started to play as Aethorn I of Harrenhal (with plan to reach VI). Didn’t last long, but at least I liked playing this game session.
I took some break from the mod, but returned to it later. I knew I’d create my own character like before, but this time it was not Aethorn who I was about to play.
I was also engaged in a way different fandom, to the point where I created my own OC and started writing his story in that world. Like I mentioned, I really loved languages and history, so the backstory of character I created was highly oriented on Latin and Roman culture. And – surprise, surprise – the Valyrian was also inspired by it.
So once I decided to return to AGOT mod, I knew I would rather add my OC as a game character. I tried those new bookmarks, new characters and dynasties (like Reynes or Starks), but even years before the book events I did not feel comfortable playing "existing" characters from this world. It was after a long while, the mod grew bigger again, so I decided to settle up during Aerys II’s reign in Duskendale (inspired by story of Duskland Kingdom of old I read on the internet). Thinking of the character’s name, and not knowing much of High Valyrian language created by David J. Peterson, I simply put my OC's original name (or rather it's English version) in the game, just bastardizing the first name’s suffix (latin -us to valyrian -ys).
And so Lord Justys Brightflame – of a cadet dynasty of Targaryens – was born. I played quite enjoyable game session as a new lord of Duskendale (to even reach Kingdom of Stepstones at the end), but the time passed and so the next CK2 patches and DLCs, so I moved on, even taking break from CK2 at all.
Once back to the game there was a new patch coming up soon, so I was afraid to play AGOT mod. Not that I didn’t take any effort – even more, I resigned from simply editing save file and set to actually modding the mod, putting my character directly into mod files – so I could always update it with the new patch.
But I knew it will take time, so in the meantime I started playing other mod. Unfortunately, I found it so enjoyable that, despite all, I got stuck in it for a greater session, not updating the game in the end. But this was a tougher time in my life, though, so I haven’t had that much time to play as before. After 3 years, the game finally reached its last patch and I haven’t get to planned end date yet.
Then with the release of Crusader Kings 3, a fan like me couldn’t just not try to play it, so my next game was placed there.
But once you played Game of Thrones one cannot easily forget about it. CK3 was still in its infancy, the AGOT mod set as planned, but it will take lot of time before I can actually play it. Also, CK3 differed from its precedessor in terms of modding, so I’d need to learn it first if I want to add new character.
Urging to play in Westeros again, there was only one way – I updated CK2 to the latest patch and installed the newest AGOT mod version I found!
I knew I’d rather revive Justys Brightflame, but I had to prepare the mod files again. And instead of adding them directly to AGOT mod, I changed them into my personal sub-mod. Now it is ready, nothing gonna stop me! But wait, why not preparing an AAR as well? If time let me, it won’t be that hard.
And here I am, with you, while my Tale of the Flame is ready to start...
Why this bookmark / year / place? Are you related to Aerion Brightflame?
Previously when I implemented my OC into mod game I found it a perfect coincidence that Aerion was nicknamed ‘Brightflame’, the same name as his. And knowing from A World of Ice and Fire book that he had a son, I treated it as an opportunity and made Justys his grandson.
But playing again, surrounded by characters I knew from the series? When you think of, it is kind of interesting, and a fan like me liked the idea at the time. But no, due to all those sympathies and grudges, I started shipping other characters and tried to interfere with their offsprings, not focusing on my own dynasty enough and getting stuck in save files – so you know, X and Y could have Z children like I wished for. After such experience I rather wanted to set it up at earlier bookmark, hoping my knowledge of characters of that time won’t spoil me the fun again.
But if not descending from Aerion Brightflame like I did before (perfect reasoning for dynasty name, after all), and wishing my character to be Valyrian (Targaryen) blood anyway, where and when else could I place my game start? Reading AWoIaF in the meantime, I finally got into a good conclusion of where and when Justys could get born.
There were lots of Targaryens in history of Westeros, but not many opportunities to have additional one – and from a cadet dynasty, to add things up. But there was one king that didn’t bother much, simply enjoying his life and living lots of offspring, not only the legitimate ones. Yes, king Aegon the Unworthy, fourth of his name, was a perfect candidate for a father of bastard dynasty!
Now I only had to pick the mother. Choosing from king’s multiple lovers (as well as considering other girls to make them), I finally decided to use his last mistress, Serenei of Lys. Intelligent and with Valyrian beauty, how could her son not be a descendant of Old Valyria? Now, family issues fixed, now let’s talk about the lordship.
Of course I wanted to rule in Harrenhal, who wouldn’t?!? Especially when you play as Targ descendant with aspiration to hatch an egg. But how to justify my OC taking it over? Thankfully, since 200 AC in game, Harrenhal is ruled by Lady Danelle the Mad, who gets to be similar age as my character, hence becoming a perfect bride-to-be. Even if I had other wedding plans in mind, I couldn’t just get past such opportunity. Having a mad wife? No worries, we can get rid of her later if ever needed.
But playing again, surrounded by characters I knew from the series? When you think of, it is kind of interesting, and a fan like me liked the idea at the time. But no, due to all those sympathies and grudges, I started shipping other characters and tried to interfere with their offsprings, not focusing on my own dynasty enough and getting stuck in save files – so you know, X and Y could have Z children like I wished for. After such experience I rather wanted to set it up at earlier bookmark, hoping my knowledge of characters of that time won’t spoil me the fun again.
But if not descending from Aerion Brightflame like I did before (perfect reasoning for dynasty name, after all), and wishing my character to be Valyrian (Targaryen) blood anyway, where and when else could I place my game start? Reading AWoIaF in the meantime, I finally got into a good conclusion of where and when Justys could get born.
There were lots of Targaryens in history of Westeros, but not many opportunities to have additional one – and from a cadet dynasty, to add things up. But there was one king that didn’t bother much, simply enjoying his life and living lots of offspring, not only the legitimate ones. Yes, king Aegon the Unworthy, fourth of his name, was a perfect candidate for a father of bastard dynasty!
Now I only had to pick the mother. Choosing from king’s multiple lovers (as well as considering other girls to make them), I finally decided to use his last mistress, Serenei of Lys. Intelligent and with Valyrian beauty, how could her son not be a descendant of Old Valyria? Now, family issues fixed, now let’s talk about the lordship.
Of course I wanted to rule in Harrenhal, who wouldn’t?!? Especially when you play as Targ descendant with aspiration to hatch an egg. But how to justify my OC taking it over? Thankfully, since 200 AC in game, Harrenhal is ruled by Lady Danelle the Mad, who gets to be similar age as my character, hence becoming a perfect bride-to-be. Even if I had other wedding plans in mind, I couldn’t just get past such opportunity. Having a mad wife? No worries, we can get rid of her later if ever needed.
What were the changes in storyline?
Knowing that Serenei arrived to Kings Landing around 178 AC, and that she died giving birth to Shiera Seastar (181 AC in mod), I had enough time to put another Great Bastard just in place. This was a good starting point here, another bastard wouldn’t make a difference.
Living with other Targaryens, Justys gets to know his siblings, especially Daeron, the legitimate(?) successor of Aegon IV. This is crucial, because it had to be the king to help situating the bastard as a fiancé to Lord Lothston’s daughter and heiress. To ensure brother’s sympathy, you cannot support Daemon’s claims, so the side taken in Blackfyre Rebellion was rather obvious. Nevertheless, I wondered on marrying with Daenerys Blackfyre... This still might be the thing, but only if Danelle dies. Game allows such scenario more than ‘real’ Daeron the Good would in the books/series. Nevertheless I will keep roleplaying, even if the game mechanics might make it difficult for me.
Squired by Brynden when the rebellion started, Justys has not gained much of a swordfighting experience, being just a competent wielder. More we can say on his travels where he could learn leadership techniques on organizing troops and sieges.
To spice things up, I decided that the son of Serenei would get interested in his Lysene heritage, not to mention his grandmother was also Lyseni. Great in mind but weak in body, future lord resigned of longer fight and after few battles has set sails across the Narrow Sea to get to Lys. Then moving further to Volon Therys and visiting the Temple of The Lord of Light in The Great Plaza, where Justys would convert to R’hllor faith. He met the red priests in Lys and he already knew his mother also worshipped the God of Flame and Shadow. Due to proximity, Justys took the land way to Mantarys, which was really hard and dangerous, where he can buy a Valyrian Steel, and get to the ship back to Lys and later Westeros.
So we have R’hllor lord in Harrenhal. Additionally, when back in Kings Landing, Daeron grants him one of the Last Dragon’s eggs (additional to what we already have).
Other treasure, a sword named True Monarchist, would be rather obvious for a guy with such nickname
But my main inspiration is that in mod files, a Valyrian sword called "the_monarchist" was later renamed to Titan's Bite. How could you resign of such a great name?! So I added a new sword for myself, and named it a TRUE Monarchist, in place of the "false" one.
And if I already planned Justys to travel near Valyrian ruins, then he might have visited one of them, where he could possibly find a sword... There an event chain for this, isn't it? So bam! there's a Valyrian steel sword in our treasury.
Living with other Targaryens, Justys gets to know his siblings, especially Daeron, the legitimate(?) successor of Aegon IV. This is crucial, because it had to be the king to help situating the bastard as a fiancé to Lord Lothston’s daughter and heiress. To ensure brother’s sympathy, you cannot support Daemon’s claims, so the side taken in Blackfyre Rebellion was rather obvious. Nevertheless, I wondered on marrying with Daenerys Blackfyre... This still might be the thing, but only if Danelle dies. Game allows such scenario more than ‘real’ Daeron the Good would in the books/series. Nevertheless I will keep roleplaying, even if the game mechanics might make it difficult for me.
Squired by Brynden when the rebellion started, Justys has not gained much of a swordfighting experience, being just a competent wielder. More we can say on his travels where he could learn leadership techniques on organizing troops and sieges.
To spice things up, I decided that the son of Serenei would get interested in his Lysene heritage, not to mention his grandmother was also Lyseni. Great in mind but weak in body, future lord resigned of longer fight and after few battles has set sails across the Narrow Sea to get to Lys. Then moving further to Volon Therys and visiting the Temple of The Lord of Light in The Great Plaza, where Justys would convert to R’hllor faith. He met the red priests in Lys and he already knew his mother also worshipped the God of Flame and Shadow. Due to proximity, Justys took the land way to Mantarys, which was really hard and dangerous, where he can buy a Valyrian Steel, and get to the ship back to Lys and later Westeros.
So we have R’hllor lord in Harrenhal. Additionally, when back in Kings Landing, Daeron grants him one of the Last Dragon’s eggs (additional to what we already have).
Other treasure, a sword named True Monarchist, would be rather obvious for a guy with such nickname
But my main inspiration is that in mod files, a Valyrian sword called "the_monarchist" was later renamed to Titan's Bite. How could you resign of such a great name?! So I added a new sword for myself, and named it a TRUE Monarchist, in place of the "false" one.And if I already planned Justys to travel near Valyrian ruins, then he might have visited one of them, where he could possibly find a sword... There an event chain for this, isn't it? So bam! there's a Valyrian steel sword in our treasury.
Last edited:
- 1
.png){kind=avatar}
