Ever so slightly confused about the situation at the start of AFFC

[Ohmylord]

Aren't Mace (Lord Paramount of the Reach), Cersei (Lady Paramount of the Westerlands), Roose (Lord Paramount of the North), Petyr (Lord Paramount of the Vale and the Riverlands) and Doran (Lord Paramount of Dorne) supposed to be vassals to the Iron Throne at the AFFC start date? Why are they independent realms? And why are there numerous Lords in the Stormlands who are simply Independent?

And why is Aegon not of the House Targaryen but the House of Essos? Is it because we're still not sure about his true identity?

SO CONFUSED D:

 

[Kablob]

It's the megawar system. Whenever there's a civil war in Westeros all of the LP's become de-facto independant and can choose which side to back or to remain neutral. Similarily, bannermen of the LP's can choose whether to support their liege or not.

If Aegon wins the throne, an event changes his dynasty to Targaryen and sets his parents as Rhaegar and Elia.

 

[Ohmylord]

Oh! Thank you! That makes a lot of sense/