The Struggle for the Vale

This thread follows the competing claims after Jeyne Arryn’s death and the crown’s unsuccessful attempt to impose a settlement.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Jeyne Names an Heir

A Succession Is Designated The Chosen Successor Jeyne Arryn names Joffrey Arryn, a distant cousin who has served her loyally, as her heir. An Inheritance Contested Closer kin reject the choice, arguing that blood proximity should outweigh the will of a dying ruler.

Three Claims Emerge

The Vale Divides Rivals Gather Support Eldric Arryn claims through his father, while Isembard Arryn uses wealth to win support. Joffrey relies on Jeyne’s testament and established allies. Law Meets Force The dispute threatens to become a civil war, with each claimant able to attract lords and armed followers.

Rowan Sends an Army

The Crown Intervenes A Command Is Ignored Lord Rowan’s attempt to settle the succession through the regents fails when the Vale claimants refuse to submit. Two Approaches The crown sends a land force through the mountains and a naval force toward Gulltown. The campaign risks exposing the limits of royal authority.

The Mountain Campaign Falters

The North Road Fails Snow and Ambush Ser Robert Rowan’s army is slowed by deep snow and attacked by mountain clans. Cold, hunger, and casualties erode the force. A Dragon Appears The column encounters Sheepstealer and Nettles. The dragon’s attack adds further losses and confusion to the campaign.

The Crown Cannot Settle It

A Costly Impasse A Weak Military Result The surviving army reaches the Bloody Gate too depleted to force a decisive conclusion. The naval success at Gulltown cannot settle every claim. Authority Remains Contested The attempt to enforce Jeyne’s chosen successor leaves the Vale divided and the regency politically weakened.

Late 134 AC, before Jeyne Arryn dies

134 AC, after Jeyne’s death

135 AC, after negotiations fail

135 AC, during the march to the Bloody Gate

After the Bloody Gate campaign, in 135 AC