The Dragonseeds and Their Loyalties

This thread traces how the crown recruits riders from Dragonstone’s bastard-descended population, only to discover that dragon power cannot guarantee loyalty.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Dragonstone’s Seeds

A Hidden Reserve Dragon-Blooded Descendants Targaryen lords have long fathered children among Dragonstone’s smallfolk. The descendants are known as dragonseeds and live close to the royal dragons. Power Without Status Their possible blood connection gives them access to dragons but not a secure place in noble society. War creates an opportunity to change that balance.

Jacaerys Makes the Offer

The Sowing Begins A Need for Riders After losses in battle, Jacaerys calls for men capable of claiming unclaimed dragons. He promises lands, honors, and knighthood. A Risky Recruitment The appeal extends beyond noble houses. It may strengthen the queen’s forces, but it gives untested men access to weapons capable of changing the war.

Four Dragons Claimed

New Riders Rise Attempts and Deaths Many candidates are killed or maimed as dragons reject them. Seasmoke, Vermithor, and Silverwing accept new riders. Nettles’s Method Nettles wins Sheepstealer with patience and repeated offerings of sheep rather than any proven royal descent. Her success makes bloodline a less certain measure of who can ride.

The Betrayal at Tumbleton

Power Turns Against Its Patron New Status, New Demands Ulf White and Hugh Hammer receive knighthood but resent the modest rewards. Both seek greater authority and wealth. Allegiance Changes At Tumbleton, the dragonseeds change sides. Their actions help the greens win a devastating victory and make every later recruitment seem dangerous.

Addam Proves His Loyalty

A Different Kind of Seed Flight from Suspicion Rhaenyra orders Addam Velaryon arrested after Mysaria accuses him of disloyalty. He escapes rather than wait for interrogation. Loyalty in Battle Addam gathers riverlords and attacks the enemy at Tumbleton. He dies fighting against the betrayers, proving that bastard birth predicts neither loyalty nor betrayal.

Before the Dance, on Dragonstone

Late 129 AC, after the Gullet

Late 129 AC, during the Sowing

130 AC, during the First Battle of Tumbleton

130 AC, at the Second Battle of Tumbleton