Extract from the personal journal of Jasper Arryn date unknown language unknown

If you are reading this then you and those that helped you get this far are deserving of praise. Firstly, you managed to find this book hidden in the deepest crevice of the Eyrie. Secondly, you did not immediately discard it as worthless you saw something of potential in the strange words that would seem meaningless to you and lastly, you managed to translate it from a language I'm entirely sure that a handful of people in this world know as most. Because it's not from this world after all.

If all of the above is true that leads to one of only two conclusions; you are a genius who by sheer intellect has managed to decode an entire language based only on the duel usage of my name in both tongues on the cover.

Or like me, you are not from this world.

Either way, it should be clear to you know that I have no true intention of this work being read during my lifetime, and if you have managed to reach this stage it must surely be a noticeable time after my death.

Most of the natives of my time are extraordinarily stupid after all, I doubt many would have the capacity to do much. I believe that should be my starting point in any description of my life for it makes the most sense. The people here see only what they expect to see and provided your reputation proceeds you having them respect you but also underestimate you is simple.

Ned Stark with a brain to put it simply if you can't understand I know this might be a bit much for you all at once.

I won't bore you with the details of my life before this one it isn't particularly interesting compared to that of a feudal ruler. It was your typical average 21st-century life except for its ending. After all how many people can say that they got killed because they didn't pay attention during their kidnapping?

For now, I'll skip the excess information and just make you aware that I lived, died, and then woke up in another world that should not exist in a body that should not exist.

The awe factor conserving what shouldn't exist wears of quick just to say.

Instead of who I was before I was now Jasper Arryn son of Lord Jon Arryn born towards the end of Roberts's rebellion. I was aware within the first year or so where I was, I had read George's works after all and while I don't have perfect knowledge of the situation, I was aware enough to know that I was out of place.

Not that I was going to look a gift horse in the mouth anything would be better than being Robbin or Robert whatever Arryn from cannon, not that the lad was much better here regardless of my presence.

I feel like if you've gotten this far you have probably already noticed a stark contrast in attitude than what my reputation shows and my real self. I'll just say it straight out, for the most part, the Jasper Arryn you have read of is a lie. A tale I fabricated from the moment I truly became aware enough of my surroundings in King's Landing to start making my plans.

To put it simply while I wouldn't call a hero in any way shape or form, while I don't even now after all I've done see myself as evil I was aware from the start that I wouldn't allow myself to be limited by the honor and or pride that everyone in this world seemed infected with. I didn't care about doing what was right and just, nor did I truly care about the Arryn line beyond its immediate existence. My number one concern was as always me and mine changing worlds wouldn't change that dying probably made that belief stronger unsurprisingly.

But moving swiftly on to paraphrase I was an outsider entering into this whole with almost zero respect for any of its traditions and practices, I say almost because it's very hard to hate such a stratified social system when you're on the top and intending on staying there.

Regardless, of how stupid I thought much of it was I was equally aware that admitting to any of it wouldn't do me well so from the outset I did my best to prove myself to the world as the finest example of what a lord, what a king should be.

I threw myself into my studies well I would say that, but it all came easy to this new body. Perhaps it was the advantage of an extra three decades of life experience or there was truth to noble superiority, selective breeding for the best traits perhaps?

Well regardless, life was good I was excelling at all aspects and being rightfully lavished in praise for it, sure I was living in a castle and city that was literally full of shit but I was also waited on hand and foot as was rightful for my station, and with how easy I finished my lessons I had all the time in the world to be lazy and carefree something I had never received even in my first childhood. My father and the court looked upon me as the perfect heir that any lord would be proud of.

I did not like my Lord Father much.

Perhaps that was being a bit cruel Jon Arryn for all intents and purposes was a caring parent just one that was distant in the standard manner of nobles of this era. His age and workload probably didn't help much but I couldn't help but be reminded of my first dad someone that only saw me for my purpose to extend the Arryn line rather than as a person. He cared but was always more of a distant uncle or mentor than what would pass as a parent in my old world.

At least, unlike my brother, I could be reasonably sure that I was of my Lord Fathers' body and seed. If my father was too distant then my Lady mother Lysa was far too much. While in my youngest years she had yet to degrade to the level she would in cannon it was clear even then that she was unhinged. Several miscarriages in succession, the news of her sister's apparent fertility, and a distant husband probably helped in her degradation. It was sad in its way in my old world Lysa Tully would be an abuse victim given all that her father husband and society did to her, but here she would be labeled mad, strange, and dangerous.

Perhaps that was why when Littlefinger was brought to the capital I kept my mouth shut mother other deserved this at least, and if Robert 'Robin' Arryn looked only vaguely like my mother and nothing like my father well that was none of my business really.

However, I was soon growing restless in the capital, playing the child even the prodigal one for seven years and the smothering approach of my mother was preventing me from thriving. So, when my Lord father announced after Balon's hissy fit that I was to foster and squire with Lord Stannis the Mannis himself I was excited to say the least, for I would finally have the chance to get out of the constricting life of the capital.

Oh, how wrong I was.

Lord Stannis Baratheon of Dragonstone a man who would capture fans hearts and one day claim the title of King it's easy to see why watches and readers alike praised the man when taken in contrast with the clear amorality of House Lannister and blind-honor to the extent of stupid of the starks the mans realistic but fair attitude seems by far the most appealing as a King.

Until you have to live with him that is.

If my Lord father Jon had been too distant then Stannis was far too controlling, he took an active interest in the lives and running off everything within his domain, the man saw it as his duty to make sure that all was as it should be. A fine idea in theory but a true pain when you weren't the one making the decisions.

The worst part was how well it all worked, under Stannis Dragonstone had never been more efficient or profitable and his methods slightly adapted slowly worked my way into my ruling style as I aged.

Gods was the man boring but I did respect him and I think I wanted him to be proud of me in his way I didn't notice it at the time but the way he took an interest in my learning and would ask me questions at dinner was almost parent-like, fatherly. Without my notice, I started trying harder for him, my skill at both rulership, arms, and the learned arts flourished, and his praise became something of a lifeline for me. Having him be proud of me was looking back a highlight of my time at Dragonstone and the feeling of shame and disappointment when he caught me with a common girl when I was 13 who would stay with me for the rest of my life. I would dearly miss it when I left his service far early and before I was truly ready.

It only made what I would do years later far harder.

I had taken a liking to young Shireen as well; the girl didn't deserve what she got from life. What had started as a potential marriage candidate had turned into a small bond but a bond, all the same, I cared for her far more than I did the brother of my blood for certain. I would make sure that she at least lived a good life.

By the time I was nearing Fourteen the feeling of restlessness I had experienced in King's Landing was returning. I was aware that I only had a few more years until my father would die and I had no intention of stopping him the sooner I had the power to take my own actions the better.

I needed hard experience as a man of my own beforehand, I did not know enough of the Vale and to return there I needed to get out from under Stannis. The best way I could achieve that naturally was by completing my squiring that is by becoming a Knight.

The exact details were trivial but at a tourney held by Tywin in the Westerlands, I snuck into the lists and competed as a mystery knight.

My skill at arms hadn't been exaggerated to me and I was able to perform well until the semis where I came against bronze Yohn I put up a good show allowing a near match before letting him de-horse me I didn't want to offend a major vassals pride by beating him at fourteen.

I took the loss with dignity as was expected and after formally apologizing to Robert, Tywin my father, and Stannis for entering the lists Yohn praised me for my martial skill, grace in defeat, and humility, and with permission from Jon and Stannis, I was knighted on the spot.

Yohn offered me a place with him over the next years as I had hoped he would, and I formally requested permission to leave Lord Stannis's service.

He seemed sad when I asked, I realize now, perhaps he would miss me, or perhaps he was aware far before I was that I wasn't truly ready to accept the burdens of manhood yet. Regardless he agreed as was expected and the agreement was hammered out id spent the next two years learning rulership from Yohn and Nestor Royce before taking over as regent of the Vale.

The ruling was…difficult

For one who has never held power, true absolute power it is almost impossible to express the sheer difficulty that comes with leadership.

A lord has power over all those who pledge their loyalty to them and while that power brings great boons it comes with the greater obligation to do well by the people under you. In this world before democracy, few people had the power to control the fate of others at a simple word with the full legal might of the state behind them.

Lord Yohn took me first to his seat runestone and allowed me to observe his leadership for several days before letting me sit the same throne the bronze kings had several millenniums ago. It had looked easy but within hours I found myself with the life of a man in my hand. It was a drunkard murderer a crime witnessed by dozens and the law was clear.

The man who passes the sentence must swing the sword, if you would take a man's life you at least owe it to him to look him in the eye and hear his final words. While carrying out sentences personally wasn't common in the vale the principle was there could I look this man in the eye and demand his life?

I escaped having to make the decision this time the man speaking out and requesting to take the black. But the man's face stayed with me and even now I can see it with perfect clarity.

Other aspects of the ruling came easier, my academic skill made managing finances easy and I had a certain skill with settling disputes.

I spent nearly a year under Lord Yohn at both Runestone and the Eyrie learning the nature of the rule. Shortly after turning 15 I took up full-time residence in the Eyrie and the gates of the moon and began managing the direct Arryn lands while learning the details of managing and running a Kingdom from Nestor Royce my father's high steward.

I also spent this time building relations with my future vassal's Royce, Corbray, Grafton, Waynwood, and others. I also became acquainted with my great uncle the blackfish who was serving as Knight of the bloody gate.

I also made what I would later call my first true friend in this world, the politicking of this place meant most people were at most acquaintances. Add this to the fact that a large amount of the people whom I had interacted with until this point were decades my elder made forming bonds difficult.

Ser Albar Royce was Nestor's son and only a few years my elder, we became friends over in the yard training together and soon I took him into my confidence. Ser Albar was ambitious to an extent beyond his station and while I did not share much with him, he was more aware of my real personality and the possibility for progression if he remained in my trust and confidence.

I gathered a court of young Lords and heirs to my side to help build my reputation as an upcoming warrior lord. During this time I will admit that I considered inviting my cousin's bastard brother Jon Snow as he was then to join my group but decided against his role on the wall would likely be vital in the coming years and he earned himself enough fame and glory by his own efforts anyway in the end.

I spent near a year ruling the vale with increasing power as I approached my 16th birthday upon which I would be made the complete regent and high steward. The only limiting factor to my rule was my father giving Lord Nestor the right to veto any actions I would take that he would disagree with forcing me to delay several plans I was aware that I would likely be ascending in full soon after however, I had done little to interfere in cannon and during my time under Stannis I had seen him becoming increasingly suspicious of the lion's bastards and had even shared a few conversations over the inheritance of features in children.

In addition, my mother and Baelish were still in the capital meaning that I was not surprised to received news that my father had fallen ill. I put up an image of a panicked son preparing to hurry to his father's side although I was well aware that there would be no reunion between us.

Within a week news came of my father's passing and I was now formally Lord Jasper Arryn, Lord of the Eyrie, Keeper of the gates of the moon, Defender of the Vale, and Warden of the East. In truth little changed except for my formal dismissal of Nestor although he still maintained a place upon my council.

I spent around six weeks in the Vale while my lords renewed their oaths of fealty to me and mine before departing to Riverrun where I would stay for a week before joining with the royal procession from Winterfell to King's Landing where I would swear my fealty to the Iron Throne.

The following years which would define my life and legend began here.

As I was leaving the Eyrie the first noticeable effect of my exitance in this world appeared, a raven from Stannis, with a man in control of the Vale whom he had helped raise he was seemingly more confident in his approach to inform me discreetly that he saw my father's death as suspicious. The message was depicted as simple condolence as would be expected for a lord to send to his former ward, but the hidden implication was clear to see.

The next surprise was Lord Stark, getting to meet the famed Eddard in person was about what one would suspect he seemed hesitant to approach me however and so I played a slight gamble. Betting that the circumstances of father's death were the same as in cannon and spoke to him in private about the letter that thankfully Lady Catelyn had still received from her sister whom I would later learn had returned to the Eyrie only shortly after I had left missing me by only several days.

I spent some time with Lord stark discussing his suspicions and pointing him towards the Lannisters before making my excuses not to remain in the capital stating the need to be seen in the Vale as its new Lord.

I left Kingslanding and went once again to Riverrun where I stayed once again with my grandfather and uncle for the sake of my developing plans having these two as on side was vital and besides, they were family and good people. Uncle Edmure especially while often depicted as incompetent in the books and made a mockery of in the show Edmure seemed to have one trait not found in many high born across the realm he truly cared for his people in a way beyond what they could do to him and his obligations to them. Even then it was clear to see the beginnings of Good King Edmure who was beloved by his people to an extent that even I never truly managed.

My time in the Riverlands allowed me to be introduced to the Riverlords and their heirs that my Uncle seemed to keep as his court. I spent a near on month traveling through the lands and made an impression upon them accordingly.

I also encouraged my Uncle to write to my cousin Robb starting up a regular correspondence between the two and building the family relations that had would become vital during the coming years.

I also began talking to Robb with increasing regularity, while I had always maintained some form of basic correspondence with all of my Stark cousins on some level it was not until I became Lord of the Vale and Robb the regent of the north that our common roles as rulers gave us something to discuss regularly. It was here that I decided that if for all his flaws and honor Eddard Starks biggest flaw was his smoothing his kids.

Yeah, I get it he had reason to be protective of the family after what happened to Rickard, Brandon, and Lyanna but he had gone out of his way to ensure that his kids were safe which had also crippled their education and knowledge of reality.

Robb has been thrust into a role he was not prepared for and his cannon mistakes made far more sense in this light. His letters clearly showed the extent of his struggles. The strong and respected King in the North that would come to rely on as my greatest vassal was nowhere to be seen If it wasn't perfect for me, I might have even been angry at uncle Ned. As it were I took the chance to offer him advice and take him under my wing and within weeks it was clear he saw me as a mentor and deferred to me as we discussed both rulerships and as the year dredged on and my campaign against the clans began military matters where I saw that his cannon battlefield genius hadn't been exaggerated.

On that topic while I was away the Vale had not been ideal, using the increasing Mountain clan raids in previous years as a casus belli I radically stepped away from my father's policy of leaving the clans be and prepped the Vale for the first full-on assault of the clans for a generation.

This had been a plan in the works for several years now from building a martial and honorable reputation to getting the Vale lords on side all for the sake of preparing for the war of five kings I knew was coming. To ensure an early advantage I would need the Knights of the Vale 10,000 heavy cavalry mobilized as early as possible. A multiple month-long campaign that were entirely justified was the perfect opportunity.

I returned to the Eyrie and called my banners summoning my lords and ordering the mobilization of the Knights. To the Vales defense within 3 weeks I was able to muster 4000 of them and began my campaign while the rest prepared.

The maesters write praises of my time in the Vale fighting the clans, but to be honest if the right lord does it the maesters would tell great tales and write complex papers on the density of their shit.

It wasn't a campaign it was a slaughter a chance for the Knights to bloody themselves. We were more like the Dothraki killing for sport.

I spilt the Knights into groups of between 50 and 100 and let them have full reign ordering them to search and destroy all those of clan heritage they came across. The Knights had all sworn to defend the innocent and to protect all women, but I don't doubt for a second that when their blood got hot they didn't cut down men women, and children, didn't rape and mutilate them perhaps not even in that order.

I'll also admit I don't care it was good to desensitize them early, killing is hard after all. I learned that myself during this time.

Any group of Knights I was personally in of course acted only the most honorable as did many that were in close proximity to me a reason, I suspect that the clans survived at all. I had ordered men to their deaths before even seen many die before my own eyes but it was deep within the mountains of the moon with Ser Albar and Ser Harold the second in line to the Vale amongst others that I took my first life.

It was nothing spectacular my group encountered a band of clan's men from the burn men, commenced a cavalry charge, and cut them down like the dogs they were.

They say you never forget the face of your first kill, I never got a chance to look at mine before I ruined his face.

My campaign was exalted across the realm by the bards and singers and even received personal approval from the king himself via his Hand. Stannis even wrote congratulating me for bringing justice to the criminals.

In truth it wasn't a war it was a genocide the Milk snakes, Burned Men, and Stone crows were wiped out to the last man any remaining women and children being assimilated into the remaining clans as they fled to hide in the mountains. The maester's say they will never recover that the losses wouldn't have left enough behind for sustainable repopulation.

A whole people nearly exterminated on my direct order now living on borrowed time, that was the power I now carried as a Lord.

After all that blood, I was praised for what I had done the smallfolk was joyful and my Lords many far older than me looked upon me with blind loyalty. I had proven myself as the dutiful and chivalrous lord to them carved a pedestal for myself out of the blood and was exalted for it.

The scourge of the mountain clans would be the first time the Steel Falcon unsheathed its claws, but it wouldn't be the last.