A/N: JosephLeeCollins, yes I do need to work on my capitalization and I am trying to be very conscious of it. For your other point, the North has experience set backs, they are minimized and down played in this story cause most of the time jumps are done by a book written by Northerners about their history so it is very biased. Lost battles are glossed over, hence, their seemingly problemless history.
raw666, while the Starks blame the Gardeners heavily for giving up their culture, many of the Smallfolk are still following the beliefs of the First Men. This means that salting the fields would have just ruined their lives, while the Gardener would probably not be terribly effected, other than economically.
, just wait and see what happens.
Critas, you addressed you first point, the Starks have been fostering nationalism within their country for millenniums and they don't know much about Essos other than the Valyrain colonies, the Rhoynar, and Gishcari. The Seven isn't real because there is no proof of their existence in the books. Wargs, Green seers, etc exist as proof for the Old Gods. R'hllor legit brings people back from the dead. Storm Gods, Drowned Gods, etc, exist cause in my mind they just appear to be a named god of nature, while the Old Gods are just all of the many gods of nature, both unnamed and named.
AO Black, of course Nationalism is a thing in other kingdoms. However, every kingdom except the North is attempting to do a fully cultural conversion. Something that hasn't successfully happened, at least to my knowledge, anywhere. The First Men smallfolk are already pissed and angry. There hasn't been enough time for the cultural assimilation to happen yet. The Seven haven't been fully integrated into the Kingdoms either. So the Andal smallfolk may try to rebel but they don't even make up for half of the population yet. Am I making sense? Had there been like around 200-300 years before the Southern Kings declared war against the Starks, such a move shouldn't have been possible for the very reasons you have mentioned. But they declared war while they were in a very unstable position.
To everybody else, thank you so much for the review I appreciate every single one, please keep them coming.
After the First Andal Crusade against the North, the North became known as the Grey Heart of Westeros. House Redwyne, House Lux, and House Black swore themselves to House Greyjoy. House Redwynes was furious at the Gardeners and their demand to abandon their ancestral home with the Redwyne fleets or face death. House Redwynes spit upon the Gardener's demands and swore fealty to House Greyjoy. With the newly conquered islands, House Stark was able to award it to new Magnars, who proved themselves in the war, also known as the Andal's Folly, Andal's Breaking, or the Seven's Failure.
House Lux was awarded the Fair Isle. James Lux was a half northern, half western soldier, that saved Magnar Jameson Greyjoy's life. He took on the name Lux, with a golden sun rising over the blue ocean as his sigil. Their words were to be, from dawn we watch. He then swore himself to House Greyjoy and had command of a part of the Western navy. Enough to slow down the Lannisters Navy should they decide to attack the North again.
House Black was given the Shield Island. House Black was an old Northern House. One could trace their ancestors back to the first Magnars to swear himself to House Stark. Their keep in the Neck fell into disrepair as they failed to make significant amount of money. Instead of rebuilding, they had decided to travel through Essos, collecting wealth and knowledge. They had come back to Winterfell 3 years before the attack and was looking to purchase some land from House Stark before the fight. They kept faith with House Stark, even though they were away for centuries. King Thenar awarded them the island because of their history and their eagerness to prove themselves to House Stark. They had also sworn themselves to House Greyjoy.
Seven years after the Andal Invasion, King Thenar "the Diligent" Stark died, and Crowned Prince Theon "the Hungry Wolf" Stark was crowned. As all the previously Stark Kings did, he looked over all of the items in the North. Everything seemed to be well till he reached the Night's Watch. After Brandon "the Breaker" killed the Night's King and Queen, he enacted strict policies to ensure the neutrality of the wall. He could now see it's effects after 2000 years. The Night Fort was beginning to be abandoned and so were two other forts. Whilst this downward decline was very minimal, it was a steady decrease. Whilst the North remembers the necessity of the Night's Watch and the Wall, the southern kingdoms and Andal culture in their dislike of the North, sent fewer and fewer criminals to the Wall. Even with the House Stark's power, they couldn't man the entire Wall themselves and still have an army to defend against the South. So after 3 days of deliberation and praying, he made a bold decision.
He went to the Wall with half of his army and went to the Magnar Commander and said "After taking a close look at the Wall, I have decided to rework the Night's Watch. They have slowly fallen over the 2000 years. Already three forts have been abandoned. Instead they shall be gifted to different houses to rule, all with the singular purpose to watch for the White Walkers."
There was protest from men of the Night's Watch yelling in outrage.
"Members of the Night's Watch, I am not doing this as because of the current members. I do this solely because I fear that the Night's Watch will continue to fall in disrepair and they will not be adequate defense from the White Walker. The order will still exist, and work in tandem with the Magnar of the Wall."
The Magnar Commander Jorah Mormont said "The Wall has maintained 2000 years of neutrality and the Night's Watch has been an honorable institution." with this many men murmured in agreement. "But, King Theon Stark is correct, Brandon "the Builder" Stark built this wall to keep out the White Walkers. The Night's Watch was the defense against the White Walkers and their Night King. It has been written in over 100 books in both the Wall and the Great Library of Winterfell. We are starting to fail in manning and guarding the wall. We have less and less volunteers, I fear in another thousand years, we will not be able to properly use the Brandon's gift. Soon enough, barely any of the forts along the Wall will be manned. To disagree with King Theon, we would be failing the sole reason which the Night's Watch was built upon."
Magnar Jorah then turned to King Theon and asked, "King Theon, do you truly believe that this will be the best course of action to stop the White Walkers should they return?"
"I do."
"Then I shall do as you say. The Order of the Night's Watch shall still remain separate from the Kingdoms, however, we shall work in tandem with the Magnars of the Wall."
"I shall form the Houses that shall man the wall now. Magnar Commander Mormont. How is the Magnar of the Shadow Tower?"
"His name is Jameson Shadow. He says that his first name was given after a past Stark King that helped his grandfather. His last name was given because of his remarkable ability to blend in with the shadows. He was a very capable ranger, only stepping down as the First Ranger to become the acting Magnar of the Shadow Tower."
"Very well, please inform Jameson Shadow that he is the new Magnar of the Shadow Tower all the way till the Greyguard. He shall be known as the first Magnar of House Shadow, and he must make his own sigil and choose his house words. He must also visit Castle Back to swear oaths to House Blackwatch. Now who is the acting Magnar of Eastwatch-by-Sea?"
"A fifth born son of House Umber, your Grace. His name is Jon Umber and he knew that it would be very unlikely for him to be able to inherit anything, so he joined the knights watch. He is both a skilled warrior and a skilled builder."
"Again, inform him that he has to take on a new name, rather than Umber, new words, sigil, and maybe a better name for Eastwatch-by-the-Sea. He must renounce all of his claims on the Umber holding and he must swear his oaths to House Blackwatch and shall be Magnar of Eastwatch-by-the-Sea with hopefully a better name. He shall guard all the way to the Long Barrow."
He did this for two other forts. House Sable was formed, reaching forts thirteen to fifteen, which included Woodswatch-by-the-Pool, Sable Hall, and Rimegate. They took were to take Sable Hall as their Keep. House Icemark was formed as well, reaching from forts five through nine, which included Stonedoor, Hoarfrost Hill, Icemark, Nightfort, and Deep Lake. He made them come to Castle Black and swear themselves to House Blackwatch.
Finally, King Theon turned to Magnar Commander Mormont asked, "And what is your story?"
"I am the third born son of House Mormont. But I also have two older sisters so I will be the last to inherit anything. Rather than hoping and waiting, I decided it would be better for me to move on, and try to make my name as a member of the Night's Watch. I believe I have done well for myself."
"An interesting story, Magnar Commander Mormont. Your dedication to the Night's Watch is extraordinary. Such loyalty must be rewarded. I name you Magnar Blackwatch, Magnar of Castle Black, Guardian of the forts ten through twelve, High Magnar of the Wall. After receiving your oaths from House Shadow, House Sable, House Icemark, and House Eastwatch, you are to get married and continue your line as the High Magnar of the Wall and the Fire that Burns against the Cold."
Magnar Blackwatch looked at King Theon in pure shock, before remembering his manners and said "Thank you so much, your grace. I don't deserve this honor."
"You purpose remains the same. Only this time you may marry to continue your line. Your own personal guard will be the new watchers on the Wall. This way, you can grow on your own, without having to rely upon other Houses. You and the five new Magnars will be the only members of the Night's Watch which shall be allowed to hold their titles, to allow a smoother transition. However, after you step down from the position, the Night's Watch must elect their own new commanders to organize the Watch."
King Ignotus "the Administrator", began to feel the stress of ruling a large successful country like the North as the single central government system. Worried by the size of their country and the difficulties faced in raising a large host, as the Starks needed to properly collect and position their men, King Ignotus began to combat such inefficiencies.
First the variation in laws and ruling by the different Magnars were handled by King Ignotus, when he developed the first code of concrete laws for the North. It was heavily influenced by the old way and was reinforced to all Magnars of the North. They were allowed to deal with local issues, such as economic downturns, property disputes, criminal proceedings, while following the system of law. While the House Stark focused upon their own lands, major projects of their countries, developing and maintaining a fair system of laws, inspiring loyalty within the people, etc.
King Ignotus also worked on developing the communication system of the North. Common messages/commands in summer were handled with a raven, while during winter it would be handled by a squadron of sled riders. More important letters/commands was denoted by a personal messenger. Each Magnars were commanded to maintain as many messengers as there were villages and cities within their lands, so when a host was required, each Magnar could collect them quickly. This in combination with the Great Northern Roads to the major castles and the dirt road to surrounding towns and villages, allowed for effective communication throughout the North.
King Ignotus' laws and communication system would be the foundation upon further Northern development.
Around a thousand year had passed with many Stark Kings. Soon the Dornish and the North had an unspoken agreement to leave the Northern trade routes to the North and the Southern trade routes to the Martells and Dayne, allowing them raising their strength and wealth. The North having one of the biggest forests in the known world, kept and maintained by the Children of the Forest, became a major export in timber and wood and many different wood working techniques. The Daynes secured a good alliance with House Stark for keeping with the First Men culture and were able to use Northern woods to form a great fleet with many trade and military boats.
Ignotus' propaganda begins to take root in the Northern culture with the hero worship of the Starks. Most Northerners were very pleased with their just and fair rulers, whose ideas and visions allowed them a better livelihood. Victories won by House Starks were reenacted by children, and their scholars were revered by many. This worked in unifying the land into a single culture group, as well as providing them with an ingroup that they could rally behind and defend. All of the Northern Smallfolk have an identity as a Northerner, while many of the other smallfolk or peasants in the world, have no sense of identity and therefore care not for who they are ruled by.
2101 years AW: Crowned Prince Osric "the Blacksmith" would develop metal casting as a new technique of blacksmithing, allowing for greater production and much more fine and decorative works.
2131 years AW: Crowned Prince Brandon "the Apprentice" would develop a technique to forge steel. Then he had the Children enchant the steel to make Wintersteel blades. The original Crown of Winter and Ice was reforged out of this more durable and stronger material. The original items being placed in the Hall of Artifacts. While the North would attempt to keep the method hidden in the North, soon the secret began to make its way into the Westerlands. Not being able to keep this secret for much longer, House Stark began to sell the knowledge to gain funds. This knowledge of how to forge steel would make its way to Essos, where House Belaerys would modify this knowledge to create the legendary Valyrian Steel.
2147 years AW: Second Andal Crusade had no success as they break against the walls of Wolf's Watch.
2374 years AW: First Bolton Invasion had no success. While the Boltons supported the Greystark Rebellion centuries ago, this was their first solo attempt at taking the North.
2379 years AW: Third Andal Crusade had minimal success due to weakened troops of the First Bolton Invasion. They make ground through the Stony Shore, however, the combined forces of House Stark, Greywolf, and Ryswell repels them back.
2513 years AW: King Roose "Bloodwolf" Stark after a decade of infiltration, steals the secrets of glass making from Myr using his wargs and more than 3 dozen spies, allowing the North to produce glassworks. He gifts this knowledge to House Greywolf as Winterfell has no sand to use nearby. This begins a bloody trade war between the Myr and the North that has yet to cease.
2590 years AW: House Greywolf using the sand from the Stoney Shore to create great glassworks bring great wealth to their House. Myr and House Greywolf are in constant competition to produce more delicate and more beautiful works of art. This lowers the prices of glass slightly, however, it is not lowered greatly as the two areas learn about Game Theory. King Roose also puts a tariff upon Myrish glass, to stimulate and grow the Greywolf glass.
2668 years AW: King Artos "the Clean Wolf" Stark introduced the bathing house. It is said that King Artos stepped out onto the walls of the middle area of the Wintercity and smelled the growing stink. The men from the middle area and outwards did not have enough money to bathe often, only being able to bathe once a month with the poor having to wash in the nearby river. Due to the weather of the North, that was not often. Therefore, he chose to use the vasts hot springs under Winterfell to make the bathing houses.
All bathing houses in Wintercity was owned by the Starks. The rich area had nice large bathing houses, allowing far more privacy and grandeur. But for the lower classes, the bathing houses were smaller and more compact, however, because of the cheap prices the small folk would use it at least use the bathing house once a week, bringing a large amount of wealth to House Stark.
2798 years AW: Queen Hannah "the Clever" would spend vasts amounts of money to build a dozen great glass gardens in Winterfell to produce more food for themselves and have another steady source of food in case of a siege. She would only build them in Winterfell to have more of their vassals be reliant upon House Stark come winter.
2810 years AW: House Redwyne after marrying with many Northern women, had slowly switching their ways back to the First Men. Their wines brought them great wealth because it was popular among the wealthy southern lords. Whilst other lords can produce their own wines, it was not nearly as good as Arbor Gold.
Seeing this untapped market, House Stark decided to make other alcoholic beverages. After many trials, they had made Stark Clear, a clear alcoholic beverage that would warm you when you drink it and Nordic Ale, another cheap alcoholic beverage for the small folk. Unlike Arbor Red, the Stark Clear was made out of potatoes, which grew well in the North and had a massive kick, often times making first time drinkers choke at the burning feeling. It was a favorite among people who wanted to get drunk quickly and was popular among the richer small folk and Magnars of the North. House Stark also standardized the Nordic Ale, which was the cold drink, meant to please Magnars/Lords, Kings, and even the small folk during feasts. The cool taste of the Nordic Ale and the cheap costs, meant it was served in every major inn and castles.
House Martell produces the best Dornish Red, once again funding their growth in power and strength in Dorne.
House Black decided to made Black Gold, which was made out of Kettle Corn, and was extremely popular amongst very rich lords and Magnars. As corn did not grow in the north well and the brew had to be very closely monitored. They also discovered that their drink tasted the better the older it was. This applied to some extent to Arbor Gold, Dornish Red, and Stark Clear. A 75 year old barrel of Black Gold was sold to House Lannister, House Stark and House Gardener for 6000 Gold Wolves. House Gardener drank theirs foolishly, while House Lannister, and House Stark saved theirs realizing that the longer it was kept the more expensive it would become. House Stark also keeps three 80 years old casks of Arbor Red, thirty barrels of 60 years old Dornish Red and forty 78 year old casks of Stark Clear.
House Stark's Navy could now match all of the other Kingdoms combined and their army was skilled, however, not as numerous as the Gardeners. The harsh seas of Skagos and the Iron Island bred skilled sailors. The harsh lands of the North, bred strong tough men. However, they were only able to reach such a mark for their navy with the induction of the House Redwyne. House Gardener now forced to solely rely upon the Hightower navy.
The First Tongue and the Common Tongue were the two main languages of Westeros. Because the First Tongue already had a form of easy writing, learning the Common Tongue brought no extra value. Only the Vale solely used the Common Tongue. All Lords and Magnar of the other kingdom learned both. The small folk were divided, all members of the small folk of the North only knew the First Tongue, and the Vale only knew the Common Tongue, but the other kingdoms were very mixed and varied with some places even forming bastardized versions of the two languages. This made ruling the South more difficult for many generations as they slowly took on the Common Tongue.
Valyria was still a new civilization compared to the other civilizations. They were only around 900 years old, compared to the nearly 3000 years of the Kingdom of the North and the Ghiscari Empire, 2000 years of the Kingdom of the Reach, Kingdom of the Stormlands, and the Principality of Rhoyne. They were only able to get this powerful this quickly through their dragons and magic.
At the end of every sixth moon, the great dragonlords get together to discuss future plans. The forty Dragonlords were having the great assembly and the discussion turned to Westeros, most importantly the Kingdom of the North.
"Please, no matter how powerful they are do you truly believe that they can stop us? With all of us on our dragons, nothing can stop us. Nothing will stop us!" yelled one of the Dragonlord.
"Are you sure Dragonlord Vicarion!? Because I hear they have Giants and mammoths. Giants capable of wielding massive bows, shooting its massive spear like arrow tipped with well forged steel, much greater lengths with much greater force. These arrows are supposed to be taller than an average man. An accurate unit of Giants would be able to shoot down a dragon with ease. Each Winter King and his family member walking with direwolves the size of horses, wielding magic and fighting with the force of nature itself! They have Wintersteel which rumored to be as nearly as strong and durable as Valyrian Steel!"
"I hate to agree with Dragonlord Belaerys, but the Kingdom of the North is nothing to scoff at. House Stark has ruled the North for 3000 years now, which is far more than any of us could lay claim to. We can not beat them currently. Not while fighting the Ghiscari Empire." said Dragonlord Targaryen.
"Ha! The two youngest Dragonlord thinks that they can order us around!" yelled Dragonlord Vicarion.
"Please refrain yourself Dragonlord Vicarion. You become a Dragonlord a mere year earlier than them. House Belaerys has made more contributions to the Freehold then you or your family has, with their creation of the Valyrian Steel. Besides, they speak the truth. We are not ready to fight two of the world's most powerful kingdoms, especially since it appears that we will war the third most powerful soon enough, when we expand into Rhoyne. Dragonlord Targaryen, Dragonlord Belaerys, and I shall visit the North and see if we can secure a non aggression pact with them." said Archon Dragonlord Veltigar.
All of the Dragonlords nodded in agreement with Archon Dragonlord Veltigar. Dragonlord Vicarion seethe with rage and fury but could not do anything against Dragonlord Veltigar, as they were the most powerful and influential of the Dragonlord Houses and the current Archon of the Freehold.
A/N: Arbor Gold/Dornish Red= Wine, Stark Clear = Vodka, Black Gold = Whiskey. The currency was made and controlled by House Stark hence Gold Wolves, Silver, and Copper Giant. Bronze and Tin has become obsolete. Conversion is 20 silver for one Gold Wolf, 20 Copper Giant for one silver.