A Song of Nice and Fair
While I'm no longer even trying to climb the political ladder, doing nice things for my people has elevated me in one regard: my Piety score. It's climbed so high I've actually been given a real title, a first for my dynasty. I've become a Paragon of Virtue. I am now know as Lord Nobbrick the Holy. Good for you, Nobby.
As I ascend to the rank of Holy, others descend to the rank of dead. My brothers Needrick and Nomordrick both die at The Wall within a few years of each other. Denys Baelish, who my mother tried to assassinate, croaks soon after. It looks like the best weapon to wield against your enemies is time.
Sadly, however, my wife Unella dies of natural causes, leaving me an aging bachelor. A few years pass, and I keep about my quiet life, enjoying board games, holding fairs and feasts, and doing what I can to improve my lands. Harrold's plot against me is still in place. He's added more and more supporters, pushing the plot power to over 100%. I shrug, and go back to ignoring it.
One day, years later, I find myself attracted to a young woman in my court. Her name is Arya—obviously, not that Arya—and we begin a little romance. It's probably not particularly holy of me, but this doesn't seem to be some random fling: Arya genuinely likes me, and I her. It's not long before she becomes pregnant and gives birth to a boy. I name him Endrick.
This leaves me with a couple of choices to make. Arya is a commoner, and marrying her would be a massive hit (-400!) to my Prestige. As far as our son Endrick goes, I can completely deny he's mine, or acknowledge he is my son but not actually welcome him into my family. I could also legitimize him and treat him as a real son, which would lose me some Piety and naturally make my other sons, Nicedrick and Phil, incredibly angry.
What's the right thing to do? The nice thing? The fair thing? It's pretty easy choice, ultimately. Arya and I are in love, so I marry her. Endrick is our son, so I legitimize him. The penalties to Prestige and Piety are considerable, but they really just represent the opinions of other people, which I've long stopped caring about. Screw 'em.
Another war begins in the Vale, over the Paps again, still owned by The Reach. I don't join it. Steffon, my brother-in-law, is replaced with Loras, Steffon's brother, but when the war ends the Reach still owns The Paps, so nothing has changed. Steffon is executed, leaving my sister Donna without a husband. I invite her back to my court. For once, it's nice to have family around.
I'm approaching seventy years of age, ancient for this hostile world. Let plots grow, let wars rage. It's of no concern to me. I'm just an old man enjoying as much peace as he can find. I've got a new wife and son. My sister has come home. I've got children and they've got children.
What more could anyone ever want?
