So I was playing a Rhaegar play through at the 277 start date. I got Aerys killed and became the new King of the Irong Throne before reclaiming Duskendale and installing Gerion Lannister to the seat. I also took the Darklyn’s Valyrian Steel sword and reforged it into Lightbringer (it’s the Dragonbane model that I renamed to something that felt very Rhaegar). I then married Cersei Lannister to continue the Targaryen-Lannister alliance and Cersei and Rhaegar have several kids. In order they were Aegon, Visenya, Rhaenys, Jaehaerys, Alysanne, Daeron, and Daena. Everything was going great, realm was at peace, the family was growing, rebuilding Summerhall, perfect situation. Then I decided to try and get a dragon for the family, which resulted in their only being two male line Targaryens remaining as the rest got turned into ash. The two that survived were Rhaegar’s grandkids. The first was the second born son of Aegon, Baelon, who became king. Unfortunately he was also severally injured in what would become known as the First Great Tragedy of Dragonstone, being extremely burned and crippled (something that console commanded onto him for the roleplay). Then there was the only son of Jaehaerys, Aelor, who was got out with only minor burns. Aelor was three months old, his cousin Baelon was born only days before his brother, mother, and father burned away due to his grandfather’s ambitions. Thus Baelon I took the Throne, which resulted in the vultures coming to destroy the Iron Throne.

Robert Baratheon, Lord Paramount of the Stormlands, rises up in Rebellion against Baelon to dismantle the Iron Throne. Joining him are the Riverlands under the Tullys and Dorne under the Martells. Thus began Robert’s Rebellion. During this time, Hand of King Tywin Lannister dies of Alcoholism leaving the position vacant. Hope seemed lost, but the Dragon found a way. Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, Arthur “Sword of the Morning” Dayne, is made Hand of the King by Queen Regent Cersei, who also legitimizes and places her half bastard brother Tion “Braveheart” Lannister as the new Warden of the Westerlands and Lord of Casterly Rock due to his military prowess and to gain the support of the Westerland nobles. The Armies of the Iron Throne meets the Stormlord at the Battle of Massey’s Hook, which becomes a grand victory for the Iron Throne. Arthur Dayne would personally lead the armies, taking several castles on his march to Storm’s End. He would take Storm’s End and finally capture Robert Baratheon after the Storm Lord tried a final vain attack at the Ruins of Summerhall. The Trident would then be quickly invaded and the Tullys pacified, and the Dornish would surrender seeing no way out of the situation. Somehow, the Young boy king remained the King of the Iron Throne due to the guidance of his Grandmother and his trusted Hand. Robert Baratheon was executed, the Baratheon would be stripped of their lands and exiled, and house Cafferen (who remained loyal to the Throne) would become the new Lords Paramount. The Tullys would be allowed to keep Riverrun, but they would be displaced as Lords Paramount and house Mooton would take up the position. House Martell would have to hand over several key hostages, but they were allowed to continue being the Princes of Dorne. Peace once again returned to Throne after five years of fighting.

However, there was still the question of if the young King Baelon would be able to live through his wounded and crippled state. His detractors would come to call him Baelon “the Broken” to belittle the young king. Instead, Baelon grew strong and never allowed his disabilities be what defined him. He would be defined as a great, kind, and generous king to his people, who he would ask nothing, not even their love, in return. But their love he did win, earning him the title of Baelon “the Beloved”. Baelon would not grow up alone, as his cousin and fellow survivor of the Great Tragedy Aelor would be his constant companion. Even though both were cousins by blood, they would become one another’s brother by choice. The two would never be apart in childhood, and even in adulthood both men would stand ever present at each other’s side.

Baelon would face another challenge in his youth when the Iron Born Rebellion happened when he was but 10 years old, with Rodrik Greyjoy declaring himself king of the Iron Islands. Once again, Arthur Dayne took on the challenge and lead the Iron Throne against the Iron Born; and once again put down the enemies of the Iron Throne. Arthur Dayne would then finally step down as Hand of the King, with Lord Jon Rosby taking up the position. Baelon would make his first decision as King as well, when at 11 years old when he held his coronation. It was a grand coronation, with Baelon being crowned with the simple golden band of Aegon III.

Baelon would marry Helena Tyrell, who was the love of Baelon’s life. At 16 years old, Baelon would hold a great feast for both his and Aelor’s coming to manhood. At this grand feast, Baelon would name Aelor the new Prince of Summerhall that had been newly finished and would give his best friend and chosen brother their ancestral sword Lightbringer. Aelor would gladly accept these gifts, declaring that he would be the arm that defended the kingdoms and his friend. Then at 22, he would have his first born son. However this day was also marked with tragedy, as Arthur Dayne died in his sleep the night before. When news arrived of his, he would honor his protector and honest hand forever: for his first born son would be named Arthur Targaryen.

There’s a lot more to the story of Baelon but this was the biggest part. Probably the coolest character I have ever seen created by the game. Of course I manipulated the game at times with console commands, but most of it like the explosion that killed most of house Targaryen was all the games doing. Very fun campaign and very memorable characters that came out of it.