conversations.from: system
conversations.value: [Opening theme I'm going to pretend is being sung in High Valyrian.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZUpUCvA_Tc)
  
  **Excerpt from a Qarthene Merchant Ship's logs**
  
  *This vessel that I and my men built and rebuilt time and time again with our own sweat and blood... out of the finest Ironwood from the barbarian Wester-lands, and with the sturdiest Anan Silk fashioned our sails... our humble merchant vessel which can outpace a leviathan and dwarfs many a navy's mightiest warships... our dear vessel, the Iron Siren, which is so large that we must often all four of our life-boats rather than dock in many ports... is utterly dwarfed by the great, twisting black towers of Valyria. Qarth is still the Greatest City that Ever Was or Will Be, but Valyria... is certainly a very close second.*
  
  *Words fail me as I attempt to put what I am seeing to words and... ah. The harborman has just landed on his smallest drake and my presence is required on deck.*
  
  The Qarthene merchant in question was soon arrested on smuggling charges, and he and his entire crew were pressed into the fighting pits, where they could either be killed by their former crew-mates, or earn the glory of being devoured by a great dragon.
  
  ----
  
  Welcome to Valyria one and all! 
  
  A few quick notes about the setting. This is loosely based on the *Song of Ice and Fire* series by George R.R. Martin. Wherein I am using some of the hints he provides in the books as to what Valyria was like to come up with a more or less cohesive vision for what their great city and culture might look like.
  
  Basically... the Roman Republics crossed with Ancient Egypt by way of Melnibone and Atlantis.
  
  I'll wait for you to look some of those up.
  
  Good? Okay... basically... from Rome we get a selfish, cruel, but beautiful and honorable (in her own way) Empress presiding over an almost unbelievably corrupt Grand Council, which is formed by the heads of the most influential Noble Houses in Valyria. (depending on how high the stats end up during House Creation, our PC House may end up already being on that Council, or trying to get a seat on it)
  
  From Ancient Egypt we get the sanctified brother/sister incest being a common practice to "preserve the purity of the bloodline", as well as religion and magic being heavily intertwined. As in... religious beliefs inform how magic works in Valyria... or rather how people *think* it works here.
  
  From Atlantis we get a city full of magical and technological marvels the likes of which have never been seen before in all the Known World, and are likely not going to be seen again for over a thousand years. 
  
  From Melnibone, we get a cruel and extremely avaricious society. How cruel? Well... in Michael Morcock's series about Elric, the last emperor of Melnibone... when he foiled an early plot by his cousin against his life... Elric had his cousin's co-conspirators butchered alive, baked into pies, and served to his cousin... and Elric is considered a foppish weakling by his people. That should tell you how fucked up they could get.
  
  So with all of that in mind... I'm thinking the main two directions this story will go are... the family as a whole attempts to up its status through a great project, by setting something up that will last for over a thousand years and secure their place as one of the greatest noble houses of Valyria. And... also investigating what the Targaryeans are up to. (My main thought is that the Targaryeans are the PC family's main opponent for whatever reason)
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: As the title says, make your own, you know your character best. But I would strongly recommend against tying it to social standing or occupation... as those can very easily change. Instead, I'd tie it to your birth status... which can't change... like say... "Commoner", or "First-Born Son/Daughter of the Family"... 
  
  or framing your nature around an essential aspect of your character's personality that never changes completely... it might take on new shades and lose some old ones... but at the core... this aspect is still there, and as such is the foundation of your character's well... *character*.
conversations.prefix: Create Your Own!:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Again, make your own strength, though I'd recommend tying it to Virtues, or personality traits that inform how you approach things that helps you do well here. Keep in mind that Valyria is a very harsh and cruel society, so kindness is unlikely to get you very far.
conversations.prefix: Create Your Own!:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Again, I'd tie this to Vices or some key personality or physical quirk that often holds you back for one reason or another. 
  
  Kindness or Compassion could be a good Valyrian weakness.
conversations.prefix: Create Your Own!:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: As I mentioned in the notes, I'd recommend against making this a long-term goal... and more of a short-term one... ideally one that will be completely played out by the time a chapter ends. It can be a step on your path to achieving your Ambitions, or it can be something that is currently preventing them from pursuing their Ambitions. 
conversations.prefix: Create Your Own!:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: This port rests on the Northern-most edge of Valyria, serving as an entry-point in and out of the very heart of the Valyrian Freehold. Yet, unlike most of the rest of the Freehold, it is largely in shambles, in desperate need of repair and healthy trade.
conversations.prefix: Striixsen:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Though your family has been trying to figure out what to do about the heavy criminal population for centuries... they're still there. Still infuriatingly active in your waters. And though recent efforts within the Household have given the port a little breathing room, it hardly seems enough.
conversations.prefix: Den of Inquity:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: The Lady of House Malvia would no doubt be very grateful for the return of her main Heir. Whatever your reasons, he needs to be found before his disappearance destroys what little reputation House Varanus still has... and destitution is just another word for "generations of slavery" in Valyrian.
conversations.prefix: Find Leads:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You are an envoy from Essos hoping to recruit more followers for the Lord of Light.
conversations.prefix: Red Priestess:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You use every asset at your disposal to get your way.
conversations.prefix: Alluring:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You are far from familiar shores and you know little and less about this strange new world.
conversations.prefix: Stranger:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Since childhood, Valarr has been a dragon rider, inheriting his fathers beast Skyslasher.
conversations.prefix: Dragon Rider:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You know why you were brought to court, you know what they all think, but that's not who you are, you are a red priestess of R'hllor and wish to be accepted as such.
conversations.prefix: Taken Seriously:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Since his childhood, Baelor has wandered through his homeland, even travelling to the contained Fourteen Fires. 
  
  At adulthood, the lands of Essos became open to him and he travelled there, going from the greatest and most celebrated cities to the darkest and most infamous. With his skills, he could be a fighter anywhere in the world, taking service with various mercenary companies and becoming fairly wealthy along the way. But still, he is unsure of where he truly belongs.
conversations.prefix: Wanderer:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Born into a matriarchal world there's not much hope for you in politics. If you're lucky you might make a good marriage, if you have the right abilities.   
conversations.prefix: Second-Born Son:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You have a way with words and illusions. You can be charming if you so desire and persuasive when it matters. Of course it is all based on lies and fabrications.
conversations.prefix: Deceptive:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You love to forget about your troubles and lose yourself in pleasures. Life's too short to hold back!
conversations.prefix: Addictive Personality:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Secrets are a valuable currency. You suspect members of your own household are hiding valuable stories and you are dying to relieve them of the burden.
conversations.prefix: Uncover Secrets:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Baelor is not someone who will hide behind armies, should another force come knocking at Valyrias door. Nor is he someone who will run away unless there is no other choice. From dragonback, on horseback or on foot, he is loved among the men he serves with. 
  
  And the few who engage him in wordplay will ever insult him to his face or in private.
conversations.prefix: Respected and Inspiring.:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Battles of different kinds, social or physical, exist for Baelor. But with the social hierarchy of Valyria, then when the fighting is done, what will he do with his life? How will he be useful to the family? 
  
  And will he be of use at all?
conversations.prefix: The Deepest Fear:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: After years away in Essos, Baelor has returned to find himself unsure of his place, as he was when he left. 
  
  However, showing his loyalty to the family by dealing with a particular group of brigands in the area MAY be just the thing to gain their love again.
conversations.prefix: Earn your Place:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: A born leader.  Whether it is on the battlefield or in a closed council meeting, you find yourself drawn to take charge.
conversations.prefix: Leader of Men:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value:   Tavern brawls, street fights, or armored with a blade in your hands, you have always excelled at combat.  Foes fall before you like so much wheat before the scythe.
conversations.prefix: Born Fighter:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You can fight longer, run farther, and swim deeper than other men.  You tire less easily, and surprise many with your stamina.
conversations.prefix: Endurance:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Lylakk is the descendent from a notable family. She will say whatever it takes to keep her feet firmly in high positions.
conversations.prefix: Scion's daughter:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You know how to use words to charm and influence others, especially when there's something you want.
conversations.prefix: Gifted with words:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Lylakk craves power, and wants what others tell her she can't have.
conversations.prefix: Selfishness:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You are next in line to succeed as head of the family. It is your responsibility to improve your family's situation by reputation, power, or associations.
conversations.prefix: Next in Line:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You have the magic to hatch dragons from dragon eggs. But be careful - dragon magic can only be activated by blood and fire.
conversations.prefix: Dragon Hatching:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Being raised for a narrow purpose has led to a lack of personal growth in your life so far. With no hobbies, no interests, and no creative skills, you make for boring company.
conversations.prefix: No Personality:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Your burden is to make an arrangement that will increase the rank of your family. This can be through politics, marriage, money, or more nefarious means.
conversations.prefix: Elevate Your Family's Status:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Instead of ruling with an iron fist, you find that ruling with a full belly is more to your taste.Your desire to show your influence by impressing and entertaining guests is both time-consuming and expensive.
conversations.prefix: Indugent:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Lylakk is visibly sweet, but she gets the feeling that the Head of House doesn't wholly trust her. She doesn't like this, and will continue to pursue their favor.
conversations.prefix: Charming the Head:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Hired on by the Valyrian dragonlords of house Veranus to help with security, and whatever else they may require.
conversations.prefix: Mercenary:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You've devoted your life to mastering a difficult skill, and, just the same, you apply that same level of determination whenever a problem arises.
conversations.prefix: Disciplined:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You knew your life would be short the day you picked up the bow, so you've devoted this short existence to the simple things, like shiny metals, intoxicating drinks, and pleasures of the flesh.
conversations.prefix: Vices:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You want to be entrusted with more than just *errands*, you want the opportunity to lead instead of simply being led into battle.
conversations.prefix: Your Own Way:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Arcturus is a bastard in name and in nature. Still, his features show his background as well as any. The aquiline nose, high cheekbones and beauty of the Valyrians and the pale, milk white skin of the Qartheen.
conversations.prefix: Bastard:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: No matter the conflict, the deception or the danger, Arcturus knows how to survive situations, through tact and sheer intelligence. You don't live long in Essos unless you're prepared for whatever conflict comes your way.
conversations.prefix: Survivor:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Arcturus has inherited the madness of the Valyrians from his birth and he takes slights and plans vengeance for actions he sees an insulting....even if they were never meant to be.
conversations.prefix: The Madman:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Jago wishes to be more than just a warrior. He's ambitious and cruel and believes he can prove to the family that he can lead at least a portion of their forces into battle.
  
  Jago, however,believes more in the ruthlessness and pragmatism of pit fighters than the knights and soldiers of the household. Therefore, he must become more than just a bodyguard in House Veranus's eyes.
conversations.prefix: Become more than a warrior:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Born last you are the baby of the household. Your older siblings have spoilt and sheltered you and left you naive to the world
conversations.prefix: Youngest Sibling:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You have a heightened empathy to dragons that allows you to converse with them. You get along with dragons like a house on fire... possibly literally.
conversations.prefix: Speak with Dragons:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You are constantly falling ill. Your body is weak and rarely does a day go by without a headache.
conversations.prefix: Weak Constitution:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Your affinity with dragons has yet to reveal itself, you wish to learn more of your calling.
conversations.prefix: Discover your powers:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You like to know everyone's business, whether they choose to share or not...
conversations.prefix: Gossip: