A Historical Recount of House Dragaryen From the years 136 AC to 300 AC

Article 2: And What of The Targaryen's?

The Targaryens Through the Years (200-300 AC): The Rise, Fall, and Legacy of Maelys the Fiery Dragon and His Descendants

The Targaryen legacy, once synonymous with power and the rule of dragons, saw one of its most tumultuous periods during the reign of Maelys the Fiery Dragon and his bloodline. The last hundred years have been marked by war, rebellion, and the slow but persistent erosion of Targaryen dominance in Westeros. This account will follow the key events in the Targaryen history between the years 200 and 300 AC, detailing the significant figures, conflicts, and outcomes that shaped their fate.

Maelys the Fiery Dragon (Reign: 201 - 211 AC)

Maelys Targaryen, also known as the Fiery Dragon, was the son of Helaena Targaryen, who died in 201 AC during a devastating plague that swept the land. Maelys inherited the Targaryen legacy but quickly earned a reputation for his cruelty, corruption, and indulgence in debauchery. He fathered numerous bastard children across Westeros, further tarnishing the already fragile reputation of House Targaryen. His reign was defined by tyranny, and the smallfolk, as well as many noble houses, grew increasingly discontent with his rule.

In 211 AC, a rebellion erupted led by Omar Footly, who sought to overthrow Maelys and end the Targaryen tyranny. Omar's rebellion gained support from several powerful houses, including the Vale under Lord Raymar Arryn, who would become instrumental in the Targaryen downfall. The rebellion culminated in Maelys being dethroned, and he went into hiding, disappearing from the public eye for several years.

Ragnar Targaryen: The Hidden Prince and the Struggle for the Crown (215 - 273 AC)

During Maelys' exile, he had a son named Ragnar Targaryen in 215 AC, who was hidden from the chaos of his father's reign and the resulting rebellion. Ragnar spent the first 25 years of his life in obscurity, but after Maelys was discovered and executed by Lord Raymar of the Vale in 222 AC, Ragnar emerged from hiding. His rise to power was marked by political maneuvering, wars, and a determination to reclaim the Targaryen legacy.

In 243 AC, Ragnar Targaryen received a dragon egg as a gift from his late mother, Helaena. The egg hatched into a dragon he named Aililex, which became his companion through numerous conflicts. With Aililex at his side, Ragnar waged wars and sought to rebuild Targaryen influence, though his reign was constantly plagued by rivalries, betrayals, and the growing strength of new dynasties like House Silverwing.

The Death of Maelys the Dragon Reaver (273 AC)

Ragnar's son, Maelys the Dragon Reaver, was a warrior of great skill and brutality, much like his namesake, Maelys the Fiery Dragon. Maelys the Dragon Reaver, however, met his end in 273 AC during a fierce battle against Russel Silverwing, a powerful dragon rider and the ruler of House Silverwing. The conflict between House Targaryen and House Silverwing reached its peak in this battle, as Russel's forces stormed the Targaryen camps and massacred nearly all of Ragnar's children.

Maelys was killed by Russel in a brutal fight, but the aftermath was even more devastating for the Targaryens. Russel's dragon riders, alongside their dragons, rained fire upon the Targaryen forces, incinerating all but one of Ragnar's children. Ralf Targaryen, the only surviving heir, was safely inside a castle during the battle. In a fit of rage and grief, Ragnar and his dragon, Aililex, attacked Russel and his dragon in a legendary clash. Though Ragnar fought valiantly, Aililex was no match for Russel's mightier dragon, which ultimately devoured Ragnar whole.

The Modern Targaryens in the Year 300 AC

By the year 300 AC, House Targaryen has seen a drastic decline in both power and influence. However, the blood of the dragon still flows in the veins of a few surviving members of the family, and they continue to play significant roles in the political and military landscape of Westeros.

Ragnor II Targaryen, the eldest son of Ralf Targaryen, is the current King of the Crownlands and Master of Ships under King Peremore Silverwing. Ragnor II is a skilled leader, commanding the loyalty of the Targaryen bannermen and still holding some sway over the remnants of his family's former territories. Though his title is mostly ceremonial, his position as Master of Ships keeps him in close proximity to the centers of power.

Sigfry Targaryen and Boreemund Targaryen, the younger brothers of Ragnor II, serve as knights in the Kingsguard. Though loyal to King Peremore, they remain dedicated to House Targaryen's resurgence, should the opportunity arise. Both brothers are formidable warriors and fiercely protective of their older brother, Ragnor II.

Fergon Targaryen, known as the Black Dragon, is an uncle to Ragnor II and the only other surviving member of the Targaryen family from the massacre in 273 AC. Fergon survived by joining the Night's Watch, where he earned a reputation for his dark, brooding nature and unmatched combat skills. Though officially sworn to the Watch, rumors persist that Fergon harbors dreams of restoring the Targaryen name to glory.

The Legacy of Ragnar Targaryen and the Future of House Targaryen

The fall of Maelys the Fiery Dragon and the decline of the Targaryen dynasty marked the end of an era for the once-great house. However, the survival of key members of the family, such as Ragnor II, Sigfry, Boreemund, and Fergon, keeps the legacy alive, even in these diminished times.

With the Iron Throne now ruled by Peremore Silverwing and his lineage, House Targaryen has been relegated to a shadow of its former self. Yet, as long as the blood of the dragon remains, there is always the possibility that a Targaryen will once again rise to prominence. The year 300 AC brings the Targaryens to a crossroads. Ragnor II stands as a capable leader, but he lacks the power to challenge the Silverwings openly. The question now remains: will the Targaryens continue their slow decline into obscurity, or will the heirs of Ralf Targaryen find a way to restore their family's name and power in a world that has largely moved on without them?