How Would You Rule the Iron Throne with No Dragons or Magic?

Would you claim the Iron Throne and rule over the Seven Kingdoms? Or would you recognize the complexity of such a task, understanding that it requires more than just a noble title? In this article, we explore the challenges and potential reforms one might consider if they wished to rule Westeros with limited means and limited resources.

Understanding the Feudal System and Power Brokers

Asedicine even with formidable powers like dragons or magic, ruling a land as complex as Westeros demands a different strategy. No man can rule alone; support from various power brokers and lords is essential. Without these alliances, your reign would be short-lived, regardless of your claim to the throne.

The traditional feudal system of Westeros is deeply entrenched. To claim the Iron Throne without the backing of influential lords and vassals is to invite rebellion and conflict. As King Aegon V discovered, attempting to disrupt the status quo without the support of the powerful will result in deposition or worse.

Gradual Reforms in the Crownlands

Given these constraints, the most pragmatic approach is to focus on reforms within the Crownlands, the region directly under the authority of the Throne. The Crownlands, while rich in resources, have long suffered from restrictive policies and limited opportunities. Here are the reforms that could be implemented to drive positive change:

Lifting Bans on Peasants’ Travel and Encouraging Migration

Lift travel bans on peasants to allow for greater mobility. Encourage migration into the cities to foster economic growth and diversify the population. By moving people towards urban areas, you can create a more dynamic labor market and stimulate the economy through increased trade and commerce.

Establishing Limited Public Education

The Crownlands could benefit from the establishment of limited public education. This would set the stage for a more informed and skilled workforce. By investing in education, you can create a foundation for long-term economic stability, technological advancement, and cultural development.

Setting Up a 'Citadel' for Knowledge and Training

Create a central institution similar to the Citadel at Oldtown but tailored to the needs of the Crownlands. This would serve as a hub for scholarly pursuits, training, and innovation. With a robust intellectual community, the Crownlands can attract talent and foster an atmosphere of enlightenment, contributing to a renaissance of knowledge and culture.

Lowering Barriers to Trade and Sponsoring Industrialization and Higher Productivity

To boost economic activity, lower trade barriers and encourage industrialization. By fostering a thriving manufacturing sector, you can increase productivity and create jobs. These economic reforms will not only make the Crownlands wealthier but also serve as a model for other regions to follow in their quest for prosperity.

Ensuring Support and Limiting Reforms

While these reforms could be significant and transformative, they must be carefully implemented to maintain the support of local lords and lords elsewhere. Avoid pushing these changes beyond the Crownlands, as the influence of local power brokers is substantial. Assure other lords that these changes will not be enforced outside of the Crownlands, and emphasize the gradual nature of the reforms.

The best type of change is gradual and done in stages. By making these reforms and ensuring they remain in place for your successors, you can create a foundation for stability and prosperity that future rulers can build upon. This cautious approach might not secure you the Iron Throne in the traditional sense, but it can still make a substantial impact and pave the way for a more enlightened and prosperous realm.