Game of Thrones: The Road to Pirate King

Chapter 210 Scattered Powers

Lisa spread the secret report out on the huge chart table, the candlelight flickering on her focused face. She began her report in a clear and steady voice: "First, there's the 'Three Daughters Kingdom'—the alliance of Rhys, Tyrosi, and Myr—based in the northeastern archipelago." She lightly touched the location of Bloodstone Island with her fingertip. "They possess sixty to seventy warships, including twelve formidable large galleys, with a total force of approximately three thousand six hundred men, making them the most powerful force in the region."

"They operate under the guise of the 'official navy,'" Lisa said with a hint of sarcasm, "but in reality, they systematically plunder merchant ships, traffic in people, and levy exorbitant tolls on all passing vessels. Notably, they maintain illicit dealings with certain lords along the coast of Dorne."

66

She pointed to the middle of the sea: "Secondly, there is the 'Pirate Alliance' entrenched on unnamed islands such as Grey Gallows Island. They have thirty to forty small and medium-sized warships and a force of about two to three thousand men. Although their equipment is rudimentary, they are familiar with every waterway and every reef, and they roam this sea like sea serpents."

"They are skilled in guerrilla tactics, often disguising themselves as the fleet of the Three Daughters Kingdom to carry out deception and plunder," Lisa added. "However, this alliance is riddled with factions and lacks unified command."

Finally, her finger traced the scattered islands: "The most noteworthy are these scattered pirate gangs, which are like sea cockroaches scattered across the islands. Although the individual gangs are not large, the total number may reach one hundred to two hundred small longships, with a total force of about five thousand men."

6

"These outlaws are poorly equipped, live by sniping, and are constantly fighting amongst themselves." Lisa raised her head, her eyes flashing with the sharpness of a strategist. "That's why they are both a force worth recruiting and converting, and could become our greatest asset—or our greatest obstacle. These pirates are the most numerous, and if used properly, they can be turned into a sharp blade in our hands."

"6

Lisa spread another thick roll of parchment on the table, densely covered with detailed information about various factions. The candlelight flickered on her earnest face as she began to report on the pirate groups that dominated the Stone Steps Islands: "The Bloodfang Gang," she pointed to Grey Gallows Island, "is based in Blackrock Bay, numbering about three hundred, and owns eight modified longships. Their leader is Bloodfang 'Godric,' a slave trader wanted by Tyroth. Each member wears a necklace of bronze fangs around their neck as a mark of distinction." Lisa's voice tightened slightly, "They are said to have sails tanned from the skin of captives, and they specialize in attacking slave ships and caravans, known for their cruelty and bloodlust."

She moved her finger: "The Brotherhood of Fog Shadows, based on the island of Cruel Abyss, number about 150 men and possess five specially made fast ships. Their pirate flag is a black background with a silver scale pattern on the cloak. They are composed of a group of exiled assassins from Valantis, who are skilled in ancient nautical charts and astrological secrets." Lisa added, "The leader is called 'Fog Shadow,' whose true identity is unknown. He is adept at using dense fog to launch attacks, appearing and disappearing unpredictably."

6

"The Blades of the Tides," her fingertips hovering over Ronin Island, "about two hundred men, with six swift warships. Their stronghold is in a cliffside cave, and their pirate flag bears a poisoned, wave-shaped dagger. Founded by Orion Vishy, ​​a bastard from the Valerian family." Lisa's tone held a hint of amusement. "These pirates specialize in attacking ships from the Three Daughters Kingdom, their raiding style a blend of aristocratic elegance and ruthlessness."

Lisa continued her report: "The Skull Galleon Fleet, based at the Broken Sword Island shipwreck graveyard, comprises three large galleons and approximately four hundred outlaws. Their flag is a simple white skull and crossbones design. Their leader is 'Captain Skeleton' Malos, a former slave trader from Mil. This group of pirates is notorious for their brutality, frequently displaying captives nailed to the masts."

"The Iron Claw Mercenaries," she said, pointing toward Blackwater Bay, "about three hundred and fifty men, with ten Dornish-style warships."

The pirate flag is a broken sword with an anchor embedded in it. They are composed of exiled Dornish mercenaries, skilled in using Dornish scimitars and poisoned darts. "Their leader, 'Scorpion' Cahill, is known for collecting ransoms without indiscriminate killing, but is extremely cruel to his enemies," Lisa added.

"The Abyss's Throat," Lisa pointed to the disputed area, "about two hundred men, with five merchant ships converted into warships. Their pirate flag is a skull and crossbones with a gold coin stamp. They operate near the black market, specializing in selling stolen goods and providing logistical support for pirates; they're more like a maritime gang than pure pirates."

“Iron Island exiles,” her finger landed on Broken Bones Isle, “about one hundred and eighty people, with four longships in the Iron Islands style. Their flag is a broken anchor of the Drowned God. They are composed of Ironborn driven out by King Coron, and their leader is “Broken Anchor” Urgen.” Lisa’s tone was somewhat complicated, “They specialize in attacking Lannister merchant ships, their raiding style characterized by the ferocity and efficiency typical of the Ironborn.”

"The Ghost Fleet," Lisa pointed to Misty Island, "is unclear on the specifics, but they are said to possess three ghostly warships. Their pirate flag bears the image of a ghost ship. They appear and disappear mysteriously in the Misty Zone, attacking passing ships but never leaving any survivors, so very little information is available about them."

"6

"The Black Sail Avengers, based in the Cave of Broken Souls, number about 120 and possess three black sailing ships. Their insignia is the Bloodstained Black Sail. Little is known about them, but they are said to specialize in attacking the slave ships of the Three Daughters Kingdom."

.

“The Gold Tooth Raiders,” Lisa’s finger moved to the mouth of the Meadow, “about a hundred men, with three swift sailing ships. Their base is in an abandoned lighthouse, and all members wear gold tiger tooth necklaces. A privateering fleet assembled by Myr jewelers, specializing in robbing rival jewel merchant caravans.” Her tone was laced with sarcasm. “Their leader, Leo Tiliano, was originally a jeweler, and now he’s the one who knows the jewel merchant ships’ routes best.”

Finally, she pointed to Screaming Rock: "The Howling Fleet, about 250 men, with six large transport ships. Their base was located in a cave complex, and the prows of their ships were carved with weeping women. They were pirates organized by the Tyrothy slave owners specifically for the slave trade, but in reality, they were a privateering fleet that provided 'protection' for the slave trade."

"6

Lisa looked up, the candlelight flickering in her eyes. "These are the pirate groups we've already investigated on the Stone Steps Islands. Each has its unique fighting style and territory. Understanding these will help us develop more effective strategies." She continued, "Going forward, we'll need to continuously gather information on more pirate groups to see which ones we can win over, which we can utilize, which we can bribe, or which we should simply eliminate!"

Euron's fingers traced lightly across the map of the free trading city-states on the opposite shore of the Narrow Sea. "We have informants in every port city-state—from the merchants of Pentos to the dockworkers of Braavos, from the assassins of Myr to the slave traders of Rhys," he said, his voice low and calculating. "But now, we must weave this intelligence network even tighter and deeper."

"Pay close attention to the movements of Rhys, Tyrosh, and Myr. I need to know the lavish banquets of every great lord, the secret transactions of every merchant guild, and the departure times of every warship." Euron's fingertip tapped heavily on the locations of the three city-states. "We need to know their ambitions and fears, their alliances and betrayals, everything."

Lisa nodded solemnly, her eyes gleaming with understanding. She had already begun to plan how to mobilize the spies lurking in the free trade city-states, and how to make those greedy merchants and disillusioned nobles their eyes and ears.

Euron's self-illumination shone into the distance, seemingly piercing through the waves and time, landing on a familiar figure. He had not forgotten Edwin Ramirez—the pirate captain who had sailed alongside him for three years, forging a bond amidst storms and bloodshed.

The candlelight flickered in the study as Euron picked up his brush, dipped it in ink, and wrote characters on the parchment. Edwin's face appeared in his mind: the scar across his left eye, the ever-present cynical smile, and the cunning that would turn the tide at crucial moments. They were once partners who shared fine wine and spoils of war, and comrades who had covered for each other in the midst of battle.

"Old friend," Euron paused slightly, "I wonder if you still retain that heart that yearns for freedom and explores the unknown."

Euron was unsure whether Edwin would come to his aid.

Since parting ways in Rhys three years ago, they have gone their separate ways. But Euron needs a true pirate—a free spirit who understands every undercurrent and every power in the Steppes, yet is not bound by any kingdom.

The letter gradually filled up in the candlelight, and Euron branded the end with the sea monster wax of the Greyjoy family. It wasn't an order, but an invitation, an opportunity.

"I hope the waves carry my message to the right ears," Euron murmured to himself. This former friend might just be the pawn he needed on the Steps Isles.