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Chapter 23 - Chapter 23: The Hammer, The Ship, and The Secrets of Myrosh

The Myrosh sun streamed through the high windows of Maegor's solar, illuminating the dust motes dancing in the air. He sat at his rough-hewn table, the warhammer, now materialized beside him, gleaming dully. The scent of fresh lumber and damp earth, carried on the breeze from the growing Dothraki settlement, wafted through the open archways. He had reviewed his new assets from the Game of Chance: the warhammer, the common ship, and the intelligence report. Now, it was time to put them to use.

His first thought went to the Warhammer (Uncommon). Its weight felt good in his hands, balanced despite its imposing size. He had no particular affinity for hammers himself, preferring the precision of a sword or the brutal efficiency of a spear like his Serpent's Sting. But he knew just the man for it.

He sent a guard to summon Gor. The burly axeman arrived moments later, his face grimly expectant. "You sent for me, my lord?"

"I did, Gor," Maegor replied, pushing the warhammer across the table towards him. "You have served me well. Your strength is undeniable, your loyalty unquestioned. This weapon is suited to you."

Gor's eyes widened as he saw the hammer. He reached out a calloused hand, his fingers tracing the smooth, dark steel of its head. The weight, the balance, the subtle hum of its inherent power – it was instantly clear this was no common smith's work. He hefted it, a faint grin spreading across his usually stoic face. "My lord… this is… magnificent."

"It is a weapon of breaking," Maegor stated, his eyes cold. "Wield it well. Let it shatter our enemies."

Gor dropped to one knee, the massive hammer held carefully in his grasp. "My thanks, my lord. I will make our enemies regret ever facing it." He rose, already swinging the hammer in a practice arc, a fearsome glint in his eye.

Next, Maegor turned his attention to the Common Ship (Myr Standard). He had tasked Jorah with expanding his naval assets, but simply gifting him a ship from thin air was impossible. The System, however, was a tool of extraordinary capabilities.

He focused his intent on the System interface. Find a way to give this ship to Jorah, he commanded silently. Make it appear as a plausible acquisition, as if through normal merchant channels.

The System responded immediately, a new notification appearing:

[ System Query Acknowledged: Ship Transfer ]

Initiating plausible acquisition scenario.

A Myr merchant vessel, the 'Sea Sparrow', has recently been impounded in the port of Tyrosh due to a minor smuggling dispute. Its owner is in dire need of quick coin to resolve the matter and avoid further complications. A broker, known to Captain Jorah's network, will 'discover' this opportunity and discreetly offer it to Captain Jorah at a highly advantageous price (far below market value, but plausible for a distressed sale). The remaining Gold Dragon balance will be automatically adjusted from your funds.

Estimated Time for Transfer: 3-5 Days.

Maegor allowed himself a rare, satisfied smile. Brilliant. A plausible narrative, executed seamlessly. He would inform Jorah in due time, guiding him towards this "opportunity." It maintained the illusion of normalcy while expanding his maritime capabilities without any direct magical interference on his part.

Finally, Maegor turned to the most crucial acquisition: the Intelligence Report (Myrosh Region) - Uncommon. This was where the real work would begin. He unfurled the thick parchment.

The report was meticulously detailed, far beyond anything he could have gathered through conventional scouting. It was a comprehensive overview of Myrosh and its immediate surroundings:

Population Demographics: Not just numbers, but breakdowns by profession (farmers, artisans, fishermen), by language groups (Common Tongue, various Essosi dialects), and by lingering loyalties (some resentment towards the previous rulers, but deep-seated fear of the Dothraki).Key Resources: Rich farmlands, timber forests to the east, iron ore deposits in the southern hills (small, but viable), freshwater rivers. Local crafts included leatherworking and basic weaving.Trade Routes: Detailed maps of land routes leading to Pentos in the north, Myr to the south, and even minor paths connecting to the Dornish Marches in Westeros (though these were dangerous). Sea lanes to Pentos, Myr, and Lys were also charted, with noted shipping traffic.Local Power Structures: The former ruling family (now ousted by Drogo), their minor vassals (some surrendered, some fled), influential guilds, and even religious leaders. Hints of minor, independent sellsword companies operating in the wilder parts of the region.Potential Threats/Resistance: While the Dothraki had crushed overt resistance, the report noted pockets of resentment, a few isolated bandit groups in the forests, and the underlying fear that might turn into defiance if not managed. It also highlighted the proximity of Myr, a powerful Free City that might view a consolidated Dothraki presence as a threat.Hidden Opportunities: The report casually mentioned several abandoned mines (potentially containing more than just iron), and a few ruins rumored to hold ancient, forgotten secrets. His Valyrian Insight (Tier 3) pulsed faintly as he read this section, hinting at the presence of Valyrian artifacts.

Maegor spent hours poring over the report, a grim smile spreading across his face. This was exactly what he needed. It transformed the raw conquest into a strategic landscape. He could consolidate, manage, and expand. He saw the paths for resource extraction, for securing loyalty through careful governance, and for identifying and neutralizing threats.

The report gave him a comprehensive understanding of his new domain. He knew which fields were most fertile, which forests held the best timber, where the fresh water sources lay. He could plan out the Dothraki settlements, ensuring they were strategically placed for both defense and agricultural potential. He could see how to integrate the existing populace, to turn them from resentful subjects into productive contributors to his nascent kingdom.

"Knowledge is power," the ancient Maegor whispered in his mind. "And this is the foundation upon which empires are built."

Myrosh was not just a conquered territory; it was a strategically vital foothold, a training ground, and a resource hub for the war to come. He would not just be a conqueror; he would be a builder. A king who understood the very ground his power stood upon.

He rolled up the intelligence report, his mind already formulating plans. The Dothraki were building their houses. The castle guards were drilling. Viserys was being broken and reshaped. And now, Maegor held the blueprints for Myrosh's future. The consolidation had begun

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