The First Clash

Prelude
The First Clash was marked by intrigue, diplomatic maneuvering and a new, bloody style of total war waged in the riverlands. It ended when the great council of powers declared Jon Arryn II king, which was widely regarded as a bad move. The reign of King Bran the Broken was a disaster for the Seven Kingdoms, as he granted independence to everyone who wished for it and fractured the powerbases of almost all the Great Houses. This lead to a significant decrease in administation and economic growth in the Seven Kingdoms, which was only ended by his untimely demise. After his death the First Clash began almost immediately because of the immense power vacuum that was left behind.

Participants
Jon Arryn II

Keira Lynne Stark

Yudis Tyrell

Joseph Dondarrion

Balon Greyjoy II

First Phase
The First Phase was marked by territorial expansion, as the great powers saught to regain the territory and riches they had lost due to Bran's policies. This lead to disagreement and conflicts in many places, but primarily at the great stronghold of Harrenhall.

Both the communist Trident Union and the religious zealots of the Crownlands laid claims on the stronghold of Harrenhall. The council decided to give this territory to the Trident Union under condition of religious dominance from the Crownlands in the territory, but was appalled when the political commissars of the Trident Union slaughtered the missionaries of the Seven sent by the crusaders. This diplomatic incident was a cause of war for the Crownlands, who were backed by the Reach, Stormlands, Vale and Dorne. The Trident Union tried to hold out together with their only ally, the Westerlands, but was overrrun in a matter of months. The fighting here was exceptionally bloody, and convinced many of the lords that an all-out war for the throne might mean there wasn't a throne to claim at the end. This meant that the war was over, and the second phase began.

Second Phase
The second phase was marked by diplomacy and intrigue instead of swords and steel. The plans and schemes of the first clash where bound to come to a head at the great tournament at King's Landing, where almost everyone gathered to plot and murder. Instead, the intrigue and plots where cut short when the Council of Powers used a loophole in the rules of war to name Jon Arryn II king, and ended the First Clash of Kings. This was much to the dismay of everyone involved except Jon.

Aftermath
The aftermath of the First Clash was the weakest monarchy Westeros had ever seen. With the wealth of the Great powers expended and their militaries weaker than that of their peers, the monarchy of Jon Arryn II was a short one indeed. Scholars still debate if a second clash could have been avoided if the royal line was stronger and more powerful, but we may never know. For what it's worth, the First Clash proved to every Great House in Westeros that indeed, even the most unlikely candidates could become King if the bar was this low.