The history of Game of Thrones is dominated by conquerors leading massive armies and dragons to consume and control every square inch of Westeros. Noble families wield immense power for the cause of more influence, and most who dare to resist are burned to cinders. Freedom fighters rarely accomplish much, and even the occasional act of righteous resistance tends to put a despot on the throne. Those seeking an example of valid and successful anti-imperialism can look no further than the Stepstones.
The few kingdoms who resisted the assault of Aegon the Conquerer earned due praise. Aegon's dragons handed him the Iron Throne. Dorne kept their independence thanks to their natural hazards and guerrilla tactics. The North wielded similar advantages but willingly surrendered to avoid a losing battle. While they maintain their noble cultural identities in the face of the Conquerer, the Stepstones keep a sort of freedom by abandoning nobility as a concept.
What are the Stepstones?
The Stepstones are a tropical chain of islands located between Dorne and the old continent, Essos. Twelve or more islands make up this uncontrollable border zone. Only three of the land masses are named in the books. The largest and closest to Dorne is called Bloodstone. Due south, one can find Grey Gallows. Finally, Torturer's Deep is mentioned in a brief preview of the sixth novel. The Free City Tyrosh holds the northeasternmost island in the chain, with a larger body on the mainland. Some believe the Stepstones once formed the Arm of Dorne, the land bridge connecting Essos to Westeros. The First Men crossed the Arm to settle in Westeros, but they enraged the indigenous species, and local magic users destroyed the bridge. Legend has it that the Stepstones are the chunks left behind by the Arm of Dorne.
Who Invaded the Stepstones?
Various armies are in consistent conflict over the Stepstones. The Free Cities fight for control, occasionally prompting interference from the Seven Kingdoms. None have kept the land for long. Aegon's Conquest missed the island chain, freeing its residents to exploit the chaos. Stepstone residents invaded Cape Wrath in the eastern Stormlands while Aegon rode dragons north. The mighty king quickly drove them away once he noticed their attack. Aegon's great-grandson, Jaehaerys I Targaryen, faced a similar rebellion. He, too, won his battle, but he lost his oldest son in the melee. Daemon Targaryen enjoyed the most success in the Stepstones, but his temporary hold on the islands was more of a shaky sellsword occupation. He eventually abandoned his post, considering it ungovernable.
Then came the War of the Ninepenny Kings and the final Targaryen to try his hand at conquering the Stepstones. Maelys Blackfyre was the last in a long line of Blackfyre Pretenders. His family line descended from Daemon Blackfyre, the bastard son of Aegon IV Targaryen. Maelys proclaimed himself the rightful heir to the Iron Throne. Born in Tyrosh, he raised an army of mercenaries to sack the Stepstones on his way to Westeros. Maelys the Monstrous was a nightmarish figure, standing freakishly tall with a vestigial second head growing out of his neck. King Aegon V Targaryen sent an army to the islands. Sir Barristan Selmy slayed Maelys in single combat, ending the brief victory of the one half-decent attempt to conquer the Stepstones.
Why Can't Anyone Keep the Stepstones?
In short, the Stepstones are lawless hives of scum and villainy. Pirates rule the roost, creating temporary settlements and harassing every ship approaching the northern Free Cities. The outlaws, mercenaries, and marauders who call the Stepstones home will fight tooth and nail to destroy any who dares impose outside rule. Westeros and the Free Cities frequently mount armed missions to wipe out pirates, but all that fall are quickly replaced. Every would-be conqueror, save Maelys the Monstrous, has surrendered the Stepstones to their rightful owners. Each supposed King of the Stepstones and the Narrow Sea gave up trying to tell the local pirates what to do. The criminals can't hope to defeat any standing army but resist the rule of law through sheer perseverance and endless illicit behavior. To quote spice trader Illyrio Mopatis,
Autumn is a season rife with storms, and pirates still make their dens upon the Stepstones and venture forth to prey on honest men.
Everyone who speaks about the Stepstones considers them among the worst places in Westeros. Its denizens hurt the innocent shipping ventures that pass through, often denying or stealing necessary provisions from people who need them. A trip to the Stepstones could bring certain death for anyone unfamiliar with sailing or sellswords. While the Stepstones are far from perfect, their commitment to lawlessness is inspirational. It's an island chain that lied, cheated, stole, killed, and partied its way to thousands of years of independence with brief, commercial-like breaks for invasions. It's not a strategy any other area would consider, but pirates are pragmatists above all else, and no one can argue with the results.
