I'm sure people would appreciate AARs if you write them but they are very time consuming so they aren't compulsory.
The Roleplaying thing can be another option but again not compulsory. You are welcome to send messages to Dorne as Tyrion Lannister.
Ok Quick Background on the relations of the different houses.
House Joffrey is basically an extension of house Lannister. The two are very closely allied and that is why they are played by the same people in this. Joffrey's Mother has the Queen and husband to King Robert. Joffrey and his brother Tommen however are secretly illegitimate sons of The Queen and Her twin brother Jaime Lannister. This means that they have no real claim to the throne (though people believe they do). Due to a long and complicated series of events, The Lannister Lord, Tywin, has invaded the Riverlands, along with his Son Jaime attacking from the other side.
Because of this, along with his father's imprisonment and excecution at the hands of House Lannister Robb Stark, lord of the North has gathered his forces and marched South to aid the Riverlands and House Tully (his mothers house so another very close alliance). The Starks can declare indepepndance but that would eliminate an alliance with Stannis and Renly.
Stannis Baratheon is the rightful heir to the dead king Robert and is Lord of Dragonstone and the islands in blackwater bay. His troops are limited and has to rely mostly on sellswords, though his navy is the best in the game. He hates the Lannisters and would never ally with them. If Robb Starks does not declare his independance then an Alliance with the North is possible. An alliance with his brother Renly would be possible but only if one of them takes back their claim to the throne.
Stannis' younger brother Renly Baratheon, Lord of the Stormlands, believes he can be a better King than Stannis. He is king in the South with House Tyrell's support. He won't ally with the Lannisters unless they bend the knee and acknowledge him as King. The same goes with his brother Stannis. An alliance with The North is entirely possible if Robb Stark does not declare independence.
Balon Greyjoy has proclaimed himself King of the Iron islands. He has a few castles and quite a few soldiers nad can pretty much attack wherever he wants. However Balon would consider it weak to make any alliances so those are pretty much off the charts.
The other two houses are neutral, Dorne and House Arryn
Dorne hate the Lannisters because they murdered the sister of the current faction leader. They also have a long history of war with the Tyrells and the Stormlands so an alliance with Renly his very unlikely.
The Vale of Arryn is tied by marrige to both house Stark and House Tully and so would most likely join them. However the mother of the current young lord is very protective and ideally wouldn't like to risk his life by joining the War.
Just outlined the basic rules of who can ally to who please try to obey them for the first part of the campaign anyway.
Also for all factions you will be asked to become King quite often. In order to keep with the theme please only do it if you are Renly, Stannis, house Greyjoy, House Joffrey, House Martell (unlikely but understandable) or House Stark until the later stages of the campaign.
If you are Renly Stannis Joffrey or Balon, you must declare yourself King. If you are house stark or Martell, it is optional. The other houses not until they campaign has developed.
Anything I missed?
I will fight for Total War Heaven.
Will You?[This message has been edited by The Great Monty (edited 05-22-2012 @ 02:48 AM).]