Recent History:

House Tyrell is a house of upstart stewards, to some of those you might ask in The Reach. Some say the Gardeners should be brought back, even if they would refuse to bend the knee to the Targaryens. Others would simply disagree- they would argue that this is a Great House founded on chivalry and honor, a House that serves as the breadbasket to the Iron Throne and it's primary military strength in times of war. The Tyrells are the House that have maintained peace and the beautiful landscape of The Reach, from it's rivers and bountiful fields, from being ravaged by the processes of war. Either interpretation leaves the conclusion simple- they are exceptionally lucky, compared to the rest of Westeros. The lands of The Reach have always remained beautiful, from any observer's eyes. From the coast to the Dornish Marches and the greenery between, it is easy to understand why this region is blessed, both with more than ample food security and a chivalric background. Where the days go by, and the flowered and wheat filled fields, with the gently meandering rivers and white castles that remind the people of The Reach that it is good to have the Tyrells in power. On the surface, of course.

The Tyrells are the Wardens of the South, defending the southern frontier of the Seven Kingdoms against occasional Dornish squabbles, though their impressive military might is not often used. The sheer size of The Reach, as the second largest kingdom of the Seven, second to only The North, means that whilst it can be difficult to muster troops to rally in any given direction, the possibility of being able to call 80,000 bannermen is not one that is underestimated by any of the family. Garland and Alerie remain both unmarried, and this is a huge threat- though the sprawling nature of the Tyrell family means that even if it were to pass to Rickard, there would still be a number of heirs, albeit far more along the cadet branches of House Tyrell. The dynasty is particularly strong, with the cadet branch of Tyrell-Hightower and Brightwaters are two that come to mind when looking at great lords within the Reach that are indirectly ruled by a different line of the golden rose, and means that it would be very difficult indeed to completely extinguish the whole family. Like their emblem, the family of the Rose has it's roots planted in many a place.

The Tyrells went into the War of the Five Kings strong and emerged from it stronger, being able to begin overruling their neighbouring Lannisters, and begin to change the tide of balance in King's Landing. Mace Tyrell created a strong influence upon the Baratheon-Lannister thrown, and whilst he was never Hand, he had at the very least, made a displacement that began the wheel of change for the family. However, the Targaryen Restoration was something that Mace did not account for, and he was vehmently opposed to this notion of opposing the Crown and suppoting Daenyerys, supporting the King and his married at all costs; out of love for Margaery, he sent men to fight the Targaryen Invasion. His family, members such as Willas, Garlan and Loras, among other bannermen, and many others in the Reach stubbornly disagreed with this view, with memories of previous Targaryen rule greatly benefiting The Reach as opposed to the mess that had been inherited by the Kings of recent times. Mace Tyrell backed the Targaryens when Robert Baratheon raised his flag in revolt...so why did he disagree with their restoration at that time? Few can say for certain, but Mace was found dead before the Targaryens even reached the unspoilt lands of the Reach.

His mysterious death has still never been explained, and there is many a rumour. Some say that his son, Willas, pushed him off the highest tower in Highgarden, some say that it was suicide. Mace was simply found dead at the base of a tower in Highgarden, and his maimed son, Willas, succeeded him- this much is very true. The "Lame Lord" was a man who was clever, one of the Kingdom's best Falconers to boot, and knew the Tyrell-Targaryen fate was intertwined; after all, it was the Targaryens who brought the Tyrells to the Lordship of The Reach, when Aegon I Conqueror united the Six Kingdoms. He bent the knee to Daenerys Targaryen, and in the rest of the Targaryen reconquest, actively provided troops to her armies, assisting in the demise of House Lannister and the then generation of the Freys and Boltons. The death of the Lannister dynasty was something he enjoyed spectacularly, finally getting rid of those who had proved problematic for his brother and sister in years past, and within King's Landing itself. Willas Tyrell, whilst being a "Lame Lord", knew what this new Queen could bring, and served her without question, becoming her Master of Coin. His son, Jamie Tyrell succeeded him, Gregor Tyrell, Garland's Uncle, was born to Jamie as his secondborn, bringing us to the current day- where peace, and relative stability has existed within The Reach.

The years have been kind to the Reach, and whilst the economic growth is slowing down, The Reach's coffers are still very, very full. Some are mooting that Gregor Tyrell's rule were the "Flowering Years", or the period of time in which the Reach saw almost no bloodshed compared to it's neighbours, and sustained economic development. Ports thrived, cities expanded, castles were built, and to some extent, this continues into the beginning of Lord Garland's rule. The gold mines of the Westerlands do not exist here, but grain, wine, as well as weapons crafted in the forges of The Reach, have created astounding amounts of wealth- perhaps alongside that of the Tyrells' fingers in the machinery of the coffers of the Seven Kingdoms always giving them a little more money than they deserved. Highgarden, Hightower and The Arbor are thriving in trade, and even attract shipping from as far afield as Astapor and Qarth, such is the demand for the wine and products produced by the relatively peaceful Reach. From the last hundred years, the Tyrells have had a huge impetus in shaping the politics of The Iron Throne, being the long-term trusted partner of the Targaryens following Mace's death, expected to be it's most loyal and obedient follower. The Reach has not become involved in affairs of other Houses- they have left House Crakenhall to develop, seeing that they have their own squabbles to deal with, as did the formerly depleted houses of Baratheon, Arryn, Tully and Stark. But things have changed, and perhaps now, the Tyrells will be forced to change their long-term tactics in King's Landing, in order to change for these different times, with war to come.

The death of the infant Lord Alestair Tyrell due to disease left the responsibility of running The Reach to Garland Tyrell, his cousin- and who most would agree was far more capable of rule than a mere child. The lack of siblings that Alestair had meant that the line passed over to Garland; and meant that Garland was the new Lord Paramount of The Reach, with the chance to bring about a new order of things. Whilst Garland was perhaps not the most experienced or wisest of all rulers now in the Seven Kingdoms, he was able to find legitimacy in his own people at his young age, and able to get to work on making sure his vassals did not get any ideas of their own expansion. Inexperienced, yes, talented, indeed.

Quickly asserting his rule, the unmarried Garland was able to muster up against any squabbles over succession, and eventually, put himself back into the position that his uncle had been in, that of a Council role for the Targaryen Dynasty. Ever since the restoration, the Tyrells have been the right hand family for the Targaryens, even more so than the He served as Hand of the King for the last two years of his rule, and whilst many questioned why such a young man could do such a job, Aegon X clearly saw political merit to bestow this upon him, it seemed. Garland was unquestioningly loyal to the smart King, and they got on well as good friends. This, and Daenys looked favourably upon Garland, though Garland did not like the twin Targaryen one bit, finding his attitudes and suspected homosexual feelings towards him creepy; and making sure to keep away at Council meetings. Making him Hand meant he effectively administered the Kingdoms that Aegon ruled, and this was something that he did well considering that war never broke out and...well, the once well-known game didn't repeat all over again, though he was forced to leave more sensitive matters to Alerie, knowing she was a far greater Spider than he would ever be.

So in short, the Tyrells are now left with many options on the table- be it outright claimership of the Throne, deposing the Targaryen figment of power, or continuing to serve whatever King is on the throne, as they have done for centuries. It will be difficult to determine, but Garland, an upstart Lord Paramount, has been thrown into a situation that will push his abilities to rule not just his own Kingdom, but perhaps take seat on the Iron Throne itself. Such an action could be difficult- Garland is only just respected in the Reach, so what a conquest and claim to the throne could present could be difficult to determine.

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Heir: Rickard Tyrell (15) (Will Require Regency from Willas or Lyanna)
Seat: Highgarden, The Reach
Claim to Power:

Garland is still undecided on his course of action, though whatever it may be, will be a significant one. Garland has no claim to power- he has only a claim by conquest, and previously serving Aegon X as his Hand, which would perhaps put him in a good light to succeed the deceased King as the next popular ruler of the Seven Kingdoms, or at least instating another member of his family to rule as the King, someone such as Willas even being a good candidate for this. In some ways, it would be a natural progression- if might is right, then the Tyrells, with their forces, could pull it off, it would be the difficulty of keeping other Houses on side. However, if he does go for this route, he has 80,000 men, perhaps almost 100,000 with mercenaries paid for by the Tyrells' vast coffers, and it would require a coalition of houses to stop such a force like that. The commanders of the Reach are a mixed bag- some are seasoned veterans, such as the lords of House Peake and House Tarly, who provide some of the Reach's greatest generals, whilst others are barely even aware of what bloodshed looks like, so much so has the Reach been in peace. Prior to Aegon's death, the Tyrells have usually been in coalition with other families, be it Targaryen or Lannister when it comes to fighting wars, yet now an opportunity arises for the Tyrells to break free and forge their own path, a bloody one, but one that could place a Rose on the Iron Throne.

Family Members:

Gregor Tyrell, Former Lord Paramount of The Reach, deceased (55)
Lyanna Tyrell, Former Lady Regent of The Reach, 47
-Alestair Tyrell, Former Lord Paramount of The Reach, deceased (4)

Moryn Tyrell, Gregor's second youngest brother, deceased (50)
--Garland Tyrell, Lord Paramount of The Reach (21)
-Alerie Tyrell (17)
-Rickard Tyrell (15)
Willas Tyrell, Gregor's youngest brother (45)

Lord Loras-Hightower Tyrell (36)



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Name: Lyanna Tyrell
Age: 47
Personality:

Lyanna is why Alerie is the Queen of Thorns, a woman with a heart that is practically made of the stuff, being cold, calculating and particularly cynical. She is harsh, and has an uncanny ability to see straight into a character, rather than any deception they put up. Her reclusive nature following Gregor's death has not rubbed off onto Alerie, however- this being more self-imposed, and perhaps for the Reach's benefit, so as not to be a backseat driver in Garland's rule. She seems to now be more interested in simply educating, and doesn't interact an awful lot with Garland and Alerie, sticking to her own and not being involved in courtly politics as she once was.

Biography:

Lyanna Tyrell (nee Ashford) was born to House Ashford, growing up in the flowing fields of the Reach, and as a young girl, took to harps, to gossip, and to reading well. She took to boys, and to their secrets, to their little games and to what they did. And she read them like a book.

She married the dashing Gregor Tyrell barely aged 20, back when he was in the middle of his tourney career, and it seemed strange then, that the two only ever produced one kin, Alestair. Whilst you would have thought that such an exceptionally attractive couple would have probably had more time together than they did, Gregor's absence in King's Landing, wining and dining, alongside Lyanna's chaste, meant that they did not find themselves flinging themselves at each other much. But that wasn't a problem. Lyanna enjoyed it, and she always kept Gregor's realm with a close eye over his shoulder, always making sure to look after, to take care of what he did not. The women of the Reach are good at this, it seems. Gregor was ruler in title and presence, Lyanna was his shadow, and perhaps, more influential than Gregor himself.

Gregor's sudden death, followed a few years later by Alestair's, left the once strong, deceptive and extremely wily woman to mourn, and it seems to have had a long-term effect. She did truly show affection for Gregor, even in his older age, and herself, had run out of challenges. Younger breeds were coming along, and bringing their flowers to the table. Her finest pupil, Alerie Tyrell, and her older brother were the ones that saw that envisioned as reality, in the aftermath of Lord Alistair Tyrell the Young's death; Garland making sure that Lyanna did not attempt to resist or to stop what was his by right. Garland did the rest of the work to Lyanna that cemented who he now was- the new Lord Tyrell of the Reach, and that it would not be argued with, or tampered with in how he ruled his realm. He was no Gregor, that much he stated. Lyanna respected this decision, and had chosen not to be a back-seat driver; at first uneasy with how quickly Garland accented to the title from relatively nothing, yet later becoming more understanding of the realities of Highgarden's foes, and the wider realm's responsibility to the Reach. Women seem to unofficially hold the balance of power in the seat of Highgarden, but it seemed that Garland's cloth for ruling his Kingdom was different.

As of late, Lyanna has been quite to herself, and rarely is involved in matters of the Reach, and whilst her great wisdom and ability to rule has become faded, it is known. She was once a Regent, but appears to have now just given in on letting things run- when Garland can do it himself, alongside Alerie and the other advisors. So as to appease him, she keeps out of his way, and at current point, is the tutor to younger girls of the Tyrell branches, imparting wisdom and cunning to those who wish to learn. However, Lyanna does make her presence in the times where someone wise is needed, when someone is needed. Particularly with Alerie, she is at her most spidery; and Lyanna seems to just know how the pieces fall, even if she is not playing. Some say she is brash outside of her calmed demeanor, yet just how a Lady of the Reach works, is for Maesters and for Septons to understand entirely.

Appearance:

Lyanna looks far older than forty-seven, which is a strange trait, considering she once was told to be the most wonderful looking woman in the whole of The Reach, and was possibly the main reason Gregor Tyrell married her. The blood in her veins has perhaps gone colder, and with it, age has caught up. Lyanna is usually seen wearing a dark green dress, the fabric of which wraps it's way up her neck, almost to the back of her head. The colour almost like the colour of the pines in the Rosewood, and her dark brown hair has whitened in places, though her hair is not entirely grey as of yet, her brown eyes holding a sharp gaze.

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Name: Lord Loras Hightower-Tyrell
Age: 36
Seat: The Hightower, Oldtown
Heir: Harlan Hightower-Tyrell
Personality:

Loras seems a little oafish, to say the least- for a man of such incredible power, binding two Great Houses within The Reach, you would think this resulted in a man who can rule the High Lordship of Oldtown with a certain prowess, like Garland institutes in his example. No. Loras is gregarious, and has a good sense of when to throw a party, or to be generally cheerful or helpful, though he doesn't sometimes seem awfully good at it. He doesn't seem to have the same sharp senses that the current Lord Paramount and his sister possess, and most of the time, he is probably just punting. Yet he does have some sense- the sense that can run a Lordship, be a family man, do the right thing. His heart is in the right place. His mind, mostly. But he will never be great, or never do anything defiant, or truly groundbreaking. Most people would agree, he has a lot of power, and placating him as the Hand to Lord Tyrell is a good move, because he'd never want more, or easily be able to claim more than that. Yet it would be a fool's move to suggest he take power, over pretty much anyone in the main ruling dynasty of the Tyrell family.

Biography:

Loras Hightower-Tyrell was born in a marriage of both his father from House Tyrell and his mother, from House Hightower, the last of her name, and the last of a generation. As a compromise, to prevent the total Tyrell dominance of the realm through it's cadet houses, the double-barreled House of Tyrell-Hightower was created. In his upbringing, Loras mainly lived in Oldtown, finding often chances to play with the other lads, though he didn't excel at fighting, nor in court, nor in anything. He just seemed like a bright little star to his parents, when in reality, he just seemed to just indulge in his gifted childhood. He served in the courts and in the armies, yet didn't really do anything of particular note. The death of his father at 25 changed this.

He was the first Lord of the Hightower that was not a member of House Hightower, and the name died with his mother, leaving Loras to be the first of his new rule. He quickly asserted his power over his Lordship, and found he was able to take control the situation, whilst now tending to his new family. He married Alison Goldengrove, and found his way onto the Council in Highgarden, advising Gregor, Alistair, then eventually, Garland Tyrell, rising from little more than advisory work to his age and knowledge of the Reach just allowing him to become Hand to Garland- this role more placating, than merited. He didn't make a mess of things when Garland left for the capital on lengthy terms to run the Seven Kingdoms as Hand of the King, but neither did he entirely improve upon things. Loras merely kept the peace, and on more than one occasion, threw a party that involved a fair amount of Arbor. When push came to shove, he could be counted upon, but not to provide any particular expertise or specialization.

Loras has four children with his wife, Alison (nee Goldengrove)- Harlan, Merlin, Brynden and Alys; the former two being twins aged 13, Alys being 11, and Brynden being five years of age. Harlan is the presumed heir of Loras, being a boy of long-haired and similarly gregarious nature that takes after his father. Merlin appears to be far more inclined towards fighting and martial studies; and whilst Harlan seems to be more playful, gregarious and capable of study, Merlin seems to always be out, and wants to simply spar, not finding any interest in rulership or any responsibility in his arbitrary way; though he does get on well with his twin, he doesn't really care for people, appearing removed and a little ruthless. Alys appears to take after her mother, Alison, particularly enjoying playing the harp, whilst Brynden seems to be a little more difficult to determine, at his young age.

Appearance:

Loras stands at about 5"11, and holds a fairly well-built frame. He was a former jouster, but this was put out of question after a sharp wound put him off ever returning to the Tourney field- that, and his father's untimely death. He has shortened dark brown hair, and a trimmed beard, his face clean almost to stubble, and Loras looks like he is an individual racing towards middle age, and worst still, the increasing bill of responsibility in family and realm. He has put on a little weight since the end of him ever riding into a joust, but he is still relatively fit, well, as a fit as a man of his age should be, and still able with a sword. He can usually be seen wearing a darkened golden tunic, formal in most of his appearances, with his hair neat and his brown eyes usually a little indifferent. He seems formal, but with enough Arbor, he isn't.

Name: Howland Forrester

Age: 23

Seat: Castle Black

Heir: Hubert Sand

Personality: Born of Lord Forrester, his only son and heir, Howland Forrester was tutored to be a lord, honorable, kind, and just, he still carries these traits.

Howland is a brave and stubborn lad, often too stubborn to run when faced with a bad situation, to temper this, he listens very well to orders.

He is kind, charitable, and zealous, considering the feeling that one gets from helping others to be greater than the one than he gets from the coin in his pocket.

He has green dreams, and is a warg, often getting drunk in an attempt to overpower the dreams, his companion, a snow cat which he calls "Unfrey", because she disemboweled a Frey recruit for attempting a coup, is the only animal he can warg into, and he cannot even control when it happens.

Bio: Howland Forrester was born to Lord Warren Forrester, as his lat child, and only son. From birth, Howland was expected to hold Ironwrath, and was tutored by his father, a famed warrior, in the art of sword and diplomacy.

However, as he aged, Howland felt like there was too much pressure put on him, his sisters, the only people he felt he could confide in, left to be married, one by one, until he was alone.

It was not a very good environment for young Howland.

He spiraled into depression and hedonism, becoming known as Howland the purple due to the wine stains that often appeared on his shirts. His father finally gave up on Howland, himself becoming more and more stressed with the situation.

Lord Forrester perished on his fourtieth nameday, found slumped over his desk, a quill still in hand, with a small pile of completed letters, and a much larger pile of received letters.

As a result, Howland was thrust into a Lordship, becoming more and more angered with his lot in life.

Eventually during one of his drunken stupors, he raped one of the court Septas, she later died due to accidental wounds caused by this. He was captured by lord Stark, gelded, and sent to the wall, his uncle becoming the new lord of Ironrath.

The loss of his manhood left Howland feeling somewhat bitter towards the Starks, and he soon collapsed back into drunkenness, more and more known by his nickname.

Howland was eventually given First Ranger status by Tyron Lannister due to his skill with blade and with following orders. This led Howland to ease up on his hedonistic lifestyle, but not by much.

Eventually he began to experience green dreams, and he bonded with a snow cat as his companion, Tyron wasn't pleased by this, as he assumed that Howland might a fled to the wildlings, but he never did, and still serves faithfully.

Appearence:

Lord: Lord Tyget Crakehall, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the first men, lord of the seven kingdoms and protector of the realm(self proclaimed), Lord of Crakehall, Warden of the west


Heir: Ser Tywin Crakehall, Shield of Lannisport

Army: 50,000 Bannermen
104 galleys, 42Longships



House Crakehall were once loyal Bannermen to the lannisters, one of the first to answer their call... until the death of Lord Tywin Lannister. After his death House Crakehall made their plans, and after the restoration of the Targaryen line to the throne House Crakehall we're named wardens of the west in the place of the destroyed House Lannister. Ever since, following the example left by lord Tywin, the Crakehall's have kept the lords of the westerlands unified, and a forcertain to be reckoned with. House Crakehall also inherited one last thing from the Lannisters, their riches. House Crakehall not only maintained their own mines, fields and other profitable assets, they gained all those held by House Lannister, making them without a doubt the richest House in the Seven Kingdoms.

Since then, House Crakehall has only grown in influence and power, though early on was not so easy. Much like when Tytos Lannister ruled, several houses attempted to rebel against Crakehall after their ascension to wardenship, a war known as the beggars rebellion ensued. It was so named for the strategy used by then Lord Roland Crakehall, who seized all the rebel houses means of funding themselves before ever meeting them in open combat. Essentially, over a period of three years House Crakehall drove it's opponents into the poorhouse, while they themselves grew richer. After the complete destruction of house Garner at the siege of Clegane's keep the other three rebelling houses surrendered, bending the knee to the Crakehall's. As punishment, a third of each of the remaining houses lands and holdings were seized by House Crakehall, along with all the lands of House Garner, making the Crakehall's even richer. This display showed the other westerlands lords why House Crakehall deserved their fealty as much as the Lannisters did.

In the centuries following the powerful family fostered ties with many of the other powerful families, though they first consolidated their hold on the westerlands with a slew of marriages and other familial ties to the most powerful houses such as Payne, Banefort, Brax along with others. After this, they tied themselves to the throne by being a rather commonly chosen house to have a member named the Master of coin thanks to their uncanny ability with money, some even supposedly rivaling the financial abilities of Petyr Baelish. Their power and wealth also made them prime candidates for marriage to Targaryen's(when they aren't married off to eachother), hence why they currently have a valid claim to the throne.

Now, Lord Tyget Crakehall, current head of House Crakehall, seeks to take his family from the westerlands to kings landing, and take the iron throne for himself. His claim may not be as strong as that of some other lords, but such a thing matters little to a man who can buy out many of those enemies, or simply by an army to crush them. He calls his Bannermen now, prepared to set his enemies ablaze, as he marches off to war. However, unlike the other houses vying for the throne, House Crakehall has a vested interest in who claims the north. The Iron Islanders are able to raid the Westerlands, and Tyget has no wish to allow the seafaring bastards to pillage more than the Fair Isle they already took from him.







The Kingsguard of King Tyget Crakehall
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Age: 49

Heir: Falwell "Flowerborn" Tarly

Personality: Belgrave is ruthless, it seems to be his only character trait in the minds of the common folk, who fear and hate his men, though Belgrave is respected amongst highborn lordlings and those of higher status to him. Belgrave's ruthlessness is overstated, he is ruthlessly pragmatic and self-serving, doing all it takes to improve the standing of his lord or himself.

To those who know him, Belgrave is stern but soft, an overbearing father, but a good trainer and doting when it comes to his daughters. He is kind when happy and quick to punish when not, but due to his age he often treats other younger lords the same as his sons.

He cares little for diplomacy, but he understands subtext in words and is good at reading subtle cues, just don't expect him to keep a secret. He is quiet and stoic, but when riled, he is foul-mouthed and blunt, never mincing words.

His fatal flaw is underconfidence, often not acting due to an imagined inferiority in his plots and tactics, remaining taciturn when he has an idea which could change a war. This passed on to his first son, leading to his death at King's Landing.

As a result of the death of his firstborn, Belgrave is much more protective of his children than ever, recalling his widowed daughter and her family to his care. He seeks revenge on the Crakehall family for the death of Torwin.

Belgrave married a northern woman, and her influence can be seen in his firstborn's name and his stoic demeanor, much more pronounced after her marriage to him. He was never a fan of his wife, sleeping around and legitimizing his bastard Falwell, making him heir above her trueborn daughter.

Biography: Belgrave Tarly was born the second son of his father Horas, raised to be the more martial of Horas' two sons, trained heavily with bow and horse, becoming famed at a grand tourney for entering the archery competition and taking the winner's purse at the young age of fifteen.

Belgrave was raised little by his father outside martial matters, and his mother died when he was young, so Belgrave spent his time wandering his father's lands, seeing the Master-of-horse as his father more than his actual father. This Master-of-horse was later raised to nobility by Belgrave and given a small dock outside Horn Hill, named Willit Dox and given a lobster as his sigil.

Belgrave's brother Pylos was raised as a leader, though only succeeded at managing to be a good administrator, lacking the respect of his vassals and being slain in a coup. Belgrave managed to kill the leader, Ser Hugh Hunt, in battle, hanging the rest of the captured men and refusing to pardon the others, who had turned to banditry.

After a time of serving as lord with little distinction other than his wealth from his earlier tourney wins, he joined Lord Tyrell's household as the Master-at-arms, tutoring Lord Garland in swordsmanship, though he quickly grew tired of intriguing and returned home.

Belgrave slowly stopped leaving the castle, even for hunts, his preferred pastime, acting through his son Torwin, who served at King's Landing, and was slain by a skilled spearman. Belgrave has recalled his daughter and her children by Lord Redwyne, leaving the man himself alone, and has sworn bloody vengeance against the Crakehalls, leaving his castle finally to rejoin his lord's service.

Name: Rhaenyra Targaryen II

Age: 20
Seat: Dragon’s Rest (Formerly Rook’s Rest)
Heir: Younger Sister, Baela Targaryen II

Personality: Princess Rhaenyra is said to be a spitting image of her forbear who held her name before. Much like her ancestor before her, she is just as proud and stubborn as any Targaryen before her, though, unlike some of her family, she possesses a much more forgiving and caring nature, giving her a very charming and likeable nature, at least of that compared to those within her family that make themselves not so easily liked. She is said to be honorable and kind, with a great love for art and poetry. Though by no means a renowned fighter, she is an experienced swordsman and lancer, having been taken under the wing of her father, who thought it best to train his daughter in combat, should the need ever arise.

Biography: Born into a family that arose from the ashes, Rhaenyra was quick to learn from the errors of the past in what had caused the downfall of her family. From a young age, both her and her sister Baela were taught the history of House Targaryen, from its start, to its bloody end, and to the rebirth, each detail taught to instill one resounding message, never take anything for granted. Her parents were brother and sister, married to one another as was done in times of old, regardless of what the faith thought. And while this may have been seen as sinful and dangerous, the results were quite the opposite. Two girls were born, both beautiful, smart, fair, two pieces of Valyrian steel that came forth into perfect form. No signs of cruelty nor madness, it was a sign from the Seven, or even the gods of old, that good can come from anything.

Rhaenyra Targaryen the Second, Princess of House Targaryen, though of course, on a branch of the House that no longer was in the direct line of succession for the Iron Throne, which had since been remade anew, a throne befitting the likes of King Aegon VI and Queen Daenerys Targaryen. Truth be told, she was said to look like Rhaenyra Targaryen the First, a Queen who never was, something that Rhaenyra II took great interest in. Of course, who doesn’t dream of being Queen, of being ruler of the Seven Kingdoms, but, that certainly seemed like a dream that could never be attained, at least so she thought.

When her Great-Uncle, Aegon IX, began searching for wives for his second son, Daenys Targaryen, her parents put her forth as a possible candidate, even though she was just a babe at the time. Such a match we bring the two halves of the family back together, and allow Rhaenyra to be a potential candidate for Queen, if Daenys were to ever become King himself, but such was not meant to be. It was whispered that Daenys was not interested in women, and that he had bestial appetites. Further, it was her father who decided to rescind the offer, once he began to see what Daenys Targaryen was truly like, a future Mad King, much like his forbear King Aerys II was. Even worse, was the fact that this man hated his family, and it would do little good to try and force Rhaenyra unto such a monster as Daenys.

Prince Jaehaerys IV even tried convincing his cousin Aegon IX to allow Rhaenyra to marry Aegon X, but it was quickly laid to rest when Aegon X would not take another wife than his first, adhering to the wishes of the Seven and the High Septon. For a time, Rhaenyra and her sister Baela thought that perhaps that they would end up marrying into the Crakehall family, as they were powerful, and close ally’s to the Targaryen’s, but all talk of that ended with the untimely death of Prince Jaehaerys IV and Princess Visenya III in a ship wreck mere minutes from the safety of Dragon’s Rest, a storm dashing the ship against an outcrop of rocks. It is said that both the young Targaryen’s cried themselves to sleep for many a week afterword.

Since the death of her parents, Rhaenyra has run her household, bringing forth in the last three years record crop harvests and prosperity, using the assets at hand to bring life back into a slogging region that has long been overshadowed by King’s Landing and other great regions of the Kingdom. What’s more, is that two dragons have been slowly growing at Dragon’s Rest, gifts from King Aegon X himself, for the continued love of his family, and as a way of trying to help comfort his nieces. While a relatively small region of power in the grand scheme of things, Rhaenyra and Baela both are sworn vassals of King Aegon X, and thusly, their military strength was but a small portion of a larger Royal Army.

The Princesses currently reside over the Northern Crownlands, holding fealty and control over Maidenpool, House Mooton, Antlers in the West, House Buckwell, Duskendale to the South, House Rykker, and Dyre Den to the East, and with it, all of Crackclaw Point, to include Houses Boggs, Brune, Cave, Crabb, Hardy, and Pyne. Control of all these houses has allowed for both sisters to learn greatly, even if it is only on a small scale, who to run a house, a region, and perhaps, if fate wills it, a kingdom. Still, both women are young, and will no doubt require help in order to have any hope of ascending to the Iron Throne.

Rides the Dragon Visaxes, red in color.

Claim To The Throne: Grand-daughter of King Aegon VIII (Daughter to second-born son, Prince Jaehaerys IV and third-born daughter, Princess Visenya III), father to King Aegon IX, Grandfather of King Aegon X. Cousin to Prince Daenys Targaryen.

Appearance:


Name: Baela Targaryen II

Age: 17
Seat: None, currently resides at Dragon’s Rest (Formerly Rook’s Rest)
Heir: None

Personality: Princess Baela Targaryen II is just as proud and stubborn as her elder sister, though, among other things, no two Targaryen’s are the same. Having focused more on combat and war, she is by far the more skilled combatant of the two, excelling at the usage of spear and shield. She is honorable and truthful, striving to achieve excellence in all she partakes in, making her a force to be reckoned with when she believes that she is being cheated, or taught incorrectly. Baela believes is service before self, which co-insides with her belief of integrity first as well, making her a hard woman to lie to, for she has been known to hold grudges against those that would dare lie to her or her kin.

Biography: Princess Baela Targaryen II is just as proud and stubborn as her elder sister, though, among other things, no two Targaryen’s are the same. Having focused more on combat and war, she is by far the more skilled combatant of the two, excelling at the usage of spear and shield. She is honorable and truthful, striving to achieve excellence in all she partakes in, making her a force to be reckoned with when she believes that she is being cheated, or taught incorrectly.

Biography: Much like her sister, Baela Targaryen learned of the rise and fall of her family, and its rebirth. Thanks to the closeness of her age to her elder sister, Baela followed in her footsteps, learning as much as she could, and doing all that she could as well to excel in her studies and learnings. And yet, it was here that she not only shined, but showed how different she was from her elder sister. Where Rhaenyra was a decent sword fighters and horse rider, Baela was a warrior Princess reborn, some saying a reincarnation of Visenya Targaryen of old.

Training with both sword and spear, her skill in combat signed brighter than dragon flame. Something about her, perhaps her zeal for combat, or perhaps the blood that flows in her veins, she was soon one of the best fighters in the Crownlands, if not the greater Southern region. She even came in second at the great tourney of King Aegon X’s 30th name-day celebrations, only losing in the lists to Lord Tywin Crakehall, yet only after twelve passes did she finally lose. Since then, she has continued a good friendship with Lord Tywin.

Like her elder sister, Baela currently cares for a three year old dragon, aptly named Jadefyre, for its deep Jade and Green colored scales. With a trained rider, and a jointly love for flying and the world, Baela Targaryen and Jadefyre are a force to be reckoned with.

Claim To The Throne: Grand-daughter of King Aegon VIII (Second daughter to second-born son, Prince Jaehaerys IV and third-born daughter, Princess Visenya III), father to King Aegon IX, Grandfather of King Aegon X. Cousin to Prince Daenys Targaryen.

Appearance:

Name: Rimm 'the bull-dog' Bolton

Age: 19

Personality: Rimm is on the outside a very calm person. When at formal events, he speaks quietly, casually jokes with a small smile, and even when he is insulted, chuckles along lightly. He is the epitome of the kind and dashing gentleman, very different from his predecessors, as the courtiers would whisper.

It is only when he is with a prisoner that he reveals himself. He delights in suffering, and relishes in blood. For most criminals of the north, their greatest fear is the most severe punishment. Not "send him to the Wall", or "bring me his head!". It's "toss him to the dog". Once they are thoroughly tossed, they are introduced to a lifetime of pain and fear.

Rimm, unlike his ancestors, is no traitor. He is fiercely loyal to the Starks, and most of his prisoners are Stark traitors in his eyes. Even peasants who slander the Stark name to their friends in a pub one night are often secretly bundled off in the night, and brought to the Dreadfort. He likes to think of himself as the guardian of the Starks, and has foiled more than one attempt on their lives (much to the soul-crushing despair of the people involved).

Bio: Rimm comes from the Bolton line, a descendant of Ergan Bolton, a distant cousin of Roose's who claimed the Dreadfort after the death of Ramsay. One day, when he was twelve, his father gave him something he greatly desired. Rimm was given power. Power over the dog pen, where he oversaw the feeding, birthing, and dying. Rimm loved power. Sometimes, when one dog goes rabid, he would have to finish off the poor thing, and that gave him his favorite power, the one over life and death. He would bring the dog into a world of misery with his blade, slitting the throat only seconds before the thing was about to die anyways.

During this time, he was great friends with the Stark children. They would play when his father had to attend his liege. There was one particular one, the youngest Stark girl. He rather fancied her.

Soon, at fifteen, he discovered a plot. His father was planning to overthrow the Starks and place himself in power. His plan, of course, was to get into a position in which he was the greatest friend and advisor for his liege, then when he is placed behind all the children in inheritance, kill them all. "Will you kill them all, father?" he had asked. "Even all of the children?". His father had said yes. As a direct consequence, he had suffered. Suffered as many had before him, and as many would after.

Appearance: Rimm was a small man. He stood only at the shoulder of most people, and is deathly pale and thin. Some say that if the wind blew too hard, he would snap in half. Those people disappear in the night. He had a young, open face. People who don't know him would even call him innocent. He was almost never without a friendly smirk painted across his face, and his eyes always suggested that he knew things that others didn't, and wasn't about to reveal them anytime soon.

House Stanton

Description: House Stanton is a newly formed house in the Reach. The house words are ’To dare is to do’ and the sigil is a white dog sitting with a star above his head on a dark blue background. They own a modest castle called Yellowmoor keep formally owned by House Cockshaw which is located around fifty to a hundred miles north of Tumbleton, it’s the most northern house in the Reach. The land that they own is fairly large for a family who had never been Lords before. Yellowmoor makes it’s money like most of The Reach through farming their fertile lands, mainly gathering rapeseeds to make vegetable oil. This is were the name, Yellowmoor, comes from. When the rapeseed flowers blossom all you can see in any direction is yellow. The lord of Yellowmoor is simply known as the Lord of the Moors.

Recent History: Daven Stanton was a hedge knight from the reach, originally born in the Stormlands but recognised himself as a Reachman. He was born to farmers. At the age of just nine he went off to be a Page for a tourney knight named Robert Redwyne, a third born son to the third born son of the current Lord at the Arbor. Daven was basically sold to Robert unbeknownst to him. The main reason being Davens father was a degenerate with eight children and no wife. He drank too much, spent too much money on whores and gambling until he ended up owing some dangerous people money. By chance Robert was riding through his farm, heading to a tourney at Storms End, when they struck up this deal. Robert was fairly repulsed by Davens offer but felt pity on the young boy living under this mans roof, he also needed a Page after his former one was too old and became a Squire for the knight. The debt wasn’t much to him being from one of the richest houses in the Reach. Robert took Daven all over Westeros training the boy in everything he knew about being a knight.

Daven earned his knighthood on a starry night as they camped in the Westerlands and were set upon by bandits. The fight only lasted a few minutes but the other two squires were dead and a sheep dog that had been following them for a few weeks also died attacking one of the bandits. The main reason Daven was knighted was for the fact he saved Roberts life tackling down and killing one of the bandits who nearly stabbed the knight in the back. As another thanks Robert gave Daven one of his horses, the horse was on the later side of life. (Robert had previously won a prize horse in a tourney in Riverrun by knocking another knight off his horse.) Also when they arrived in the Arbor, Robert had one of the many smiths fashion Daven some plain plate armour and a sword. He was nineteen years of age.

Daven set off on his own with his very own squire, a pot boy who had overheard Robert talking about Davens rise from nothing to a knight, who begged Daven to take him along on his adventures. Robert decided to stay in the Arbor wanting to relax, believing himself too old to be travelling all over Westeros. Davens adventures would not take him out of the Reach though as he headed up the Rose Road to Highgarden were he was hired as a sworn sword after Jamie Tyrell was impressed by his jousting and melee skills at a small tourney that Jamie had hosted. Daven stayed there for a number of years, until a land dispute came to court over who should inherit the lands of the recently deceased Lord Cockshaw, who was a sickly boy who had no heirs. Jamie not seeing anyone with a legitimate claim to the land held a huge tourney for any knight of the Reach and the prize was Yellowmoor Keep.

Out of everyone who competed Daven somehow won, in thirty years of living Daven had gone from a farmers son to a Lord. Daven could not believe it and so couldn’t the other Lords who wanted the lands. Quite a lot of the Lords didn’t believe Daven was worthy of the lands, calling him an upstart, lowborn filth and other names, but it didn’t really bother him. One of the names that made Daven laugh the most was when he found out certain Lords called him the ‘Farmer Lord’ given to him because of his background. He laughed mainly at the fact that he thought all Lords of the Reach were Farmer Lords because that’s how they made their money. When he arrived at Yellowmoor Keep the small folk instantly loved him because of his background. They gave him names like ‘Daven the bold’ and ‘Daven the daring.’ This is were he came up with his house motto ’To dare is to do.’ His first act as Lord was to make Robert Redwyne his chief advisor. The next action he did angered some of the Lords even more by marrying a random handmaiden he had courted for years in Highgarden. She died giving birth to a son who survived. Daven named his son Robert in honour of his advisor and closest friend. He never remarried.

Daven turned out to be a natural Lord and kept his lands safe and prosperous. He was alive to see all of his Grandchildren born but died peacefully in his sleep at the age of sixty. His son Robert took over from him, who wasn’t as good as a Lord as his Father. When his oldest son, named Jamie (after the Tyrell Lord). Was twenty five years of age, he conspired to kill his own Father and paid an assassin to get the job done but the assassin was caught and tortured until he gave Jamie’s name. When guards came to Jamie to bring him to trial he slayed the two guards and fled but was eventually caught. His father not wanting to kill his own son sent him to the wall, leaving the second son, Theo as heir to the moors.

Household



their children:





Ser Ethan Stanton, seventeen.

Name: Lord Cidran “Ran” Harlaw of Ten Towers, Bannerman to Lord Greyjoy

Age: 48

Seat: Ten Towers on the Island of Harlaw, Iron Islands

Heir: Petyr Harlaw, son of 17 years, in training with the men-at-arms of Ten Towers

Family Members:

Teran Harlaw (deceased) Father, former Lord Harlaw

Ladi Harlaw (Deceased) Mother

Tillia Harlaw nee Blacktide (45) Wife of Cidran

Petyr Harlaw (17) Heir Apparent

Jonaton Harlaw (46) Brother, Lord of Grey Garden

Antom Harlaw-Pyke (40) Legitimized Bastard Brother, Lord of Harlaw Hall, Called Lil’ Ant Harlaw

Perin Harlaw (44) Brother, Lord of Harridan Hill

Maxos Harlaw (42) Brother, Lord of Tower of Glimmering, Called Maxos Merling

Personality:

Proud, loud, strong and iron hard. As a good Ironman ought to be. Gruff and powerful, a man who knows what his people are like. Knows the taste of salt, and the touch of stone. No friend to the Mainlanders but willing to listen to them at the very least. Loyal to the Iron Islands and the Seastone Chair. And though he doesn’t always get along with them, holds family above even his closest friends.

Is a frequent visitor of the shoals and rocks and briney water at the edge of the sea, to dip his head, and take a good gulp of salt water, worshipping the Drowned God, calling his name when things of a spiritual nature are needed, and will often thumb his bell-end in the direction of the Seven. Perfectly willing to pour a libation to the dead into the sea when he’s of the mood.

Biography:

“You’re born an Ironman, aye, that’s right boy. But you can’t call yourself an Ironman until you’ve picked up a sword and fought a man at one pace on the rolling deck of a longboat!”
-Captain Rosi Saltthroat

Ironman, Ironborn, that’s what they are called. A lot of other men of the Iron Isles might have forgotten that over the years. Not so much Lord Cidran Harlaw. He didn’t let the fact that his mines made him rich, and his smiths beat the metals into fine goods. He still cleaved to the idea that an Ironman, should be ready with weapon on hand, in case there is a chance to take to the waters, and prove a prime Reaver of souls, and prepared to rape and pillage, if you have a little free time on your hands that is.

Cidran was born fine and hale, a big strapping child, who was said to have one hell of a pair of lusty lungs, crying out so loud, that he woke the hounds down in the kennels that night. This would carry on to his elder years, his voice always powerful, loud, such that if he wanted to, he could drown out the entirety of a feast hall filled with people and be heard on out into the hall with ease.

Cidran had been born to a family of salt and stone kings. The Harlaws are wealthy, and powerful, enough so that the Greyjoys know fine not to try and cross them, even if the Greyjoys rule. You don’t try and piss off the family that can supply a good third of your men when you come calling. Likewise do they bend the knee to the Greyjoys as the Lords of the Iron Islands. Not that they couldn’t that away from them if they got enough support during a kingsmoot, but who wants to rule the Iron Islands anyway? Cidran knows quite well that the Harlaws and the Greyjoys have a good deal here and he’s happy for that.

When Cidran was young his father threw him out of the castle for a decade, and told him he wasn’t a Harlaw for those ten years. And not to come back until he’d spent time in salt and in stone. He spent those years sailing on various longboats, taking part in the occasional raid on the coast line, taking thralls and learning the trade of the sword, shield and club. He was no stranger to it. When released from his last ship voyage, he bent low enough and worked an iron mine beside some of the thralls he had taken himself less then a year before. He had learned to fight with sword on land and a boat. He learned how to fight with fist and pick in the mines. While doing so he learned valuable lessons about the kind of people that populated the Iron Islands and the Island of Harlaw. Even their Thralls, the common folk of the islands, the shipmen and the captains. They all had iron hearts and iron hands. Powerful and unbending. When he returned to the Ten Towers after that decade was up, he was named Heir to Harlaw. And spent much of his time after ward captaining his own ship, and actting as a mouth for his father between the other lords of the Islands, and on the rare occasion, was sent to the mainland on trading trips, or to speak with the landbound lords.

It was on one of these trips that one of those landbound lords tried to take him as a hostage. Thinking back on it later after his escape, Cidran would hold a little bit of animosity towards the lord who said he spoke for House Brax. Cidran would learn they held banner for House Crakehall and always held abit of a grudge against them afterward. Either way after being captured and held hostage, with a ransom sent to his father. He was left in cell, with a rotting door. Like a proper reaver, he battered down the door, stole an axe, and managed to fight his way out, finding his crew also in the dungeons. With fifty seven oars he managed to get his men all the way out to the castle gates, taking an arrow to the hip on the way, which would leave him with a slight limp into his later years.

His father would die in his sleep when Cidran is in his late 30s. Cidran, his blood brothers and his single bastard but legitimized brother would be the ones to take to a boat, flanked by other boats with captains and the common people to pay respects. The brothers were the ones to tip their fathers body over the gunwale and into the salt. Cidran would be the one to call out to the ships and people that the Drowned God needed a good oarsmen. His mother followed his father a year later, and they repeated the process sending her to join her husband, his father with the Drowned God. No doubt after his parents were gone Cidran took up the reins as Lord Harlaw. Which is where we find him now.

Claim To The Throne: Not a one. Supports the Greyjoys in their efforts on the Iron Islands

Appearance:

Boberto - A joker who doesn't take his job seriously, Boberto is quite an interesting figure. He often says annoying things and is almost overenthusiastic about fighting, but he hides a darker past. He was once a fighter in the pits of Meereen under the name Arillos. He demonstrated his ability in the pits to Westerosi buyers (specifically, Lord Kyle Baratheon, second of his name), and has since then served as a member of the elite Stormguard.

Luftum - A tall, serious fellow, Luftum is the type of person people don't want to mess with. He doesn't speak, which unnerves people until they discover his cut tongue and removed teeth. Luftum serves as the unofficial leader of the Stormguards, despite not being able to say a word. Rumors about him say that he's descended from a smaller noble family, and he neither confirms nor denies it (not that he would be able to even if he wanted).

Sreas - The most off putting thing about Sreas is his smile. It's not a very odd smile in and of itself, but he's always wearing it. Even in the midst of combat, he would treat his enemies on the battlefield with a grin. The second most curious thing about him is his boots. Unlike the steel boots of many armoured knights, his is thick leather and wool, masking any noise. No one knows why he wears them, but it's suspected that he's the reason low level officers of the people's rebellion seem to die like flies late at night.

Norman - Commander of the Storm's End garrison's cavalry division. Died to a swarm of angry peasants.

Wallace - High Commander of the Storm's end garrison.

Baelys "Targaryen" - He's a Targaryen claimant and that's all you need to know.

Fen