[OOC] [ASOIAF]: Before the Dragons Danced

[NecroKnight]

Joanna Lannister

Name: Joanna Lannister, "Lion Cub of Casterly Rock"
Age: 15
House/Affilitation: House Lannister

Appearance:

Biography: Joanna Lannister in many ways hadn't expected to partake in the life she had - as born a woman and though first-child for the seat of Casterly Rock - she was behind inheritance to her brothers Tyland and Jason Lannister.

Thus while she was the eldest, she mostly partook in the different life of House Lannister - far from becoming a lady or handmaiden, she instead used her fame and fortune to train. Already born young and with a higher vitality than even her brothers Joanna played in the same games as her brothers. As her dreams too were to become like Rhaenys Targaryen, a warrior and a woman at that. This was aided by Joanna being born stronger and taller than most women.

Still life for Joanna wasn't sunshine, as numerous times she denied and refused any courtship that her father had engaged her in - so much so, that some rumored her of liking only women and other whispers. So much so, that when Joanna was five-and-ten old - she was given a choice of 'doing her duty' and stopping her foolish dreams or being warded elsewhere.

As such, Joanna was soon enough sent to King' Landing as a handmaiden for Rhaenyra Targaryen.

Is it possible to have Joanna as head of House Lannister? Or would that be too much, during this time?

[Ezekiel]

@Ruby @Jorick

A cousin for you both to add to the sheet!

Ser Ronnel

Name: Ser Ronnel Arryn
Age: 27
House/Affilitation: House Arryn

Appearance:


Ronnel Arryn strikes a figure that is truly one of two continents. The man was once the very nature of Vale Knighthood itself, aquiline features with a nobility that was only part arrogance with golden blonde hair styled short for both use and fashion. The man's time in exile has changed this, his skin has burned and tanned countless times beneath the Essosi heat, his hair a darker, dirtier, blonde. Previously airy features have hardened beneath strain and training and a beard now obscures much. One would still consider him handsome, but there is an exotic, rogue streak to both his appearance and personality which the Knight from before did not possess.

Biography:

There was a time when Ser Ronnel Arryn was synonymous with nobility and knighthood. He earned his spurs fighting against the Mountain Clans of the Vale alongside his Household knights of far greater years and was the talk of any melee or tournament hosted in the earlier years of King Viserys' reign. The man tended to be close to the 'main' Arryn line, although he spent increasingly little time in the Vale, mixed up in the travels and adventures of his family, while finding time for his own. Such were his knightly exploits several songs, some rather more bawdy than the others, were sung in regards to his career, the most acceptable among the nobility being 'Let the Eagle Soar,' A tune that was said to please both King Viserys and his Arryn Queen greatly.

The death of Aemma Arryn spelt the end of this hay-day of Valeman nobility, in the end it was not anything Ronnel did that sent the Knight, apple of the eye of both court and peasantry, into exile, but his father. Rymond Arryn had never been the most tactful of souls. When Aemma died after yet another difficult pregnancy, her unlce (Rymond) was so bold as to claim, while drunk, that his grace should be tried for her murder, after all, it was him that had put yet another cursed child in the Queen's belly. Both the Targaryens and Arryns were grieving for their lost Queen, it was not a time for easy forgiveness. Ronnel followed his father into exile despite the sentence not passing to the son, many a peasant girl and noble maid grieved for the loss of their favoured knight among the lists, but soon the tale of Ser Ronnel Arryn was forgotten.

Rymond Arryn did not survive long into his exile, a tongue that had ensured his punishment did little to ingratiate him to the politics of cut-throats and warlords. His body was never found, one day he simply did not return to the apartments he and his son lived out of in the city of Pentos. Grieving but not surprised, Ser Ronnel set out on the first of many travels which would define his time in the East. He left for Andalos, for the heartlands of his dynasty. Seven times Ser Ronnel made his way to the hills of Andalos, the first six to different ancient shrines of the six openly worshipped of the Seven. The final time, he knelt in prayer atop the rolling hills of the Andals. What words the Stranger spoke to the exiled knight, one can never say, but when Ser Ronnel returned to the Free Cities afterwards, his legend had been made. Already a renown warrior and combatent, he soon became a leader of men. Those he had met among the Andals, alongside other exiles and travellers from Westeros, knights and commoners alike, found common cause with the Knight of the Vale. The Swords of the Seven were unlike most mercenary companies, they were hardly militant monks the like of which had been seen during the reign of Maegor the Cruel, but they avoided the worst of the politics of Essos, keeping their faith, and the ways of their homeland on these foreign shores.

Many might consider what would have become of the Swords and Ser Ronnel, had he not then encountered Celena Lannister. Just as much as he keeps his final journey to Andalos a private matter, so too does he never quite explain what the pair spoke of, all that is known comes from his public deeds. Estates and offices in Pentos were sold, those men among the Swords who could not, or would not, return to Westeros were paid their final wages and dispersed. The rest, alongside their Commander, set out for the Vale.

Ser Ronnel Arryn had returned.

[NecroKnight]

@Ruby @Jorick

A cousin for you both to add to the sheet!

Ser Ronnel

Name: Ser Ronnel Arryn
Age: 27
House/Affilitation: House Arryn

Appearance:


Ronnel Arryn strikes a figure that is truly one of two continents. The man was once the very nature of Vale Knighthood itself, aquiline features with a nobility that was only part arrogance with golden blonde hair styled short for both use and fashion. The man's time in exile has changed this, his skin has burned and tanned countless times beneath the Essosi heat, his hair a darker, dirtier, blonde. Previously airy features have hardened beneath strain and training and a beard now obscures much. One would still consider him handsome, but there is an exotic, rogue streak to both his appearance and personality which the Knight from before did not possess.

Biography:

There was a time when Ser Ronnel Arryn was synonymous with nobility and knighthood. He earned his spurs fighting against the Mountain Clans of the Vale alongside his Household knights of far greater years and was the talk of any melee or tournament hosted in the earlier years of King Viserys' reign. The man tended to be close to the 'main' Arryn line, although he spent increasingly little time in the Vale, mixed up in the travels and adventures of his family, while finding time for his own. Such were his knightly exploits several songs, some rather more bawdy than the others, were sung in regards to his career, the most acceptable among the nobility being 'Let the Eagle Soar,' A tune that was said to please both King Viserys and his Arryn Queen greatly.

The death of Aemma Arryn spelt the end of this hay-day of Valeman nobility, in the end it was not anything Ronnel did that sent the Knight, apple of the eye of both court and peasantry, into exile, but his father. Rymond Arryn had never been the most tactful of souls. When Aemma died after yet another difficult pregnancy, her unlce (Rymond) was so bold as to claim, while drunk, that his grace should be tried for her murder, after all, it was him that had put yet another cursed child in the Queen's belly. Both the Targaryens and Arryns were grieving for their lost Queen, it was not a time for easy forgiveness. Ronnel followed his father into exile despite the sentence not passing to the son, many a peasant girl and noble maid grieved for the loss of their favoured knight among the lists, but soon the tale of Ser Ronnel Arryn was forgotten.

Rymond Arryn did not survive long into his exile, a tongue that had ensured his punishment did little to ingratiate him to the politics of cut-throats and warlords. His body was never found, one day he simply did not return to the apartments he and his son lived out of in the city of Pentos. Grieving but not surprised, Ser Ronnel set out on the first of many travels which would define his time in the East. He left for Andalos, for the heartlands of his dynasty. Seven times Ser Ronnel made his way to the hills of Andalos, the first six to different ancient shrines of the six openly worshipped of the Seven. The final time, he knelt in prayer atop the rolling hills of the Andals. What words the Stranger spoke to the exiled knight, one can never say, but when Ser Ronnel returned to the Free Cities afterwards, his legend had been made. Already a renown warrior and combatent, he soon became a leader of men. Those he had met among the Andals, alongside other exiles and travellers from Westeros, knights and commoners alike, found common cause with the Knight of the Vale. The Swords of the Seven were unlike most mercenary companies, they were hardly militant monks the like of which had been seen during the reign of Maegor the Cruel, but they avoided the worst of the politics of Essos, keeping their faith, and the ways of their homeland on these foreign shores.

Many might consider what would have become of the Swords and Ser Ronnel, had he not then encountered Celena Lannister. Just as much as he keeps his final journey to Andalos a private matter, so too does he never quite explain what the pair spoke of, all that is known comes from his public deeds. Estates and offices in Pentos were sold, those men among the Swords who could not, or would not, return to Westeros were paid their final wages and dispersed. The rest, alongside their Commander, set out for the Vale.

Ser Ronnel Arryn had returned.

@Ezekiel

Hmm. Perhaps he and Joanna can get it off together.

[Ezekiel]

Joanna Lannister

Name: Joanna Lannister, "Lion Cub of Casterly Rock"
Age: 27
House/Affilitation: House Lannister

Appearance:

Biography: Joanna Lannister in many ways hadn't expected to partake in the life she had - as born a woman and though first-child for the seat of Casterly Rock - she was behind inheritance to her brothers Tyland and Jason Lannister.

Thus while she was the eldest, she mostly partook in the different life of House Lannister - far from becoming a lady or handmaiden, she instead used her fame and fortune to train. Already born young and with a higher vitality than even her brothers Joanna played in the same games as her brothers. As her dreams too were to become like Rhaenys Targaryen, a warrior and a woman at that. This was aided by Joanna being born stronger and taller than most women.

Still life for Joanna wasn't sunshine, as numerous times she denied and refused any courtship that her father had engaged her in - so much so, that some rumored her of liking only women and other whispers. So much so, that when Joanna was twenty years old - she was given a choice of 'doing her duty' and stopping her foolish dreams or being banished. While the threat had been more of a way to get her daughter in line than actually go through with it - Joanna for her part, took the second option and would be gone the day after; taking with her coin, clothing and armor she had made customary for herself.

For seven years, Joanna would spend time in Essos - fighting, drinking and adventuring. Still in some ways, Joanna was still drawn back to the life of home and while she had left House Lannister on bitter terms, she still missed her brothers. Thus, on the seventh year - she gathered what coin she had and sailed for Valyria. Nobody knows what happened there and Joanna hasn't been eager to share either - but of her small company, only she returned - bearing with her, Brightroar - the ancestral sword of House Lannister.

It was that same day, that Joanna heard her father dying and she would return home to Westeros.

Is it possible to have Joanna as head of House Lannister? Or would that be too much, during this time?

@NecroKnight

There's a fair few issues with the sheet but I'm sure these changes can be made. I'd suggest making her a Lannisport Lannister rather than from the main family if you want to play an adventurer. I'd highly doubt the Casterly Rock Lannisters would accept their only daughter training like this, let alone allowed back after running off. She also has two brothers so she wouldn't ever be head of the household.

Finally, Brightroar hasn't yet been lost in this time period, so she can't have found it in Valyria/Volantis.

[NecroKnight]

<Snipped quote by NecroKnight>

There's a fair few issues with the sheet but I'm sure these changes can be made. I'd suggest making her a Lannisport Lannister rather than from the main family if you want to play an adventurer. I'd highly doubt the Casterly Rock Lannisters would accept their only daughter training like this, let alone allowed back after running off. She also has two brothers so she wouldn't ever be head of the household.

Finally, Brightroar hasn't yet been lost in this time period, so she can't have found it in Valyria/Volantis.

@Ezekiel

So basically sister to Celena I guess?

Also. According to lore Brightroar, the Valyrian Sword of the main branch House Lannister was lost King Tommen II of the Rock. Namely before Aegon' Conquest.

awoiaf.westeros.org/index.php/Tommen_…
awoiaf.westeros.org/index.php/Brightroar

[Ezekiel]

<Snipped quote by Ezekiel>

So basically sister to Celena I guess?

Also. According to lore Brightroar, the Valyrian Sword of the main branch House Lannister was lost King Tommen II of the Rock. Namely before Aegon' Conquest.

awoiaf.westeros.org/index.php/Tommen_…
awoiaf.westeros.org/index.php/Brightroar

@NecroKnight

Oh yup, that is correct, not sure why I'd mixed that one up. Still, I'd rather if someone were to reclaim something as major as Brightroar that they do that in the course of the RP rather than just have it as a part of their background.

You'd have to talk to Ruby about the specifics of any family bonds.

[NecroKnight]

<Snipped quote by NecroKnight>

Oh yup, that is correct, not sure why I'd mixed that one up. Still, I'd rather if someone were to reclaim something as major as Brightroar that they do that in the course of the RP rather than just have it as a part of their background.

You'd have to talk to Ruby about the specifics of any family bonds.

@Ezekiel

Okay. Not sure how'd I'd work recovering Brightroar into the Dance of Dragons. Considering most of the action would be happening on Westeros and Brightroar was lost in Valyria.

Hence my desire to use it in likely battle. Granted perhaps there might be some debate over which family Branch should have it?

That and perhaps Joanna is learning to still use it. Otherwise, with war coming - I doubt Joanna would have a desire to suddenly slip off to Valyria.

[Jorick]

<Snipped quote by Ezekiel>

Okay. Not sure how'd I'd work recovering Brightroar into the Dance of Dragons. Considering most of the action would be happening on Westeros and Brightroar was lost in Valyria.

Hence my desire to use it in likely battle. Granted perhaps there might be some debate over which family Branch should have it?

That and perhaps Joanna is learning to still use it. Otherwise, with war coming - I doubt Joanna would have a desire to suddenly slip off to Valyria.

@NecroKnight

I'm not a GM or anything, but you're getting well ahead of yourself there. This roleplay is set in 111 AC to begin with. The Dance of the Dragons doesn't kick off until 129 AC. The puzzle pieces that lead to a civil war over the succession are only just starting to fall into place at this point in the timeline, so there's not really any likely battle to be had unless you have something to do with the war for the Stepstones.

There's plenty of time for expeditions to Valyria before it's civil war time.

[NecroKnight]

<Snipped quote by NecroKnight>

I'm not a GM or anything, but you're getting well ahead of yourself there. This roleplay is set in 111 AC to begin with. The Dance of the Dragons doesn't kick off until 129 AC. The puzzle pieces that lead to a civil war over the succession are only just starting to fall into place at this point in the timeline, so there's not really any likely battle to be had unless you have something to do with the war for the Stepstones.

There's plenty of time for expeditions to Valyria before it's civil war time.

@Jorick

Oh. Alright. Didn't know that. This might change a few things entirely.

[Danvers]

Was thinking of possibly playing the Tyrells if it’s not too late? (I’ve already spoken to RisingSun and he’s said he’s not planning on continuing with them)

[Ruby]

Was thinking of possibly playing the Tyrells if it’s not too late? (I’ve already spoken to RisingSun and he’s said he’s not planning on continuing with them)

@Danvers

Go for it!

[Danvers]

Great thanks!

[Sini]

Great thanks!

@Danvers

Great. Now I have to pay lip service.

... I mean, greetings m'lady.

Let me know if you want to include some Hightowers.

[NecroKnight]

Made her younger and sent her to be perhaps be handmaiden to our heiress Targaryen.

Joanna Lannister

Name: Joanna Lannister, "Lion Cub of Casterly Rock"
Age: 15
House/Affilitation: House Lannister

Appearance:

Biography: Joanna Lannister in many ways hadn't expected to partake in the life she had - as born a woman and though first-child for the seat of Casterly Rock - she was behind inheritance to her brothers Tyland and Jason Lannister.

Thus while she was the eldest, she mostly partook in the different life of House Lannister - far from becoming a lady or handmaiden, she instead used her fame and fortune to train. Already born young and with a higher vitality than even her brothers Joanna played in the same games as her brothers. As her dreams too were to become like Rhaenys Targaryen, a warrior and a woman at that. This was aided by Joanna being born stronger and taller than most women.

Still life for Joanna wasn't sunshine, as numerous times she denied and refused any courtship that her father had engaged her in - so much so, that some rumored her of liking only women and other whispers. So much so, that when Joanna was five-and-ten old - she was given a choice of 'doing her duty' and stopping her foolish dreams or be sent to the 'Silent Sisters'.

As such, Joanna was soon enough sent to King' Landing with another member of her House.

---

Alton Frey

Name: Alton 'Longjustice' Frey; Master of Laws

Age: 55

Appearance:

House/Affliation: Frey/Targaryen

Biography: Alton Frey happened to be one of many uncles from the House of Frey - having spent his earlier years helping his five brothers manage and run the Twins, writing up laws and rules that helped increase the livelihood of both those crossing their bridge and the smallfolk in their lands.

Alton Frey was a deep man of honor and the law - taking things on some occasions literally. Holding both his brothers and their families to a high standard, in order to improve their lot in Westeros. Not to mention, with House Frey as large as always - rules and boundaries helped keep everyone from going after each other.

Sadly the relationship of Alton and his brothers wouldn't last - as the son of one, was caught pillaging one villager' hut during a drunken rampage. Instead of excusing and paying for his crime, Alton instead decreed they be hanged or 'take the black'. This ended up alienating him from House Frey entirely - since while he wasn't head of the House, he did cause enough trouble among the smallfolk when he informed them of small details and whom might be responsible. In the end, Alton got his way - while also being banished from his home for being a 'rat'.

Granted Alton' reply at such a situation was to call them all 'rats whom ate other rats'. Alton spent most of his time as always, travelling the lands as a hedge knight, and upholding justice. Keeping the King' Road clear of brigands and bandits - utilizing his longbow, often claiming to be 'the best bowman in the Seven Kingdoms'.

During one such incursions he encountered the 'Wise King' Jaeharys I Targaryen during one of his many visits in the Two Crowns Inn. Here he would befriend the wise and just King - five years later, he would once more meet the King, when he was asked to fill the post as Master of Laws. Due to in part the last one dying, and his growing reputation for upholding law and order in the Riverlands - a man of virtue and honor.

For the time being he has held the post for almost twenty-seven years.

[Danvers]

<Snipped quote by Danvers>

Great. Now I have to pay lip service.

... I mean, greetings m'lady.

Let me know if you want to include some Hightowers.

@Sini

Surely they love the upjumped stewards being in charge..

I was going to make one of my sons squire somewhere in his past. Not sure if Oldtown would be a viable option?

Also I was just wondering what the situation is with the Kingsguard? Are you guys sticking to canon with who was in it at this time, or is it open to players at all? No worries if it isn't.

[Sini]

<Snipped quote by Sini>

Surely they love the upjumped stewards being in charge..

I was going to make one of my sons squire somewhere in his past. Not sure if Oldtown would be a viable option?

Also I was just wondering what the situation is with the Kingsguard? Are you guys sticking to canon with who was in it at this time, or is it open to players at all? No worries if it isn't.

@Danvers

Sure thing. Ser Bryndon is a renowned knight. Unless you want to pair him with the heir: Ormund (but he's been travelling a lot in the past 5 years).

I think that regarding the Kingsguard there can be a few spots open for OCs.

[jimapple]

I was thinking of creating an application for House Tully, can I still do that?

[NecroKnight]

@jimapple

Plenty of room here still.

[Sini]

Made her younger and sent her to be perhaps be handmaiden to our heiress Targaryen.

Joanna Lannister

Name: Joanna Lannister, "Lion Cub of Casterly Rock"
Age: 15
House/Affilitation: House Lannister

Appearance:

Biography: Joanna Lannister in many ways hadn't expected to partake in the life she had - as born a woman and though first-child for the seat of Casterly Rock - she was behind inheritance to her brothers Tyland and Jason Lannister.

Thus while she was the eldest, she mostly partook in the different life of House Lannister - far from becoming a lady or handmaiden, she instead used her fame and fortune to train. Already born young and with a higher vitality than even her brothers Joanna played in the same games as her brothers. As her dreams too were to become like Rhaenys Targaryen, a warrior and a woman at that. This was aided by Joanna being born stronger and taller than most women.

Still life for Joanna wasn't sunshine, as numerous times she denied and refused any courtship that her father had engaged her in - so much so, that some rumored her of liking only women and other whispers. So much so, that when Joanna was five-and-ten old - she was given a choice of 'doing her duty' and stopping her foolish dreams or being warded elsewhere.

As such, Joanna was soon enough sent to King' Landing as a handmaiden for Rhaenyra Targaryen.

---

Alton Frey

Name: Alton 'Longjustice' Frey; Master of Laws

Age: 55

Appearance:

House/Affliation: Frey/Targaryen

Biography: Alton Frey happened to be one of many uncles from the House of Frey - having spent his earlier years helping his five brothers manage and run the Twins, writing up laws and rules that helped increase the livelihood of both those crossing their bridge and the smallfolk in their lands.

Alton Frey was a deep man of honor and the law - taking things on some occasions literally. Holding both his brothers and their families to a high standard, in order to improve their lot in Westeros. Not to mention, with House Frey as large as always - rules and boundaries helped keep everyone from going after each other.

Sadly the relationship of Alton and his brothers wouldn't last - as the son of one, was caught pillaging one villager' hut during a drunken rampage. Instead of excusing and paying for his crime, Alton instead decreed they be hanged or 'take the black'. This ended up alienating him from House Frey in the end - since in their minds, he was considered a 'rat'.

Granted Alton' reply at such a situation was to call them all 'rats whom ate other rats'. Alton spent most of his time as always, travelling the lands as a hedge knight, and upholding justice. Keeping the King' Road clear of brigands and bandits - utilizing his longbow, often claiming to be 'the best bowman in the Seven Kingdoms'.

During one such incursions he encountered the 'Wise King' Jaeharys I Targaryen during one of his many visits in the Two Crowns Inn. Here he would befriend the wise and just King - five years later, he would once more meet the King, when he was asked to fill the post as Master of Laws. Due to in part the last one dying, and his growing reputation for upholding law and order in the Riverlands - a man of virtue and honor.

For the time being he has held the post for almost twenty-seven years.

@NecroKnight

Right, I'll first get on your Frey since that'll take the least time. I'm on board with the character but there are a few discrepancies.

• You first state he has five brothers, then switch that to two in the next paragraph.
• What power did he wield at all to decree anything? If he wasn't lord, what enabled him to be able to punish his nephew?

Moving on to Joanna.

• "Already born young" (paragraph two) --> aren't we all born young?
• I think it's very good to have her wilful and contrarian, but without the martial aspect. To me it would seem more setting appropriate to have her obsess over hunting, hawking or horses instead of playing at swords.
• I'm also a bit unconvinced regarding her 'punishment' for being stubborn. A position as royal handmaiden is prestigious and something most (or all) houses would find desirable. Sending her to Viserys' court hardly seems like a disciplinary matter. Sending her to the Silent Sisters though... but that would remove her from the RP.

I suggest you think her over a bit with these notes in mind.

[Danvers]

<Snipped quote by Danvers>

Sure thing. Ser Bryndon is a renowned knight. Unless you want to pair him with the heir: Ormund (but he's been travelling a lot in the past 5 years).

I think that regarding the Kingsguard there can be a few spots open for OCs.

@Sini

Will probs make it with Bryndon as it would have been several years ago, if that’s alright.