[CHAR] A Song of Ice and Fire - the Blackfyre Rebellion

Character index and glossary

202 AC

Due to shifts from the canon timeline, some characters are omitted from family trees as they are yet unborn. This index will be updated as allegiances shift, new characters arise, or old ones die.

Crownlands

House Targaryen

Immediate family

Hider

• Aegon IV, called the Unworthy due to his misrule and lechery. Reigned from 172 to 184 AC. Married to Naerys Targaryen, his sister-wife. Brother to Aemon the Dragonknight. He kept numerous mistresses and was generous with his seed, sowing future discord.
• Daeron II (50), called the Good, Aegon's son by Queen Naerys.
  
  • Myriah of House Martell, his wife
    
    • Baelor Breakspear (36), Prince of Dragonstone
      
      • Jenna Dondarrion (32), his wife who bore him four children:
        
        • Aelor (18)
        • Aelora (18)
        • Valarr (9)
        • Matarys (7)
    • Aerys (30), married Aelinor Penrose. Aerys has never showed any interest in getting her with child, instead shunning her bed. Rumor has it that their marriage remains unconsummated.
    • Rhaegel (29), married Alys Arryn
    • Maekar (28), Prince of Summerhall
      
      • Dyanna Dayne (23), his wife who bore him:
        
        • Daeron (5)
        • Aerion (3)
• Princess Daenerys (30), sister to King Daeron who married Prince Maron Martell as part of the wedding policy to bring Dorne into the Realm.
• Princess Elaena (52), daughter of Aegon III, a distant cousin now married to her second husband, Lord Ronnel Penrose. He (has) sat on the king's small council as master of coin; but it was widely known that Elaena was the one performing the duties, as she was shrewd and intelligent with money, while Ronnel did not have a great facility for numbers. King Daeron trusted her with many important matters of state, and she is an influential matriarch. Elaena birthed Ronnel four children: Robin, Laena, Jocelyn, and Joy Penrose. Before that, she had two bastard children by Alyn Velaryon, and one by Ossifer Plumm: Viserys Plumm. After the birth of her seventh child, Elaena declared that if seven was sufficient for the gods, it would do for her as well.

The King's Household and Council

Hider

• Brynden Rivers (27), called Bloodraven, wielder of Dark Sister, son of Aegon IV by Bethany Blackwood. He has two sisters also sired by the old king, Mya (29) and Gwenys (28). Half-brother to the King and other Great Bastards. He advises the Small Council.
• Shiera Seastar (23), also called Star of the Sea, Aegon IV's highborn daughter by Serenei of Lys. She is said to be the most beautiful woman of the Seven Kingdoms. She is Bloodraven's occasional lover, but coveted by Aegor. It is rumoured she knows blood magic. Half-sister to the King and other Great bastards.

• Prince Baelor (32), Hand of the King
• Lord Ambrose Butterwell (41), previous Hand of the King now Master of Coin once more.
• Lord Ronnel Penrose, Master of Laws (ruled by his wife, Princess Elaena Targaryen)
• Lord Hayford, Master of Whisperers
• x, Master of Ships
• x, Grand Maester
• x, Lord Commander of the Kingsguard
  
  • Ser Gwayne Corbray.
  • Ser Donnel of Duskendale
  • Ser Willem Wylde.
  • Ser Roland Crakehall.
  • Ser Leyton Tyrell, the Blushing Rose

• Ser Quentyn Ball, called "Fireball", the master-at-arms of the Red Keep
• Nyla Martell, a royal ward

TBA

House Blackfyre

Hider

• "Prince" Daemon (32), the King's bastard brother by Daena Targaryen, called "the Black Dragon", legitimised by Aegon IV on his deathbed, wielder of Blackfyre.
  
  • Rohanne of Tyrosh (late twenties), his wife who bore him:
    
    • Aegon & Aemon (18), twins
    • Rhaella (17, soon 18)
    • Calla (16)
    • Daemon (13)
    • Haegon (11), Aenys (8),
• Aegor "Bittersteel" Rivers (30), Aegon IV's son by Barba Bracken

---

Dorne

• House Martell
  
  • Nyla Martell
  
  
  
  • House Dayne of Starfall and High Hermitage

The North

• House Stark
  
  • House Bolton
    
    • Raelith Bolton
  • House Mormont
  • The face-eating Skagosi

The Reach

• House Tyrell
  
  • House Hightower
  • House Tarly
  • House Redwyne
  • House Ball

The Riverlands

House Tully

• House Lothston of Harrenhal
• House Bracken and Aegor Rivers
• House Blackwood
• Gwenys Rivers, Blackwood bastard

The Stormlands

• House Baratheon
  
  • Argella Baratheon
  
  

The Vale

• House Arryn
  
  • House Templeton

The Westerlands

• House Lannister of Casterly Rock
  
  • House Tarbeck

The Iron Islands

Independent agents

• Celena Lannister (of Lannisport), presently an agent of the Iron Bank
• Ser Markus Storm, itinerant knight and sellsword
• Nycarro Qosaerys, captain of the nascent free company "the Brave Companions" (currently in Pentos)

[Ruby]

Iron Bank

Name: Lady Celena Lannister, called The Lioness.
Age: 32
House/Affiliation: The Iron Bank of Braavos (Formerly: House Lannister of Lannisport)
Bio:

None know the story that lead a young, highborn, Lady Celena Lannister to runaway. Her parents bodies weren't even cold the first time someone thought to inquire about the location of their only child. By the time the Red Cloaks of the Lannisport City Watch started asking questions and looking for her, it was too late, the child far gone from the Sunset shores. The fates of her parents remains a haunting unsolved mystery for any nobility in the City of Sunsets.

Most presumed her dead, or enslaved, or taken as a Salt Wife. There is recorded mention of the girl in the Summer Isles less than a year after her disappearance; a Priestess in the Temple of Love has the signature of a "Celena Lannister" in a temple roll. Some say she boarded a Swan ship and sailed to the Far East. Others she joined with a band of explorers and set sail for Sothoryos. She either made it to Qarth, depending on who you believe, or came face to face with the Pirate King of the Basilisk Islands, Saathos Saan of Lys.

At that point, too many diverging threads appear out of each other, a maze of believed sightings and storied encounters. It becomes impossible to differentiate truth from modern legend. Of what is absolutely known, there is precious little: She visited at least one surviving outpost of the Valyrian Freehold, located upon the edge of the Doom. There are unverified stories of her exploring the Doom. She visited the Bone Mountains. She is blamed for instigating a slave revolt in Astapor, though there is no hard evidence she ever traveled to Slaver's Bay. She has visited each of the Free Cities. She is a Water Dancer, and the First Sword of Braavos for a single night.

She has never married, and until recently, had never returned to Westeros--despite some claims of her being spotted around Oldtown and King's Landing. Some now claim she serves the Sealord of Braavos, others that she is a Keyholder of the Iron Bank, others still that she is simply an agent of the Iron Bank. It is known she had a key role in acquisition of Rogare Bank assets by the Iron Bank following the Rogare Bank's failure--some even whisper the Lioness had a key role in the failure of the Rogare Bank, though all accusations remain as yet unproven and dismissed.

The wildest rumors claim Celena Lannister is the agent of a mysterious Dragon Prince from the East. Others that she serves a secret network of masters from all over the known world. Whatever the truth of it, the more obsessive Masters of Whisperers across Westeros are determined that her appearance in Westeros at such a key time cannot be pure happenstance. Before attending the Summer Hall tourney upon royal invite, Lady Celena toured much of Westeros, conducting smaller items of Iron Bank business with whatever Westeros nobility requested an audience.

OOC Note:

A Master of Whisperers-type free agent with her own agenda; available to all player characters...for now.

[Vanq]

The OOC TL;DR

The Daynes are a large family and currently spatting internally because of the peace between the Iron Throne and Dorne - made even more personal by the marriage between Dyanna and Maekar. The House is at a precipice as the current lord is aging and the heir seems fit to upend everything accomplished.

House Dayne

_{Purpure, a blazing star bendways surmounted by a sword bendways sinister argent}

House Dayne of Starfall

Fire and Dawn

House Description:

House Dayne is a proud house, with ancient royal blood flowing through their veins. They meticulously maintain a history of their lineage back to the dawn of days when they tracked a falling star and found a stone imbued of magical quality. This stone would be smithed into Dawn. Their house has flourished over the millenia, a foundation of Dorne - no matter that they bent the knee to House Martell. They remain a powerful, and plentiful, family, with connections across Dorne. In the years of peace since the Conquest, the family has been divided over how to proceed with their continental neighbors after so many centuries of strife.

Their house seat is Starfall, a castle located in the western Red Mountains on an island where the Torrentine meets the Summer Sea. Starfall guards the western arm of Dorne. A cadet branch is located to the northeast, in High Hermitage.

Recent History:

House Dayne has felt strained relations with their overlords in recent years. Peace, after so much bloodshed, left a bad taste in the mouths of many. Lord Ormond had eventually been persuaded to fall in line and his daughter's marriage within the royal family quelled the turmoil - at least for a time. The heir to Starfall, Ser Vorian, however, has not been so easily convinced. Others of Ormond's generation remain dissatisfied as well and debates often get heated when the family gathers.

Relations between Dayne and Martell have been strained as well. Ser Vorian had spent his childhood and adolescence among the family, as had many Dayne children before him. When peace was negotiated, the heir found an excuse to return home to Starfall. While there had been unofficial plans to tie Starfall and Sunspear by marriage, this slight ended those talks.

Timeline

-|--202 AC: Starting point
-|--200 AC: Aerion born to Dyanna & Maekar (2)
-|--199 AC: Vorian’s second son born (3)
-|--198 AC: Lady Casselle’s death at 52
-|--197 AC: Daeron born to Dyanna & Maekar (5)
-|--196 AC: Lady Dyanna weds Prince Maekar
-|--195 AC: Vorian’s first son born (7)
-|--194 AC: Dyanna first meets Maekar at a tourney where she bests him in an archery competition
-|--193 AC: Vorian weds
-|--191 AC: Lord Ormond inherits Starfall
-|--190 AC: Symon presumed dead
-|--188 AC: Ser Ryon titled as Sword of the Morning
-|--187 AC: Dorne brought into writ of the Iron Throne
-|--181 AC: Arron born (21)
-|--179 AC: Dyanna born (23)
-|--177 AC: Eldon born & his mother dies (25)
-|--176 AC: Symon born (end of year) (25/26)
-|--174 AC: Teora born - a septa (28)
-|--170 AC: Carolei born (32)
-|--168 AC: Vorian born (34)
-|--166 AC: Myria born
-|--165 AC: Ormond and Casselle wed
-|--164 AC: Ryon Dayne born (38)
-|--161 AC: King Daeron dies and Conquest ends
-|--158 AC: Previous Sword of the Morning dies in battle against King Daeron's forces
-|--157 AC: Conquest of Dorne
-|--148 AC: Perros Allyrion born
-|--146 AC: Lady Casselle Allyrion born
-|--136 AC: Ormond born

Family Members:

• Lord Ormond Dayne, Lord of Starfall
• Ser Ryon Dayne, Sword of the Morning
• Ser Vorian Dayne, Heir of Starfall
• Lady Nymella (Uller), wife of Vorian Dayne
• Lady Dyanna Dayne, wife of Prince Maekar
• Perros Allyrion, brother to the late Lady Casselle, close friend and advisor to Ormond
• Eldon Sand, Ormond's bastard son: Roguishly charming, always ready for harmless mischief
• Arron Dayne, the youngest
• Ladies Myria and Carolei Wyl (Dayne), daughters wed to other Dornish houses
• Septa Teora (Dayne), serving another house
• Symon Dayne
• Lady Casselle Dayne (Allyrion)

Lord of Starfall

Ormond - Lord of Starfall

Age:

Born 136 AC - 66 years old

Appearance:

An aging man, soft, with a girth that speaks of many years of luxury.

Description & biography:

Ormond had always been destined to the inherit; the eldest child of his father Lord Addam. Yet it was whispered on occasion that Ormond would have made a better head of the cadet branch - or even as a merchant. He had a keen eye and mind for increasing coffers and little else.

Truthfully, while many young man entered adulthood in strife with their father over how to lead, Ormond had been content to build his family's wealth and leave the rest to his father to continue to manage. The attempted Conquest dominated his early adult years though he never took to the field himself. He lost an uncle to the conflicts, some distant cousins, yet war had not struck close to home. War offered opportunity to turn a profit, and so could ensuing peace if one knew where to look.

While his marriage had been political, they agreed on enough to produce an exceeding number of offspring. As Ormond entered middle age, passions finally caught up to him in a contingent of traders from Braavos. The woman bewitched him thoroughly, and for nearly a year he kept her in luxury. She became pregnant nearly the same time as Ormond's wife, and while the two were not friends they were civil. Ormond was devastated when his lover passed shortly after the birth of their son. Complications the maester had said. He withdrew, and though he occasionally found comfort in the arms of his wife, his minimal interest in his children waned.

By the time he inherited Starfall, he had come to rely on his friend and his wife's brother, Perros Allyrion, to take care of the minutiae of ruling. He has been estranged from his son and heir ever since agreeing to Prince Maekar's marriage to Dyanna. It falls to Perros and the maester to relay messages and coordinate between the two. For now, it has been enough to keep Vorian under control.

Dragon's Star

Lady Dyanna

Age:

Born 179 AC - 23 years old

Appearance:

Of average height and firm build, Dyanna was never a delicate girl nor lady. Her pale lavender eyes sparkle with life and laughter. She resists the refined elegance required of courtly life and instead is often found with her dark blonde hair roughly plaited. She is more likely to be adorned by scratches - or bruises - than glittering jewels. Her hands do not elegantly pluck at needlework but are rough and with dirt beneath her nails. The Lady is more comfortable in leather and linen than in samite or brocade.

Description & biography:

Dyanna had luck to be born after so many siblings before her. By the time of her arrival her parents had many other issue to concern themselves with. The girl's education was largely left to the septa - who Dyanna fled at any opportunity. As a child she played with her half-brother Eldon and youngest brother Arron. As an adolescent she trained with them. With Lord Ormond distracted and withdrawn, it was the Sword of the Morning who filled that fatherly role. Unsurprisingly, he did not see fit to raise her with any sort of womanly knowledge. She learned archery and excelled, was taught swordplay to a passable degree, and took great joy in the hunt. Within Starfall and her family's lands she was affectionately nicknamed Dyanna the Huntress.

When she was fifteen she attended a tourney at her father's behest, in the hopes of arranging a match for her. Dyanna doubted very much that any great thought was to be put into a match. Lord Ormond's goal was simply to have her out of Starfall and someone else's problem. Her elder sisters had been long married, her eldest brother wed the year before. A life like Myria or Carolei, a political match and courtly duties, was nothing the Huntress desired. The thought of it chafed at her; she was not meant to settle.

Indeed, when she arrived at the tourney with Ser Ryon - sent to chaperone her - she begged and pleaded until the knight relented and listed her in the archery contest. Dyanna had attempted to list in the melee but the Sword of the Morning was unmoved by her pleas in that regard. Lord Ormond would have surely had his head had he allowed it. There was some small scandal when she bested one of the Targaryen men, the surly and dour fourth son, Maekar. What a shock then, when later in the joust, the young knight asked for her favor. Perhaps more shocking, at least to those in attendance around her, was her response. She gave what was asked but with a jape. I wish you better luck than you had in facing me, my lord. Ser Ryon had whisked her away very quickly after that, before she could cause any more offense.

It was quite an uproar through Starfall when the first missive arrived on black wings. A letter to the Lady Dyanna, sealed by dragons cast in wax. It was not appropriate, not entirely, yet more came and Dyanna was given leave to respond. Within a year the betrothal was arranged and a wedding set. With Maekar she was free to pursue her hunts, nor did he forbid her from training with his men. It was, beyond all expectations the young girl had, a good match. Married life did in fact suit her, Maekar suited her. She was with child within a year of their marriage, her second child now just weaned.

Sword of the Morning

Ser Ryon Dayne

Age: Born 164 AC - 38 years old
Appearance:

Tall and widely regarded as handsome. He has an unquestionable strength in how he holds himself, even at repose. His body tells the story of several battles and some close calls. With peace, his body is more like to be bruised than have fresh cuts.

Description & biography:

Ryon Dayne was born in relative obscurity within the large extended family of the Daynes. His childhood was of standard fare, sent off as a page to House Qorgyle. Rather unexpectedly, he excelled in his training and quickly made a name for himself. With few options available to one of his station, he threw everything he had into his training and was knighted at 17.

House Qorgyle was in many way's a viper nest though. Their political whiplash made the Lord of Starfall reluctant to leave such an asset outside of Dayne control. Ser Ryon was recalled to Starfall to serve his family. Skirmishes with the Reach were common occurrences, and the young knight made a name not just in defense of the villages and towns of his family's demesne, but also in raids. In 188, the knight lead a defense against Stepstone raiders without losing a single man in his command. The Lord of Starfall - Ormond's father, Lord Addam, bestowed Dawn and the title Sword of the Morning. It had been three decades since any had held the title.

Two years later tragedy struck when Symon, in service as a squire to a friend from Ryon's youth, died. The Twilight Star had suggested the pairing, and indeed was meant to be in the party that was ambushed. Symon's body was never recovered, and witnesses were unable to provide a full accounting of what had transpired in the mountain pass. Ser Ryon never forgave himself, though Ormond found no fault to lay at his feet.

Most recently, tension has increased between Ser Ryon and Lord Ormond's heir, Vorian. Whenever the situation has allowed, the Sword of the Morning has made himself scarce, preferring instead to attend to Lady Dyanna in Summerhall as her sworn protector. Though he had been uncertain of Maekar Targaryen's intentions, following the wedding and early years of marriage, Ryon views the prince favorably. The two have formed a friendship of sorts, and can often be found sparring.

The knight remains unwed, though he has never hidden his lovers - men and women both. When pressed, he has quipped that the Daynes are already as numerous as stars in the sky and he need not add any more.

The Heir

Ser Vorian Dayne - Heir to Starfall

Age: Born 168 AC - 34 years old
Appearance:

Vorian is short for a man, solid, but without the athleticism of his cousin, Ryon. In younger years he was regarded as handsomely reserved. His eyes are dark, though in the sunlight they glint with a violet hue.

Description & biography:

Vorian was not always destined to be the man he became. As a youth, he was a gregarious child; quick to befriend those of any station. He was sent to live at Sunspear in the company of the lively Martells from a young age. He was mediocre in many things, excelled at none, and began to resent those who achieved more than him. In his late adolescence he took to politics as his forte, with philosophical debates late into the night with his cohort about how to rectify the issue of the Iron Throne. He was gutted when the Martells announced the pending nuptials and peace.

He left Sunspear and returned home, yet within a year had new cause to nurture the growing anger. His cousin, barely family, was named Sword of the Morning. Vorian was knighted in a small tourney and named as heir when his grandfather died, yet it did little to soothe the man. A good match was found, though he has little interest in his wife beyond putting sons in her belly. Outside of that duty, he spends no time with the woman. He ignores the sons he has, choosing instead to plot and scheme with a small group of sycophants who praise his every errant thought. His sister's marriage to a Targaryen prince drove a final wedge between father and son. The two have barely spoken but in passing since that day. Vorian seeks to drive forward his agenda, regardless that his father still lives. Yet for now, Lord Ormond retains enough control, and the Sword of the Morning is beloved by all. The heir awaits his moment with growing impatience.

The Lost Boy

Symon Dayne - Dannel Flowers

Age: Born 176 AC - 25 years old
Appearance:

Symon is of average height and slim. He is heavily scarred, the most prominent scar across his face. A wound received in adolescence, though his eye had been saved, the gash never healed correctly.

Description & biography:

It has been over a decade since the scarred man has been known as Symon, son of House Dayne. Dannel Flowers as he calls himself, grew up a bastard under the banner of House Lyberr. He remembers little from his childhood, but what he does remember fills him with hatred for Dorne and House Dayne in particular. They were responsible for marring him - physically and mentally. Fatherless and motherless, House Lyberr offered refuge, for a cost.

Dannel left their household as a nameless bastard, trained in the sword but never to be knighted. He offered his services as a sellsword; primarily having protected small merchants or caravans. Occasionally he would join up with a company but preferred to be alone. He has seen much of Westeros for his young age, his wandering has taken him across the Reach, into the Stormlands, the Crownlands, and the Riverlands. He has not been to King's Landing - a cesspool of royal indulgence.

Meeting Alys Rivers changed the course of his life again. A conniving woman, their paths crossed in a small village's tavern. Dannel was already annoyed when the woman approached him, he had been robbed over night - a small bit of coin he kept hidden but apparently not well enough. When they parted, he realized he was yet again lighter of coin. Stolen directly from a pouch sewn into his armor. She was deft, but he would not be robbed so blatantly without recourse. In confronting her though, it seemed he stoked the smoldering flames of discontent amongst the smallfolk and a tavern brawl erupted. Someone knocked a lantern over and quickly enough, flames licked at the wooden inn. Dannel ran for his horse to the see the damnable woman trying to abscond with the steed.

With an angry mob at their back, the duo - thief and victim - escaped on the steed. Dannel has been with her ever since. Though he finds petty thievery below him, he offers her protection and cover when needed. And her coin provides more than being a simple sellsword ever did. Begging bastards cannot be choosers.

[Psyker Landshark]

House Tarly

House Tarly of Horn Hill

First in Battle

House Description:
An old noble house with blood dating back to the Age of Heroes, House Tarly is blessed by rich lands, deep forests, and a legacy of martial might. For ages, the lords of Horn Hill have stood as a cornerstone of the Reach's military might, able to call up several thousand swords and possessed of several great generals and warriors throughout their lineage. The fertile farmland surrounding their seat of Horn Hill ensures that the house suffers very few shortages of supplies and funds, as the land's fruits find easy sale in the markets of Oldtown, but a hundred leagues away.

Being placed just north of the Dornish Marches, Horn Hill stands as one of the Reach's foremost keeps in defense against the Dornish to the south.

Recent History:
In the years following the ascension of Daeron II to the Iron Throne, many marcher lords of both the Reach and the Stormlands have grown increasingly discontent with the growing influence of the Dornish at court in King's Landing. One of the foremost among these discontent houses is House Tarly, which has grown ever more distant in recent years to the point where its head of house wed a marcher Stormlander lady over furthering an alliance with other Reach families. Affairs between the Tarlys and other Reach houses have been tense as a result, with a possible betrothal of the house heir with another Reach family possibly alleviating matters.

Family Members:

• Lord Talbert Tarly, Lord of Horn Hill (42)
• Lady Cassandra Tarly (nee Selmy) (38)
• Ser Samwyle Tarly, Heir to Horn Hill (21)
• Lady Mina Tarly, first and only daughter of Lord Talbert (16)
• Rand and Victor Tarly, second and third sons of Lord Talbert (13, 6)

---

Lord Talbert Tarly

Lord Talbert Tarly

Age: 42 (Born 160 AC)

Appearance:
Strong and tall, standing at approximately 6'4" with broad shoulders and a muscular build. The lord of Horn Hill is harsh and lean despite his wealth and status, his eyes never fully trusting. His dirty blonde hair and beard are somewhat lengthy, but remain well-groomed when the occasion allows.

Typically wears linens and leathers lined with furs hunted from his own lands. Will occasionally consent to being seen in rich silks for when dealing with high lords and potential visits to the royal court.

Favors a set of full plate in combat, along with a crested greathelm over his head. Wears a surcoat bearing House Tarly's arms and colors over his plate. Wields the Valyrian steel greatsword Heartsbane on foot, but bears lance and morningstar while on horseback.

Description & biography:
Talbert of House Tarly was born into the world fatherless and as the lord of Horn Hill, as his father, elder brother, and uncles had all perished during the conquest and occupation of Dorne. As a result, he was forced to grow up quickly throughout his childhood in order to regain control over his territory and his family's bannermen as quickly as possible. The young lord proved to be a canny fighter and able student as he grew and matured, taking easily to matters of the battlefield and of administrating his lands. By the age of sixteen, Talbert was knighted after proving himself in battle against Dornish mountain raiders, and took up the mantle of lord of Horn Hill in true, along with his ancestral Valyrian steel blade, Heartsbane.

Given that the occupation of Dorne robbed Talbert of his family and his childhood, he grew up with a deep dislike of his southern neighbors, especially as mountain raiders continued to harass the borders of the Marches. In preparation for what he believed to be an inevitable war against Dorne within his lifetime, Talbert sought to strengthen ties among his fellow marcher lords, Reachmen and Stormlanders alike. To this end, he went so far as to take a Stormlander wife of House Selmy. As of the current day, the union has produced four children and has been rather happy, despite being a political match.

Outside of the marches, Talbert has recently managed to arrange a betrothal between his son and heir Samwyle with the youngest daughter of Gorlois Redwyne. Having heard of Aegon IV's bestowment of Blackfyre upon his legitimized bastard Daemon, part of Talbert's curiosity over the upcoming Tournament of Summerhall is to see the man in action. Both he and Samwyle plan to compete, with the rest of their immediate family in attendance as well so that both the Tarlys and Redwynes can evaluate each other before the betrothal is signed.

Ser Samwyle Tarly

Ser Samwyle Tarly

Age: 21 (Born 181 AC)

Appearance:
While not as tall as his father, standing at "only" 6'2", Samwyle's muscles and build are equally as developed as the elder warrior's. His hair is a slightly darker brown, inherited from his mother. Samwyle carries himself with a warm demeanor, attempting to resemble a perfect knight, chivalrous and courteous.

In battle, Samwyle wears the same unadorned plate and Tarly surcoat that knights of his family tend to prefer, with a green-plumed armet atop his head. He bears lance, bastard sword, and shield as his armaments.

Description & biography:
Samwyle Tarly emerged into the world with two firm, yet fair parents, and spent his childhood attempting to live up to their expectations of him. He was educated in and excelled at his studies of administration, politics, and war while squiring for his grandmother's family, the Fossoways. Ser Samwyle was knighted at the age of seventeen after proving himself in helping to drive off a band of outlaws alongside several knights of the Reach.

While Samwyle doesn't share his father's near-obsessive dislike of the Dornish as a whole, he defers to the man's judgement in matters of politics, acknowledging that at the very least, Dorne is given too much preferential treatment by the throne. On the field, Samwyle is just as able a swordsman on foot as his father, who is already one of the greatest knights of the Reach. Some even say that the heir to Horn Hill has already exceeded his father's swordsmanship. However, he isn't quite as able on horseback. While an adept rider, Samwyle is no champion jouster.

[LadyRunic]

House Lothston

House Lothston

Shield in the Darkness

House Description:

Given to Lucas Lothson after his marriage to the disgraced Falena Stokeworth, who was found sleeping in the bed of the Prince Heir Aegon Targayen in the year 151 AC. Lothstons have made of themselves a reputation for dabbling in dark arts and black deeds. It was whispered that the daughter born by Falena was Aegon's and later used as a bribe to get Lord Lucas a position as Hand of the King by bedding then King Aegon IV. Manfryd Lothston more recently was said to have supported Daemon Blackfyre and betrayed him during the first Blackfyre rebellion. Their house is dark and full of terrors. Whispers of dark natures.

Their seat is Harrenhal. A castle was left to ruin by Balarion the Black Dread during Aegon's conquest. The lords of Harrenhal have had one ill turn after another. Accidents and madness stalk the house lines until they fail, rumoring the holding cursed. Though despite that the land is green, fertile, and vast. Harrentown is near the castle.

Recent History:

Timeline

{202 AC} -Current Time
{199 AC} -Death of Lucas and his mother due to illness
{195 AC} -Disappearance of Alysanne
{193 AC} -Birth of Lucas Lothston
[191 AC} -Manfyrd married a lowborn commoner from Harrentown
{190 AC} -Death of Benjicot, fell down the stairs and broke his neck
{186 AC} -Death of Calera in childbirth, the birth of Elayne Lothston
{184 AC} -Birth of Danelle Lothston, Death of King Aegon IV
{182 AC} -Birth of Alysanne and Benjicot Lothston
{181 AC} -Married to Calera Blackwood, a niece of the Late Lord Benjicot Blackwood
{165 AC} -Birth of Manfryd Lothston

Family Members:

Danelle Lothston
Elayne Lothston
Alysanne Lothston
Lord Manfryd Lothston, Lord of Harrenhal
Benjicot Lothston
Lucas Lothston
Jeyne Lothston

Manfryd Lothston

Manfryd Lothston

Age: 37, born in 165 AC

Appearance: A slightly tall man, people often think him older than he is. With thinning grey hair peppered with dark red, a burly mustache, and neat beard to hide his slightly sunken cheeks. Whispers would have it that it was the loss of two sons and wives that put the strain upon the lord, while others whisper that he dabbles in the dark arts practiced by the Lothstons aged him past his years. Still, and even more quietly, others suggest that perhaps the doing is that of Danelle Lothston who was always a queer child. Yet for his age, Manfryd is a fit man. Still often practicing with sword and bow and seen riding about the lands of Harrenhal. Never one for ostentatious clothed, he wears simple stout clothing but finely made and often decorated by embroidery, by the skilled hand of Elayne.

Description & biography: Manfryd was the heir from the minute he was born. His Father had been granted Harrenhal by Prince Viserys, though privately Manfryd always saw it as more of a bribe to clean up after Prince Aegon. Something that led his father to no end of trouble as Jeyne was sister to him and potentially a bastard of Aegon's! A shame to the House even more with the whispers that came to court and how his sister and mother displayed themselves. Manfryd had grown up with the whispers and taking them for true, fueled a sense of righteous anger that eagerly mixed with greed. His father had been a schemer and once Hand of the King, a lord of note, though in his years after being banished from Court Lucas turned to care for his land. Along with nursing grievance against the king, not that he said as much. It seemed fitting and with Aegon having dismissed them from the court, the lord felt he could do more for his land and people than worry about the politics. Manfryd however drank and talked about dark things that did not wish the king well. With a reckless son who was liable to stir trouble, he thought the best option was to marry the boy off to an advantageous house. His second son had died from a fall from a spirited horse and his wife, Falena Stokeworth, had died with a third child. Securing some grandchildren would do good for the House and his son would have someone to talk sense into him!

Those hopes would not fall on deaf ears. Calera was a delight to Manfryd, and he was besotted. That two children came quickly, if perhaps too quickly was no trouble. Manfryd took to keeping his whispers to nothing more than talk and arguing with other RiverLords about the Tridents as anything else upset Calera. His father had passed shortly after the marriage and the twins' birth from a long fight with the pox. Though he showed some interest in the children, it was more in training Benjicot to take over in his stead. Manfryd was afraid of his own death and his son being unprepared to take the reins after, so if he had to allow Alysanne to learn the bow? Then there was no matter, so long as Benjicot kept up his studies. He did not even think to take another wife after Calera's death. An event which turned Manfryd colder and his whispered dislike of the Kings of the Seven Kingdoms just a little bit louder. When Benjicot fell down the stairs and was found dead? The man turned positively glacier. He took to teaching Alysanne to be heir and began looking for another wife which proved something of a trial. Nothing pleased him as no one was Calera. Finally, he decided to take a woman from Harrentown for his wife, seeing something was better than nothing and wanting a proper heir quickly. Leaving the woman to her antics and the children to their Septa. The only child who stood out at all to Manfryd was Elayne.

Another son was born, then both mother and child died from a disease. A daughter having vanished in the night and unable to locate her. Manfryd's years weighed on him. Perhaps his castle was cursed. Yet he still had an heir in Danelle, and still kept an eye out for a potential marriage to a decent woman for himself so he might secure another son. Cold and furious he was certain that this was some cruel jab by the late Kings Viserys and Aegon IV, not a reward for service but a curse and scorned from court because of the wiles of women. He ponders how to gain another castle and nurses his woes and scorn.

Alysanne Lothston

Alysanne Lothston/ Alys Rivers

Age:

20 - Born Early in 182 AC

Appearance:

As a young child of nobility, Alysanne was noted for her lovely red locks and finely boned features that promised to grow into an attractive woman, but the future took her another way and into the rough wool or rare silks of those not of noble birth, even into leather armor with bow or dagger in hand. Pale blue eyes, weathered skin, and a well-muscled if short frame. It would take a long second for anyone to connect Alys Rivers to Alysanne Lothston, though some of that noble vanity remained in her long red braid and delight for the finer things any commoner would desire but not know the real value of. A charming smile with dimples belying an easy nature and her fingers long and slender revealing their quickness, the latter bears scars from fights with knives even as her body bears a few from close calls and scrapes.

Description & biography:

Born early in the marriage of Manfyrd and Calera, Alys and her twin brother Benjicot, named for Calera's uncle and the lord of the Riverlands, were side-eyed by the servants. Their birth had come quite soon after the marriage bed and while it was not unheard of, Benji had been a large boy and she quite small, as it was with twins from time to time, and servants whispered that the birth had not been early. Such was life at Harrenhal, the walls held up by the constant wind of whisper and rumor the stout beams of fact and reason having burned along with Harren and all his sons during the Conquest. Still, Manfryd did accept the parentage as truth and life went on. It was two years later that Danelle was born, a pretty daughter who was doted on by her sister, brother, and mother. Then another two years and another sister, Elayne this time, but their mother was weakened by pox did not have the strength to do more and perished.

Manfryd was left without a wife and four children without a mother. The twins for their part were heartbroken, Calera had been a motherly woman for all she was a Lady. The twins grew and were often found together in lessons or in play. When Benji started learning the arts of war, Alysanne was not far away at needlepoint. Her keen ear perked for his instruction as much as her own. It was when he took up the bow she could bear it no longer, not allowed on their adventures and having just turned seven, she and Benji begged their father to let her learn as well. Manfryd would gave argued and refused had he not been wise enough to see that one would teach the other and with possible horrible consequences.

Yet there was a shadow over Harrenhal. The ruined towers, the bats, the whispers of ghosts, and rumors of black deeds. However, the shadow of a six-year-old child would hardly be terrifying. Alys and Benji were in disagreement. Danelle was often on her own when not shadowing the two about and there always seemed something dark in her premonitions or sayings. "If you climb any higher up that tree, a bunch will break." And one did. "The kettle Cook uses, could boil the cat." And the keeps cat had been found boiled in the kettle. A prank pulled, burs under a horse's saddle, the wine goes missing... it was Danelle's fault in the twinss' eyes and their fault in the eyes of everyone else. Alys would admit they played a few pranks but nothing serious, and perhaps she took the wine to indulge in with Benji once.

Then death came again to Harrenhal, Benji had run to his instruction on archery with Alysanne already there. She was always there first, eager to escape the bower with Septa Bessa, Elayne, and Danelle. Perhaps it had been a sheer accident, perhaps a prank gone wrong but Benji had fallen down the tower stairs where their room was. Fallen and never rose, his neck broken. It broke something in Alys. Her twin, her beloved brother was dead. Worse? "If you run down the stairs, you will break your neck." Danelle had said, and later Alys learned that around the same time Danelle had not been with Septa Bessa. Benjicot Lothson was dead and despite that, Alysanne kept up her archery. Each shot aimed at the Stranger who had come to take her brother, not that she would tell the Septa that! She was going to be Lady Lothston rather than her brother, and she aimed to do right for him. Their talks and dreams of glory. Hers had been to marry a Targaryen Prince. His was to be like their Great Grandfather, Hand of the King. It would have been wonderful! And it still could be!

Manfryd was not of that mind and after a year of finding no woman of noble birth with a father or brother who would agree to marriage and needing a son and heir? There was trouble enough, a daughter heir would not do to his mind. The Lord of Harrenhal took a commoner for his wife. A pretty-faced woman with little else besides her looks and ability to give him an heir. It was something that put both Danelle and Alysanne into an agreement, the woman was 'Not Acceptable'. She was too flighty, she had none of the manners of a Highborn lady, and worse? She could dispose of Alysanne's place as heir.

There had been no thought in her head of anything but that of a petulant youth. A child's scorn for an unwanted adult who took that parental role is not deserved. Her brother was not dead but a year and already her father sought to replace him and her! But it was perhaps worse when she was approached by Danelle. The two sisters had been cordial, not liking each other but sisters. Benjicot's death had changed things, Alysanne had turned cold towards Danelle and suspicious. Danelle, was the odd child, the one that always knew when an accident would happen. This time they had a common enemy though. Danelle was but eight and Alys but ten, still they had 'wicked minds' as the Septa put it that year. Frogs and serpents in the bed of Lady Lothston. Bats in her bower! A burr under the horse's saddle. Each time caught they were punished and lectured to accept the woman as Elayne did, yet it was to no effect. Alysanne dimly remembered her mother and would have no replacement, while Danelle could not be made to like the woman.

It was a year after the harlots, as the sisters agreed upon calling her, gave birth to a stout son that Alysanne began taking ill. Sleeping long hours, unlike her busy self. She also began to feel unwell. It was a chance at eavesdropping between Elayne, now eight, and Danelle, then ten, when her youngest sister remarked how she wished to be the heir like Alysanne and how she hoped Alysanne would be heir again. A child's wish. Alysanne was fun and was not so annoying as Lucas who was doted on by his mother and could do no wrong. The ringing slap has caused Alysanne to pause outside the door as Danelle viciously refused that their eldest sister would be heir again and Lucas not for long as Harrenhal was cursed. If Elayne did not wish to lose her favorite kitten she would remember that.

It was nothing, a squabble and easily dismissed but Alysanne did corner Danelle demanding answers. "You will end up like Benjicot when you get answers." Had been that cold-eyed answer. Alysanne had been slightly suspicious of the accidents that seemed to surround Danelle, but she had no proof. Her father would dismiss the matter, so she chose the next option which was to leave Danelle's grasp. For all her sister was younger by two years, she was taller than Alysanne and had been learning how to fight in the last year, Lord Manfryd was distracted by courtly matters. He had a wife to oversee the children, but alas that wife was all too interested in her son. Alysanne ran. Disguising herself as a young courier when her father demanded a letter be taken to the Lord of Maidenpool with whom he was having words. That she paid off the courier boy with a dragon she had stolen from her father, and took the letter, not to Maidenpool but rode to the Blackwater and followed it to the towns and ports along the Bay.

Disguising herself as a bow, she learned how to use a knife and poach with a bow. Her fingers were always quick learning how to pick a pocket or swipe an unattended bit of glimmer. Her old skill of climbing trees was as useful in scaling walls and she quickly learned even more than listening to what people said was just as easily sold onwards for mugs of ale as the coin. Years passed and she grew in skill and confidence, though her height was always limited. She looked over her shoulder for old enemies she had made be they an enraged father, cunning sister, or some guard or fool who thought to press her about something overheard or slipped into her purse. It was an adventure and while she would not be a lady, nor marry a Targaryen Prince, Alys Rivers as she called herself was enjoying life. Always eager for a new challenge or thrill. Yet she still could remember the curse of Harrenhal, how she wanted what was rightfully her home, and privately wondered if Danelle would darken her life again. Privately considering in those quiet nights what could have been if she had dared to stand up to Danelle and if it would have led to her death. A kin slaying? Then banishing the thoughts with a sternness that she had fled and ifs bought no bread.

Danelle Lothston

Danelle Lothston

Age:

18 - Born in 184 AC

Appearance:

Wearing dark-fitting armor when needed, the woman is tall and well muscled for her training in the arts of war. With pale skin and pale green eyes, her looks were stern and handsome, though unappealing if one listened to rumors. Danelle's eyes are often cold and baleful, bleak. The red hair, common enough among Riverland lords, is enough like to be the twin to Alysanne's. She dresses usually in plain gowns, sensible garb rather than the glimmer that could be found on most courtly ladies.

Description & biography:

Rumor and whisper would have one belief the woman spawned between the late lord Manfryd Lothston and the bats of Harrenhal, in truth though her mother was Calera and Danelle had been born as her sisters had been. The middling child between a pair of twins and a younger sister. Danelle would not call her childhood a fond thing. Benjicot often stole her dolls and mocked her, leading Alysanne to cruel pranks. That her eldest brother fell on the stairs when he was forever trying to race everywhere and broke his fool neck? It only meant peace from Benjicot's cruel jabs that had hardened her hide, and she certainly had not shed a tear over it! Alysanne had never taken that well, but her sisters were flighty and given to stupid games. Just as Septa Bessa was given to working the needle and pointless lessons, whereas Maester Lainn was more given to teaching useful things. Thus, Danelle learned of herbs and their various applications.

It was when their father remarried the harlot commoner, that the elder Lothston sisters joined sisters. Their new Lady Lothston was given to fashions that were anything but decent, barked pointless orders, and ran a once fairly decent House into the ground with what she thought a Lady ought to be. It was around the same time that Elayne began to follow Danelle with large and innocent eyes. It aggravated the girl and she often threatened her younger sister as this new habit brought Septa Bessa down upon them both and worse. Elayne was certain that Alysanne, the daydreaming fool! being heir would be a perfect answer to everything! Alysanne later confronted her and Danelle remarked that if she kept going the way she was going that she would end up the same as her brother. Perhaps harsh, but she recalled that Alysanne had joined in on Benjicot's teasing. It was amusing to her how she could usually shoulder her older sister about and put things just out of reach. When Alysanne disappeared, Danelle found herself the eldest sister and had enough scorn within her to scorch Harrenhal all over again. With Elayne irritating her and Lucas, a young lad who could do no wrong making any room for he was in misery, Danelle was certain that perhaps turning to the dark whispers about the Lothstons would be no bad thing if she could have peace!

She was twelve when the harlot and her little brat, Lucas, took ill. The Master had taken her as a helper and trusted her to deliver medicines. With half the castle coughing with the pox, Danelle had been given her beloved Lady Lothston's medicine. That she added a few pinches of sweetsleep hardly seem relevant against the strapping she had received for not curtsying to the woman and calling her several names she had heard in the town. It was not long after that Danelle was soon heir to Harrenhal, though whispered floated about as they always did about the Lothstons and Harrenhal. She ignored them and put her entire focus on learning how to be a lady who could lead House Lothston.

In more recent years, a woman of martial ability and not interested in lace so much as being the heir. Danelle has been eyeing her father's choices for her husband and finding them all lacking. She has no wish for a husband, but his search for a wife and a son to make heir of Harrenhal is not something she can allow to pass by.

Elayne Lothston

Elayne Lothston

Age:

16, born in 186 AC

Appearance:

If any of the Lothston sisters could be called beautiful in the purest sense, it would be Elayne. Willowy with reddish-blonde hair, blue eyes, and a heart-shaped face she has had a few suitors from minor houses. The unfortunate men were turned away by Manfryd. Given to wearing silks and delighting in everything a lady should, Elayne is not a warrior maid like her sister or even an adventurer like the missing Alysanne. She enjoys her comforts. Jewels sparkle about her and her gowns all sport her own embroidery. Often she finds herself scolded by her father and sister for sighing for a bard or passing knight. Her's is the simple delight of what is expected in life. A husband to provide for her wants and to keep her from the woes of life.

Description & biography:

With a mother who died during her birth, siblings at rivalry with each other, a father more interested in being a lord than even his youngest daughter, and a second mother who was as wont to sneer at her as dote upon her, Elayne's life was turbulent and troubled. Any attempt to get close to Danelle was met with harsh words and threats, Alysanne had some time to play but most of it was taken up with studies, and as he became older Lucas grew to be a terror that even she could not stand. After Alysanne's disappearance, Elayne kept to Septa Bessa. Learning how to dance, needlepoint, and all other things a lady might need.

In comparison, it could be said that Elayne was the meekest of the sisters, given to seeing beauty in all things and trying to be forever the optimist. Flights of fancy and bouts of daydreaming nonsense as Danelle would call it. Her father and sister were constantly keeping a sharp eye on her and kept the girl within Harrenhal. Perhaps she forgot where she left her gloves, or perhaps she did not notice it was raining but they were such minor things when there was a beautiful flower she had seen or something to delight over. A dress to be made, a new treat to try. The kindest thing to say of the woman is that perhaps her life is a bit to full of dreams that she forgets the mud of the lake that lies just outside of the walls and the bloodied battle that had reigned on it's shores during Maegor the Cruel's time.

Household

Jeyne Lothston

Jeyne Lothston

Age:

38, born in 164 AC

Appearance:

A pretty woman in her youth with fine red, gold hair and pale skin. Now in her later years she has collected a fair bit of lines about her eyes and mouth. Worry rides upon her brow and for all her years, she had born no children. Though her beauty is still seen in those graceful features. Despite her banishment from court she kept her finery even when married to a minor lord who already had a house full of children.

Description & biography:

Once she was a mistress to King Aegon 'The Unworthy'until she caught the pox. The whispers that float about that illicit affair drove her father to find her a husband soon after their return from court and Jeyne was passed into obscurity. To mind a houseful of children and a minor lord who was little more than a steward. Two years ago, she returned to Harrenhal after her husband died and the children turned her out, leaving Jeyne to face the scorn of her younger brother and his charity. While neither get along and both greatly dislike the other, Manfryd would not have Jeyne languish about the land as a ill testament to the stain on House Lothston. So he keeps her close and as little more than a lady's maid for his two daughters. Elayne tries to speak of the Seven to Jeyne and assure her all will be forgiven while Danelle ignores the woman in public. Privately putting their heads together to speak of things best left to women and darkness.

[Sini]

The three-headed Targaryen dragon, crimson on sable, quartered.

Targaryen of Summerhall

"Fire and Blood"

House Description and recent history:

While the heir apparent to the Iron Throne was known as the Prince of Dragonstone, a younger son could be titled the Prince of Summerhall. Located in or near the foothills of the Red Mountains, Summerhall is close to the Stormlands' border with the Reach, east of the Cockleswhent and southeast of the Blueburn. The Boneway runs south from Summerhall through the Dornish Marches to Yronwood in Dorne. Originally it was a small castle, but early in Daeron’s reign expansion began to turn it into a splendid summer residence befitting a king.

The King spent much time at Summerhall in his youth, but now resides in King’s Landing. Baelor, as heir apparent, holds the fief of Dragonstone, and Aerys and Rhaegal seldom leave court. And so, Maekar received the palatial castle for his seat and become known as the Prince of Summerhall. Though the prince is not blind to its pleasures and comfort, it is mostly Dyanna’s preference for the site and surrounding area which renders him appreciative of it.

Family Members:

• Maekar, fourth son of King Daeron II and Myriah Martell
• Dyanna Dayne (23), his wife
  
  • Daeron (5) and Aerion (3), their two young children
• dead member of importance

Household:

• TBA
• Ser Alyn Horpe, castellan
• Maester Melaquin

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Maekar Targaryen

A thousand thanks to Vanq for edits.

Maekar Targaryen

Age: 28 (born 174 AC)

Appearance:

Maekar is powerfully built and tall. He has violet eyes. Unlike his eldest brother Baelor, Maekar looks a true Targaryen. However, when exposed to the sun, he tans easily, courtesy of his Dornish mother. Maekar has straight hair which he keeps close cut on the side, and a square beard, both being the colour of silver with a touch of gold.

Description & biography:

Growing up in the shadow of his daring and charismatic brother, Baelor, made Maekar wont to be prickly and impatient. With three elder brothers there was always a comparison going on. Maekar matured feeling as if he did not live up to the standards set by his elder siblings. It was sometimes said that Maekar was “not as bold as Prince Baelor, nor as clever as Prince Aerys nor as gentle as Prince Rhaegel”.

Nursing his wounded pride, the prince grew up to be a harsh man, quick to judge and to condemn. This was after all how the world treated him. He would give as good as he got, and more. Unlike Baelor, he has difficulty with being charming and making friends or allies. Even as a child, the fourth prince was sullen and prone to brooding, seldomly mingling with his peers. Nevertheless, he is not without his qualities. Duty and loyalty he holds in high esteem, and has the mettle and air to be an able commander of men. Those who sang Baelor’s praises as a knight, lord, and heir, often extended the accolades to Maekar for his prowess and bearing. The King and his council learnt that if they wanted something done, they could entrust Maekar with it if they were willing to tolerate some collateral damage. Efficient and hardheaded yes, but refined, Maekar is not.

As if embracing the reputation due to his black moods, Maekar favours dark attire according to the colours of his house. Like other Targaryens, his darkened armour is decorated with dragon elements such as teeth along the shoulders and down his back, and the crest of his helm had dragon teeth as well. His weapon of choice is a spiked mace.

Dour as he is, Maekar had expected little in the way of love in his life. In his youth, carnal passions were summarily and easily dealt with, there being no shortages of those willing to mount a dragon. As such, he never saw it coming when at a tourney he met (and was bested by) Lady Dyanna Dayne during the archery contest. Like her aim, Dyanna's unusual charms found their mark. When later he asked for her favour, she opted to point out her superior skills it only infuriated and intrigued the youngest Targaryen prince further. Enlisting the help of his sweet-talking brother Rhaegal, Maekar started a courtship via raven until affairs progressed far enough to warrant a visit to Starfall. While parchment had provided a conduit for their mutual infatuation, it was a prolonged stay at the Dayne seat which sealed the deal. Indeed, illicitly, the two parties acted upon their longing. They were wed soon after (196 AC) and eventually set up a household at Summerhall, the halls of which promptly echoed with the sound of little stars and dragons.

[POOHEAD189]

Markus Storm

Yes, I drew this mf

Name

Age: 27 (175 AC)

Description & biography:
Born the bastard of a minor lord in the Storm lands, he wasn't even given a chance at the life of a Lordly house, having been rejected by the father he never knew. So he attempted to take his mother's maiden name for his own, Falenhearth, but inevitably he was called Storm as per the custom. He was very much treated like an unwanted dog growing up, his mother doing her best to provide for him working in the local winery. By age 8, he had felt very much like a burden to his mother, despite her professings of the contrary. Even at such a young age, he felt so very out of place in the small town.

The Seven smiled upon him, for on his ninth birthday he pleaded a local Knight to take him as his page. Markus was not even entirely sure of what that entailed, but he needed to go somewhere else. Do something else. The bandits of the region had been growing ever bolder, and the Knight knew it would continue as such. He accepted, and there was a transformation that occurred in young Markus when he picked up his first sword in the training yard. It felt natural, and he felt whole for the first time, as if the father who left had always been there in the form of the weapon in his hand.

The next eight years went by quickly. He learned how to saddle a horse and strap on armor, as well as less mundane skills such as archery, swordsmanship, horsemanship, and even the usage of the spear and mace. By age 17 he was seasoned as a killer, following the Knight into combat against a group of brigands. The combat was fierce, and Markus proved his valor slaying three of the rogues. But he was hit by a stray stone, knocking him to the ground. The last thing he remembered was his master leaving him to his fate.

Markus awoke amongst the brigands, and they offered him his life if he joined them. Markus did so, unable to really conceive how his liege would abandon him. For eight months, he helped them steal and kill when needed, though he wouldn't join in any sexual violence. He still had notions of chivalry, even if many knights themselves didn't follow such principles. One fateful day, the brigands were assailed again, this time by a larger contingent of knights. In the vanguard was Markus' old master, whom Markus managed to kill in single combat.

He didn't feel vindicated or brimming with justice. He felt sick.

What he considered a second father that had abandoned him, he killed by his own hand.

Markus didn't return to the lads. Thieving wasn't his game. He simply had no idea what else to do. Markus fled, and in five months he became a champion used in legal duels. Winning the lives of merchants and nobles that needed it, making contacts and even a few friendships until he found himself in Volantis. There he met a girl and fell in love, though she broke his heart and ran off with another man from her past. He joined a crew of privateers called the Red Sabers, sailing with them for three years, reaving merchant ships and growing happy and content. His life moved so quickly, he merely just lived it. One day he found himself on the shore, drinking with a textile merchant and swapping stories, and before he knew it the man hired him as a caravan guard. He accepted, and found he had missed the land. Where his life was to go from there, he didn't know. But as long as he had a blade, he could earn his keep.

[SunsetWanderer]

House Lannister

"Hear me Roar."

[ ♫ ]

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[+]

House Description

Dating back to the First Men, House Lannister has a long and proud history covering thousands of years. Throughout this period they have remained the overlords of the Westerlands, thanks to their status as the wealthiest Great House in Westeros and their ability to command respect and loyalty from their vassals - severely handling those who step out of line.

Their seat is Casterly Rock, a near impregnable castle built into a colossal hill of stone, proudly overlooking the harbour of Lannisport. It is said to stand taller than even the Wall or Hightower of Oldtown, and from atop this great perch they lord over the Westerlands.

Recent History

Since the bloodshed from Dance of Dragons, and the infamous raids of Dalton Greyjoy, House Lannister of Casterly Rock has spent decades carefully repairing and bolstering their hold across the Westerlands. Repairing the damage done to Lannisport, investing in infrastructure and defence, granting loans (with strict terms) to their vassals, rebuilding their fleet. These have been the major preoccupations for the Lions of the Rock for decades after the Dance, their roar rarely heard outside of the Westerlands in what had become an atypically insular realm. Indeed, when the Young Dragon launched his conquest of Dorne, it was not troops of the Westerlands that bolstered his ranks - though, Lannister gold did fill their war chests.

Only in recent generations have the Lions begun to rise from their perceived slumber. Lord Gerold Lannister - named Master of Coin to Baelor I in recognition of the House’s influence and as thanks for their contribution to the war effort in Dorne - relocated to King’s Landing in 163AC. Brought with him was his son and heir of four and ten, Tytos. The presence of House Lannister was increasingly felt in the capital, with Gerold serving on the small council until 171AC. By this time, the realms finances had been brought to fair order and important relationships built, most importantly the friendship between Prince Daeron and Tytos. Though Tytos would return to the Rock with his father upon the ascension of Viserys II, their strong friendship remained.

After the brief rule of Viserys II followed the long, torturous reign of Aegon the Unworthy in 172AC. The scandals of misdeeds, depravity and excess made for entertaining gossip in the early years of his reign, though things quickly became more consequential for the Lions. When Aegon squandered much of the crown's coin on a ‘grand fleet’ destined to be lost in a storm, he soon turned to the wealthiest of the Great Houses to fuel his decadent lifestyle, bribes and gifts. House Lannister dutifully obliged, and made no objections as dates for repayment slid by without notice from the capital.

When Tytos rode to the capital in the summer of 178AC, determined to raise the issue of crown repayments, he instead arrived to witness a gruesome scene. Sir Terrence Toyne, guilty of laying with Aegon’s mistress, was ripped apart limb by limb while a screaming girl - the mistress - made to watch. Thereafter, both the girl and her father were executed. Brackens, Tytos was told. The King was without limit, and his court more broken than any outside it could have imagined. It did not take counsel from Daeron to have Tytos realise that any attempt to pursue crown repayments was folly. He spent only a few weeks in King’s Landing, associating himself with the growing faction surrounding Prince Daeron at court before returning to the Rock.

Perhaps it was this friendship between Daeron and Tytos that drew the attention of Aegon the Unworthy, or perhaps he would have always acted as he did - but his demands for loans of gold became more frequent, the sums larger, and word occasionally reached the Rock of some insult thrown to them by Aegon at court.

Nevertheless, the Lions of Casterly Rock rode out the storm of his reign from the Westerlands, with Aegon finally meeting his end in 184AC. Since then, House Lannister has maintained close relations with the capital. These have grown only stronger since the passing of Lord Gerold in 188AC, with Tytos taking his place as Lord Paramount.

By 202AC, House Lannister has finally begun to recoup the financial losses with the growing stability of the realm. Not only is it in their financial interests to see the status quo maintained, but with the misrule of Aegon IV fresh in memory, their stance against the legitimized bastards is strong, disapproving of the incomes maintained for them and - in the case of Daemon Blackfyre - of the land granted.

What lays ahead is unclear, but the House of Lannister is determined not to fall quiet as they had during the reign of Aegon. History will not repeat, and they will live by their words, Hear me Roar.

Realm Relations

TBD

Family Tree

Link

Household

Ser Benedict Vikary - Master-at-Arms
An able warrior with blackened heart. Serves as a trusted enforcer and works alongside Ser Alastor.

Raynald Garner - Adviser
A trusted adviser to Lord Tytos, said to maintain a network of spies throughout the Westerlands and beyond.

Ser Alastor - Captain of the Guard
Leader of the famed Red Cloaks. A veteran of the guard who instils rigorous standards of discipline.

Martyn - Maester
A long-standing Maester to the House, well-liked by all. He is fond of the Lannisport honeywine.

Character Information

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Lord Tytos Lannister

Lord Tytos Lannister

_{Lord Paramount of the Westerlands, Lord of Casterly Rock, Shield of Lannisport and Warden of the West}

Age

53, born 149AC

Appearance

Aging gracefully, the Lion of Casterly Rock maintains a solemn demeanour. He has pale green eyes. His golden mane has lost it's shine, and has begun to grey. Despite this, he carries with him a quiet strength. Unlike many of his house he wears muted colours and tones, his appearance rarely reflecting the great wealth of his house.

Description & Biography

Born after a difficult birth that cost the life of his mother, Tytos was raised an only child by his father, Gerold, who would never remarry. The pair grew a strong connection, with the importance of family having been nurtured within Tytos from birth. Being sole heir burdened him with a great weight of responsibility throughout his childhood. He did not take risks or run off to explore as children are want to do, his sparring sessions were more limited - for he was too important to duel himself - and his time was spent mostly with the Maester, being tutored in the ways of lordship with a particular focus on commerce and revenue. This developed a strong sense of responsibility, and of duty, within Tytos. In some ways, he has never truly been a child, and this created a grown man known for his solemnity. He does not drink, has little by way of hobbies, and counts the number of true friends on one hand.

This is not to say that Tytos Lannister is not a perfectly affable man. In polite company, he can maintain conversation with the best of them, and is no stranger to the environment found at tourneys or great events of the realm. It is instead, that there is a distance felt by most who spend time with him, and it is only few who can consider themselves friends of the man. Indeed, it is perhaps a consequence of the missing mother’s love that Tytos has always found himself lacking warmth, and unable to show affection to his immediate family, despite meaning well.

His rule over the Westerlands has been competent and able. The work undertaken by his predecessors - investing into infrastructure, the opening of new gold mines, the repair and improvement of Lannisport - has finally begun to bear fruit. New avenues of income sustain and grow the wealth of Casterly Rock, despite the misrule of Aegon IV. It is to this that Tytos has dedicated his life, and lordship.

With the ascension of his oldest and closest friend, Daeron II, Tytos was appointed to the position of Master of Coin in the first Small Council for the King. Known for his shrewd understanding of commerce, Tytos began the work of restoring the crown’s finances to health. This tenure was to be short-lived, with Lord Lannister being publicly dismissed from the position after only a short three months. The cause is an open secret in King’s Landing and beyond, as Tytos is said to have pushed strongly for a harsh treatment of the Blackfyre bastards. Some claim he even went as far as to suggest their murder. They say this disagreement led to a tempestuous argument, with only their friendship saving the Lion from a cage. Instead, Daeron II maintained stipends and granted lands to the Blackfyres, and Tytos returned to Casterly Rock. Relations between the Crown and Rock have been icy since.

Now, Lord Tytos Lannister attends a tourney at Summerhall with his family and retainers. A chance to meet with an old friend, and witness his sons compete for glory. For now, life is good for the proud Lion.

Lyman Lannister

Lyman Lannister

_{Heir to the Rock}

Age

31, born 171AC

Appearance

Standing tall with broad shoulders and a flowing mane of golden hair, Lyman is the picture of a perfect Lannister. His eyes of deep green are speckled with gold, and a well-groomed beard frames his strong facial features. He has a warm demeanor.

Description & Biography

In the warm summer of 171AC, the first child of Tytos Lannister and Cerelle Brax was born. Lyman, as he was named, was to become Heir to the Rock. He was not to remain an only child long, with his younger sister Liore born only two winters after. This closeness in age saw the two raised together, and more closely than they would be with their younger brother, Loreon. Together they endured the long hours of lessons with the Maester, fell from their first horses under the eyes of the stablemaster, and leapt together from the edge of tall rocks into the waters of the Sunset Sea below. Lyman became as much an expert in Liore as anything else - which dresses she liked, what food she loved, the essences and scents she chose, the number of pillows she preferred under her head. For most, their closeness has been nothing more than the innocent love shared between siblings, but the keener eyes of Casterly Rock have quietly questioned the need for their hidden-away studying and days long excursions into the maze of Lannsiport below.

To most, Lyman has always held a charm that draws people to him. Charismatic, sociable and a natural leader, he is regarded by most as a promising heir to the Rock. When not with Liore, he is likely to be found at the head of a group describing some vision for the future of the Westerlands or Westeros. An idealist, but a popular one, and something of a philanthropist. Some of the more cynical lords see in him an opportunity to have their great debts to House Lannister forgiven as he waxes lyrical about new beginnings and charitable goals.

Despite this outgoing nature, Lyman has always been prone to great bouts of sadness. A ‘black lion’ over his shoulder, as he calls it, often rears its depressive head for weeks or even months at a time. In these periods, he can become reclusive, writing melancholic poetry and clutching at metaphors for his suffering. Drowning himself in his cups, too, is another frequency in these times. These periods under the curse of the black lion began some twelve years ago, but none have truly kept note.

In 194AC he was wed to Ellyn Westerling in what remains a childless, and they say loveless, union. She is every bit a charming, beautiful wife that many men would long to have - but this has, for reasons unknown, not been enough to create a happy and child-bearing union. Some whispers have claimed that either is infertile, or more fond of same-sex company. The truth remains unknown.

Loreon Lannister

Loreon Lannister
_{The Lion of Lannister}

Age

26, born 176AC

Appearance

Standing taller than his brother and with a broader, more athletic build, Loreon is oft regarded the most striking of his family. His unmistakably golden hair is frizzy, resting naturally in tousled curls that he keeps longer than he need, but just short enough to remain practical - an insight into his brand of vanity. He has eyes of emerald green, flaked with gold. He carries himself confidently, and has a quiet intensity not unlike that of his father.

Description & Biography

Raised atop the colossal Rock overlooking Lannisport, it was clear from a young age that Loreon was entirely unlike his elder brother. His circle of friends was small, and his temper stormier. Fights with the other children - of nobility and commoner - were frequent, and his will for lessons with Maester Martyn was low. Intelligent, yet unwilling to apply himself.

His slow maturity began under the tutelage of Ser Benedict Vikary, the newly appointed Master-at-Arms. Named page at five, squire by nine, and knighted at fifteen - the decade is remembered by Loreon as brutal and ceaseless. In just some of his daily training regimen, he was pitted against multiple opponents in sparring, drilled in riding and swordsmanship, and - more reluctantly - lectured on military thinking and strategy. He was not granted his own blade of steel until he had disarmed an opponent using only a training blade of oak. In the latter years of his time as squire to Black Vikary, as he came to be known for his somber moods, his education in jousting began. In one of his early training jousts, a poorly aimed lance shattered the collarbone and split the neck of a young Moreland boy, barely past four and ten. It would be the first death experienced by the young lion, and more would follow. Any guilt felt for the boy was soon assuaged by Black Vikary who, while an able combatant, was far from the perfect image of a knight. Victory by whatever means was the strongest lesson imparted to Loreon.

Knighted in a modest ceremony after victory in a regional tourney hosted by House Serrett, he can scarcely remember the vows he was sworn to, and has never been much of a godly man. Only a few days after the ceremony, Loreon took his leave from the Westerlands with a small retinue, headed for his first tourney as a knight.

In the subsequent eleven years, there have been a great many victories and losses both. His travels have taken him from Casterly Rock to King’s Landing, the Reach to the Stormlands and further afield still. He is the most well-traveled of the Lannister pride, and has spent more time outwith the Westerlands than within, and is said to be the “Lion of Lannister”, a measure of his ferocity and talent. He is a gifted combatant, and skilful rider - one of the most proficient knights to come from the Westerlands. Yet among other knights and competitors, his reputation is oft less than stellar. Vain and said to be conceited beyond measure, he has also been accused of disreputable methods in combat with more than one scandal surrounding a victory had by Loreon.

Now in the year of 202AC, the Lion of Lannister travels to Summerhall to attend what will surely be the grandest tourney of the year. It will also be the first occasion he has reunited with his family for near two years. How he will fare in the lists, and where his travels will take him from here, remains to be seen.

[Danvers]

Nyla

Name: Nyla Martell

Age: 19 (born 183AC)

Appearance:

Dark of locks and amber of eyes, Nyla looks every bit a Martell. No longer living in Dorne, her skin is paler than it used to be but easily adopts an olive tone when exposed to the sun. She likes to take the latest in courtly fashion and make it more...salty, as she puts it. This usually involves making something more revealing or easier to manouvere in, and often lands her in trouble. Extremely unpredictable in both manner and appearance, one moment she will happily be wearing one of her many fine dresses, and the next she will have it covered in dirt & dust. Lithe in frame, Nyla seems to have an ability to hide in spaces that she should not be able to and is fairly agile by nature. And though pretty of face, the permanant mischevious smile she dons has a tendency to ruin this for some.

Description & biography:

Nyla is said to be the younger sister of Maron and Myriah Martell. In reality, she is the illegitimate daughter of Maron. But the prince was unwilling to give her the Sand surname and wishing for her to live life free of the chains of Bastardy, it was instead proclaimed that she was but a sibling. She has never known the identity of her mother, though she likes to fantasise. Perhaps she was a Dothraki or a traveller from far away lands. Perhaps she was from one of the other great families in Westeros. Or perhaps, a perhaps she likes to ignore, she was simply another whore. Someone to be easily forgotten and ignored.

Her early years were spent in Sunspear. As a Martell she was doted upon and had want for nothing. She particularly had a fondness for the sand steeds and quickly became a proficient rider. But she was a tempestuous child, prone to changes in mood as quickly as a sandstorm may appear. Sometimes gentle, sometimes ferocious, Dorne only served to enhance these attributes. She would oft go missing, sneaking off to the bazaars of the shadow city or to steal fruit from one of the many blood orange groves, she saw no reason that she could not do exactly as she wished. But Maron heard of her mischief and when she was but 8 years old, demanded that she became a ward of the royal family, lest she learn some manners. This did not sit well with the young girl who frequently tried to run away in those early days, once even managing to persuade a merchant to allow her aboard his ship, and would likely have gotten to Pentos if she had not been found.

Though she resisted, courtly life did have its benefits, and Nyla was able to see much of Westeros, spending her time between King's Landing, Dragonstone and Summerhall, to name a few. She liked to listen in on meetings and would be apt to sit under tables until she was dragged out of the room. And though she would be loathe to admit it, she was drawn towards politics and its tangled web, watching the events unfold in awe...if from afar. The Targaryens both scared and bored her, and she could never decide if she liked them or not, so different were they from the Dornish people. She would tease as far as she was allowed, but usually saved her mischevious nature for others.

It was rumoured that her brother intended for her to marry a Targaryen as he and his sister had before. But so far no such plotting has been seen and Nyla has repeatedly insisted that she would rather marry a hog than a Targaryen.

[Dusty]

House Ball

House Ball of Cinnamont Keep

”Valor and Strength Eternal”

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House Description:

Set within the fertile heartland of the Reach, along the banks of the Blueburn rests the humble castle Cinnamont Keep. Surrounded there, by many acres of farmlands, orchards, and a dozen landed knights with holdfasts and towers of their own. The castle itself is a modest thing, little more than a keep and hall, with a single ringed wall of bright whitewashed stone. The fortifications are set upon a small hill, and the Blueburn acts as a half moat on its northern flank. Nearby to the castle's west lies the town of Bluewood, named for the rolling woodlands that swathe the lands of House Ball, intermingled by patchwork fields and dotted smallfolk homesteads.

Sworn to the Tyrells, the Lords of Cinnamont have always proved a reserved and dutiful folk, going about their work and minding their own business with admirable dedication. If a young noble was to seek glory and adventure he wouldn’t find it here. Beneath the gentle quiet trees of the Blue Wood nothing much happens at all. The most excitement seen here in the last decade was a small tourney held in honor of Lord Owen Ball’s birth. On that day Ser Quentyn returned from his duties at the Red Keep, to ride for his infant lord nephew’s honor. The jousts were most chivalrous and competitive, yet in the end Ser Quentyn oft called Fireball unseated Ser Colin Merryweather winning the day. That was six years past, and since then only the occasional escaped horse or traveling stroyteller have been available to break the local monotony.

Should their peaceful existence ever be disturbed, and all the knights and levy of the Cinnamont be called upon by their liege lord, House Ball could summon forth a dozen knights, and four hundred levied foot, including a contingent of sixty longbowmen and two dozen armored sergeants at arms. By their feudal contract six of these knights, and a hundred and fifty men are owed to the Tyrells, should their lordship call. It has been through House Ball’s long and storied service to the Tyrells and the Realm, that they are remembered. The Lords of Cinnamont can trace their line back to the First Men, and a great number of their ancestry have served with distinction since, beneath the banners of the Gardeners, Tyrells, and Targaryen’s. They have given no reason to doubt their loyalty, nor hint of unchecked ambition beyond their little corner of the world.

In recent days they have been a bedrock of nobility and loyalty, and yet the foolishness of one might change that forever.

---

Recent History:

Gentle Lord Owen Ball, a man with years enough to remember seeing the last of the dragons in its pit, bore by his lady wife two sons Quinn his eldest, and Quentyn, alongside a number of beautiful daughters. His rule was long and peaceful and marred only by a plague of whooping cough that left many worried the young lordling children would perish in their beds. Both boys by many prayers to the Crone survived and Lord Quinn would take his father’s place as lord of Cinnamont Keep many years later, taking on the little Lady Gwyn Merryweather as his bride. Quentyn for his part would leave Cinnamont in his youth, to seek glory elsewhere, eventually rising by martial excellence and prestige to become master of arms at the Red Keep, and even be promised a white cloak by Daeron II should an opening become available. Lord Quinn saw no such good fortune, and struggled in his duties. His marriage to Gwyn was troubled, and despite their best efforts they could produce no living children male or female to continue the Ball line. Lord Quinn’s brother, Ser Quentyn took on no wife and bore no trueborn children, as he expected to become a member of the Kingsguard. To round up it all Quinn was a sickly man, frail and deemed to not be long lived. Should he pass without a proper heir House Ball and all its storied histories would end and the lands would be divided up between the female heir lines of surrounding noble houses.

Lord Quinn did have a son however, by means of a peasant women, and the boy was named Jacob Flowers. He had been brought to Cinnamont as an infant, and was raised and recognized as Lord Quinn’s bastard. He was given all that a lordling might want, education, training, and attention from his father. There were many whispers that Jacob would be legitimized in desperation should no son be produced. In his forty-third year whilst his wife Gwyn was bearing her ninth pregnancy Lord Quinn passed away in his bed, and his final words were heard only by his illegitimate son Jacob, and his wife Gwyn of Longtable.

When Jacob emerged, he declared himself a legitimized son, and Lord Ball of Cinnamont, whilst Gwyn recalled a story altogether different. She had determined she was carrying a son, and lord Quinn wished to see his trueborn heir rule Cinnamont. Should she fail in this duty, she asserted Jacob Flowers may take up the name Ball and rule in his father’s stead as to Quinn’s wishes. It was a drama not witnessed in these lands before, and the excitement was palpable as rumors ran wild. A month later, Gwyn gave birth to a boy, whom she named Owen Ball for his grandfather, Lord Quinn’s first and only living trueborn heir. Calling upon her brother, Ser Colin Merryweather, and brother-in-law Ser Quentyn Ball, she had them excise the scorned Jacob Flowers from Cinnamont and banished him from his home and all the lands of Ball. Stating her son could never be safe living under the same roof as the upstart bastard.

This was six years past, and the excitement of the incident has faded. The young lord Owen is growing strong, and Jacob Flowers has vanished, out of sight and out of mind for the peaceful lands of Ball.

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Family Members:
Lord Quinn Ball – Former lord of Cinnamont, perished in his bed from sickness. (48)
Lord Owen Ball – Child Lord of Cinnamont and Lord Quinn’s only trueborn son. (6)
Lady Gwyn Ball – Mother of Owen, and protector of Cinnamont until her son comes of age. (32)

Ser Jacob “Ball” Flowers – Bastard son of Quinn, and the banished heir of Cinnamont. (24)
Ser Andryn Nimbledown - Father to Elowyn and Patrick, and Knight of Stillstone Tower. (52)
Patrick “Pat Nimble” Nimbledown – Squire to Ser Jacob Flowers, and youngest son of Ser Andryn. (13)
Lady Elowyn Ball – Ser Jacob’s wife, and youngest daughter of Ser Andryn. (20)
Quinn Ball – Ser Jacob’s son. (1)

Ser Quentyn “Fireball” Ball – Master of Arms of the Red Keep, and fabled warrior. (47)
Ser Colin Merryweather – Younger brother to Lady Gwyn, and steward of Cinnamont. (30)
Ser Athelwine Bellfast - Castellan of Cinnamont (41)

Maester Nathaniel – The young Maester of Cinnamont. (25)

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Lady Gwyn Ball

Lady Gwyn Ball

Age: Two and Thirty, born mid-year of 170 AC.

Appearance: Regarded as a comely women, but of no outstanding beauty Lady Gwyn looks and acts the part of a noble woman. She is small, standing no higher than the average man’s shoulder, yet with a presence that demands courtesy and attention. She has a sharp, angular face with deep-set emerald eyes, and long blonde hair that she keeps neatly braided. Everything about the women is of good order, evoking a sense of regality. Her visage is marred however, by a large wart grown from the base of her nose, which on occasion draws the eyes.

Description & biography: Like most summer women of the Reach, lady Gwyn enjoys the comforts of highborn life well. She is clean, precise and expects the chivalric acts of men. She was born, daughter of the Lord Merryweather, and was raised to the expectations of a young woman of a noble house. She did her duty, regarded her elders and lords well and was married to a wealthy lord of House Ball on her fifteenth nameday. Should it have been, she might lived happily ever after, but difficulties plagued her life. A husband who was not loyal to his vows of monogamy, eight stillborn children, and a bastard whose presence was a constant reminder of her troubles. It was her pride and joy to finally bring a son into the world even as she despaired it ever occurring. She cherishes him, doting and spoiling the child as a desperate mother would with the fear that a cruel world might snatch this son away as well. Her overprotectiveness has brought about a less jovial side to her, causing paranoia and suspicion. Six years of good health has eased her worries however, and Gwyn has slowly begun loosening her grip on the boy, and turning her focus on developing the wealth of the Blue Wood, and Cinnamont, so that her son might have a strong seat of power when he comes of age.

Ser Quentyn Ball

Ser Quentyn “Fireball” Ball

Age: Seven and Forty, born the year’s end 155 AC.

Appearance: The Fireball is an lithe man, tall and wiry like a spring coiled trap and restrained by muscle forged of experience. An amateurish gaze might consider him no more dangerous than the next man, but the wild glint in his green eyes, the half manic grin upon his lips, the cocksure manner in which he walked, all bespoke a warrior more dangerous than a half dozen men twice is size. He emblazons on his chest a personal sigil derived from House Ball, of a fiery sphere, red as the hair upon his head, burning on a field of black. He dresses in plain clothes and armor, and at his hip is the ever-present longsword, lacking garnish of any kind but bearing the weight of a blade tempered in blood. For Fireball has seen his share of battle, and his body shows the signs of conflict in a patchwork of scars, from a great gash running through his red muttonchops to his four fingered left hand.

Description & biography: “He shall not suffer the faint of heart, nor the weak of mind and body. Fireball will show no pity but the mercy of a quick death.”

A man of action and excitement, Fireball has dedicated his life to the art of war. He is an aggressive, and confident general boldly going where no others dared. He has a reputation for leading wild charges, and then calling prudent retreats. He is not overconfident his enemies and allies often say, but knows exactly of what he is capable. Fireball has served for the Targaryens since his youth, first squiring for a household knight, before proving himself and earning a knighthood by King Aegon IV himself, seen by a thousand witnesses. He was named Fireball by his foes for his aggressive nature, and shining red hair which he took in stride, adopting it as his personal sigil and wearing it proudly as any man should. On his thirtieth year he was made the Master of Arms at the Red Keep, and trained many a worthy warrior from the Royal House, including the young Daemon Blackfyre, and Ageor Rivers.

His actions in battle, and selfless service for many decades has earned him a place amongst the Kingsguard, it was promised. King Daeron vowed he would raise Fireball to the sworn brotherhood once an opening was made available. With this goal in mind Fireball never took a wife, nor bore trueborn children, all in anticipation of his chance to wear the white, with a warrior’s patience.

Ser Jacob Ball

Ser Jacob “Ball” Flowers

Age: Four and Twenty, born the year’s beginning 178 AC.

Appearance: In recent years Jacob Flowers has grown into his own, filling out in muscle and with a full beard of red like his father and uncle. Gone are the days where he was a lanky adolescent, all remnants of the baby fat that lingered as a sign of his easy life within a Reach castle have fled. Replaced by the grimy, battle-hardened appearance of a Hedge Knight who has earned his spurs more than once.

Description & biography: There are many things in life that might turn a man sour, entrapped by one’s own desire for vindication. Lies, unfairness, and all the dark deeds of men and women that might snare one into a life of bitterness. It is a path that tempts Jacob Flowers, and yet he struggles on to remain true to himself, and the legacy of his father and ancestors. When he was but a boy, Jacob did not concern himself with worrying about inheritance, for it was made clear to him from a young age that such things would never be within his purview. After all, his father would have plenty of trueborn heirs. Yet, as the years lengthened, and Jacob grew into adolescence his father began spending ever more time with his illegitimate son. Educating him as a lord would need be taught. He instilled a sense of responsibility, and charged him to be noble, brave, loyal and true. Jacob wanted nothing more than to please his father, and took his words to heart. Only, for his heart to break with his father’s passing. He was a Ball then at least, it was his father’s wishes that it be so. It should have been so, but then his half brother was born the woman he called mother for so many years scorned him. Throwing him from his father’s castle, his castle. With nowhere to go, no family to take him in he wandered across the seven kingdoms, furious at the injustice of it all, but with not a soul who cared for his plight. He had no evidence but his word, and what was that against the word of Lord Quinn’s wife?

He might have wallowed in self-pity thereon, and become a beggar, or a robber knight but his father’s teachings rang true. He could never lower himself to such deeds, even when the hunger clawed at his belly. Instead he stayed steady upon the straight and narrow, clinging to the belief of his own self worth. Thus dedicated to what is right, he made a name for himself as a hedge knight, swearing his sword to whomever might take it. His services took him far and wide, until he came into the service of a Landed Knight, by the name of Ser Andryn Nimbledown in the Stormlands. It was in this good man’s service that Jacob found a home, and a wife, a son and squire. Ser Andryn saw the dutiful chivalry of a young man determined to earn his way through a cruel world, and despite initial resistance eventually allowed the blossoming romance between his daughter and Jacob to result in marriage. After all, Jacob insisted he was legitimized, a Ball through and through, so who knew what might happen. Stranger things had occurred before, chances slim though they were.

[Vanq]

Shiera Seastar

Shiera Seastar

…and so the kingdom bled…
Dangerous Love

Appearance:

Regarded as a great beauty and seductress, she has Targaryen silver-gold hair. Unlike her father's blood, her eyes are mismatched —one dark blue, the other bright green. Although a "defect", many consider to increase her beauty. She prefers ivory and lace and cloth-of-silver, and scorns gold - too vulgar for her tastes.

Biography:

At twenty-four, Shiera is well regarded for the shape of her body, her delicate face, and feared for practicing dark arts. Yet it is her mind for which she wishes she was known. She first learned to read as barely more than babe at three name days. She has learned seven languages fluently. She has amassed a vast collection of tomes and treatises from across both Westeros and Essos.

As a child budding into womanhood she had requested to be sent to Oldtown, to learn with the Maesters. Denied, she had gone to Oldtown directly herself to beg entrance. Denied again - it was no place for a woman - not even a Great Bastard. The girl quickly learned what men valued and wanted of her. Beauty. Grace. Desire. If that was all they would see in her, then she would give it to them. She would allow them to chase and think themselves lucky or skilled or - whatever lies men told themselves - when they caught her.

Men were simple creatures by and large, yet even she could not escape the pull of love, the thrill of the chase. Brynden loved her - and she, him - in their own way. She had thought he would understand, and instead he offered her the same as any other man, a desire to own her. Perhaps more than any other, her flirtation with Aegor was the most dangerous game she played. At first, it had been simply to enrage sweet Brynden, yet perhaps Shiera had underestimated the bitter brother. She was caught now, between two forces, two loves, and she would give up neither for the other.

[Vanq]

Skagos

House Stane of Skagos

A King is Made

Torwynd Crowsbane

Snow King of the Stoneborn, Last of the True First Men

Age: 46 (born 156 AC)

Appearance:

Description & biography:

Torwynd had been born to a young serving woman at Karhold; his father, a Karstark boy of barely 17. While The babe was not quite raised as one of the family, he was recognized as a bastard and became Torwynd Snow. Nearing his sixth nameday, he was made a page to the household and began his martial training. He showed promise, a quick study. Even as an awkward child, there also seemed a darkness that plagued the boy, The Karstark master-of-arms was certain that could be beaten out and routinely employed the rod.

The darkness and anger would not be beaten out, only forged into a weapon. It started when the boy formed a small gang of castle urchins at just 9 years old. At first they committed just petty crimes. Eventually they escalated to poaching on the castle grounds. Though the Karstark family was aware that something was awry, Torwynd was skilled at deflecting and covering his tracks. Things ended a few years later when one of the boys was found beaten to death in a stable. Torwynd had become a squire by that time, and he gave gods-sworn testimony that it was another of his group that had beaten the boy - a dispute over a small bit of coin that ended in death. The other boy, son of a blacksmith, was put to the sword. Torwynd's gang however was splintered over what had occurred. As the bastard boy excelled in his studies and was given greater notice by the Lord, their lot would see no improvement.

Torwynd, now outcast from the group he had formed yet also spurned by those of his station, lost the bit of control he had maintained over his true nature. He lashed out, his half-sister the target. The girl was just fourteen, her broken body was found in the godswood, the weirwood stained with her blood.

A bastard. A kinslayer. The depravity of the crime and kinship had Lord Karstark send notice to Winterfell to pass judgement. Rather than risk any taint of additional kinslaying, Torwynd was sent to the Wall. Originally assigned to the Rangers, he was transferred within a few months to Eastwatch-by-the-Sea.

According to the Night's Watch, a ship was lost at sea; Torwynd Snow among those whose watch had ended. There had been many dead, but Torwynd was not one of them. Nor had the ship been lost. Not all of the crew had agreed to his plan, but enough had for the mutiny to be a success. They sailed on to Skagos. A few years later stories began to spread of the crows who lived amongst the cannibals. Whispers of a Skagos clan raiding and trading with the wildings of Hardhome began to spread.

Torwynd took a wilding woman as a bed warmer. Fire-haired, she was supposed to be bring him luck. She grew heavy with child, and died in childbirth. The woman gave him a daughter and stillborn son. The Skagos said the daughter was blessed - having killed her brother in the womb as well as her mother. From the daughter's birth, Torwynd's reputation grew. Though he could be rash and violent, he could also mold men to his will.

By 199 AC he had unified a majority of the three Skagossi houses beneath the Stane banner. Those who resisted, the splintered houses, were hunted. Torywnd sought revenge and he frenzied the Stoneborn to his cause. They would sail to the mainland, they would teach the Starks - all of them - what it meant to be men of the north.

Yrsa

YrsaCrowsbane

Age: 22 (born 190 AC)

Appearance:
Strawberry hair, knotted and adorned with bone beads, she has a willowy strength. Prefers layers of tanned leathers and furs, wears a large horn - a unicorn talisman - around her neck. She carries an obsidian axe into battle.

Description & biography:

Yrsa is said to have two souls, a rare thing and rarer still to be born as a woman. But the shamans on Skagos read the signs and saw her birth. There could be no doubt to what she was. From the time she came shrieking into the world, she was destined for greatness.

Her status offered no respite from the harshness of the island or its inhabitants. The Stoneborn saw need to test her all the more, to prove her continued worth. Her father used her to his own ends, and though she knew it, she knew no other way of life. She did not rebel, she reveled in their way of life. Yrsa would earn her place over and over again. She joined her father in his war to unite the houses of Skagos, and has taken her place at his side in leading them across the Bay of Seals. The men worship her and fear her. But it is a tenuous thing, and the Skagossi are not a people dispositioned to unity.

[Maples]

House Tarbeck of Tarbeck Hall

House Tarbeck

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House Description and Recent History:

Tarbeck has long been a house in decline.

All but a scant few of its mines through the Pendric Hills have dried up, silver and gold ore deposits exhausted from centuries of excavation. What few mines remain productive provide a steady stream of iron, but iron is a mean and meagre metal upon which the wealth and power of a noble Westerlands house cannot rely. The Tarbecks have spent long years and small fortunes on exploratory efforts, delving into the rock in increasingly desperate hope of striking some precious vein, but these efforts have not been rewarded. A new source of silver has not been tapped since the reign of Jahaerys, a new source of gold since there was a King of the Rock, rather than a Warden of the West. No more than a trickle of the silver and gold that once made House Tarbeck an equal among its peers now flows from the family’s hilly holdings.

And it is in the midst of this decline that Addam Tarbeck takes up the lordship of Tarbeck Hall. On the eve of 202 AC, Lord Alyn Tarbeck, advanced in years but still a hale man, died after taking a tumble from his horse. The wheels of succession then turned, and Ser Addam Tarbeck, firstborn son to his late lordship, now sits at Tarbeck Hall, and he finds that there is much uncertainty and doubt in his leadership.

Though a knight, Ser Addam is a bookish man and fond of learning. He left his wife to manage his holdfast while he traveled to the Citadel, where he spent several years away from house and home while forging links of gold and steel in his study of commerce and metallurgy. Half a knight and one-tenth a maester, as his relations either joke or mock, depending, the new Lord Tarbeck may either be the antidote to the misfortunes of his house, or another usher of its eventual collapse.

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The Lands and Holdings of House Tarbeck:

House Tarbeck is nestled in the Pendric Hills and holds court at its seat of Tarbeck Hall. The Hall is the largest and best fortified of its castle holdings, but the Tarbecks and their bannermen hold a dozen holdfasts, fortified manors and small castles aside, all of which once guarded mines rich in gold and silver. Today, only Tallhill Hold, highest holdfast in the Tarbecks’ stretch of the Pendric Hills, continues to produce gold ore in any notable quantity, and there are but three mines that produce any silver, Tarbeck Hall itself among them. Though still rich in iron, it is certainly difficult to describe the Tarbeck mines as rich, and much of House Tarbeck’s fortifications have declined and fell into varying measures of disrepair.

The castles, holdfasts and mines aside, House Tarbeck holds dominion over a collection small towns, villages and hamlets. Together with the hundred or so household knights of Tarbeck Hall, the swords of his sworn petty lords and the levies, the Lord of Tarbeck may raise some two thousand or more swords when the banners are called and the armies raised.

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Immediate Family Members:
{Lord Alyn Tarbeck} – Lord of Tarbeck Hall, died 201 AC at three and sixty.
Lady Myranda Tarbeck – Widow of the late Lord Tarbeck. A Vikary cousin.

Lord Addam Tarbeck – Firstborn son of the late Lord Tarbeck, recently ascended to the title.
Lady Jeyne Tarbeck – Lady wife of Addam Tarbeck. A daughter of House Osgrey.
Addison Tarbeck – Daughter of Lord Addam Tarbeck, a girl of five and ten and cupbearer to Lord Addam's table, together with her sister.
Alyx Tarbeck – Daughter of Lord Addam Tarbeck, a girl of four and ten and cupbearer to Lord Addam's table, together with her sister.
Alyn Tarbeck – Firstborn son of Lord Addam Tarbeck, a boy of nine. Heir to Tarbeck Hall and squire to Ser Jon Vikary.

Ser Josmyn Tarbeck – Second son of the late Lord Tarbeck, holder of Tallhill Hold.
Rhea Tarbeck – Wife to Josmyn Tarbeck and mother of his two sons, Axell and Arys.

Septon Robb – Third son of the late Lord Tarbeck. Formerly a well regarded tourney knight, now a septon.

Alysanne Tarbeck – Only daughter of the late Lord Tarbeck. Married to a Lannisport Lannister.

Maester Willas – Maester of Tarbeck Hall.

Ser Jon Vikary – Cousin to Myranda Tarbeck, knight and master-at-arms at Tarbeck Hall.

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Addam Tarbeck, Lord of Tarbeck Hall

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Lord Addam Tarbeck

Age: Five and Thirty.

Appearance: A lean, handsome man. Dark of hair, high of cheekbones, sharp of jaw.

Description & biography: Born to Lord and Lady Tarbeck when they were nearly thirty years of age, Addam Tarbeck, firstborn child of the main line of that old house, was certainly late in the coming but seemingly worth the delay. He took to sword and shield as well as letters and sums and was well liked by his peers and tutors at Tarbeck Hall. He spent his youth squiring for Ser Jon Vikary, his mother's cousin and a household knight at Tarbeck Hall (and later its master-at-arms), and once knighted he participated in a few of tourneys across the Westerlands.

Still, Addam Tarbeck was ultimately a man of words, rather than swords, and he took a keen interest in commerce and trade. Given House Tarbeck's ailing fortunes, he wondered whether he might bring the house back to its former glory when he came to lordship. After the birth of his son and heir, Alyn, he traveled to the Citadel, where he spent five years forging maester's links of gold and steel, returning to the Westerlands and home but seldom in that time.

When he did return, he returned with a mind to revitalize House Tarbeck's fortunes in the coming years.

Antario Tarbeck

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Antario Tarbeck, the Mariner

Age: One and Forty.

Appearance: Tanned, leathery skinned and sandy blond, Antario Tarbeck claims to have a bit of Stony Dornish in his blood and does look the part.

Description & biography: Much ado is made of the noble houses of Westeros, and while little thought is given to their cadet branches and more distant relations, those sons of second and third sons have sons of their own more oft than not. As such, there is many a Tarbeck in the Westerlands who has never met Lord Tarbeck or seen the Hall.

Not so for Antario Tarbeck and his kin, however. These Lannisport-settled Tarbecks, descendants of a Lord Tarbeck's second son some three generations now removed (and possibly a Stony Dornishwoman he took for a lover, but that may be a tall tale), have carved out a niche for themselves among the noble families of the Westerlands as mariner merchants. A great admirer of Corlys Velaryon and his nine great voyages, Antario Tarbeck has plied the free cities for decades, trading far and wide during his time abroad and seeking glory in the vein of the Sea Snake.

Antario Tarbeck and his father had little in the way of common interest with the Tarbecks of Tarbeck Hall, but it seems the new Lord Tarbeck, a man educated in the sciences of commerce, may be a different matter.

Hot Septon

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Robb Tarbeck, a Septon of the Faith

Age: Nine and Twenty.

Appearance: Robb Tarbeck is, by all accounts, the comeliest of the Tarbeck line. More handsome than his brothers and prettier than his sister, in his time Robb Tarbeck, Knight of the Blue Roses, tempted many a maiden with his good looks, rakish charm and daring exploits on the tourney grounds. As a septon, this is largely unchanged, through there are significantly fewer tourneys involved.

Description & biography: Robb Tarbeck is the thirdborn son of the late Lord Alyn Tarbeck, and of the Lord's three sons the most martially inclined. At an early age, Robb proved a marvelous horseman and a keen hand with lance, spear, sword and bow. He was knighted at just four and ten, and had won his first tourney - a local affair - two short years later, unhorsing many a more veteran man in its course. A dab hand with paintbrush as well, he became well known for painting his shield with quartered roses in the Tarbeck colors. By twenty, Robb Tarbeck had well-earned his reputation as a tried and true knight on the field of combat. Robb had long spoken of his dream to take up a white cloak as a member of the Kingsguard, and the Lord Alyn Tarbeck found that his son's childhood ambitions seemed not so childish as he proved himself time and time over.

It is an oft repeated tale among the Tarbecks that a raven addressed to the King and his Lord Commander had left Tarbeck Hall's rookery the morning Robb took the practice field with his brother Josmyn. That day, of all days, Robb dealt his brother a grievous wound while practicing his form with a mace. Robb broke Josmyn's jaw in gory fashion, and only by the immense skill and talent of Tarbeck Hall's wizened maester was Josmyn not utterly disfigured by the blow.

In life, Lord Alyn never said what became of his letter to the Kingsguard. It mattered not, as Robb refused to take up sword, shield or lance again. After some time, he settled on a new direction in life - that of a man of faith. He now wears the robes of a septon and holds his ministries at Tarbeck Hall's sept.

[Danvers]

House Tyrell

[♫]

House Tyrell traces its ancestry to Garth Greenhand, the legendary first king of the Reach who made the land bloom. They, along with many other houses in the reach, claim descent from his line, though theirs is through the females of the family. For over a thousand years, the Greenhand’s sons and grandsons ruled the Reach as House Gardener. The offshoots of his daughters grew into vast and powerful houses in their own right. Except for House Tyrell. They instead chose to serve the Gardeners for centuries, as stewards of Highgarden and the daily affairs of the Reach.

Then King Mern, the last Gardener King of The Reach, joined forces with Loren Lannister to face the then King Aegon who had landed in Westeros. At the Field of Fire, Aegon burned their armies and Mern himself was killed. Until the maesters sorted out the entail amongst Merns cousins, Harlen the steward was acting lord at Highgarden. He, looking to ensure peace, yielded Highgarden and its lands to King Aegon. The King accepted the proposal and to show his gratitude, entitled Harlen to Highgarden, making the Tyrells his Wardens of the South and choosing them over many older & greater families in the Reach.

It has been over two hundred years since then and the Tyrells have successfully cared for the Reach and its people, as they did for centuries before. However many houses, including the Florents, can boast a greater claim to Highgarden, and still see the Tyrells as little more than upjumped stewards. That said, the Tyrells are well-liked amongst the common folk, providing bountiful harvests for much of Westeros and commanding a formidable army. However with the recent death of Lord Leo Tyrell, it is unclear what path the family will take, or whether they will even survive.

House Members:

• Leo Tyrell, deceased (born 151 AC, died 201 AC), previous Lord Paramount
  
  • Lady Bethany Tyrell née Caswell (46, born 156 AC), his wife
  • Lord Garrett Tyrell (29, born 173 AC) eldest son, current Lord Paramount & Warden of the South
  • Ser Leyton Tyrell (27, born 175 AC), member of the Kingsguard, nicknamed The Blushing Rose, middle son
  • Leyla Tyrell (18, born 184 AC), eldest daughter
  • Lucas Tyrell (16, born 186 AC), youngest son
  • Esmeralda 'Esme' Tyrell (7, born 195 AC), youngest daughter

• Ser Rycherd Tyrell (49, born 153 AC), uncle to Lord Garrett Tyrell.
  
  • Maerie Merryweather (43, born 159 AC), his wife
  • Arthur Flowers (23, born 197 AC). Raised by his mother & little known to his father. Currently working as a sellsword somewhere in Essos.
  • Multiple other legitimate children - including 4 daughters & 2 sons.

• Rylen Tyrell (35, Born 167 AC), uncle to Lord Garrett Tyrell.

• Lady Florence Tyrell, née Fossoway (70, born 132 AC) wife of the former Lord Mathos Tyrell

House members

Lord Garrett Tyrell

Name: Lord Garrett Tyrell, Lord Paramount of the Reach, Warden of the South

Age: 29 (born 173 AC)

Appearance:

Tall, standing at 6ft 2, Garrett has always maintained a commanding demeanour. Sporting a crop of thick curly hair, it is such a dark brunette in colour that it is often mistaken for black. Handsome with well-defined features, striking cheekbones and a charismatic smile, he has always been one to pay attention to appearances, perhaps to a fault. He is not against judging someone for sloppy attire or for failing to keep up with the current fashions. As could only befit a Tyrell however, the petals of the rose distract from the sharp thorns, and even one prick can draw blood.

Biography:

Born the first son of Lord Leo Tyrell and Lady Bethany Tyrell, Garrett was trained from a young age to take over as Lord Paramount once the time came. Outwardly it did not seem to bother the boy that he was required to sit in monotonous meetings and learn about the finer details of trade agreements, whilst his brother was able to play. And he didn’t. Yet he bore a bitterness towards his father not because of this but because of how friendly he was to the other houses in the Reach. It seemed, at least to him, that his father was often more focused on balls and tourneys (ironic as Garrett was not against courting many a lady during these festivities) than increasing their power. Yet it was only his grandmother, always sharp of eye and clever of mind, who noticed that there was something different about the boy. To the world he seemed the perfect child but behind closed doors his demeanour was much colder and more aloof. She said nothing but has always kept a close watch on the oldest son.

Throughout the years, despite being named heir Garrett never took a wife, to the increasing demands and frustrations of his father. Semi-notorious for leading many a lady along only to leave when one would expect a union, Garrett seemingly gives little care to the feelings of those he abandons in such a manner. Somehow though, he has been able to use his charms to keep many of these ladies on his side and to avoid too much fallout with their families. Yet none of this appeased his father and a year ago Leo Tyrell begun threatening his son with the Nights Watch, upset at his lack of care for the family line and their standing within the Reach. Not so long after this, perhaps a matter of weeks, the former Lord first became unwell. It started slowly and the maesters assumed it was but a simple ailment that would ease with time. Yet despite all their attempts at a cure, he only worsened and after a drawn-out illness of several months, the Lord passed, leaving Garrett to take over as paramount of the Reach.

It has been only 7 months since the sudden and unexpected passing of their father. Whereas his father was known for being amicable and well liked, Garrett has yet to show if he will follow in his footsteps and has shown little interest in placating the minor houses. This has been to the frustrations of the older females in his family, who are wondering, and fearing, what his plans may be...

Ser Leyton Tyrell

Name: Ser Leyton Tyrell

Age: 27 (born in 175 AC)

Appearance:

Though not overly short at 5ft 10, Leyton has always been insecure about his height with a brother & father of greater reach than himself. He sports a crop of thick and curly dark brown hair that is classical for the Tyrells and serves to make him look more boyish than he actually his. Dark brown eyes and modestly good-looking, Leyton would have been able to attract a half-decent wife if not for his complete lack of courting abilities. Unlike many lords and ladies from the Reach, Leyton cares little for his appearance. Whilst in his former years he would dress formerly in his house colours, at the behest of his mother, he now prefers to simply dress in his knightly attire when possible.

Biography:

A boisterous lad throughout his childhood, Leyton was over-confident and demanding to his peers. If another child did not want to play with him, he would insist on it, running to his father if he did not get his way. Somehow his outgoing nature seemed to make up for this though and he found he could make friends easy enough...though being the son of the Lord Paramount of the Reach may have helped. He often wanted to play at swords and horses, preferring the idea of a real battle over that of a tournament. Lord Tyrell even had the woodworkers craft him miniature soldiers and horses, so that he could act out mock battles, his father secretly taking much amusement in playing this game with him. Though he may not have much of a knack with politics, he consequently has a decent knowledge of battle strategies and tactics.

Born the second son of Lord Tyrell, Leyton was never expected to be the heir to Highgarden. His brother Garrett, an intelligent and healthy male two years his elder, was always on course to take over rule once their father passed. The two were close throughout their formative years, Garretts more focused and direct attitude helping to balance his brother out. Whilst Garrett would sit in on his father's meetings, studying carefully the ways of a Lord, Leyton instead dreamt of the Kingsguard. And where he could not fight in real battles, he would partake in tourneys. Though many squires and knights dreamt of winning the joust, Leyton only cared for the melees. Naturally agile of foot, with an aptitude for sword-fighting (although you could have handed him any weapon and he would have barrelled on ahead), he became known for his talents, attracting many an approving eye.

At the age of 12 he was permitted to go and squire Under Ser Otho Hightower in Oldtown. A rowdy lad and unused to being told what to do, Leyton had a steep learning curve, nearly being shipped back to Highgarden on more than one occasion. However, Otho was the perfect mentor for the boy, having no qualms in putting him in his place. Eventually, he settled into the role and though not studious when it came to books, he was keen on learning all that came with being a knight. He even took pride in polishing the armour to perfection, surprising for a boy who found it difficult to keep still for more than a minute at a time.

Knighted at 18, he quickly became a single-minded knight with seemingly unlimited energy, Leyton became known for ceasing only when there was no-one left to fight, never running from a battle or leaving a man behind. He seemed to care little for politics but rather would remain firmly loyal to whomever he had pledged himself. And after a rather splendid effort at a small tourney, that Leyton was offered a place in the Kingsguard. Leyton suspects that his grandmother may have had a hand to play in it, although she denies it to this day and states that it was simply his prowess & reputation that must have gained him attention

Though he will never have a wife or lands, this is probably for the best as his methods of courting ladies are dubious at best, usually involving talking in gory details about battles & war tactics. Either that or he becomes so daunted by the prospect of talking to a lady in his fancy, that he will became overly drunk. To his dismay the other members of the Kingsguard have taken to naming him The Blushing Rose due to the lovely shade of rouge that spreads across his cheeks whenever he speaks to a pretty maiden.

For now Leyton remains in the servitude for the Targaryens, intent on staying true to his pledge and serving them faithfully. Since taking up residence in Kings Landing, Leyton has become close friends with Daemon, his presence a welcomed relief from the more stuffy presences about court. Leytons temperament has certainly calmed as he has aged, though he still can be stubborn and single-minded in his pursuits. Once he has decided on something, he will follow it through to the end. That provides a double-edge sword in many situations, but it also means that he is loyal to a fault.

Leyla Tyrell

Name: Leyla Tyrell

Age: 18 (born in 184 AC)

Appearance:

At only 18 years of age, Leyla still maintains that bright vigour of youth that has not yet known great trials. She truly encapsulates her family in how she looks, her demure and seemingly innocent appearance hiding her clever mind and sharp wit. Many often underestimate her because of this and still believe she is the same prettily dressed girl who was once paraded around by her mother. She sports the same thick brunette hair as the rest of her family, which she wears long and usually loose. As generally befitting any nobility from the Reach she dresses well and with whatever style is currently common in the region, often wearing a variation on her house colours.

Biography:

Leyla Tyrell was born in 184 AC, as the eldest daughter of Lord Leo Tyrell. Easy-going and often in high spirits, Leyla has always found an ease in speaking to strangers, being able to talk on simple matters and deeper subjects alike. She would often be paraded around at banquets as a small child, her easy manners and surprisingly clever wit seeming to delight the other nobility. No-one can deny that she was loved by her parents but much of her youth seemed to be seemed to revolve around ceremony and putting on a show, her mother being the driving force behind this. Lady Bethany would take her on long journeys throughout the Reach, visiting other Great Houses and small villages alike. Eager to please her mother and naturally outgoing in nature, Leyla was happy to play the part, albeit begrudgingly at times.

All of this would have likely produced a rather silly and frivolous girl, if not for her grandmother, whom had seen the spark of intelligence in the young Tyrell. Florence insisted that she had strict instruction under both the Septa & the house Maester, and unlike Leyton who had fought against such boring lessons throughout his own youth, Leyla was happy to learn. Consequently close throughout the years, Florence is now an old lady whose health is ailing with each passing day and who rarely leaves Highgarden. However, Leyla still enjoys visiting her in her chambers and will often go to her to seek advice or simply listen to her stories.

When Leyla was but 13, whilst her small party was visiting Oldtown, a boy from House Bulwer quickly became enamoured with her. Inexperienced with love and the art of courting herself, Leyla saw this as a fine opportunity to learn how it worked. Though she had no feelings for him, she played the part, sitting with him at meals and walking with him around the gardens. The romance…if that’s what you could call it, lasted just short of nine days, but Humfrey was a foolish boy who had no wits about him, save for some superficial charm, and mistook lust for love.

Thus, Leyla found herself walking by the harbour, trying to ignored the strong smell of fish, being proposed to by a boy who thought this was a suitable time or location. She instantly denied him, apologising for leading him on and stating that she did not think they were a suitable match. At first he seemed to take this gracefully enough, walking her back to her room in a sullen silence. Yet that evening when the guards were switching, he entered her chambers and tried to force himself upon her. Luckily, one of her personal guards came back in time and she was saved from any shame. Instantly telling her mother of what had happened, the two decided to keep it amongst themselves as it would do naught but ruin her reputation if it was found out, paying off the guard and vowing not to speak of it again.

Since that day, she has been increasingly cautious and does not give her trust over easily. It unfortunately seems she has become known for being difficult to court, having denied other men since – although many seem to view this as a challenge in of itself. It is not that she does not wish to marry, rather that she simply no longer suffers fools. Whereas once this created tension between Leyla and her father, her brother Garrett seems less concerned. Her focus instead became on her family, especially given the recent passing of their father. The young Tyrell is intent on ensuring her family remain steadfastly at Highgarden, whatever the cost...she has strong instincts of self-preservation for herself and her family, and will do anything to protect them.

Rylen Tyrell

Name: Rylen Tyrell
Age: 35
Appearance:

Standing at a height of 6ft2, Rylen has always been the tallest of his brothers despite being the youngest. He would strike an imposing figure if not for his laidback, nonchalant attitude. Classic brunette curls atop his head, his head was shorn close to the scalp when he returned from Essos but he has let it, along with his beard, grow out of late. Scars are dotted about his body which he likes to point at and laugh (but fail to explain how he got them). Though age is beginning to creep up on him, he was born much later than his brothers and still has some liveliness about him.

Biography:

Born the third and youngest brother to Leo and Rycherd Tyrell, Rylen was never expected to live up to high expectations, or at least he decided from a young age that it would be more fun to set the bar low for himself. Whilst his two elder brothers were dutiful and hardworking, Rylen has always been much more relaxed, preferring to take every day as it comes. He once even went missing for two days when he drank too much and fell asleep in the middle of Highgardens maze. This however, is not to say that he is completely useless. Charming and able to speak with a natural ease, Rylen has always had the ability to talk nearly anyone into anything. There were many avenues in life this could've taken the young rose - the advisor to a lord or king, merchant, the leader of a ragtag crew of misfits & heathens. But life had another path for Rylen...

When he was but 17, he met and fell in love with with Rhea of House Reyne. Theirs was a whirlwind romance, not driven by political motivations or forced upon by voyeuristic family members. No, they were truly in love and after a courtship of only 4 months, were due to marry. Until...disaster struck! Rhea, by what was deemed to be an accident, fell out of one of the highest windows in Castamere. She was instantly dead, head crushed and all that. Rylen however was absolutely and unequivocally convinced it was not an accident. Of course, he had no idea who was behind it but he was sure it must have been foul play. Yet neither his family nor the Reynes believed it, quickly turning to other matters once she had been laid to rest. His frustrations grew and he knew he had not the skills to find out for himself. So he left.

Still a boy not yet having reached his 18th year, Rylen stowed aboard a merchants ship to Essos. He had little money, save for the small pouch of gold he had been able to grab and life was at first, difficult. Rylen does not speak much of this time, save for pointing out the few small scars he got. But he was young and had a sharp mind and even sharper tongue. He became a dab hand at trading, learnt more languages can he could count on both hands, and acquired a very decent tan.

There are many rumours regarding his essosi exploits. That he entered the House of black and white, that he took a Lysene wife and together they ran a pleasure house, that he learnt   bastardised High Valarian from a Tyroshi merchant, and that he was highly important in the Myrish lace trade. Rylen only laughs when these rumours are brought up, neither confirming or denying the tales. It is up to others to decide what may or may not be true.

Rylen finally returned at the age of 34, somehow having heard of his brothers death, and has remained in Westeros ever since. Now he lives a life of luxury. Occassionally he will go travelling but most often he can be found at Highgarden, paying no mind to political affairs and mostly working on his tan. There are also mutterings that he is writing a book about his exploits, but again in response to these he simply smiles and slathers on more oil.

Oak the Bard

Name: Tristan a.k.a Oak

Age: 25, born 177 AC

Appearance:

Standing at an average height, and with a floppy crop of brown hair, Oak has nothing in particular that draws the eye. It would be easy enough to pass him over in a crowd. Yet it is his jovial and lighthearted personality that lights up his face, that attracts folk to him, and makes them listen to his melodies. Forever looking on the precipice of either telling a joke or spilling a well kept secret, it is a mystery to anyone, probably even including himself, what the Bard will do next. The only certainty is that it will undoubtedly be something that will irritate Garrett.

Biography:

Not much is known about Oaks background, or more specifically, there is not much to be known. Born the son of a poor farmer and an even poorer farmers wife, his childhood was drull, dreary and far too much like hard work. He always dreamt of something more, of seeing the world, and eventually he found that he had a talent for music. He quickly became well known throughout the Reach and played to all manner of folk.

Though not in any way a member of the family, Oak was always a favourite of the previous Lord Paramount and was the highlight of every ball & tourney held. Even after the old mans death he stuck around, like an infestation you just can't seem to quash. Luckily Florence and most of the children adore him, so he's been welcomed with open arms. Apart from Garrett. Garrett apparently does not appreciate the musicians craft (especially at 3 in the morning). Nevertheless Oak is determined to make his new Lord inspired to sing along, if only once. And in the meantime, he is content enough to play for the younger Tyrells, who love to laugh at his tales, and who he especially tries to make smile since the death of their father.

[Ezekiel]

House Bracken

"Fear Our Thunder"

Aegor 'Bittersteel' Rivers

Name: Aegor 'Bittersteel' Rivers

Age: 30

Biography:

Perhaps no individual is named more accurately in all Westeros. Bittersteel summises Aegor perfectly, a warrior with few peers with a heart that had felt little but acid all his life.

When Aegor was born it was weeks before his mother, or indeed any in her presence, would use the name 'Rivers' to describe the child. With his father's interest set on Barba, a rare feat of temporary monogamy for the corrupt King, and the ailing nature of Queen Naerys during childbirth, there was active rumor that the King might set his wife and true born child for the Bracken woman and her healthy child. It was the moral character of the Dragonknight and the substantial element of court which held true to the other members of the Targaryen dynasty which likely prevented the King from doing so, not to mention a rare example of the rest of the house being united against him, Daena Targaryen no doubt unwilling to see another woman's bastard child set above her own, should such matters be considered.

Thus before Aegor was even aware of the world, he had tasted the chance of greatness and disappointment. Raised largely at Stone Hedge rather than at court due to the political backlash faced by House Bracken, his failure to supplant the order of things as a newborn was evident in the upturned favour of House Blackwood, who's ancestral seat stood so near. While such things are mere rumors, it is said one of many reasons that Aegor's blade is so well honey during a period otherwise defined by continuous, if fractious, peace, is his continued involvement in the Skirmish conflicts between the two houses during his youth. A combination of the enmity between houses and their status as those who replaced his mother in the favour of the King's eye, he holds particular venom for Melissa Blackwood and her son, Bryden Rivers, his own half-brother.

This is not to say Bittersteel held particular affection for his father, especially after the King put both Lord Bracken and his Aunt to death following House Bracken's short return to prominence. Bittersteel is said to have never smiled, but it has been told when hearing of the King's death he did laugh for quite some time, no doubt in some amount of relish for his final act of legitimising the Great Bastards. Aegor was home at Stone Hedge when the news was brought, having just returned from a stint along the Dornish Marches. In the years since his maturity, Bittersteel has won many friends among the southern Lords of the Reach and Stormlands, willing to lead and fight alongside men in situations that would not earn the high honours that his siblings seek. While he may not possess such warmth, soldiers are want to like the man willing to camp among the dirt and the dying alongside them.

By this point, dreams of one day being the King had faded, indeed it seems likely they never really caught on with Aegor himself, but certainly a desire for vengeance and restitution drives a support for his brother, Daemon Blackfyre, who Aegor will admit without challenge had both a more direct claim to the throne and the greater charisma and influence to see the claim through. If Bittersteel truly cares for victory for its own merit is another matter, or if he simply wishes to set himself against his hated brother. A hatred compounded by the attentions of the woman they are both said to love, Shierra Seastar, famed as the most beautiful in all Westeros and another of the Great Bastards. If one listens to gossip, Aegor's affection is based purely on wishing to take all from Bryden, but the truth runs deeper than that, and the curse of being spurned in yet another matter haunts Bittersteel in a far more cutting manner than a throne he is simply told was once in reach.

House Bracken may not have the great wealth or manpower that other houses which support the Blackfyre cause posses, but Aegor himself brings a great deal of experience in the true nature of war and combat. He is not the great tourney winner of his elder half brother, nor the cunning spymaster of his younger, but he is soldier and killer both, in an age that has bred few of either.

Lord Raylon Bracken

Name: Lord Raylon Bracken

Age: 44

Biography:

The current Lord of House Bracken was never intended to be such, substantially younger than his elder brother, born to a different mother when his older brother Kennoth, was already a man grown and well prepared to rule their ancestral seat, indeed it would be scant few years before their father passed, a man Raylon barely has memory of. Still, a second son is hardly an obscurity, and so the young Raylon grew up being prepared for a life of a respected knight of the realm, with the expectation he might honour his family in such service, a little too prominent in the matters of succession to be considered for the Citadel.

The enmity between House Bracken and Blackwood has always been useful for keeping the men at arms of both houses sharp even in times of peace and this passes on to their sworn knights and heirs. Raylon has no great claim to be the greatest sword or commander in the realm, but he has real experience in both matters from a young age and even if he was something of an obscurity, he was no shame to his house.

History runs strangely, however, the first factor in his ascension was his elder brother propensity to bear only daughters, and only two of those, Barba and Bethany. Thus as the years wore on, it seemed ever more likely that Raylon might never be replaced as heir. As with many second sons of the realm, he had been involved in the conflicts with Dorne, but was recalled to the family seat when Kennoth was named Hand of the King, to manage family affairs and the fiefdom.

It was this separation from his family at court which ultimately saved his life, having no connection to the scandal of Aegon's second Bracken mistress. When Kennoth and Bethany were executed, Raylon found himself as the Lord of Stone Hedge, a seat he had been the effective ruler of for some years. In those years, Raylon spent much time with both Barba and Aegon, although it would be a stretch to say the relationship is a warm one, there is a certain respect between the two men. Raylon very much cares for the survival of the house, and in securing their supremacy over House Blackwood, an aim he takes more seriously than his aunt's greater desires.

Lady Barba Bracken

Name: Barba Bracken

Age: 46

Biography:

The eldest of Kennoth Bracken's daughters was, and is, a beauty of some renown, a beauty matched only by her ambition and appreciation of luxury and power. Whether she had always been thus, or her seclusion in the Maidenvault alongside the princesses allowed her to both be influenced by the Princess Daena and the deprived nature of their existence, inspired it cannot be said. She was the first of Aegon the Unworthy's Mistresses to be openly recognised, and bear him a son recognised as his own. During these years Barba was treated to a life of luxury and prestige that would normally be reserved for the royal family themselves, and their were often rumours that should the Queen succumb to the illnesses that often plagued her, Aegon would marry his Bracken mistress and name her child his heir.

It was these rumours, however, no doubt encouraged by both Barba and her father, that ultimately proved their undoing, once the faction at court against them grew loud enough that the King felt compelled to act. Before long, Barba had been sent home, her child recognised as nothing more than a royal bastard, and quickly replaced by another mistress. The King would ultimately visit Stone Hedge on a number of occasions, largely for the purpose of seeing his son, but there are certainly rumours that he enjoyed Barba's company in a more intimate manner, although she never captured his attentions as thoroughly as she did before, weary as he was of those who did not remember her fondly at court.

Now, decades later, Barba is still just as motivated to recapture the success of her youth, for both herself and her son. While she may no longer be a youthful flower of court, she still possess striking beauty and despite what some would consider flaws of character, a keen enough mind to perceive the routes through which it might be attained.

Calla Blackfyre

Name: Calla Blackfyre

Age: 17

Biography:
While the fact may presently be kept from wider Westerosi society, it has been the plan for some time in the making that Calla Blackfyre, second eldest of Daemon's daughters, be married to her half-uncle, as a means to further secure the bond among the claims of the Great Bastards to the throne. Calla herself knows now that the tourney at Summerhall is the likely place for this to be announced.

As with most of Daemon's children, Calla has grown up with the expectation of their ascension, unlike her sister, to whom she is less than a year younger, she has ever enjoyed the attention of such things, a young darling of court, taking on the burden of being the less difficult of two daughters. She is known to be genuinely pleasing, if somewhat naïve, company. She sports a sense of good humour and easy charm, she just has little and less knowledge of the true ways of the world beyond what limited experience she has.

While she no doubt bears the beauty that so many of the Valyrian line do, she is not in the same delicate and ethereal way as her sister, in fact a teasing song about her enjoyment of lemoncakes has been known to cause something of a tantrum at times.

[Neianna86]

House Redwyne

House Redwyne of The Arbor

Taste the fruits of our labour

House Sigil: Redwyne’s sigil is a Burgundy cluster of grapes on a blue field.

House Description:
House Redwyne of the Arbor is one of the main noble houses sworn to Highgarden.
Their seat is the Arbor, an island located off the southwestern-most part of Westeros, known for making the best wines in Westeros. The Redwynes control the Redwyne fleet; containing two hundred warships and five times as many merchant carracks, wine cogs, trading galleys, and whalers.
The sigil of House Redwyne is a burgundy grape cluster on blue, symbolizing the famed wines of the Arbor.

History:
Kings of the Arbor:
The Redwynes claim descent from Gilbert of the Vines, a legendary son of Garth Greenhand.
House Redwyne ruled as Kings of the Arbor until their last monarch was lost at sea, allowing his cousin, King Meryn III Gardener, to make the isle part of the Kingdom of the Reach. Fleets from the Arbor and Oldtown protected the Reach from naval attacks during the coming of the Andals.
Redwynes have married Peakes over the centuries.

During the reign of the Targaryens & Dance:
The Redwynes had always been shadowing the important events of the past, partly thanks to their marriages, intending to be there, but to not get caught up in the crossfire and burn down the vineyard.

During the Dance of the Dragons, the Arbor declared for King Aegon II Targaryen and the greens.

Lords Redwyne, Beesbury, Costayne, Rowan, and Tarly helped escort the High Septon to the capital for the coronation and wedding of King Aegon III Targaryen.

House Redwyne were close kin to House Hightower during the regency of Aegon III, and Martyn Hightower served as Lord Redwyne's squire at the Arbor.

The second son of Lord Unwin Peake squired for Lord Redwyne before drowning in a sailing accident.

Patricia Redwyne attended the Maiden's Day Cattle Show.

Lord Redwyne promised to support Alyn Velaryon, Lord of the Tides, with thirty war galleys from the Redwyne fleet when the Oakenfist sailed to confront Dalton Greyjoy, Lord of the Iron Islands.
Alyn eventually departed for the westerlands after waiting at Oldtown for the Redwynes for some time.
The Velaryon fleet later met the Arbor's ships while returning south after the death of the Red Kraken, and Lord Redwyne briefly hosted Alyn Oakenfist at the Arbor.

Recent History:
With some of their ancestors laying down the groundwork for the next, we shall have to determine whether this Summer’s Vintage will be up to taste.
Gorlois in his younger years was quite the traveller as he and Domeric visited all of Westeros and even some of the Eastorosi ports. Their taste for adventure drove them and forged a loyal bond that could not be broken. When their father however passed away suddenly, they were called back for the funeral.
As new Lord Gorlois knew he needed to honour his father's final request, which was further the line.
After meeting up with several handsome young ladies, his eye fell to the youngest of the Peake sisters.
The redheaded set his heart aflame and whilst he was told by several that it would not be a good match he cast their doubts into the wind and sought to gain her hand anyway.
The lady in question was frail and of a different temperament than Gorlois, she at first refused, but couldn't deny the attraction and would only accept it if her sister was permitted to stay with her.
While it was not unheard of, this posed a problem as she was meant to be bethrothed to another. Yet, Gorlois persister and bought off her dowry, setting her up with his brother.
At first the sisters were a bit out of their depth at the Arbor, but soon enough the climate grew on them and the people soothed their worries.
Their marriages were relatively happy and blessed with children. Whom would need a Septa to look after them and Gorlois decided to seek help from his father's old friends the Hightowers, he took in Septa Sybilla Hightower who had turned to the Faith to spend the last part of her life to serve others. Whilst she at times honestly believes she has failed where it concerns the Redwyne kids, she at least prides herself knowing Honora and Odette will probably be fine.
One thing is certain though, with their closeness to the High Towers and the Peakes, you can be assured that Gorlois intends to set up his family for the coming years.

The Ruling Branch:
Family Members:

My Hider

Lord Gorlois Redwyne (52): Lord of the Arbor, once a generous man, outgoing man, now often sits in silence some say griefstricken others suggest he is suffering from some sort of illness. It matters not, thanks to the badgering of his precious jewel they sailed off in full retinue to attend the Tourney at Summerhall as 'the boys' wanted to get in on the action aswell. Lord Gorlois himself won't attend but sends his younger brother in his stead.
Cora Peake (Deceased; died after childbirth due to exhaustion)

My Hider

Children:
Arnaud Redwyne, (28) Heir to the Arbor.

My Hider

Hardy, Handsome in a rough sort of way, Arnaud is a generous, but relatively silent man. He usually dresses in his leathers, always ready to draw steel when he needs to.
Eldest of Gorlois's children he is Heir to the Arbor and took after his mother for looks and his father for preference for combat over conversing. However whilst honorable Arnaud is no fool, he will go above and beyond when his family is in danger. His father ordered him and Honora to look after Odette and take their measure of The Tarly heir, but more importantly look for a potential wife aswell. As Heir Arnaud will have certain responsibilities and one of them is marrying, forging an alliance and continuing the bloodline.

Arystide Redwyne, (25) Admiral of the Redwyne Fleet
Enjoyer of both W's. Wine and Women. Enjoyer of life. Goes where the action is as any passionate man would. He is as wild as he waters he enjoys sailing and not above teasing his brothers.
He is well known in the port towns, having taken many a maid to his bed and survived many a 'duel for satisfaction'.
His older brother shakes his head at his antics, whilst his younger looks up to him or at least that's what he likes to believe. He loves upsetting Honora as she could never stay angry for long and he loves scheming with the twins and messing with Nadiya and Odette.

My Hider

Honora (Nenee) Redwyne, (24) Lady of the Vine
Performing the tasks of her mother has forced Honora to grow up more quickly than her sisters.
Gentle, Softspoken and considered wise for her age, she dances her way through delicate situations with visiting lords and maintaining the good standing and reputation of House Redwyne.
She is known as a skilful, charming diplomat as well as a true daughter to Gorlois as she bears the most resemblance with him. Unlike her sisters she dresses more modest, her gowns nevertheless showing off their rich fabrics as well as her own curves. She was given a marriage offer once, but her father turned it down as he deemed it inappropriate. Honora learned a couple years later that the man in question died of consumption.
With her father having set up their youngest sister with a House of notable worth Honora cannot but feel slightly disgruntled at not having been paired up first as was custom.

My Hider

Serenei & Rowanne (twins 21), The Twin Fyres.
The twins are known to be similar in disposition aswell as vicinity. They enjoy experiencing and sharing things together and are often the more depraved of the family. Their shapes can be seen dancing whether to please their guests or during the summer festivities underneath the bright night sky usually in scandalously little clothing.
They have a reputation of ensorcelling and ensnaring their prey and to often shock the septa or cause too much of a fuss that their eldest sister Honora has to smoothe over again.
Who at this point has given up and stated that the only lord that would be able to deal with them, would either be able to please them to the point of loyalty or one who has to use his wife as a weapon to seduce his enemies to submission.
Rowanne is rather attached to her twin sister and she likely follows her in whatever she does, she is the more jealous type as she tends to be more passionate in sense of temperament, where Serenei is gentler and cooler.

My Hider

Nadiya (Naya) Redwyne, (19)
She is far from mild mannered and enjoys riding with her brothers. She is a doublesided coin that is fuelled by both her mother's love for jewelry and finery, but also the stubborn willfulness of her father. She allows her older sister to be the more responsible one, whereas she desires to make her mark upon the world in one way or another.
She also loves to imagine ridiculous lovematches, goaded on by those devious sisters of hers she often needs to be reminded by Honora or their Septa that a 'fling' is only worth it, if it leads to an advantageous marriage.
She enjoys hawking and riding and teases Honora with the fact that she is a poor rider.
She wears the most delicates of silks and keeps up with the current styles, her jewelry consists tiaras, necklaces, rings, pins of precious cut gems, pearls and a pair of hummingbird clasps.

My Hider

Armand Redwyne (17) Protector of the Rank
Youngest of the brothers, Armand is a tad bit shy, enjoying his luteplaying above dancing in the melee and prefering a bow instead of a sword.
He usually wears what his sisters make for him, as he enjoys amusing them in their fussing over what he believes to be trivial, yet they find monstrously important for some reason.
He can often be found with either quill or lute in hand, attempting to weave another sad ballad for the ages.
As a son that wouldn't inherit he was offered a nice retreat near the coast to house him, to pass his life in or until he would marry and move away.
It overlooks some of the finest quality vineyards of the Arbor as a gift to not leave him empty handed.
Unlike his brothers he is more softspoken, enjoying his time being surrounded by his closest kin.

My Hider

Odette (Dotti) Redwyne, (15) Arbor’s Flowerqueen
Gorlois's Jewel, his fairest daughter, sweet as honeynectar and gentle as a newborn lamb. She is your typical teenager, who enjoys romantic stories, handsome knights, balls and dances and believing in 'one true love', much to the delight of Arystide who enjoys teasing her about it.

My Hider

*Lissander Redwyne (stillborn)

Lesser Branches:
Family Members:

My Hider

Domeric; (47) younger brother to Lord Gorlois and has his House within Ryam’s Port &
Cyra Peake; (43) wife to Domeric and sister to the late Lady Cora.
Finnegan (22); eldest son
Misschievous and often in cahoots with Arystide, the two are thick as thieves. They often go 'pleasure cruising' together and taste the more unique flavours life has to offer.

My Hider

Brennan (17); youngest son of Domeric, squire to Arnaud.
Brennan squires for Arnaud and can be found hanging out with the rest of his cousins often. He enjoys his work as a squire as Arnaud tends to actually teach him things like a good brother should do. Therefore Brennan tends to idolize him somewhat. Whilst may not be able to participate in the joust or main melee, he would be allowed to try his luck in the Ring gathering competition. He would be allowed to use Fantaghiro Arnaud's horse for it and be dressed in his own set of armour.

My Hider

Others:
Steward: Symon Lowter

My Hider

Maester Tyburn

My Hider

Septa Sybilla Hightower

My Hider

Master of Ships: Domeric Redwyne
________________________________________

[Jackdaw]

The Brave Companions & House Wyl

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A Brief Description and Recent History:

Nycarro Qosaerys, famed sellsword and adventurer, veteran of a half dozen sieges, survivor of a half hundred field battles, and occasional pirate, now found himself to also be the most recently deposed captain-general of the Maiden's Men during the sack of Tolhorys.

Tyrosh and Myr's most recent conflict in the Disputed Lands led to the siege of the Tyroshi-held town, and Captain-General Qosaerys's brothers in arms, sellswords of honor matched only by their courage, resolved themselves against dying in defense of the town by whatever means necessary. As such, they made to unceremoniously dispose of their fearless leader by murder and open the gates to the enemy in exchange for their lives. They were successful in the second part of that plan, but Qosaerys proved a wily victim of attempted murder, and evaded not only poison and dagger but the Myrish-employed sellswords who were, in short order, on the definitively wrong side of the town's walls (from the perspective of a local resident, anyway).

Evading capture and/or death with admirable aplomb, Nycarro Qosaerys reached Pentos with the assistance of no companion save for a goat he affectionately named Racallio. There, he secured for himself a paper of engagement, signed by the Prince of Pentos himself, authorizing the recruitment of sellswords and -sails for a new mercenary company. This collection of brave companions, flying under a newly commissioned banner bearing the likeness of the aforementioned goat, would engage in honorable mercenary work across the Free Cities and the Narrow Sea, and mayhaps some revenge against that traitorous bitch Lysandra Dagareon, the usurping Captain-General of the Maiden's Men.

And so Captain-General Nycarro Qosaerys came to seek new employment, and so he entered into certain Dornish entanglements.

House Wyl is one of the noble houses of Dorne, but they are not known for their status as a major house in that region. Rather, they are best known for their bitter, long-standing enmity against the marcher lords of the Stormlands. The Lord of Wyl, an elderly and ornery man, is the inheritor of this vicious feud and has stewed for long years under the yoke of the Iron Throne. The last clashes between House Wyl and the Marcher Lords of the Stormlands saw the death of his eldest son and heir in the field, and he has long dreamed of revenge against them. As the realm trends toward a divide as to the future of the Iron Throne and the crown, he has reached out and, through guile and cunning, constructed a web of contacts and alliances in the pursuit of vengeance.

To that end, Nycarro Qosaerys now sails east from Pentos in the company of one Arron Sand, a bastard of House Wyl. Arron Sand, having recently set out for Essos at the suggestion of his friends and family to win fame and influence in the Free Cities, finds himself riding the boisterous Captain-General's coattails and more, rapidly ascending to head a Dornish arm of the Brave Companions. The young Dornish warrior, no anointed knight but a skilled and deadly warrior all the same, may soon find himself a pawn in a greater game.

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Key Members of the Brave Companions:

Nycarro Qosaerys, famed Braavosi sellsword and Captain-General of the Brave Companions.
Racallio, Nycarro's goat.

Black Drazenka, Lyseni bedslave turned pit fighter turned sellsail, currently Captain-Admiral of the Brave Companions.

Arron Sand, a bastard of House Wyl and a newly recruited sellsword to the Brave Companions.
Ryon Sand, called the White Hawk of Skyreach, a Dornish freerider.
Ser Gerold Manwoody, a Dornish knight and freerider.
Ser Ulrick Uller, a Dornish knight and freerider.

Nycarro Qosaerys, Captain-General of the Brave Companions

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Nycarro Qosaerys

Age: Six and Forty.

Appearance:

In his younger days, Qosaerys may have cut quite the image of the dashing bravo. The slender water dancer's blade, the Myrish stiletto, the waxed and dyed moustache and beard, the colorful garb, the feathered hat, and the sharp, cutting grin all make for the picture, but the man himself is twenty years too old and more than sufficiently battered by life's wanton hardships and meanness. His eyes are tired, his skin is weathered by long years in the sun, his hair is thinning, and his teeth are not as a white or entirely present as they used to be.

Description & biography:

Captain-General Nycarro Qosaerys was not always Captain-General of the Maiden's Men. Before that, he joined the Company of the Cat as a crossbowman, led men as a junior captain in the Free Company, took to the seas as a sellsail on a Lyseni galley, went back to land shortly thereafter as a captain with the Men of Valor, betrayed the Men of Valor to join the Maiden's Men, and fought for years all along the way with those and other employers and companies unmentioned.

Ultimately, there is not a Free City Nycarro Qosaerys has not fought for, and only a handful he has not not betrayed in the course of his employment.

Arron Sand, Captain of the Brave Companions

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Arron Sand

Age: Twenty

Appearance:

Arron Sand is a tall man, standing an inch or two shy of six and a half feet in height, and with a lean frame that speaks to an uncanny agility. Pale green eyes, fair skin and sandy blonde hair mark him as a Stony Dornishman of strong Andal heritage. Arron rarely wears the colors of his mother's house, but he bears a ring the shape of a silver serpent on his finger, a black pearl held in its mouth.

Description & biography:

Arron Sand was born to Dorea Wyl, a cousin of the main house, and a son of House Yronwood, an anointed knight of that house. When he just a boy his father was killed in the Dornish Marches, fighting side by side with the heir to Wyl in one of the last border conflicts before Dorne was brought into the Seven Kingdoms. Arron spent much of his youth at Wyl, where he learned the use of spear and shield alongside Lord Wyl's sons from Lord Wyl's household guard and master-at-arms, where he dined at Lord Wyl's table and where he learned to kiss from Lord Wyl's two daughters.

He relocated to the Port of Wyl when his mother married in earnest after long years grieving the death of Arron's father, and Arron found a role as a sworn sword to his relations there. Even then, though, he did not evade notice as one of Lord Wyl's best men-at-arms. He had a great talent for sword and spear, moreso than any of his cohort save Ryon Sand, who men had come to call the White Hawk after winning duel after duel. Arron was less ambitious, less interested in fame and notoriety than Ryon Sand, but at the urging of Qyle Wyl, his childhood friend and now a knight of his lord father's court, he took it upon himself to travel to the Free City of Pentos and sign on with a newly formed sellsword company, the Brave Companions.

Key Members of House Wyl:

Lord Wyl, the aged lord of Wyl, a cunning and guileful man nursing a long-held grudge against the Stormlands' Marcher Lords.
Ser Wyland Wyl, firstborn son of Lord Wyl, killed in a skirmish in the Dornish Marches near twenty years ago.
Ser Lewyn Wyl, second son of Lord Wyl and heir to the house. Married to Carolei Dayne of House Dayne.
Ser Qyle Wyl, third son of Lord Wyl and knight, pledged to the company of the Brave Companions.

Dorea Wyl, a cousin to the main line of House Wyl and Arron's mother.

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[Apollosarcher]

House Stark of Winterfell

Winter is Coming

[♫]

House Description: The Stark's of Winterfell are a truly ancient house, once known as King's in the North after defeating the Red Kings of House Bolton and the Barrow Kings supposedly of House Dustin. Fiercely loyal and true to their words and justice no matter the reason, a slight against one Stark is a slight against them all. Beloved by the people of the North and well regarded even in the South for their honor, the Starks like many Northerners are aloof from courts and intrigue yet when called upon they answer with ferocity and cunning, as the did with the pact of Ice and Fire. However after the death of his foe by poison rather than letting those who had wronged his foe go free Cregan Stark showed the honor of House Stark, bringing to justice the lords who had poisoned the King. Of those condemned those Cregan dealt justice upon he only beheaded two the rest took the black or were spared for strength of their defense or their kinsman defense them.

Recent History: Since Cregan's Stark show of moral strength during the Dance, House Stark has gone through a turbulent times with the children of Lord Cregan having traded the throne often from one calamity to the next. The death of Rickon Stark during the final battles in Dorne began the problems for the Great House of Winterfell. With the death of Rickon, his daughter's would be passed over and the throne given to Jonnel Stark who then wed Sansa Stark his half-niece though it never bore issue nor would his second wife. Before Jonnel's death he would pass the seat to Barthogan Stark rather than the next in line Edric.

Edric despite the fact he had married Rickon's other daughter Serena Stark and had four children a perfect safety net for the succession, he was passed over. It is believed his passing over stems from his desire to rule Winterfell and to try and negotiate for what his father never received namely a Targaryen Princess for one of his sons or failing that a more favorable arrangement as Warden of North with the Targaryen family.

Barthogan Stark or Barth Blacksword as he more commonly known has been a good King and warrior, he never took a wife. Only having a single bastard son who was raised in the care of his younger brother Brandon, Mathias Snow. Barthogan also has laid out in advance that should he perish without an heir Brandon will inherit the throne not Edric or his line, also out of love for his son has made the small request that Mathias be allowed to carry the Stark name even if he may never be Lord of Winterfell.

Edric for his part is even more enraged by Brandon, the least trained or expected to rule the North will take the seat of Winterfell rather than himself, in his old age he has passed this bitterness down to his family.

Family Members:

Edric Stark: Edric the patient

• Cregard Stark 'Bloodied Fang'
• Torrhen Stark 'Silver Fang'
• Aregelle Stark
• Arana Stark

Warden of the North: Barthogan Stark, Barth Blacksword

• Mathias Stark 'Runt'

Heir to Winterfell: Brandon Stark

• Ashe Stark 'Knight Bane'
• Gryffith Stark
• Beylee Stark

Married off daughters of Cregan Stark

• Sarra Stark
• Alys Stark
• Raya Stark
• Mariah Stark
• Lyanna Stark

Household Staff

• Seneschal of Winterfell- Oisin Umber
• Steward of Winterfell - Hayden Karstark
• Master of the Forge - Perrin Snow
• Master of Ravens - Cyren Wull
• Master of the Whispering Woods - Tyrra Rivers
• Mistress of Stables - Serana Snow
• Master of the Hunts - Allyn Knott
• Bravosi Tutor - Mikyel Hyund
• Comportment Tutor - Ghyslane Darklyn
• History and Language Tutor - Hycanth Rys
• Court Tutor - Endrew Locke
• Witch of North - Ryannon De'Ryoth
• Scullery Maid - Faiel Snow
• Ursa Major, Shebear guard captain- Eyrna Ord
• Shebear Guard - Lyranie
• Shebear Guard - Jun Rowe
• Shebear Guard - Shibohan Rill
• Shebear Guard - Junara Woodfoot
• Captain of the Guard - Kayden Ryswell
• Lieutenant - Rorick Tallhart
• Lieutenant - Cerwick Cerwyn
• Sergeant-at-Arms - Naython Whytehull
• Sergeant-at-arms - Jeramy Forrester
• Master-of-Arms - Payne Hornwood
• Sworn Sword - Hendel Newton
• Sworn Sword - Reynar Holt
• Sworn Sword - Encient Bole
• Sworn Sword - Fillip Thenn
• Sworn Sword - Rogar 'The Menace' Tyberos
• Sworn Sword - Franz 'Gentle Giant' Woolfield
• Sworn Sword - Ephraim Manderly
• Sworn Sword - Lute Northwind

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House Stark

Barth Blacksword Stark

Barthogan Stark
Age: 60, born 142 AC

Appearance:


Description & biography: The youngest of Cregan's sons to have fought in the war against the Dornish and their rebellion. Much like his father and brother's Barthogan Stark is true to the families very core a warrior lord with a penchant for battle and reputation for bringing swift and brutal justice. He much like Brandon never wanted to be Lord of Winterfell however as Edric's skill at the games the Southerners play grew so did the concern that he would drag all the lords of North into conflicts and games they had no business being in.

So they worked tirelessly to keep him from the throne, now only two brother's stand between Edric and his prize yet Blacksword is not easily beaten by age or sickness. If his brother's had not asked him to stay he would have long ago taken the black, his calling is battle while he knows how to rule it bores him. Thus when battle or a chance to depart Winterfell on some quest with his men he is first to prepare the horses.

Barthogan is the most talented swordsman of the five sons of Cregan a gifted swordsman himself. Carrying the families famed bastard sword Ice not as an executions blade but as weapon of war. While not the most humble or orthodox of lords Barthogan is a respected Stark and unquestioned as a choice of ruler who has put aiding his people and working with his Lords first. It is said when camp is made the Blacksword helps bring round food and drink for his riders, he sits and listens to their tales and stories.

Yet Barthogan himself has only one child a bastard borne to who he will not say but the child is dear to him yet knowing he could not be a good father. He left his son with his brother Brandon, raising the boy among his own family. When he finds time Barthogan trains with Mathias, legitimizing him with the intent he will form a cadet branch. Barthogan knows that no matter what he must do what can for his own people, ambition is the enemy of happiness. That ambition has made Edric cold and distant to his own kin and even his children, something that few in the North can ever respect.

Mathias Stark

Mathias Stark 'The Runt'
Age: 22 born 180 AC

Appearance:



Description & biography: Mathias Stark is a bastard. Yet unlike so many other bastards he has grown up loved and cared for in Winterfell, his uncle Brandon Stark has seen to his needs and never treated him any different. For Mathias is a good lad loved by his father and uncle, even his aunt cares deeply for the young man.

Mathias is called the runt because he was born prematurely according to his father as a tiny little thing his father believed would not survive his first winter. Yet the boy grew until he was strong and tall, standing impressively and well muscled he has become quite renown fighter among the tourney's. Traveling with Brandon Stark and his children often as Brandon does his best to offer his children and nephew a well rounded education about the rather than just what the books in the north have to say.

Currently readying to participate in the tourney in the South he wants to make his uncle proud, his blade is the families ancient Greatsword. The one they called Ice before the current blade, now known as 'Black Ice' this sword is the weapon that won the age of heroes Mathias wants to use so once he wins glory and forms his own branch of the house he claim it as their heirloom it may not be forged in Magic but any weapon from the long night ought to be honored just the same.

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Edric Stark

Edric Stark, The Patient
Age: 62 born 140

Appearance:


Description & biography: Edric Stark will rule Winterfell, even if it means losing his entire family. Many years ago he fought against the Dornish as a young man, shoulder to shoulder with the Lords of all the great houses in conflict. He knew in that moment the North had to change, it's ways and people were outdated and old fashioned. Stuck believing in fairy tales and honoring deeds of dead men, no if the Starks were to thrive the wolves would need better grounds, southern grounds.

He and his children do not venerate the old gods instead having taken to worship of the Seven the only Starks to have done so. This has caused many to view Edric as a radical reformer in the North who had reshape much of their society and try to end the influence of old ways in the North bringing it more in line with how the South is run. Edric hopes to make the north more profitable and in turn bring them realm more in line with the rest of the seven kingdoms.

To this end Edric has focused on making friends to the South, to secure his position in the North so when the time comes he may take the throne and if Brandon resist's kill him and his ill begotten line securing Winterfell for his children and his line alone. His children carry the same grudge he has instilled into them a belief that they were cheated and robbed. He has shaped and trained each of them with a singular purpose getting the best teachers and tutors he could find for each of them.

He marries his children off to secure alliances of great power and talks with sister's with promises of great things should they bring their husbands forces to bear behind his own. Edric does not possess the love of the North men but he is respected by them for his cunning and his personal martial prowess while he was trained Cregan one of the finest swordsman of his own age.

Cregard Stark

Cregard 'Bloodied Fang' Stark
Age: 37 born 165

Appearance:



Description & biography: The Bloodied Fang, ruthless as he is strong he is a well known Warrior specifically for his famed history. He is not the best fighter yet every strike against him that finds it marks seems only to make him fight harder. Cregan has never returned from the field without blood soaking him head to toe, he revels in the violence of warfare and battle.

He refuses to participate in tourneys and the like battle is meant for killing and if he is not there to kill men then he will not do battle. His mace is often stained with the blood and brains, having been coated in blood so often it has a reddish color to it. As capable as he is on the battlefield it is said outside of it he much more gentle soul the Bloodied Fang sings and dances for while he violent as they come on the field of battle off it many say he is the most sensitive Stark they have met to date.

Thoughtful and deep though he rarely voices Cregard wonders deeply about his father's ideals and the place the Starks have in the world. In another life he might have been Maester or gone to the wall to take the Black yet he knows he must serve his father. He is a good son and one who loves his father, shame he was such a shit dad.

Torrhen Stark

Torrhen 'Silver Fang' Stark
Age: 37 born 165

Appearance:




Description & biography: The Silver Fang, cunning warrior skilled with his tongue as he is a blade, unlike many other Starks Torrhen has focused the use of an arming sword and more practical skills. Capable with a shortsword, knives, arming swords, and shields he is considered to be a dishonorable fighter. Yet their is no denying he effectiveness with such weapons, his tutors were men from the wall criminals and knights who taught methods not for honor but for victory, honor be damned.

Yet for his dishonorable habits Torrhen is the picture of courtesy as capable of finery and clever words as Southern Lord. He Edric's favored son as his politic skill and practical outlook make him one of the few people in the North who will throw away honor or tradition for an elegant solution. There is great fear that he would follow Edric should he take the seat of Winterfell that all the might of North might not stop the Silver Fang's rise to power.

Sharper than steel and deftly cunning the Silver Fang is said to have a way with women, sweet and gentle with them, his demeanor skill having brought a few to his bed chamber. He has no small talent for seduction though he pines for a wife he does not mind having days to spend meeting and getting to know the lovely ladies he might come to meet.

Aregelle Stark

Aregelle "Aggie" Stark
Age: 32 born 170AC

Appearance:



Description & biography: If there is one person in the family who thinks they are as ruthless and cunning as Edric, it is Aggie. A lady of impeccable virtue and grace, she styles herself as the most refined of House Stark, she views it as her duty to uphold her houses honor and tact the twins could never hope to match. She hopes to marry well and bring her husbands forces to bear in the name of her father, securing her homeland and the station of Starks against the fools who would try to take it, her cousins included.

Arana Stark

Arana Stark
Age: 23 born 179

Appearance:



Description & biography: The youngest daughter of Eric Stark dangerous intelligent and voracious reader, concerning for many as the woman's vast intelligence outpaced her own tutors rapidly growing up. She often took to reading unusual and forgotten tomes, over the past few years she had combined her appetite for knowledge with a desire to uncover and discover. She aches to learn more about the ancient past and the legends of old caring little for her father's plans she only wants the ability to access and learn more and more. Practical and curious, she has more in common with her brothers than sister and prefers it that way, gets along well with her cousins to the annoyance of her father.

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Brandon Stark

Brandon "Branny" Stark, The Wolf Lord
Age: 45 born 157

Appearance:




Description & biography: The heir to Winterfell and decorated warrior, having fought in tourneys and hosting hunts and traveling to visit each of the lords in the North during summers to hear their needs and wants. Focusing on helping his brother to rule by speaking to the lords and helping distribute the rewards Cregan Stark had received during his long life from the Targaryens for his service which were ample. He did his best to make friends and aid give back to the Lords of the North, he dined in their halls and helped their men.

Using the wealth and stores from the careful planning and the rewards the crown had given to them. Brandon helped as best he could personally escorting wagons and doing his best to bring aid to where it was needed. Yet upon his return to Winterfell he found a truly terrible sight, his father being laid to rest in the family crypts beneath their home slain while out with old friends from his campaigning days by a Dire Wolf. Usually if the creatures were found they kept back from men yet... These wolves had attacked Cregan and his banners in camp. Reportedly their were five, four smaller ones and the largest his fur black fired soot his brothers arguing over how succession might proceed he turned and left.

Brandon set out, hunting five Direwolves with only his closet friends and companions, they made the camp near the Wolfwood. The tale is not one Brandon likes to tell in the night they came. A wind of winter screamed across the camp putting out the fire then came a long low howl they were being hunted now. The wolves approached the camp as they took up arms to defend themselves torches and weapons in hand. The four other wolves stayed back, as the lead one came forward it muzzle caked in blood. A knife buried in it's side... His father's knife.

What the others say is that with a roaring challenge Brandon lunged forward at dire wolf bigger than any they had seen in books or heard about in tales. It's mouth foamed and drool to eat the young Stark, yet his blade bit true and the wolf was brought low as Brandon yanked the knife from it's side and slit it's throat. The four others gave howls... And Brandon like a man possessed howled back a challenge, they turned and slinked into the woods. The wolves it seem even new who their lord was, he took the pelt and their father's knife bringing it back to Winterfell.

Jonnel embraced his little brother, yet all were shocked when he tossed the pelt and the knife down showing he had hunted and killed the beast. This boy youngest of their kin, the only one not tested in battle had slain the great beast that had killed their father and most of his party winning the respect of the other Wolves. Some say it is a sign Brandon was destined for great things other claim it means he befouled the gods for slaying that of his own symbol.

After this Brandon continued to aid each Lord of Winterfell Jonnel and Barth found Branny annoying with constant traveling to see the lords yet never before had Starks been so well informed of the goings on and the others felt more heard by the Warden of the North than when Bran came to their halls to hear their news and needs. Yet when news came of a tournament down south Brandon would get his horse, his armor, and invite his friends from the other Northern Houses for the trip down.

The wandering Stark as he became a common sight in the South lance in hand clad in armor, Brandon felt the best way to give south a reason to care about the North was to show them they were here and they could fight and ride just as well as the more 'civilized' southern knights. Brandon's youth saw him face off against many a great warrior while he rarely won against the more famed Knights and Lords of the south few would scoff at the ferocity the Wolf Lord brought to bear.

Now as heir to Winterfell he still focuses on speaking and listening to the Lords of the North as he rears his children to be good people and future lords of the North after his brother passes. He tries to rekindle his brotherhood with Edric even as the other resists any attempt.

Ashe Stark

Ashe Stark
Age: 25 177 AC

Appearance:

Description & biography:
First born son of Brandon Stark is a head shorter than his father and considered a trouble maker enjoying sneaking around and pulling pranks. Good with a sling or a bow he is fleet on his feet, prefer knives to swords to the annoyance of his father. He was a bit of trouble maker around Winterfell until he began to travel with his father to tourneys and the far reaches of Westeros since then his skill as archer has grown. While it is not considered as much of a Lord's weapon it is what he favors.

However he has shown great skill in learning about battles and organization, stealthy and silent he is not as popular as his younger brother down south. But his pranks and jabs at southern born knights usually result in some good natured ribbing or reminding a Knight that peasant with a good sling can kill him just as easy as noble warrior. He's a bit of little shit but the Northerners adore how he takes the piss out of southern knights who hold themselves so highly they might not even be able to see the small folk.

He is a trouble maker, having a reputation of sneaking out of Winterfell dressed up as a bard before being dragged back by his father by the ear. He is as friendly and lovable as they come quick with a come back or humorous joke, though just as fast with a fist. While not as big as little brother his quietness and grace are unusual for someone of Stark and Mormont blood. Much like his siblings he has learned to sing while traveling around the continent.

Gryffith Stark

Gryffith Stark
Age: 23 born 179 AC

Appearance:

Description & biography:
Strong of hand but soft of voice, Gryffith Stark is claimed to be the best swordsman in the North in where he faces off against many of the other Lords of the North sons and champions. Yet time again the quiet boy with a strong arm takes the fight. He rarely speaks up but shows an unwavering devotion to his father and teachers who have forged him like steel.

While reserved he known for much like his younger sister having a beautiful singing voice yet rarely will he use it. It is believe he is currently in a relationship with a woman he should not be and that they are truly in love, or so the rumors say. Yet his father pays it no mind, what is known is that no one would contest Gryffith Stark as a fine warrior he is not as boisterous and brash as the other North men would prefer from the nobles. His temper controlled as thinks reacts and plans a reaction to whatever comes his way, he is no great knight or unblemished warrior but his dueling skills are a shock to many. He has trained across the Kingdoms at the behest of his father.

Beylee Stark

Beylee Stark
Age: 15 born 187 AC

Appearance:


Description & biography:
Youngest child of Brandon's family a gifted singer and dancer Beylee shuns most of her duties as a lady in favor of spending time with her brothers. She would rather snare hares and put arrows in stags than ever learn about manners and history. She has no time for anything other than her own interests, she dreams of being a great warrior like he father or grand father.

She looks more like her mother of house Mormont than most other Starks, she is eager to see the tournament and is trying to convince Mathias to allow her to act as his squire for it.

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Marriage reference

Edric Stark - Serena Stark
Brandon Stark - Sylvara Mormont
Sarra Stark - House Reed
Alys Stark - House Dustin
Raya Stark - House Glover
Mariah Stark - House Umber
Lyanna Stark - House Carmyne

Ashe Stark betrothed to Raelith Bolton

[WXer]

House Bolton

A red flayed man on pale pink strewn with red drops

House Bolton of The Dreadfort

"Our Blades Are Sharp"

House Description:
Once renowned as Red Kings during the Age of Heroes, House Bolton sowed terror and paranoia across the North as rulers of the Dreadfort. While they now bend the knee and pledge fealty to House Stark, the banner of the flayed man still inspires fear in friend and foe alike.

Recent History:

The ascendance of Rycann Bolton to the Dreadfort's lordship began in tragedy and remains shrouded in secrecy. His late lord father - Robett "Ravenskin" - had died due to illness and within the fortnight the disease had spread across the fortress grounds and claimed the lives of many others. Among the other lost souls were his eldest brother Rodrick and their household maester Bertram.

But that was many seasons ago. No specificities about the tragedy could be determined but rumours are a plenty. Whispers say that the Old Gods had punished their house due to Rycann and his brother Aden violating their house's oath not to flay men during their time in Essos. Further still, some braver and more foolish dare to say that the Redmark himself orchestrated the tragedy with the employment of Braavosi assassins. Though there is one truth known for certain with regards to this matter. Any man who dares speak of the incident may find himself before the lord of the Dreadfort, pleading a case as to why his tongue be not cut off for speaking falsities.

As for their political standing, there has always been an air of fear when dealing with the Boltons and Lord Rycann has used this to shore up his grip on power. None of the other Northern houses have any immediate issues with his position and he has also kept to his vows of fealty to the Starks with no quarrel. Time will tell if this will remain the case as grumblings from the south are starting to reach his court.

Family Members & Household

House Bolton:

• Rycann "Redmark" Bolton
• Desmond Bolton
• Alaric Bolton
• Raelith Bolton
• Alarra Bolton née Umber
• Robett "The Ravenskin" Bolton
• Rodrick Bolton
• Aden "Quickbolt" Bolton

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Kennel Master: Tarner Locke
Huntsman/Hunting Master: Brack Fenn
Head Cook: Colren Moss
Steward: Waylar Wells
Maester: Warne
Household Guard Captain: Brachyllo Hotoris

Rycann Bolton

Rycann "Redmark" Bolton

Age: 44 (158 A.C.)

Appearance:
The first thing anyone notices about Rycann is inevitably the eponymous burn mark that scarred his face. However, only some might make the observation that the lord of the Dreadfort obscures the untarnished part of his face with his long, dark hair.

Description & biography:

Born the youngest male among three brothers, Rycann's lordship of the Dreadfort was never set in stone. Witnessing the daily duties of his father's court, he had concluded that the politics of Westeros were not for him at an early age. On his sixteenth name day, he had departed the realm he had called home and would soon arrive on the shores of Essos to join the Second Sons mercenary company. His brother Aden, going by the nom de guerre "Quickbolt", had join this group of noble sellswords years prior and had risen to a captaincy due to his tactical prowess and ruthlessness. Serving as his brother's second-in-command, Rycann would quickly adapt to his new environment and pick up on the intricacies of a new field of politics. This one though had a lot more outright bloodshed involved.

Though he was now adventuring in an exotic land, the looming threat of death was always a knife's edge away. Yet, he revelled in this brutality and fought with reckless abandon. This would not be without cost however as an opposing foe nearly burnt off his face with a torch, barely surviving by choking out his foe and being saved by his comrades afterwards. Taking his survival of the crucible as a sign from the gods, he would wear his new scars as a badge of honor and would by then go by the name Redmark. However, it would be his further actions that would cement his reputation.

In the land of Essos, the most visceral of the Boltons' legacy could be freely practised by the two brothers as they were no longer bound by the oath the Starks had imposed upon their house as they were no longer in the North. During prolonged campaigns, those that would be captured among their routed foes that were neither rich nor noble would be flayed as a warning. The poor fools would be rope bound on makeshift wooden crosses, slowly burning away under the hot sun as carrion would come to feast on their flesh. The practice was widely reviled, demoralizing some and hardening others. Unfortunately, this happened to both their enemies and their allies. Their personal sellsword band among the Second Sons would dwindle to a loyal few, more ruthless but just as effective. The names Redmark and Quickbolt were now infamous.

However, his time adventuring would eventually come to an end as a messenger had informed him that tragedy had befallen upon his house, claiming the lives of his father Robett and brother Rodrick. A discussion between the two brothers would result in Aden refusing to give up his position among the Second Sons and the lordship of the Dreadfort had fallen to Rycann. While this might have sparked a potential succession dispute, the Quickbolt would meet his end as he fell off his horse while leading a pursuit mere weeks after Rycann returned to the Dreadfort.

His adventures are now merely memories. Lord Rycann had found himself in the position that he ran away from all those years ago. However, he cannot help but wonder how differently his life would have turned out if he had not returned to fulfill the duty he owed to his house.

Desmond Bolton

Desmond Bolton

Age: 20 (182 A.C.)

Appearance:
His skin is as pale as the snow surrounding the banks of the Weeping Water, hair as brown as first spring's mud on the Lonely Hills. If one were to describe the image of a man from House Bolton, one might have inadvertently described Desmond if it were not for his eyes. Instead of his house's ghost grey eyes, he instead possesses a deep auburn hue like that of his mother.

Description & biography:

The heir presumptive of the Dreadfort, Desmond Bolton indulges in the many pleasures of life that his station affords him. Like many others of his house, rumours surround his vices but none can be too sure about their true nature. However, unlike his kin, it is not just violence that plagues his reputation. Desmond supposedly beds many of the common folk women in a private residence at White Harbor while also squandering his father's wealth on frivolous luxuries imported from the other lands.

While a first born son of House Bolton, Desmond is uncharacteristically social for a Northman. Preferring the intrigues of southern court life over a Northern feast or melee, Desmond spent most of his teenage years as a page in the Reach under House Tarly and found the other kingdoms to be more vibrant and festive than his own. Even today, he keeps correspondence with his former hosts and attends events all over the Seven Kingdoms if only to avoid confinement of the cold walls of his own keep.

Alaric Bolton

Alaric Bolton

Age: 17 (185 A.C.)

Appearance:
Standing at over six feet and weighing at sixteen stone, the heavyset Alaric strikes a memorable figure at first glance. While the youngest of Rycann's children, he is easily the most imposing in appearance as he also possess the lineage's signature grey eyes. A calm demeanour constantly masks his face though many take to mean and assume that he is naturally cold and aloof.

Description & biography:

The second son of House Bolton and named after his mother, he is the clear favourite among Rycann's children. Unlike his brother who spent his formative years in the Reach, Alaric stayed in the North and had squired under Torrhen "Silver Fang" of House Stark instead. He was already naturally gifted in physical endeavours while the lessons from his mentor and his father would only further his martial talents.

While his grandfather was infamous in obscuring every endeavour he undertook, Alaric is seemingly becoming the Ravenskin's antithesis. The young lordling does not hold many secrets and is blunt with his words, accidentally offending his peers from time to to time. However, what he lacks in guile, he makes up for with nerves of steel and a heart of stone. Acting in the name of his father, Alaric has personally put criminals to the sword without as much as flinching.

Raelith Bolton

Raelith Bolton

Rycann's only surviving sibling. While the title "Lady of the Dreadfort" would usually go to a female ruler of House Bolton or the ruling lord's wife, it finds contemporary usage in reference to Raelith. The lady Alarra detests her presence at court.

Alarra Bolton née Umber

Alarra Bolton née Umber

Age: 36 (168 A.C.)

Description & biography:
Once promised to be wed to Rodrick, Alarra would instead become Rycann's lady wife. A daughter of house Umber, she is noticeably taller than Rycann and is known for her straightforwardness.

Robett "The Ravenskin" Bolton

Robett "The Ravenskin" Bolton

Description & biography:
The late lord father of Rycann, the Ravenskin was known for many things and only half of those may be true. There was one thing apparent about his lordship of the Dreadfort and it was how he seemingly knew everything that went on in his realm.

Thus, one of the most prominent rumours about Robett was that he was a skinchanger and observed his domain through the eyes of ravens.

Rodrick Bolton

Rodrick Bolton

Description & biography:
Rycann's eldest brother and once heir-presumptive to the Dreadfort. By all accounts, he was a fine noble who had a bright future that was snuffed out.

Aden "Quickbolt" Bolton

Aden "Quickbolt" Bolton

Description & biography:
Second son of the Ravenskin and brother to Rodrick and Rycann, Aden was a lordling who loved fighting in melees and attending tourneys. Eventually, he would travel east to carve out his own fortune. He was renowned for his fighting prowess, specially with a crossbow.

He would meet an unfortunate end while chasing down his foes on horseback, accidentally getting bucked off and cracking his skull on impact.