Phloem

A Story of Fire and Lions - A Game of Thrones RP {ALWAYS OPEN}

Gwayne Tyrell - Lord of Highgarden Despite the endless chattering of everyone around him, Gwayne's thoughts were occupied elsewhere. The food on his plate had barely been touched, and idle small-talk was the last thing on his mind. In just a few moments, the King would announce who his Hand would be - the second most important event after the coronation. Hand of the King might not've been the most glamorous job in the Seven Kingdoms, but no one could deny the power that it bestowed upon its holder. And King Daeron was already surrounded with Tyrells, the odds of him getting chosen were high, right? Aunt Olenna and Lyonel must've did their best to put in a good word for him. Surely the King could see the wisdom behind choosing a politician instead of a warrior for Hand? Still, even with such comforting thoughts, Gwayne couldn't help but feel a sense of dread well up in him as he watched that Stark boy stride past him, accompanied by that hulking direwolf of his. Starks... Don't they know to leave their pets outside? But he knew better than anyone than to underestimate these Northerners. They had been the ones along with the Baratheons and the Lannisters to overthrow the Targaryens in centuries past. The War of the Usurper was the bread and butter of historical scriptures, and Gwayne had to wonder - would Daeron really give the position of Hand to one with the blood of traitors running through his veins? As King Daeron took his place at the front of the banquet, Gwayne watched on eagerly. If he became Hand, the Tyrells and their bannermen would be set. But in just a few short words, all those years of careful planning came crashing down into a heap of nothing. The Stark boy was Hand? This was... this was preposterous! The whole of Westeros knew how much Gwayne coveted the position, and he'd been meticulous in presenting himself that way. But it seemed like the King, above all else, valued loyalty. And apparently, loyalty was enough to make up for the many shortcomings the Stark boy had. Still, it was all he could do to smile and clap for the new Hand of the King. To seize power, he simply had to bide his time, and perhaps, add a few drops of oil to the fire. No doubt the Stark would stumble right into the heart of some political scandal, sooner or later, and that was all he would need to convince Daeron that the boy was unworthy of his position. For now, though, he decided to approach the King, have a little tête-à-tête with him in the guise of a congratulatory comment. It was an easy enough affair to weave through the crowd of rowdy lords and ladies who'd had a touch too much wine, and Gwayne soon found himself at Daeron's table. Shooting a quick, questioning glance at the Queen Mother, the gesture was barely noticeable as Gwayne quickly returned his gaze to Daeron, a smile on his lips. "I didn't have a chance to congratulate you, cousin - I'm sure you'll make a great king."

A Story of Fire and Lions - A Game of Thrones RP {ALWAYS OPEN}

Gwayne Tyrell - Lord of Highgarden Before their conversation had a chance to go any further, a hush fell over the crowd. A little ways from where Gwayne stood, Daeron was escorted into the Great Hall by the Kingsguard, their polished, white armour casting quite a nasty glare. Still, Gwayne knew better than to just stand there, gawking, and he bid a quick farewell to Jakob and Khailey. In just a few moments after the coronation, the lords and ladies of Westeros would be required to bend the knee, swearing fealty to their new King - even if it was just a needless formality. So, it was with no small degree of relief that the coronation itself passed by quickly. The trip from Highgarden had taken quite a bit out of him, and Gwayne would prefer retiring to his quarters as quickly as possible before the feast. But alas, this swearing of loyalty to the King was something else entirely - its priority far outweighing any need for rest. And so, Gwayne stepped forwards when his name was called, approaching the Iron Throne and taking a knee. “House Tyrell’s loyalty to the Crown never wavers, your grace. We swear our fealty to the One True King.” The rest of the ceremony passed by in a blur, and Gwayne nearly lost count of how many times the phrase ‘the One True King’ had been repeated. Only a few others had really caught his attention, one of them being the young Lord Stark. It was clear for all to see that he and the King were close. Perhaps a little too close for comfort. If John were to become Hand of the King, well, that would prove quite the inconvenience for House Tyrell, wouldn’t it? Northerners always had such silly ideals - of honour, of courage - the last thing they needed was another war.

A Story of Fire and Lions - A Game of Thrones RP {ALWAYS OPEN}

Gwayne Tyrell - Lord of Highgarden If Gwayne took any offence, he didn’t show it in the slightest; instead, he let a small chuckle escape him as he pretended to be amused by Jakob’s little joke. The Frey seemed awfully pleased with himself, but if he thought something so trivial would ward him off, he had another thing coming. Returning his smile, Gwayne formulated a reply - one that he hoped would make Jakob think twice about running his mouth off. “I assure you, my lord, the King makes all of his decisions independently. He simply knows who his friends are.” Gwayne’s golden-eyed stare never left Jakob for a moment - a simple technique he’d picked up over the years. A flickering gaze meant weakness or submission, and something like that wouldn’t be comely of the High Marshal of the Reach. “And yet, the same can’t be said for everyone. I’ve heard some… dreadful things about the affair in the Riverlands. It was your kin that the guards found in the Trident, wasn’t it? …I can hardly believe it myself.” His brow furrowed just so, lips pressed into a thin line, Gwayne appeared the very picture of tepid concern. In another life, he might’ve made a gifted mummer, but he was momentarily distracted from this little charade of sympathy when the Lannister girl introduced herself. “Ah, yes. Vernan’s girl. Your father has spoken of you many a time, my lady - only good things, of course.”

A Story of Fire and Lions - A Game of Thrones RP {ALWAYS OPEN}

Gwayne Tyrell - Lord of Highgarden It was a lovely day, wasn’t it? It always seemed to be in King’s Landing - the shining sun and the cool sea breeze - much like how it was back home, in the Reach. Of course, the same couldn’t be said for the North. Gwayne found the reactions of first-timers to be an endless source of amusement; so dazzled by the extravagance and luxury of the Red Keep, they gawk like fishes while stepping on all the wrong toes. Still, he was confident that in time, they would learn - one had to learn in order to survive this nest of vipers. In the Great Hall, the last of the lords and ladies were starting to stream in. As usual, Gwayne and his wife, Mina, had arrived fashionably early. It simply wouldn’t do to be late for the coronation, would it? No matter how good of a position the Tyrells were in, it wasn’t a risk he was willing to take. If he was to become Hand of the King, he needed to make as good of an impression as possible on the Young Dragon and his contemporaries. Of course, as the Lord of Highgarden, he had heard news from his whisperers of rebellion; of lords who thought Daeron was far too green to rule. Such words might’ve held no truth to them, but it was still something he had to consider. Although the Tyrells have always been the ones to flourish in times of adversity. As he looked around, Gwayne noticed a few individuals of interest. Two Lannisters, a Stark, and the infamous Jakob Frey. His lineage was a source of debate amongst nobles, and even Gwayne himself couldn’t help but feel a little unnerved by the young man. The Frey’s might’ve been all but decimated, but Jakob seemed… unpredictable, to say the least, and that wasn’t a quality he much appreciated. Perhaps it would be the best course of action to investigate. And so, Gwayne made his way across the great hall, approaching Jakob and his golden-haired companion. “Lord Jakob, how nice to see you here.” Despite the simplicity of his words, they seemed to spill forth like honey. He then turned to the young maiden after his greeting, lips curled into an endearingly lopsided smile. “And might I have the pleasure of making your acquaintance, my lady?”

A Story of Fire and Lions - A Game of Thrones RP {ALWAYS OPEN}

Will have IC up when I get home in a couple of hours, sorry for the wait.

A Story of Fire and Lions - A Game of Thrones RP {ALWAYS OPEN}

He's accepted :)

@smarty0114

Sweeeet. Also, I found a better picture for Lynden Gwayne, so I just went ahead and changed it. :D

A Story of Fire and Lions - A Game of Thrones RP {ALWAYS OPEN}

Posted my character. If I need to make any changes, feel free to let me know. c:

A Story of Fire and Lions - A Game of Thrones RP {ALWAYS OPEN}

Gwayne Tyrell

Name

Gwayne Tyrell

Age

31

House

Tyrell of Highgarden

Family

Father - Harlen Tyrell (deceased) Mother - Bethany Fossoway Wife - Mina Redwyne Sons - Lorent Tyrell, Leo Tyrell Brothers - Lyonel Tyrell, OPEN Sisters - OPEN Aunt - Olenna Tyrell Cousins - Daeron Targaryen, OPEN

Skills

Despite growing up in the heart of chivalry, Gwayne - much to the chagrin of his late father - had never taken an interest in warfare. Most of his time was spent with his mother, learning the subtle ways of courtly etiquette and intrigue. It soon became second nature to him - reading the people around him and getting what he wants from them. Some would call his strategems underhanded or cowardly, but it’s just so much easier to attain success in such a manner.

Weaknesses

Unlike some others, Gwayne isn’t overtly confrontational. He’s really no good in an all-out melee, and you’ll never find him riding alongside his men in the vanguard.

Weapon

Hider

An avid hunter, Gwayne is most often seen with his trusted companion - a longbow sculpted from white oak.

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Title

Lord of Highgarden, Defender of the Marches, High Marshal of the Reach, Warden of the South

Personality

At first glance, Gwayne might seem like someone you could easily befriend. He’s usually affable and polite (sometimes to the point of overdoing it), but that’s only if he wants something from you. Manipulative and self-serving; his true loyalties lie with the Tyrells, and the Tyrells alone - although he’s great at pretending otherwise. He doesn’t abide by the rules, he doesn’t play fairly, and he certainly doesn’t let anyone think they can get one up on him. Despite that, Gwayne is a natural charmer and has a knack for controlling people to get what he wants. He is charismatic and calculating, possessing the ability of talking his way into and out of every situation imaginable. Consequences, both long and short-term, never escape his perception.

Bio

The firstborn son of the late Harlen Tyrell, brother to Lady Olenna, Gwayne is the Lord of Highgarden and Head of House Tyrell. Even from an early age, he had never quite taken to the art of warfare - instead choosing to occupy himself with studies of the scholarly nature. Despite his lack of martial prowess, he is regarded as a much more capable leader than his father (noted by many as chivalrous but foolish), knowing the exact words he needs to say to motivate his bannermen and fortify their loyalty. His first few months as Lord were difficult at best. Gwayne was forced to appease the lords that his father had unknowingly angered, starting with his arranged marriage to Mina Redwyne. While marrying her would have given both the families more power, it was clear to all that the two weren’t very happy with the match, their conflicting personalities proving a strain on their marriage. Still, for the good of their houses, they did their best to tolerate each other, Mina eventually birthing a set of twins - Leo and Lorent. Now, Gwayne is more confident than ever in his ability to rule Highgarden. He knows they couldn’t possibly be in a better place, with Olenna as Queen Mother and Lyonel in the Kingsguard. Of course, there is always a way to strengthen one’s position, and that is to become Hand of the King.

Other

"When you play the game of thrones, you win, or you die."

A Story of Fire and Lions - A Game of Thrones RP {ALWAYS OPEN}

Interested. Save me a spot, I'll have something up soon-ish. :)

Chronicle: Second Ascended

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