Cast of Player Characters

[Baelon Drakeson]

We have a few PCs approved, so I'm going to take initiative and start a listing. Please post a few relevant public details about your character, and I will add them to the list. Also, if you are looking to have particular relationships with PCs, this would be a good place to put it so we can start establishing these ties.
Note: Please do not post character info here until your concept has been approved by Reader!

House Bartheld

• Lord Davain Bartheld[/*157ir7m8]
  
• Lady Ayleth Swann[/*157ir7m8]
  
• Nathaniel Mason[/*157ir7m8]
  
• Ser Jon Cobb (deceased)[/*157ir7m8]

House Coldbrook

• Daveth Coldbrook (heir)[/*157ir7m8]
  
• Ser Jorah Holt[/*157ir7m8]
  
• Loreia[/*157ir7m8]

House Drakeson (banner to House Coldbrook)

• Lord Baelon Drakeson (formerly Ser Baelon Waters)[/*157ir7m8]
  
• Lady Gwyneth Drakeson (formerly Gwyneth Marsten)[/*157ir7m8]

House Dulver

• Ser Walton Dulver (heir)[/*157ir7m8]
  
• Ser Tymon Lannister (betrothed to Ser Walton's sister)[/*157ir7m8]
  
• Terren Dulver[/*157ir7m8]
  
• Septon Arlyn[/*157ir7m8]
  
• Luecian LongBow[/*157ir7m8]

House Kytley

none

House Longshore

• Yoren Longshore (heir)[/*157ir7m8]
  
• Lord Ereth Redwain (bannerman to House Frey, betrothed to Yoren's sister)[/*157ir7m8]
  
• Darron Greyjoy[/*157ir7m8]
  
• Athelstan Pyke [deceased][/*157ir7m8]

House Marsten

• Lady Corrine Marsten[/*157ir7m8]
  
• Lord Benedict Marsten (formerly Ser Benedict Blackthorne)[/*157ir7m8]
  
• Ser Kevan Lyras[/*157ir7m8]
  
• Samurel Manderly (deceased)[/*157ir7m8]
  
• Dyana Marsten (absent)[/*157ir7m8]
  
• Edmund Lyras (absent)[/*157ir7m8]

House Tullison

• Lord Dunstan Tullison (absent)[/*157ir7m8]
  
• Ser Theomore Tullison[/*157ir7m8]

[Edit by Reader: slowly adding approved characters here - don't worry if you've been approved but haven't been added yet]

[Baelon Drakeson]

To get the ball rolling:

Ser Baelon Drakeson [House drakeson, Banner to Lord Coldbrook] (formerly Ser Baelon Waters, a knight in service to House Marsten)
It is an open secret that Lord Baelon is the bastard son of Daemon Targaryan. Ostensibly, he was named for his grandfather, but (allegedly) he was actually named after King Viserys' [url=deceased second son][/url], the "
Heir for a day"
. Relations between the King and Daemon were at their lowest point, in part due the loss of Daemon's unborn child by [url=Mysaria][/url].

While Baelon has not been officially acknowledged, it is also not denied that he is Daemon's son. Essentially, the Targaryans have acknowledged that he is a Targaryan bastard, but without making any claims regarding which Targaryan sired him. His mother was either the wife or daughter (reports vary) of a Myrish noble that fell fighting against Daemon's initial invasion of the Stepstones. She died in childbirth or shortly thereafter.

He spent his childhood at Bloodstone, and his adolescence at Dragonstone, serving first as a page and then a squire to the captain of the guard, Ser Peyton Darke.
For two years, Lord Baelon traveled Westeros as a hedge knight, and began to make a name for himself beyond his parentage. He participated in a number of small tourneys, and he fought alongside House Marsten in the Blackwood/Bracken fight. He has proven to be an excellent swordsman. Those who have seen him at tournaments may have noted that he wears multiple favors - always at least two: one red and one black;
often there is a third as well, though there is no consistency as to color.
Some say that he made the eight by 17.

A year ago, at the massive Tourney at Riverun, he proved his worth, winning his way into the final sixteen in a joust of over a hundred participants;
leading a melee team, and ultimately claiming victory in the melee. In addition to his competitive victories, he fought in two trials - against the kinslayer Athelstan Pyke of House Longshore and additionally alongside Lord Dunstan Tullison and several other knights of prominence in a Trial of the Seven. His many successes, along with his [rumored] heritage earned him the sobriquet 'Dragon's Son'. Further, his victories and charming ways won him three even greater prizes - a private audience with Prince Daemon, in which his parentage was (privately) confirmed, the hand of the fair Lady Gwyneth Marsten, and an offer from House Coldbrook to found a lordly house, sworn as their banner.

In the year that has followed, Lord Baelon has continued to prove his worth;
performing admirably as a lord and a general as well as furthering his reputation as a swordsman. Drawing inspiration from tales of the Dothraki, he formed an unusual but highly effective combat unit, dubbed Baelon's Bloodriders - knights and men at arms skilled in both the longbow and the lance, men and horses alike clad in heavy plate. Lord Baelon was instrumental in three conflicts - driving Lyseni raiders, four hundred strong, from Drakeson lands;
aiding his friends and allies, House Marsten, against a veritable army of Mountain Clan warriors;
and finally defending Castle Grenward, the seat of House Coldbrook, against the last remnants of the Faith Militant.
In personal combat, he challenged and defeated Ser Gareth Royce, who had taken upon himself to insult Lord Baelon at the gates of House Drakeson's Caladan Hall. He also slew one of the heroes of the Mountain Clan forces, Harma the Quick.

Note: Most characters will have met Lord Baelon or seen him at an event. If you haven't, you've probably at least heard of him.

Age: 19
Appearance: The spitting image of Daemon Targaryan. Silver hair, Amethyst eyes, athletic build, attractive.
Arms: On field sable, a bend sinister sanguine.

Edit: Added details.

[Nathaniel Mason]

Nathaniel Mason

Known simply as Nathan to most, he arrived at the Rutting Boar Brothel four years ago seeking employment. Since then, the brothel has increased dramatically both in quality and profit. Today, it is one of the safest and most enjoyable establishments in the area, attracting patrons from as far away as Highgarden. As Lord Davain began to tone down the decadence of his House, the Rutting Boar quickly took up the slack, investing money and time into improving their facilities and offerings. It is rumored Nathan had much to do with that. Some even whisper he all but runs the brothel now. Others discount these fancies. He is just a pretty boy, barely a man grown, and a paid pillow-biter.

Age: 16
Appearance: Nathan is five foot seven with dark brown hair and sparkling blue eyes. He has a very lean and athletic body, is graceful in movement and beautiful in appearance;
but not in any way effeminate. Most of the time Nathan is smiling, and most of that time the smile is genuine.

Nathan is of a cheerful disposition and is generally well liked, even by those who disapprove of his profession. Day-to-day irritants seem to have little impact on him and his good nature seems to make him impervious to insults and slights. He is an eloquent speaker and a good conciliator and mediator, often diffusing situations long before they escalate. He services both men and woman, but men by far make up the bulk of his clientele;
usually young men wishing to ‘experiment’. He also often works in concert with some of the young ladies of the brothel in educating men on how to be better lovers (their wives, while initially infuriated by this, usually come to be very grateful). He appears to genuinely like his work, his clientele and the community. He usually treats even the lowest beggar the same way he treats a nobleman, and usually treats those who disapprove of him with a smile and patient resignation.

Little is known about Nathan prior to his arrival at House Bartheld.

Connections: Nathan spends his days in the local community or his nights at the brothel, so it is unlikely any PC would know him unless they have been to Bartheld lands in the last four years. His current pet project is the renovation of the local orphanage, although few realize that the money is coming from him. He is friendly to everyone if at all possible, but avoids associating with those who have a fundamental problem with his profession or lifestyle.

.

[Theomore Tullison]

Ser Theomore Tullison, The Knight of Falling Stars.

Short summary:
Uncle to Lord Dunstan Tullison of Mountain's Reach, for many years serving as the outside face of his house before his nephew came of age, now recently having married Floreta Frey, cousin of Lord Forrest Frey and taken up service to The Twins as a landed knight, taking residence in the Tower of Falling Stars. Floreta recently gave her a daughter, Margaery. Previously, Theomore squired for Prince Daemon on the Stepstones, and has more recently been connected with many a dark deed and some are questioning what side he might be on, considering what appears to be a close affiliation with Prince Aemond, Lord and Lady Tully and Lord Unwin Peake, though by many on both sides seen as a friend and ally, always willing and able to find a discreet solution to such problems they may be having. Ser Theomore is also a notable jouster and experienced in leading men.


Longer, reasonably public backstory:

Born in the year 93 after conquest, uncle to Lord Dunstan, quite likely to be the most cheery among his family, and rumor has it that this was always so. Sent to Runestone to serve as page following a fortuitous wedding for the house, his rise to noteworthiness came as Prince Daemon Targaryen saw fit to take young Theomore as his squire, causing a bit of a stir as more than one prominent house of the Vale and other places had hoped to see that honor bestowed upon a son of theirs. Some whisper that the choice was in part to spite his wife, Lady Rhea Royce, who did not like the boy, and Theomore's sister (who happened to be Lady Rhea's stepmother, younger and more beautiful than she). Just after this, they went to the stepstones to wage war. With the prince riding Caraxes, Theomore did not see as much of the war as one might think, though he did participate in battle during his first year as a squire, and killed his first man as well. He was shielded from the worst battles and usually rode with such cavalry that would hit a flank on the verge of breaking.

At the age of 17, in the year 111AC he was knighted just prior to the tourney now infamous for the choice of gowns by queen and princess. Distinguishing himself by going quite far in the joust, but not winning any tilt worthy of remembrance, as would be a rather recurring tale of his accomplishments at the list. He then returned to Joston's Rock, to assist his sister-in-law with the regency until his nephew came of age. He would oft travel under the title of Knight Protector of Mountain's Reach, whether to tourneys or weddings, or to visit courts in the name of his nephew. Always returning with stories to regale those at home with. He also fought with Ser Bryan Blackwood (he would later be known as the Lord Blackwood that was cowardly assassinated on the orders of Ser Steffon Vance and Ser Rufus Bracken) when the peace with House Bracken brokered by King Jaharys the Conciliator was breached, and served as the standard bearer of the Blackwood heir during the sack of Blackbuckle.  In 123, he slew Ser Joren Coldbrook in at a joust hosted by Lord Frey, bringing great turmoil to Castle Grenward, and wounds that would take years to heal.

At the great tourney at Riverrun in 124, Theomore acquitted himself well by becoming the pageant champion and winning the equestrian competition, he also made it to the quarter finals of the joust, breaking all three lances and remaining in his saddle against the eventual champion, Ser Derrock Swann, though judged by Lord Tully to be defeated, he was, alongside Ser Loreth Lansdale, the only contestant to manage this feat against the aurochs at this tourney. During which time he also took part among the seven knights under the leadership of his nephew, Lord Dunstan, that set out after the zealot Ser Lionel Darry. Slaying one of the knights under the zealot's banner along with three footmen the cowardly Ser Lionel had brought with him. He also played an instrumental -if somewhat overlooked- part in bringing the vile Ser Benjen Frey to justice for the rape of Brenda, a young maid under the protection of Lord Tully.

In the year 125 Theomore answered the challenge of Horag, chieftain of the Black Goats to personal combat, striking the man down with a single thrust of his lance, the Black Goats and another tribe, the Rock Chewers had marched from nearby Marsten lands in hope of finding riper pluckings on the other side of the mountains, only to be lured by Theomore and Ser Mather Warrens into marching straight into their doom by a rain of arrows in Lord Dunstan's trap at Joston's Pass.

Later that year, he accompanied his lord nephew to the king's banner in investigating and restoring peace to the lands as Houses Blackwood and Bracken once again had clashed. Commanding the forces of House Tullison in the field against outlaws and bandits, the most noteworthy occasion being a joint operation with the forces of Deepen Hall under the command of Ser Walton Dulver, son and heir of Lord Harald. Prior to this battle he slew Ser Hugo Rivers in single combat. He also arrested seventeen traitors to the crown who had taken part in the attempt upon Prince Aemond's life, though some say that these were simple outlaws that did not deserve to be fed to Vhagar's maw, none has come forward to challenge the decision of the prince, however. Ser Theomore also alerted the King's investigation of the presence of the wooden replica of Lord Blackwood's chambers that Ser Steffon had built in preparation of the assassination, along with providing the blueprints used in it's construction as evidence as well as bringing the crimes of Ser Frank Mooton and Ser Humphrey Piper to the attention of the investigation. He would then face and slay Ser Humphrey Rivers in trial by combat on behalf of the king.

There has, however, been serious allegations of his involvement in the matter of a raid carried out by sellswords upon Pennytree, possibly in a bid to conceal the involvement of Bracken men under the leadership of Ser Humphrey Piper, leading to a trial at Riverrun where Lord Gorman Tully sat in judgement overseen by Lord Jasper Wylde -known as Ironrod-, the king's master of laws. Ser Theomore was however acquitted of all charges and it was affirmed that the accusations were based upon misunderstandings. At the end of the year 125, he attended the tourney in honor of Lord Redwain's wedding, acquitting himself well and emerging as one of five champions while wearing the favor of Lady Floreta Frey, their betrothal was announced at the conclusion of the joust.

Early in 126, he rode with his nephew to join their forces to Prince Aemond's host set on taking revenge upon House Wyl for their involvement in the attempted assassination of the Prince and his retinue, Ser Theomore was granted command on the ground during the storming of castle Wyl, due to Prince Aemond upon Vhagar, the assault was a slaughter with negligible casualties on the side of the seven kingdoms. Upon his return, the marriage between him and Lady Floreta was held at the twins, and he took upon his new duties as the Knight of the Tower of Falling Starts in the service of Lord Frey. Later that year he found himself side by side with the Shieldmaiden and a company of Coldbrook men fighting against Velaryon forces attempting to cut their way to the docks after protesting the execution of Vaemond Velaryon after he attempted to denounce his cousins as the bastard offspring of Harwin Strong. He is suspected to have been instrumental in securing enough support for House Tullison's claim to Market Town to secure a duel, which he himself won against Ser Kevan Lyras, the Marsten champion, winning the keys to the town for his Lord nephew. Before the turn of the year to 127, Floreta gave birth to a healthy daughter, that they named Margaery, after Theomore's mother. In a tourney accident at Starpike, he slew Lord Walys Mooton, although the circumstances have led a few men to ask if it truly was an accident.

Age: 34

Appearance: Theomore has the fair skin of the Andals, His hair having much of the red heritage of House Tullison, but he has more of his mother's blond hair than his siblings do, kept short-cropped and in good order, pale blue eyes, and chiseled, handsome features, adorned with a neatly trimmed beard upon his chin. Of average build and physical condition, but stands an inch or two above most men. Usually favoring garbs of black, grey or blue coloration, typically comfortable and practical, yet stylish and with simple elegance. He much prefers to clothe himself in a dignified, unimposing manner, but never below station.

He carries himself with the posture of a man well wandered in the ways of the world, with the gait of confidence that comes from success. But quick to offer a disarming smile and a welcoming gesture to keep any from being intimidated by it. There is however something unsettling about him that surfaces on occasion, a fire lit in his eyes whenever he senses adversity, Ser Theomore is not a man to lightly make a foe out of, that much is clear. Three knights and a fearsome wildling all have fallen to the first blow of his lance in just over a year. He squired for one prince, and seems to have found his way into the good graces of another, even though both princes detest one another greatly. This is a man that has stared into the gaping maw of Vhagar and without hesitation thrown a condemned man into it.

Arms: Tullison Red Mountain on Blue Field, though known to favor imagery in the likeness of a fox.

Connections sought: Theomore can have had dealings with any sort of character, and he can have dealings with any sort of character.

[Ser Jorah Holt]

Background
Ser Jorah is an oddity in House Coldbrook.
His family are Northerners, but his mother was from Dorne, having travelled with his father Ser Symon Holt, a hedge who served House Tully for a while. His father was caught up the fighting against the Faith Militant and earned a place at House Coldbrook.

Trained as his father’s squire, but he suffered a broken leg before they went to face the Ironborn at the Stepstones. When Lady Coldbrook was attacked by raiders during one of her daily rides, the leader of the Garrison was killed, but he took command and drove them away with the assistance of Lady Coldbrook. Promoted to command of Company Greenward, and upon his return, his father knighted him and he regularly acts as protector of Lady Coldbrook.

His mother is an outcast from Dorne from her family.

Age 28
Tall, fair haired, with a dusky tint to his skin betraying his Dornish ancestry. Strong build and always wearing a cloak. The further north in the Riverlands you get, the thicker the cloak gets.
He comes across as a serious honourable man and a good man to have as a friend. However, if you have crossed him, you have made an implacable enemy

Arms - jagged yellow cross on a black background

Connections
Obviously looking at friends and enemies from tourneys and encounters between houses. Obviously anybody in House Coldbrook will know him as the captain of the guard. He has a reputation as an able commander and has been proven to be an excellent swordsman and a decent horseman. Garret Snow
If somebody wants to have squired under him, I'd be happy to go along with that.

White Book entry
Ser Jorah Holt of House Coldbrook. First Son of Ser Petyr Holt and Lady Ella of House Gargelan. Master of Arms of House Coldbrook. In his 17th year, he defeated an attack by the Faith Militant on Lady Alianna Coldbrook, saving her life. Knighted by Ser Jonas Rivers in the aftermath before dying of his wounds. Promoted by Lady Alianna Coldbrook to head of the Garrison at age 20. At the tourney of RiverRun in his 28th year he defeated Ser Heward Storm and Ser Harrold Darke to advance into the third round of the joust, narrowly losing to the eventual runner up Ser Kevan Lyras. He was one of Marei's Seven who helped defeat Ser Lionel Darry and his men of the Faith Militant at Harren's Justice, killing Ser Lionel in single combat. In the grand melee he defeated Lord Mallister and Ser Kyle Crakehall before succumbing to wounds suffered against Ser Lionel Darry whilst fighting against the Shieldmaiden. He defeated Ser Benjen Frey in trial by combat, ensuring conviction for his heinous crime. In the winter of his 28th year, he defeated Ser Duncan Haighes in Sulla, depriving the Faith Militant of their best commander. In his 29th year, he participated in the campaign against the Clans for House Marsten. Later that year, he defeated the remaining Faith Militant forces in battle at Castle Grenward, ending their blight upon the Riverlands. The ballad ??? was composed about his exploits and is a popular song in the Riverlands.

[Benedict Marsten]

Preface: This is a rough draft and may contain continuity errors and other faux pas.  If you notice something worth mentioning, please let me know.  It is probably over detailed for this thread.  There is a lot of knowledge in here that can only be revealed to PCs through character interaction and/or game mechanics.  Sorry for length!

Lord (Ser) Benedict "Ben" (Blackthrone) Marsten
Cohort Ellien "Ellie" Blackethorne

Ages as of 127: 23 and 15

Background:  Ben and Ellie hail from House Blackthorne a very minor house sworn to House Arryn and rumored to have been pirates before gaining title.  The family seat is in the small port of Bullbriar Bay, along the  southern coast of the Bite.  He is a first son of a third son and her an only daughter.  Their mother was a Blackwood, sister to Morraine Tullison.  In the past they often visited House Tullison with their mother.

Some years ago Ben and Ellie where kidnapped by pirates, on a trip to Long Sister.  While awaiting payment of ransom, Ben negotiated his sisters safety at the cost of his own torture.  Though she may not have been physically harmed, mentally she was brought low.  She was paraded in front of the men, locked into a cell with nothing but a bucket, half starved and made to watch Ben's torture.

Once ransomed back, they tried to readjust, but found it difficult.  Ben took to the yard with zealous. Ellie came to have severe night terrors.  She only slept soundly when Ben was with her.  A habit their family disliked as they grew older.  Lord Blackthorne their grandfather, pulled out all his favors to get Ben squired to Ser Markus Eldridge.  Ellie's mother arranged for her fostering with her sister Lady Morraine, hoping that being away and having young Yve around would help the poor girl.

Ben dutifully threw himself into his training with Ser Markus.  He worked to become the best he could, but mainly to take away the ache in his heart due to the absence of Ellie and fear for her safety.

His spurs were earned fighting with Lord Corben Marsten.  He was commended for his bravery and knighted by Lord Marsten before his death.  Shortly after he found himself and a few other individuals dismissed from services at House Marsten by Lady Isobelle.  He left with the intention of seeking out Ellie, but found himself embroiled in the latest Blackwood/Bracken clash for sometime.  With the Tully tournament comes a chance to reunite with Ellie and swear his sword to his cousin Dunstan.

Ellie adjusted to her new life at House Tullison well.  She found some happiness being farther form the sea, her days caring for her Aunt, and joyous evenings spent with her cousins.  But night always comes.  Though lessened her nightmares did not cease.  When able she uses Yve as a surrogate for Ben, but hates to impose.  On occasion Maester Haelis has provided her with sweetsleep.

Appearance: Ben has short light brown hair, usually combed by the wind or a hand.  And most likely a few days worth of beard growth.(proficient with lonsword but not a razor)  His medium height and weight are filled out with broad shoulders and thick muscles passed down through the blood of the first.  His grey/blue eyes seem to ebb and flow like the tide.  If looked into deep enough pain and longing can be seen there, but are easily disguised behind a narrow nose tipped by an endearing smile that attracts and excites people.  Usually found wearing worn travelling garb, old boots, thread bare cloak and longsword.  If ready for battle, brigandine replaces that cloak and shield is found in his hand.  Numerous scars of various shapes and sizes crisscross much of his exposed skin(except the face), leading one to guess what is not seen must be just as bad.  

Ellie is a small mousy girl.  Her hips are small and her breasts small, but what she may lack in womanly sex appeal she more than makes up for in plucky adorableness.  Light freckles spread across her cheeks, nose and peek out from the tops of her dresses.  Her light brown hair is usually pulled up, but always a loose strand silhouettes her face.  She can be seen absentmindedly blowing it out of her face at times.  Her soft brown eyes are parted by a slender nose.  Her pouty lips are normally parted in a friendly smile.  The only mar on her cuteness being the scar through her right eyebrow, a reminder of her pirate captors.  At times  she can be seen staring off longingly.  She is usually well dressed for the occasion courtesy of hand-me-downs from her cousin Yve.

Connections: Members of House Marsten and Tullison are easy connections as he has spent time at both.  Supporters of Blackwoods are another possibility. Would like to found a lady as a focus of his desire.

White Book Entry(up to date)
Lord Benedict of House Marsten. First son of Karris of House Blackthrone.  In his 14th year he captained his fathers ship to track down and eliminate a pirate scourge, Captain Orwin of the Bite.  Served as squire to Ser Marcus Eldridge. Knighted in his 17th year, after helping defend Hartshorn from the clans, by Lord Corben Marsten himself. At the tourney of RiverRun in his 21st year he defeated Haig Bracken and son Wyll in the joust to proceed to the fourth round, placed well in both Pageantry and equestrian showing. He was among one of Marei's Seven who helped defeat Ser Lionel Darry and his men of the Faith Militant at Harren's Justice. In the grand melee he deafeated the KInslayer, Lord Bracken and Loreth Lansdale, placing 3rd behind none other than the Shieldmaiden and Lord Drakeson. In the same year he was married to Lady Corrine Marsten, taking her name and became Lord Protector of Hartshorn and Marsten lands. Took Willum Royce as squire The winter of his 21st year he defeated The Strawberry Knight and Bracken trespassers in the Skirmish of Briarcreek. In his 22nd year he led a coalition of allied Houses against Mountain Clans plaguing Marsten Lands at the Battle of Ringing Hills, single handedly defeating the monster Tyron the Tall in single combat. Summer of his 22nd year his first child Bethany Marsten was born. Destroyed mercenary forces threatening his house in the Battle of Loyalty to Coin, slaying Ser Erryk Flowers in single combat.

[Garret Snow]

(Still a bit of a work-in-progress)

Garret Snow

House Coldbrook is a house of oddities, and Lord Tomas Coldbrooks' natural-born son is no exception. Born to a cook in the kitchens of Karhold, Garret has lived the last 8 years at Castle Grenward with his father, his step-mother and his step-brother Daveth.

Skilled with a sword and a natural horseman, Garret has earned a place as the de-facto commander of his father's Riverroad Riders, much to the annoyance of the Rider's appointed leader Fenrick Atell. While the Riders have done little more than harry bandits and protect the roadways near Grenward, Garret feels a strong sense of camaraderie with his fellow Riders, enjoying the freedom of riding the open countryside, and the gratitude of the daughters of his father's smallfolk.

While clever and quick-witted, Garret has a reckless streak and a tendency to leap before he looks, hoping that his luck will not fail him. He has been known to overlook the "
small details"
of certain matters and can be forgetful at times. Despite this, Garret never forgets a kindness, and rarely forgives those that would harm his family.

Age 20
Tall and lean, Garret's is the Blood of the First Men;
with shoulder-length dark hair, and a handsome face that is kept clean-shaven. With dark brown eyes and an easy smile, Garret is the kind of man that other men like to follow, as well as the kind of man who rarely lacks for female attention.

Arms: Garret proudly displays his father's sigil;
the portcullis of House Coldbrook, but also flies the banner of the Riverroad Riders;
an white osprey clutching a spear on river-blue field.

Connections: Those near the Coldbrook holdings have doubtless heard of the Bastard of Grenward. Despite their myriad differences between the boys, Garret has always viewed his half-brother Daveth as a true brother and a friend. Following the unexpected death of his younger half-brother Joren at the hands of Ser Theomure Tullison, Garret has advocated on more than one occasion that Lord Coldbrook take Daveth as his heir. Garret bears a deep resentment towards Ser Theomure, and is convinced that young Joren's death was no mere accident.

[Baelon Drakeson]

For those not yet listed - if your idea has been approved but you are not ready to post details here, just send me a PM with your character's name and house affiliation (or TBD if not yet known) and I will add you to the list. I'm sure Reader has a lot on his plate, and this is a little something I can do to lighten that load. :;
):

[Gwyneth Drakeson]

[size=150:3aionhjz]Gwyneth Marsten
House Drakeson

Gwyn is a radiant beauty of a young woman not far past her flowering. The Andal blood of her House shines in her long golden hair, blue-green eyes, and clear, fair skin. She is not imposing in stature;
indeed many maids younger than she might stand a few fingers taller, but she has a presence that overflows her physical frame and fills whatever space she finds herself in. She favors relatively simple adornments, eschewing jewels and gaudiness, or complex hairstyles and garb in favor of letting her natural good looks take center stage in her presentation of herself.

For a woman who has endured the hardships she has, Gwyn seems unusually bright and cheerful. This is only partly an act, as she does enjoy losing herself in passing entertainments, and jumps at any chance to put her troubles behind her if only for a moment. Those who are taken in by her 'I am but a simple maiden' act are often taken aback when she reveals the depth of her perceptions and cunning...which is ideally only after it's too late to do anything about it. Had she the influence, resources and ambitions of a major House, there's no telling how far Gwyn could go with it...as it is, she confines her aspirations to more immediate goals.

Having become the Lady of a House, Gwyn has devoted herself to cementing that House's position as best she can. She is fortunate in that regard that her Lord husband knows her strengths as well as he does, and that he trusts her enough and is progressive enough in attitude to allow her to use those strengths to their fullest. Though Baelon's word is law in House Drakeson's domain, more often than not it is Gwyn's will that the townsfolk hear and follow. Baelon has committed his main efforts to the building, training and maintaining of the House's military, leaving its day to day operations and civil planning in her hands.

Similarly, while Baelon uses his formidable talents in diplomacy with other Houses, Gwyneth has focused her efforts abroad on merchants and trade, opening markets for the products of their mines, and laying the foundations for the trade hub they hope to establish. At the same time she has extended subtler hands as well, slowly easing into a shadowy game of informants and spies. Their upstart House and its Lord have many enemies, after all.

Most recently Gwyn has become a mother, and is struggling to make time for the burdens of motherhood while still juggling her many duties as Lady. There are servants to help of course, but she is perhaps too hands-on for her own good in that regard...still acting as if the only one who can do things the way she wants is she herself.

Connections
As the Lady of a growing House, Gwyn is a point of contact for anyone seeking trade with House Drakeson. They produce mainly iron and other metals, and always have a need for skilled craftsmen to support their growing population.

Gwyneth maintains contact with her family in House Marsten, and while relationships have at times been strained she's managed to stay mostly in the good graces of her cousin, Lady Corrine. As such, she could be a useful ally in seeking Lady Marsten's approval for something, if she could be swayed to support one.

House Drakeson is the banner House of the Coldbrooks, who have been having a renewal of fortunes under the forward-thinking rulership of their new heir, Daveth. Gwyn has the ear of the Lord-to-be, and could be of help for someone seeking to contact the Coldbrooks as well.

The Lady Drakeson has begun building and spreading a network of spies and informants across the Riverlands. Though it's small now, it will grow. For someone with the right skills, and who can demonstrate loyalty, the rewards could be great.

[Dunstan Tullison]

Lord Dunstan Tullison

Dunstan is the young, energetic, idealistic and slightly naive Lord of House Tullison. Being 17 years old and from a House that has a much more tolerating relationship with its smallfolk, he adopted a black and white view of the world and tends to see only the best in people. Glory and success in battle are his main motivations, and he dreams of legendary warriors of old, Symeon Star-Eyes, Florian the Fool, the Falcon Knight and other legends from the Age of Heroes. Dunstan is not yet fully hardened by the world, but he is also not a pawn to play with, if he is to realize someone betrayed his trust, he will rain fury down on that person.
Although his love for his sister Yve is immeasurable he is most likely to value advice from the warriors in the court, especially the uncle Ser Theomore, a father figure of sorts. Dunstan can often be found training in the courtyard, and begging Ser Matther to take him on a next scouting expedition.
He dresses in clothes fitting for a Lord, but not particularly flamboyant, for looks is not a priority for the young Lord. In battle he prefers a flail or a warhammer for it allows his strength to help bloody his opponents. The smiths of Mountain's Reach and his over protecting court make sure he always has a quality armor at disposal.

Connections: Being young and surrounded by people who overprotect him, he spent his entire life at Mountain's Reach. At the Tourney he is much more likely to engage in talks about battle, mountain clans and alliances than anything else. Hardened adventurers whose reputation precedes the will have a more favorable disposition with him than characters who are high-born, and nothing else.

[Leifnarr Longshore]

First of all, sorry If I make language errors, Italian is my first tongue, not English!

[size=150:2ytvaetc]Leifnarr Longshore
Leifnarr Longshore is a towering man, more than 2 m tall, and he is famous for his bad temper and for wielding an enormous axe with one hand.
He is the younger brother of Lord Ferris Longshore and he was not raised up to become the family's heir.
As a youngster he has always played the role of the brutal raider, to be remembered only his massive size and strength, not for his wits or skills.

At the age of 16, not interested in his family's holding matters, he became a member of the Dark Tide raiders, the crew of his uncle, the legendary raider Heigdriss the Bald, one of the most reviled pirates of his time.
There are so many tales and legends about Leifnarr's (in)famous deeds, especially raiding along the Pentosian coast, and how he became the undisputed ruler of his crew, after his uncle's death.
When he left the Landhold castle most of the people thought of him to be only a brutish boy, but now he is one of the most respected and charismatic captains in the Longshore family, having led his men out from more than one desperate situation.

As an adult man, people tend to fear him not just for his massive muscles. He is not quick, not very smart, not the best sailor, neither a merry man, but he certainly knows how to dominate others only with his intimidating presence and to put the creeps into other men just raising an eyebrow.
He recently reappeared in the Longhore holdings, appropriately enough in a time when his brother, and house head, is plagued by a mortal disease. Most people considered him only as a monster of a man to avoid, but many among the Ironborn look at Leifnarr as the strongest candidate for Longshore leadership…in case something happens to the actual Longshore heirs…
Thus far Leifnarr has played the role of the protective uncle, especially with Roddric, whom he seems to sincerely like, but most people suspect that the situation will not last forever.

Age: 28

Connections sought: any connection you would like to have!
If you are interested in having a brutish enemy/opponent/etc.. or even a very rough friend/acquaintance/even lover (if you are a girl)!/etc., here I am.
Reader approved my drawback (Do not tell you what it is!) but, if he allows it, I can change it into a Nemesis and get you as my enemy, if you like it!
Leifnarr travelled a lot, killed and raided a lot, so maybe, we crossed axe &
sword sometimes, or I killed your mom or daddy, or maybe I had your dear fiancee as a salt wife for a few years!
Or maybe we have been companions in some adventure or intrigue … in a few words, if you are interested in having some kind of relationship with this rough Ironborn, I'm happy to help you.

[Colin Corbray]

Ser Colin Corbray

Background

A younger son from a cadet branch of House Corbray, Colin left Heart's Home to find a place outside the shadow of his relatives closer to the inheritance of the lands and titles. He spent a few months on the road before his name allowed him to be taken into the service of some petty lords where he served for a limited time before moving on and finally ending up at House Marsten.

Personality

To make it shortly, Colin Corbray is, or think he is, the greatest knight ever to have graced the Seven Kingdoms and from the greatest House ever to have existed in the Seven Kingdoms.

To make it a bit longer, Colin is a man young man and a knight who thinks that the sword is mightier than the pen (Try to parry a longsword with a pen for a reference!) and that knights are the greatest men of the sword. He's fairly conventional, does not care much for intellectual endevors and knows that he is among the greatest knights of the realm and longs for a war in which to prove this. To say that he is ill at ease with peace is an understatement. Proud, aggressive, cocky and belligerant are his main descriptions.

But to make it clear, Colin isn't particulary mean-spirited. The contest of arms is something in which he indulges without malice, and any setback is just a fluke. He has not forgotten that knights are to protect the weak and act with honor.

Arms

The Corbray one, except there's only a single raven with a heart and its within a black bordur.

Appearence

Light brown hair and eyes, he's fairly normal with few distinguishing marks for or against him.

[Loreia]

Pretty sure it's finished.

Background
Once a warrior woman on Bear Islandm born in 99 AC, she requested to join House Coldbrook when she bore witness to fighters possessing control in combat and fair mettle against the Ironborn raiders they had received the call to fend off. The unfortunate fate of her family, to either frostbite or raiders, made them more comfortable with the offer. She tended the kennels for a time, during which she took one of the dogs as her own, and helped contribute to Garret Snow's fighting technique upon the fledgling's coming of age. In time, she requested to be promoted, and passed a sparring test with the guard captain as her initiation. Now she serves as a warrior retainer for House Coldbrook, officially as a guardsman.

Recent Events
The Late Joren Coldbrook, 123 AC
When unfortunate incident in last year's tourney claimed the boy's life, Loreia was among the rabble of those demanding or wishing for some form of comeuppance. The death of the sole trueborn heir to Grenward - barely out of his tweens - was tragic, but in her eyes this reflects poorly on Theomore, the veteran knight young Joren was unfortunate to have as his opponent.

Demeanor
Loreia takes pride in her ability as a fighter, and began to miss having a frequent reason to exercise it. However, she is not particularly skilled in the social graces, learning what everyone else was taught during her first year at Castle Grenward, including how to read. Her upbringing has hampered her gentleness with words and actions, as does her tall height, but this is balanced by an affinity for lesser creatures. She values honor, and her loyalty is stout when won, but her temper is fiery and often burns more internally than outwardly. She feels out of place in the arena of nobles, and when people aren't known to speak plainly or aren't obliged by circumstances to be truthful, she relies on her gut instinct when she can't rely on her sword.

Appearance
Age at campaign start: 25
Hair, Chestnut(brown); Eyes, Hazel; Height, 6'1"; Weight, 160
Loreia's weight of 11 and-a-half stone(72kg) is apportioned across a column of height at 6 feet and an inch. Her chestnut hair falls down around her shoulders, parted to keep it out of her hazel eyes, pale green with bursts of brown around the pupils. Her pronounced cheekbones and angled jawline compliment her 'proud warrior' profile, as does the spartan appearance of her features, lacking application of any cosmetics. Minute, sparse fuzz once accented her unkempt face, but this is no longer so.

Connections
She does not like Ironmen. Obviously anyone from Bear Island wouldn't, and she doesn't hide it. She shouldn't want for enemies there. Loreia is on the lookout for opportunities to use her ability to fight to bring honor to House Coldbrook. There's also the matter of the Greens vs Blacks, basically two women vying for control of the throne, which puts Loreia's subplot closer to home as she seeks to gain enough favor in pursuit of a personal goal.

Hound
Loreia's dog is a longhair black-and-white collie. Of note are two stripes of black running parallel to each other, beginning at his whiskers and crossing over his eyes to his ears, joining the blotches of black at the joining of his neck and head, giving him the appearance of an odd crossbreed between a dog and a badger, affecting his namesake. Player & char knowledge: he is not a dog-badger hybrid.

Dragon's Dance: Campaign Activity:

Revisions:

[Daveth Coldbrook]

Daveth Coldbrook
History:
Born to Ser Silas Oberyn, a knight in service to House Tully, and his wife, Alianna, in 106, Daveth was a weak and sickly child. Despite this, he survived, and used the significant time he spent bedridden to study, assisted by his father spending all his tourney winnings on books and teachers. However, in 110, while serving the Tullys, Ser Silas was killed by anti Targaryen rebels from the Faith Militant. The tutors left, and the books were sold off to pay for the costs of living.

Daveth prayed, fasted, and donated what little he could to the Seven for deliverance, as he and his mother all-too-quickly ran through their coin. Until they delivered him, with a "
FUCK OFF!"
that could be heard from orbit, to a house of the Old Faith, with no sept, no maester, and absolutely no respect for the learning that was at the centre of his life to date.

He converted to the Old Gods very shortly thereafter.

The one good thing to happen to him is that he was able to take over the former maester's room, and spent many, many hours buried in the books there. When he grew to an age where he was less self-absorbed, he realised how desperately his new family needed his help, although they themselves didn't realise it. Since then, he's focussed his education on what his house needs, and stepped up to fill the gaps. Currently, he's acting as a pseudo-Maester, complete with a small and fairly unreliable, though constantly improving, raven network;
assistant steward, helping Farris Leed;
and assistant diplomat, helping his mother, Alianna.

Age: 19

Appearance:
Daveth is a slim youth, and not particularly tall, but he takes pains over his appearance, with short, black hair and a well-trimmed beard. He tends to dress formally, at reasonable expense, and conduct himself in a polite, quiet, and formal manner.

Connections:
If you've only met one Coldbrook outside of the battlefield, it's probably Daveth's mother. If you've met two, chances are, he's the second. With a young, martial, social pariah house, encouraging better relations with nearby houses is a constant requirement. Though if he has visited you, he will almost certainly have tried to steal some of your Maester's time to discuss matters of learning, and also take time to learn more of your house's history. Those who love to boast of their house's achievements will find an eager and attentive listener in Daveth.
Daveth has always viewed Garret as a true brother and a friend, and since Joren's death, has advocated on more than one occasion that Lord Coldbrook take Garret as his heir.
Daveth was a close and loving elder brother to his half-brother Joren. Needless to say, his pathological hatred for Joren's assassin*, Ser Theomore Tullison, could only possibly by outmatched should he ever find out who the paymaster was.

*If there's any doubt, there is no doubt.

Updates for the beginning of Story 2:
Daveth is now the heir of House Coldbrook. As his mother wastes away from grief, he stepped up and took up the primary diplomatic duties for the house. It was he who arranged for Ser Baelon and his wife, Lady Gwyneth to become House Coldbrook's banner House, forming House Drakeson.

A year ago, he had two personal objectives: avenge his brother's death at the hands of Ser Theomore, and gain Lady Dyana Marsten's hand. Now, he has nothing. He's been persuaded to abandon both of them by appealing to his sense of Duty, which overrides all other concerns, though he has only done so with difficulty, particularly in Dyana's case. Now, he's simply trying to balance his personal sense of honour with the requirements of effectively running the house.

Daveth is a very serious young man, occasionally showing a dry sense of humour, but frequently very highly strung, with occasional flashes of temper when stressed. Nonetheless, he cares deeply for his family, friends, and the people who look to him for protection.

Most people are likely to have heard of him by now. If they haven't heard of him from his nearly-miraculous healing of Lady Moraine Tullison (which he personally attributes more to luck than skill), they've likely heard of him as the composer of [url=The Song of Ser Jorah the Just][/url], an annoyingly catchy little song that promotes the brave and noble actions of his house's sworn knight during the Tournament at Riverrun.

[Jon Cobb]

Ser Jon Cobb, called "
Wrecker Jon"

Age: 37
Background: Ser Jon Cobb, known throughout Westeros as “Wrecker Jon” and immortalized in songs such as “The Wrecker at the Bridge”, earned lasting fame in the War for the Stepstones. Born in the slums of King's Landing, he was one of the many commoner sellswords that joined Daemon Targaryen's army to make their fortune. He quickly distinguished himself through his fearlessness and skill at arms, for which he was rewarded with command of his own company (soon to be known as the “Bloody Hundred”). Becoming a captain did little to change Jon's disposition – he always led from the front, driving his men onward with reckless courage.

Late in the second year of the war, Prince Daemon and Corlys Velaryon launched an assault on Bloodstone, the largest and most heavily defended of the Stepstones. In an attempt to draw out and trap the garrison, they split their forces, with the prince advancing from the west, while the Sea Snake landed in the north with a smaller force. This bold plan almost proved the undoing of their campaign;
the Velaryon force landed unopposed in a sheltered bay, but it was a trap. Under cover of night, Craghas Drahar had infiltrated most of his forces a short distance from the landing point, while a Triarchy fleet stood off the coast, ready to swoop in and burn the Sea Snake's ships as they lay at anchor.

In the morning, Lord Velaryon led his army inland, with the Bloody Hundred marching in the vanguard. They soon came to a small but swiftly-flowing river, with the only obvious crossing being a narrow bridge. As soon as Corlys' banner had crossed the river, Craghas Drahar sprung his trap – his forces stormed forward, smashing the vanguard and sending men and animals streaming back across the bridge in panic. The Bloody Hundred were decimated, but Jon managed to rally a handful of survivors and led them to relieve the Sea Snake. Together, they then fought their way back across the bridge, only to be met by more ill news – a second host was attacking the galleys and men left on the landing beach, and the Triarchy fleet had engaged the Velaryon ships in the bay!

Facing imminent defeat, Lord Velaryon resolved to rally as many men as he could and race back to the landing beach – if the galleys there burned, all hope of escape would be lost. For his plan to succeed, however, Craghas Drahar had to be prevented from immediately crossing the river in pursuit. Fearless as ever, Jon immediately volunteered to hold the bridge until the Sea Snake could put his plan into action;
not wanting to abandon their commander, the remaining Bloody Hundred volunteered to stand with him. Jon had lost his own weapons in the fighting, so he took a maul from an abandoned supply wagon, and then he and his men manhandled the wagon to the center of the bridge to form a makeshift barricade, behind which they awaited the coming storm.

As the singers tell it, Jon killed forty men that day, felling a foe with every swing of his maul, demolishing the enemy as easily as a wrecker might demolish a building. They say that he was like a man possessed, fighting on after taking blows that should have killed him several times over, and all the while daring the cowardly soldiers of the Triarchy to attack him. Not until the Sea Snake was well clear did he allow himself to fall – sorely wounded and with the last of the Bloody Hundred dead beside him.

Of the rest of the battle, not much need be said. The Crabfeeder's men left Jon for dead and swarmed across the bridge in pursuit of Lord Velaryon's retreating army, but in the end they were too late. Corlys had cut his way through to the galleys and led a counterattack against the Triarchy fleet that was savaging his ships. Even so, the Westerosi might have been lost if Prince Daemon had not come to the rescue with Caraxes, driving off the Triarchy's ships and allowing the Sea Snake to escape with the remnants of his fleet and army.

After the battle, Craghas Drahar's men found that Jon was still alive, but gravely injured. When he heard of this, the Crabfeeder sent his personal physician to care for him – so impressed was he by Jon's bravery and skill. When Jon had regained some of his strength, Craghas offered him a place in his army, but Jon rebuffed him, saying that he could not turn on his prince in such a manner, nor betray the memory of his brave companions from the bridge. Craghas Drahar did not press the matter, but instead had Jon shipped to Lys, where other captured officers and nobles were already being held while awaiting ransom.

For over a year, Jon was held prisoner in Lys, but his captivity was certainly not unpleasant – the Lyseni treated their prisoners well, providing comfortable accomodations and even allowing them to move freely about the city. He took full advantage of this freedom, frequenting the famed pillow houses at every opportunity, often in the company of a fellow prisoner who soon became his boon companion – the future Lord Brom Bartheld. By Jon's own telling, it was on one of these visits that he also met and romanced Lady Johanna Swann, already famous as the courtesan Black Swan. For six months, they engaged in a passionate affair, until word arrived that Jon's ransom had been paid by Corlys Velaryon himself.

Jon arrived back in the Stepstones just in time to attend Daemon Targaryen's coronation as King of the Stepstones and the Narrow Sea. There he found that tales of his stand at the bridge on Bloodstone had spread throughout the prince's army and beyond, and that many of his compatriots had already taken to calling him “Wrecker Jon”. In recognition for his services, the new king personally knighted Jon and granted him one of the islands as his fief, and Corlys Velaryon presented him with a magnificent chased silver maul that he still carries to this day.

Now the master of his own domain (albeit a small and poor one), Ser Jon stayed on in the Stepstones until Daemon abandoned the kingdom completely in 115 AC. Jon remained a respected warrior and leader throughout this time, and was a frequent guest at the king's court on Bloodstone. His fearless reputation consistently attracted men to his banner, but it was clear that he now chose his battles with far greater care than before. Nonetheless, he prospered off the loot he accumulated in the constant fighting, and so he returned to Westeros a wealthy man.

Ser Jon settled in King's Landing, living a life of luxury and enjoying the fruits of his fame. He was invited to attend the royal court and became a favorite of Westeros' social scene. If some nobles derided him for his base birth, many more were won over by his genuine charm and good humor. In 118 AC he left King's Landing quite suddenly - rumor has it that not only was he deep in debt to some rather violent sorts, he was also about to face the wrath of the angry male relatives of a number of ladies who had fallen for his charms.

Jon went first to High Tide, staying there for a while under the protection of Lord Velaryon, but later moved to Hart House, where his old comrade Brom Bartheld welcomed him with open arms. For the last five years, Jon has alternated between living at Hart House and traveling around the Riverlands, using his reputation to find accomodation at many a castle and inn, then moving on as he wore out his welcome. He has certainly attended one or more tournaments during this time, though he has only rarely competed. He was present at last year's tournament when Joren Coldbrook was slain.

When the Bracken-Blackwood feud erupted into open war, Ser Jon found a different use for his fame. He recruited a band of ruffian sellswords and then offered their services to the highest bidder. The Brackens won the bidding war and set his company to raiding the Blackwood lands. Wrecker Jon spent the remainder of the conflict pillaging the Blackwood domain and avoiding any engagement unless the odds were heavily in his favor. When the war ended, Jon had amassed enough plunder that, even after paying off his mercenaries, he had enough money left to resume a life of ease…for now.

Personality
In his lifetime, Wrecker Jon has been vilified as a libertine, a rake, and a scoundrel, and there is certainly some truth to these accusations. Self-indulgent and mercenary, Jon is an unapologetic rogue, out to carve the biggest slice of life for himself that he can. Despite this, he is mostly benign in his dealings with his fellow human beings;
he prefers to achieve his goals through honest (though often violent) work, rather than double-dealing and deceit. He is aided in this by his courage and skill at arms, as well as an easy manner that has opened the way to many a woman's bed, and made friends of men who might otherwise have been rivals or enemies. Another of Jon's assets is his phenomenal memory, which he enjoys showing off at feasts by performing memory tricks.

Appearance
Tall (well over 6 feet), broad-shouldered (over 200 pounds), and ruggedly handsome, Ser Jon is nearing forty and it shows. He retains a full head of wavy, dark brown hair, but it is shot through with grey, as is his neatly trimmed beard. Prominent crow's feet frame his steely grey eyes, and every year sees more lines appear on his chiseled features, lending a harsh cast to his face. In fact, he would be quite intimidating, were it not for the roguish smile that usually softens his countenance.

Ser Jon dresses as well as his current funds allow, typically in up-to-date noble's garb. He particularly favors greens and reds as colors. He never goes anywhere without a magnificent, oak-handled maul, decorated with chased silver – a gift from the Sea Snake for Jon's valor. Although it is a functional tool and weapon, Jon uses it mostly as a walking staff, and claims it as such whenever anyone is impertinent enough to ask him to leave it behind.

Coat of Arms
Crossed hammers above a bridge, white on red.

Connections sought: Jon is both famous and well traveled, so the potential is there for him to have crossed paths with pretty much anyone. Jon loves the good things in life (i.e. wine, women and song), so if your character can provide such he would love to make (or have made) your acquaintance. Being of low birth himself, he also won't discriminate against you if you're not of noble rank. Presently, Jon is particularly interested in making wealthy and/or influential friends of either sex. If your character happens to be rich, female and attractive, it's safe to say that your character ticks all of Jon's boxes and courtship could easily ensue if you're game.

What can Jon offer in return? Well, he's generally good fun to be around for a start, but he's also one of the most famous warriors in Westeros, with a fearsome reputation (even if his moment of glory was more than 15 years ago), which could be useful in the right circumstances. He's also personally acquainted with some of the most powerful men in the land (Daemon Targaryen and Corlys Velaryon), and might be able to get their attention on your behalf.

[Yoren longshore]

Yoren Longshore (adult vagabond)

“You really believe in that stuff? Come on, most Naathi would laugh at you for that.”
Yoren, on the faith of the seven. 
Story
Yoren Longshore left Westeros behind as 18 and did not regret this for many years to come. He travelled through Essos and started calling himself “Allshore” as he said he had visited them all. Things were not always great on his journeys. He had major bouts of depression, till a red priest paid him a visit. Yoren confided in this priest for two full days, telling him about feeling that although he had visited all shores, he had found only one where he felt truly at home: In Westeros. He told the priest that he could not return before he had learned the truths of life. The priest took him under his wing and for years had him studying subjects so complex that Yoren thought them to be more fit for maesters then for a simple vagabond. The priest told him that once Yoren could put these complex matters into layman terms he would have found truth. Yoren struggled with this and told the priest “How can I express these thoughts in a simple fasion when these writers themselves cannot?” to which the priest simply answered: “Let someone brighter than us mere humans help you, and you’ll have your answers”. For the three next days thoughts ravaged Yorens mind and he was unable to wake from his bed. He woke up the fourth morning a changed man. The red priest greeted him with a made up breakfast table when Yoren arrived from his room, but Yoren ignored the food knelt before the priest and thanked him, before he went to the docks, onto the first ship headed for Westeros and before he had undressed he collapsed unto his bunk bed.

Appearance:
His entire family has been big men, and Yoren is no exception, but whereas his family is a quite bulky lot, Yoren has spent his time in Essos, where his already lean body has been subject to both starvation and a lot of walking, which has left him quite emaciated. He is still quite handsome, but his eyes seems to have sunken in, as if they wanted to hide from this world. His hair is jet-black and closely cropped to his skull, with a slight blue tint in the reflection of the sun. His only really distinguishing feature is a single piece of jewellery, which he has put upon his nose if front of his face, which he says makes him able to see the world clearly.

[Tristain Croson]

Ser Tristain (Tris) Croson
Age: 30
Background:
Ser Tristain Croson is the son of Ser Janos Croson, a less known war hero from the War of the Stepstones. Ser Tristain was left by his father with his mother at young age when Janos went to fight in the war for Prince Daemon Targaryen as a sellsword. Not even a year later Tris' mother was raped in murder in front of his eyes leaving him alone in the world to fend for himself at the age of 12. Tristain was fortunate in that he was a tough young man and inherited his father's knack for combat. He spent his early years fighting a brutal war of survival of the fittest, often times using not but his bare fists as he barely had the money to keep himself fed from the odds and ends work he did and never had enough to spare to buy a weapon.

Years later when his father sent for him and his mother, having been granted knighthood and a place of service within House Bartheld after making fast friends of Brom Bartheld during the war, Tristain arrived alone and broke the news to his father. Tristain blamed his father for what had happened and for abandoning them in pursuit of glory and gold and their reunion almost resorted to outright violence. The years since Janos has been working to mend the bond between him and his son, driven by love and guilt for being a poor father. Now too old to fight, Ser Janos instead uses his reputation and allies to try and pave the way for a better life for his son. Tristain stayed to serve at House Bartheld reluctantly at first at his father's request and has proven to be a loyal and capable warrior, even being knighted himself for his service. He's grown fond of Davain and the two have a close friendship, sharing the same somber nature and Davain even providing counsel for Tristain's internal fury.

Appearance:
Tristain is a man grown now but his features are still young. He stands roughly six feet tall and easily weighs 15 stones. He's broad shouldered, thick armed, and barrel chested. He has dark brown, almost black hair hair that is kept shaggy, though it's not very thick. His clean shaven face makes him appear younger than he really his. He has a rough, rugged handsomeness about him including his usually dour expression. His nose has clearly been broken more than once. He has a powerful presence, physically and emotionally, which some find fearsome and others reassuring (all depending on whether or not you think he's on your side). He doesn't typically carry a sword on him in court or when dressed for everyday tasks like some knights do, when dressed for combat though he is seen with a shield and a ball and chain lashed to his side or in hand.

Janos, Tristain's father, is every bit of a man in his twilight years. Once a powerful figure similar to his son, he's since grown thinner and lost most of his strength as age crept upon him. His own shaggy black hair has gone all but grey and his beard is slowly fading in color to match. Still handsome for an older gentleman, he has lost much of the fearsome aura his son now has and instead carries about him the air of a respectable warrior and a repenting father. While his son currently still battles his demons outwardly, Ser Janos battles them internally and keeps a cooler head which he tries to use to help steer his son in what he believes is the right direction.

Coat of Arms:
A sable crow displayed over a red field.

Connections Sought:
Ser Tristain would be interested fellow warriors who shared ideals of loyalty, duty, and strength. Most any friends of House Bartheld and Davain's are welcome as well. Tris is a single man and a well respected knight within his house (queue cheesy dating website info) so the ladies are welcome if they can get past his initially brusque demeanor. Ser Janos would be interested in meeting anyone who could support his son and provide the chance for advancement for his son. Supporters of Bartheld are also friends of Janos usually. Old war heroes are also welcome to swap stories or (if they fought together before) catch up on old times with Janos.

Ser Tristain can offer a loyal and dutiful friendship, a strong arm, and protection. He has a close friendship with Davain Bartheld and his own deeds and service has earned him a name that might be of use. Ser Janos is intelligent, has a knack for diplomacy, and willing to trade favors for favors.

[Baelon Drakeson]

Ser Colin Corbray

Note to all - Ser Colin's player has decided not to continue playing.

[Athelstan]

Athelstan Pyke
Age: 22
Background:
Athelstan is the bastard son of Lord Ferris Longshore, unacknowledged but not denied. From a young age he was a trouble maker and fighter amongst the children, always looking for a place to fit in, other lowborn, thralls and servants could see he had a natural leader look, and while his mother tried to turn him from the Old Ways, it was in his blood, and the more he aged the more he looked like an ironborn and a Longshore. Athelstan was a tough boy and inherited the natural skill with an axe from his father, that he wields with cruel efficiency. He spent his early years fighting for survival like most bastard born do earning everything he has, hated those that take things for granted, but does not blame them for it, they just do not know what it is to be someone like him, and like many others that every day is a fight to survive and live.

He continued to fight with other men as he got older, eventually going on his first raid at the age of 15 with Leifnarr who knew who he was, but would take no special care of him and treat him like the greenhorn he was among his crew, until he proved himself an able warrior amongst his crew fighting on sea or land. At the age of 18 Athelstan would still go raiding with Leifnarr and was training to lead men in combat by barking commands with authority, proving to be good, but still young, and in one such reave over a merchant boat of the Free Cities, destiny would prove that he was cursed as a glimpse of madness could be seen in his eyes, the men now believe he was a true bastard of House Longshore, he was cursed, and his similar features to Lord Ferris make it even more believable. By the time they came back Yoren was gone, Roddric and Athelstan met, at first both seemed to revile each others presence, until the inevitable day were they came to blows and they poured their hate and reasons unto each other, until there was no more to say, but keep fighting, Athelstan tired first, proving Roddric had more Stamina but no less pain than he did. They acknowledged each other as brothers in arms, and have fought together a few times, as much as a few fist fights when they disagree, and they just can't put it in words, they put it in their fists, Roddric proving usually the better brawler

Appearance:
Athelstan is a ruggedly handsome man with strong features and a friendly appearance. He carries a small short beard and long loose hair, both in a dark brown color. Over a sharp nose sits a pair of friendly hazel eyes. Standing at 1.9 meters he is a tall man, strong and well-built for fighting. Athelstan is a practical man and is usually seen in casual clothing that suits him well.

Personality
Athelstan has a sense of fun, willingness to do almost anything he deems worthy of trying, and he delights in eating and drinking all kinds of things new interesting things. His drinking is more for tasting and having a good time than just get drunk, he likes to be ready for a fight if there is one to have. He dislikes pompous and pampered lordlings, and will take a chance to drop them of their high horses if any chance is given. He might not be the most charming man but he is quick witted and smart, sometimes he acts tough and is somewhat blunt, to take a measure of some people.

Connections Sought:
Looking for someone with some humor, or a fist to take you cause in a bar fight, or a strong arm to add in a real fight let me know. I'm open for intrigues also.

[Lady Corrine Marsten]

Lady Corrine Marsten is 21 years old, and one of the most unusual of creatures in Westeros north of Dorne: a female Head of House. She was not supposed to be the head of House Marsten. Far from it. Her two eldest brothers had died before she was born, killed by the Faith Militant, and her youngest brother, the last male heir, died five years ago of the same fever that killed her beloved father, Lord Corben.

Lady Corrine is married to Lord Consort Benedict Marsten (formerly Ser Benedict Blackthorne), a match that has caused no small amount of scandal and consternation. Marrying for love is a rare luxury that the young Lady has granted herself. With them lives Benedict's sister, Ellie, whom Corrine loves as her own kin, the sister she never had. Corrine's mother, Lady Isobel, also resides within Hartshorn. She and Corrine have a tense relationship, largely dye to conflicting ideas about leadership.
Corrine &
Ben have a daughter, Bethany, two years old, and twin boys, Jacyn &
Jaime, a year old.

Corrine wants to see society accept female leadership more willingly, inspired by the Dornish and her liege lady, Lady Arryn, but is quickly learning that one must play a game in politics, in which the rules are rarely fair. Nevertheless, Corrine tries hard to do right by others, especially her House, family, and friends. But doing the right thing is rarely easy, and many would disagree on what constitutes 'the right thing'. Can Corrine manage so many conflicting interests and maintain her hold as leader? And, indeed, her sanity?

Appearance:
Corrine is an exceptionally beautiful young woman, with high cheekbones, full lips that can form a most radiant smile, and large, honest eyes of a piercing bright blue. She has a long mane of black, wavy hair that she prefers to leave loose or simply braided, though is also seen in elegant, artistic styles at special occasions. She has a noble bearing that some may mistake for haughtiness, but her warm, easy smile and kind eyes keep her from looking too aloof. She is tall and slender, though not waifish. She has a sensual, womanly figure, even more so after bearing children, though it is made more subtle by her modest mode of dress, usually in velvets and wools with delicate embroidery.

Personality
Corrine is dutiful, polite, gentle, and kind, though she does have a sense of fun and mischief that few but her husband, close friends, and good-sister get to see. She strives to be honourable and just, and struggles to understand the motivations of less moral beings. She worships the Seven piously, though she took up honouring the Old Gods when she married, as a mark of respect for her husband. She cares for the smallfolk of her lands as a sacred duty. She despises cads and bounders, and favours women who make their own way in the world and forge new paths. She has a fierce independent streak, and more than a hint of her mother's iciness can sometimes be seen if she is displeased. She longs to be the master of her own destiny, but often curtailed by her need to be liked. Her compassion and naivete make her vulnerable to intrigue, but it makes her a good and loyal friend, as she always tries to find the good in people.

Connections Sought:
Looking for lots and lots of romance and romantic drama. Open to intrigues, especially the kind where it is interesting to have a straightforward person involved (and even more if it is linked to romantic drama). Also looking for adventure and mild peril. Making connections, friends, enemies, and opportunities to raise House Marsten into greatness and be a strong woman in Westeros.

[Ser Fendrel Bartheld]

Ser Fendrel Bartheld

Age: 30

Fendrel Bartheld is a tall and lean man of thirty with dark brown hair, fair skin and grey-green eyes. Brom Bartheld’s youngest son, Fendrel is handsome, but not wildly so, with a strong jaw line partially covered by a well-groomed dark beard. Lover of art, music and dance in particular, Fendrel is a philosophical and deeply reflective man with a quick wit honed on the classics who appreciates good drink and food, but does not overindulge in them. He can sometimes be a pleasure seeker in the typical Bartheld meaning of the term, but he rarely is. He prefers to be a facilitator of joy for others and provide these pleasures to them instead of hoarding them for himself.

Growing up as the youngest among many of Brom’s sons may not have been easy, but the jovial atmosphere at House Bartheld instilled love of laughter, song and other pleasures in Fendrel. This did not change even when the twelve-year-old boy was taken as a squire by Prince Daemon Targaryen who later in the same year led an army to invade the Stepstones. All Barthelds old enough to fight followed the would-be King of the Stepstones and the Narrow Sea. The boy, even though untested and barely with any experience fighting, quite miraculously survived the war, unlike many hardened warriors, including two of Fendrel’s brothers.

Fendrel Bartheld became Ser Fendrel Bartheld after being knighted in the name of the Seven at the (in)famous tournament that gave rise to the two factions vying for inheritance of the Iron Throne. After that day the newly-knighted Bartheld took up an offer of House Baratheon to serve for the glory of their distinguished lineage. During that time he became betrothed to an insignificant member of the Baratheon family, a raven-haired beauty Raelis, but their marriage did not come through due to unexpected - lethal - complications. She was kidnapped by some drunken peasants while visiting the countryside and Seven only know what was done to her before she bled out. While no one apart from those involved knows exactly what happened next, but if one believes gossip, Fendrel apparently got into a very nasty argument with her brother, Ser Robb Baratheon, a mountain of a man with temper like no other, and shortly resigned from his service to their house after that.

Fendrel came back home to Hart House where he would help his father run the house and ensure its security. No one expected Brom to one day abdicate as the lord and leave the reign over the house to his oldest grandson... at least according to the line of inheritance. At first, this decision did not bother Fendrel at all. Only when he saw what his nephew was causing to Barthelds’ reputation, did he start feeling concerned or even pressured into stepping up and challenging him for the title of the heir.

[Dyana Marsten]

[size=150:33dob3bd]Dyana Marsten
of the House Marsten

Lady Dyana Marsten is a subtly tall and deceptively lithe woman, her physique worked far more than is to be expected of the gentler sex. Nonetheless feminine, she is ill suited to neither silken nor metal garb, and is graceful in dress and dance. Her untameable strands are of a blur between blond and red, seeming as either or both in the right light, and she is fair-skinned as are those of Andal blood. She dresses in practical attire, of a cut suited to her position yet simple and scarcely adorned, often leather. Though with this she goes to no great lengths to perfect her appearance, she remains attractive enough in presentation.

At the age of three-and-twenty, and daughter to missing Mikael Marsten and his late first wife, Dyana is in a protracted struggle to find her place in her house. Indifferent to courtly interests and uninterested in suitors, she seems to pose little threat even to Lady Isobel's interests of matching her daughter Corrine at the head of the house, but no one truly understands where she's at.

The rarest breed of woman this side of the world, she is an accomplished warrior. She grown treated to a dwindling number of men in her family, in counterpoint to an increasing amount of raids from the dreaded mountain clans, and saw fit to pursue martial interests about the age of her flowering. Such was her engrossment in the matter that, at the time, her father saw fit to assign a skilled retainer called Jeremy to her tutoring. Much as she learned to survive in the mountains, Dyana walked the path of steel by then.

Her enthusiasm did not dwindle over the years, much to the dismay of Mikael, who expected it to be a passing curiosity which she'd abandon on the first hardship and come to be the delicate noblewoman she was meant to. Even after his disappearance she joined the fray against the mountain clans, where unlike her cousins she proved surprisingly successful. Several times she rode Breaker, her bay destrier stallion nearly too large for the narrow passages of the Vale, into battle, and all times she returned battered but victorious.

Appreciation was never high on the concerns of the traditionalist Marstens, however, and the other women in the family saw her unfeminine skills with disdain and reservation. Dyana was never too concerned by this, as it helped set Isobel's scrutiny astray and filter away a number of suitors put off by a woman who could defeat men in battle. More recently, however, and unbeknownst to anyone, she began to wonder if she'd ever find a man whom she respected and who appreciated her for who she was, not only tolerated her for the name she carried - and before she became too old, too. Alas, with no one she really trusted to turn to, she remained silent about it so far.


Connections: Dyana is reasonably likeable and amiable, and does not lean too heavily towards the greens or blacks yet. Devoid of most forms of prejudice, especially on behalf of she, herself, being an oddity, it's safe to say she won't go around causing problems unprovoked, so anyone is welcome to any sort of connections they wish to try and create. She would like to indulge in romance, but she doesn't really have high hopes for it right now. Still, she could be pleasantly surprised in this area, though it might require some effort on both parties.

She didn't range far and wide, and thus most people who haven't been to Marsten lands probably don't know her personally. From her side of the family, one might know her half-sister Gwyneth before her. There's word of her around the Vale and even some of it beyond, given her exceptional, well, inclinations, so one may have heard of that brazen Marsten lady without digging too deep into it.

Edmund Lyras

Background:
Edmund was born in a stressful and unhappy time for House Lyras. His grandfather, Lord Robbin Lyras just a week before Edmund’s birth, casting a shroud of mourning over the house. Following that, his mother, Lady Lyras, had a long and very difficult time giving birth to Edmund and was near death as a result. If not for the aid given by Maester Leopold from their liege, House Marsten, she might not have survived. These events cemented two things in the mind of the new Lord Lyras, Edmund’s father, Aaron;
one, that he was further indebted to his liege lord and even more eager to prove his worth as a bannerman. Secondly, Lord Aaron interpreted these things as an ill-omen, one that centered on his fourth son’s birth. As such, there was always some distance between father and son, and Edmund often felt ignored by his father.

Despite this, Edmund was reasonably happy and got along well with his older brothers. He proved himself to be an intelligent and curious child, and one that seemed to always be on the move. As soon as he could walk, his mother and servants had difficulty keeping up with him, as he perpetually wanted to see where every hallway led, and what was behind this door or that. When he began wandering the family lands around their keep on his own, going further and further away, and eventually one time, not coming back until the early morning, his father decided to send him to House Marsten as a page in an attempt to focus him.

His service in House Marsten, beginning at the age of seven, did provide him with a sense of purpose that was lacking in his overcrowded family house. He set about learning the duties of a page and did his job well, gaining the positive attention of Lord Corben and Lady Isobel. Early on, his uncle six years his senior, Kevan Lyras, took him under his wing. Edmund also, grew close to Corrine Marsten, who was the same age. Together, the three of them formed an informal family of siblings.

After a year, Kevan Lyras departed to squire in the Riverlands, leaving Edmund at House Marsten. As time passed, Edmund occupied himself with his duties, and in his spare time could usually be found reading or exploring the Marsten lands. Frequently, he and Corrine would cause mischief together as a way to amuse themselves. Kevan returned in AL 119 and became a sworn sword of House Marsten.

Events took a tragic turn with the death of Lord Corbin and all of the direct Marsten heirs. With Lord Corbin's brother, Mikael, still not returned from Essos, Lady Isobel found herself in a dangerous situation. In AL 120, Ser Laryen Waters led a party east across the Narrow Sea to search for Mikael Marsten. He took Edmund with him, largely due to the boy's insistence. Edmund would not let an opportunity to travel to Essos pass him by. Ser Laryen also brought Lyndon Flowers for his connections in the Free Cities and the fact that he was desperate to win the good favor of Lady Isobel and saw this an attempt to do so.

The next four years of Edmund's life were the best of his life, with a whole new part of the world for him to become engrossed in. Every spare moment would find him out and wadering in the cities they visited.

Their first destination was in Braavos, as this was the initial destination of Mikael. The party spent a good amount of time in Braavos, following various leads. It was during this time that Edmund was able to see waterdancing firsthand, prior to his he had only read about the famed Braavosi fighters. He was instantly taken with it and began trying to learn the art as it fit his natural dexterity more than the more heavily armed and armored styles of Westeros.He was a quick study, though he didn’t have the time to learn the style fully. He never had the ego to call himself a true waterdancer, but he would always be on the lookout for another teacher to learn from.

The search for Mikael would take them to many of the Free Cities, following rumors from Braavos to Pentos to Myr and on and on. At each step of the way they continually were met with failure and less and less evidence of Mikael's whereabouts. Increasingly frustrated as the years wore on, they made a trip back to Braavos, still undecided on whether or not to continue the trip.

EDIT*** SPOILERS***

And then they sailed west, returning to Westeros.


Appearance: Edmund is a dark-haired, attractive young man. He is of average height, has a lithe build and moves with fluidity and grace.

Personality: Edmund can be can be quite charming and pleasant and has a rather sly sense of humor, especially among friends. He is relatively comforatble with the game of politics (among the smaller houses), with all its intrigue and double-talk, but feels like he's little more than window dressing in court. When boredom overcomes him he can become quite restless, impulsive and somewhat mischievous. He is bored at home, bored after the many years he spent at House Marsten, and after his time across the Narrow Sea, he is no hurry to return to the Vale in general.

Connections: He seeks adventure and the opportunity to travel, and frequently likes to drag companions along with him. He has an insatiable curiosity for anything foreign and exotic. One of the few things that he is looking forward to upon returning to Westeros, is seeing his childhood companions, Corrine and Gwynneth Marsten, and his Uncle Kevan. He would of course, like to expand his training in water dancing, but realizes that it could be difficult to do so at home.

[Walton Dulver]

Ser Walton Dulver

Walton Dulver is the firstborn son to Lord Harald and Lady Falyse Dulver. While Walton bears his father’s name one need only look upon him to know he is Merys’ son through and through. Where Lord Harald’s frame is spare, Walton is stout and unlikely strong. Where Lord Harald is short, Walton stands comfortably better than six feet tall, towering over his peers. Good Walt, as he’s called by his father’s sworn men and smallfolk, has yellow hair and a ready smile. There are those that point to the young heir’s size and mien and whisper that Lady Falyse, in her Bracken pride, has given Lord Harald a cuckold’s horns. The trouble is, no one can figure out what poor mad sot would lie with her long enough to sow a son in her womb.

The tasks of stewardship have never come easy to Walton, either. Despite his father’s relentless drilling, Walton is only a middling manager at best. Dutiful and devoted as a son and heir should be, Walton has done his best to learn the lessons his father has worked so hard to teach, but Walton was made for the yard rather than the hall.

If Walton was indifferent in his lessons on lordship he was anything but when it came to learning the ways of arms and warfare. Under the tutelage of his great uncle, the bastard Gambol Hill, Walton excelled with sword and shield and soon proved himself a match for any man in the castle.

On his twelfth nameday, Walton was made squire to Lord Harald’s younger brother, Ser Horas Dulver. For four years he served until in his sixteenth year a party of ironmen came raiding along the shore where Dulver lands abutted those of their northern neighbor, Lord Faltyse. Ser Horas and a troop of men from the garrison went down to meet the raiders and drive them off, but Ser Horas took an arrow and the arrow took his life. As he lay dying, young Walton stood over him and rallied the Dulver men. They were too few to drive the ironmen off, but they held long enough for Lord Faltyse to come to their aid.

Together, Faltyse’s men and Dulver’s threw the ironmen back into the sea and there on the battlefield, Lord Faltyse, himself an anointed knight, gave Walton his knighthood. “Might be I could get a good ransom for you, boy,” Lord Faltyse said standing over young Walton. “But the look on your father’s face when I send his son back a knight by my hand is worth more than any ransom in Deepen Hall.”

Lord Harald was not a demonstrative man. Walton’s lord father rarely praises good work, but makes a point of chastising the bad. A son wants warmth and the good regard of his father and when that is not forthcoming, he will seek it elsewhere. Walton found his acceptance at the feet of his great uncle Gambol and the Septon of the Sept on the Heath, Arlyn of Maidenpool. Septon Arlyn was all that Walton’s lord father was not. Beloved by the commons, jovial, encouraging, devoted to the gods and prodigiously fat. As Walton was growing up, the Septon was the most learned man in the district and so saw to the young heir’s education. It was Arlyn that instilled in him respect for the gods, and Arlyn who gave him his easy way with the smallfolk. After his knighting, it was Arlyn that anointed Walton with the seven oils and made him a knight for good and true.

Ser Walton still craves his father’s approval, but he works, too, to be his own man and find his own path. He tries to learn the lessons his father works to impart because he knows that in time he will come into his inheritance and he wants desperately to do honor to his father’s name. Walton is a good man, devoted to his family, dedicated to his vows, and sincerely reverent of the gods. He is no zealot at all, though, and is fond of the pleasures of the flesh. A drink shared with his men, a rich meal in a warm hall, and the occasional willing wench serve to soften the edges that come with the Dulver aim and endear young Walton to those who will, one day, serve him as they do his father.

Appearance: Walton is, to put it bluntly, enormous: well over six feet tall, and not lacking in width - mostly worked muscle, but a little bit of fat growing easy here or there. He's not exactly handsome, but beneath his short yellow hair and trimmed beard lie the strong features of the blood of the First Men. His face reddens easily, and he's quick with a smile.

Connections: I want someone that will manipulate Ser Walton into a mess he can't get himself out of, perhaps spelling his doom. Yes, that's right - obviously not what he wants, but the man is both naive and heir to a house. A prime target. If a schemer thinks of something, just call out, see how well we can entangle a man.

Other than that, friends, women, sparring partners, buyers for his father's countless penny goods - anything goes.

[Derrock Swann]

[size=200:2955ga9w]Derrock Swann
or Ser Derrock "
Shieldbreaker"
of the House Swann of Stonehelm, or "
the Aurochs"


Born 72 AL (52 y.o.)

Swann is a tall, older man, with a growing white mane of hair and a full beard of much the same color. He has blue eyes that have been called akin to those of an eagle, and an old, deep scar lines a diagonal slash from the middle of his forehead to his lower cheekbone. Stories claim it was a Warrior's Son who dealt the blow. Though much healed, the wound was serious enough to crease and wrinkle the skin around it over the years. If not for this injury, he could be considered handsome for his age, if a bit stern.

Derrock is, and has always been, a warrior, and has invested little time in his life to skills outside of martial expertise. Even in his advanced age, he looks the part of a knight, and few would doubt that his skills have been little diminished by time. The strong frame that earned him the moniker of "
Aurochs"
, however, has fallen victim to the years - while by all means still a strong fighter, it's said he was impossibly bulkier in youth.

He was born the first son of Lord Berric Swann, brother to the head of house Swann at the time. He is also the older brother of Lady Johanna Swann, "
The Black Swan"
of Lys. Derrock was sent to Nightsong to squire for Ser Yondel Caron as he neared the age of eleven. Ser Yondel thought him old for a beginning squire, but the young boy's aptitude and steadily increasing fortitude won him over. Not many years after, Derrock was constantly winning regional squires' jousts and melees, and was knighted at the age of seventeen after unhorsing Ser Yondel and several other experienced knights at a tourney in Highgarden, making it to the finals of the joust, and then proceeding to win the Grand Melee. It is said he broke the shield of his last opponent in the tourney with a single powerful blow of his sword, earning his epithet.

Though Swann proved his mettle on the battlefield time and time again through his youth and later life, taking part in several key battles against the uprising of the Faith Militant and conflicts among Brackens and Blackwoods, it was on tourney grounds that his name was truly elevated. Champion of more than a handful of jousts, he unhorsed even a young Daemon Targaryen at a tourney in King's Landing.

An experienced knight in both deed and skill, Derrock's activities have faded over the last years. Though possessed of a stamina few young men can match, age has nevertheless begun to take its toil on the man, and he spent some years in Stonehelm without fighting - neither in tourney, nor battle. With the situation of House Bartheld escalating, however, he has come to Riverrun to accompany his young niece, Lady Ayleth Swann, and see to it that she is in a safe and comfortable position. With that, he also hopes to dust off his bones at the local tourney.

Connections: Ser Derrock is very famous, and probably known to anyone who has even a passing interest in knights, wars or tourneys. It is more than likely that every PC has heard of him, except someone very recluse, oblivious or from Essos. He's traveled through the entirety of Westeros, save the far North, and anyone may have met or seen him before without need of stretching our suspension of disbelief. He's currently seeking only two things: the well-being of Ayleth Swann, and glory at the tourney. It'd be interesting to see him get involved in some of the schemes running around, though.

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