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I'm new here on the forums and this will be my first AAR. Years back, I wrote this for my friend, a fanatic of GoT and someone who just couldn't get into CK2. As I played, I would actively report what was happening to her by text, or in person, so that I could get advice on this world I was unfamiliar with. Oh yeah, I almost forgot: this was my first intro to GoT and I still haven't really watched the show or read the books (yet). All of my knowledge of GoT is from playing this game and reading the wikis that would pop up. The rest was from her (so blame her if I get anything wrong lol jk)
I began my playthrough at the earliest bookmark (because that would be most interesting to both of us) and I played as Torrhen Stark, a character I would come to legitimately find endearing and memorable to me personally because of this experience. As such, this AAR will revolve around the day-to-day in Winterfell, and only glimpses of the world beyond. Fair warning, not much happened.
This is a compilation of those reports, before the save tragically went kaput and was unrecoverable. It was the second save that this happened and I stopped playing the game altogether, a little devastated. Now I await CK3 AGOT to ruin my life
That's it. That's all there is to know. I will be posting these reports in chunks for readability. Overall, it won't be long. This one is about a number of key players at the beginning of Torrhen's reign.
Thank you. Please provide me your feedback!
Chapter I Wolves of Summer
13th First Moon, 7996
The Wolves of Summer
Once there were five: Brandon, after his ancestor, whose honest mind is for duty and just soul is for battle, after his father. Jorah, after his grandfather, who, while temperance more suited to the latter, prefers instead the spider’s web to the warrior’s field. Donnor, handy with a sword and a commanding trickster, whose resolve and fury are met only by arrogance and envy. Lyarra, whose bright mind sparked curiosity but also breeds vanity. Finally, Rickon, a year younger, who has yet to show no other merit, except the poisonous blossoms of wrath, zealotry, and ambition.0
Their father, whose justice and bravery were forged through embers of humility and authority, has been bred in himself a true king, through and through. From the edges of the Shivering Sea to the bogs of Greywater Watch, they have reigned over the harsh, unforgiving North for more than eight thousand years unchallenged. Now Torrhen, the first of his name, with his wife Sansa of House Dustin by his side, must do the same after his father’s passing. With word of a Targaryen child making a name amongst the Essosi in their endless bloodshed by means of a dragon, he must ensure his children may carry forward in a future he feels uncertain.
Once there were five. Five cubs of the clan of the wolf. Five heirs of the King in the North. Five children of House Stark.
2nd Second Moon, 7996
The Wise One’s Militants
The High Septon, known as the Wise One, have restored the Faith Militant, the two military arms of the Faith of the Seven. These two branches, the Warrior’s Way, whose ranks are filled by knights of nobility, and the Poor Fellows, flocked by the peasantry and women, were called in defence of the faith. Now, this “Wise One” has them at his will once more, making the Faith a force to be reckoned with.
“The North is not party to the goings on of the Southron religion, as long as it stays in the south.”
Torrhen understands that, while many in the realm view him with respect, he has no particular friends to speak of. He must find one that he can make confidant this early in his reign. He eyes in particular his uncle, Willem Manderly, one who they call “the Careless” for some reason, who lords over all of the high lordship of White Harbor and who has recently made public his oath of undying loyalty to House Stark after Torrhen’s ascension, in line with Manderly tradition.
“While only ten or so years older, Willem was like a father to me. More so than even my own. Might as well make ourselves friends.”
Another is Brandon Snow, his bastard half-brother. A formidable fighter rivalled only by himself, Brandon is on good terms with Torrhen, choosing instead to delve into mysticism rather than politics. Brandon respects Torrhen and, regardless of their blood relations, Torrhen respects Brandon all the same.
Torrhen has decided to hold a grand feast for the lords and ladies of the realm, to mark the beginning of his reign, of which he would take the opportunity to get to know these two further.
21st Second Moon, 7996
The Masters of Winterfell
While preparing for the celebratory feast, Torrhen has gotten to speak with the Hand of the King, Lord Cley “the Knott” Knott of Arrendell. Cley the Knott is a family man, who seems to have a generally positive opinion of Torrhen. Although the hill clansman can be rude at times, he is a just man, which is something Torrhen appreciates. While Torrhen is no budding flower himself in the goings on of Winterfell, it was good to have a man almost twice his senior teaches him the ropes, such as keeping his councillors contented or better yet happy.
“I do not question their loyalty. In fact, I don’t have the luxury to, but they are also merely content of their current predicament. Maybe because I am untested? Maybe that they only ever knew me as Torrhen, Edwyn the Spring King’s son. Not Torrhen, a king in his own right.”
This applies to Lord Cley as well. Among them, Lord Rodwell Bolton of the Dreadfort, the Master-at-Arms, seems to have a slightly better opinion of Torrhen, perhaps due to his martial skills, but, more troublingly, Lord Orell Crowl of Deepdown, the Master of Whisperers, have a not-so-slightly worse opinion of the new king, highly likely due to him being a Skagosi of the Shivering Sea while Torrhen is a full-blooded Northman. The Skagosi and Northmen have always eyed each other with distrust, as the two have largely different customs and way of life.
Torrhen plans to build bridges, or at least mend them, during the feast.
24th Second Moon, 7996
Torrhen’s Inner Circle
In order to further strengthen his rule, Torrhen decided to name Lord Willem Manderly of White Harbor his regent, parting from the usual custom of having the Hand of the King hold such duties.
“I have my trust in Willem. For now. Little offense to Lord Cley.”
He also appointed Brandon Snow the Captain of the Household Guard and Jorah, his own son, as Cupbearer; people he feels can truly watch his back and keep the family safe.
He plans to doll out more ceremonial titles out to his lords during the feasting, once he knows who to keep close and who to keep closer.
5th Third Moon, 7996
Indisposed
While there were many who returned with warm acceptance of Torrhen’s invitation, a great many were also “indisposed” and has declined the invitation, including many a key player, such as the Hand of the King himself, Lord Cley Knott of Arrendell, and Lord Rodwell Bolton of the Dreadfort, the Master-at-Arms, among others. Torrhen leaves the steward of Winterfell the unenviable duty of handling these invitations.
17th Third Moon, 7996
The Youngest of the Five
Torrhen decided to entrust Lord Rodwell Bolton of the Dreadfort with Rickon’s education. He might not be quick on his feet but he is most certainly quick with a sword. Torrhen could see that Rickon has a natural aptitude with fighting and interests in martial pursuits, something that runs through Torrhen’s children. Perhaps such training can put his quick temper to good use.
Lyarra on the other hand will be educated by none other than Maester Lancel, in bookkeeping and administration. While she protests that such things are dull and “insignificant” to her, her mother Sansa believes it could be of great value to someone of her intellect.
Torrhen lamented:
“I hope they grow out of it. I hope they learn that we do not do things just because it feels good. The sooner the better.”
Torrhen received word from Lord Cley Knott of Arrendell, the Hand of the King, that Storm King Argillac the Arrogant, ruler of the Stormlands, have died on the 5th of the First Moon, 7996, at the young age of 48. It was supposedly a sudden death. As such, the Stormlander throne was passed on to his daughter, Argella Durrandon, now Storm Queen of the Stormlands.
Storm Queen Argella has more recently embroiled herself into war with the Iron Islands, which controlled territory from Blackwater Bay all the way to The Twins, right here at Torrhen’s doorstep, over Stokeworth bordering Blackwater Bay, de jure part of the Stormlands under their possession. For her, at eighteen years of age, to challenge the Iron Isles, perhaps the most powerful kingdom in all of the land, was daring to say the least. But not only the Storm Queen that have brought herself into conflict. Apparently, Harren the Black, infamous king of those isles, had declared war against the Rock, over Byford on the banks of the Upper Blackwater river, a de jure province of the Iron Isles now under their rule.
Iron King Harren the Black, Storm Queen Argella, and King Loren Lannister of the Rock are all currently rallying their bannermen, choosing to lead them personally. Whether or not Argella and Loren are conspiring alongside each other against their greater foe is uncertain.
These provinces in contest presumably fell during the Ironborn conquest of the Riverlands by the Iron King’s grandfather, Harwyn Hardhand.
“No love lost if these kingdoms wish to play games with the Iron King. No one’s fond of that cruel man anyway.”
The politics of Southrons may not have interested him but instead Torrhen looked east, towards Dragonstone. Everyone knows of the Targaryens that have made the small isle their own, long before the Doom of Valyria even occurred. With that, they are the only surviving family of the so-called “dragonlords”. Now, as the remnants of the fallen Valyrian Freehold tear itself apart, the Targaryen children, namely Aegon, Visenya, and Rhaenys, are tipping the scales of war in their favour simply by use of their flying beasts.
Torrhen rather not know, nor can he even fathom, the intricate mess that is occurring in Essos but one thing is certain:
“If the Targaryens can do such things all the way across the Narrow Sea, they can definitely do such things here. Others may not look on these Valyrians in Dragonstone with suspicion but I do. It’s not ‘if’ but ‘when’.”
The guests for Torrhen’s feast have finally arrived in Winterfell. The private feast itself was traditionally modest and intimate, not meant for show.
Torrhen was invited to play a game of cyvasse by Master Dywen Cassel of King’s Course, although he lost.
Before long, it was over. Unfortunately, Torrhen never got much chance to do as he planned.
However, he did grant out titles, the most important of which was the granting of the Command of Moat Cailin to his second son, Jorah. He also doled out the honorary titles of Keeper of the Swans, Master of Horse, Master of the Hunt, and High Almoner to a number of men to keep them happy and in line.
19th Seventh Moon, 7996
A Wolf and Bear by the Ice
Torrhen, to secure the lineage of House Stark, travelled to Deepwood and meets Lord Edrick Mormont of Bear Island. By the coast overlooking the Bay of Ice, at a village outside of Frosty Point, the two spoke in private at a fishing lodge belonging to Master Theo, the town’s mayor. Torrhen humbly asked for the betrothal of his son, Brandon Stark, to his daughter, Margaret Mormont. Lord Edrick was elated by the proposal:
“There is no greater honour for a lord in serving his king than to give his daughter’s hand in marriage to his son”
Since Margeret is still a child, the marriage shall be cemented when she comes of age.
26th Seventh Moon, 7996
My Gift to You, Sharra
After the betrothal of his firstborn is secured, Torrhen eccentrically looked south to the rest of Westeros for a suitable husband for her one and only daughter, Lyarra Stark, disappointing the fair bachelors of across the realm. From the Westerlands to Dorne, his crows travelled far and wide. His aloofness took him by surprise however that young King Ronnel II of the Mountain and Vale, of House Arryn, is a bachelor. After cordial correspondence with his mother, Queen Dowager Sharra Arryn, she expresses interest in the proposal, yet humbly warn of the political concerns that may result from such a union:
“A Stark and an Arryn? Together? Perhaps. There could be nothing more beautiful, but even roses have thorns, Torrhen”
Torrhen, in order to prove the seriousness of his intentions, sent a massive bounty. An unprecedented caravan of gold, silver, and jewels, draped with fine hides of bear and stag, hail from Winterfell to the Eyrie. The Queen Dowager was surprised the North even had such treasures but unfortunately, with all due respect to the North and their proud king, she had to refuse. The outcome would simply be too unpredictable, and may even spiral the realms out of balance.
Torrhen, while somewhat offended by the outcome, understood what Sharra meant. In fact, the two of them found each other relatable and had forged a bittersweet friendship. Deep down, Torrhen wishes to continue strengthening this unlikely relationship between the Arryns and Starks. Perhaps one day, Lyarra may be wedded to Ronnel but even if not, their bonds will remain strong.
29th Seventh Moon, 7996
Bran the Heartbreaker
Suddenly, Brandon stormed into Torrhen’s chamber and announced that he will not marry Margaret Mormont. He is supposedly concerned by how young she is compared to him. Torrhen clarifies to him that he will only be marrying Margaret after she is of age, not right away. Torrhen, befuddled by his son’s judgement, rebuked:
“I have promised Lord Mormont that I will honour the proposal. That you will marry her daughter. We gave him our word. I gave him my word.”
Torrhen warned Sansa to stay out of this and not to defend their son’s deplorable actions.
Immediately, Torrhen beckoned the realm for a new candidate, now that House Stark has embarrassed itself. Luckily, a lady by the name of Lia of House Glenmore, a minor house that rules over Rillwater Crossing, was a maiden looking for a suitor. As the message arrived from Winterfell that King Torrhen wished to have her hand in marriage to his firstborn son, Brandon Stark, her father, Lord Osbert Glenmore of Rillwater Crossing, was stunned.
Lia Glenmore is a shy young woman but she has shown to be naturally talented in the art of diplomacy, and has been educated for it as well. Justiciar in Lord Glenmore’s court, Lia is apparently known to be a charitable woman among the smallfolk in Rillwater Crossing, unlike his father. Lord Osbert agrees to the terms and Lia Glenmore and Brandon Stark are to be wed.
Without as much as another word, he broke it off again, now after the expenses for the marriage has begun to be paid, this time simply “on account of her appearance”, which was actually not at all unpleasant by any standard. Torrhen was losing his patience.
“So, you refused to marry Margaret because she was young. Now, you refuse to consider the Glenmore girl because she isn’t easy on the eyes? What else will you do to sully our name? What game are you playing, boy?”
Now, Torrhen had humiliated two houses, not including his own, but it is especially humiliating for Lia. She had to leave her home of Rillwater Crossing, and her esteemed appointment as their justiciar. To simply send her back home not long after would be disgraceful to her.
At first, Torrhen approached Jorah, his second son and Master of Moat Cailin, but apparently, while commanding the fortifications there he decided to search for a spouse himself and marry in a small, private wedding, as was his right as master. While it surprised Torrhen terribly that he was not informed, he felt such disappointments are nothing compared to what have conspired so far.
Finally, before shifting his focus back to Brandon, Torrhen approached Donnor, his third son still residing in Winterfell, on marrying Lia. While he rather stayed a bachelor, he showed obedience and accepts the proposal.
12th Eight Moon, 7996
Master and Assassin – Part I
While dealing with the marriage crisis of Brandon, Torrhen was approached by Lord Orell Crowl of Deepdown, his spymaster. In private, he divulged that he has strong suspicions on a murder plot against Jorah Stark. He is confident enough now to implicate Lord Rodwell Bolton of the Dreadfort, the Master-at-Arms, as its lead.
Immediately, Torrhen ordered for members of his household guard to retrieve Rickon from the castle study and be brought to his chambers, as he was entrusted to Lord Rodwell for his education. Torrhen then orders Brandon Snow, the Captain of the Household Guard and his half-brother, to pay the dear Bolton, currently training Winterfell’s commanders nearby, a visit.
14th Eight Moon, 7996
Love I Never Asked For– Part I
Prince Donnor of House Stark and Lia of House Glenmore is to be wedded. Along with this occasion, Torrhen has chosen to appoint him a Commander of the North, alongside his two older brothers. He will be the youngest amongst them all.
Torrhen has chosen to decline asking for a dowry from the bride’s family.
There is still threat that Lord Rodwell Bolton of the Dreadfort’s conspirators, whoever they may be, might still act and the wedding presents ample opportunity. While preparations are underway, few however realize of the treacherous plot of Lord Rodwell and Torrhen would like to keep it that way. He stalls the preparations, at least until Captain Snow returns.
As the wedding was underway, Brandon Snow, Captain of the Household Guard, and a contingent of his men, arrive at the training fields a few days out from Winterfell. There, he decided, against better judgement, to confront Lord Rodwell Bolton of the Dreadfort in his private tent alone. With the household guards taking perimeter outside, nobody gets in, nobody gets out.
When the captain return empty handed, in an unusual fit of rage, the king reprimanded him:
“What made you think I wanted you to talk Rodwell out of murdering my son and not dragged here behind your horse in chains?!”
Brandon only ever knew Torrhen as a man under control. He has a temper, sure, but it rested in cool slumber more often than his brother.
What did Captain Snow say to Lord Rodwellearlier that day? Whatever it was, it made the man who before wanted to kill Torrhen’s son in cold blood now abandon such silly notions.
As paranoia besets Lord Orell Crowl of Deepdown, Torrhen’s spymaster, he brought up the question of motive. Lord Bolton has made it very public that he is especially loyal to House Stark. In fact, Lord Willem Manderly of White Harbor, Torrhen’s uncle and confidant, is amongst this faction of fervent loyalists, along with other key figures such as Lord Edrick Mormont of Bear Island, Lord Osric Karstark of Karhold, and Lord Cregan Umber of Last Hearth. Why would he want to orchestrate an assassination of Prince Jorah Stark, one of Torrhen’s sons?
Regardless, Lord Orell assured that he would keep his eyes and ears peeled, in case Captain Snow merely dissuaded Lord Rodwell for the time being, and that both the king and Captain Snow has nothing to worry about:
“If the Lord of the Dreadfort remain stubborn in his ambitions, then he is not the only one who is capable of cruelty”
The wedding day of Donnor Stark and Lia Glenmore was arriving ever closer.
In his efforts to prepare for the ceremony, and also after his past decisions with the Arryns, Torrhen has plunged Winterfell’s coffers into debt. Although taxes will be able to make up for it in time, for now such debts imposed on the people, loyal as they are, will surely bring about corruption and criminal activity. Torrhen, after speaking with Cley of Northfort, Lord of North Road and Master of Coin, has decided that a small loan from the Iron Bank of Braavos, with a 20% interest rate, is suitable to cover expenses until then, lest misfortune casted its shadow while money has all but dried up.
Torrhen stopped short of spending lavishly for the wedding but enough to be able to host all the lords and ladies of the realm comfortably.
While busy preparing for the festivities, a band of jongleurs, or wandering minstrels, found themselves in Winterfell after they heard of the occasion. They were invited in and while they looked a bit rugged, they entertained the whole castle. The king and his family, including Donnor and his soon-to-be-wife Lia Glenmore and her family, all enjoyed their performances. The air of light-hearted fun took some of the weight off their shoulders, as they all crowd around a warm bonfire under the summer stars. They were so captivating in fact that they captured the king’s attention, who felt that in no sane mind could people like theirs be turned away. Not after all that. They were officially patronised to perform for the upcoming wedding festivities.
21st Eight Moon, 7996
Master and Assassin – Part III
As the night reached its conclusion, Lord Orell Crowl of Deepdown, once again skulking in the shadows, asked to speak to the king in private. With everyone leaving for their quarters, they met in his personal chamber. There he regrettably informed the king that he now has information of a new plot. One of assassinating Osric Karstark, Lord of Karhold and an advisor to Torrhen on his council, by none other than Prince Donnor Stark himself. Lord Orell has confirmed that the plot is still in its infancy.
Torrhen confronts his son the next morning and asked that he forego such nonsense. The prince, who dared not refuse, begrudgingly promised his father that he will not proceed any further, although he declined to divulge anything more. Not willing to question his integrity during these times, Torrhen glossed over the matter.
In meeting with his spymaster again that same morning, they discussed the issue, as Torrhen knew trouble when he sees it and yet does not know for sure what it is. Lord Osric is an honourable and just man, one of the few Torrhen was able to be acquainted with during his first feast early in the year. The Starks and Karstarks also share an enduring and unique bond, as they are a proud cadet house of the Starks. Is he hiding a dark secret? Torrhen recalled that he was amongst the few that they discussed to be in Lord Rodwell’s loyalist faction. Donnor is not known as a man of great conviction. Perhaps he believed Lord Osric is also implicated with the plot Lord Rodwell was leading and the prince was simply retaliating against his brother’s would-be murderer? Again, as with Lord Rodwell, the motivation eludes them. Lord Orell was calm in the face of such uncertainty:
"Whatever the truth may be, only the outcome matters. We'll get the bastards when it counts"
Torrhen, not wanting this to fester any further, sends him into the lion’s den itself: the Dreadfort. He is aware that a Skagosi would stick out like a sore thumb there but he is sure Lord Orell could take care of himself. His orders were to find out what the Boltons are keeping under lock and key in that Dreadfort of theirs, so he can put an end to it once and for all.
14th Tenth Moon, 7996
Weekend at Cassel’s
Dywen of House Cassel, Master of King’s Course and a Commander of the North, invited Torrhen to a private feast, in honor of Donnor and Lia’s upcoming wedding. After the feasting, the two retreated in for a game of cyvasse. Torrhen and Dywen, both of similar age, played each other briefly before, at the king’s first feast.
Master Dywen is known to have become a skilful military commander by training, despite humble beginnings, sharing with his king the love for heavy infantry while also interested in how to clothe and feed his men effectively. Although, he admits lacking in personal combat himself. Torrhen did find his proclivity towards gluttony, coupled with his slightly tarnished reputation for greed, to be somewhat unflattering. Ultimately, Master Dywen is an honorable man, and that the king could respect.
Together, the two played well into the night, getting to know each other better. They were only visited by Master Dywen’s wife, Mistress Aragelle Cassel, a few times. Torrhen wishes he regretted not bringing his own wife Sansa but he does not. He felt free to be able to ride to King’s Course without her breathing on his neck.
Master Cassel reminisced:
“I still remember that day, when news came of the union of the dashing warrior-prince of Winterfell, Torrhen of House Stark, to the apple of every young man’s eye, the original Lady of the Barrowlands herself. I saw you, when my lord rode through King’s Course to formally ask for Lady Sansa’s hand in marriage from Lord Eddard, although every man, woman, and babe of the realm already knew of you two together. Still scrappy men we were under old King Edwyn. Simpler times, those.”
At last, through elusive strategy and aggressive tricks and gambits, Torrhen won the final game. They retreated in for the night and Torrhen left the Cassels at dawn.
Torrhen, truly fixated by the game his new friend has introduced him to, decides that perhaps such games of strategy could provide a wonderful recourse from the mundanity of daily life.
24th Tenth Moon, 7996
Love I Never Asked For – Part III
Finally, Donnor of House Stark and Lia of House Glenmore is to be wed. Day and night, servants prepared the halls of Winterfell splendidly for the occasion and Lia was adorned with a beautiful gown. To Torrhen, the castle never looked more joyful.
As Lia walked out into the courtyard, curious stares dawned upon her radiant beauty. Torrhen always thought of her as a wonderful lady but on this day, she was practically illuminating. Some hushed whispers might comment on how the Starks married one of their sons to a nobody from a backwater house but Torrhen kept away from such talk, as most actually did. The former justiciar is prestigious in her own right. Donnor, despite such talks, seemed to make no effort to stifle how proud he is to marry her that day, his boyish face full of mirth . Brandon, the firstborn, made no such reaction and merely casted his eyes down, meek in her presence. Torrhen thought to himself:
“It may not be perfect but it is better than whatever I could’ve come up with. We envision our destiny but the Old Gods, they envision their own.”
As the mass procession reached the growing darkness of the godswood, they slowly receded in numbers. When they finally reached its delicate, sunlit center, only the lords and ladies of the North remained to witness the solemn vow the two will cast for each other. Torrhen, opposite the bride and groom, looks on as Lord Osbert Glenmore of Rillwater Crossing, Lia’s father, asked Donnor of his intentions. After the young prince confirmed it, the bride was to confirmed it as well. No priests, no long songs of worship. Only love made union in the shadow of the heart tree.
When Lia walked out under the arms of Prince Donnor, cloaked in the wolf’s own colours, everyone understood that the deed was done. She is now a Stark.
At the feasting afterwards, everyone drank and ate with abandon but Torrhen noticed that Ramsay, Master of Wintertown, refused any more wine for the night:
“Some simply don’t appreciate hospitality, I suppose”
As the evening winds down, only the bedding remains. The couple are escorted to their bedchamber and are stripped off of their clothes by their relatives along the way, who made crass jokes about the whole ordeal, as is tradition. Then, retreating into privacy, they are left alone.
The last guests returned home by the 5th of next month.
20th Eleventh Moon, 7996
Trouble in Overton
As the year’s end nears, Torrhen received word from Lord Orell Crowl of Deepdown, who was sent to the Dreadfort by the king, that the province of Overton is in a state of unrest. Although he was not able to identify immediately the reasons behind the unrest of the smallfolk, he has concluded that the current situation is possibly related to Lord Daryn of Overton’s emptying of the province’s coffers and subjecting his people to debt.
Torrhen never knew Lord Daryn personally. He is a loyal vassal of Lord Rodwell Bolton of the Dreadfort, and he seems to share his proclivity for ruthlessness. He has heard of Lord Rodwell’s Master-at-Arms’ martial talent as well as his skills in swordplay only in passing.
He understood from Lord Orell that the situation is not entirely dire and will, perhaps, if the Lord of Overton is shrewd in the coming months, blow over. But the question remained: where did the money go?
After mulling it over, Torrhen had a revelation to send his son Rickon to be squired in the Mountain and Vale. Following his decision to bridge the gap between House Stark and House Arryn, through Dowager Queen Sharra Arryn and her son King Ronnel II of the Mountain and Vale, he believed that a greater relationship could be fostered in the future by sending his son to the southron kingdom of knights, while receiving schooling amongst the greatest fighters of Westeros. He hoped that, while they differ in age by near three-folds, Rickon may befriend the Arryn king.
Rickon adamantly protested the decision, instead wanting to be in Winterfell “in the fray” of the “exciting” goings on of the realm. He had reached an age when he knew well how to make demands:
“Why do I have to be sent to the Eyrie to learn how to fight? Winterfell has no shortage of good fighters and commanders. Captain Snow, Master Dywen, Lord Rodwell. If not, even Bran can train me, if he has time to spare anymore for us, or Jorah, if he comes back more often, or Donnor, if he can finally find time away from Lady Lia to be in the training fields again. I want to be here, at our home, in Winterfell, not in some mountains somewhere with a bunch of smug peacocks covered in a horse’s weight in steel, prancing around pretending to be warriors.”
Unsuspecting of his father’s plans, Rickon’s pleas were not heard. Torrhen believed that he will adapt to living with the Arryns, even if not for long, and perhaps away from home he will have to finally temper his character.
Torrhen’s initial assumptions of Rickon’s abilities seemed correct. At age 14, his martial ability even rivals that of the Commanders of the North multiple times his senior. In fact, Torrhen believed he was even better than two of his older brothers, Jorah and Donnor, beaten only by Brandon and, of course, himself.
He was sent down with members of the household guard, led by Captain Brandon Snow himself, Torrhen’s half-brother, who insisted to escort the young prince. Before this, Captain Snow also respectfully brought issue with his liege’s decision:
“With all due respect, my lord, I understand my liege’s attempts to form a union with the Arryns in the Vale, but I personally believe, in spite of such friendship that will come out of the two houses, young Rickon would be better suited raised here, with folk who knows him best. Who knows us best. Winterfell is all one needs.”
After the Arryns have taken him into their fold, meeting the young king and his mother for the first time, Rickon and Brandon Snow said their final goodbyes. Although they only spent a short time together as master and apprentice after the Bolton incident, the two had found refuge in each other’s presence. Brandon Snow was the brother Rickon never truly had.
30th Twelfth Moon 7996
Dreams of Eternity
While sitting in the godswood, playing cyvasse with Maester Lancel, Torrhen noticed his reflection in the pond. He saw that he was starting to wrinkle under his eyes and by his cheeks. His hands too, the ridges are becoming more pronounced. Perhaps it was the burden of the crown but it has only been a year.
Maester Lancel noticed and said in jest that perhaps the king should call on the service of the grand master of the Guild of Alchemists in Lys, Zalassor, who claimed that they have rediscovered the ancient secret to eternal life.
Torrhen, amused by the proposition, looked onto his aging hands:
“What a dream, to live on forever. And not the kind I would wish on my worst enemies, either”
One morning, Lord Rodwell Bolton of the Dreadfort, the Master-at-Arms, approached Torrhen on recent reports of highwaymen and wild beasts attacking peasants on the roads in Winterfell. He suggested the simple remedy of building guard outposts along these roads to ensure their safety, quipped wryly:
“After all, safe peasants are productive peasants”
This however would cost Torrhen half of his accrued wealth, which he planned to use to repay his loan to the Iron Bank. After considering that the loan will only be due in four years’ time, Torrhen approves of Lord Rodwell's plans.
After Lord Rodwell embarked on the plans immediately, peasants who caught sight of guards on the roads felt safer, knowing their king was looking after them. Lord Cley Knott of Arrendell, the Hand of the King, snidely jested that the Bolton’s plan may even boost the local economy, now that Winterfell isn’t seen as a place of “utter lawlessness and banditry”.
20th First Moon 7997
The Man in the Moon – Part I
Through correspondence with Dowager Queen Sharra Arryn, Torrhen learned of the wellbeing of his son there. They were also able to exchange ideas and, less elegantly, gossip. In the evening, Torrhen would spend long hours alone in his study under the moonlight, either writing lengthy letters to his newfound friend in the Vale or reading through her own correspondence sent to him.
Torrhen found it interesting that he could speak to her on military strategy and his exploits on the battlefield. More so that she was willing to listen, appreciated it even. Lady Sharra frankly revealed that it was wonderful to be treated as an equal, especially since it had only been a few years after her husband’s passing, and that it was ironic that it came from a man whose ways she did not share and also have never actually met. Torrhen was glad, even if he did not fully understand what she meant by that, since he too enjoyed her company.
Torrhen continued to write to Lady Sharra, long into the night, as Sansa peered on him from the gap in the study’s door.
One morning, during breakfast, Torrhen had a thought worming in his mind. What if he welcomed Lady Sharra to Winterfell? What a joy it would be to speak to her in person. Then, before the idea could be expounded, Sansa snaps him out of his daydream. He hoped for the thoughts to go away as soon as his meal was finished but as he departed through the castle’s frigid galleries, they did not.
With enough self-awareness however, he decided it was not the right choice to make. Perhaps another time.
3rd Fourth Moon 7997
The Rillwater Treachery
Torrhen took a ride in Winter Town, the small settlement directly outside Winterfell’s walls, to inspect the goings on of the nearby smallfolk. The town was mostly uninhabited in the summer. While touring the streets, he and his company stopped at the town’s tavern, The Broken Pike, and paid for the drinks of everyone there for the day.
Torrhen and Lord Cley Knott of Arrendell, the Hand of the King, spoke with Lord Cley Northford of North Road, the Master of Coin, on the financial feasibility of recruiting sworn shields for the king’s safety. Torrhen dismissed the idea, proposed by his Hand, believing that Captain Brandon Snow and the household guard provided more than ample security:
Lord Cley Northford left the judgement of necessity to the king and the Lord of Arrendell but offered that the cost would not be unreasonable. He was however keen on reminding his lord of the looming debt to the Iron Bank, something he was already well aware of and did not need further reminding.
Leaving The Broken Pike, he could not help but think of Lord Cley Knott’s concerns. Even though the Bolton affair was months ago, the uncertainty still racked at him, and probably at his Hand too, after he disclosed to him the matter afterwards. The proud Lord of Arrendell even thought it was wise if the king gave stern action against Lord Rodwell Bolton, the Master-at-Arms, and any conspirator who wish to muck the dignity of the throne. Lord Cley Knott believed that because of their work, directly or indirectly, unfounded rumours regarding Torrhen now spread amongst the common folk and the lords of the realm. Torrhen waved this off and rather live and let live. But maybe he should reconsider those sworn shields. Maybe he should consider sending Brandon into hiding.
Before riding back to the castle, Lord Orell Crowl of Deepdown, the Master of Whisperers, appeared from a nearby alleyway without being noticed and signaled Torrhen to speak in private. Lord Orell, who was supposed to be more than 30 leagues away in the Dreadfort, usually sent a trusted confidant to represent him, so his personal presence was grimly noted, and for good reason. He informed Torrhen of yet another confirmed plot to assassinate his firstborn son, this time by Lady Mina Glenmore of Rillwater Crossing, mother of his daughter-in-law, Lia.
This shocked Torrhen deeply. As far as he knew, Lady Mina, Lord Osbert’s wife, has been a personable woman, if not somewhat free-spoken, possibly owing to her peasant origin, and also terribly shy. He met her several times during the wedding but she usually kept to herself and her family. Why would Lady Mina do such a thing?
Lord Orell’s sources said that Lady Mina still held a grudge for the humiliation Brandon had subjected her daughter when he broke off their betrothment. Those same sources suggested Lady Mina can be a vindictive woman, prone to fits of anger behind closed doors.
It was unknown if her sometimes insufferable husband was party to the plot, since Lord Orell did not want to waste any more time after finding out about it.
Torrhen told the Master of Whisperers to do nothing and he quite agreed with the decision. Lady Mina was not a danger to anyone. Time will tell if that would change.
29th Seventh Moon 7997
Lovers in a Dangerous Time
Torrhen and Captain Brandon Snow stormed through the corridors of Winterfell. They have been “requested to attend the small council, with immediate haste”. The small council rarely met in person, so for them to hold an unscheduled meeting is concerning. Unbeknownst to them, and everyone else in the castle, a crisis was unfolding.
Lord Rodwell Bolton of the Dreadfort, the Master-at-Arms said behind closed doors, with all council members, the Captain of the Household Guard, and the king present:
“Guards caught them trying to cross back out of the border. Planned to pay for a ship through the Three Sisters”
Lord Orell Crowl of Deepdown, the Master of Whisperers, begrudgingly corroborated, taking out a number of discrete letters he has discovered and confiscated as soon as word got to him:
“Seems like it isn’t the first time he’d done this...”
Presented to them now was the fact that Rickon Stark had eloped and married a smallfolk girl. Lord Cley Knott of Arrendell, the Hand of the King, demanded to know how the Master-at-Arms’ men knew to arrest them. Was he ordering his men to keep an eye on the king's family?
Is this how the Lord of the Dreadfort conduct himself? Stalking behind alleyways, watching unwary children?
Lord Rodwell confessed that he does, as security is part and parcel of his duty, and that his men in White Harbor were not trying to locate anyone in particular. They simply stumbled upon the two by accident and was suspicious of them and their welfare. He rebutted the Hand of his ways:
Being privy of the safety and security of my lord's heirs? This is the way northmen conduct themselves, something mayhap should have become aware to you after residing in Winterfell long enough.
According to Lord Orell’s discovery, Rickon had successfully crossed back and forth at least twice more before. The correspondence was sent by crow, apparently from the Eyrie’s own rookery. Some of the letters do date from even before he was sent to the Vale, which indicates that the relationship predates his tutorship. Lord Orell rather not speak of the contents of these letters but they are mostly harmless, with only the most recent ones, since the beginning of his tutorship, indicating romance of any kind.
Eddard, a holy man that maintained the godswood in Winterfell, felt such frank talk of the king’s youngest son and his affair was improper but the meek priest was immediately shut down by Lord Hother Cerwyn of Castle Cerwyn, the Master of Laws, who apparently wished to get to the bottom of this. Maester Lancel merely asked for calm at the table.
Torrhen was uncharacteristically quiet, fuming alone in his chair. He finally snapped out of it and simply asked an apparent question:
Lord Orell explained that Bellena’s a smallfolk girl living in a village outside of Winterfell, no one notable. Lord Cley Northford, the Master of Coin, said under his breath:
Rickon was 15, the girl is only a year younger. It seemed they have “married” somehow by the smallfolk’s ways, according to Eddard. He had spoken to Rickon in private, before the meeting. He was in his room, while the girl was placed in a separate chamber.
Lord Cley Knott broke the silence at the table:
“Lord Rickon has, by going behind my lord's back and marrying in seclusion, brought utter shame to House Stark. Could be I’m just an illiterate clansman, but even I know we cannot salt the earth by separating the two, lest the Old Gods curse us all twice. This is simply the truth as it currently stands”
Without uttering aloud, Torrhen knew that, after what has transpired before with Brandon, he must allow his council to discuss on the matter. He must not act alone.
Ultimately, after listening to the opinions of his councilors, he called for Rickon to face them. Before he could do so however, Captain Brandon Snow begged for Torrhen to spare him from hurt. Torrhen reminded him that he has not yet lost his sense of justice, even in such trying times.
Rickon stood in front of the small council, face full of seething arrogance, as the elderly men wait for their king to render judgement. Torrhen, with little hesitation and few words, disinherits Rickon from his worldly possessions as punishment for his actions.
Although Rickon left the council with utter scorn, for most, there was a sigh of relief. It could have gone much worse.
Sansa was angry that her son did all this behind her back, that he could be this cruel to have turned marriage into a circus just because of “true love”, but Sansa was also furious at Torrhen, for punishing his son in such a way, even if he was “his least favourite”. Torrhen dismissed this outrageous claim but knew there was nothing he could do to persuade her otherwise.
It had been a month since Rickon’s arrest. To Torrhen, it felt like a lifetime ago. Since then, there had been no more news from his spymaster on Lord Rodwell Bolton of the Dreadfort, the Master-at-Arms. No more news of Lady Mina Glenmore of Rillwater Crossing. No more plots, only the dull day-to-day of ruling. The dullness was appreciated.
Then, one day, after breakfast, one of the castle hands stormed into the dining hall. Lady Lia Stark was in labour. As the entire castle descended upon her, they waited quietly outside the door, clinging to every tired and painful breath. Then, a cry rang through the windswept halls.
On one quiet, uneventful morning, Torrhen of House Stark, second of his name, was born in Winterfell.
15th First Moon, 7998
Hother’s Blunders
Lord Hother Cerwyn of Castle Cerwyn, the Master of Laws, embarked on the seemingly benign work to improve Torrhen’s reputation amongst his vassals. Although generally liked, the underhanded rumours spread about him have, according to Lord Hother, started to take root.
Lord Hother failed, and failed spectacularly, making things worse. His messages to his fellow lords and ladies of the realm fell on deaf ears and have made them even more convinced of Torrhen’s rumors.
12th Second Moon, 7998
A Melee in North Road
Lord Cley Northfort of North Road, the Master of Coin, invited his king to join a great melee he was organizing. Seeing it as a great diversion, Torrhen accepted the invitation readily.
The great melee promisedd to be an epic one, where many lords of the realm shall meet on the field of combat, as is the Northern tradition.
As Torrhen’s convoy prepared to leave for North Road, a desolate province not too far from The Wall, Lord Orell Crowl of Deepdown, the Master of Whisperers, asked to speak in private. Whenever the Skagosi is spotted, grim news followed. And this news was grim indeed.
Regrettably, Lord Orell informs that he has uncovered yet another plot, still in its infancy, to assassinate Torrhen’s firstborn son likely orchestrated by none other than Lyarra Stark, his own sister. Lord Orell does not know what to do with the information. It baffled him, as it baffles the king, all the same.
He can still remember the days when the kids all play together near the stables, eat together in the dining halls, or tuck each other to sleep at night. Long before they began to go their separate ways. These days, it felt as if they are not related at all.
Torrhen could not imagine what would drive his beloved child to do such a thing. Lyarra and Brandon are on warm terms with each other, there is no reason for her to do this. However, even Lord Orell seemed skeptical by this information. One plot after another, by seemingly unassuming individuals. To him, it didn't add up.
Torrhen ordered Lord Orell to act cautiously and to dissuade her by proxy. The king, for all his might and character, could not bear to face her himself.
It was one thing to deal with strangers, another a wolf in wolf’s clothing.
Hastily, him and his convoy left for North Road. Upon arrival, they were greeted by a day of festivities and preparation. Come dawn, the great melee began.
The initial stages of the melee were utter chaos. Fields were trampled and villages torn down. Here, many have been forced to leave the battle due to injury or defeat, some at Torrhen’s own hand. Fewer and fewer remain.
Torrhen soon engaged with Larence, the fresh-faced Master-at-Arms of Seal Shore. A brilliant commander, the commoner who rose through the ranks to his current role is not known to Torrhen for his personal fighting ability. Encircling him, Torrhen seeks an opportunity.
He saw that Larence, while skilled, possessed an uneven temper. He knew, if he bided his time long enough, the young Master-at-Arms might slip an opening.
Torrhen’s strategy proved fruitful as he took full advantage of it and struck. Unable to stave off against the king’s might, Larence’s armoured head was met with a hit by Torrhen’s sword. Sprawling at his feet, he was at his mercy.
Dropping his greatsword, Larence desperately yielded and Torrhen accepted. Removing himself from the melee to heal his sustained injuries, the king was on the search for his next opponent.
He soon found himself against Brandon, a mysterious stranger to Torrhen whose liege is none other than the Lord of North Road himself. His ruthless skill was relayed throughout the melee, culminating in the unfortunate death of one of his opponents, an equally skilled duelist from Last River.
Torrhen could not be more eager.
Brandon showcased great competence, something Torrhen appreciated in an opponent. However, his competence has given him one weakness Torrhen knew to exploit: pride.
Torrhen tried to overwhelm his masterful defences with intense speed. Brandon felt confident that the king would be sloppy, however he parried his attack and left him defenceless. With an opening, Torrhen grabbed the opportunity.
His guard broken, his legs were swiped by Torrhen’s sword and he fell onto the ground. Even then, Brandon displayed little fear. Yet, he yielded and removed himself from the melee. Again victorious, Torrhen knew there were few left for him to defeat.
It was not too long before he arrived to someone he did recognize. Eddarion of House Knott is the fiery-haired son of Lord Cley the Knott of Arrendell, the Hand of the King. The young man, barely older than Torrhen’s own, was not in the best of shape. Injured and weary, Eddarion was only fuelled by righteous passion to stay in the fight. Torrhen could not help but respect that.
The only thing that crossed his mind was how much he reminded him of his sons and how fair is it for a seasoned fighter twice his age, barely winded, would be to stare down what was essentially a lame duck. One that has proven himself more than worthy but a lame duck nonetheless.
The boy could barely see who he was fighting with a black eye and twisted wrist. Torrhen did not need to do much of anything. Waiting for him to tire out would be more than enough, without inflicting unnecessary hurt on Lord Cley’s son while sparing his pride.
As expected, Eddarion’s last attacks were sluggish and imprecise and with one swift shove, he fell to the ground. Expecting the dazed hill clansman to yield, he unsurprisingly did not. With his axe, he rose to his feet.
Torrhen said:
“I respected your tenacity, son of Arrendell. Now, I cannot help but admire it”
Torrhen knew that Eddarion has not made much effort to defend his wounds, a vulnerability he could exploit. But he did not. He allowed the Knott to try again.
And tried he did. However, it was not long until Torrhen had an opportunity and smacked the man with his pommel, once again sending him to the ground.
In his last breaths, Eddarion yielded and Torrhen gladly accepted. Passing out, he was carried off by his servants.
The melee was reaching its end.
Torrhen was ambushed by Harwood of House Lake, an only somewhat competent fighter who was coincidentally a Commander of Lonely Hills. Harwood was soon wrought by fear as he realized who he had attacked.
Using his overwhelmingly superior skill, Torrhen speedily rushed him with attacks. Breaking his defences immediately, one good kick in the shin sent Harwood crumbling. The man yielded just as easily.
After all that, he found it darkly humorous that Harwood was one of the last to survive, out of all the many masters of warfare that joined the melee.
As the last on the battlefield, Torrhen was undisputed winner of the Great Melee of North Road 7998.
Returning as a proud victor, the king’s already outstanding reputation as a fighter was further solidified in the hearts and minds of the North.
7th Fourth Moon, 7998
The Man in the Moon – Part II
After his stunning victory at the Great Melee of North Road 7998, Torrhen was enjoying himself. While the melee was not necessarily a prestigious one in its own right, it earned prestige for being the king’s first one after his succession. Yet, thoughts of his daughter and the treachery exposed weighed heavily on his mind.
A thought came to him. He must write to his friend, Sharra.
Writing of his exploits, Lady Sharra replied back with beaming joy over his victory and was captivated in the stories he told her. Of the mysterious Brandon from North Road, of the irate Larence and meek Harwood, and of the foolhardy Eddarion of House Knott. Lady Sharra did not realize how such brutal combat could swell with such emotion. Writing of his burdens, Lady Sharra offered her shoulder. A warm comfort in the cold heart of darkness.
Since his return, Torrhen barely told his wife, Sansa Dustin, anything. She did not find such frivolities as captivating. But she also did not find her husband’s private correspondence with the southron captivating either.
Behind closed doors, the two began to drift away from each other from the day they were wedded. Torrhen’s succession only widened the rift. He found Sansa to be selfish, arbitrary, and deceitful, while Sansa found Torrhen to be insufferable and emotionally stunted.
Despite their differences, the two were committed to ensure the stability of the Northern throne remain resolute. It was their duty to do so, as it has been for all that came before them. But even then, in the corners of their hearts, the rift did not stop growing.
And that's really it, unfortunately. The save corrupted just when things were starting to roll.
I did learn a lot while doing this, so I will be using those lessons in up and coming fresh AARs, likely for CK3 and maybe Stellaris/EU4.
Who knows what the future hold. Thanks for the support and see you next time!
