House Karstark

Lord of Karhold

The noble house of Karstark came into being as a cadet branch of House Stark. After defeating a rebel lord, Karlon Stark - a son of Lord Stark - was granted his own holdfast which he called Karl's Hold. Generations later, Karl's hold had simply become Karhold, and the Starks of Karhold became the Karstarks. The two families are kin - Stark and Karstark, and many marriages and alliances hold true between the two families.

### War for the Dawn

Following her marriage to Sigorn - the Magnar of Thenn - Alys Karstark and Sigorn regain control of Karhold, and after the execution of Arnolf Karstark, declare for Stannis. However, his army is defeated at Winterfell and the Karstark soldiers and Thenn soldiers that were sent to aid him slain. Cregan Karstark and his men take the Black after hearing of Jon Snow's resurrection and serve in the Night's Watch for many years. Harrion Karstark and a contingent of Northmen break out of Maidenpool in the aftermath of Mace Tyrell's retreat to Highgarden and Randyll Tarly's forces being forced to pull back. Harrion reaches White Harbor after many adventures just in time to be received by Lord Manderly. He agrees to lend house Karstark's support to the Manderly rebellion - not knowing that their forces were nearly obliterated during Stannis' defeat. Though the support they can offer is minimal, House Karstark supports the rebellion how they can, eventually helping to defeat the Boltons. But all is not over yet. Harrion Hastily marries a daughter of Lord Wull, and participates in the battle against the others. After the defeat of the Others, Harrion confirms his loyalty to House Stark. Alys and Sigorn settle in the gift, and Harrion has three children. His eldest son Robb continues his line.

### The Second Targaryen Reign

After Harrion's death in 333, Robb Karstark begins his reign. The hanged man's winter is difficult for the smallfolk on the Karstark lands, but the people there are hearty and are used to the cold.Still, the lands are not prepared for this severe a frost. Robb helps ration food to his smallfolk from his own larders, and the Lands of Karstark manage to survive - with many deaths among the young and the old. Robb's eldest son Brandon is born in 325, marries a Karstark cousin, and has a son named Eddard. Eddard becomes Lord in 355 after Brandon dies of a wound sustained fighting wildling marauders in the gift. Eddard is a young Lord, and still unmarried when he takes control. Eventually a marriage is secured for the young Lord, and in 362 his first child - Lysara - is born. After her comes Torrhen in 364, Rodrik in 366, Brandon in 369 and Rickard in 371. Eddard's rule is just and fair, and although he raises the tribute his smallfolk pay him, he hosts no fancy feasts or exciting hunts. Surplus food is stored for the winter in greater amounts than it had before, and come the next snows, the people pull through. Eddard's brother is killed by wildling raiders in 376, and he takes note of the increasingly brazen attacks by the marauding bands. In 380 when conscription begins in the Night's Watch, Eddard is supportive of the move. He encourages folk to join and serve their five. House Karstark is stronger than it has been in almost a century. Eddard dies in 391 and his son Torrhen takes the Lordship. Torrhen is more a warrior than his father was. His rule is more harsh, but just.

### War of the Four Daughters

Torrhen Karstark is a violent man, and begs Lord Stark to send forces to fight when the war begins. As soon as he receives word that Lord Stark has called his banners, Torrhen calls forth his own levies. His troops march to White Harbor to join the main host, and leave for Essos. The main line Karstarks who go to Essos are Torrhen, his brothers Rodrik and Rickard, his sons Donnor and Karlon and his bastard nephew Konrad snow. Each man has their own thoughts on the war. Torrhen deems himself prepared for what is to come, as is his brother Rickard. Rodrik and Karlon do not wish to fight in a war that should be of no concern to the North and resent Torrhen for pushing it, while Donnor does not believe the war to be necessary at all. Konrad Snow however, is looking forward to the killing. Ultimately Rickard and Karlon are killed, and the armies of Westeros defeated. Lord Torrhen is badly wounded, but refuses to let the Karstark banners be lowered.

### A Ballad in Blood

At the loss of a brother and son, Torrhen begins drinking heavier than he had previously, and hitting his wife becomes more and more common. Donnor does not wish to be around his father, deeming him responsible for their loses in the war, and departs for White Harbor. Before he leaves, the lord and heir have a vicious falling out. Punches are thrown, and swords drawn. Donnor leaves, vowing not to return. In this time, Torrhen and his nephew Konrad bond over war stories, and Torrhen becomes a true father figure to the bastard. Some time later, Torrhen recieves a letter from Donnor, claiming to wish to reconcile, and to meet in White Harbor. Torrhen takes him up on this offer, and leaves for the Northern Port. But when he arrives, Donnor is nowhere to be seen. Furious, Torrhen returns home. Weeks later, Torrhen receives word that a fisherman found a body of a man of House Karstark on the banks of the last river, with a knife in his hand. Torrhen becomes enraged, and he and Konrad snow depart for Winterfell to demand Lord Stark help them find the culprit.

## Traits

The men of House Karstark are big and fierce, with great beards and manes of scraggly dark hair. The folk of the Karstark lands are hearty, and those who dwell within their domain are hunters and trappers.

## Seat

Karhold is a strong castle near the Grey Cliffs. The fortress itself is situated on a ridge over looking a deep crag and surrounded by a dense forest that stretches for many miles. The main gates to the castle fly two banners, the wolf of Stark and the white sun of Karstark. The main gates are connected to stout outer wall lower on the ridge. Through the gates, a dirt road leads to the main courtyard and other buildings. A modest stable, larder and smithy - as well as the entrance to the keep - are the main points of note within the courtyard. The keep itself is square, and has a round tower in each corner, each higher than the last and offering a good view of the surrounding area. There are Four levels to the main building, and all towers can be accessed from each. The basement houses the kitchens, a small barracks and a jail cell, the first floor a guest room and servants quarters, the second floor a hall and balcony, the third floor the Lord and his families quarters, and on the final floor is another area for guardsmen to watch from.

## Family Tree

http://www.familyecho.com/?p=START&c=uwkjh7w0ta&f=482076587104535679