House Starkwood

## Background

The history of House Starkwood is a recent one, in this regard there similar to there rivals the Redwaters in gaining power before the War but only really rising to prominence at its offset. it was founded by Artos Starkwood, a long forgotten Stark, who lived his early live in the Wolfswood fighting wildlings, in one of those skirmishes he fought along some warriors of House Woods a noble house of the Wolfswood, after the battle he married the last survivor of House Woods, Bethany Woods, with this marriage Artos founded House Starkwood gaining the support of some houses of the Wolfswood such as House Branch and House Bole and maintaining a good relationship with the other houses of the Wolfswood such as house Wolf, house Forrester and House Glover. House Starkwood grew fast as a well known house in the north, appreciated and respected by the northerners, with many of them joining House Starkwood.

Artos found “Northern fury” a two handed sword made of a rare metal in the crypts of Winterfell, although he was never saw as a Stark even before founding his own house, no one opposed him when he claimed the sword for his own, viewing the weirwood tree engraved in the sword´s pommel, he decided to use the weirwood tree as his banner, and settled his family and house in the ruins of a castle longer forgotten made in the age of heroes north of the Wolfswood, he reconstructed the fortress and named it Starkwood Keep, there he brought his man´s families and he let them settle in the land nearby.

Artos the current lord uses “Northern fury” only for executions, duels and some important battles, the rest of the time he wields his two handed axe “Frostbiter”. A cadet branch of the house like the Karstarks, but lead by a man like Artos his house saw its focus on many other things, namely defending the North from any and all enemies, to that end Artos fostered relations with the men of the South who sat on the border of the Northern territories to avoid any hostilities and defending the the wall much like his father was known for. He and Bethany gave birth to many children 2 sons and 4 daughters all of whom Artos wanted to each his policies with. Artos frequent travels down south did give him a not unwarranted reputation for being "More southern then Northern." but Artos felt the two sides being friendly to each other was necessary. Artos first taste of war came from the Greyjoy Rebellion where he was in the Riverlands and helped Seaguard fend off the the Ironborn invasion. The Houses first battle was the long siege of Pyke where Artos learned many of the tactics he would keep for the duration of his life, though he wouldnt have any notable moments of leadership during the siege itself. Artos once again remained in relative solitude building relations when the War of Five kings broke out. His anger the Lannisters treachery saw him willing to thrust himself into battle, where he was part of the foot at the Battle of the Green Fork, but the defeat, made him wary of Roose Bolton who made botched the moment to strike and got many of his friends captured. His unease with the situation only grew with Robb Stark being crowned King and Roose being given control of a sizable amount of Robb's army Artos pulled back, wanting to dedicate his time to protecting the North itself while making a case for an alliance with one of the Baratheon brothers. His return proved fruitful for the North when the Greyjoy's rebelled again and Artos was able to repel an attack on Winterfell and other locations but the war on two fronts caused the North to soon be pushed mostly out of the Riverlands and Artos began making overtures to ally with others more openly, this made him less popular with his Northern allies who wanted nothing to do with anything not in there grasp already. Infuriated by the lack of progress and fearing that they would be stuck unable to fight the real enemy of the Lannisters with the greyjoys focused solely on them Artos and a few other's began making alliances with the Brightflames who had been friendly to them under there King Baelor, after his victory over Stannis, unfortunately this contact soon ceased after the North briefly clashed over Maidenpool with Baelor where House Starkwood was trying to play mediator, though his actions did make a peace happen soon afterwards it cost the Starks the town, an action Artos knew set him back with Robb for a long time. Still now that contact was established Artos was quick to take action, backing the Brightflames he helped in there fight against Aegon and even was fighting alongside them when they attacked King's Landing finally eager to make the murderers of the well respected Ned Stark pay. House Starkwood would remain a stout ally of the king despite being based in the North, and was the first Northern house to openly recongize the King's Rule.

## Early Years in the Brightflame era.

With the North and the Brightflames allies Artos was the most helpful of the Starks bannerman, once again invovling himself in the politics in the south and marrying off his daughters to friends and allies he had made. the most prominent marriage was Alysanne Starkwood his eldest daughter to Arthur Whent, an alliance that would define much of the Whent's political ramifications for years to come and Artos participation in Southern affairs. Layla and Gilliane were also married in time (And on the same day) to Derrick Esterold and Zelos Wilder. Derrick being from a proud house that further strengthened there ties and Zelos being a newly lorded man himself by King Daeron assuring that the house would have Starkwood loyalties as it grew. He many times tried to get young Alys to marry but her rowdy behavior often made it hard the few times he got close such as with Robb Griften the young man himself was the one to break things off (To pursue Seles the sister of Artos Son-in-law) but soon the Starkwoods properly integrated themselves into the south. The Starkwoods power came especially useful when the North returned to the Iron Islands alongside House Brightflame (The peak of the alliance between the two) as they slowly took over the islands, Artos was trusted with a part of Robb's army so Rickard his eldest son and heir was leading the Starkwood forces himself. After the war with the Greyjoys was done artos returned home rather then continue fighting in the direct war, as King Daeron no longer had need of his armies. Instead he would soon found himself turning House starkwoods resources to the many internal conflicts in Daeron's growing Kingdom, namely the growing power of the Redwaters and there influence in how they used it. House Starkwood and House Redwater were initially fast friends especially before House Brightflame arrived as they both agreed that the war could be conducted better (Artos for his want of allies, Jory for his disapproval of war in general) and quickly rose up the ranks in the eyes of the king of the Iron throne, so much so that Jory was made wartime hand of the King. Artos initially fully supported this decision trusting that Jory had his head on straight and the desire to help people, but while that may have been true at first Jory proved that the desire to help people and an iron will didnt help much if you lacked knowledge in what you were doing. Jory pushed reforms for the smallfolk through often without consulting others and often that unwittingly limited things the Lords could do when they needed it (It was a war and while not all were opposed to reforms things were often moving too quickly to properly establish) and when pressed on it he often reacted negatively to opposition, especially when it came from lords, so often even Artos wasnt able to get on his side, and often times the peace time hand would bring these changes to a halt. While the two houses didnt clash over these issues it did cause tensions that lead to having a sour opinion of the other house, especially when Jory began to question the allegiance of House Starkwood since they were primarily based in the North and thus still likely to be loyal to Robb, whereas other houses like the Blackwolves had fully pledged and located there forces. These accusations coming from one as powerful as Jory did a lot of unintended damage to Artos' standing with people and House Starkwood was often seen as a spy or liaison to House stark rather then an ally to the Brightflames. The first real conflict came from when the Redwaters turned on the Whents during the Yellow Wedding and the fallout from that in the Red Sand crisis where Artos crossed blade with the man after his trail and was arrested by the Wilder forces. Rickard mobilized with Lord Privat to make Jory pay, only being held off by the negotiation efforts of his loyal vassal Rickard Greywinde and his cousin Robin Redwater, but the tensions were clear as Rickard was ready and willing to siege the tower of the Hand to get to Jory.

After that former friendships were hard to salvage and House Starkwood became enemies to the Redwaters on many battlefields, the first being the Henning civil war where they both backed different Hennings, the Starkwoods supporting Visenya (Who married Oswell Whent and by extension was considered family) and the Redwaters supported Chrisarys Stormfyre (Who pledged himself to Jory) while they would cross blows when Rheagon Henning's faction became the bigger threat they took no issue fighting alongside each other again and claiming Rheagon's head. The houses armies would again be enemies in Jory's call to arrest Lord Darkstar and Shamus Blackwolf, Artos friend who Artos immediately declared open war against the Redwaters to aid. The war known as the Black Rebellion was the first major civil war in Brightflames history and saw Artos fight in two more battles, he and his son Osric were pushed back when trying to link up with the Darkstars, though they weren't trapped and able to escape allowing the Starkwoods to circle back and attack the Redwaters again during the biggest battle of the conflict and forcing Jory to sue for peace and let Shamus walk (They were unable to do the same for Rickon Darkstar who took the black). House Starkwood would suffer a far worse indignity after the Ambush of the Whent Convoy where the Redwaters routed The Whents entire army and rounded up all of there family members before exiling them, except the women who were made to be silent sisters for there treachery in the Rebellion. An unfortunate situation but not an inappropriate one given the vows they broke, the only one spared was Alysanne Starkwood, now Whent who escaped the ambush and traveled North to her family, when Artos found out about it he was furious since the exile included his grandkids, he offered his daughter sanctuary and dared anyone who wanted to see her exiled to come to his castle to take her. None took the offer and Alysanne stayed away from her family but in far safer grounds.

## Growing conflict and A Dark Winter.

The Starkwoods had grown bolder in the years and with tensions rising the warrior based House was not afraid to bring there might down on any enemy of there house, however much the slight may not have needed it. Nevertheless the Starkwoods started to see some measure of growth as many of the marriages they made produced many kids that saw the family rapidly expand, despite the Whents exile they had gained the support of many houses in the regions especially the riverlands where most of there extended family lived around. Though this did much for improving the houses standing in the south there work in the North was a bit troublesome, as while they had a few friends here and there not many in powerful positions, and the only organization that fully respected them was the rapidly deteriorating Nights Watch, which the House constantly supplied when they could. They had not fully wiped away there reputation as southerners living in the North and in many cases that sentiment only increased with there constant involvement in the wars there, the Black Rebellion was only the first. Though they avoided any war over the Whents removal they would come to aid the joint Brightflame/Lyseni fleets in the Battle of the Broken Arm against the growing pirate scourge in a complete victory for the allies as they decimated the pirates. Following this victory and Haywin's ascension to lordship over a part of the Stepstones when Haywin declared his intention to go independent and take all of the available Stepstone islands and form his own Kingdom to further crush the piracy in the area House starkwood once again joined this cause against an enemy of everyone. Rickard and Osric were leading separate parts of the Starkwood forces that split off once Haywin sent Daniel to go and take the skulls after the taking of Bloodstone, and both were there to witness the crowning of the new king, though neither man was aware of the trouble that him becoming king would entail for them.

House Starkwood would again see relative peace until the 5th Siege of Hen Hill saw them thrust back into another Brightflame war, joining Chrisarys, mostly because of there friendship with Daniel saw Rickard again join the fray despite some hesitation from his father who knew that the Whents were on the opposing side and didnt want family, even extended family in his families crosshairs. His fear were further proven when during the brutal siege Rodrick Whent was killed, and the one responsible was never known (not a knight or lord) and Artos had to wonder if his son and his men had any involvement. While the siege helped Rickard with his confidence leading men more it did little for there relations with the Redwaters which had fallen even further with almost no sense of friendship between them. And it had hurt there relations with the North as they feared such direct opposition threatened peace between them and the North. A fear that would only grow when House Starkwood had fallen against them a second time in the Sunfyre Rebellion of 303. This time Artos was protecting the Kingdom of the Stepstones against the aggression of Rheagon Sunfyre backed by the Redwater might. The war didnt see much particpation from him until the end but artos and his vassal Robb Griften fought alongside the Stepstone lords and there King to drive the Redwaters back, though they had eventually give the lands to Rheagon anyway when he and Haywin made a deal. Despite this House Starkwood was given a measure of respect in the North despite some doubts being known, as for once they had fought to curb the growing expansion of the Brightflames, the first real show they had made that he wasnt just a Brightflame toady. (King Daeron for his part also didnt approve of the invasion either as he felt it was needless aggression against an ally but the North had not known that) From there many in there family had split off in there own ways, Rickard stayed in the North ruling in his fathers place while Osric left to travel with his friend Lord Quickgold, Alyse Starkwood the only one daughter not married went to Essos to travel the world while Artos would remain in the south for a few meetings tourneys and feasts while he tried to spread of ale business in the south. Artos would gather some of his forces to help Rheagon in the Sack of Tyrosh (Only to maintain the aid he promised the stepstones not out of love for Rhaegon) but around this time issues in King's Landing with the Gold Cloaks had caught his attention, while his son in law was trying to handle things Artos sent 50 of his Winter sons to help him in what would be known as the Battle of the Gold Cloaks, and when the Starkwoods had heard of just how devastating the battle was Rickard sent aid and Artos brought his men from the tyrosh skirmish to make sure that they were there if needed.

Making sure matters after the battle (and the hunt that followed) took up most of Artos' time and soon after all that when he just returned home he had heard of a bitter war breaking out between the Verdants and the Lashes. House Starkwood quickly raised its banners once more though not as much as last time for they had no desire to put too many men in this effort. The Starkwoods instead fought at Castle Claw where they captured the Lash fortress in the North, another move that seemed to impress people of the North as it removed a Brightflame stronghold in there area and increased the holdings of the starkwoods. They sent some men south to assist further but they were mostly pushed back until the Lashes were forced into retreat and eventual defeat by the Darkspears. Not only did the Starkwoods fight on the winning side, giving them rewards by the rich Verdants that helped there stock they also grew in support in the North for weakening House Brightflames most powerful vassal and securing the North for them. Sadly this moment of joy would not last, for sometime later the events known as the 4 trials would be started. Artos and Rickard participated in these trials with Rickard going to Dorne to help be apart of the group that had been tasked with saving the princess, and Artos would help in the North to be apart of the mission to find dark sister, unfortunately this mission would change the landscape of Westeros and change House Starkwood more then anything else before. In Dorne Rickard stayed back initially before sneaking in alongside the rest of his compatriots, he joined Ethan Lashes ill thought out plan to attack during the execution and when it backfired and the princess had her throat cut Rickard was the one to rush in and bring her to a healer in the time she needed to survive the near fatal accident. Rickard was imprisoned alongside the others but the attack had made Princess ariane the leader of the uprising see that it had done nothing but assure more death for her people and she surrendered, causing to mission to succeed but ona rather bittersweet note.

In the North the bitter would follow there family further, though Artos was true aid to his allies in the North and helped at Mole's town against the Wildlings not even he could have prepared them for the sight of the Nights watch or the army of Wildlings in there way. Artos efforts at Battle of Castle Black saw him add Giantsbane to his list of accolades but still saw the Nights Watch break and retreat allowing the Wildlings into the North, Artos had failed to protect his people from the threat north of the wall, and barely had time to feel regret before there party was attacked south of it. This time not by Wildlings but Boltons lead by Ramsey Snow, bastard son of Roose Bolton, his reasons are unknown (The men he captured suspected he wanted a war between the North and the Brightflames) but he took Dark sister and two of there friends before running off. Artos determined not to let the mission be a complete failure went home and gathered a part of his army to go help in saving them, alongside others who had gained a few allies to match Ramsey, but the bastard proved more clever then he looked, setting things up so the whole North would know Artos turned his blade on another Northmen and making it look unprovoked, by then there was no chance of changing course and the Battle of the Dreadfort began in earnest. the Starkwoods killed many and they and there allies routed the Boltons completely capturing and then killing Ramsey for there efforts, but Artos stayed behind knowing that Ramsey's ploy would soon be heard by all. Artos actions ensured that the sword and there friends were saved but as he feared King Robb Stark was soon knocking on his door. Though he tried to explain himself either through Robb's inexperience or because he was pressured by his more important vassals Robb declared Artos a traitor and gave him a week to clear out or be cut down. House Starkwood was exiled from there own home, news that devastated Artos but he honored it preparing to leave, he ordered any man that wished to stay could denounce him and go home, many did if only because they had no desire to clear out of the North entirely but some remained, especially his Winter Sons who vowed to stay with the starkwoods anywhere. The Week was not over before Roose sought revenge attacking the Starkwoods before they had fully evacuated, some remained to make sure all of the important people left but the Fall of Starkwood Keep saw Artos castle fall into disarray as the Boltons showed no mercy and left it a pile of rubble when they were done, and House Starkwood would never again regain that home.

## Sunset Hall and the League of First Men

In a matter of Months the Starkwoods had been stripped of most of there power and there great army reduced to a mere fraction of its former force. It was a great fortune none of the Starkwoods still living in the North were young as Artos and Rickard were able to adjust. Going to the King they pledged themselves fully to him and House Brightflame they were allowed to stay in the South and build a small fort to house there men until they could return home. However House Starkwood despite there loss of military might soon gained in political power as the war against the North started and saw the Stark loyalists attacked on two fronts many were finding the call t war not to there favor and many in the North secretly contacted Artos for advice, sensing an opportunity to see the growth in relations he always wanted Artos began speaking with many of the Lords in the North and the Lords he knew in the south setting up alliances between them all and forming what would be known as the League of the First men, worshippers of the Old Gods who would ensure proper defense of the North while mainting peace and friendship with the South. With this coalition Artos helped launch his own campaign in the North alongside the King hitting the North but mostly focusing his efforts on the Wildling threat to avoid having to kill former comrades as much as possible. The Starkwoods hit the forces of Mance Rayder often and pushed them back many times, losing only a few battles in return and ensuring the King had an easier time making it through the tough winter terrain. Once they were far enough in King Daeron rewarded the starkwoods with new land for a new keep after Starkwood keeps damages were assessed to be too costly for repairs. Artos accepted and soon made Sunset Hall beginning the slow build of it in 304.

However the Starkwoods would not see the end of the war in the North, for soon the Darkspear Rebellion began and artos left first to try and talk sense into Haywin at the Council of Myr, and after failing that he pulled most of his forces back (Which by this point weren't much given the last of his means to pay the army he once had) and assisted in covering the kings rear against what he feared was a greater threat. Indeed like Zelos who considered Haywin the greatest threat King Daeron had ever faced, artos likewise knew underestimating the former sellsword would be costly and cursed as he heard of Haywins early victories in the war. He marched straight to King's Landing which was Haywins primary target and arrived just in time for the bloody Battle for Kings Landing, Artos' forces weren't able to turn the tides of battle alone but his arrival helped stall the Darkspear troops from complete victory long enough for other reinforcements to do so. The battle was a drain on his remaining 413 troops and so Artos instead remained at King's Landing to enforce it as he no longer had the manpower to assist as a solo entity. There he waited and received important updates on the war and helped a council of generals plan out what to do next. Mostly they supported Ian Dayne's campaign to the stepstones as it was in the best position to do so, though eventually Rickard Starkwood went back North when he heard of the bandits invading the area of Wild's Den taking 182 of Artos soldiers with him, with his fathers blessing to aid there extended family. Artos would end up boarding the boat of Rovos Reaver and taking the rest of his men to Bloodstone after Ian's forces had cleared enough of a path to assist. Thus House Starkwood saw battle in both the Siege of Wilds Den and the infamous Battle of Bloodstone, Rickard,s part in Wild's Den helped him end the Swine King and drive the Bandits back for good before staying to protect the castle for the rest of the year while Artos had his men fight in the thick of the battle to get to Haywin's castle. Artos assited in killing the traitor Henning Lord Arthur before taking out one of Haywin's kingsguard Aerin Paxton, saving his friend Rovos life in the process though the battle saw far worse casualties for the Starkwoods as only 5 of his men survived the battle and for the first time artos doubted his skills as a leader.

## Post Rebellion Growth

For the next year Rickard ruled Sunset Hall while his father remained either in Dorne or in the south trying to gain the resources to allow the Starkwoods new Keep to grow and because he as helping the ties of the League of the First men which Artos saw as his best chance for growth in the North. House Starkwood wouldnt use there armies for much after the war in the North ended, not even helping in the Vale or in minor conflicts down south, but they did help slowly regain the wall from the Wildlings after its fall, with Artos being involved in many of the major battles to bring the rest into submission. In personal glory Osric would help uncover the Whent plot and help put down the minor Whent Rebellion to prevent any major struggles for the Stepstones, in doing so Daniel Youngflower rewarded him the Whents former land making Osric lord of Last Refuge, with the Starkwoods now in control of two castles it helped Sunset Hall get the necessary trade routes it needed to further its small expansion.