Torrhen Forrester

ca. 98 AC

ca. 130 AC

Torrhen Forrester is the eldest son of Lord Desmond Forrester and the current Lord of Ironrath and High Justicar of the North.

## Appearance

Torrhen is the opposite of his father in almost every way physically. He is tall and strong of body. Blue eyes and hair of brown. He is stoic and focused on the battlefield but boisterous and outgoing in life.

In his older years not much has changed. He has a few more wrinkles on his face and his hair and beard have started to turn grey.

## History

### Early Years:

Torrhen was born in the year 72 AC, three years before his father took over as Lord of Ironrath. As he grew up he learned the interworkings of their holdings through his father. It was also very clear that he and his father had two very different views on life.
Torrhen was found most of the time in his youth on the training grounds. He very quickly became the best swordsman in Ironrath. His sister, Sansa, approached him to help train her with daggers. Through the time they spent together they grew very close.

### Secrets Shared:

The siblings became even closer when Sansa poisoned the man she was betrothed to. The older Lord was not kind to her and when it became clear that her life would be ruined with their marriage she took matters into her own hands. Not wanting to lose his sister Torrhen covered up the death of the Lord as training accident by giving the body grievous wounds.

### Forbidden Love:

The Year 86 AC set Torrhen on the path of a life changing event. Torrhen met Gwyn Whitehill at Winterfell during one of the many meeting that were held during the rough winter. The two quickly fell in love and even after both returning to their homes, Torrhen would travel many night through the Wolfswood to meet with her. One of the nights he was traveling home Sansa came from the shadows. She had noticed him leaving for some time and finally followed him. Torrhen asked her to keep his secret which she did.

The secret love affair continued for years and soon Torrhen said they he didn't want to hide anymore. He asked Gwyn to marry him and she said yes. Before they could be married though Gwyn became pregnant and through her fear of being unwed and with child she told her father.  Lord Whitehill accused Torrhen of raping Gwyn and impregnating her with a bastard. When word come back to Desmond he told Torrhen to tell him the truth. When Torrhen told Desmond that he planned to marry the Whitehill girl even before she was pregnant he struck his son in anger.

In 91 AC news came that the child, a boy, was born. Torrhen begged his father to try and end the feud between the Houses. That the child was made from love and that his marriage to the Gwyn could unite the Houses. Reluctantly Desmond sent a raven to Highpoint. The answer was simple. Gwyn claimed that Torrhen did rape her. That she never loved him and when she told Torrhen this he lashed out. Lord Whitehill said that no Forrester bastard would be allowed in Highpoint and the child was dealt with. Lord Whitehill did not say if the child was alive or simply sent away.

### Hopeless Wanderer:

Torrhen's relationship with is father was strained at best after this. House Forrester and House Whitehill were at the brink of war. Although Lord Desmond said he believed his son, Torrhen knew that his father still blamed him.

He attended the tourney at White Harbor and tried to speak to Lord Whitehill. To claim his innocence and declare his love to Gwyn. This would never come as Karstark lands were attacked by a band of pirates. Torrhen traveled with the men to fight back against Blackvein and was one of men who fought on the shores of Skagosi.

Following the battle he did not return to Ironrath with the other Forrester men, instead Torrhen continued North and spent some time at the Wall with his Uncle Rodrick, who was a Ranger of the Night's Watch. Torrhen battled with the idea of taking the black as well but was talked out of it by his Uncle. Rodrick said that he would be simply running from his problems. Torrhen decided that it was time to face his past. He would return home and speak to his father. He knew that his son was alive and would not rest until he was reunited with him and his love.

### Wedding at Barrowton:

Torrhen and his father reconciled their differences during the wedding at Barrowton. Torrhen tells his father that he is ready to become the man his father wanted him to be. Desmond states that he is already more than that man he hoped he would be.

During his time in Barrowton Torrhen met two women who would help shape the rest of his life, Gysella Goodbrother and Dacey Mormont.

On the first night in the city Torrhen was drinking in a tavern when he was joined by Lady Gysella Goodbrother. The two shared an evening together exchanging tales of their past. The evening eventually turned into a night shared together and Gysella told Torrhen that he should find her on her ship to learn how to sail.

A few days later he met Dacey Mormont while training in the sparring yards. The two fought and although Torrhen was bested, he and Dacey struck up a quick friendship and the pair could often be found training together.

During this time Torrhen went to the the manse that the Whitehills were staying in. He tried to plead his case to them to allow them to see his son. Lord Whitehill's son refuses to even let his father know that Torrhen was there and states that the only reason he didn't kill the Forrester was that it would be a slight against House Dustin. After leaving the manse Torrhen made his way straight to Gysella's ship and the two spent some time at sea alone.

### Preparing for War:

The North learned of a plot by Edmyn Tully, using the help of a Dornish mercenary, to blackmail the North for the kidnapping of Lady Agnes Tully. King Stark called his banners to Barrowton to act as a staging point if war was called. The North tried to avoid this by sending word south to the Dragon King. Word would not be sent fast enough as the Riverland forces invaded and captured the Keep of Flint's Finger. Torrhen learned from his father that their own realm was not the only in crisis. The Iron Islands, under the command of Lady Blacktyde had been fighting the Royal Fleet and seemed to be winning. Torrhen used his connection with Gysella to get more information on the matter.

The Dragon King did order for the Riverlands to stand down and return to their own lands. It is unknown if the order fell on deaf ears or if Edmyn Tully truly was acting alone. The North struck a quick counter when the Northern Fleet, led by Lord Dustin and help from his new bride's family, found and completely routed the ships the Riverlanders had brought leaving them stranded in Flint's Finger. In the Third Moon of 99 A.C Tully left Flint's Finger in disguise to scout on the Northern forces in Barrowton. He may have been successful had his fahter's spies in the Riverland army not reported this allowing for a trap to be set. Tully was discovered when he entered Barrowton but was able to escape into the wilderness around the city. King Stark sent me out to find him, which they did, but before Edmyn could be brought in for questioning he committed suicide.

### Time At Sea:

Following the end of the threats from the Riverlands Desmond sent Torrhen to accompany Lady Goodbrother in the Iron Fleet. He wanted Torrhen to be his eyes and ears in the Iron Fleet and learn what he could of the North's new ally, Queen Sigrun Blacktyde. While sailing Gysella confided in Torrhen that civil war would soon be taking place in the Iron Islands. Although her son Dalton was following the new Queen, Gysella had her doubts if this warmongering "Shieldmaiden" was the right choice to lead them. Torrhen sent word of this back to his father who told his son to learn all he could of this potential unrest.

Torrhen was there when the Royal Fleet had beaten the Iron Fleet at sea. After the battle they were able to get away and make their way back North. Torrhen sent word to his father about the battle and how Queen Blacktyde had been missing. During the return trip Torrhen and Gysella spoke of wanting a life together. It was here that they agreed to marry. Gysella said she would come to stay with Torrhen in Ironrath, leaving House Goodbrother in her son Dalton's command. Gysella returned Torrhen to the shores near Deepwood Motte and said she needed to return home to attend to affairs before coming to stay in Ironrath.

### Finding His Son:

Upon Torrhen's return to Ironrath, he told his family that he and Lady Goodbrother had agreed to marry. Torrhen informed his father that it was time for all of their family to come home. A small group of men left Ironrath for Highpoint and soon found themselves outside of the Keep's walls. Torrhen stepped forward and spoke to Lord Whitehill. He told the Lord that he had come to terms that he would never be able to win his daughter back, but that didn't mean he was leaving without his son, his blood. At first Lord Whitehill argued against it but Desmond assured him that the matter would not be settled until the boy returned to Ironrath with Torrhen and that Desmond didn't want to bring the matter to the King's attention but if that is what Whitehill wanted he couldn't avoid it. Lord Whitehill finally gave in and despite the pleas from his daughter sent Jason Snow out to the party.

The boy was now eight years old and a striking resemblance of his father. Desmond put his arm around the boy as Torrhen turned to Gwyn Whitehill. He told her that he was not taking him from her for good. That he was not like the Lord Whitehill. Gwyn could come and see their son whenever she wanted. And when the boy was six and ten that he would be old enough to decide for himself where he wanted to be. With that the Forresters left and returned to Ironrath.

### Becoming a Father, Becoming a Lord:

Torrhen spent much of his time leading up to his marriage with his son. The two had eight years to make up on. The two took to each other very quickly and Torrhen had to work with his son to not harbor any ill feelings towards his mother.

The wedding of Torrhen and Gysella was a grand time for House Forrester. It was made even better when Torrhen's father legitimized Jason and named him as Torrhen's Heir.

Torrhen, Gysella and Jason spent their time together and soon were a well balanced family unit. Gysella was happy to see that Jason took great interests in sailing and life on the water.

Torrhen would often sit with his father and listen to him speak of the mistakes King Theodan was making with the North's wealth. His road though a project that would benefit the North was at the time sapping its reserves. He was also funding the improvements of holds of other houses. Torrhen would try to stem his father's worry but his stubbornness was too deep.

In the early moons of the year 100 Desmond Forrester started to fall ill. Torrhen stepped into the role as Lord of the House and learned as much as he could from his father before he passed. Torrhen now found himself in a row he not long ago thought he wasn't fitting for, Lord of Ironrath.

### Iron Island's Civil War:

Gysella's tales of unrest came to fruition in 100 AC. Gysella left Ironrath for some time to make sure she was able to secure her alliance with House Greyjoy. Her family had been split in the lead up to the War as her son Dalton continued to support Sigrun Blacktyde. Gysella wanted House Forrester to stay neutral as she did not want her husband's reign to begin with war and death and instead used her connections with House Dustin. Despite his disagreement in the matter, Forrester forces stayed in Ironrath and this fact was much appreciated by the smallfolk. It was at this time that the smallfolk of Ironrath began to refer to Gysella as the, "Fair".

It was during the war that Torrhen and Gysella welcomed their first and only child together. Maya Forrester, named after Torrhen's mother and a splitting image of Gysella herself.

### Drought Comes to the North:

The summer of 105 brought a drought that threatened to bring the North to its knees as it entered its primary growing season. The drought would persist through the entire summer season and well into the fall before abating leaving the northern food supplies dangerously low with winter looming on the horizon. Torrhen did what he could to ready his people for the coming hardship. He reached out to Deepwood Motte for help but received no word in return. The Drought would continue on till 113 AC.

### Attack on Bear Island:

Open conflict could not be avoided forever. In 109 AC the wildlings once again bore their heads south of the wall. They set their sights on Bear Island and Torrhen lead a group of men there to help House Mormont fight them back. During the fighting Torrhen once again finds himself along side his old friend Dacey Mormont. The two commanded their men with absolute precision. Torrhen turned to her to have her order her men to concentrate on the wildlings who were looking to retreat, but instead watched in horror as she was locked in battle with a large wildling and was quickly getting surrounded.

Torrhen fought hard to get over to his friend but it was in vain. Before he could reach her Dacey was overrun and the large wilding ran her through with his spear. Torrhen and three other Forrester men pushed the Wildlings around Dacey back. He took up her blade, Longclaw, and used to to kill the Wildling that had felled her. The battle won Torrhen knelt by her side and handed her the Valyrian steel blade. Taking her head in his hands he told her that they had won and her people were safe. Dacey looked up to Torrhen and told him that she had always loved him even though she knew they could never be together. Torrhen told her the same and kissed her brow as she died.

Torrhen ordered his man to carry her back to the Keep on their shields and Torrhen met with Jory Mormont, The Lord of Bear Island and Dacey's brother. The two had fought with each other in the past and Jory was one of the few people who knew of the way Dacey felt about him. He presented Longclaw and Dacey's body to Jory and ordered his men to rest for the night before preparing for the return to Ironrath. Torrhen would stay on Bear Island long enough to attend the funeral of Dacey Mormont before returning home.

Upon returning to Ironrath word came from Winterfell that the King was gathering banners to march and fight back against the Wildlings. Torrhen and Jason left to lead the Forrester men and Theodan asked Torrhen to lead one of the flanks of their forces. Torrhen and Jason fought in all three major battles at the wall, The Battle of Westwatch-by-the-Bridge, Battle of Lone Tower and the Siege of Castle Black. After the battle Torrhen sent his son home and joined the men hunting for The King Beyond the Wall. He did not want to lose both himself and his heir if things went bad north of the wall. Torrhen was present when King Theodan bested him in battle.

The North once again safe Torrhen returned to Ironrath.

### Dragons Fly North

In 116 AC Prince Aegon would see that the North after its years of drought and battles was in great need. He convinced the King Viserys to extend a hand of friendship to the Starks. The first of many meetings were held in White Harbor but would prove inconclusive.

King Theodan recognized that the situation in his kingdom was rapidly deteriorating at the onset of 118 AC with many of his people on the brink of starvation. Prince Aegon and King Theodan met once more, this time in Winterfell. Following arguments and disagreements throughout the day and conversations that continued late into the night, Theodan Stark ultimately decided to swear vows of fealty to King Viserys and the Iron Throne.

It is said that Theodan was ready to throw out the Targaryen representatives but only his eldest son and heir, Osric, was able to convince him that this was necessary. Torrhen was there that day and would confirm its truth.

The North was officially a part of the Seven Kingdoms. A grand was wedding held in Winterfell between Osric Stark and Aemma Targaryen in the second moon of 119 AC. Torrhen and his family were there to witness the reunification of the two kingdoms.

After the wedding Torrhen was approached but Lord Stark and the King. He was named as High Justicar of the North. Lord Stark told him that he named Torrhen because he knew he could trust him to be the eyes and ears for the North when it comes to matters of the King.

### Rise of Rebellion:

Discontent could be heard widely throughout the North as discontent with their current situation grew. The memory of the Kingdom of Winter was still fresh in their minds, as were Theodan Stark's failures. Many Houses in the North blamed their old King for the loss of their independence. Torrhen could almost fell his father rolling over in his grave. In early 125 AC several houses, including House Glover, refused to pay taxes to Winterfell. Master Glover asked Torrhen if he would join them in their refusal to which Torrhen replied simply, "No." In 126 when once again they refused to pay Theodan decided to act.

House Stark took several wards from problematic Houses during this time hoping for a nonviolent solution., This would not be as Bowen Stark, brother of Theodan, worked in the shadows to fan the flames of rebellion. This culminated in the 10th moon of 127 AC when House Glover called its banners and named Theodan Stark a false ruler. House Forrester was the first to denounce their banners to the Primary House that lead them. The roots of the Ironwood grew deep as the memory of those who live in it. Torrhen said House Glover refused to come to their aid during the drought and now the favor would be returned.

Torrhen personally lead a siege against Deepwood Motte to show his loyalty to Theodan. However, as the siege stretched onward, Theodan worried that the prolonged siege would invite more support for the Glovers. In the 12th month of 127 AC Theodan arrived with forces from the North and ordered the assault of Deepwood Motte. The assault was brief but bloody for all sides involved.

The rebellion was stopped as quickly as it had started. House Glover would see its Lord and Heir fall in the fighting, but the North would lose Theodan as he lead the charge over Deppwood Motte's walls. With his passing his son Osric replaced him. Osric Stark's first act as Lord Paramount of the North would be to elevate House Forrester to primary vassal. House Glover for their part in his father's death was ordered to give up two wards, one to House Stark and the other to House Forrester.

### The Tourney at Winterfell:

Lord Stark called for a grand tournament in the 6th month of 128 AC to honor his father's passing and legacy. Lords and Ladies from all Seven Kingdoms were invited to Winterfell to celebrate the accomplishments of the last King of Winter. Torrhen knew that many there would be of those who felt Theodan was a failure. His worries proved just when the closing ceremony was held. There was a great confrontation between Bowen Stark and the Crown's representatives, with Bowen blaming his father's death and all the North's misfortunes on House Targaryen. Lord Stark was able to deter his sibling but many their knew nothing good would come from the outburst.

## Family Tree

https://www.familyecho.com/?p=YO2HN&c=u19vor6o2p&f=459338567533847210

## Meta

**Attribute:** Bellicose

Mastery**:** Field Commander

**Skills:** Leadership(CHA), Formation(MAR), Logistics(MAR), Commerce(STA), Finances(EDU)

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