Osric Stark

**Osric Stark**is the Warden of the North. He succeeded his father, Theodan Stark, as Warden of the North following his death at the end of 128 AC. Widely regarded as a more meticulous leader than his father, Osric is a pragmatic man and it is well known that he supports the Iron Throne for their work in aiding the North during winter.

## Appearance and Characteristics

Osric Stark is a stern looking man who is known for his logical approach to problem solving. He was a key figure during the late years of his father's rule, filling the void that Medrick Manderly had left in the King of Winter's court with his death in 105.

With medium length light brown hair, gray eyes, and a short beard, he takes after his mother more than his father.  He stands at an average height with a sturdy build, though he is not known for his martial prowess.

He is well known for being a fair and level-headed ruler, and perhaps a bit too trusting. He grew up close with his younger brother Bowen and keeps him in his inner council despite rumors that his brother is dissatisfied with the Targaryens and desires a return to the Kingdom of Winter.

## History

### Early Years

Osric's earliest memories are of sitting in his father's office during the second Northern revival as Theodan and Medrick Manderly plotted a course to develop the Kingdom of Winter into an economical force.

He grew up close to his siblings and cousins, getting along with them all under his father and mother's careful watch. Theodan and Sansa worked hard to instill a sense of loyalty for each other in each of their children and it is something that Osric took to heart.

At age seven his father entered him into Lord Medrick's service as a page to foster his budding curiousity for the business of running a kingdom. Osric proved to be a dedicated learner and a quick study and was a boon to the ageing Manderly, though his service to him was cut short by Medrick's death in 105 AC at the age of nine.

### Middle Years

Following Medrick Manderly's death Theodan has Osric begin serving his uncle, Ethan Stark, in the same capacity. Though Theodan counted on many of the lords in his kingdom for advice, it fell to Ethan to serve as Winter's Bounty during the Bad Years.

Osric assisted his uncle as Ethan tried in vain to secure food to both feed the Kingdom of Winter and stockpile enough food to get through winter. But between the drought and the Wildling raiders it was an impossible task.

During this time Osric proved himself to be quite capable despite his young age, organizing construction projects and finding new lands for farmers to use. It can very well be argued that it was Ethan and Osric's efforts that prevented the Kingdom of Winter from complete starvation as it entered Winter, but many would blame both Ethan and Theodan for the lack of food.

### Winter's Bounty

With the onset of Winter and the arrival of pirates on the east coast, Theodan needed Ethan's assistance in leading patrols tasked with guarding the villages there. That, combined with the lingering sentiment that he had failed as Winter's Bounty, caused him to resign the position and Theodan appointed his heir, Osric, to Winter's Bounty at the age of nineteen.

Osric did his best to salvage the situation in the North by organizing food purchases that would avoid the pirates' path, but such things were expensive and not sustainable. Thus, when they received the first messenger from the Iron Throne stating that they wished to re-open diplomatic channels with the Kingdom of Winter it was Osric who urged his father to accept the invitation.

The meetings between the King of Winter and Aegon Targaryen were tense affairs, but Osric was by his father's side at every one of them. He was the one who organized the distribution of aid received from the Iron Throne and constantly urged his father to retain open diplomatic channels with the Targaryens.

During the final meeting between Theodan and Aegon it was only Osric's voice in his father's ear that kept the King of Winter from throwing the Targaryen's out of the North for good. He knew how dire the situation was for the people of the North and he volunteered to be the Stark to marry one of the Targaryens.

### Reunited

Osric married Aemma Targaryen in 119 AC, officially uniting the North with the Iron Throne once again. His marriage was initially not an easy one, but over time Aemma and he came to an understanding with one another.

Following the reunification, Osric devoted his time and effort into rebuilding the North's farmlands as spring finally broke through winter. He was so devoted to his work that he was blindsided by the Glover rebellion in 127. Lord Defender Theodan left him to rule Winterfell in his absence as he left to personally lead the siege at Deepwood Motte.

### Warden of the North

Theodan Stark would lose his life leading the assault at Deepwood Motte in the 12th month of 127, dying to a loose arrow as he breached the walls. Osric ascended to his father's place as Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North in the following month and organized a grand tournament to honor his father's life.

The tournament was marked as a great success by all until the closing feast. There was a great confrontation between Osric's brother, Bowen, and the Crown's representatives with Bowen blaming his father's death and all the North's misfortunes on House Targaryen. Thankfully Osric was able to intervene before the exchange could come to blows, but there was little doubt remaining afterwards about how the younger Stark felt towards House Targaryen.

In the following two years rumors of discontent would begin to swirl again, and with them word of a faction gaining power that wished to see a return to the Kingdom of Winter under the rulership of a Stark other than Osric.

## Meta

Attribute: Imperious

Social Status Great House Lord/Lady

Allotted Points: 20

Skills: Logistic (MAR), Commerce (STA), Awareness (STA), Finances (EDU)

Mastery: Steward (STA)