Darkspear Rebellion

Combatants| Kingdom of the Stepstones~* House Darkspear
* House Youngflower
* House Lash of Wolfhaven
* House Maloris
* House Whent
* House Warden
* House Lightingfyre
* House Ryndhill
* House Henning of Sunflower Keep
* The Order of the Black Knights
* Valyria's Remnats
* Swine King Bandits
* Qohor
* Myr
* Lys
* Volantis
* House Wilder
* House Dayne
* House Redwater
* House Sunfyre
* House Starkwood
* House Tullius
* House Flameheart
* House Valeries
* House Rykker
* House Griften
* House Mallery
* House Khalkuho
* House Blackwolf
* House Zo Patton
* House Skybright
* Cobalt Brotherhood

Commanders| * King Haywin Darkspear
* Lord Daniel Youngflower
* Lord Ethan Lash
* Lord Jaqherous Maloris
* Ser Lyonel Whent
* Lord Garehal Warden
* Lord Martin Lightingfyre
* Ser Bard
* Swine King
* Aegor Silver hair
* Nyessos of Myr
* Khal Pono
* Tywin Lannister
* Lord Ian Dayne
* Ser Jory Redwater
* Lord Robin Redwater
* Lord Rheagon Sunfyre
* Lord Artos Starkwood
* Lord Asher Tullius
* Lord Darron Flameheart
* Lord Shamus Blackwolf

## Prelude

> *Edric: Haywin only posseses at most a few houses at his side to build a decent army and sellswords. Hardly something we should be worried about.*
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> *Zelos: A man with a few loyal houses capable of raising an army and sellswords is something we shouldn't be worried about while were facing another war? Id wager a few years ago the men sitting in the Capital scoffed and said the same thing when Baelor was making his name in the south while they focused more on the North?*
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The Darkspear Rebellion stands as the bloodiest civil war in Brightflame history outside of the War of Seven King's and the only war that threatened King's Landing ever since it fell under Brightflame control. The war was Haywin Darkspear last attempt at trying to make a place in life for himself and leaving the 8 Kingdoms for good after his failure to secure Princess Rhaenys as his bride and even his efforts to marry into the Martells were a failed disaster. By all accounts from everyone close to him this was the final straw that broke the man and forever lead him to the final decision he took. Slowly setting up his carefully planned resources and adjusting them to the right place they needed to be he set things up and was fully ready to take the Kingdom by surprise but ultimately his plans were uncovered at the last second by the Lord he had tried to have killed for the longest time. Lord Zelos Wilder who had been investigating things since the Battle in King's Landing. Unfortunately while Zelos had alerted the small council and the kingdom in time to be aware of it, he didnt do so in a timely manner that they could take the steps to stop it, the small council mostly treated his words of caution with amusement sans Ian Dayne and soon after the Free Cities hosted the Council of Myr where they made there grievances to House Brightflame known following the raids that they had been apart of. The point of no return had been reached.

Indeed when the accused Lords of House Brightflame arrived they were shocked to find Lord Haywin there wearing a crown and declaring himself King of the Stepstones, a title he hadn't held since the Sunfyre Rebellion. Worse he had the company of the escaped captive Tywin Lannister, former Lord of Casterly Rock..the implication of how he escaped Dragonstone was clear days even if no one said it outright. The day only got worse as Myr and several other Free Cities laid out there issues with the growing Kingdom. Several raids had been done on there lands, hitting Myr, Volantis, Lys, Pentos, and Qohor, and Braavos. not even the Remnants of Tyrosh had been spared and they all wanted answers. While these accusations were denied many had House Banners from the attacks to present tattered clothes of fallen soldiers and they presented among other things more solid evidence in there favor. Myr losing a prisoner during a raid which Zelos was being held out during his time in Essos and the scope Ethan Lash lost helping him, the raid on Tyrosh blatantly acted out by Lord Sunfyre during his brief tenure as Lord of the Stepstones among other grievances. The Brightflame lords could only convince Braavos to consider the honesty of there words, the rest swayed by Haywin's skillful political games backed him in one sided treaty that say them pay massive reparations to the Free cities and married Haywin to Princess Rhaenys, the only thing that would convince him to stay apart of the Kingdoms. The fine Daniel was supposed to pay was handled by Haywin, another show of how much the man claimed to look out for his own and the rest was refused, it cost too much and would hurt the Kingdom already struggling with debt too much to be viable means of peace..and thus war was declared. The Brightflame Lords quickly returned home knowing that a war unlike any other one they had fought was awaiting them when they returned.

## Kingdom of the Stepstones

> *Haywin: This war will be different this time there will be no surrender, our terms have been sent and denied so unless that changes we must act and show them we mean business. The last time I was king each and every one of you fought valiantly in my defense....and I disgraced all that by calling it quits. I wont make that mistake again and this time I need all of your support and more of were going to win this! and we will win this, we have to unless we intend to sit at the boot of the Brightflames for the rest of our lives.*
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Haywin had wasted little time calling his lords to battle for him. Assembling at Bloodstone Haywin gave what was said to be an inspiring speech to his few but dedicated vassals all of whom were more then a little worried about there chances in the war to come, but for a brief moment they were unified and confident in there chances of victory. Haywin began dolling out tasks immediately, ordering Lord Martin Lightingfyre to begin sending out ships to scout there coasts and make sure to avoid sneak attacks, the Wardens to start marshalling the men. The Ryndhills to start assembling fleets. The Maloris were to start looking for sellswords to employ, the Whents to start sending there men to secure the borders with extra troops. It was Daniel and Ethan he gave two important tasks. Daniel he gave a pendant and made it clear he was his first Hand of the King, to reward the most loyal of his vassals and friends he wanted his council seen as the most important first and foremost. Lord Ethan was always of mind that this move was to secure Daniel as a forever loyal soldier but Haywin's brother Kian claims the offer was as genuine as anything Haywin had given anyone, even claiming at times he felt Haywin wanted Daniel to be his heir more then his own son. Either way out of duty and respect for the Demon, Daniel accepted. Ethan was tasked with forming the Stepstones own version of the Kingsguard to protect the King and fight his battles, there is much debate about the origin of this, Ethan is of mind the idea was forever Haywin's and he had no idea of the creation of it until the day Haywin called him to make it, which Daniel backs. Others disagree, Kian claimed that the idea came from Ethan himself and Haywin was convinced into it. Lord Dameon Verdant, a friend of Haywin and an enemy of Ethan back up this claim, though its unknown how Ethan could have assembled the armor so quickly if the idea was his since he didnt know about Haywin's deception and attempts to rebel until anyone else, (an impressive feat in itself as it appears only Kian and Haywin's son Darron were made aware of this before Haywin revealed it) its also unknown why the usually smart Haywin would demand such a thing when he had such a short selection to pick from, even if unlike the tried and true King's guard they didnt need to make vows of celibacy or forsake there lands and titles. Still the Order was made the Silvercloak King's Guard was formed with Ethan as the first Lord Commander.

Ethan wasted little time assembling his own numbers to match them, the first to join the order under his command was Haywin's own brother Kian a man who if there was anyone he was loyal to it was his brother, and a man with a skilled wit if anything else, having proven himself at sea when fighting off the Sunfyre's during there rebellion. The second choice was Lord Larrys Whent, a skilled warrior who had proven himself in Essos and done his own work at the Last Hen Hill Siege, a big man with little else to say. Those that followed would be Garahel Warden a veteran soldier of Haywin's wars both before and after his ascension to Kingship and as loyal as any man could be of there Liege, or captain as he had once known him as. Then Thorne Ryndhill, the master of the Elite guard for House Ryndhill and one of there best warriors besides the Lord himself Mander Ryndhill. The last two came from no house, or at least not one loyal to Haywin, but one was more then just a loyal soldier in Rickon Snow, one of the few knights in Haywin's company before they took over the Stepstones, skilled with a trident of all things. The last one was an odd choice, an archer, a very skilled archer no doubt but one caught breaking into the tower Ethan and the Silver cloaks used as a base. Aerin Paxton. Its said Ethan took him in with little protest but stories differ, some say he had Aerin show him his skills with sword and bow before accepting him, others claim Aerin somehow used magic to influence Ethan's decision. Nevertheless the next day he joined the rest in the tower to make the Seven members of Haywin's personal guard.

Despite the escalating war many of the small council found it more prudent to deal with other matters thinking Haywin's flock would falter after one battle and they had the more important war in the North which currently occupied the King. This came at the frustration of Zelos who viewed Haywin as the biggest threat the Realm is ever likely to face in any single man but he found little friends at court so instead after again offering his advice he fled home to gather his army and ready himself for war. Though he did find a surprising ally in the King himself, once he heard Ian was at least concerned on the matter he decided that it was worth some attention, but he was unable to do it himself feeling it important to stay on the campaign for the sake of his men instead decided to let Jory Redwater fall back and assemble an army to deal with the uprising. Jory ventured out as soon as he could trekking back with his men to head for the Twins and the Ruby Keep to try and ready his own armies for a march on the Stepstones. Haywin secured enough preparation to make his move and quickly lead his forces to the first of many battles in the war.

## Siege of Dragonstone

> *Tywin: Dragonstones strategic position is effective at making sure you can see any fleets coming this way. But something tells me you desire it for less then strategic reasons, Your Grace.*
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> *Haywin: Baelor made himself truly noticed when he took Dragonstone out from under Stannis. I will do the same when I take it from under him.*
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Dragonstone was first on Lord Haywin's agenda, and unlike most battles of the war he seemed determined to be involved directly, if only to further spite the King by being personally involved in taking it. Dragonstone was the first major castle that King Baelor took, belonging to Stannis as one of the initial 5 Kings in the war and the first to fall to his forces. An impressive castle that Haywin sought to take for many reasons both symbolic and pragmatic. Here he could truly start an invasion attacking and being able to gather information faster then just from his seat in the Stepstones. Backed by the Myrish, his staunchest supporters of the Free cities and aided by Tywin's stratagems they launched an all out attack on Dragonstone, the garrison of the castle was 500 strong, enough to handle the cities defenses but woefully undermanned against the odds they were facings.

The Darkspear forces hit the castle with an all out assault not even bothering with an extended siege. Attacking and laying into the castle as the defenders did the same attempting to force the attackers at bay even as some of there own started to fall. Eventually the attackers forced there way up the walls and were pushing into the remaining garrison. The Brightflame soldiers did there best but eventually they were bested to a man and the castle had fallen to Haywin. Haywin started releasing any prisoners he felt he could trust to be loyal to him, or at the very least determined to put down the Brightflames with there lives, the rest he felt were either more trouble then they were worth were kept in place. And Tywin for his efforts was given command of 5,000 Myrish sellswords.

## Battle of Blackwater Bay

> *Ian: Haywin has already achieved a victory, thats one too many, he cant be allowed this kind of momentum not when the main army is dug in the North.*
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> *Durgeon: I agree. Dragonstone falling was a mistake we must correct, If I smash him at sea I hurt his armies morale, and maybe they will start to turn against him.*
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Dragonstone was the key to when House Brightflame finally started to take the threat they were dealing with seriously. The castle felt to many just as important to the 8 Kingdoms as King's Landing was and it falling was an embarrassment the whole Kingdom had to suffer. The Small Council was dead set on putting a stop to it soon, with the Master of ships Durgeon Muiraxos taking the Royal fleet and leading an attack on Dragonstone to attempt to put a swift end to Haywin while he was out of Bloodstone. It wasnt too long after the fact that he had taken just about the entire Royal fleet to try and put a swift end to the matter while Ian Dayne left the city to gather his own armies as well. Backed by a few Lords of the Crownlands, Durgeon confronted the enemy in Blackwater bay but Haywin lead the opposition, backed fully by his own lords and the Free Cities the battle was not easy. And soon to the shock of many Durgeon's fleets were defeated, many ships destroyed and Durgeon had barely escaped with his life.

The fleets defeat left a clear path between the Stepstone forces and King's Landing which was Haywin's next objective for all, something that was apparent with the forces he had been marshalling since then. the King was deadest on seeing the capital destroyed before House Brightflame could even raise its full might against him and now he had the opening to do it. A rare and destructive opening that wouldnt be wasted by such a determined rebel. The small council quickly began making arrangements to protect from the upcoming battle, or at least insure they could hold out until reinforcements arrived.

## Kingsroad Slaughter

> *Zelos: If Haywin is hitting us by the sea his Order will be trying to secure the land around the city, we need to make sure they cant harass the armies coming to its aid.*
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> *Zeto: Even still chasing after the enemy is just as likely to get you killed as you are to stop them.*
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As the City was seeing there attempts to end the war quickly fail, other lords were making other arrangements to deal with Haywin Darkspear. Zelos, the loudest opposition against him had his army already out for one important reason, The Order of the Black Knights. They had been harassing the Realm for years and Zelos had recently learned it had all been under the employment of Lord Haywin, thus Zelos assumed he was setting them up to prevent any forces from getting to the Capitol to defend it. He saw this as his best chance to deal with them, there biggest advantage was they were hard to predict as far as where they would attack next. But if he had an idea he might be able to meet and deal with them before they could do so.

This idea proved successful, Zelos' calvary found one of the main members leading a party of bandits, Robber knights, and sellswords attacking villages and drawing out the knights and armies of the 8 Kingdoms. Led by Ser Timmet also known as Ear-eater was the one in charge and Zelos started a small campaign attacking there smaller parties before confronting the last of Timmet's forces and Ser Timmet himself on the Kingsroad. The two forces battled and they both lost men before Timmet's forces broke apart when Timmet was slain by Zelos himself, putting an end to the attacks by the crownlands. Unfortunately, they were not anywhere close to the entire Order, and the rest were making there move just as Zelos finished him off.

## Twins Ambush

> *Swine King: Last time your boss paid good coin for my men's services but what the fuck can you offer this time that will make me take such a task.*
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> *Bard: Our King has a simple offer, when we win, he'll force the Brightflames to allow any land or castles you take in his service.*
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> *Swine King: Im a king in my own right! for what purpose do I need some fool sitting on rocks for?*
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On the Eve of the war, the Order now under Ser Bard due to Aegon's death met and negotiated with the Swine King. They shared very few interests and felt the man was crazy but he had troops and knew how to fight so they were hoping to direct them to there own targets. They agreed that Haywin would support the legitimacy of any lands taken during his war, according to Goren they had no idea if Haywin had any plans to honor this deal or even care, but by all accounts they didnt expect the Swine King to survive the affair given that the likelihood of angering too many lords so directly. There combined might was to be set upon the Twins where the Cobalt Brotherhood was to meet up with Ser Jory's retinue that was coming down South to meet him.

Before they could get there they were ambushes outside the Twins, numbering over 3,000 and hitting Jory and the Brotherhood's smaller armies. The attack was quick and fast, Jory fought his way out of what seemed like certain death by the Brotherhood lost there first leader to the attack, killed by Bard in front of Ser Jory. Jory tried to fight his way to him but he was stopped when he took a Warhammer to the chest, only stopping it from crushing his ribs with a last minute raising of his shield. Quickly they dispersed before the rest of Jory's forces arrived to deal with them. The aftermath had a devastating effect on the Wartime hand of the King, seeing the damage they had done not just to his men but to the villages in the Riverlands motivated him to deal with the Order first and foremost sending a letter to Robin to call his banners and help Ian kill Haywin while he would show the Order the full might of Ruby Keep.

## Battle for Kings Landing

> *Privat: The city will be under siege soon and were not as manned as we could be. The Goldcloaks could very well be the last bastion of defense.*
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> *Ollis: I have defended this city for years. I wont let it all amount to nothing now my Lord.*
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The Battle for King's Landing was the turning point of the Rebellion, Haywin threw a considerable effort into taking the city and after beating back the Royal army he felt secure in his chances of forcing the city to yield to him, helped along by his men who had landed prior to the invasion and his agents crippling any chance of the Brightflame army marshalling there way there. Despite this many houses were able to pledge there defense to the capitol but defense of the city fell primarily to the Gold Cloaks who had been spending the time since Jon Black trying to win back the full support of the city, and here they showed there valor and accomplished much to save the city. Ser Ollis defended against the initial attacks defeating main parties and fending off a Vanguard, Ser Royland Ironwood took two crossbow bolts but still cut a bloody path through the enemy ranks defending the Iron Gate, Ser Russel Waters lead 99 men into a sortie to try and destroy the Trebuchets, The Blind Bowman and Robb Carnath both held there grounds impressively with Robb riding through the city to try and save the smallfolk after the enemy broke through. There efforts prevented King's Landing from being torn asunder but even there best efforts failed to save a portion of the city mainly around the Iron Gate and Flea Bottom.

The city was soon saved by the timely intervention of many Lords, of the various crownland forces that came to the city's aid and took the brunt of the casualties, Artos Starkwood poured into the rear of the Iron Gate attackers to try and fight them off before they could spread elsewhere, Zelos Wilder the Commander of the City Watch (Who interestingly enough hadn't set foot in the city since his return from Essos) arrived from Wild's Den to fight off the enemy and derail there attempts of siege one of the gates, The Reavers and House Tullius attacked the ships from behind and bombarded them with attacks that further scattered the attacking army. Soon the forces were disorganized the Darkspear forces soon started to flee or be slaughtered. In the aftermath the bulk of Haywins attacking army as completely decimated and he had to take a more defensive approach until he could build his strength back.

## Oldstone Raid

> *Goren: Haywin's orders were clear, he suspects that Rheagon will be trying to ready his forces to attack him directly and given there history I have little reason to doubt him.*
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> *Meagon: My men are handling it as we speak, Rheagon cant be fully stopped but he can be stalled.* *Long enough to secure a surrender or so Haywin is ready for him when he does arrive.*
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This battle is one we know the least about. Under order from Haywin a Sellsword Company named the Valayrian Remnats lead an attack on Oldstones as Lord Verdant was meeting with his ally, the two were planning to join there impressive fleets to deal with Haywin personally before they were attacked, but the Remnats werent too concerned with attacking the Lords, since the attack was mroe focused on raiding Oldstones supplies, attacking the lands and cutting of Sunfyre from his food supplies delaying any attempt to sail out and fight. An attack was apparently made at Daemon Verdant's life but he was saved by his vassal and future Lord Matthos Urian.

## Smashed Black

> *Jory: I was warned of this Order but this level of cruelty...Stopping Haywin means nothing if we allow the smallfolk to be tortured by these craven.*
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> *Marq: Lord Ian is gathering an army as we speak, im sure he can handle the Darkspears. If you think this Order is a threat we should deal with them now.*
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Following the attack at the twins and the decimation of the Cobalt brotherhood Jory was fully committed to putting a stop to the Black Knight Order, bringing his banners and being joined by his former vassal in Rickard Greywinde, he Marq Mallery and Lord Byron Iceberg marched on towards where the knights were located, though it took time the dedicated armies started to corner the Black Knights and catch them around a town for one big battle. Despite being composed of bandits the Black Knights proved organized and determined but the Redwater's were just as determined fueled by anger at all the actions against the people. Byron bested Goren Harlaw and took him prisoner but his men broke through and essentially turned the battle against the Bandits. Ser Marq would end one of the knights life, The Yellowfish by shooting him as he tried to route. Though he underestimated the kinship of the bandits, despite there creed it seemed some were more loyal then others as Yohn Redsteel proved, running Marq through as he pushed to break out of the fight. Ser Bard would lead the rest into retreat and Jory quickly went about securing the town after seeing the level of destruction rather then give chase, especially since he wanted to quickly treat Marq who thanks to his quick action made sure to prevent the infection the blade's cut caused, though he had to rest and Jory was forced to march without him.

Thankfully while Yohn was a man of immense loyalty, it seemed Goren didnt share his bond. When offered leniency he wasted little time in giving away the rest of his men and where Bard was likely to be. Jory found little pleasure in the man's complete disloyalty to his men having dealt with many traitorous lords in his time as Hand but he was quick to act on the information once he could reasonably verify the intel was legitimate, wanting to end this plague of bandits as soon as humanely possible.

## Battle of the Dark Storm

> *Darron: You trust these Dothraki to handle themselves? Were not dealing with helpless and scattered sellswords here.*
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> *Ethan: Best keep your voice down, Khal Pono himself is here as well and we need to maintain good relations with the Free Cities. Irregardless yes I do think they will be of great use to us.*
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Though the major offensive had been stopped at King's Landing the war was far from over nor was Haywin on the defensive just yet. Instead his Lord Commander and frontline general Ethan Lash was leading another attack on the Stormlands, having taken a mix of his Stepstone soldiers and the Dothraki under the ruler of Volantis Khal Pono to attack and ravage the lands. Khal Pono and Ethan were said to have butted heads over who was in charge but nonetheless there ego's didnt prevent them from being able to mount a full on assault on the Stormlands. There raids were eventually met by a host of men lead by the Lord Paramount Graznan Zo Patton and many other Storm Lords, another noticeable arrival was Taren Lash Ethan's cousin who bested them in there first real meeting.

Unfortunately the battle in a storm did not favor Zo Patton, it was said he was outmaneuvered and his host smashed after the proper placement of Khal Pono's skirmishers overhwhelmed him and he was forced to make a retreat. Ethan personally bested his cousin in there rematch and Darron Darkspear earned his own fame, breaking through the left flank with his men and besting Dwyte Skybright in battle. With the Stormlands army's defeat there was no force capable of stopping the Stepstones ravaging of the lands for the time being, though Ethan would eventually leave the area to oversee other parts of the war, leaving Khal Pono to enjoy the spoils of his attacks...and the consequences that would follow.

## Retaking Dragonstone

> *Asher: You wont need a major force to retake Dragonstone just send me and my fleet and ill handle it.*
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> *Privat: The castle is likely lightly defended. Haywin can scarcely afford to keep so many men there when the war is picking up elsewhere.*
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On the other side of KL the war was going more in favor of House Brightflame, Haywin and Tywin had abandoned Dragonstone after they had moved on in the war and the attack on KL failed, leaving just a token force under a lieutenant. Asher Tullies opted to handle the matter himself sailing out to take the castle back and bring it back under the Iron Throne. The battle has very few details to it but we know it was a complete rout of the enemy as none of the enemy soldiers survived the battle.

## Battle of the Dawn Horizon

> *Darron: Didnt think Id be dealing with Dothraki. How far does Haywin's infleunce reach that he could get so many on his side.*
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> *Ian: The Free Cities may be allied with him but he doesnt have there full support. With enough push they'll abandon him or at least cease providing troops. And if theres one thing we can do, its push and push hard.*
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Though the war had gone poorly in the Stormlands so far and had turned to an area of guillera warfare and raids, some order was finally brought to the land when Ian Dayne came through with an army of his own, aided by men such as Tristifer Terrace, Will Littleknight, Aenar Blackfyre, Zelos Wilder, Jamie Ryyker, and Darron Youngflower. They rallied the Stormlords to swell up there own numbers and tried to clear up the area. Khal Pono was still in the area and backed by other Stepstone allies marched out to meet them in another battle to decide the fate of the Stormlands. Thankfully the battle favored House Brightflame, the stormlords were eager for revenge and pushed through the ranks of the Volantis Dothraki and sellswords, and there experience with there tactics allowed them to counter the moves that worked on them last time. Though the Skirmishers remained a threat Littleknights counter attack neutralized them and Ian Dayne leading the final charge allowed them to best Khal Pono and embarrass the Volantis leader into a retreat. He wouldnt be able to participate in any further battles and would spend years trying to regain his reputation after the defeat he suffered here.

## Siege of Wild's Den

> *Swine King: Youd best surrender the castle to me, and give me one of the two women in there. Ive heard both are quite beautiful and would make great wives.*
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> *Zeto: Neither women will be your bride and I likewise will never surrender this castle to you.*
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The Swine King had joined the war as an ally of the Stepstones, but that alliance was strenuous at best given the man's known insanity and ambition. Thus when the Order of Black Knights needed him the Swine King had moved on to an attack of his own and settled on the Riverlands where he surrounded and besieged the castle of House Wilder Wild's Den. He chose his attack carefully, attacking a castle of a house who's lord had left and who's army had joined him into war, while the castle was small and defensible of Swine King could take it he would have a fortifiable location. Unfortunately his efforts to block out the castle from the rest of the world failed and Zeto Aros, the commander of the garrison was able to call for help with some ravens that made it through. Of those that came to help would be Robin Griften, Rickard Starkwood, and Shamus Blackwolf.

There allies arrived just as the siege had turned bloody as the Swine King's forces attempted to get up the walls and force the castle to surrender. Zeto lead his men into a defense that kept them from getting through before his allies finally pushed into the enemy from there rear. Robb Griften charged the Swine King directly and despite being short an arm took advantage of an opening to catch the wannabe king in the neck and beheading him. When he died his army started to fall apart, leaving his commander goat to take what remained of there forces and fleeing, unable to take Wild's Den or hold off there attackers. Though Goat would never reach the power his commander did and the bandits would die a slow death over time.

## Dragonstone Route

> *Privat: It appears that theres more sellswords then we thought, one commands a crew of ships, Asher will be in trouble if he engages him.*
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> *Durgeon: I fear it may be too late to warn him.*
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From Dragonstone Asher Tullis was planning a way to assist Ian's planned assaults' on Bloodstone, his fleet would have been invaluable to the attack since control of the sea was key to even being able to get to the Stepstones, unfortunately fate had other plans. While Asher was securing Dragonstone The fleet of the Valyria Sellswords that attacked the Verdants struck, Lord Tullius was made unaware that the men had taken the Verdants flagship and falsely assumed the ships were the Verdants themselves here to enforce him. By the time he realized the truth they were already attacking his fleets.

The battle was a swift one and Asher quickly realized his folly and was forced to retreat, by the time the battle was over many Tullius ships were sunk and the Sellsowrds had moved on, Lord Tullius signature ship remained but Asher considered the defeat a great humilation, and worse it kept him occupied and unable to assist in the rest of the war.

## Battle by Maidenpool

> *Goren: Based off where they fled they would be here. We had the base hidden around the port, youd be surprised how easy it is to blend in.*
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> *Jory: Dont speak as if these are accomplishments to be proud of.* *You gain leniency for information not your personal stories.*
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Goren's information proved valuable, as acting on it they quickly discovered and subdued a bandit camp, surrounding the enemy and making them surrender after a short skirmish, and Ser Jason was caught and killed by a Redstar soldier when he caught him attempting to rape a women. From there with only two of the leading knights left the order was a shell of its former self and Swine King's death and the defeat of the Darkspear allies had left them isolated from any form of help, Jory wasnt about to show them any mercy and Ser Bard wasnt looking to surrender. Though the two were trying to build there strength and buy a ship in Maidenpool to go to Bloodstone, and they likely would have succeeded but instead Goren's betrayal allowed Jory's forces to intercept them.

Attacking them in a camp just outside Maidenpool, Jory rushed the surprised Yohn Redsteel for revenge and after a quick but intense battle cut him down and sent his head rolling. Ser Bard wasnt long after him getting caught in battle with Ser Rickard Greywinde and slain by him in single combat. There defeat saw the army that remained scattered as the Last of the Order was beaten back forever and those they caught were allowed to join the Nights watch which most of them did rather then face the harsh punishment of the Hand.

## Betrayal in Dorne

> *Daniel: The Swine King has gone rouge. The Order has gone silent and have been on the run, our allies are spent, and Ian is bringing an army to our doorsteps. As your hand I advise you consider meeting with the Brightflame diplomats.*
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> *Haywin: The Swine King and my Black Knights have done there job and distracted the Brightflame soldiers, and dont worry about Ian’s army. The matter in Dorne is being handled as we speak. I wasnt just sitting idle since we returned from the Bay.*
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Setbacks aside the war seemed to be going in favor of the Brightflames, as the Stepstone Kingdoms allies were either dead or unable to assist him for a time it seemed that taking Bloodstone was more and more likely. Unfortunately, Haywin was smart and wouldnt let himself be taken so easily. Ian's planned attack with Asher and others was halted and his other plan to have men link up with him in Dorne was also stopped by an unseen event. Dornish forces started to assemble and march out to meet Ian's army, but the Dornish still had umbrage with House Brightflame, though betrayal wasnt the plan Haywin had sent letters and envoys that sunk in the poison that infected the rest here when lead by the Hennings of Sunflower Keep, them, the Ullers, and the Wyl's lead a coup of the Dornish forces.

Scattering any Brightflame loyalists in a surprise attack they sent the Dornish army packing and instead were now an army that seemed poised to lead Haywin to victory where they planned to meet with Ian's forces and take them from behind when they attacked the Stepstones. This plot was stopped by a scout that escaped in the fighting and reported to one of Ian's vassals Aurion Valyries, who was able to make sure word of the betrayal reached Ian before the Henning's army could.

## Struggle in Dorne

> *Zelos: I can handle most matters on land, but id be lying if I said I was just as confident on the sea. Let me deal with the men on Dorne.*
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> *Jaime: Indeed you dont need us on the fleets, but in an organized army. You'll find us more then capable of handling things.*
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Haywin's final ploy could have seen the last army available to match him for some time fall, they were sailing out to Bloodstone but in front of them Ethan Lash and more Stepstone forces stood, backed by Lyseni ships, behind them the Dornish were gathering a fleet of there own ready to attack from the rear, but were onset from the North by an army of Brightflame soldiers before the fleet was finished, starting a fight that was both on land and at sea, with only the Hennings able to escape and take there ships to sail to the Stepstones and cause further trouble for King Daeron. Though the Stepstone/Lys ships had continued to fight and try to break there opponents down, the timely arrival of the Sunfyre ships assured that no such situation could arrive, and Rheagons forces were there to counter the lead attack while allowing the Brightflame forces to best them at sea. Darron Darkspear was injured attempting to take a Brightflame ship but his men threw themselves in there enemies path to allow Darron to escape and the Lyseni ships were all but smashed by the enemy neutralizing another of Haywin's allies before the landing on his home. Though Ethan and many other lords were able to escape as well falling back to Bloodstone where they were greeted by there King.

## Braavos Negotiations

Through the war one matter that was being settled was Braavos, a dangerous enemy and an invaluable ally, both sides sent envoys hoping to turn the tide of the war, initially Braavos aided the stepstones with supplies and ships though they had reservations about there allies they understood Haywin's Kingdom had never been one to accept slavery, and had paid there debts something the Iron Throne struggled with due to its state of warfare and debt. Lord Privat would personally meet with them and it was said many verbal sparing sessions were done between the Master of Laws and the Stepstones envoy but Privat was able to stimy further support from the Stepstones at least for the moment, most of all he felt it important to prevent Braavos from supporting Haywin with ships as he felt then supremacy at sea would be undisputedly in King Haywins favor. Thankfully after news of the attack on Bloodstone reached them the Braavosi seemed adamant to wait the battle out to decide there next course of action. Privat prayed for a victory, the only assured way the war would end.

## Battle of Bloodstone

> *Ian: Were currently working to keep Braavos from interfering but Myr seems poised to aid him again as do Lys and potentially Volantis. If we dont take Bloodstone now we wont have a chance to get back at Haywin anytime soon.*
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> *Zelos: Fancy way of saying this is a must win battle. But I didnt sit on my ass at sea this long just to run with my tail between me legs. I'm taking Haywin's head or im not returning to talk about my failure.*
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The climax of the battle was fought on Bloodstone and one of the bloodiest battles of the civil war in general, the land and castle earned its name. Ian's forces lead by him, Darron Flameheart, Jaime Ryyker, Zelos Wilder, Tristifer Terrace, Aenar Blackfyre, and Will Littleknight, were assisted by the forces of Robin Redwater, and Artos Starkwood, alongside Rhaegon Sunfyre all of whom had brought decent armies of there own. Haywin's allies were few but the Hennings had remained strong enough to continue fighting for him and the Valyrian Sellswords had long since arrived to bolster his numbers as well as many of his lords and knights of his kingdom such as his hand Daniel Youngflower, Lord Jaqherous Maloris, Martin Lightingfyre, and a then unknown Robert Victor. Haywin himself had his impressive Silver Cloaks of Ethan Lash, Garahell Warden, Larrys Whent, his brother Kian Darkspear, Rickon Snow, Thorn Ryndhill, and Aeron Paxton to assist him assuring there King was not unprotected or ill prepared. His defenses were fierce as well which the lords of House Brightflame soon realized once they attacked.

Lead first by Darron and Jaime the Brightflame soldiers died on the beaches but slowly pushed up before they were assisted by men of the Starkwoods and Redwaters, Aenar and Tristifer and then Zelos and Ian would lead the next few charges while robin made for the castle and Rhaegon would follow suit attacking from a different angle. Aeron lead the volleys of arrows to attack the enemy while Lord Henning assisted from below as did Daniel but it was here Haywin rallied a vanguard force to march out and meet the enemy as well. The King of the Stepstones refused to be known as a coward. Many duels were fought from here as the enemy forces crashed into each other and pained the stones red. The leader of the Sellswords fought Ian Dayne, Aenar Blackfyre was surprised and bested by the sellswords second in command, Zelos Wilder killed the Silvercloack Rickon Snow while the Lord commander knocked out Darron Flameheart before being stopped by Jaime Ryyker, Daniel was said to clash with Rovos Reaver a friend of his on the enemy side but many say Daniel refused to fight him and instead let him pass to instead fight with Rhaegon Sunfyre. Two other silvercloaks were beaten as Garahel Warden was overhwlemed by Lord Starkwood while Kian had his horse shot out from under him and was trampled unconscious before King Haywin Darkspear met Zelos Wilder on the battlefield. The two had caused the other much strife over the years and they let out all that frustration on each other in a fierce duel. Many reports differ on how the situation came about but many agree Lord Aurion valieries came in and assisted preventing other soldiers from aiding there King before Zelos struck a decisive blow on Haywin bring the King down and sending his crown tumbling.

It was said many on the battlefield lost heart when they saw Haywin fall. No more so then Ethan and Daniel who surrendered shortly afterwards. The castle which had yet to see Haywins defeat kept fighting but was eventually overrun by Robin's attacks as his men stormed the castle and continued to fight on many of the levels of Bloodstones defenses. Lead by the last three able Silvercloaks and lords, Lord Maloris was injured by an arrow that forced him to yield to the enemy but Aerin Paxton caught Rovos Reaver unaware before he could kill the Ironborn he was saved by Jaime Ryyker who forced him to surrender. The Ryndhills were cornered by Sunfyre forces and the lords and knights captured while Larrys Whent ambushed Robin Redwater and Rheagon Sunfyre. It was said the man nearly took Robin's head off but the determined Brightflame Lord was able to fight him off before he and Rheagon gave him a mortal wound, still Larrys was able to fend them off and flee. His body was found by the halls where the Prince and Princess of the Stepstones chambers would have been where it can be assumed he bled out from his wound trying to reach them and escort them to safety. With the last of the generals defeated the castle eventually fell and Haywin with his dying words told Ian where Tywin had fled to, before being finished off by Ser Zelos Wilder and ending his rebellion.

## Ambush in the Sun

> *Ethan: We can handle this. I have my own person beef with that bastard Nyessos myself. Once he dies Myr will be less inclined to try anything.*
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> *Daniel: If it makes the burden on my house even slightly lower and ends this war, I will fight one more battle and prove myself to the Crown again.*
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Though Haywin was dead and any attempt to secede from the Iron Throne in shambles reading through Haywins letters, Lord Wilder found that the Myrish were sending another fleet this way unaware the battle was over. The Myrish lead by Nyessos they knew would not be so willing to see reason and many were tired of battle. Ethan however took the moment to step in, having his own personal beef with Nyessos for the murder of his wife vowed he would deal with the matter and assisted by Daniel they sailed out to do just that. Meeting the two forces at sea the former hand and Lord commander for King Haywin surprised there numerically superior opponents and sunk many of there ships and killed or captured there men but one men Ethan refused to capture was Nyessos himself. Ethan docked his ship and his men cut a bloody path to Nyessos before allowing Ethan the honor of meeting him in single combat, though the Myrish man tried to defend himself he was quickly bested and battered by the angered Lash Lord who took out all of his frustrations on him before killing him with the very tool he had used to deduce Ethan's presence in Essos and send the assassins that sealed Genna's fate. Despite the brutal method Ethan felt it was a true catharsis for him, fortunate for a man who didnt have many good days coming for the next few months.

## Aftermath

> *Robin: The war is finally over. Now we need to focus on what comes after, Haywins Rebellion left its mark but we cant let it stop us from moving forward.*
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> *Daniel: We will do whatever is necessary. You have that on my word that we will cooperate.*
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With Nyessos died the last man willing to continue any aggressions in the war and the Free Cities in Essos instead sued for peace, even more so after Zelos discovered evidence in Haywin's castle that they had been duped by the Darkspear King. To help further peace in the future Privat and Ian advocated for leniency on the Free Cities for they were just as much victims of Haywins manipulations as House Brightflame was. This leniency was not shown to many of Eight Kingdoms, as men like Robin Redwater, Daemon Verdant, and Rhaegon Sunfyre advocated for harsh punishments for the traitors, the Hennings of Sunflower Keep especially were punished as Oberyn Henning the lord who took charge following his fathers death was sentenced to be executed after he demanded trial by 7 and was defeated. Ethan Lash after a trial where many dubious claims were made was sentenced to half a year as a begging brother and the Stepstones in general were heavily taxed and restricted in what they could do for the foreseeable future. Though Daniel Youngflower was awarded the position of Lord Paramount over Rhaegon Sunfyre who pushed for it and under him the stepstones saw a slow recovery from the trying times. Ian meanwhile would take many men who had fought in the war and go to Essos were they had to find and capture or kill the grave threat to the Realm Tywin Lannister as Ian presumed they would never be safe as long as he was free. The events of that daring mission would be Ian's last and be known as Wrath of Dawn

Haywin Darkspear himself would be a man of much discussion for the next several decades. And not all of it was unpleasant for despite his actions the man had commanded respect from many of his enemies and former friends who didnt think such evil and hatred was always present in him. His son and daughter had gone missing in the aftermath of the battle and there whereabouts were never confirmed though a pirate matching Darron's description would emerge a few years later he never harass the Eight Kingdoms. Bloodstone was torn down and instead made room for Daniel to potentially welcome a new lord into the Stepstones and fill the spot Haywn left behind while he lead from his castle in the Skulls, though he also made no secret he missed his friend and father figure. Haywins actions would also inspire further problems, the Whents who felt he was mistreated would grow sour on the Kingdoms and combined with other issue they were already facing would lead to the Whent Rebellion where they were defeated and eventually pushed out of Westeros for good, instead fleeing to Meereen to live in one of the safe havens for free men. His manipulations would also leave a mark in Dorne who inspired by his efforts would soon resume there bid for independence, which culminated with the Winter War and allowed Dorne to eventually free themselves from the Iron Throne much like Haywin Darkspear secretly desired.