Stepstone Campaign

Combatants| Broken SkullsThe ThornsHouse Whent remnantsHouse MalorisHouse WardenJolly BrethernHouse LightingfyreHouse RykkerHouse RyndhillHouse MalleryHouse StarkwoodHouse FlameheartHouse WilderHouse SunfyreHouse Sindarys | Pirates of the Stepstones* Warlords of Bloodstone
* Warlord of the Skull
* Warlord of grey Gallow

### Battles

Battle for Bloodstone
Siege of Dark Den
Assault of Sunstone
Battle of the Shipwrecked Gallows
Fall of the Skulls
Taking of Last Refuge

The Stepstones Campaign was the Campaign lead by Haywin Darkspear (Then known as Haywin Sand) leader of the Broken Company as he made his plan to take over all of the Stepstones and make it his own kingdom. His campaign defined a great deal of wars and political turmoil that defined the next few years.

## Prelude

> *Haywin: These scum had years controlling these lands and never did anything with them. Ill put them to better use them all of them combined.*
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Shortly after the Battle of the Broken Arm Haywin Sand was given land in the Stepstones that Lys had as a reward. Though the land had a village and gave him more power then he ever had, Haywin wasnt content with just that. He had seen how the Stepstones had been used by Pirates as a glorified nest for them to sail out, and while many saw just a pile of rocks Haywin saw opportunity. He had always wanted to make sure to put his name on the map and he knew that this was the best way to do it. Taking advantage of the hatred of pirates bred by the naval battle and the high of the victory he convinced many in the Seven Kingdoms or people associated with it to start helping him take the islands. Employing many Sellswords and Lords Haywin assembled a large and impressive host of various people looking to gain land or wealth from the battle itself, and some like the Whents hoping to gain some measure of prestige back after there exile.

## Battle for Bloodstone

> *Yohn: Is Bloodstone really the best place to start? Maybe we should try and establish ourselves first.*
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> *Haywin: Bloodstone has a castle, its the perfect place to start my kingdom.*
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Haywin's plan was simple, start with one island and take it and hop from island to island removing the Pirates on them, he was fairly confident that the pirates would be unable to react to his attacks or organize enough to be a major threat. Haywin knew that the pirates weren't all allied and thus they would more likely defend themselves then they would move to assist each other, thus he wanted the first target to be Bloodstone, the castle one lead by Barron Blood Hammer, a Pirate leader who had taken refuge in the castle for the last two years and was one of the most feared men in the stepstones but Haywin wasnt bothered by this. He hoped the quick takeover of his forces and land would make the other battles much easier and remained adamant that he would start here. His allies secured the seas around Bloodstone paving the way for his main host to board the island and begin the march through Bloodstone.

Ser Garahel Warden lead the charge moving his men through arrow fire and onward as the men started to close the gap to the castle and cutting down any Pirates that were there, backed by Caim and Artos Starkwood they pushed up ladder to the castle and made way for Haywin and Daniel,s main charge to the castle itself with the Broken Skulls leading the charge up to the ladders to try and open the gates for the rest of the army to take, backed by the Rykkers and the Thorns, Haywin pushed into the castle to meet Barron himself, the Pirate lord didnt go down easy, he fought back as hard as he could killing a few men before Haywin himself battled the man, using his spear to keep his distance as he nicked at his limbs and sides, the man refused to back down though, swinging his hammer to try and crush the Uller Bastard. Eventually Haywin got his leg and downed the warrior before finishing him off by slitting his throat, thus the Demon killed the Blood Hammer and soon his men surrendered. Bloodstone was Haywin's and the men spent the night celebrating in the castle. The following day Haywin unveiled the crown he had started to build for himself holding it proudly as he in the castle of Bloodstone anointed himself, turning Haywin San, bastard son of an Uller and leader of the Broken Skulls, into King Haywin Darkspear, Lord of Stepstones, and the Broken Skulls became his loyal bannerman. They had spent years in service to House Brightflame and never once considered putting there swords only to him, but under Haywin they had found a king worth following. Though Haywin wasn't about to let his momentum end so soon, instead he wanted to strike while the iron was hot and keep on attacking the lands around them, so once the day broke again and the celebrations were done he was already planning his next attack.

## Siege of Dark Den

> *Daniel: Hayw-Your Grace...surely there are more experienced generals to lead this assault. If you want me I’ll lead this battle and take it with however men I have but some, however honorable may not follow a man so young.*
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> *Haywin: my men will follow whoever I tell them to follow. The rest will have to learn sooner or later, I need men of skill and cunning, not honor. These are pirates they don’t deserve fair combat.*
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Haywin felt that now was the time to establish dominance, Bloodstone had a powerful leader that Haywin didnt feel fully safe underestimating him. Sunstone and Dark Den on the other hand he knew had no major leader that could rally the pirates there, so Haywin felt confident he could use Bloodstone as a base and send two separate armies to the islands to try and take control of them while he would lead the attack on Sunstone he sent Daniel Youngflower to take Dark Den. The young man was confident in his abilities though hesitant to lead such an attack but Haywin wanted no one else and soon Daniel was gather the forces he could. The Whents, The Sunfyres, The Wilders, the Maloris, and the Lightingfyre's joined him in assaulting the island, landing on the bottom and slowly working there way up, though Daniel was an expert on a horse the terrain left little room to actually do it, but Daniel didnt let that deter him, the Pirates weren't organized and Daniel's training to lead battles shined through here as he made sure to push through any defensive lines the enemy pushed it up and started to slowly take any strongholds the enemy had. Many Pirate captains of various names were here but none were strong or united enough to stop Daniel and there names were lost with there crew. Within roughly 2 weeks Daniel had secured the area in Haywins name the DarkSpear banner was place on all ends of the Islands for anyone passing by to see.

## Assault of Sunstone

> *Rodrick: Fear not your grace. My men will send the enemy scattering before our vanguard even meets them*
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> *Aerion: My men have reported the best route our armies can take, even if the enemy were to meet us all at once we can take them.*
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While Daniel had his hands full in Dark Den Haywin was overseeing the attack on Sunstone, he had proven his strength at Bloodstone many of his men advised him to let his armies do the work mainly men like Rodrick Whent who smelled opportunity to regain lost fame and land offering to lead the charge on Sunstone. Haywin allowed him to lead a contingent but he also sent many others such as the Ryykers, the Flamehearts the Mallery's, as well as the Jolly Brethren, meanwhile he started to secure Bloodstone and would follow them to Sunstone if things took too long. Aerion Sindarys had his men scout the area well looking for where the strongest resistance would likely be, the best place to land, and any potential signs of movement that were there. After the Starkwood Fleets removed any pirates hindering there landing The main forces landed on the South side of the Island and started an upward campaign, they had secured roughly 1/3 of the island with little trouble before Haywin's own forces landed and the King started to lead the charge further into the island. With him at the helm they met even less resistance as the Demon King's reputation was well known before his attack on Bloodstone and for them he was seen as far too dangerous to contend with. Haywin took prisoners in the dozens as many others outright fled rather then fight and Sunstone proved to be an easy conquest for House Darkspear.

## Battle of the Shipwrecked Gallows

> *Haywin: So what if they have united against me? We faced worse odds at the Battle of Broken Arm. If they wish to test me at sea its a test I will pass.*
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By now a decent amount of the step stones was now under King Haywin's banners and the rest of the Pirates had no delusions what would happen next. Many of them formed alliances realizing that the only way they could survive is with assistance and three in particular combined there fleets. They had a reason for this, up until now Haywin had proven himself in battle on land, but many doubted his ability at sea which would be a major part of controlling the divided Stepstones. Haywin was admittedly caught off guard by such an alliance though many noted he quickly recovered boasting that this was merely another test for him, he quickly ordered his men to begin assembling a fleet and then ordered the bannermen with him to bring him there best naval commanders dismissing the rest. Haywin discussed battle plans with said commanders for roughly 2 hours before he left there chambers and he already had a plan ready with the number of ships they would need organized as well.

Within a week they were setting out to meet the enemy fleet by Grey gallows, House Darkspears forces were confident in there chances given that they had done nothing but quash pirate fleets since Broken arm while the Pirates were confident there time at sea would outmaneuver the overconfident Westerosi. The reports of the battle itself vary as many claim certain things one thing is for certain Haywin ignored any warnings on the fog being bad for them and claimed that the Pirates would expect them to back off instead charging in since he confidently claimed the fog would dissipate. His men followed though many had there doubts, which quickly dried up when Haywins words proved accurate, not only had the fog cleared it had cleared just in time to see the enemy ship had started to fall back falsely assuming House Darkspear had retreated. This is where the battle stories vary. Haywin's own reports claim that he ordered his men to charge and he quickly rammed the head ship before boarding it and cutting the men down and forcing the warlord to surrender while the rest dealt with the scattered fleet with ease. Lord Starkwood's account was that Haywin had simply opened fire on the ship and left it to burn before ordering his men to split up and take apart the scattered fleet with a secondary ship taking the injured warlord later. Rodrick Whents account backed up Lord Haywins though he admits he saw other ships firing on the lead vessel and damaged it greatly before Haywin boarded it, and finally Lord Sunfyre claimed that the ship was fired on by Darkspear ships but Haywin had never even noticed it forcing his efforts on the retreating foes rather then the lead vessel. Either way the warlord who surrendered died in captivity from an injury, according to most accounts so his capture was rendered moot soon after and his allies were less fortunate. They had been caught agaisnt the island and had to move far out to try and escape where they were set upon by the Darkspear ships of various lords, the warlords were killed with very little fanfare as one ended up being smashed in the side by a Redwater ship and it broke apart sinking to the sea and the other saw the captain killed by an arrow before he could get a chance to fight. The pirates who were made up of three different groups with no leader inbetween them anymore were not able to adapt to the attack and the fleet was scattered easily with no chance of recovery. Soon after none of the islands had much of opposition and Haywin would spend the next few weeks landing and claiming each one, by his own account without a single drop of blood shed.

## Fall of the Skulls

> *Hollis: The Skulls are yours King Haywin.*
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> *Haywin: And with less casualties thanks to you Ser Pine*
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Most of the Stepstones under his banner and confident in his power now Haywin wanted to start going for the finish, there were only two parts of the main areas that weren't his, the Skulls which had a decent little powerbase, and the Last Refuge that was partially occupied by Pirates and the rest occupied by Tyroshi remnants. Both would be tough for various reasons, if the Tyroshi felt they were gunning for him when they removed the pirates they would be a problem, But Haywin had made a personal vow to rid the entire Stepstones of pirates and wasnt about to break it now. Sending some men to speak with the Tyrosh forces Haywin would start working on the Skuls next, with the Jolly Brethren and Redwater forces leading the vanguard to start taking the Skulls, followed by Starkwood and Wilder forces to assist them, and Sindarys and Sunfyre as well. However the men weren't content to just relax and wait for Haywin to come in, Hollis Pine especially was equally eager to see piracy end in the Stepstones since it helped Westeros and lead a contingent to harass the leader of the pirates of the Skulls. The Skulls Warlord was more then amused at the idea of killing some upstart knight and met Hollis' forces head on, his men started to try and hit Hollis with skirmishers but Hollis' cavalry forces weren't too badly affected by it and they smashed into the main force of the very surprised Captain, they were less then organized and soon his men were too split up. The reserves seeing Hollis bold charge followed suit to take advantage and the men pushed into the disorganized, and less well equipped army. Hollis himself continued to push a bloody path to the leader, killing 3 more men before clashing blades with him, though the man briefly knocked him down Hollis quickly came back up and stabbed the man's thigh to bring him down, finishing him off with slash to the neck.

The battle from there turned to a slaughter and once again the Pirates were quickly smashed and forced to surrender or be killed. When Haywin came in he found his men celebrating a victory and praising Hollis' own abilities. the King was also impressed and despite some hesitate people telling him otherwise Haywin made the decision to name the knight a lord under his new Kingdom. Hollis generously accepted this boon and House Pine was formed in the aftermath. Haywin once again made sure to fully push out any remaining pirates but by this point it was again a mere formality. None sought to mess with Haywin and resistance had grown to near non existence for them.

## Taking of Last Refuge

> *Rodrick Whent: This will be my Redemption. Ill put all ill have into taking this place if it means my family has a home again!*
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> *Martin: I wouldnt be so eager to throw your men behind this cause without question. Your family will still need someone after the war is over.*
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> *Jaqhaeros: And we* *need those men for the peace, we've had enough war.*
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The last holdout was a minor fore held by Pirates in parts of Last refuge, while they have wisely avoided conflict with the Tyroshi who could crush them they still presented a problem and The Whents, House Maloris, and House Lightingfyre had been tasked with taking it, following the deal Haywin had made with them to allow them that property so long as they dont strike against them. It was an easy offer to make as Haywin had no intention of starting wars so early into his new kingdom, now his men just had to deliver. Rodrick wanted to lead on this attack, but now it was more out of trying to prove himself after his failures in Westeros had drive him out of the Seven Kingdoms, though given he had the least number of men under his command and was low on money given how much he had pored into the campaign already, the others were less then willing to let him kill himself or drive himself into ruin just to prove himself and instead wisely asked him to stay his hand and Martin would be taking the lead on this attack. The fort was protected a bit by wooden spikes that along with the terrain made it a bit harder to transverse but Martin had his men start to cut a path through the spikes and create the area for his men to strike and go in for, which cost him a few men but made the eventual charge follow through when House Maloris and House Whent pushed into the fort. Despite being told to hang back a bit the second the chance to go in on the attack Rodrick Whent took it and moved in to push through the walls of the fort.

Thankfully under pressure the enemy was hard-pressed to hold them, there defense was strong and many died on both sides before finally Arthur Whent started to push through and kept on getting on the attack, followed by the Lightingfyre's and the Maloris infantry. Rodrick started to push through as well before taking an arrow to the leg, slowing his movement before he was finally pulled back by his determined men. Instead Arthur would start to prove his chops as a leader and brought his men through the center of the fort while the other houses swept around and started to clear out the men from every angle, all converging on the center where the last of the fighting would last for about 10 minutes before the last men fell, and with it the last of the Stepstone pirates.

## Aftermath

> *Rickon: The Stepstones are yours, your grace. And allow me to be the first of the Broken Skulls to pledge my allegiance to your Kingdom.*
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> *Haywin: All my life has lead up to this moment, when I could find a place to make my own, The Stepstones will become a land of opportunity. A Kingdom I can shape into something no one has ever seen before...the thought of a true future beyond just survival, and it starts here.*
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Haywin had succeeded, the Stepstones were his and the 7 Kingdoms, Dorne, and the Free Cities had offered there congratulations sans Lys who Haywin had a long standing issue with despite there cooperation in the Broken Arm the hostility wasnt fully gone, but regardless Haywin was seen as an equal to many he had worked under and he had a chance to improve in ways he never could have done as a lord, especially not as a Sellsword. Haywin would spend the next few months consolidating his power and shaping The Stepstones as a kingdom to be admired, though he had little land to offer he made due with it convincing some of the captured pirates to work for him, and amassing an assortment of Lords under his banner with the land he did have. By the end of the year Haywin's kingdom was steadily growing but stable and he was in a prime position of power.

Every man who helped Haywin in this great conquest was rewarded. Houses like the Wilder's and Starkwoods, Mallery's, Sindarys, and Flamehearts were given gold to go back to for there conquest, while he made sure to secure his power by making lords of others. House Lightingfyre, House Maloris, House Warden, House Ryndhill, House Sunfyre, and House Ryyker were all part of the Stepstones now, given land to hold and make there own. Some of the most important parts of this were the recreation were making House Pyne, and bringing back Houses Youngflower and House Whent, securing the Whent loyalty as Rodrick was eager to accept it, and ensuring his friendship with Daniel remained strong, as house Youngflower became the Darkspears strongest and most steadfast ally. The only man Haywin hadn't pleased with his gifts was Rheagon Sunfyre who felt he deserved a bigger piece of the pie then he got. Though he kept his guard up for now, rightly assuming that Haywin was in too good with everyone for him to oppose and slowly set about making a plan to take what he felt was his, a plan that would manifest in 303 AC with the Sunfyre Rebellion.