House Royce

## House Information

### Sigil

Black iron studs on a bronze field, bordered with runes(Bronze pelleté, an orle of ancient runes sable)

### Title

High King of the Vale, the Fingers and the Mountains of the Moon (formerly)Bronze King (formerly)
Lord of Runestone

### Vassals

House ShettHouse Coldwater
House Tollet

## Historic Information

### Founded

Dawn Age

**House Royce** is the oldest and proudest noble House in the Vale of Arryn. Dating back to the Dawn Age, the Royces ruled as Bronze Kings from their seat at Runestone, an ancient and strong castle on the coast of the Narrow Sea. Although they were overthrown as Kings by House Arryn, they still remain one of the most powerful houses in the Vale. The Royces are proud of their descent from the First Men and their long and historic past, signified by their House words- *We Remember*. They have several sets of ancient bronze plate armor inscribed with runes that are thought to make their wearers immune to injury. House Royce also owns a Valyrian Steel greatsword named *Lamentation.*The current head of House Royce is Lord Gerold Royce.

## History

### Before the Conquest

House Royce claims to be the oldest and proudest of the houses of the Vale of Arryn, dating back from the earliest settlement of the First Men in the Vale during the Dawn Age. They established their seat on a pinnacle of rock on the Narrow Sea, and named the fortress Runestone after the marks the First Men left on the rocks. The Royces took the title of Bronze Kings, and wore the Runic Crown for centuries.

The Royces were the most powerful monarchs of the Vale in thousands of years. They were rivaled with House Shett of Gulltown. King Yorwyck VI Royce defeated the Shetts in several battles, King Osgood III Shett allied himself with Ser Gerold Grafton, an Andal warlord from Andalos across the narrow sea. Yorwyk was defeated in battle, but he repelled several other Andal attacks later. The Graftons betrayed after Osgood's death in battle, and claimed Gulltown.

The Andals continued to invade the Vale from across the Narrow Sea, conquering most of the Vale from the First Men. Yorwyk's grandson, Robar II, united the remaining First Men into an alliance against the Andals, and was proclaimed High King of the Vale, the Fingers, and the Mountains of the Moon. Robar smashed the Andals, and it seemed for a time that the Andals would be defeated. However, Robar was slain during the Battle of the Seven Stars, with Ser Artys Arryn winning the day. It is disputed who exactly killed the High King; but at the end of the day, House Arryn became the Kings of Mountain and Vale, and House Royce swore fealty to it. House Royce remained one of the most powerful and influential Houses of the Vale. When Aegon conquered Westeros, King Ronnel Arryn submitted to House Targaryen, and House Royce followed their liege to become Vassals of The Iron Throne.

### Allard Royce (23-53)

When Jonos Arryn declared himself King and imprisoned Lord Paramount Ronnel Arryn in 37 AC, Lord Allard Royce lead the loyalist forces and crushed and dispersed Jonos's supporting forces, penning him in the Eyrie. However, in spite of Allard's best efforts, Lord Ronnel was thrown through the Moon Door by Jonos. Prince Maegor Targaryen ended the rebellion by flying to the Eyrie atop his dragon, Balerion. Lord Allard was richly rewarded by King Aenys for his service in putting down the rebellion.

Hubert Arryn, who was married to Allard's sister Ysilla, became the Lord Paramount of the Vale. Together they had six sons, one of whom, Darnold, would go on to be the Lord of the Vale following his father's death. Lord Allard outlived his goodbrother Lord Hubert, but not his nephew, Lord Darnold. During his lifetime, Lord Allard was known for his martial prowess, well respected by most for his participation in smashing Jonos's rebellion, and despised by others for his involvement. When Darnold Arryn made enemies of the other Houses by refusing to marry, Allard supported him because he was his nephew. Before the end of Lord Darnold's brief but disastrous reign, Lord Allard gave up his ghost in 53 after a fight with an illness.

### Waymar Royce (53-67)

Lord Allard's eldest son, Waymar, inherited Runestone upon the death of his father. Waymar was unlike his father in many ways. Whereas Allard was a strong, martial, and authoritative, Lord Waymar was passive, timid, and weak. He had no love of ruling or figthing; he was known to be lazy and careless. He had been married to Bethany Manderly, an agreement made to secure a peace during the second phase of the War for the Bite, but the marriage was loveless. Since Waymar did not take his responsibility seriously, she did, and became the ruler of Runestone in all but name.

Waymar's sister, Alayne Reed, was a close friend of Rhaena Targaryen, and was a lady-in-waiting for her until her death of Dragonblight. When in King's Landing, she met Howland Reed, a scion of House Reed who had left Greywater watch to explore the world. The two fell and love and were married, and eventually moved back to Runestone. The Reeds would remain in Runestone, and would convert to the Faith of the Seven and be welcome guests in Runestone.

Waymar's reign was mediocre at best, although Lady Bethany did the best she could in managing Runestone. However, it did not help that when the North declared its independence in 55 AC, a Northman was running the affairs of Runestone. Waymar did not care which way or another, but nonetheless the reputation suffered. The peace in the Bite that the marriage of Waymar and Bethany had brokered for 27 years did not stop House Manderly from renewing hostilities in 67. Although House Royce did not participate, sentiment grew against Lady Bethany. Waymar Royce was mysteriously found dead one night, and his eldest son Kyle took over Runestone.

### Kyle "the Kinslayer" Royce (67-68)

Kyle became Lord of Runestone under suspicious circumstances, as Waymar seemed to be healthy. Soon after Kyle took power, Ser Robar Royce fled Runestone with Lady Bethany, his sisters Jeyne and Minisa, to Heart's Home. Ser Robar claimed that Kyle was responsible for Waymar's death, and used the anti-Manderly sentiment to target Lady Bethany. They were welcomed into Heart's Home by Lord Gerold Corbray as well as guests of House Corbray. Meanwhile Lord Kyle, a cruel, scheming and malicious man, began trying to solidify his rule over Runestone, and began trying to eliminate those who might stand in his way. He declared his only brother remaining in Runestone, 14 year old Robin, a traitor, and gave him the choice of going to the Wall to get rid of a rival claimant to Runestone. When his cousin Godrey spoke out against his increasing tyranny, Lord Kyle had him gelded.

Lord Kyle's reputation grew worse and worse over the few months that he had ruled, and opinion soured against him. Various Vale Lords suggested putting Ser Robar in his place, and to try Kyle for the murder of his father. In early 68, Ser Robar gathered a host to bring Kyle to justice, mainly composed of Corbray and Hunter men, as well as Runestone defectors. In order to get their support however, he agreed to a double betrothal of himself and his sister Jeyne to Lyanna Corbray and Artos Corbray, respectively. Lord Kyle prepared to resist Ser Robar's host, but as they approached Runestone, it was clear Kyle was outmatched. Kyle, in a fit of rage, slew both of his sons. Runestone's levies abandoned him and swarmed over to Ser Robar, and Kyle's supporters abandoned him. Ser Robar entered Runestone, and took Kyle in chains to the Eyrie. Lord Gunthor presided over the trial, where Lord Kyle was found guilty of murderous kinslaying of his father and his sons, and he was thrown out the Moon Door.

### Robar "the Bronze Shield" Royce (68-95)

With his brother's death, Robar Royce became the Lord of Runestone. A stern military man with a firm sense of honor, duty, and justice, Lord Robar inherited a Runestone wracked with debts and division, rotting from the placid reign of Lord Waymar and the disastrous reign of Lord Kyle. He determined to work hard to restore House Royce's reputation and standing in both the realm and the Vale. He honored his obligation to the Corbrays by taking Lyanna Corbray to wife, and his sister Jeyne taking Artos for her husband. His economic reforms, though it caused difficulties for the smallfolk for a few years, paid off Runestone's debts. He arranged matches and wardings for family members, strengthening House Royce's connections and standing, and repairing the damages done by his two predecessors.

Lord Royce reign restored House Royce's honor and reputation, and Robar became widely known for his firm sense of justice and his determination. He was widely respected, and came to be loved by the smallfolk of Runestone, though cynical Lords and enemies never loved him. How effective at ruling could not be denied. With Lyanna, he had six children, four sons and two daughters. Each of his children as they grew inherited their father's sense of honor and duty, but each with a different flavor- Ronnel the strong and gallant knight, Manfred the martial soldier, Leona the humble and kind lady, Gerold the serious and diligent steward, Jared the romantic and handsome youth, and Lynesse the fierce and loyal courtesan.

When Lord Gunthor Arryn decided to Raise the Red and the War for the Mountains of the Moon entered into full swing, Lord Royce's military skill and determination made him Lord Arryn's choice for the commander of the second great host. Lord Robar gathered together the forces of Royce, Hunter, Redfort, Templeton, Waynwood, Hardyng, Melcolm, Moore, Shett, Tollett and Upcliff, and others. After the banners were gathered, Lord Royce led the hosts to victory against the Clansmen three times- Gates of the Moon, the Redfort, Spearhead Keep. They were minor victories, but nonetheless, they kept the morale of the armies high.

Lord Royce led the host to Ironoaks to drive off the clansman host. In the battle that would come to be known as the Battle for Ironoaks, the Valemen would win the day, but it was a victory Robar was never proud of. He had pressed his army hard to relieve Ironoaks, and the army, knights, led by his cousins Ser Hubert and Ser Jon, drunk on glory of the preceding victories, charged into the fray before he had time to wait and properly scout the enemy lines. The knights of his host were butchered, and the foot soldiers charged against his command, getting into a bloody melee in which they almost broke, if not Ser Aron Hunter rallied the knights to shatter the Clansmen. The victory had been won, although at the cost of over half of his host. Robar considered it his worst military failure, and said that if the troops had kept better order and he had the time to scout and strategize, he would have smashed the Clansmen with minimal losses.

With the army so badly bloodied, Robar had to let the host rest and regroup. From that point on, he kept the army in much stricter order. He was determined not to suffer such a defeat again, and so remained encamped, sending out scouting parties and outriders to hunt smaller bands of clansmen. However, with his army threatening to mutiny, he chose to march to the Slaughter Between the Four Forts. Robar kept a much tighter control over his men in this battle, however, Ser Terrence Templeton defied orders and charged into the center of the Clansmen, which ended up shattering the host. However, despite the overwhelming victory, the losses had still been heavy. The host broke apart after the battle, and the second great host was no more.

## House Royce since the Conquest:

Family Tree

*Allard Royce*, Lord of Runestone, born 1 AC, died 53 AC. Married to Jenna Redfort. He had three children:

* *Waymar Royce*, Lord of Runestone, born 21 AC, died 67 AC. Married to Bethany Manderly. Together they had six children:
	+ *Kyle Royce*, Lord of Runestone, known as *Kyle the Kinslayer*. Born in 41 AC, he died 68 AC when he was thrown out the moon door for killing both of his sons. He had two children:
		- *Denys Royce*, born 62. Killed in 68 by Lord Kyle.
		- *Osmund Royce*, born 65. Killed in 68 by Lord Kyle.
	+ Robar Royce, Lord of Runestone, known as *The Bronze Shield*. Born 44 AC, died in 95 in a shipwreck. Married to Lyanna Corbray, together they had seven children:
		- Ser Ronnel Royce, born 72 AC. A Knight of the Kingsguard.
		- *Ser Mafred Royce*, born 73 AC. Died in a shipwreck in 95 AC.
		- Lady Leona Darry (nee Royce), born 75 AC. Married to Ser Mathis Darry before he set the marriage aside to join the Kingsguard. She has one child:
			* Robar Darry, born 95 AC. The heir to Darry.
		- **Gerold Royce**, Lord of Runestone, born 76 AC. Married to Perianne Arryn. Together the couple has two children:
			* Perianne Royce, born 96 AC.
			* Manfred Royce, born 97 AC. The heir to Runestone.
		- *Ser Jared Royce*, born 77 AC. Slain in 93 AC during the Battle of King's Landing during The Rosegold Rebellion.
		- Ser Denys Royce, born 80 AC. A Household knight in Ninestars. Married to Larra Templeton, together the couple have two children:
			* Jared Royce, born 97 AC.
			* Bethany Royce, born 97 AC.
		- Lynesse Royce, born 82 AC. A handmaid for Lady Zhoe Arryn.
	+ Ser Leyton Royce, born 48 AC. Married to Arra Blackwood. Together the couple has three children:
		- Luthor Royce, born 71 AC. A Maester of the Citadel.
		- Rhea Royce, born 73 AC.
		- Ser Yohn Royce, born 75 AC. Captain of the Guard of Runestone. Married to Shireen Darklyn. Together the couple have three children:
			* Glyes Royce, born 93 AC.
			* Godric Royce, born 95 AC.
			* Lynora Royce, born 98 AC.
	+ Jeyne Corbray (nee Royce), born 51 AC. Married to Artos Corbray. Together the couple has two children:
		- Jonelle Corbray, born 71 AC.
		- Alyn Corbray, born 73 AC.
	+ Ser Robin Royce, born 53 AC. A sworn brother of the Night's Watch.
	+ Minisa Celtigar (nee Royce), born 54 AC. Married to Damon Celtigar. Died in 84 AC from childbirth. The couple has three children:
		- Valena Celtigar, born 77 AC.
		- Gael Celtigar, born 80 AC.
		- Serala Celtigar, born 84 AC.
* Alayne Reed (nee Royce), born 23 AC. Married to Howland Reed, an exile of House Reed. Together they had three children:
	+ Ser Farlan Reed, born 53. Slain in 93 AC during the Battle of King's Landing during The Rosegold Rebellion. He had two children:
		- Vayon Reed, born 69 AC.
		- Osric Reed, born 71 AC.
		- Alys Reed, born 76 AC.
	+ Allard Reed, born 55 AC. He has one child:
		- Barbrey Reed, born 74 AC.
	+ Jeyne Reed, born 57 AC.
* Ser Yorwyk Royce, born 25 AC. Married to Josella Waynwood. He has three children:
	+ Ser Yorbert Royce, born 45 AC. Master of Arms of House Sunderland. Married to Catelyn Waxley. He has five children:
		- Alyssa Velaryon (nee Royce), born 63 AC. Married to Addam Velaryon. Together the two have one child:
			* Jacerys Velaryon, born 81 AC.
		- Ser *Jon Royce*, born 63 AC. Slain in 86 during the Battle for Ironoaks. Married to Morgase Coldwater, had one child:
			* Catelyn Royce, born 80 AC. Married to Guncer Bar Emmon.
		- Ser Andar Royce, born 65 AC. Household Knight of House Sunderland, married to Dianna Sunderland. The couple three children:
			* Alayne Royce, born 83 AC.
			* Gunthor Royce, born 85 AC.
			* William Royce, born 89 AC.
		- Rhea Sunderland (nee Royce), born 66 AC. Married to Ser Davos Sunderland. Together they have three children:
			* Cecil Sunderland, born 80 AC.
			* William Sunderland, born 89 AC.
			* Adelaide Sunderland, born 95 AC.
		- Ser *Hubert Royce*, born 68 AC. Slain in 86 during the Battle for Ironoaks.
	+ Josella Mallister (nee Royce), born 47 AC. Married to Addam Mallister. Together they have six children:
		- Joanna Tully (nee Mallister), born 74 AC. Married to Lucas Tully.
		- *Jon Mallister*, born 74 AC. Died in 74 AC.
		- Lymond Mallister, born 77 AC. Married to Serena Blackwood.
		- Patrek Mallister, born 79 AC. Married to Perianne Darry. The chouple has one child:
			* Rosamund Mallister, born 97 AC.
		- Catelyn Farman (nee Mallister), born 80 AC.
		- Desmond Mallister, born 82 AC.
	+ Ser *Godry Royce*, born 50 AC. Slain in 87 AC during the Slaughter Between the Four Forts.