Brynden Tully

**Brynden Tully**, is the Lord Paramount of the Trident, the Lord of Riverrun, and the head of House Tully. He is the second son of Edmyn Tully and had one brother, Axel, and has two sisters, Alysanne and Ryella.

## Appearance & Character

With auburn hair, blue eyes, and fair skin, Brynden takes on many of the physical traits commonly seen in members of the illustrious Great House. And while he manages to keep himself well groomed, it is not uncommon to see the man sporting an equally auburn beard, cut short.

A life of combatant activities in Riverrun and later in Essos has helped the second Tully son develop a lean build well-proportioned with his 5'10" height, though his fair skin fared poorly in the oppressive sun of Essos causing it to become cracked around his eyes giving the man an older appearance than his age might suggest.

## History

### **Early Life**

Brynden was born to Lord Edmyn Tully and Lady Gwynna Lannister in 342 AC at Riverrun. Along with his older brother, Axel, Brynden had a typical childhood upbringing for sons born into noble families. They were taught their letters, basics of history and law, and court etiquette. However, unlike his more quiet and reserved brother, Brynden was both rowdy and willful and had a reputation for disobedience around the castle.

In 349 AC, Brynden was sent to the Twins to serve as a page under Lord Corbus Frey where he learned the basics of combat, horse-riding, hunting, and hawking. The boy kept to himself, preferring to dedicate himself to his duties and training. His disobedient behavior seemed to disappear in his new environment.

After displaying a talent for personal combat, Lord Corbus Frey took on Brynden as his squire in 352 AC and began to train him in the art of war, often sparring with the boy to hone his dueling skill with swords. The next year, Brynden accompanied Lord Corbus Frey and the Riverlands levy in the war against the Targaryens. Hoster Tully, Brynden's grandfather, perished in the Battle of Duskendale and was succeeded by Brynden's father, Edmyn Tully.

In 359 AC, Lord Corbus Frey knighted Brynden at the age of 19 after a victory in the joust and melee at a regional tournament. Having returned to Riverrun a knight, Lord Edmyn appointed Brynden to command the household guards of House Tully in Riverrun while his older brother represented the house in King's Landing.

A few years later, Brynden's brother Axel married a noblewoman who had been Brynden's childhood friend and later his lover. Animosity between the brothers brewed into a rivalry as rumors spread in Riverrun that Brynden maintained his carnal relationship with Minisa even after her marriage to his brother.

In 365 AC, Lord Edmyn's health began to deteriorate and Axel became *de facto* regent for his father who used this newfound power to plot against Brynden. Life in Riverrun becomes tense for Brynden despite his successful management of the household guard and relations with the commanders of the realm. He is known to be gregarious, courtly, and fair in delivering punishments by his men. During these years, Brynden also took active part in the tourneys, melees, and feasts of the realm further honing his combat skills.

Years of expecting foul play on the part of his brother has caused Brynden to be safeguarded and ultra aware of his surroundings at all times, often keeping one eye open for any plots--or even a dagger--that might be directed at him. To protect her from her husband's machinations, Brynden would even break off his affair with Minisa.

in 368 AC, Minisa died in childbirth causing Axel to be overcome with grief which turns into wroth directed towards Brynden. Unable to justify a reason for Lord Edmyn to disinherit Brynden, Axel instead manipulated their father into instructing Brynden to go on a foreign tour of Essos under the guise of conducting trade deals on behalf of the Riverlands. Brynden saw the request for what it is but is unable to refuse his father and liege lord.

Brynden spent a little over a year in Essos and traveled to each of the Free Cities under the assumed name of Damon Rivers. The knight used this pseudo-exile to further train his combat skills, studying briefly under bravos and swordsmen throughout the continent.

In 370 AC, Brynden received word during his stay in Volantis that both his father and older brother had died under suspicious circumstances and that he was to return home and become Lord of Riverrun and Lord Paramount of the Riverlands. While a thorough investigation found no evidence he had anything to do with their deaths, rumors continue to circulate that he may have been complicit in the crime.