Black Rebellion

### Outcome:

Shamus Blackwolf absolved of any charges, Rickon Darkstar sentenced to the Wall. House Darkstar extinguished

Combatants| The Blacks* House Darkstar
* House Blackwolf
* House Starkwood
* House Kalkuho
* House Maloris
* House Lail
* House Wilder
* House Kalkuho
* The Thorns
* Jolly Brethern
* House Griften
* House Sunfyre
* House Mallery
* House Quickgold
* House Flameheart
* House Greywinde
* House Royston
* House Dayne
* House Jadefyre
* House Henning
* Broken Skulls

Commanders| * Lord Rickon Darkstar
* Lord Shamus Blackwolf
* Lord Artos Starkwood
* House Kalkuho
* Jaeharys Maloris
* Ser James Lail
* Ser Zelos Wilder
* Daniel Youngflower
* Yohn Blacksteel
* Ser Robb Griften
* Lord Rheagon Sunfyre
* Lord Persues Quickgold
* Ser Marq Mallery
* Lord Darron Flameheart
* Lord Rickard Greywinde
* Ser Edric Royston
* Ser Ian the Oculus
* Lord Deamon Jadefyre
* Lord Chrisarys Stormfyre
* Haywin Sand
* Jon

### Battles

* Interception at the Twins
* Taking of Fairmarket
* Koi's Rampage
* Battle at Ruby Ford
* Battle of the Sellswords
* Battle of the Raging Wolf
* Retaking Fairmarket

The Black Rebellion was the war between the Redwaters and there allies known as the Red's, and the Blackwolf/Darkstar's known as the Blacks. The war came as Jory was looking to punish the two houses for there perceived actions against the crown. The Rebellion decided the fate of many houses, culimated from the growing issues that had brewed from before and set the stage for the way House Brightflame would develop from that point onward.

## Prelude

> *Jory: Send the word out. Rickon and Shamus must answer for there crimes.*
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> *Darron: It's not my place to question you, but let me warn you if this happens you must be known how it will be seen.*
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> *Jory: Im well aware friend...Still it must be done.*
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The Crown was going through a great deal of debt, and Shamus the Master of Coin came under fire for it, as many felt his poor management of the money lead to the growing hole in the Kingdom's coffers. Though much of the blame could be attributed to the constant state of warfare many were already at each other's throats for the various schemes and backstabs to focus on the King's efforts to bring the Realm together. Another issue was Jory noticing that House Darkstar's numbers were growing threatening to go past the limitations placed on there house, with Jory feeling this was intentional. Not helped by the fact that Rickon Darkstar the lord of House Darkstar and there keep was making efforts to better relations with House Blackwolf, House Redwater spies reported this and false information lead to Jory coming to a bold conclusion, House Blackwolf was embezzling the Kings coin and providing it for his friends and allies and himself. Jory Redwater quickly brought his Cousin Robin Redwater, and his vassals Including Rickard Greywinde and Darron Flameheart to his keep, After consulting them on how to best Proceed he called he sent out letters to all explaining his actions, using his power as hand of the King he demanded Rickon and Shamus answer for there crimes.

The answer to the meeting was met with shock and in some places anger, Shamus and Jory were members of the Small Council, and this divided the Council even more then it already was, Lord Privat, Master of Laws and Ser James Lail of the Kingsguard were two of the quickest voices to protest the decision, and many who backed them, soon known as the Blacks also voiced the unfairness of the situation, as they pointed out Rickon had gained those numbers to protect himself when House Bennet had attacked him, and since then he had been taken prisoner by Bard Koi, the idea he was planning anything was seen as preposterous. Others Like Edric Royston and Ian Dayne, also members of the Small council defended Jory's decision, the Master of Coins, even if he wasnt plotting agaisnt the Realm was not handling his job with the upmost serious of someone handling the Crown's finances and Rickon had allies he could have relied on to save himself in the war, at least that was the reasons they gave though some accused Ian of only helping Jory because they were friends rather then because he was right, likewise Lord Privat was accused of only taking a stand because of his known rivalry with Jory and the accusations remained on both sides.

Banners were called and many flocked to either side either for favors or loyalty to one particular side, or because they found the chance for wealth and gold but soon the Blacks and the Red's were set and now the only thing to decide was who would ultimately win the War to come. But unknown to both sides Bard Koi, the leader of the growing army of Bandits, many of which were growing in power thanks to the constant warfare was planning to make his mark n the interim.

## Interception at the Twins

> *Rickard: The Fastest way south was the Twins, it was the obvious place for you to make your moves.*
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> *Shamus: Dont speak to me of 'obvious'. Its Obvious to everyone but a Redwater toady that Jory's actions are a foolish power game!*
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Artos and Shamus' powerbase and army was in the North, an area that was at peace with House Brightflame but not apart of it, for this reason Artos and shamus mounted there forces and left by Sea down to the Riverlands, they had planned to reach down to the Riverlands out of King Stark's jurisdiction and march down to meet Rickon Darkstar at the Twins, united the two would set up camp and try to slowly pin Jory and his allies down to surround and Siege Ruby Keep and potentially cut off Jory from his supply line. But they underestimated the Spies of the Master of Whisperer's and there reach in the North, Ian's men reported to Jory and the Redwater Lord knew that this was the best chance to strike, if he could take both leaders of the conspiracy in one battle he would be able to end the war without much bloodshed. The issue is he would need to march out before his own allies had fully assembled to him, but since he had his two main vassals with him he figured that he could do it. Taking a Risk he allowed Rickon to go through without trouble as he would seek to bring his men in around as well. Rickon being very inexperienced in warfare didnt suspect anything from the lack of attacks to his host.

Being much more experienced and used to the land Jory had made his moves towards the Twins long before Rickon and the Northern Lords did and before they could get close and meet Artos and Shamus were surprised by Robin Redwater, assisted by Darron and Rickard who's calvary charge struck them when they were least expecting an attack. Though they were still an army that had seen years of battle and quickly prepared themselves. Meeting the Redwater host head on the two sides clashed as there front lines weathered the vanguard, but the two forces seemed to be at a stalemate once Robin's main infantry entered the fray the battled seemed to favor Robin's men. Artos's son Osric saw this and quickly lead his men into an attack on Robin's side, hoping to disorganize the army while Artos and Shamus began organizing a retreat fighting there way out and pushing away from the Twins and further near there previous camps, successfully pushing away as Osric's forces fell back as well. Though Osric was praised for acting fast and preventing there line from being broken through which would have certaintly lead to the decimation of there army, they worried for Rickon's safety.

Rickon Darkstar was not in a good position, as he was travelling to the Twins, his inexperience cost him when Rodrick Whent. Marq Mallery and Jory Redwater, aided by Edric Royston ambushed him near the Twins. Rickon panicked and the three more experienced lords attacked his host, many of the experienced Darkstar soldiers took charge and tried to hold and Rickon himself even quickly tried to compose himself and fight but Rickon's inability to adjust to the changing strategy of Jory caused his forces to break when Rickon risked a Calvary charge, his army was cut off from each other and divided amongst the two forces. This is when Rickon finally tried a retreat, but by the end though Rickon escaped capture most of his army was either captured or killed. Jory gave chase ordering Rodrick Whent to fall back and make sure that Robin secured the more dangerous Shamus. Rodrick feigned compliance but as he fell back it was clear he had his own agenda.

## Taking of Fairmarket

> *Hollis Pyne: Your Craven Whent, The Redwaters will make sure your entire house pays for this.*
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> *Rodrick: If they win. And its high time the Redwater's learn humilty.*
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Rodrick Whent was a man under the vassalship of House Redwater, but they were also friends to many such as House Kalkuho, and had been, in there own mind slighted by there Liege lords for there armies marching against them in the defense of House Henning for there arrest of his son and in the Sieges surrounding Hen Hill that followed there issues only escalated. It was here that Rodrick saw the best chance to retaliate, since Jory had split his men away from Fairmarket and Ruby Keep to make up for his allies still not around and since Fairmarket was a good source of income and supplies he knew taking it would assure that the Redwaters were not in a position to continue there campaign, helped along by his information he had been slipping to the Blacks(though no raven could reach Artos and Shamus in time and Rickon left before he could receive his letter), and allowing Rickon to escape He made his final attack clear.

Arriving at Fairmarket he told the guards of Jory's orders and was asking them to send a runner to Robin, though once he was inside and his men were in position Rodrick showed the true colors that would define him for the rest of his life. Ordering an attack his men started to cut down the soldiers and take the town by force, long time friend of Jory and the man in charge of the garrison Hollis Pyne reacted quickly trying to defend the Redwater territory but they were outnumbered and surprised, and soon Hollis had to surrender to save the lives of the rest of the men, which Rodrick honored and had them imprisoned. While he had made sure to secure any means of communication first and closing up the supply lines, one man slipped through the cracks and started to ride off to warn Ser Jory of the Whents betrayal. Meanwhile Rodrick started to send letters to the Blacks that Fairmarket was theres.

## Koi's Rampage

> *Bard Koi: These lordlings make it too easy, we will take from them what we can, and if they try to stop us. We take them as well.*
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Bard Koi was always opportunistic and with the Lords still gathering around for him to mess with he knew that now was the best time to strike, his army while larger then an self proclaimed "Bandit Lord" had any right to be it would never match a well trained army, even guerilla warfare tactics, of which Bard had proven to be a master of would still be stopped by either side united. Which is why he made sure to hinder any attempt at them doing so. Starting closer to one side he harassed The Henning forces, making sure to attack there scouts and keep the Hennings in the dark, or at least blaming the Blacks for the attacks. Then he turned his attention to the Blacks themselves, Harrassing House Wilder's marched forces and even House Kalkuho's on his way through but never fully engaging any of the larger armies, and occasionally he lost me in the attacks but that worked out for him, less men he had to pay and as long as he had enough to succeed he was all to happy to keep going.

One of his commanders Jon was a more bold, while he attacked Black and Red supplies he also actually attack camps, attacking the Quickgold and Sunfure camps fast and hard and then leaving just as the battle would have turned agaisnt him, he would go on to do the same to the Thorns before the Jolly Brethern began hunting his men down, which was the cure for him to stop while he had made some ground with ill gotten gains. His Boldness motivated Bard to try and step up his attacks but by then he would have to wait as some of the two sides were finally starting to form together.

## Battle of Ruby Ford

> *Rickon: I dont know how much im worth, but surely all this blood shouldnt be for my sake.*
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> *Privat: It is not that simple. This matter has grown beyond the decisions of one man, this is about taking a stand.*
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Jory and most of his army had not yet learned of the Whents betrayal, as the lone rider had gone to Lord Robin and the men with him, once they learned of there predicament they had found themselves in and robin flew into a rage at the Whents betrayal despite the Redwaters mercy. Still they fell back, knowing that otherwise they would have trouble getting supplies and knew Jory would likely be experiencing the same issue if Rodrick had started trying to block any supplies coming in from Ruby Keep, this allowed the dug in Starkwoods and Blackwolfs to escape and they started taking the long way though the Riverlands to go down further south to aid there allies. Rickon Darkstar had surprisingly managed to elude Ser Jory and gotten to Lord Privat who had the numbers to keep Jory at bay for now, Especially when Jory started to notice there supplies thinning and didnt want to risk overextending his reach. Instead he fell back and set up camp hoping to hear good news of Shamus defeat and capture to strengthen there chances. Instead as his allies formed up and time past all he ended up learning about was the betrayal of the Whents as well, his first instinct being to back and take Fairmarket but then he realized that would leave him in a precarious position of giving the Blacks ground.

Instead when Robin's forces came down he decided the best course of action was to not let the war drag out any longer and set up an offense across the fords where he planned to meet the enemy that was now taking a defensive stance. Pushing across the fords his allies divided into three lines, the front lines mostly consisting of Flamehearts, Greywinde's, and Quickgolds, the Calvary controlled by Edric and Rheagon while the reserves were mostly Redwater, Mallery, Henning and Jadefyre forces. as they pushed through, they were met by the defensive lines of the Black's the vanguard lead by Zelos Wilder, Jah Maloris, and Daniel Youngflower, Kalkuho archers harassed the Reds all the while the infantry force tried to push them back and keep them trapped, James Lail made appoint of keeping the enemy Calvary at bay, and while he was backed by Rickon Darkstar, the Red's calvary was far more experienced then there's and lead by two men who were extremely skilled riders leading them. Eventually the front lines of the vanguard for the red's was beaten back when Rickard realizes they weren't going to be able to push on the attack but the Calvary broke through. The Jolly Brethern and Robb Griften pushed up along with the coast to try and form a defensive line for both the Calvary and Jory's other forces that pushed along the opening. The Blacks had come up with a clever defensive plan but they were outnumbered and nearly stretched thin.

Then seemingly at the hour they were needed most House Starkwood and House Blackwolf came in full force, having completed there march and swooping in the rear to assist there allies. Though there numbers still didnt allow them to surpass that of the Red's there timing and there focus did the work for them, they were able to strike at the rear and focus there attack at the center of the offensive line, dividing of there forces and preventing the Red's from pushing there offense. Ian who had stayed in the back rallied to counter this attack and on some level succeeded in halting Shamus and Artos struggled getting past a quick to react Jory, the Starkwood forces were able to get the job done and fractured the infantry that was already fighting a somewhat uphill battle. The Black's took advantage, for the first time going on the offensive to make sure this opening stuck and drove most of the now scattered line back across the ford. And the Black's reserves soon joined the fighting hoping to put on the pressure to the red's fighting on multiple fronts and dividing the enemy that fell back rather then risk a decisive lost. Hawin, Ian, and the Sunfyres retreating further south while Jory and most of his vassals fell back closer to Ruby Keep. And the Blacks stayed back knowing that giving chase was too risky in there current state.

## Battle of the Sellswords

> *Daniel: We only need the Redwaters to surrender, stand down and I'm sure the Blacks will have no problem treating you fair Haywin.*
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> *Haywin: Ive made my bed, I Intend to stand by it. The Redwaters even now can provide more coin, then the Blackwolves or the Darkstars.*
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Though the Blacks celebrated there victory, this battle and the war with his Houses old rivals had shaken Rickon to the very core, and he was clearly regretful that he was partially responsible. Whats more Daniel Youngflower wanted to continue the attack feeling that they had the momentum and had to keep it. While most agreed that the momentum was on there side they couldnt afford to strike again, many of there own were wounded and tired especially the Starkwoods and Blackwolfs who had rushed to arrive on the battlefield, and Privat wagered that the enemy still had more numbers then them. Of course this just motivated Daniel to want to attack more as he pointed out the enemy was split apart now and if they could capture Ian and Rheagon's forces they would be valuable hostages for them. Though when he was refused he instead asked if he could keep watch which Privat agreed to. Though Daniel smelling opportunity left a few of his men and started to move out with the rest of the Thorns convincing Yohn Blacksteel to accompany him on his mission. The two men and there sellsword companies pushed on looking for the enemy forces camp , figuring them battered and exhausted from the battle before hand and hoping that if they could catch them unprepared, they could put a swift end to the battle before one started.

This proved somewhat costly, while the Red's were surprised and worn out they still had there senses about them and scouts were able to spot them before they found them. Haywin called his Company and with assistance from Sunfyre men would move out to meet the enemy and divert them from the camp. Haywin's forces met Daniel's and a short scuffle ensued but Haywin had secured the area and the battle seemed to be a stalemate until Haywin and Daniel met in combat, the two clashed for several minutes despite there fatigue until one of Haywins trusted allies caught Daniel with a crossbow to the shoulder, the wound gave Haywin the opening to down Daniel though Haywin refused to land any killing blow, and the fighting stopped shortly afterwards. Haywin was impressed by the battle and offered Daniel and his company a place with them, but Daniel refused admitting to Haywin the reason he made the company in the first place, and how while his chances for marriage to Lady Margaery are ever slim the money to raise a family of his own is still a strong dream for him. Haywin impressed by his determination for a unlikely love and strong will of heart and likewise impressed with Yohn's company instead offers a truce between them, as there's no reason for more of them to die in this battle and Haywin sees no reason to try and keep them as prisoners, and soon the sellsword companies and even the soldiers of Dayne and Sunfyre depart in friendship.

## Battle of the Raging Wolf

> *Zelos: The Nights Watch isn't exactly devoid of bloodshed either, you'll be fighting Wildlings and...Who knows what else is back there.*
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> *Daniel: Aye..take it from men who've been there your life there wont be any easier then ruling as a lord here.*
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> *Rickon: I know but at least there I know im doing the Realm a service..here the bloodshed often feels so..avoidable..meaningless, and every action I take dictates the life of not just my people but people I offend, its not for me I know that much. theres no glory in a life at the Watch, but there is purpose...that I can live with.*
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In the meantime Rickon had made his decision to end his part in the wars of Westeros and join the Night's Watch, while the Blacks protested this Rickon wouldnt budge on the matter detailing that surely Jory would ease up and allow this to happen and that Shamus' accusations would be easier to deal with on a singular basis this way. Eventually Privat sent an envoy of peace to Jory offering to talk about the deal and Jory quickly accepted eager to see if peace could be resolved. When the two sides met and Rickon made his intention clear, Jory offered nothing but praise for the decision, having a respect for the Nights Watch and an understanding of Rickon's thought process even if he felt justified in his decisions, then the matter of Shamus came up and shamus made it clear he has never and will never work against the crown, and when Jory pointed out his position in the North which was acting as an independent nation Shamus defend himself still pointing out he did his best to help secure the northern peace and if war breaks out between the two again his side is fully on that of House Brightflame. Jory doesn't wholly remain convinced but knowing the war resuming risks hurting the realm further offers the Black leaders an ultimatum, Shamus will be fully absolved of any crimes as long as the Black's stay out of Jory's efforts to take Fairmarket back and punish the Whents, which he adds by pointing out that they are his vasslas and they betrayed that trust, not to mention them taking the town through dishonorable means. Privat, Shamus, and Rickon, the only ones privy to this deal all accept after Robin and Jory promise that no harm would come to Artos' daughter as they all know Artos would never accept such an attack. And with the arrangement from all sides the war seems over.

Though Shamus feeling frustrated with leaving the Whents who while traitorous were his allies to the wolves rallies his men and marches off to the last known location of the Bard bandits, hoping to find them and cut loose his anger on deserved enemies. aided by many of the Blacks and even some of the reds who had been attacked by Bard during the war, the combined might and scouting prowess caught wind of Bard's forces moving through the area to try and capture a few villages to plunder. Shamus rushes to stop them, the combined Red and Black host finding the largest seen group of Bard's bandits and rushing them with the fury of a combined Westeros, the battle was a devastating one sided affair with, the only comfort Bard could take was that he escaped with his life but having lost over 200 men in a single stroke which made up a good chunk of his forces with him. After the battle Shamus remained at odds with his decision but content that he could do some good in this war.

## Retaking Fairmarket

> *Robin: I wont rest until the Whents have been pushed off Westeros forever for this!*
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> *Jory: Once we take Fairmarket, there keep is next.*
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> *Robin: There keep will be a pile of rubble with the last of there banners to stoke the flames! No betrayal to our house will go unpunished.*
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Rodrick Whent while oblivious to the deals contents, found out what would come next on its own. as his men reported the Redwaters heading for Fairmarket with no sign of his allies to help him Rodrick seemed to realize what needed to happen, though weather he thought that his allies would come in time, that he might be able to keep the town for himself or he just felt like it Rodrick fled the town to go and try and get more of his own men from his keep and his family and escort them back or at least out of the Redwater's warpath, leaving a garrison at the town large enough to hold it. As he left the Redwater's arrived and surrounded the town, but the Whents proved surprisingly loyal as even as the Redwaters made threats to them none caved to the demands. Robin and Ian quickly came up with a plan of attack, as Robin knew the best ways to siege and take the town he quickly laid out a plan that was to be lead and executed by Jory, Perseus, and Rheagon who each managed a different aspect of the attack, and when the time was right struck at the most vulnerable area with an array of ladders and battering rams to the doors. The Whent Garrison held them off for roughly an hour but once the gates were pen and me were up the ladders they lost the gate and once the men started poring in and the ex garrison turned prisoners freed, the Whents were the ones who were trapped in the city and forced to surrender.

Fairmarket was back in Redwater hands but Robin remained angry, the war was over but Rodrick had eluded them and as far as he was concerned that was another war entirely. He decided to let his men rest for the day as he sent a latter to the Whent's castle telling them that they were stripped of there lands and if they were still oocupying the castle when they came to take I they would be put to the torch along with it. Robin though was not a man of warnings anymore and the next day he took the Flamehearts, and the Greywinds and marched to deal with the Whents in a way they would never forget.

## Aftermath

The Black Rebellion changed things in Westeros among the Brightflame lords, the Redwater and Whent issues reached an all time high and escalated into a conflict, though the conflict itself was soon dealt with in the Ambush of the Whent Convoy that saw the Whents crushed and exiled by the Redwater's putting them out of Westeros for years, until they were brought back in the fold by The Sunfyre's bending the knee to the King to bring the Stepstones into the Seven Kingdoms in 303 AC. The war also defined many of the relationships that formed amongst the lords with friendships that formed through them leading to marriage offers and alliance like the marriage of Rheagon Sunfyre to Sophia Redwater.

Rickon Darkstar stayed at the Nights Watch for a few years carrying out his life sentence before he was lost beyond the wall for months when he came back he was a changed man, and eventually he lost his nerve and fled from Castle Black entirely, many of his Black brothers mention his name and associated it with cowardice and many lords claim to have seen him but Rickon himself was never caught publicly and was never heard from again. Shamus Blackwolf continued to serve as Master of Coin despite the crown suffering more debt issues afterwards no question of Shamu's loyalty or accusations of embezzlement were thrown with anything close tot he level of viciousness they were at this time and when war broke out in the North Shamus proved true to his word with what side he was on at that time.

Daemon Jadefyre, motivated both by the crowns growing debt and the lack of profit he gained from the war decided to host a lengthy expedition in the hopes of making some money by the Jade sea, the long expedition kept him away from Westerosi politics for a long time but when he came back he had indeed become a wealthy man in his own right, and the money he provided the King pulled them out of debt for a time, the reward for this was vast as well as he was able to claim Castamere as his seat and House Jadefyre became House Verdant.

Lord Privat and Lord Jory who had been open rivals in politics before this as made clear by things such as the Red Sand Crisis, made a more conscious effort to reconcile as the Rebellion seemed to be an eye opener for both of them on how much there decisions affect the realm, though the rode was hardly smooth sailing the war itself proved to be something that stuck in both there minds as something to never happen again and open conflict between the two of them never escalated to things like this again.