Roderick Blackwood

**Roderick Blackwood** is the first son of the late Lord Brynden Blackwood, and now head of House Blackwood and Lord of Raventree Hall.

## Appearance

Roderick still holds onto his youthful appearance. His facial hair has yet to grow in, and his cheeks are still slightly chubby. The boy, though yet to grow into his body, stands at 5'7", and is still growing.

## History

Roderick Blackwood was born to the late Lord Brynden Blackwood and Lady Sarra Blackwood *nee* Frey in the year 268 AC. As the first born son to the heir, Roderick was, as any heir's heir, treated with the utmost importance and respect. By three, he could recite House Blackwood's, House Frey's, House Tully's, House Bracken's, and House Blackfyre's words and name their sigils. By five, he knew all the Lord Paramount's and nearly all of the Riverlands. Roderick was able to pick up on things early, and quite easily to that. This, to Maester Meryn, signified the boy's mythical intelligence.

Since he could wander on his own, Roderick was fascinated with the ravenry. He'd often accompany Maester Meryn to the ravenry to send letters, and when he was up there, he'd befriend the birds. One bird in particular, a rather large raven, befriended Roderick. Within a few months, the bird and Roderick were inseparable. Maester Meryn said Roderick had a gift; the ability to speak to animals. Not literally, at least, but it sure seemed like it. Soon after he and his raven became inseparable, Roderick was found by his father with a tarantula on his head. This, apparently, was his friend too. It was clear that Roderick had an uncanny ability to befriend animals.

Though his grandfather, the then Lord of Raventree Hall, never left the keep, his father did quite often leave with his brothers. On their hunting trips, Roderick would accompany them, and more often than not, Roderick would score the most small game. Squirrels, rabbits, crows, you name it, Roderick has killed it. His prowess in hunting surprised even his own uncle, Hoster, who was quite the hunter himself. As Roderick grew up, his prowess only increased, seemingly exponentially. No stag was too fast for him, no wolf could evade him, even going so far as to hunting down a pack of shadowcats during a hunting trip in the eastern Riverlands. His expertise in hunting was quite notable.

In order to excel in hunting, archery is the way to go. Brynden knew this, so he taught his son the way of the archer early on. Roderick was apt with the bow at an early age, and could shoot with his eyes closed by the time he was eight. At ten, he defeated his uncle Hoster in an archery competition. And, at twelve, he pierced the eye of a stag at an incredible distance. Archery came naturally to Roderick.

Over the past two years, his family was rocked by many different events. His grandfather was murdered by an assassin from House Bracken, and his aunt was assaulted by Bracken men as well. This, along with other rumors he heard during his time at the Crossing, infuriated him. Recently, however, a rather vicious rumor about his father began spreading. Roderick refused to believe it, despite everyone repeating it.

Now, Roderick, his siblings, and his mother are en route to the Vale following orders from Lord Conrad to keep them safe.

## Timeline

* **268 AC**: Roderick is born.
* **271 AC**: By now, he can recite many words and sigils of Houses.
* **273 AC**: It becomes clear that Roderick has the gift of intelligence.
* **274 AC**: Roderick befriends a rather large raven named Vhagar.
* **275 AC**: Roderick befriends a rather hairy and tiny tarantula named Willow, for he found it in a willow tree.
* **278 AC**: His hunting prowess shows.
* **279 AC**: Roderick's bow practically becomes an extension of his arm.
* **280 AC**: Attends the coronation and wedding of King Daemon.
* **281 AC**: Is sent to the Crossing by his father for safe keeping in the Third Moon.
* **282 AC**: Rumors begin spreading of his fathers involvement in a dastardly plot. He doesn't believe it. But, he is sent to the Vale along with his siblings, aunt, uncle, and mother for safe keeping.

## Family

* *Lord Brynden Blackwood (248 AC - 282 AC)*
* Lady Sarra Blackwood *nee* Frey (b. 254 AC)
	+ Roderick Blackwood (b. 268 AC)
	+ Sansa Blackwood (b. 269 AC)
	+ Robert Blackwood (b. 271 AC)
* *Hoster Blackwood (250 AC - 282 AC)*
* Stevron Blackwood (b. 264 AC)
* Aryelle Blackwood (b. 264 AC)

*For a full list, view House Blackwood.*

## Recent Events

* **282 AC, Third Moon**: Roderick, his sister Sansa Blackwood, his brother Robert Blackwood, his mother Sarra Blackwood, his uncle Stevron Blackwood, and his aunt Aryelle Blackwood all escape with Lady Ysilla Frey *nee* Royce to White Harbor.
* **282 AC, Fourth Moon**: After spending a few days at White Harbor, the entourage catches a boat headed to the Vale. More specifically, Runestone. Roderick laments on his fathers purported injustices.