Robert Bulwer

Robert Bulwer is the Hand of the Queen, Lord of Blackcrown, ruling since the death of his father in 358 AC. A veteran of two major wars, he is known for his talent for command and the strict discipline he enforces among his troops.

## Appearance and Character

Like his legendary ancestor, Robert Bulwer is built like a bull. He is tall and muscular, though not quite as strong as he was in his prime. He has dark hair and blue eyes, and tends toward modest clothing at court. Wherever possible, he proudly wears an axe at his hip.

Robert embraces his military prowess to enforce a strong sense of discipline among his soldiers. He is considered unassuming and plain, yet draws respect for his deeds. He believes a simple and quiet life is the greatest kind to live. He is strong in battle.

## History

Robert Bulwer was born in 343 AC to Lord Leo Bulwer and his wife, Arianne Costayne. As his father’s firstborn, he was raised from birth to one day assume the lordship of Blackcrown, and he was afforded all the privileges owed to a noble heir.

As a child he took little interest in his maester’s lessons, but reluctantly complied at his father’s bidding. He preferred to spend his time roaming around his family’s ancestral castle with his bastard cousin, Theo, and his brother, Jon.

Eager to provide his son with a better outlet for his unbridled energy, Lord Leo allowed Robert to begin practicing with swords at the early age of eight. The next year he was sent to Oldtown to live as a ward of his family’s liege, Lord Hightower. It was there that he befriended Lyonel Hightower, the heir to Oldtown, beginning a friendship that would last for the rest of their lives.

On his twelfth nameday, Robert’s father finally allowed him to begin his training as a squire. He was sent away to the Three Towers, where he served as a squire to Lord Tom Costayne. Robert’s boldness frequently put him at odds with the more reserved Costaynes, but over the course of his adolescence, the wise lessons of his mentor helped to temper his impulses.

In 357 AC, many of the lords of the Reach rebelled against the crown in what was later known as the War of White and Gold. House Hightower and all of its vassals, including houses Bulwer and Costayne, raised their banners in defense of the King. Robert followed Lord Tom Costayne as he mobilized all of the Three Towers’ men into battle. Robert, however, was intended only to perform his duties as a squire, and to stay out of the fray.

During one battle, however, Robert risked his life to come to the aid of Lord Costayne. His intervention saved his mentor’s life, but Robert was nevertheless scolded for disobeying his orders. To his great frustration, his heroic deed did not earn him a knighthood, as his master insisted that fifteen was much too young for such an honor.

His disappointment gave way to grief when he discovered that his father had died in battle. Robert thus became Lord of Blackcrown, though at fifteen he was still too young to rule. His castle was instead placed under the regency of his uncle, while he returned to the Three Towers to complete his training. On his sixteenth nameday, Robert was finally awarded with knighthood. He returned to Blackcrown to begin his personal rule, though he took little interest in the minutiae of governance, instead leaving much of his work to his stewards.

The division of the Reach in the aftermath of the War of White and Gold had dramatically altered the political landscape of the region, with Hightower receiving the title of Lord Paramount of the Honeywine. With Hightower’s advancement came that of its traditional vassals, and Robert’s friendship with Lord Lyonel Hightower put him into a position of influence in the Southlands.

In 362 AC, Robert was wed to Meredyth Cuy. Their arranged relationship was awkward at first, but the two eventually grew fond of each other despite their markedly different personalities. In 364 AC she gave birth to their first child, Lynesse. The next year he sired a son, Franklyn, and the birth of another daughter followed two years after.

The next two decades were largely peaceful at Blackcrown, with Robert’s attention focused on raising his family and tending to his lands. In 377 AC, however, Robert was once again called to war.

In the War of the Last Dragon, Robert Bulwer served as one of the most notable commanders of the Reach’s forces. Though his rigorous discipline frustrated his soldiers, Lord Bulwer’s methods were vindicated by his many tactical successes. The war ultimately ended in victory for the realm, though it came at a great cost. For Robert, that cost was his only son, who died in battle at the age of sixteen. Despite his grief, Robert pressed on with his duties. He worked tirelessly to help the Reach recover from the damage of the war, and gave regular attention to his eldest daughter, his new heir apparent.

## Recent History

At the end of the War of the Last Dragon, Lord Bulwer had planned to return home and bury his son. However duty was called upon him once more. On the recommendation of his mother, King Garlan I Tyrell called upon the experienced Lord of Blackcrown to serve as Hand of the King. The Lord did not expect to serve as Hand of the Queen however, for when he arrived at King's Landing, the King was dead. He currently serves as Hand of the Queen.