Isembard Arryn

Isembard Arryn is the current Lord of the Eyrie and Warden of the East.

## Biography

In the last year of the Great Summer, Lady Rowena Arryn finally gave birth to a boy, an heir to the Eyrie. Isembard was the name that his father, Lord Robert gave to him, but the joy of his son's birth was soon overshadowed by the fact that his left leg came out crippled. (**Maimed**)

From this first day, Lord Robert was disappointed in his son, and neglected him, hoping to receive another son before it was too late. His wish would fulfill itself in 292 AC, with the birth of a healthy young boy, promptly named after the founder of the House, Artys. During all of this, young Isembard was tutored by his uncle, Septon Denys, as his father hoped the firstborn would join the faith and relinquish his claim.

This time was not easy for Isembard, who wished nothing more than to make his father, the man who defeated the clansmen when he was only 22 years old, proud. Instead he grew up in the shadow of his younger brother, who was doted upon, and educated for rule, while Isembard was sent to learn the Seven-Pointed Star, verse for verse.

As it was the only way he saw to prove his worth, he began to put the faith as his priority in life. From reciting as many prayers as possible by heart, to spending whole days in the sept, without food, drink or sleep, hoping to get some sort of recognition from his father but receiving nothing. This neglect began to transform Isembard, from a boy who wished nothing more than to be accepted, to a ruthless person, who learned that he had to take what he earned, by force if necessary. (**Ruthless**)

His sad life took a turn for the better, when in 297 AC the Eyrie was visited by Lorent Tyrell, who was of similar age to Isembard. The boy from the Reach quickly became the first real friend the heir to the Eyrie ever had, and for the first time in years he turned away from the godly teachings.

This time of happiness was not to last however, only a few moons after the two boys had met, they accompanied Lord Robert on a visit to Longbow Hall, it was the first time Isembard would sit atop a horse for longer than an hour. On their way through the Mountains of Moon, they were suddenly showered with arrows, and while Isembard and his father remained mostly unharmed, Lorent was not so lucky, an arrow going straight through his head. While the Tyrells never publicly blamed House Arryn for his death, the once good relations quickly soured.

Completely shattered by the loss of his only true friend, Isembard returned to his uncle, the only one who saw the potential of the boy. While the primary focus of his education remained with the teachings of the Seven, it was extended to include subjects such as history and economics. In secret, Septon Denys began to prepare the young Arryn for rule, hoping he would become the pious ruler the Vale needed.

The teenage years of Isembard were dominated by a burning hatred against the clansmen, and he often imagined what he would do to them, if he could get his hands on them. These were dark dreams, full of torture and revenge. (**Torture**)

In 298 AC, the Burned Men began to proclaim themselves as followers of R’hllor and began a series of raids against various settlements. Lord Robert, the man who had already defeated the clansmen once had grown fat and lazy, hoping the other Valelords would deal with the new threat. A wish that would not come into fulfillment. Nothing more was done than increase the number of patrols, an obstacle the clansmen barely noticed.

Lord Robert grew annoyed by Isembards reluctance to become a septon and sent him to Heart’s Home, as a ward to Lord Adrian Corbray. From him he learned the arts of intrigue, and other matters of the shadows. (**Espionage**) The ward and the Lord formed a bond that would hold on to the future

So in 304 AC, various Knights of the Vale came together and founded an order soon known as the Swords of the Stranger, with the prominent Ser Garret Stone as their Elder. Once again Lord Robert, whose health had steadily deteriorated over the last few years, chose to ignore them.

Only one year later, Isembard, now a grown man, returned to the Eyrie. He was tall and handsome, with a charming smile and quick tongue. Most notable was the inspiring voice he had when talking about matters of religion. He was able to convince many critics of his, more radical, ways. (**Inspiring**)

As soon as he had returned, his father called for him. The once great Lord was nothing more than a sick man at that point, unable to leave the bed while being plagued with sickness, unable to lead the Vale. Isembard was named regent, being supported by his uncle and mentor, Denys.

In 307 AC, Lord Robert Arryn, Warden of the East died and Isembard finally inherited his titles and power and promptly began to reform the Falcon Court. Jesters and bards were exchanged with loyal followers of the gods and Septons. He met up with Elder Garret and promised to increase funding of the knightly order. The new Lord also formed marital bonds with Lord Lannister, whose sister he married, and Lord Baratheon and Stark.

Now in 309 AC, all lords of Westeros were invited to join the celebrations accompanying the sixteenth nameday of the Crown Prince. Together with his bannermen and two hundred of the finest knights, Isembard rides south intrigued at what he will find in the capital, the seat of the heathen king.

## Timeline

**286-292 AC:** Isembard Arryn is born as the first son of Lord Robert. Due to his crippled leg he is neglected by his father who hopes for a second son.

**292-297 AC:** After the birth of his brother Artys, Isembard is being taught by his uncle, Septon Denys. In hopes of gaining some recognition he becomes a zealous follower of the Seven.

**297 AC:** Lorent Tyrell visits the Eyrie, and the two boys become good friends, but during a ride through the mountains Lorent is killed by clansmen.

**300-305 AC:** Isembard is warded at Heart’s Home.

**305-307 AC:** Isembard returns to the Eyrie and is named regent as his father's health fails.

**307-309 AC:** After his father's death, Isembard is named Lord of the Eyrie and Warden of the East.

## Family Tree

https://www.familyecho.com/?p=START&c=p1bgjpepa7&f=605216617788350301