Shepard Bolton

**Shepard Bolton is the Head General of the Iron Legion of Bravos. He is the oldest brother of the 'Bolton Brothers'. He is a current claimant to the Throne of Bravos (through law and right).**

## Appearance and Character

Shepard is a large man - tall, broad-shouldered, and sinewy. Shepard has dark purple eyes (A birth defect). He has a close-cropped beard across his large jaw. His face has a tightness to it like cured leather with gray/black hair.

Shepard is a serious, stubborn, rarely-forgiving, hard man with a strong sense of duty and justice. He is proud and protective of his honor. Shepard is an accomplished commander, sailor, and warrior. He has won several military engagements, both land, and sea, and is responsible for multiple Bravos victories. Let it be known that Shepard does not like fighting or commanding and only does so because he believes he has a duty to serve Bravos.

Shepard suffers from Hyperthymesia. This is the rare ability to recall nearly all past experiences in great detail. Shepard does not forget a thing.

### Aliases

The Shepherd, The Mountain Man, Red Stag/Blood Stag, Dilf of Okan, Arabic Father, King of the Wartable, Lordmaker

### Occupation

General of Iron Legion (fired) Lord of Bravos (claimant)

### Titles

Ser Shepard of Lord's LandingKeeper of Hellhold (previous) High General of the Iron Legion (Fired) House Bolton Leader (previous)

## Early Life

Shepard Bolton, birth name Jalton Bolton, was born in Lord's Landing in 941 AB and raised at the House Bolton Estate for his early years. From ages 7-13, he was sent to House Targoth as a Ward along with his brother Steffon. When he turned 13 years old he was shipped off to the Bracken Warfare Academy and stayed there until he was 20.

His time at the Bracken Warfare Academy was purely spent training in many forms of sword combat and battle tactics. He was one of the best in his class, becoming the personal squire for one of the academy owners, Maxor Bracken. One of his class rivals at the Bracken Academy was Ulysses j. Blackfysh, the now Warden of the North.

at 7 years old, Shepard found an injured eagle and nursed it back to health. He named it Goldclaw. His brother Steffon called it Mudclaw, as it would never fly higher than the treetops, and never soared. Shepard's bird was later accidentally killed by Steffon's bird, Proudwing. Shepard then killed Steffon's bird, but not as an act of revenge. In Shepard's eyes, it was justice *(An eye for an eye)*. This event taught young Shepard that justice only exists if people act for it.

## Wars and other Military Engagements

### The Kazadur Rebellion

Happening in 956 AB, this event was Shepard's (At the time still known as Jalton) first war. The Dwarven houses of Dusken, Horlaw, and Wyn declared themselves independent from Bravos and reestablished the Kingdom of Kazadur. Not long after, Bravos began a military operation to crush the rebellion. This operation was led by Maxor Bracken, the Head Commander of the Winter Wolves at the time. This rebellion was particularly hard for Bravos to take down due to the environment, caves.

Maxor was known for his bronze armor that covered his whole body. When Maxor died during the fighting, Jalton took his armor and impersonated him. Jalton led a successful counter-assault against the rebels, eventually taking the city. When it was revealed that Jalton had impersonated Maxor he was almost executed for treason. After a long military trial, he was proven innocent. When news of this reached the soldiers, they praised Jalton and named him a war hero. The soldiers started to call him "The Shepherd" for leading them to victory. Jalton would later adopt this name and denounce his birth name of Jalton.

Shepard took this event as a lesson that sometimes doing the right "lawful" thing isn't always the best option. If Shepard didn't impersonate Maxor then Bravos would have lost. Shepard would start to create his own moral compass based on his own beliefs rather than Bravosian law and customs.

### Tengu Tribe Uprising

In 970 AB, Reports of travelers going missing find their way to Lady Elise (The lord). It was discovered that a cannibalistic tribe of wildlings was kidnapping people. While Shepard played no physical role in bringing them down, he did help make the battle plan. Most people credit Ulysses J. Blackfysh for the victory, but without Shepard's planning, they would have lost. After this event, Shepard started to dislike the government for the way they recognized what he believed to be unworthy people with high gratitude. Ulysses would later be appointed Warden of the North for this victory which only grew Shepard's distaste for him and the government.

### The Defiance of Dusken

In 978 AB, House Dusken of Kazadur refused to pay their debts from the first Kazadur rebellion and once again rebelled against Bravos, this time starting with killing several high-ranking nobles and kidnapping Elwick Wyn of the Dwarven House Wyn and holding him hostage. The rebels fortified themselves deep within the dwarven city of Kazadur which made it almost impossible to reach or fight them. After nearly a month of negotiating with them, the rebels sent a letter that wrote, **"Denounce all claim to Kazadur and the Deepcities or we will flay Elwick *alive* and send you what remains of him."**

Shepard, who was a Colonel at the time, did not respond and ordered all Bravosian troops to evacuate the city. He then order for the nearby river of the Rudy Fork to be rerouted to the entrance to Kazadur. It took only 3 days for the army to dig a new pathway and it only took 5 days for the entirety of Kazadur to be put underwater. This event is known as the *"Drowning of Kazadur".* Elwick along with everyone in Kazadur died.

Shepard was reprimanded for his decision. He had to go to a military trial in order to prove his reasoning. Shepard cited that if we were to invade Kazadur then hundreds of thousands of Bravosian lives would be lost. The court agreed with him and all charges were dropped. Shepard never issued an apology for his actions and cited his decision as necessary.

### Mountain Wars/Cavern Campaign

In 985 AB, The Mountain Wars begin after rogue orc tribes are discovered living in the mountain caves around the wildlands. (This event is complex and will need a separate lore page). Shepard was the High General of the Iron Legion at the time and led the assault against them. This war, like many previous wars Shepard was a part of, happened in caves. This war only recently ended in 1000 AB. (Note: Shepard did not lead the entirety of the war but he did lead a vast majority.)

### Siege of Loramere

In 988 AB, the Bravosian Principality-Colony of Loramere in the continent of Tu'la would declare themselves independent. Lady Elise, the Lord of Bravos at the time, ordered Shepard to leave the Mountain Warfront and help in the invasion of Loramere.

The Prince of Loramere, Doran Jordayne, wagered that Bravos would not have the capability to bring an army to Tu'la, he was ***very*** wrong. Not long after his declaration, Shepard rallied a force of over 30,000 soldiers to invade Loramere which included over 1000 ships of all ranging sizes. Loramere was backed by the Bank of Lyc and was being defended by the Golden Fleet of Lyc.

The Golden Fleet of Lyc was known for being undefeated for over 50,000 years. It was a formidable fleet of war galleys and other War-made vessels. Despite this advantage, Shepard's fleet outnumbered the Golden Fleet nearly 10 to 1. Three thousand sailors died fighting the Golden Fleet, but when the smoke settled the Golden Fleet was shattered and utterly destroyed.

Shepard then led the assault on Loramere which ended with Loramere surrendering 7 days after Shepard's Fleet arrived. This event is known as **Shepard's War Week**.

#### The Cold War of Tu'la and the Siege of Hellhold

Three months after Loramere's surrender, the Bank of Lyc came for their money. The Bank wanted to be repaid for their investment and they raised an army to take Loramere. This army was mostly comprised of soldiers from other Tu'la City states like Potosh and Khyro.

Loramere is surrounded by mountains and the only way to get into Loramere by land is by passing through the 'Bone-way Pass'. The entrance to the Bone-way Pass is guarded by the Hellhold Fortress. The Hellhold, despite its name, is a large beautiful castle that is actually listed on the Citadel's list of World Wonders for its beauty and large library. Shepard, along with an army of 500 men, was commanded to hold this castle so that the invaders could not enter Loramere. For over a year Shepard was trapped in the fortress as diplomatic meetings were held between the Bank of Lyc and Bravos. 8 months in, Shepard's men abandoned their post. Shepard, however, did not leave the castle and held it with his now advisor, Raymont Revarian. The two held the castle for 4 more months until peace was reached. Shepard would later track down the deserters and execute them for treason. (Note: The invading forces never attacked the castle, they merely had an army waiting outside the walls).

While Shepard was in the castle, he spent most of his time reading. The Hellhold is known for its massive library with millions of books, only rivaled by the Citadel's library in Calanis. In the span of a year, Shepard read every book it had about warfare and strategy and every book about Okan.

Here's what Shepard had to say about his time at the Hellhold castle, ***"...When the siege ended and three months later the full weight of Tu’la and the Bank of Lyc came crashing down on Loramere, I was instructed to keep the Hellhold castle. For a full year, I held it from invaders. I was told to hold the castle, so I held it. It was my duty, so I did it.”** -Shepard Bolton to Kaladin Rivers, Chapter 20 Book 1*

## Life-changing Events

* Shepard was betrothed to Reina Revarian (who would later become Reina Rayjoy, house leader of house Rayjoy) in the year 961 AB and would soon be married. Shepard was only 20 at the time. Shepard would also have his first kid in the same year. Their child was named Jace. Reina and Shepard had a loving marriage as their personalities boosted each other.
* in 981 AB, an event would take place that changed Shepard's whole life. This Event was The Black Dinner. Reina, his son Jace his grandson Jon V and his brother Steffon were killed. Shepard sees this event as the worst day in his life as he was not able to save his wife or his son's life. Shepard, who was the leader of House Bolton following his father's death years before, renounced his claim and gave it to his nephew, the young Torrin Bolton who was 13 at the time. Since Shepard no longer had an heir to the family seat, he saw it best to give it to someone who could help bring in a new future. Shepard would also start fostering his brother's son, Jamie Bolton.
* In 958 AB, Shepard's mother, Talya Arbor, would be killed. The murder investigation would find many suspects but would find no one guilty. Shepard was enraged but this and turned his anger towards the Gods. After this day he stopped worshipping the 5 saints of Pentawardism. **“I stopped believing in gods and saints the day justice failed to avenge my mother. Any god so monstrous as to kill my mother and allow the killer to escape would never have my worship, I vowed. In Lord’s Landing, the holy Elder would ramble at me of how all justice and goodness flowed from the Five Saints, but all I ever saw was lies spun to control men.” -** *Shepard Bolton to Jonerys Bolton on Religion, Chapter 23, book 1, March on Bravos*

## Group Affiliation

Shepard is the firstborn son of Benjen Bolton and the first brother of the 'Bolton Brothers'. Shepard is known as the 'Red Stag' for his ability in combat and warfare. The Middle brother, Steffon, father of Torrin and Jamie Bolton, is known as the 'Yellow Stag' for his unpleasant nature around others. The youngest brother, Jensen, father of Jonerys, Maeve, and Kaladin is known as the 'Green Stag' for his charming nature.

Shepard is an honorary member of the Winter Wolves for his service in the Kazadur Rebellion.

## Recent Events

After learning of Lord Torrin's death and Jamie Bolton's banishment, Shepard believes that the Bravosian Council is attempting to seize the throne of Bravos for themselves. Shepard, using the Mountain Army, marches to Bravos in an attempt to take it back. Shepard is soundly defeated.

## Quotes

“𝓦𝓮 𝔀𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝓶𝓪𝓻𝓬𝓱, 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝔀𝓮 𝔀𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝓮 𝓑𝓻𝓪𝓿𝓸𝓼… 𝓸𝓻 𝓭𝓲𝓮 𝓲𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓪𝓽𝓽𝓮𝓶𝓹𝓽.” -*Shepard Bolton on the Bravosian Council's treason*

“𝓘 𝓼𝓽𝓸𝓹𝓹𝓮𝓭 𝓫𝓮𝓵𝓲𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓲𝓷 𝓰𝓸𝓭𝓼 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓼𝓪𝓲𝓷𝓽𝓼 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓭𝓪𝔂 𝓳𝓾𝓼𝓽𝓲𝓬𝓮 𝓯𝓪𝓲𝓵𝓮𝓭 𝓽𝓸 𝓪𝓿𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮 𝓶𝔂 𝓶𝓸𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻. 𝓐𝓷𝔂 𝓰𝓸𝓭 𝓼𝓸 𝓶𝓸𝓷𝓼𝓽𝓻𝓸𝓾𝓼 𝓪𝓼 𝓽𝓸 𝓴𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝓶𝔂 𝓶𝓸𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓸𝔀 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓴𝓲𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓻 𝓽𝓸 𝓮𝓼𝓬𝓪𝓹𝓮 𝔀𝓸𝓾𝓵𝓭 𝓷𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝓱𝓪𝓿𝓮 𝓶𝔂 𝔀𝓸𝓻𝓼𝓱𝓲𝓹, 𝓘 𝓿𝓸𝔀𝓮𝓭. 𝓘𝓷 𝓛𝓸𝓻𝓭’𝓼 𝓛𝓪𝓷𝓭𝓲𝓷𝓰, 𝓽𝓱𝓮  𝓱𝓸𝓵𝔂 𝓔𝓵𝓭𝓮𝓻 𝔀𝓸𝓾𝓵𝓭 𝓻𝓪𝓶𝓫𝓵𝓮 𝓪𝓽 𝓶𝓮 𝓸𝓯 𝓱𝓸𝔀 𝓪𝓵𝓵 𝓳𝓾𝓼𝓽𝓲𝓬𝓮 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓰𝓸𝓸𝓭𝓷𝓮𝓼𝓼 𝓯𝓵𝓸𝔀𝓮𝓭 𝓯𝓻𝓸𝓶 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓕𝓲𝓿𝓮 𝓢𝓪𝓲𝓷𝓽𝓼, 𝓫𝓾𝓽 𝓪𝓵𝓵 𝓘 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝓼𝓪𝔀 𝔀𝓪𝓼 𝓵𝓲𝓮𝓼 𝓼𝓹𝓾𝓷 𝓽𝓸 𝓬𝓸𝓷𝓽𝓻𝓸𝓵 𝓶𝓮𝓷.” **-** *Shepard Bolton to Jonerys Bolton on Religion*

“𝐼 𝒹𝑜 𝓃𝑜𝓉 𝒷𝓁𝒶𝓂𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝑔𝓊𝒶𝓇𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝒻𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉𝓈 𝓂𝑜𝓇𝑒 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝒻𝒶𝓂𝒾𝓁𝓎 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒸𝑜𝓊𝓃𝒸𝒾𝓁. 𝐼𝓃 𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝑒𝓎𝑒𝓈, 𝒽𝑒 𝒻𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉𝓈 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒷𝑒𝓉𝓉𝑒𝓇𝓂𝑒𝓃𝓉 𝑜𝒻 𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝑜𝓌𝓃 𝓈𝓉𝒶𝓃𝒹𝒾𝓃𝑔. 𝐵𝓊𝓉 𝓌𝒽𝑒𝓃 𝒽𝑒 𝒸𝒽𝑜𝓈𝑒 𝓉𝑜 𝒻𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒸𝑜𝓊𝓃𝒸𝒾𝓁, 𝒽𝑒 𝒸𝒽𝑜𝓈𝑒 𝓉𝑜 𝒻𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓉𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒸𝒽𝑒𝓇𝓎, 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝒽𝑒 𝓂𝓊𝓈𝓉 𝓅𝒶𝓎”- *Shepard Bolton on killing Bravosians*

## FUN FACTS

Shepard Bolton has his own theme

Shepard's claim to the Bravosian Throne is purely through the law, not desire. Shepard doesn't even want to be Lord but believes it's his duty to himself and the realm to take it.

Shepard, as a character, is heavily inspired by Stannis Baratheon, both the TV show version and the book version. He is also inspired by Shepard from MW2. When writing this character, I thought of someone who was purely motivated by justice and nothing else. Not wants or desires, and that's was Shepard is.

"Righteous in Wrath" is Shepard's motto. He believes that there is no action that is unjust or too cruel in the pursuit of justice.