[SOME UPDATES- WIP V2] [hider=House Tyrell] [center][img]http://awoiaf.westeros.org/images/9/99/House_Tyrell.PNG[/img][/center] [h1][b][color=FFD700][center]House Tyrell[/center][/color][/b][/h1] [center][img]http://awoiaf.westeros.org/images/7/7e/Zippo514_Highgarden.jpg[/img][/center] House Tyrell is a house of upstart stewards, to some of those you might ask in The Reach. Some say the Gardeners, should they be brought back, even if they would refuse to bend the knee to the Targaryens. were better rulers, firmer and truly worthy of the Rose Crown. Others would simply disagree- they would argue that this is a Great House founded on chivalry and honour, a House that serves as the breadbasket to the Iron Throne and it's primary military strength in times of war. The Tyrells are the House that have maintained peace and the beautiful landscape of The Reach, from it's rivers and bountiful fields, from being ravaged by the processes of war. Either interpretation leaves the conclusion simple- they are exceptionally lucky, compared to the rest of Westeros. [img]http://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/gotascent/images/3/32/Tyrell_Fealty_Background.jpg/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/680?cb=20141005181318[/img] The lands of The Reach have always remained beautiful, from any observer's eyes. From the coast of Manderford to the Dornish Marches and the greenery, forests, rolling hills and gentle rivers between, it is easy to understand why this region is blessed, both with more than ample food security and a chivalric background. Where the days go by, and the flowered and wheat filled fields, with the gently meandering rivers and white castles that remind the people of The Reach that it is good to have the Tyrells in power. On the surface, of course. The climate is pleasant, slightly cooler than King's Landing, and a little less rainy than the Stormlands, a place where it feels very comfortable indeed for a Lord or a Lady to consider a lighter tunic or dress than usual. ----------------------------------- Seat: Highgarden, The Reach Living Family Members: [b]Willas "The Lame" Tyrell, Lord Paramount of The Reach, 48[/b] (widow of Lady Alys Rowan, died of pneumonia in 274AC) -[b]Ser Merlin Tyrell, Willas's eldest son, heir apparent of the Reach, aged 24[/b] -----Leo Flowers, Merlin's bastard son, aged 9 -----Merion Tyrell, Merlin's eldest (legitimate) son, aged 5 -----Margaery, Merlin's daughter, aged 4 -[b]Ser Ellion Tyrell, Willas's second son, aged 21[/b] -[b]Alerie Tyrell, Willas's daughter, aged 19 [/b] -Alys Tyrell, Willas's youngest daughter, aged 15 [b]Lord Garlan Tyrell, Lord of Manderford, Lord Commander of the Order of the Green Hand, aged 46[/b] -Ser Martyn Tyrell, aged 20 -Megga Tyrell, aged 11 ---------------------------------- [h1][b][color=FFD700][center]Military Might[/center][/color][/b][/h1] [center][img]http://awoiaf.westeros.org/images/2/24/Tomasz_Jedruszek_HouseTyrell_Bannermen.jpg[/img][/center] The Tyrells are the Wardens of the South, defending the southern frontier of the Seven Kingdoms against occasional Dornish squabbles, though their impressive military might is not often used. The sheer size of The Reach, as the second largest kingdom of the Seven yet the most productive and one of the most dense, creates the largest army in Westeros. It means that whilst it can be difficult to muster troops to rally in any given direction, being able to call 80,000 bannermen is not one that is underestimated by any of the family, with almost 100,000 being a possibility with mercenaries and all levies called. The soldiers are well trained, and well equipped, and whilst not all are weathered to long campaigns of war, House Tarly and Peake provide it's best levies, alongside the Reach Retinues, a pair of 10,000 strong garrisons at Tumbleton and Torrentpeak, a semi-professional force of soldiers using bows, crossbows, pikes, spears and poleaxes. The Reach's Knights are amongst the most chivalrous in the Seven Kingdoms, yet are more than just good in looks, but practical to deliver a hard-hitting punch that many a foe can forget. It's cavalry contingent is hard-hitting, often armoured in platemail and heavy chain, and beyond this, a ratio of three men to every one horse means that any army is often well-placed to hit hard when required, and even the commoners wearing basic leather and mail are still up to scratch to fight. Whilst the Westerlander army on the whole is more uniform in it's quality compared to the diverse nature of the Reach's army, and the North and Riverlands offer hardened, capable soldiers, the Reach is a significant military presence and cannot be underestimated in it's size and potency, both in it's quality and quantity. This military might was used by the Gardeners to almost conquer the Stormlands prior to the Targaryen Invasion, yet the Reach's land borders force it to be wary with it's large army, and force it to be ready for threats from over four different borders- with more enemies than friends, the Tyrells need alliances to prosper. ----------------------------------- [h1][b][color=FFD700][center]Political Economy[/center][/color][/b][/h1] The years have been kind to the Reach, and whilst the economic growth is slowing down, The Reach's coffers are still very, very full. The gold mines of the Westerlands do not exist here, but grain, wine, as well as weapons crafted in the forges of The Reach, have created astounding amounts of wealth- perhaps alongside that of the Tyrells' fingers in the machinery of the coffers of the Seven Kingdoms always giving them a little more money than they deserved. Population grew particularly along the banks of the Mander and Honeywine rivers, and despite infrequent bursts of plague, the people of the Reach are far and wide seen as the healthiest in Westeros. Highgarden, Hightower and The Arbor are thriving in trade, and even attract shipping from as far afield as Astapor and Qarth, such is the demand for the wine and products produced by the relatively peaceful Reach. ----------------------------- [hider=Willas] Name: Lord Willas "The Lame" Tyrell Age: 49 Appearance: Willas has grown, and whilst his good looks from his youth still are present, he is an older, wearier man. He is still able to walk, and appears to be relatively in good spirits, with his finely kept beard, medium-length yet neat brown hair, and brown-green eyes. He seems to be well spirited, and actually seems to keep a modest figure, surprising given that he can't walk well. Wearing a green and gold tunic, with various golden buttons and sequins, he looks noble, no doubt about it, but not as ridiculously extravagant as he could be. Role: Lord Paramount of The Reach, Lord of Highgarden Skills/Personality: Master falconer, witty remarker, excellent ruler. Willas is a strong ruler of the Reach, what he lacks in his leg and his relative insular nature, he makes up for in an incredible ruling talent, and a really, really charming manner. He seems incredibly kind, and deeply knowledgeable, knowing how to operate taxes, armies, cities, castles, vassals, and administration like it's the back of his hand, it was as if Willas turned on a pivot with his sharpened mind onto dealing with the matters of ruling, almost as a strange escapism from the fact that his entire family, everyone who he's loved, has either ended up getting dying or worse, getting burnt alive, despite it being decades ago. He's a far better man than Mace when it comes to rulership, and whilst his leg does not command respect, his ability to breed Falcons, Buzzards, Eagles and Hawks for hunting is known throughout the Seven Kingdoms, and not be a drunken, stupid fool at a feast, with wisdom and a certain kind of intelligence. His personality is difficult to get at odds with- of course, he will do anything for family, given the right fuel, but his heart is in the right place, and he is an atypical example of the Tyrell chivalry, even if he does not wear platemail, he certainly acts responsibly and kindly, with this being known throughout the Seven Kingdoms. Recent History: Willas Tyrell was always going to inherrit The Kingdom of the Reach from his dad, Mace Tyrell. He didn't expect to hear it in the way he did. Whilst his sister, Margaery, was Queen, his brother, Loras, in the Kingsguard, his father, the Master of Coin, and him, in Highgarden, at a wooden desk, when he was told they'd been burned alive in the Great Sept by Queen Cersei Lannister, with Willas allegedly crying for two days, simply unconsolable at the loss of his dad, sister and brother. A stupid man would comment that Willas looked weak in that moment, but everyone understood- he had lost almost everything, the kindly and saintly Lord that everyone knew had very little else he treasured more than Margaery and Loras. And he couldn't let emotion get the better of him. While Garlan rallied the Reach's forces to join the Targaryen invasion for war, at the behest of Olenna Tyrell, Willas internally controlled the Reach, and got himself back together. He struck an alliance formally with Danaerys, and offered her food, men, ships, as well as his vassals loyalty to the Targaryens once again. He did not seek a bloodthirsty, angered revenge, he merely wanted to restore the order, and make sure it didn't burn the Reach. It actually worked. With Cersei Lannister dead, and the War for the Dawn won, Willas assumed his seat, and retained the support of his vassals, systematically redrawing and redressing any concerns that Mace had missed, as well as marrying Alys Rowan, from another Reachman family. They had four children together- Merlin, Ellion, Alerie and Alys, of whom Willas found a renewed purpose in looking after, not sheltering from the world, but rather making sure that the family didn't die out. He succeeded in this vein, and despite having to rescind Brightwater Keep from his brother, he gave him a castle of his own in Manderford, in order to continue the martial defence of the realm of the Reach, where Willas could not. He made sure the right people got the right amount of power, and was politically adept, making sure no one vassal got too far ahead, whilst pursuing his hobby of falconry further. Even despite losing his wife two years ago, he still looks after his children when he can, with no plans to remarry, only to continue to serve as a good, honest Lord. Whilst age has taken a toll on Willas, his relatively clean lifestyle and not an excess of wine and food has meant he has aged well, though the leg still severely hampers his ability to get around, an uncomfortable sight at first as he hobbles about. Notes: Willas's sigil is that of House Tyrell- a golden flower, on a green backdrop. [/hider] [hider=Merlin] Name: Ser Merlin Tyrell Age: 25 Appearance: Merlin is a stocky, well built individual- you would almost assume him to be the more martial of the two Tyrell kin of Willas, standing at 6"2, and with a falcon resting on his shoulder, he appears to have a grand appearance of a formidable opponent. The reality is that whilst he has his well-built physique, it isn't a soldier's, which Ellion happens to have- of a far more nimble, concentrated fighter's body. A fair face, with shaved short (potentially baldening) hair, sharp brown eyes and with a well-kept brown beard compliments Merlin, who usually wearing a green tunic with golden clasps/buttons. Role: Heir of The Kingdom of the Reach Skills/Personality: Trained Falconer, soldier, adept politician, and groomed to replace his father. A good fighter, but not as good as his brother, Ellion, neither in the looks department. Still, he's a stocky guy with a kindly heart, and he can handle his drink well being gregarious and a good friend to have, whilst being an already maturing family man. He seems relatively comfortable with a sword, though how the years will affect this is to be seen- he is out of practice, and relatively unproven in combat, the same goes for his tactical and strategic planning, but he has the capacity to rekindle his adolescent talents sparring with his brother. He seems comfortable both in and out of platemail, and can deal, just like the rest of his kin well in intrigue when presented with the opportunity, though Merlin tends to be honest and kindly, taking a soft approach to politics. History: Merlin was the firstborn son of Willas Tyrell and Alys Goldengrove, and an incredibly momentous moment for his dad, Willas. He was well looked after, and whilst his father was no longer a fighter, Merlin was always stocky, and built well, learning how to fight with Dickon Tarly and his uncle, Garlan. Whilst he was not the better of the two in fighting by any means, he held his own, and picked up a broad and great education, being a jack of all trades, master of none, but better educated than most heirs in the Seven Kingdoms. This isn't to say he wasn't immature when he was younger- interestingly, he was sexually active early, and actually spawned a bastard, Leo, when he was just 15. He married Evelyn Beesbury aged 15...so perhaps was this a simple case of a drunk choice by Merlin prior to his marriage, or anything more? It is forgiven is all that is known, with Leo being illegitimate, but treated well in Highgarden, fathered by both Merlin and Evelyn, in a surprising turn. He isn't expected to be legitimised, given that Merlin has found Leo be highly studious, and wanting to be a Maester- something he's more than willing to push him towards, in order to "fix" his bastard and make sure he doesn't cause any succession squabbles. It is a lucky happenstance, as he also has Loras, named after his deceased uncle, and Margaery, after his deceased aunt, two young children to look after and forcing him to be a little more responsible than his younger self, as well as wisen up to the workings of Highgarden. Notes: His sigil is a single golden Rose, on a white background, a personal choice adopted by the sons of Willas Tyrell to honour that of Loras and Margaery. [/hider] [hider=Ellion] Name: Ser Ellion "Bravethorn" Tyrell Age: 22 Appearance: [img]http://awoiaf.westeros.org/images/4/4e/Garlan_Tyrell_by_cloudninja9.jpg[/img] [img]https://s32.postimg.org/tkqm8t4c5/13734597_10206615677770710_84557118_n.jpg[/img] He looks a little like a young Garlan Tyrell, to say the least. Standing at 6"4, he stands an tiny bit taller than his brother, though he is better balanced to fighting, and far more nimble, highly complimenting the Westerosi school of thought on swordplay, with a very high level of fitness and physical endurance, rather than sheer diminishing strength. His face is fairer still than Merlin's, with a sharp look, a short and trimmed beard, and long brown flowing and curly hair, making him very attractive indeed to the fairer sex. His warm, bright golden and lustrous eyes, the smell of roses in his clothes and armour, and his postured poise only add to the effect....and at the peak of his youth, he looks brave. He seems courageous, with a wry smile on his face, and possesses a few scars and cuts along his body, including one running down his collarbone from a badly-mounted cut of a sword through mail. On the field of combat or a tourney field, Ellion can be seen wearing a Reach-produced suit of plate armour- the designs from this part of the world always raising eyebrows in other parts of the Kingdom, as a result of the many curves and details that they entail, clearly being a highly-strewn piece of work- roses and flowers intricately scratched into the armour, making distinct ridges. While the metalworkers of the Reach are not renowned in the Kingdoms, the artistic flair and beauty of such armour is distinctly eyecatching for members of the Tyrell family, being exceptionally expensive, with the silver and gold used in it's construction. Curves and ridges interplay beautifully, even the mail beneath it is golden-coloured, being practical yet something that truly stands out in a parade. He usually wields a longsword, paired with a large wooden heater shield, fighting in the traditional Westerosi fashion. (see Loras Tyrell) Skills/Personality: A very highly skilled swordsman, tourneyman and man-at-arms, seducer of women (and men?), general adventurer. One of the most beautiful men of The Reach (and arguably, Westeros), with everything to prove and nothing to lose except his pride, Ellion is clearly a man with very little to hold his toungue, and a lot to get drunk on. Being the secondborn has this aspect to it, and he seems to have a certain kind of glory-seeking, cocksure attitude to showing what he can do, though he still remains true to his honesty and to basic chivalric values. He seems to want to enjoy the finer things in life, and respects that Merlin is going to be the Lord of Highgarden after Willas passes, not him. So in this vein, he has learned some falconry, spent his time representing House Tyrell at tourneys, and sought to consider what precisely he can do for his house, and what adventures there are to be had. There's probably a wake of bastards he's left, but women are attracted to him, by what seems like the strange allure of everything that Ellion seems to represent- a young, chivalric rose with a very fair and friendly demeanour. That said...he is bisexual, and actually enjoys the company of both men and women, though of course, it is a complete rumour that he is even interested in men in addition at all. On the field of combat, he can very likely hold his own, better than his brother, and it is no doubt that he has a mindset for command and strategy to follow suit, despite his total lack of regard. History: Ellion was born as the second son of Willas, and from a young age, exhibited exactly what a second son can feel. Absolutely fuck all responsibility, and he raised hell around the castle, a massive thorn* in his parents' side, that was, until his uncle Garlan stepped in to offer tuition. And rather than direct all his energy elsewhere, he shadowed Garlan, enthralled by his stories of romance, love, fighting and blood and war, and a hatred for the Lannisters. This was all great stuff, so Ellion made it his task as a squire of Garlan's to train, drill and fight hard. His talent with a longsword and a heater, or a poleaxe, handled almost in a similar fashion to a Dornish spear became excellent, and he made sure he didn't make his father's mistake- getting into tourneys too early. He did it carefully and slowly, but rose the ranks, and causes more than one upset, a complete rookie rising the ladders quickly. And this is what Ellion became, when he was finally Knighted, with his own freedom to go where he wanted, explore what he wanted to go see, and represent House Tyrell, he did precisely that, and it brings us to now. Ellion has a lot to learn, and whilst politically capable, he's far more a fighter than anything else, perhaps wanting to explore his opportunities in serving the Iron Throne, or his House in a more effective manner than just going to tourney after tourney. Notes: Ellion's sigil is that of a pair of gold roses on a white, not green background. *(FUCKING PLEASE TELL ME THAT WAS A GOOD PUN, YOU KNOW IT WAS) [/hider] [hider=Alerie] Name: Lady Alerie Tyrell -(betrothed to Tommen Lannister- to take his name) Age: 20 Appearance: [hider=Alerie] [img]https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/54/66/6a/54666a92bba1d4938c05a099ed9b49f0.jpg[/img] [/hider] Standing at 5"6, with a thin and short, yet well developed frame, Alerie is visibly beautiful, her youth still running strong and making this occur. With a moderate bust, and bright golden eyes, she clearly has caught the attention of more than just one Reach Knight, though she has not yet found a suitable man to wed, one that would increase the family's already formidable connections. Alerie happens to have a burgundy-red hair, something that seems a little unexplained- given the family's strong trend towards passing down the dark brown hair throughout the family's offspring. None the less, Alerie still holds a wonderful physique, and makes no mistake in showing it off. She can often be seen wearing a dark green and gold dress, embroidered with golden roses across it's surface- a fortune to pay for, as a result of it's intricate dressmaking and the expensive dyes used, being suitably revealing at the bust but not uncomfortable- giving her a charming image when at court. The ante is increased, as at a fair, she may wear an even more expensive garb, with corsets and eloquent golden and green dresses coming out for the show; a reminder that even at 17, she has an aware knowledge of her need to impress, acting as the Vanguard of the most exuberantly dressed women in The Reach. Her aurora seems to be well projected when she is in a room, because no matter how silly some Northmen or Ironborn may consider it, it turns heads. Skills/Personality: Particularly suave, charming and cunning, the femme fatale Tyrell thorn. Openly charitable and outgoing, yet capable of plotting, manipulating and scheming against anyone that opposes her or her family. Alerie's personality is sharp, thorny and most definitely a darker side to the chivalric touches that House Tyrell has- though you won't see it immediately, because her appearance and outlook towards others in public is highly controlled. Her knowledge of what assets she has, both in her beauty and of scheming compensate for her lack of wisdom and life experiences; she has already learned through her young years that men will do anything for a woman like her, and as such, beyond this far more can be done. She still has a lot to learn, however- and understands that she must prepare to scale up her already existing thorns in her personality, in preparation for the political pressures to come in King's Landing. She seems openly charitable, being very careful regarding her image towards her peers, almost being a master of presenting herself correctly. Whilst her gregarious and otherwise positive and glowing demeanour can make but the coldest of hearts feel at home, being famed for her warm and good nature, below this facade a calculating and sophisticated mind is at work, for her young age proving clearly her ambitions. History: Alerie is the third sibling along, born to Willas and Alys, and brought up in a relatively stable household. Whilst she never received an education such as her deceased aunt, Margaery, she was able to learn the wiles and whims of a Tyrell of the fairer sex- that of a particular charm and wit, something that has developed nicely with her young age. Taught how to play the harp, sow, and to be a practical girl, Alerie recieved a good upbringing, and found her own adventures when she was young playing off squires against each other, and just enjoying the chaos ensuing. Whilst her sister, Alys is perhaps a little more orthodox, Alerie has her own mindset, her own agenda to further the family, and her own cunning. Olenna would be proud. [/hider] -------------------------------------- [hider=Garlan] Name: Lord Garlan "the Gallant" Tyrell Age: 46 Appearance and Personality: Garlan is a baldening man, losing his long brown locks rather than them turning grey, with a stern look and hardened appearance. A soldiering physique carries him with his green eyes and hardened spirit. His (Recent) History: Garlan was the second son of Mace Tyrell, and unlike Willas, was highly involved in the military conflict that followed the aftermath of the outright murder of Margaery, Mace and Loras Tyrell, predisposing himself to align himself closely with Queen Danaerys Stormborn herself following the ousting of the Ironborn from the Shield Isles, to get revenge. Whilst his brother, Willas did not deal well with the loss of his youngest brother and sister, Garlan was full of rage, and enjoyed commanding his forces to reave and fight against the Lannister-Baratheon throne, leaving no quarter- a rare display of a total lack of regard for the usual mercy and charity that Reachmen are known for. Whilst Danaerys's dragons were far more capable at just turning the enemy to cinders, and her mercenaries at her side fought admirably, Garlan and the late Lord Tarly contributed to their fighting efforts, and later, Garlan's soldiers were sent north in the War for the Dawn. Since that drama, Garlan has helped to settle the Reach, and whilst having his Lordship of Brightwater Keep revoked and being angry, he presides over the Lordship of Manderford, and a newly-constructed castle, that looks over the mouth of the Mander, with a shipyard to boot. As the Lord Commander of the Order of the Green Hand, Garlan has returned to his usual ways, his chivalric values one that he has to retain, though he is a little more hot blooded than most, even decades later for what has happened. In particular, he tutored Ellion Tyrell through his youth, being a particular influence on this member of the family. -------------------- Skills/Personality: Even in age, Garlan is killed at arms, politically astute, and with a good heart, with a certain kind of bravery that seems to come through for family. He isn't stupid, and can see well into people, finding good in people. He has a greater capacity for anger, particularly more so than Willas, and whilst he can't fight against three swordsmen at once like he used to, he is still able to hold his own in a fight, owing to his martial prowess. A proven commander, and a proven leader of men, Garlan commands respect, almost more than his own brother, Willas, though his lack of ambition and lack of desire to seek glory, stemming from his relative contentedness in his position. Notes: Lord Commander of the Order of the Green Hand. This replaces his sigil with the most treacherous of symbols- the Gardener's green hand, however, it is on a golden background, to signify the inversion and relation to House Tyrell, not Gardener. [/hider] ------- [/hider]