W.I.P

[hider=House Swann]
[hr][centre][h1][b]House Swann of Stonehelm[/b][/h1]
[IMG]http://i68.tinypic.com/2qjx63q.png[/IMG]
[h3]"No Foe but Injustice"[/h3][/centre]
[sub][h3][b]Background[/b][/h3][/sub][hr][indent]House Swann is a noble house from the Stormlands, serving as vassals to House Baratheon of Storm's End. House Swann is widely thought of as the second most powerful house in the Stormlands after the House Baratheon. They have controlled their lands around the Red Watch on Cape Wrath for as long as anyone can remember, and are regarded as a proud, honourable and often cautious house. The Swanns control their land in the eastern Dornish Marches from their seat at Stonehelm, and alongside the Carons, claim to be the oldest of the Marcher Lords. From Stonehelm, the Swanns control the river Slayne, a major river route inland to the Stormlands, gaining them a substantial amount of wealth. The current ruling family of House Swann is a very tight-knit group, with both close and distantly related members living within Stonehelm and co-operating to ensure the safety of their lands.[/indent][sub][h3][b]Leadership[/b][/h3][/sub][hr][indent]Lord Sterlan Swann is the current Lord of Stonehelm, and has ruled for the past 19 years since the death of his father, Lord Rolland Swann. Under Lord Rolland, the lands of the Red Watch had been properly united, with his brother Gerold wedding the eldest daughter of Lord Horpe. As such, Sterlan inherited a stable and united Lordship, which he has had the simple task of maintaining for close to two decades. A man of luxury and indulgence, Sterlan spends much of his time hosting feasts, hunts, tourneys and fairs, inviting Lords and Ladies from across the Stormlands. He has invested heavily in improving the lives of his smallfolk throughout his time as Lord and has done a good job of keeping the houses Horpe and Lonmouth in the fold as his father Rolland wanted. Despite Sterlan's good nature and kind heart, he lacks a mind for politics or logistics. As such, his uncle, Ser Gerold Swann, serves as his castellan and shoulders much of the responsibility that Sterlan struggles to deal with.[/indent][sub][h3][b]Seat[/b][/h3][/sub][hr][indent]House Swann controls the lands of the Red watch from Stonehelm, a formidable castle built overlooking the River Slayne, situated near the coastline on Cape Wrath. Like most castles in the Dornish Marches, Stonehelm is strong and sturdy, having defended against the incursions of the Dornish for thousands of years. The watchtowers of Stonehelm are made from black and white stone, a representation of the black and white swans seen on the banner of the noble house living within. From Stonehelm, House Swann rules over the lands known as the Red Watch, an amalgamation of the lands of Stonehelm, Lonmouth held by House Lonmouth, and Lockport held by House Horpe.[/indent][sub][h3][b]Military Strength and Economy[/b][/h3][/sub][hr][indent]House Swann is a powerful noble house from the Dornish Marches and their military power reflects this. Like most Marcher Lords, House Swann boasts superior archers to those fielded by most other Westerosi noble houses. The strength of House Swann is estimated to be between 4,500 and 5,000 men. Of this, around 1,000 are mounted and some 1,000 are archers. When pushed, the Swanns could probably field closer to 6,500 soldiers but this would mean leaving their lands unguarded and vulnerable. In terms of economic power, House Swann has amassed considerable wealth via their dominion of the River Slayne, a major inland river route in the Stormlands. The coastal town of Slaynemouth has a bustling port and market where goods can be bought and sold and shipped. Everything that comes into or out of the Stormlands via the River Slayne is tolled. The lands around Stonehelm, collectively known as the Red Watch, are fertlile enough to provide a good harvest but not so fertile that there is often a surplus. Overall, the Swanns are a wealthy noble house with a strong military.[/indent]
[sub][h3][b]The Family[/b][/h3][/sub][hr]
[hider=Family Tree]
[IMG]http://i68.tinypic.com/vo530g.png[/IMG]
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[hider=Sterlan Swann]
[hr][centre][h2][b]Lord Sterlan Swann[/b][/h2]
[IMG]http://i63.tinypic.com/awu9ut.jpg[/IMG]
[h3][b]Lord of Stonehelm[/b][/h3][h3]44 • 181cm • 82kg[/h3][/centre][sub][h3][b]Personality[/b][/h3][/sub][hr][indent]Lord Sterlan the Stout, as his friends and family have affectionately dubbed him, is a kindly, good-hearted man. He cares a great deal about his people, but very little for ruling. As such, Sterlan's uncle Gerold is tasked with managing the more trivial matters on Sterlan's behalf, while the Lord of Stonehelm hunts, feasts, and hosts tourneys and fairs, emphasising his desire to indulge on the finer points of life while he still has his. Sterlan knows he is of poor health, having already survived two heart attacks, but cares little. He believes his lands would be in good hands when his son Steffon inherits them and is of the opinion that he'd rather be happy for two more years than bored for ten more. Sterlan loves to laugh and has employed numerous jugglers and fools, all of whom he treats with respect and pays well. Lord Sterlan has few enemies and many friends, and holds great love from his people, even if strictly speaking it isn't Sterlan that does the hard work.[/indent][sub][h3][b]Appearance[/b][/h3][/sub][hr][indent]Lord Sterlan is of average height but is considerably overweight. A great gut precedes him wherever he goes, and he has a multitude of chins. His shoulder-length, wavy dark brown hair has shown its first signs of turning grey and has receded considerably. His face is round and red, but always wears a welcoming smile. Lord Sterlan dresses in black and white finery, tailor made to fit his considerable form, and adorned with the duelling swans of his house. His dark brown eyes are warm, and many have likened them to a bear's eyes, matching his large soft body.  [/indent][sub][h3][b]Biography[/b][/h3][/sub][hr][indent][/indent]
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[hider=Steffon Swann]
[hr][centre][h2][b]Ser Steffon Swann[/b][/h2]
[IMG]http://i64.tinypic.com/1zf2gy.jpg[/IMG]
[h3][b]Heir of Stonehelm[/b][/h3][h3]26 • 185cm • 77kg[/h3][/centre][sub][h3][b]Personality[/b][/h3][/sub][hr][indent]Logic and reason dictate every decision in Steffon Swann's life. A man who has learned all he knows from his uncle Gerold rather than his father, Steffon cares very little for honesty or honour, two things that House Swann has historically held paramount. Rather, Steffon makes decisions based solely on a pros against cons basis, choosing the solution that best benefits himself and his family. It would be harsh to call Steffon deceitful; although he has the ability to lie and manipulate should he need to he does not seek out opportunities to do so nor does he revel in it. Steffon can come across as cold, as he spends more time thinking than talking and often gets so wrapped up in his own head that he will miss entire conversations and seem like he is ignoring you. He does not take after his father in any way other than his taste for wine, but also lacks the skill-at-arms his younger brother Damon possesses, yet Steffon has a wisdom beyond his years, is always polite and respectful and has a head for numbers that will make him a fine Lord when the time comes. Steffon and Damon do not get along; Steffon has always been somewhat of a bully towards his younger brother, while Damon believes Steffon's disdain for honour and honesty will make him a poor ruler.[/indent][sub][h3][b]Appearance[/b][/h3][/sub][hr][indent]
[/indent][sub][h3][b]Biography[/b][/h3][/sub][hr][indent][/indent]
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[hider=Damon Swann]
[hr][centre][h2][b]Ser Damon Swann[/b][/h2]
[IMG]http://i68.tinypic.com/29z8l0j.jpg[/IMG]
[h3][b]Second Child of Sterlan Swann[/b][/h3][h3]24 • 188cm • 80kg[/h3][/centre][sub][h3][b]Personality[/b][/h3][/sub][hr][indent]Damon is a charming, daring young man, well-liked by the people of Stonehelm. Boisterous and confident almost to the point of arrogance, under the surface Damon struggles tremendously, constantly seeking validation from his peers and deliberately acting out to hide the fact that he is locked in a battle with insecurity and self doubt. Aware of his position as the second son, Damon has ignored most of his responsibilities to the House and instead uses his position to bed women and get out of trouble. However, for all his flaws and problems, he is generally friendly and often shows glimpses of a deceptively sensitive and caring nature, despite his desire to be looked up to and idolised for his prowess. Damon is a man of honour, and as honest as they come, leading to tension between him and his older, somewhat arbitrary brother Steffon. He is known as a terrific swordsman and rider throughout the Stormlands and much of the Seven Kingdoms, having squired for Beric Hightower in his youth and competing admirably in several tournaments, placing highly in several of them.[/indent][sub][h3][b]Appearance[/b][/h3][/sub][hr][indent]Damon Swann is the spitting image of his own father Sterlan as a young man. He has dark brown eyes that some have likened to a bear and long shoulder length dark brown hair swept back from his face. He wears purely practical and comfortable clothing, when he isn't wearing armour and sparring in the yard. His face is that of a green boy who's never seen a real fight; unmarked and soft with wild wide eyes and a toothy grin. Damon bothers little with his appearance and so rarely shaves, meaning he is normally sporting a big brown beard. Damon walks on his toes as if always on edge, ready for a fight should one start at any moment. He is tall and muscular, and is always covered in bruises and scrapes suffered while practicing on his strict training schedule which takes up most of his time. Damon is a good looking young man who puts practicality over style and cares little for fashion or general appearance.
[/indent][sub][h3][b]Biography[/b][/h3][/sub][hr][indent][/indent]
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[hider=Cyrenna Swann]
[hr][centre][h2][b]Cyrenna Swann[/b][/h2]
[IMG][/IMG]
[h3][b]Third Child of Sterlan Swann[/b][/h3][h3]21 • 177cm • 66kg[/h3][/centre][sub][h3][b]Personality[/b][/h3][/sub][hr][indent][/indent][sub][h3][b]Appearance[/b][/h3][/sub][hr][indent]
[/indent][sub][h3][b]Biography[/b][/h3][/sub][hr][indent][/indent]
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[hider=Arren Swann]
[hr][centre][h2][b]Arren Swann[/b][/h2]
[IMG]http://i67.tinypic.com/302qj6b.jpg[/IMG]
[h3][b]Fourth Child of Sterlan Swann[/b][/h3][h3]17 • 177cm • 71kg[/h3][/centre][sub][h3][b]Personality[/b][/h3][/sub][hr][indent][/indent][sub][h3][b]Appearance[/b][/h3][/sub][hr][indent]
[/indent][sub][h3][b]Biography[/b][/h3][/sub][hr][indent][/indent]
[/hider]
[hider=Corenna Swann]
[hr][centre][h2][b]Corenna Swann[/b][/h2]
[IMG][/IMG]
[h3][b]Sister of Sterlan Swann[/b][/h3][h3]35 • 174cm • 66kg[/h3][/centre][sub][h3][b]Personality[/b][/h3][/sub][hr][indent][/indent][sub][h3][b]Appearance[/b][/h3][/sub][hr][indent]
[/indent][sub][h3][b]Biography[/b][/h3][/sub][hr][indent][/indent]
[/hider]
[hider=Gerold Swann]
[hr][centre][h2][b]Ser Gerold Swann[/b][/h2]
[IMG]http://i63.tinypic.com/11goy39.jpg[/IMG]
[h3][b]Uncle of Sterlan Swann[/b][/h3][h3]66 • 183cm • 72kg[/h3][/centre][sub][h3][b]Personality[/b][/h3][/sub][hr][indent][/indent][sub][h3][b]Appearance[/b][/h3][/sub][hr][indent]
[/indent][sub][h3][b]Biography[/b][/h3][/sub][hr][indent][/indent]
[/hider]
[hider=Addam Swann]
[hr][centre][h2][b]Ser Addam Swann[/b][/h2]
[IMG]http://i63.tinypic.com/15xlsas.png[/IMG]
[h3][b]Cousin of Sterlan Swann[/b][/h3][h3]39 • 190cm • 81kg[/h3][/centre][sub][h3][b]Personality[/b][/h3][/sub][hr][indent][/indent][sub][h3][b]Appearance[/b][/h3][/sub][hr][indent]
[/indent][sub][h3][b]Biography[/b][/h3][/sub][hr][indent][/indent]
[/hider]
[hider=Braeden Swann]
[hr][centre][h2][b]Braeden Swann[/b][/h2]
[IMG]http://i68.tinypic.com/156fnzc.jpg[/IMG]
[h3][b]Cousin of Sterlan Swann[/b][/h3][h3]32 • 172cm • 68kg[/h3][/centre][sub][h3][b]Personality[/b][/h3][/sub][hr][indent][/indent][sub][h3][b]Appearance[/b][/h3][/sub][hr][indent]
[/indent][sub][h3][b]Biography[/b][/h3][/sub][hr][indent][/indent]
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[sub][h3][b]The Household[/b][/h3][/sub][hr][indent][/indent]
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