House Seat : Bitterbridge
Defender of the Fords
House History:
Tracing its lineage back to times of Old, House Casswell has long served under the banners of the Tyrells, and the Targaryens, maintaining stewardship over Bittebridge, their portion of the Roseroad, and the lands surrounding the Mander in their fiefdom. Notable moments in history include the Battle Beneath the Gods Eye (43 AC), where Lord Casswell joined Lord Merryweather and Peake in marching from the Reach to add their levies to King Maegor I Targaryen’s host against Prince Aegon the Uncrowned, and the Dance of Dragons (129 - 131 AC) where Lord Allun Casswell refused to renounce his allegiances to Rhaenyra Targaryen and was executed by King Aegon II Targeyen, and later on, Tom Flowers, younger brother to Lord Allun, fought at the Battle on the Honeywine, leading House Casswell forces before their defeat by Prince Daeron the Daring and his dragon Tessarion. This had the ill effect of the eventual sack of Bitterbridge, under the command of Lord Ormund Hightower, due to the unfortunate death of Prince Maelor Targaryen, leading to Lady Casswell surrendering the castle and committing suicide. (Her children were spared and taken as prisoners, the garrison was not). Lastly, the rise of Ser Ryam Casswell - the Black Centaur as he calls himself - and the creation of “The Wardens of the Rose Fords” (190 AC), a mercenary company consisting of roughly 75 mounted men at arms, a smattering of Hedge Knights (25), and another 50 or so Mounted Yeomen Archers, that fight for ‘glory’ and riches. They’ve based themselves out of the Village of Knettshall, along with the fortified Motte and Bailey that serves as their home base. (A small village under the rule of House Casswell)
House Casswell has dominion over the prosperous farmlands and fields that extend out from Bitterbridge (both the castle and the settlement) and the small town of Cedgrove, with the Landed Knightly family of House Medwick, and the villages of Coltishall and Knettshall. Their primary sources of income come from taxes and tolls upon trade over Bitterbridge, farming, and a modest timber and mining claim in the village of Coltishall.
As for military might, House Casswell and levy roughly 2750 men between the garrison of Bitterbridge and the local levies of Bitterbridge proper (Castle and Settlement) along with being able to call another 350 more men from their few vassals and surrounding villages. (The Wardens of the Rose Ford answer to Ser Ryam Casswell first, and will follow him where he decides.)
Recent History//Current Situation:
As it stands, the Lord of House Casswell has openly declared for House Targaryen, due more in part to that of his liege lord, House Tyrell, declaring for King Daeron II Targeryen. Lord Armond Casswell has called to muster roughly 25% of his levies, maintaining a defensive posture of his lands and the Roseroad. An old man, he perhaps fears open battle, and with the stories of the Sack of Bitterbridge, he appears to not be aiming to join in battle without the support of his stronger liege Lord, House Tyrell. For now, the old man bides his time, storing provisions and supplies for the time he must leave the comfort of his castle and march upon the field of battle.
In contrast to his elderly uncle, Ser Ryam Casswell chafes under the inability of his liege lord and uncle to choose a path to walk and lead from. Moreso, is the “Black Centaur’s” desire for change, being a man in search of more than what fate and the Seven have given him. Rumors speak of the whispered wonders if he should declare for Daemon Blackfyre, and seek to put his branch of the Casswell family as the rulers of Bitterbridge.
Prominent Family Members:
- Lord Armond Casswell: Lord of House Casswell, 54 years of age, a cautious man who has helped to rebuild his family’s seat after the Sack of Bitterbridge, after the rule of his own father. An anointed knight, well into the later half of his life, he seeks to do his best to keep the Blackfyre Rebellion a far off war, but is loyal to his liege lord, the Tyrells. Having yet to commit any forces to the war, he hasn’t been idle, choosing to stockpile resources and supplies, awaiting the command to march out… or rather, hoping that command may not come. While not necessarily a coward, Lord Armond would rather enjoy a good feast and a summer fair than the field of battle and all that entails.
- Lady Alysanne Casswell (Merryweather): Wife to Lord Armond, quiet and pious, enjoys knitting and looking after her children.
- Lady Elyse Casswell (Meadows): Elderly mother to Lord Armond, a withered crone who tends to her gardens and chooses to spend time with her grandchildren.
- Joffrey Casswell: A young boy, five but hopes to become a knight one day.
- Cleyton Casswell: A young boy, three.
- Lady Myrielle Casswell (Fossoway): Ser Ryam’s mother, aging and currently away visiting family at Cider Hall.
- Ser Ryam Casswell: Known as the “Black Centaur” along with his own sigil and colors, Ser Ryam, 26, remains unmarried and is eager to distinguish himself as both a warrior and leader. He chafes under the rule of his uncle, seeing the man as a fool and coward. He enjoys the freedom of battle that riding in a saddle can bring, rather than the tedium of his uncle's feasts and fairs. He created his own free company, “The Wardens of the Rose Ford” and prefers the camaraderie of battle brothers over the perfumed ponces that prance about Bitterbridge and other castles of the Reach.
- Lady Delena Casswell: Younger sister to Ser Ryam, 16, and yet to be betrothed. Currently with her mother at Cider Hall, but deeply loves her brother and hopes that he can find purpose in his life.
