FourtyTwo

Blood Runs Over Westeros: A Game of Thrones Roleplay. V2

Looking tip-top!

Blood Runs Over Westeros: A Game of Thrones Roleplay. V2

@bluetommy2

Blood Runs Over Westeros: A Game of Thrones Roleplay. V2

@Heat

Garland has no KNOWN bastards. None of the mothers have come forward to him, and are unlikely to. :P

@TheRedViper

Yup, Red God worshipping, but I believe they were pretty vocal for support for Aerys III, albeit the news might not have hit them. That said, that can also be retconned.

Blood Runs Over Westeros: A Game of Thrones Roleplay. V2

Quite certainly! You can begin working away on a CS if you like- it looks like you're very new to RPG, but if you know what you're doing for an RP like this, then go and get to work :)

Blood Runs Over Westeros: A Game of Thrones Roleplay. V2

@Gowi

This can only end one way.

Duel. :P

Blood Runs Over Westeros: A Game of Thrones Roleplay. V2

Sterlan Arryn reminds me a lot of Garland Tyrell. A hell of a lot. I mean, it's nothing to do with the fact that they're young, brown-eyed, brown-haired Lord Paramounts :P

On a more interesting note, I'd be genuinely interested to marry off Alerie to him, well IC, Garland would be interested, in exchange for say, a Small Council Postion. If he needs to be wed, and if you're up for the idea, you could make it to a Southron lady who's got some very beautiful charm indeed....and laughably, would look at Sterlan a lot, an awful lot like she does at Garland right now :P I do want to throw my characters into different courts, and given that so far, Alerie/Garland have been a binary, it allows me to start playing them all out everywhere, which would be a real laugh. So far with House Tyrell:

Garland/Alerie: Highgarden/KL/Stepstones
Rickard: Highgarden/Oldtown
Lyanna/Loras: Highgarden
Willas: KL

Task Force Echo (A Special Forces RP)

Chaotic will post tomorrow- if not, I should :)

Blood Runs Over Westeros: A Game of Thrones Roleplay. V2

(WIP)

House Tyrell

House Tyrell

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.



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 Rosewood in it's own right is a natural marvel- alongside the distant Torrentine Range, the Roseroad that snakes it's way from King's Landing to Oldtown, via Highgarden, to the white castles that you can see dotted around. 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.

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Heir: Uncertain: Rickard, Alerie, Loras and the Tyrells of Manderford all possess claims currently. De Jure, Rickard.

Seat: Highgarden, The Reach

Immediate Family Members:

Gregor Tyrell, Former Lord Paramount of The Reach, deceased (55)
Lyanna Tyrell, Former Lady Regent of The Reach, 47
-Alestair Tyrell, Former Lord Paramount of The Reach, deceased (4)

Moryn Tyrell, Gregor's second youngest brother, deceased (50)
--Garland Tyrell, Lord Paramount of The Reach (22)
-Alerie Tyrell (17)
-Rickard Tyrell (15)
Willas Tyrell, Gregor's youngest brother (45)

Lord Loras-Hightower Tyrell (36)

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Military Might

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 Dorne's militarized nature, the Westerlander claim to the throne being the two that are the most worrisome to notice in current times.

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The Family

(Full Family Tree)



(Shorthand Family Tree)

Garland and Alerie remain both unmarried, and this is a huge threat- though the sprawling nature of the Tyrell family means that even if it were to pass to Rickard, there would still be a number of heirs, albeit far more along the cadet branches of House Tyrell. The dynasty is particularly strong, with the cadet branch of Tyrell-Hightower, the Tyrells of Brightwater Keep, and the Tyrells of Manderford, are three that come to mind when looking at great lords within the Reach that are indirectly ruled by a different line of the golden rose. Like their sigil, the family of the Rose has it's roots planted in many a place.

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History

History

The Tyrells went into the War of the Five Kings strong and emerged from it stronger, being able to begin overruling their neighbouring Lannisters, and begin to change the tide of political balance in King's Landing. Mace Tyrell created a strong influence upon the Baratheon-Lannister throne, and whilst he was never Hand, he had at the very least, made a displacement that began the wheel of change for the family. However, the Targaryen Restoration was something that Mace did not account for, and he was vehemently opposed to this notion of opposing the Crown and supporting Danaerys, supporting the King and his married at all costs; out of love for Margaery, he sent men to fight the Targaryen Invasion. His family, members such as Willas, Garlan and Loras, among other bannermen, and many others in the Reach stubbornly disagreed with this view, with memories of previous Targaryen rule greatly benefiting The Reach as opposed to the mess that had been inherited by the Kings of recent times. Mace Tyrell backed the Targaryens when Robert Baratheon raised his flag in revolt...so why did he disagree with their restoration at that time? Few can say for certain, but Mace was found dead before the Targaryens even reached the unspoilt lands of the Reach, following the Battle of Nightsong.

His mysterious death has still never been explained, and there is many a rumour. Some say that his son, Willas, defenstrated him from the highest tower in Highgarden, some say that it was suicide. Mace was simply found dead at the base of a tower in Highgarden, and his maimed son, Willas, succeeded him- this much is very true.

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Lord Willas "The Lame" Tyrell, Master of Coin, Lord Paramount of the Reach, Warden of the South, Defender of the Marches

Ruled: 301AL-354AL

The "Lame Lord" was a man who was clever, one of the Kingdom's best Falconers to boot, and knew the Tyrell-Targaryen fate was intertwined; after all, it was the Targaryens who brought the Tyrells to the Lordship of The Reach, when Aegon I Conqueror united the Six Kingdoms. He bent the knee to Daenerys Targaryen, and in the rest of the Targaryen reconquest, actively provided troops to her armies, assisting in the demise of House Lannister and the then generation of the Freys and Boltons. The death of the Lannister dynasty was something he enjoyed spectacularly, finally getting rid of those who had proved problematic for his brother and sister in years past, and within King's Landing itself. Willas Tyrell, whilst being a "Lame Lord", knew what this new Queen could bring, and served her without question, becoming her Master of Coin.

Willas was a good Lord, while he was lame, he was sensible, a generally pleasant and kind man. He was a particularly famous falconer, and after marrying Sansa Stark, an agreement made that would fold the North to the demands of the Southron Lords to remain a part of the Seven Kingdoms rather than secessionist, with Willas having four children. Establishing a defense against the Ironborn, as well as continuing to pledge forces to the Iron Throne, began the Tyrells continued co-operation with House Targaryen, easily becoming the second richest house, the Reach untouched by the warfare that still raged within some of the other regions of the Seven Kingdoms. Willas was a good ruler, many will agree upon that, and whilst he never was the most martially competent, he did the right thing for his realm, his hand guided by Olenna Tyrell, the very Queen of Thorns herself living until her late eighties, Willas himself dying aged 60.

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Lord Merlin "The Rosethorn" Tyrell, Hand of the King, Lord Paramount of the Reach, Warden of the South, Defender of the Marches

Ruled: 354-375AL

His son, Merlin, succeeded him, an able administrator, a little more adept at the politics of King's Landing, and as of such, he was named Hand of the King due to his competency in the role and close relations with the Targaryen King. There is little to really comment here, other than a continuation of Willas's rule, with the Tyrells being the closest family to the Targaryens, and Merlin's martial capabilities being a little more significant- whilst he didn't read as much as Willas, he was a fine tourneyman, and began the initial development of the Reach that continued into the later Lords' lifetimes, with trade deals with distant Essosi lands formed, as well as a greater emphasis on weapons-forging, and exporting grain and wine to other parts of the realm. He established the Reach Retinues, a groundbreaking system of semi-professional levies that significantly improved the quality of the Reach's army, as well as investing heavily into the infrastructure of the Reach. Merlin was particularly bearded, and for a Southron, looked remarkably northern, perhaps due to his linage from Sansa Stark having some influence in his blood. He lived into his fifties, dying in his sleep.

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Lord Jamie "The Green" Tyrell, Lord Paramount of the Reach, Warden of the South, Defender of the Marches

Ruled: 375-430AL

Jamie Tyrell on the other hand, was a different beast altogether. Jamie, from a young age, was a keen gardener, and loved spending time in Mazes, fields of roses, woods, anywhere outdoors, rather than inside his castle. When he inherited the Lord Paramountcy, it barely even changed. He began work on an enormous project, one that has only bared it's fruits in more recent times, that of the Rosewood. Jamie was not particularly mad, but moreover, obsessive, and when he wasn't gardening, he was drinking, falconing, jousting, or feasting, doing little productive to the wider Realm, yet being able to keep the peace. His wife, Elena Ambrose, appeared to be more the force behind the Lordship, and ran his Kingdom for him, all in the while of bearing three sons for him. Elena seemed at ease with Jamie, surprisingly enough, and it was no mistake that she did the work he should have really done.

Jamie lived into his eighties, and he was planting trees to the very end, they say, remarkably healthy all his life, and dying in his sleep, perhaps from old age. The nickname of Jamie "The Green" Tyrell, stuck with him for life, and he was said to have smelled of roses, bluebells, and pine. With a fine suit of platemail armour that has been passed down to Garland, that made him particularly striking, the short haired, bearded, flower-obsessed botanist was a particularly famous Lord, and his Rosewood has made him one of the most noted family members in House Tyrell, albeit if he didn't achieve a lot else. To this date, it is the second largest royal wood in the Seven Kingdoms, to the Kingswood, and is diverse, with many a beautiful spot to sit down and take in the deer and boar that roam, with forest flowers, and countless varieties of trees, from pines to oaks, birches to yews and conifers, some of which are surprising to see this far south. Even being an artificial construct, few can argue that it is not pleasing to visit, to all walks of life.



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Lord Gregor Tyrell, Hand of the King, Lord Paramount of the Reach, Warden of the South, Defender of the Marches

Ruled: 430AL-446AL

Gregor Tyrell, Garland's Uncle, was a little more prudent, and wasn't flower obsessed. Rather, he was a fine tourneyman, and after marrying Lyanna Ashford, he settled down well to the task of being Hand of the King at first, before merely becoming a Small Council Member, in favour of a Velyrion appointed by Aegon X. Gregor was not the best administrator, but he was a fair man, and he knew the Reach's strengths, with his rule known as the "Flowering Years", owing to the fact that much was spent on infrastructure, and trade went from strength to strength, improving drastically over his rule. Towards the end of his rule, he became a little more arbitrary, and many worried that he had no heirs, apart from his only son, Alestair, born late into his rule due to his complete indifference. When he died from disease, aged 55, Alestair was barely two years of age.

Lord Alestair Tyrell, Lord Paramount of the Reach

Ruled: 446AL-447AL

Alestair's rule barely lasted a year, with his rule being mostly a regency, covered by Lyanna Tyrell and Garland Tyrell, a fragile power-sharing arrangement, that quickly rose to discontent, and a lack of stability in the Reach. There was little to hold the mostly autonomous parts of the pleasant Kingdom together, and whilst it was normally a dashing Lord who was known to all, Alestair was not this. It was thankful almost, that he didn't last.

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Lord Garland "The Young/Pale Rose" Tyrell, Hand of the King, Lord Paramount of the Reach, Warden of the South, Defender of the Marches



Rule: 447AL-Now

The death of the infant Lord Alestair Tyrell due to disease left the Reach initially a little at a crossroads, in regards to inherritance. The lack of siblings that Alestair had meant that the line passed over to Garland Tyrell; and meant that Garland was the new Lord Paramount of The Reach, with the chance to bring about a new order of things. Whilst Garland was perhaps not the most experienced or wisest of all rulers now in the Seven Kingdoms, he was able to find legitimacy in his own people at his young age, and able to get to work on making sure his vassals did not get any ideas of their own expansion. Inexperienced, yes, talented, indeed.

Quickly asserting his rule, the unmarried Garland was able to muster up against any squabbles over succession, and eventually, put himself back into the position that his uncle had been in, that of a Council role for the Targaryen Dynasty. Ever since the restoration, the Tyrells have been the right hand family for the Targaryens, even more so than the He served as Hand of the King for the last two years of his rule, and whilst many questioned why such a young man could do such a job, Aegon X clearly saw political merit to bestow this upon him, it seemed. Garland was unquestioningly loyal to the smart King, and they got on well as good friends, Garland as good as his ancestors were as a steward. This, and Daenys looked favourably upon Garland, though Garland did not like the twin Targaryen one bit, finding his attitudes and suspected homosexual feelings towards him creepy; and making sure to keep away at Council meetings. Making him Hand meant he effectively administered the Kingdoms that Aegon ruled, and this was something that he did well considering that war never broke out and...well, the once well-known game didn't repeat all over again, though he was forced to leave more sensitive matters to Alerie, knowing she was a far greater Spider than he would ever be.

The death of King Aegon X, and the successive problems have thrown the Tyrells into the very central of the fray, looking to retain their position of power, and prevent other Houses from capitalising from the chaos. So far, things have felt rather bittersweet for House Tyrell, with Garland getting wounded in the Battle of the Kingswood, and thousands of men dead, in the aftermath of it's defense. However, the Tyrells do control King's Landing, and at this point in time, are well and truly Kingmakers of their own design, with Garland as Hand, and Willas Tyrell as the Commander of the Goldcloaks. The Tyrells truly are, the finest stewarding House that the Seven Kingdoms have seen, some would say. Other would call it despotic madness, and that with such a great house, it must fall. Only time will tell what Lord Hand Garland Tyrell, the Young Rose, Warden of the South, shall leave as his legacy.

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Political Economy

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. Some are mooting that Gregor Tyrell's rule were the "Flowering Years", or the period of time in which the Reach saw almost no bloodshed compared to it's neighbours, and sustained economic development under a responsible network of administrators, Lords, and merchants.

Ports thrived, cities expanded, castles were built, and to some extent, this continues into the beginning of Lord Garland's rule, the Reach's infrastructure and networks growing appropriately. 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. From the last hundred years, the Tyrells have had a huge impetus in shaping the politics of The Iron Throne, being the long-term trusted partner of the Targaryens following Mace's death, expected to be it's most loyal and obedient follower.

The Reach has not become involved in affairs of other Houses- they have left House Crakenhall to develop, seeing that they have their own squabbles to deal with, as did the formerly depleted houses of Baratheon, Arryn, Tully and Stark. Trade agreements have been made, and even the occasional marriage, but as the Seven Kingdoms became isolated into their own affairs, the Reach merely administered the bigger picture. But things have changed, and perhaps now, the Tyrells will be forced to change their long-term tactics in King's Landing, in order to change for these different times, with war to come.

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Lord Garland Tyrell

Name: Lord Garland "The Young Rose" Tyrell
Age: 21
Appearance and Personality:





Garland appears to have the traits of most Tyrells, very well kept long brown hair, and a swordsman's physique, being perhaps as strong as a Lord ought to be when it comes to wielding a weapon- a foe to fear, with tourneys and his prior experience giving him plenty of experience for his young age, and the appropriate strength that comes with it. A couple of scars from conflicts past still lie on his left shoulder, though it is difficult to immediately spot. Garland stands at 6"3, with hazel colored eyes, a short and striking beard that wraps around his chin, and a healthy complexion, his face neither too lean nor fat. By most standards, he is regarded as amongst the most beautiful men in The Reach, and he has found that it has been more than enough to attract women across the court, with fairly expected effects. At 21, he's had several bastards, the mothers of whom haven't even returned to Garland regarding it, which speaks volumes about Garland's charming nature- they seem humbled to have had a tumble with the Lord. His good looks are striking, and it doesn't seem to be just due to his young age, rather a permanent trait- he seems elegant, charming, a man who looks perfect to represent the Reach's chivalric heart, the Young Rose having a silhouette of a man, at least in The Reach, of something the Seven would want to create.

Beyond his looks, Garland is a quick figure, perhaps the luck of the draw giving him the ability to do well at getting down to the business of being Lord Paramount. This quickness perhaps allows him to continue the typical Tyrell traits that can be observed in many members of the family, particularly on the male side- being astute, gregarious and chivalrous, having a high sense of honor and a high regard to family. He has courage and while not addicted to violence, is happy to get stuck into a fight. As a commander, he serves well, being able to make reasonable tactical decisions on both his theoretical knowledge and his previous experiences, though he is no legendary figure on the battlefield, not yet at least. On the surface, appears to be kind and charitable, a good hearted fellow- though it seems that the last two years have hardened his resolve and made him a little cynical towards some topics. While he is impaired by being still a recent ruler in The Reach, and significantly younger than most of his fellow Lords Paramount, he does not overestimate or underestimate his position. He still has much to learn about the true horrors of politics in King's Landing, yet seems able to comprehend how to present his image, being smart enough to know when to lie and when to be honest, and as an administrator, he is well suited to be Hand- he knows how to handle money, people, dissidents, as well as project his own ambitions into the job. He still does need to improve his skills in general rulership, however, and to drop his parts of his provincial nature, that of a lower character than a Lord. Whilst he is no Spider when it comes to plotting, if it allows himself and everyone in his family to benefit, he will plot against those external threats that seek to damage the The Reach, leaving this business often to his sister, Alerie, in order to protect his own reputation. Ultimately, it is the only chink in his otherwise Knightly-approach to the world.

On the field of combat, Garland 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 that seem to fully validate Garland as a Lord Paramount of The Reach. The armour was worn by a younger Jamie "the Green" Tyrell, and as an heirloom, has not lost it's beauty. 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 truly fitting the "Young Rose". He usually wields a longsword, paired with a large wooden heater shield, fighting in the traditional Westerosi fashion. Training puts him a league above most Hedge Knights- though being the head of the House means he has little time to rehearse as he once could. Off the tourney field or battlefield, he can be seen wearing a expensive white, gold and green tunic, suitable for the fairly temperate to semi-arid climate of the Reach, being usually more than enough, if not a more suitable garb for colder climes.

Biography:

An unlikely Lord Paramount, but one that seemingly got lucky. The Reach find Garland a man of chivalry and binding servitude to his family, being generally lusted for by Reachwomen of all types, though without the benefit of a long serving ruler's wisdom.

Garland was born in Highgarden to Moryn Tyrell, the brother to the then Lord Paramount of The Reach, Gregor Tyrell, and received an education that would only befit a child in a position such as himself. Whilst he was only a mere Nephew of the current Lord, he was taught by both maesters and a tutor, in methods of swordsmanship and learning. He squired for many a Knight, one of whom was Belgrave Tarly, in his youth, his wit certainly developing from the personalities he met. It was a typical education for Tyrell, it seemed- and Garland was acknowledged as being a quick lad, definitely of use to the family in one way or another. He had no idea of what his future held- he had considered becoming a man of the Kingsguard, but swiftly rejected this after he found himself perhaps too attached to female admirers, leaving a small trail of bastards in his wake at festivities held in Highgarden. Instead, he was offered the chance to work within the Court in Highgarden, assisting with the administration of the Reach, and from the age of 16 onwards, was actively involved in the inner workings of running a Lordship. Fighting was still his talent, but he found it was not something he could do as often, already becoming involved in helping to run the Reach. He was concerned with numbers, and making sure that the Kingdom's men and vassal houses kept the knee bent towards the family of the gold rose, almost acting in a diplomatic sense to maintain The Reach's power internally.

Garland ran the Lordship where the Lady Regent could not- most prominently, and on more than one occasion, defending against incursions from the Iron Islander raids, whenever they dared head further south than the rich ports of Lannisport and the other towns of the Westerlands. It was a well balanced approach, and whilst there was no promise of land at the end of it all, he served the infant Alestair Tyrell without question, both acting as a Commander and Chancellor throughout this period. Things did however, begin to change- both negatively and positively for Garland.

Death struck quickly within the Tyrells as the border war began to approach it's apex, and Moryn, his father. died when Garland was only 18, killed by infection following maiming from a Dornish spear. He felt terrified, yet this event itself was not the worst event that could occur in the family, with only a few months later the infant Lord Paramount of the Reach passing away from illness. It was that terror and anxiety that had to be cleared almost immediately if Garland was to take on his new responsibility.

The death of Alestair meant that succession in the Tyrell branch had to continue one way or another, and what seemed like an imminent power struggle between himself and the Lady Regent, Lyanna Tyrell, never occurred, as Garland immediately returned to Highgarden with a contingent of Hightower men to keep the peace for his Lordship. This meant that the 19-year old was now the new Lord Paramount, placed into a position of power of the expanse of The Reach. It felt strange, and whilst many thought that he would crack under the pressure, Garland adopted well to being the Warden of the South. Garland was not taught that he would become the Lord Paramount, rather he would be merely some lower-down Commander and perhaps at best, a representative for the family in King's Landing. Yet his practical experiences sent a clear message, that he could maintain the status quo of The Reach, run it as his predecessors had. He was named "The Young Rose" for his increasing determination to keep The Reach together in the face of these minor squabbles and issues, and was adept at holding together the fabric of the agricultural lands of The Reach. That, and his good looks on and off the battlefield let to this nickname to arise, his appearance one that seemed naturally gifted to this attribute this nickname.

Within the scope of the Kingdom, Garland holds a confident grip on his position as Lord Paramount, with a great opportunity to grow and develop his mind, if he keeps his head on his shoulders. War does not fill the Seven Kingdoms just yet, and whilst Garland understands that the grain shall be great come Autumn, it is what next that shall cement the Tyrells in a position of true power over the continent, rather than just The Reach. After all, Garland was taught that the Seven Kingdoms call on the Tyrells when they go to war, and call on them for food. It is a position to obtain great levels of power, and whilst Garland understands he is loyal to the Targaryen King, now he is gone there is a position for change. He is not cunning enough to have driven this thought himself- this has emerged moreover from Alerie, who has given him the idea and impetus perhaps, to do so. Being Hand of the King before Aegon's death also had an enormous impact on his role as a forger of the politics of the Seven Kingdoms, and while it was something that many ostracized, few did deny that Garland did a reputable job of keeping the Seven Kingdoms from falling apart, without getting murdered. Few Hands have done that successfully, and thus far, Garland has been able to keep his head fixed on his shoulders, though perhaps this is less attributed to Garland, and rather, Aegon X's own prowess at keeping the peace, as well as the relative stability of the Kingdoms in the aftermath of the years of bloodshed.

Apart from rulership, of which Garland has been forced to employ several advisers from vassal houses to assist in dealing with wider-spread law making and justice, but being able to manage the day-to-day diplomatic running of the kingdom with his vassals that serve under his name more personally than most Lords- envisioning himself as a Lord who rules as a natural right in The Reach, yet providing a stake to those who serve well. It's a visionistic approach, but Garland understands he cannot do this alone without experienced individuals being able to deal with petty issues that were once his domain. His gregarious nature means that he enjoys throwing lavish Fairs, with the Harvest seeing one in the planning stages already, for another good yield- and at these fairs, all manner of debauchery and actions can occur. Garland is also interested by Falconry, being another hobby that he enjoys partaking in.

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Alerie Tyrell

Name: Alerie Tyrell
Age: 17
Appearance:

Alerie

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 hazel 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.

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. She is as quick as her brother, if not more intelligent, and she can often subtly watch others' deceptions, wittingly putting up her own where she pleases without barely even blinking. 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 has the utmost respect for Garland, but understands that sometimes more dastardly approaches must be taken to make the family's power echo- being tutored by the Lady Regent making this idea stick in her mind. 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.

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.

Biography and Personality:

There's always something about the women in the Tyrell family, like a gift from the Seven. A sharp wit, and an even sharper appearance, a charm and an intelligence that gives them the capability to make the Tyrell family almost Matriarchal. Whilst that may not be the case in current times, Alerie is a fine example of one very capable female member of the House.

Born in Highgarden, Alerie is the second oldest sibling currently in the family, born to Moryn and Elinor Tyrell. She was the second of the second, so to speak, but as her brother was educated, so she was too. She was taught how to be a lady in the court, and was given tutors and also teaching from the then Lady Lyanna Tyrell, learning the way of the world. She was taught particularly well by Lyanna how to lie and how to present herself, being a beautiful girl and uncannily good at concealing the truth, something that Lyanna was indeed very impressed by. The years rolled by, and the death of Gregor Tyrell meant that Alerie was suddenly faced with a new reality- that of her grandmother being around less in order to act as Lady Regent to Alestair Tyrell, leaving Alerie more to her own devices. This she did, and outside of playing the harp and horse riding around the wooded estates surrounding the banks of the Mander, she embarked on learning the ins and outs of the local politics, often spying on the other ladies of the court and the debauchery they got up to.

The ascent of Garland Tyrell meant she followed him in power, now as the Lord Paramount's sister which has resulted in the last couple of years of her tutorship being created a little different to what she had before. She has been tutored in ways that perhaps indicate a higher calling, one that in the coming months, may lead to Alerie helping the family climb the slipper ladder in the Seven Kingdoms by a different mean than just a mere council position. She has been taught far more on how to be the woman of the House, and to act as the thornier Rose in comparison to Garland, to continue to impress at fairs and banquets, and play the part in making sure the family stays in power.

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Rickard Tyrell

Name: Rickard Tyrell
Age: 14
Appearance:

Rickard stands at about 5"0, a short lad, not expected to grow significantly more than this, with his weak disposition resulting in this trait. He has the brown hair of the family, having it kept far shorter than Garland- his brown eyes and well placed facial features suggesting that this is a lad that is definitely a Tyrell. That said, as a result of his weak nature, he is unable to walk for prolonged periods of time, using a cane to move around, and cannot do any menial physical task of any kind.

Rickard is quite shy, quiet to say the least, compared to his very gregarious and courageous brethren. He seems to have a clear indication of what he wants to say, being very mature and knowledgeable for his age- he has almost a cynical trait, always finding out things, always seeming to apply his knowledge. He seems bright, but not in a way that would perhaps apply a more practical edge to things, such as Garland or Alerie's more practical or charming natures.

Biography:

Rickard is Moryn and Elinor Tyrell's third and youngest son, a son that proved to break the charm of good luck that had been seen in Garland and Alerie, as a crippled boy. He was expected to die following his birth, but survived, due to some sort of miracle from the Seven, perhaps something else that kept him alive in his frail state. Whatever reason, he was weak in disposition, and has to use a cane to walk, his spine and general body being significantly weaker than most. Whilst able to move, he seems to lack an energy of boys of his type, being just unable to do much good. This left him in a strange position- the third born was never a son of any high relevance, not him. He was never brought up as lavishly as Garland and Alerie, though he was provided with a tutor and books, to educate himself on the world. This was something that Rickard took to strongly, and seemed to be the best solution for his predicament.

Learning and book reading was Rickard's passion, from epic poems of previous Targaryen conquests to those dating back beyond into the rule of the Gardeners, on the life and times of the peoples of The Reach. History, classic literature, whatever Rickard could get his hands on, he read. Rather than a formidable set of swordsmanship skills or political shrewdness, Rickard appears to be more of a scholar. He seems to have a similar quickness to his brother and sister, albeit not in the same way.

Rickard is still a young lad, and is expected to become a Maester, though Garland and Alerie, his older guardians, still have doubts about his physical capabilities to fulfill this end. In this regard, he is the Tyrell that some of the family would not mention, though Garland loves him as his only brother, and only wants the best for him- knowing that he would serve the family best in Oldtown, safe and away from the problems to come.

Willas Tyrell

Name: Ser Willas Tyrell
Age: 45
Appearance:

Willas

Willas stands at around 6"4, even at the age of 45, he seems to still hold a presence, particularly when in plate. He looks like far more of a fighter than Garland is, though perhaps his reflexes have come down with time, yet his strength and agility still are maintained, able to keep up with younger Kingsguards. He is not the best Knight in the realm, not that he ever was, but Willas is a cut above many when it comes to fighting, from his well maintained physique- though arguably, it is more technique that is keeping his good level of swordsmanship up, compared to younger members of the Kingsguard. He has a scar that runs across his left forearm, coming from a slash that almost meant he lost his hand- though recovery for Willas seemed to prove lucky. His face is worn, and he appears burnt out.

His personality is that of a particularly loyal, yet morally questionable one. He holds to the authority of his family, and before Aegon's death, he would have counted the late King as being one of them. Yet he has no qualms with abandoning his post, and answering the call of his family, even with where he should be. The Tyrell traits continue in him, his appearance worn and tired, burnt out from decades of war and conflict. His chivalry and honor is perhaps a little different to most's expectations, but he knows that fair play went out of the window a long time ago in King's Landing, being far more pragmatic than sticking to high ideals that he learned by. He seems to be cynical, and competent at what he does, though he is more obedient than anything else- he is clever enough to not fuck up an order, but not cunning enough to work like his Nephew and Niece can. He knows who he is, a Knight of the Reach, and a former Kingsguarder second, loyal to family, not coin.

Willas can usually be seen prepared for war, wearing his plate and scale armor that he wore in the Kingsguard, albeit he has had the designs and patterns altered- opting for a more Reachman-produced helmet, and scribing a Rose into the gauntlets, almost as a renunciation of his Kingsguard duties. The armor has faded from it's silver, dulled and worn, and he no longer wears a White Cloak, as his duty has lapsed. His prowess with a longsword and shield is impressive, but with a Poleaxe, he has found he is extremely dangerous, able to disarm, stab and smash foes in, even on horseback or in plate, with Willas being one of the finest users of such a niche weapon in the Seven Kingdoms. Willas does fight in the traditional Westerosi style, but with a Poleaxe, it is difficult to expect what on earth he will do. If you catch him out of his armour, he usually wears a green and gold tunic and leather boots.

Biography:

Willas is Garland's uncle, the youngest son of Jamie Tyrell, and youngest brother of the deceased Gregor Tyrell; and was never expected to have any titles or names bestowed upon himself. Born in Highgarden and given the same good tuition as his older brothers, Moryn and Gregor, he tended to stray from the usual patterns. Finding himself an expert with a sword and shield, he opted instead to become a Knight of the Reach, desiring miltary service over any other work. Squired by Ser Lyonel Tarly, Willas was Knighted at the age of 21, and proved to be one of the greatest Reach Knights of his time, with a natural technique that mixed a blend of extended fighting with sharp counter attacks, complimenting full plate and a heavy shield and sword when on foot. Fighting clean, Willas did not often get the chance to walk a battlefield, but he was the man that was called to lead forces in the Reach within a few years.

Willas became his brother's right hand man, as Master-at-Arms, serving the Kingdom of the Reach loyally as one of it's most senior military figures. His youth was spent jousting, sparring and on more than one good occasion, killing. He opted not to marry, simply seeing no need as he was too busy either drilling people, or taking up. Many know that Willas had at least one bastard, Tybalt Flowers- his death at the young age of 6 from sickly health being something that perhaps put him off ever being a family man again.

He opted to join the Kingsguard at the age of 35, after dedicated service to The Reach, his skills as a Knight being appreciated in the inner circles of King's Landing. Perhaps it was also a token gesture, that Aegon allowed Willas to serve the Crown best, giving some appeasement to the Tyrells' demands, because whilst Willas is among the most skilled Knights in the Seven Kingdoms, he isn't the most definitive. He served without much of a blemish, and whilst never becoming senior, with ten years of service, always passing it over in favour of a better candidate, he became a trusted figure to Aegon X Targaryen. He knew the man as well as Garland did, as many of the Tyrells got to knew the King, and with his death, he found himself left without service.

In the most recent turn of events, he has not been seen with the rest of the Kingsguard following Aegon X Targaryen's death, and rather, has come back to Tyrell service. Such a treasonous action is something that in these times, seems to serve to seriously tarnish his name, though perhaps bigger squabbles in the capital are making his exploit relatively low key, working in his advantage that his return to his Lord Paramount's service has changed things. He does not desire his nephew's role, but knows he must act to help the Young Rose from his inexperience, to hold down the family's power. He is now in King's Landing, and with a small retinue (20) of Tyrell men that have been posted in King's Landing since Mace Tyrell's work as Master of Coin generations ago, Willas is now in a position to help his family once again. No doubt, he is a marked man if he stays in King's Landing for too long- a Kingsguard such as him should never run, and there is only one penalty for such an action if a King decides that Willas left the Kingsguard on his own will.

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Lady Lyanna Tyrell

Name: Lyanna Tyrell
Age: 47
Personality:

Lyanna is why Alerie is the Queen of Thorns, a woman with a heart that is practically made of the stuff, being cold, calculating and particularly cynical. She is harsh, and has an uncanny ability to see straight into a character, rather than any deception they put up. Her reclusive nature following Gregor's death has not rubbed off onto Alerie, however- this being more self-imposed, and perhaps for the Reach's benefit, so as not to be a backseat driver in Garland's rule. She seems to now be more interested in simply educating, and doesn't interact an awful lot with Garland and Alerie, sticking to her own and not being involved in courtly politics as she once was.

Biography:

Lyanna Tyrell (nee Ashford) was born to House Ashford, growing up in the flowing fields of the Reach, and as a young girl, took to harps, to gossip, and to reading well. She took to boys, and to their secrets, to their little games and to what they did. And she read them like a book.

She married the dashing Gregor Tyrell barely aged 20, back when he was in the middle of his tourney career, and it seemed strange then, that the two only ever produced one kin, Alestair. Whilst you would have thought that such an exceptionally attractive couple would have probably had more time together than they did, Gregor's absence in King's Landing, wining and dining, alongside Lyanna's chaste, meant that they did not find themselves flinging themselves at each other much. But that wasn't a problem. Lyanna enjoyed it, and she always kept Gregor's realm with a close eye over his shoulder, always making sure to look after, to take care of what he did not. The women of the Reach are good at this, it seems. Gregor was ruler in title and presence, Lyanna was his shadow, and perhaps, more influential than Gregor himself.

Gregor's sudden death, followed a few years later by Alestair's, left the once strong, deceptive and extremely wily woman to mourn, and it seems to have had a long-term effect. She did truly show affection for Gregor, even in his older age, and herself, had run out of challenges. Younger breeds were coming along, and bringing their flowers to the table. Her finest pupil, Alerie Tyrell, and her older brother were the ones that saw that envisioned as reality, in the aftermath of Lord Alistair Tyrell the Young's death; Garland making sure that Lyanna did not attempt to resist or to stop what was his by right. Garland did the rest of the work to Lyanna that cemented who he now was- the new Lord Tyrell of the Reach, and that it would not be argued with, or tampered with in how he ruled his realm. He was no Gregor, that much he stated. Lyanna respected this decision, and had chosen not to be a back-seat driver; at first uneasy with how quickly Garland accented to the title from relatively nothing, yet later becoming more understanding of the realities of Highgarden's foes, and the wider realm's responsibility to the Reach. Women seem to unofficially hold the balance of power in the seat of Highgarden, but it seemed that Garland's cloth for ruling his Kingdom was different.

As of late, Lyanna has been quite to herself, and rarely is involved in matters of the Reach, and whilst her great wisdom and ability to rule has become faded, it is known. She was once a Regent, but appears to have now just given in on letting things run- when Garland can do it himself, alongside Alerie and the other advisors. So as to appease him, she keeps out of his way, and at current point, is the tutor to younger girls of the Tyrell branches, imparting wisdom and cunning to those who wish to learn. However, Lyanna does make her presence in the times where someone wise is needed, when someone is needed. Particularly with Alerie, she is at her most spidery; and Lyanna seems to just know how the pieces fall, even if she is not playing. Some say she is brash outside of her calmed demeanor, yet just how a Lady of the Reach works, is for Maesters and for Septons to understand entirely.

Appearance:

Lyanna looks far older than forty-seven, which is a strange trait, considering she once was told to be the most wonderful looking woman in the whole of The Reach, and was possibly the main reason Gregor Tyrell married her. The blood in her veins has perhaps gone colder, and with it, age has caught up. Lyanna is usually seen wearing a dark green dress, the fabric of which wraps it's way up her neck, almost to the back of her head. The colour almost like the colour of the pines in the Rosewood, and her dark brown hair has whitened in places, though her hair is not entirely grey as of yet, her brown eyes holding a sharp gaze.

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Loras Hightower-Tyrell

Name: Lord Loras Hightower-Tyrell
Age: 36
Seat: The Hightower, Oldtown
Heir: Harlan Hightower-Tyrell
Personality:

Loras seems a little oafish, to say the least- for a man of such incredible power, binding two Great Houses within The Reach, you would think this resulted in a man who can rule the High Lordship of Oldtown with a certain prowess, like Garland institutes in his example. No. Loras is gregarious, and has a good sense of when to throw a party, or to be generally cheerful or helpful, though he doesn't sometimes seem awfully good at it. He doesn't seem to have the same sharp senses that the current Lord Paramount and his sister possess, and most of the time, he is probably just punting. Yet he does have some sense- the sense that can run a Lordship, be a family man, do the right thing. His heart is in the right place. His mind, mostly. But he will never be great, or never do anything defiant, or truly groundbreaking. Most people would agree, he has a lot of power, and placating him as the Hand to Lord Tyrell is a good move, because he'd never want more, or easily be able to claim more than that. Yet it would be a fool's move to suggest he take power, over pretty much anyone in the main ruling dynasty of the Tyrell family.

Biography:

Loras Hightower-Tyrell was born in a marriage of both his father from House Tyrell and his mother, from House Hightower, the last of her name, and the last of a generation. As a compromise, to prevent the total Tyrell dominance of the realm through it's cadet houses, the double-barreled House of Tyrell-Hightower was created, with an agreement that the Hightowers would continue on as a House in name, albeit shrouded in a Tyrell ancestry. In his upbringing, Loras mainly lived in Oldtown, finding often chances to play with the other lads, though he didn't excel at fighting, nor in court, nor in anything. He just seemed like a bright little star to his parents, when in reality, he just seemed to just indulge in his gifted childhood. He served in the courts and in the armies, yet didn't really do anything of particular note. The death of his father at 25 changed this.

He was the first Lord of the Hightower that was not a member of House Hightower, and the name died with his mother, leaving Loras to be the first of his new rule. He quickly asserted his power over his Lordship, and found he was able to take control the situation, whilst now tending to his new family. He married Alison Goldengrove, and found his way onto the Council in Highgarden, advising Gregor, Alistair, then eventually, Garland Tyrell, rising from little more than advisory work to his age and knowledge of the Reach just allowing him to become Hand to Garland- this role more placating, than merited. He didn't make a mess of things when Garland left for the capital on lengthy terms to run the Seven Kingdoms as Hand of the King, but neither did he entirely improve upon things. Loras merely kept the peace, and on more than one occasion, threw a party that involved a fair amount of Arbor. When push came to shove, he could be counted upon, but not to provide any particular expertise or specialization.

Loras has four children with his wife, Alison (nee Goldengrove)- Harlan, Merlin, Brynden and Alys; the former two being twins aged 13, Alys being 11, and Brynden being five years of age. Harlan is the presumed heir of Loras, being a boy of long-haired and similarly gregarious nature that takes after his father. Merlin appears to be far more inclined towards fighting and martial studies; and whilst Harlan seems to be more playful, gregarious and capable of study, Merlin seems to always be out, and wants to simply spar, not finding any interest in rulership or any responsibility in his arbitrary way; though he does get on well with his twin, he doesn't really care for people, appearing removed and a little ruthless. Alys appears to take after her mother, Alison, particularly enjoying playing the harp, whilst Brynden seems to be a little more difficult to determine, at his young age.

Appearance:

Loras stands at about 5"11, and holds a fairly well-built frame. He was a former jouster, but this was put out of question after a sharp wound put him off ever returning to the Tourney field- that, and his father's untimely death. He has shortened dark brown hair, and a trimmed beard, his face clean almost to stubble, and Loras looks like he is an individual racing towards middle age, and worst still, the increasing bill of responsibility in family and realm. He has put on a little weight since the end of him ever riding into a joust, but he is still relatively fit, well, as a fit as a man of his age should be, and still able with a sword. He can usually be seen wearing a darkened golden tunic, formal in most of his appearances, with his hair neat and his brown eyes usually a little indifferent. He seems formal, but with enough Arbor, he isn't.

Blood Runs Over Westeros: A Game of Thrones Roleplay. V2

Apologies for my absence- I'm going to rework the current House Tyrell CS to have a comprehensive family tree, as well as explain better the History of the Reach, as well as a few other things I'd like to go over.

Also, I'd like to clarify- I've specified named characters from the Reach too, in terms of Houses. The Footlys (Owain), Hightower-Tyrells (Loras), the Peakes (Paxter), and the Redwynes (Arthur) are all pretty much named houses and/or people. This is as well as naming the Goldengroves, Oakhearts, and I think the more minor house of Stanton. I think that's pretty much it for the Reach- if you're going to use any other characters from the past Houses of the Reach (the Florents are no longer a House in the Reach, for example, neither are the Hightowers, as they've merged with the Tyrells), I can also pad that out.

EDIT- the beginning of my CS has been revamped. Take a look- it looks nice now :)

Task Force Echo (A Special Forces RP)

I'm away at this current time- I'm gonna post on Sunday evening if nothing comes further. I'll keep this moving, dammit!