Castles of Summerhall and Stonehelm

[Lucius Malfoy]

Image: wip

The great castle of Summerhall is only a mimic of its former glory in which the genuine castle was destroyed in a great fire during 259 AL. The former palace that was founded by King Daeron II and was the home of various kings like King Aegon V and Maekar I had been made into a grand temple to the Warrior and as a final resting place for Aegon V, who died in a great fire that consumed much of Summerhall in 259 AL. The great castle, a replica of the original castle, was made to look grand and strong. Representing the strength of deceased Bannerman Magnussen Swann or the Raging Bull of the Stormlands. A majestic statue has been made in the main area of Summerhall to honor Magnussen and his achievements.

Stonehelm, the ancestral lands of House Swann, was the home of Nyord Swann, the younger brother of Sigmund. He had been appointed as the Lord there after Sigmund had been awarded Summerhall for his abilities and dedication to Stormlands. This was a major entry to an important river trade route. This trade route had amassed much of the past wealth of House Swann.

Information

Bannerman of Summerhall: Lord and Chief Bannerman Sigmund Swann, Second of His Name
Bannerman of Stonehelm: Lord Nyord Swann, First of His Name

Summerhall: 2,000 men-at-arms
Stonehelm: 1,000 men-at-arms

Traits

Sigmund:
- Field Battle Rolls: +2
- Siege Rolls: +1

House Swann of Summerhall and Stonehelm

Coat of Arms

Family Motto

"Always Faithful"

Family Tree

Swann Family Tree

Family History

A proud, powerful and wealthy house of the Stormlands. This noble family has been ruling within the Stormlands as long as history can remember. Noted as being cautious, the House of Swann is considered the second most powerful family in the Stormlands and have been renowned for their abilities.

Main Character(s):

Sigmund Swann, Second of His Name, Lord of Summerhall

Age: 30 Rank: Bannerman of Summerhall and Chief Bannerman of Stormlands (overall command of half of the Stormlands forces) Marital Status: Married to Maerwynne Mystweald Children: 0 Sigmund Swann is known as the Little Bull with the rank of Lord of Summerhall and Chief Bannerman of the Stormlands, the second highest military rank under Lord Gawen. He is the elder brother of Sarya Baratheon, wife of Gawen. Sigmund Swann had proven his worth during the War of the Usurper, attacking The Tor in the Dornish Marches in 285 AL alongside his liege, Gawen Baratheon and the other Stormlords and their Eastern Reach allies. For his achievements in battle, Sigmund was awarded Summerhall and the title Chief Bannerman of the Stormlands. He is known as a rather tall and handsome male, respected for his educated mind. He has a charismatic attitude and is renowned for his martial abilities throughout Stormlands and Westeros. He is unquestionably loyal to Gawen and the house of Baratheon. However, the great rank has given Sigmund a known arrogance and superior sense over all other Bannerman of the Stormlands. His connections to the Baratheons are always under his attentive eyes, eliminating anyone who seeks to taint them. Secretly, Sigmund also has a great respect for the Targaryens and wishes to see them returned to the throne as the rightful Kings of Westeros. These secret loyalties remain undercover and are unknown to his associates.

Nyord Swann, First of His Name, Lord of Stonehelm

Age: 20 Rank: Bannerman of Stonehelm Marital Status: Married to Bethany Fields Children: 0 When Sigmund ascended as Lord of the Swann House, Nyord was sixteen at the time and known as a rebellious soul. The moment Sigmund was made his superior, Nyord threw a fit and was thrown out of the ceremony. The young sixteen year old at the time was not a genius at all. He inherited no good trait of his father nor his mother; a weak and lesser minded character of the Swann family. He sought to undermine his brother, who let it happen, only for the enjoyment. Sigmund decided to keep his brother away from Summerhall and appointed him Bannerman of Stonehelm by request to his brother-in-law. Nyord would prove to be well-loved in Stonehelm and took up a liking for poetry and reading. Though surrounded by loyalists to Sigmund, Nyord has learned from his mistakes and amended ties with his older brother. He takes usual strolls and speaks with the people. Nyord also throws plays that were created by him which are renowned throughout House Swann and the Stormlands as great performances. Nyord is a slightly fat character with great smile and personality, but is weak-willed and lesser minded when it comes to politics and military, relying upon those appointed by Sigmund for guidance. He enjoys a happy marriage with Bethany, a former huntress and a capable woman of his court who has used his connections to be the power behind his seat in Stonehelm. Though she holds no ill-will to the Swanns nor Stormlands, she manipulates her husband to ensure that nobody can try to usurps his power within his ancestral home.

[ulti]

Nul

[Lucius Malfoy]

Sigmund escorted Lady Asha to his personal holding south of the King's Landing in Stormlands, House Baratheon's lands that bordered the King's holdings. They both entered the city of Summerhall, the resting place of King Aegon V and Sigmund's headquarters. He would escort Asha towards his hall.

Welcome to Summerhall. Some nice fresh air and no more bickering of politicians. Even though I have to be capable in them for the sake of my brother-in-law, Gawen.

He looks at Lady Asha and then towards his hall.

It was not a risk in my views. I am not...a grand politician nor a well-known general. Only Stormlands enjoys titling me as Little Bull because of my father's reputation. In my eyes, perhaps there is just a misunderstanding of your people from the mainland. You are still a part of a noteworthy and proven kingdom.

OOC: Hopefully that makes sense. Brain is becoming fizzled

[ulti]

She smiles as she takes in the city - a vast difference to the rocky isles.

"Indeed, I despise events such as that coronation, but they are a necessity to further our aims."

She pauses to take in more of the sight.

"You intrigue me, Lord Sigmund. Why would a respectable man like you escort a known 'rebel' like me out, knowing full well the ramifications of your actions?"

[Lucius Malfoy]

Sigmund pauses for a moment before speaking.

There are many answers to that...rebellions and conflicts happen. They help with change. To me, rebel is but a title, it does not describe who a person truly is.

He walks into the hall now with Asha.

Greyjoy and the Ironborn have good reason to keep their independence known and respected. Just as the Baratheons keep it well known that their holdings are to be respected. Its a matter of...getting the deserved respect from others. If no one is to honor that respect, then you must force upon them by example.

Sigmund just shakes his head and chuckles.

I sound like my father at his old age...just rambling about.

[ulti]

"I think you would like to meet by brother, you share his ideals."

She admires the hall, a grandeur which is missing from her castle at Orkemont.

"But ideals or not, would you really risk the wrath of the other houses to uphold our independence? Or do you look to profit from such an act?"

[Lucius Malfoy]

Sigmund opens the doors to his studies. Asha would notice grand creatures; heads and skins mounted all over the place. It was clear that Sigmund enjoyed hunting.

Though the other lords would suspect it...my brother-in-law knows of my unquestionable loyalty. I am the second most powerful man in all of Stormlands...plenty of authority to deter the other lords from their seditious thoughts. I may speak with one who is seen as a rebel, but Gawen knows it because of conversation, not plotting. That is how much he trusts me.

He stands there for a moment and proceeds to pace a few steps, looking outside.

Your independence is because of your history. It was only because of Aegon I, the Great Conqueror, that the Ironborn were brought into the realm. Up till then, you remained free from these lands and their Kings. Free and powerful...like the dragons that fly beyond our sights. I have respect for your house because of its lineage, history...and abilities. There is a reason why they call your kin Ironborn.

[ulti]

Asha raises an eyebrow at the animals, though is left unimpressed.

"Indeed, we do have a powerful history, and it was only misfortune that led to our situation this day. It is true we once had the freedom to strike wherever we wished, whenever we wished - we still would if it weren't for them damned Shield Islanders. This is what we long for - the freedom to act or not, and to not be bound by a King who knows not our ways. And you would help us achieve this?"

[Lucius Malfoy]

Sigmund looks at Lady Asha.

I will want to think upon that. There is much I must do beforehand. But I can assure you...if I do aid the Greyjoys, I will seek nothing in return. What is offered, I shall accept with gratitude. I am content with my lands and my power. Not a word from my lip shall speak of these words...only words of conversation and discussion of past and the present dealings.

His eyes look north to the King's Landing.

We will see if the King is one of virtue and benevolence...or if he seeks nothing but wealth. Like a typical Tyrell.

[ulti]

"I think we have already seen ample evidence of his manipulative skills to answer that question, though I think it a possibility that he himself might be open to manipulation. If you noticed, recall the way Lord, if you can call him that, Serry grovelled at his feet, with a subtle side effect of twisting the false kings mind."

[Lucius Malfoy]

Sigmund pours wine into two goblets, offering one to Asha.

Perhaps friends are given leniency then. A strong-willed King would not favor friendships so greatly. One must be voided of such favors in order to rule with an iron fist and display great judgement. One of merit must be given the favor...one who has proven himself worthy.

Sigmund sips the wine quietly, looking up at the head of a large bear upon the mantle of his fireplace.

[ulti]

Asha sips the wine as well, though preferring the strong mead of her homeland.

"Exactly, though perhaps such activity should be encouraged, so as to weaken the King to the whim of many, thereby rendering him useless when required."

[Lucius Malfoy]

Sigmund points his finger at Asha as he holds his goblet.

Depends on who is doing the manipulating. A strong and noble Lord would easily manipulate the King to do good things. But selfish and weak Lords...will only make it easier for...certain actions to happen.

He sips his wine once more.

[ulti]

She smiles and sips once more.

"Perhaps I can leave that in your capable hands, I am not one to know who is weak and who isn't, being so detached. Would you be able to ensure only the right people are able to influence him?"

[Lucius Malfoy]

Sigmund looks at Asha.

I am a man of only Stormland reputation. It would be difficult to get close to the King and become a...trusted person among his ranks. I am of minor achievement, nothing too grand like the other Lords.

[ulti]

She still smiles at this.

"You may have time, depending upon my brothers decisions. House Stark and myself have had some... interesting... discussions which may change the situation for a while, during which you may be able to get close to the king."

[Lucius Malfoy]

Sigmund strokes his chin and nods.

Understood. Time will determine much in your...discussions and plans.

He finishes his wine and sets the goblet down.

Perhaps after my inspection of the military forces across the Stormlands...I may pay a visit to meet with your brother. He seems to be a rather intriguing Greyjoy.

[ulti]

"Indeed, I am sure he would find you rather intriguing too..."

As she talks, she observes in more detail the animal remains hanging upon the walls.

"Though I'm afraid there is little in the way of hunting opportunity upon the Isles, avid hunter as Theon may be."

[Lucius Malfoy]

Sigmund chuckles lightly and looks at some of the mounted animals upon his wall.

A hobby of mine and my brother-in-law, Gawen. I am aware of the Iron Islands and their barren lands. No wonder your people wish to expand...needed resources to live and thrive.

[ulti]

She laughs a little as this.

"No, not necessarily expansion we seek, we are fairly self sustainable. In fact we rather enjoy our method of acquiring what we need..."