Riverrun, Seat of House Tully

[Lord Dread]

Riverrun

Current Lord: Lord Eldred Tully
Income: 50,000 Gold
Levy: 3,000 men
Garrison: 75 men

Riverrun is the ancestral castle of House Tully, the Lords Paramount of the Trident. It is situated in the western riverlands, at the confluence of the Tumblestone and Red Fork rivers. Riverrun is north of Pinkmaiden and northwest of Acorn Hall. The castle sits along the river road, an easy ride which links Lannisport and the crossroads.

Lord Eldred Tully of Riverrun

Full Name: Eldred Tully
Age: 24 (born 105 AC)
Marital Status: married to Lady Kyra Lothston (born 106 AC)
Children: Darlessa Tully (born 121 AC), Joana Tully (born in 123AC)
Traits (6 points): +2 Survival, +1 Duel, +1 Battle, +2 Charisma
Temperament:
- Empathic: This character is strongly attuned to the emotions of others and cares for them, making them great friends or kinsmen to have - but poor warriors and generals. +2 Charisma, -1 to battle/joust/duel rolls.

Born as the son of Ser Kennet Tully, Eldred was raised under normal circumstances along with his twin brother Kirth. Being sent to Maidenpool at an early age, he eventually became a squire unter Lord Mooton, where he not solely learnt how to fight with a sword, but as well learnt about poetry, virtue and other ideals for which knights were praised. Though his Lord father wasn't too fond of Eldred's behavior most of the time, people on court barely minded that Eldred began at some point to rather spent more time with the feather than with his knightly education.
When his father died however, during an accident at the hunt and the question for an heir became more relevant, fate stroke House Tully once more as Lord Hosteen Tully grew ill within his old age and rarely was seen on court. During this time Eldred learnt Lady Kyra Lothston, the daughter of a knightly House on the court of Riverrun to know and married her soon despite better advice. Solely with the agreement of the dement Lord Tully convinced the priest to nontheless celebrate the ceremony.
Eventually Lord Hosteen passed away, naming explicitly Eldred his heir, as he spent the most time with his grandfather during the last years in order to care for him. Although his brother Kirth was appointed the Lord of Branstone, Eldred already noticed the silent rivalry between them, as Kirth has always blamed Eldred of ruining the legacy of House Tully. Without a male heir in line and hardly any major marriage alliances, Eldred nontheless remains confident for what the future brings.

The Tully family

Lord Hosteen Tully, former Lord of Riverrun, born in 65 AC, died in 128 AC His son Ser Kennet Tully, heir of Riverrun, born in 82 AC, died in 118 AC Lord Eldred Tully, Lord of Riverrun, born in 105 AC, married with Lady Kyra Lothston (born 106 AC) Darlessa Tully, born in 121 AC Joana Tully, born in 123 AC Lord Kirth Tully, Lord of Branstone, born in 105 AC Andros Tully, born in 122 AC Dontos Tully, born in 124 AC Jorah Tully, born in 126 AC Ser Gareth Tully, born in 90 AC Janyce Tully, born in 111 AC Ser Imry Tully, born in 113 AC Marissa Tully, born in 95 AC, married to Ser Robert Rowan

[Lucius Malfoy]

One afternoon, a retinue of knights, bearing the banner of House Strong, approach Riverrun along the Riverroad from Harrenhal. It was not Larys Clubfoot who came to visit, as the man was not known for his expertise when riding a horse, but his cousin, Ser Robin Strong, Castellan of Harrenhal. He approaches the gatehouse of Riverrun, his knights arrayed behind him, as he calls up to the guards, stating his name and the purpose of his visit. The Lord of Harrenhal had ensured Robin was sent to perform and fulfill a necessary task for the Iron Throne and Aegon, the Second of His Name.

[Lord Dread]

Ser Robin was lead inside, once the guards had permission to escort him towards the Lord's solar. There, although still young, compared to other lords within the realm, stood Lord Eldred as he was discussing rough details with his wife, Lady Kyra of a minor house going by the name of Lothston. As he saw his visitor approaching, he only told his wife, that they would dicuss later, before she left somewhat understanding the scene, followed by her young daughter. Then he adressed his visitor, greeting him jovial.
"Ah, Ser Strong, welcome to the old halls of Riverrun", he greeted the man in front of him, "How does Harrenhall fare these days? Any news you can bring me from the God's Eye?"

[Lucius Malfoy]

Ser Robin, as known as Robin the Walker, possibly out of mockery towards his cousin, the Clubfoot, was a middle-aged sworn sword. Father of two sons and a bastard and married to a member of House Vance of Atranta, he had served as Castellan of Harrenhal for many decades now since the mysterious death of Ser Harwin and the late lord, Lyonel Strong. Given his tenure as Castellan, he had earned the title of 'the Knight of the Towers.' His bows to Lord Eldred and Lady Kyra quietly.

My Lord Eldred, Harrenhal remains as eerily quiet as it has ever been. Yet, it's lands remain fertile and its people content.

Ser Robin would raise his head momentarily afterward. His expression as stern and serious as ever.

I would hope that we may discuss in private, my Lord. I have come on behalf of my cousin, Lord Larys Strong, on a matter of importance.

[Lord Dread]

Tully solely nodded, as he made sure that everyone has left the room.
"Of course, Ser Strong", the young lord replied somewhat hesitant, but nontheless convinced, "I hope it isn't anything too concerning, what you wish to tell me."
Judging by Ser Robin's reaction, Eldred was certain that what was to be told to him, was probably something important as otherwise he wouldn't have suggested that his wife and child left the room. Especially when messages came from a Lord, who was known to remain on Viserys' court in King's Landing.
Yet he nontheless hoped that it wasn't anything major, although his hopes were small.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Once they were alone, Ser Robin exhales deeply, rubbing his neck as he knew what was going to be said.

War seems to be on the horizon... my cousin, Larys, tells me of how Aegon was crowned and Rhaenyra was sidelined, essentially.

This member of House Strong wasn't sure whether to follow the mandate of his cousin. Or strike out on his own ambitions when it came to convincing Lord Tully.

Sounds like the nobility gets the short end of the stick considering we don't have dragons.

[Lord Dread]

"So this means the... the King is dead?", Tully replied somewhat perplex, before he breathed in deeply, "These are indeed troublesome news.
Especially ones where I am tied, as I know neither of the two in personal. So I presume you wish to ask me to join the King's cause, if I am not mistaken, right?"
At least that was, what Eldred presumed was the case. To some point he felt cornered - he despised war, as he had only heard of it. Tales of the conquest, dragonfire, the death of many prominent royal houses from which his own family, the Tullys benefitted. His grand-grand-grandfather was even the legendary Edmyn Tully, who volunteerly rebelled against King Harren the Black, when news of Aegon's successes spread to Riverrun.
Yet he had it probably more easy within his decision as only one side had dragons.
In this case, the Lord of Riverrun assumed that both sides would have least one dragon.

[Lucius Malfoy]

That's what I have been tasked to do by the Lord Larys. He remains at King's Landing, supporting His Grace, Aegon, the Second of His Name. However...

An odd occurrence really considering how Lord Lyonel and Ser Harwin had supported Rhaenyra before. Larys didn't know Her Grace well enough. And perhaps, to ensure he wasn't dragon food, he did his utmost to remain in the good graces of Aegon.

My gut makes me wonder of this coming war, Lord Tully. Dragons sound like bad business... we Riverlords always look at Harrenhal and remember how black fire ended the House of Hoare within a mere hour.

Ser Robin contemplates quietly before looking at Lord Tully.

I remember my maester telling me of how a Great Council ensured that sons should succeed fathers and how only males can sit upon the Iron Throne. Yet, the Seven Kingdoms do recall how the late King wanted Rhaenyra to succeed.

[Lord Dread]

Somewhat wondering Lord Eldred thought on the matter.
"A difficult choice indeed, although I wonder what lead to this sudden change in terms of succession", Tully more thought to himself, "If I'm honest, it reminds me a lot on our own family, as my grandfather named me Lord of Riverrun instead of my twin brother Kirth, while granting him instead the title of Branstone. Kirth always was bitter when he heard of this decision, but no further was spoken as he left my court afterwards. This has transpired one year before.
But grandfather told us near the end of his time, as he already reaching a high age and tended to forget things. The steward, my wife along with Kirth were my testimonies. Who can confirm the Old King's decision?"

[Lucius Malfoy]

Ser Robin shrugs his shoulders slightly before his finger points south.

The only people who can confirm the late King's decision are those in King's Landing. Strong, Hightower, Lannister, the Dowager Queen, and the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard.

A very short list of persons could confirm this list. Two of which were relatives and the mother of the newly minted King and another was once the personal knight of the Dowager Queen.

Any of those could confirm the King's will.

[Lord Dread]

Ser Robin shrugs his shoulders slightly before his finger points south.

The only people who can confirm the late King's decision are those in King's Landing. Strong, Hightower, Lannister, the Dowager Queen, and the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard.

A very short list of persons could confirm this list. Two of which were relatives and the mother of the newly minted King and another was once the personal knight of the Dowager Queen.

Any of those could confirm the King's will.

Assuming no ill intentions from the King's family, Lord Eldred pondered. The Small Council was a small number of people, while one could easily assume that both Hightowers had some influence within the decision.
Yet, if Ser Robin spoke the truth, both Lannister and Strong were present as well and he hardly saw the advantage for the two, if someone would have the ill thought of fabricating the will of Viserys.
While it would all be based on speculation... Tully knew that a rash decision could be deadly in such a delicate affair, but he neither couldn't proof the opposite.
And Ser Robin was right: Harrenhall itself was proof for what any of these dragons was capable of.

"Then I guess I will accept the King's will as it stands for now", he solemnly replied, somewhat stressed, "Though I hope that a war can be avoided. I have no quarrel with Aegon II and neither with Viserys' favored daughter Princess Rhaenyra. But when it comes to my people and vassals in times of conflict, they will most likely expect to follow the Crown, as treason against a king is always considered a crime.
Or what would you suggest, Ser Robin?"

[Lucius Malfoy]

Ser Robin listens to the word of Lord Tully. It was wiser to follow that who sits upon the Iron Throne, and that was Aegon, the Second of His Name. The Tullys were raised, above all others, by Aegon's namesake, and House Strong held Harrenhal because of the Crown. It was even the Crown, during the time of Jaehaerys, that saw a brief respite in the feud between Blackwood and Bracken. The Riverlands owed much to the Iron Throne... that was for certain.

As much as I would like to see conflict avoided, the Riverlands will be forced to join someone. As it stands, His Grace holds King's Landing and sits upon the Iron Throne. And either way, if we side with one over the other, we risk fighting dragons.

Between the two however...

I would rather not have Vhagar descend upon Riverrun though. And the Blood Wyrm is just as ferocious.

Perhaps there was an alternative though...

Mayhaps we at least call the banners and prepare for war, but delay our participation till we see what happens, Lord Tully?

[Lord Dread]

"I guess it would be the best approach, although I hope that my bannermen will see it the same way as me", Lord Eldred sighed, being glad that Ser Robin offered at least some solutions, he probably would have also considered after some thought, "While I also hope that it won't be reason enough for my twin brother to question my rulership once more. As I mentioned, I havent heard from him in a while, assuming that everything in Branstone is going its usual routine... yet if the conflict between Rhaenyra and Aegon will become larger, I fear of his actions."

[Lucius Malfoy]

Robin wondered if Larys would live the war. For certainly, in these days, the people would turn to the Knight of Towers, rather than the true ruler of Harrenhal. Larys had been gone so long after all and few could love a clubfooted lord... a liability more so. Ever seeking to gain recognition in the hopes of succeeding to Harrenhal sooner, Ser Robin knew exactly how to answer Lord Tully and gain a foot in the door.

Perhaps it is wiser than that we concern ourselves internally. Let the dragons dance and the royals squabble over who will rule King's Landing.

Maybe Larys would die by a dragon or by an unhappy mob.

Certainly, Harrenhal's troops would be better suited for House Tully's desires to see the Riverlands stable.

[Lord Dread]

Eldred pondered about Ser Robin's offer, before nodding.
"I'll leaving the decision to you, Ser Robin, as I trust House Strong enough to know that they know what is best for the realm", he replied after a while, "If you join the King's course or remain neutral within the conflict is up to you. But it might take me a while to decide yes... thus I would potentially wait before sending our own troops to King's Landing."
After all the knight was right. The Targaryens had dragons on both sides - if they duke it out among eachother, Tully hardly felt capable of contributing anything other than burnt Riverlanders within the conflict. If his task was to take a rebell keep - easy enough. But best Rhaenyra at Dragonstone?
Unless it would grow into a countrywide rebellion, he doubted that his men would even be needed for the moment.
"Can I offer anything else to you, Ser?"

[Lucius Malfoy]

Eldred pondered about Ser Robin's offer, before nodding.
"I'll leaving the decision to you, Ser Robin, as I trust House Strong enough to know that they know what is best for the realm", he replied after a while, "If you join the King's course or remain neutral within the conflict is up to you. But it might take me a while to decide yes... thus I would potentially wait before sending our own troops to King's Landing."
After all the knight was right. The Targaryens had dragons on both sides - if they duke it out among eachother, Tully hardly felt capable of contributing anything other than burnt Riverlanders within the conflict. If his task was to take a rebell keep - easy enough. But best Rhaenyra at Dragonstone?
Unless it would grow into a countrywide rebellion, he doubted that his men would even be needed for the moment.
"Can I offer anything else to you, Ser?"

As much as I am obliged to raise the men of Harrenhal at the request of Lord Strong, I fear they will be unwilling to fight dragons. Even if there are dragons aiding them.

Ser Robin wanted to endear himself more so to Lord Tully, in the event that Lord Larys died. Which almost seemed a certainty.

It would be better to see if the cause of Aegon or Rhaenyra may last longer than a year. If not, then we can throw our lot behind the victor. Neutrality does not hurt us, but choosing one side over the other will.

[Lord Dread]

"Well, it surely can't hurt", Lord Eldred pondered, somewhat nervous whether it was wise to go this direction, "We will watch the conflict for now then and decide inbetween, just as you suggested. Though I suppose Aegon will win the conflict."
Definitly it was a bold assumption, but given that Tully was educated for a long time at Maidenpool as a squire and had heard numerous tales of virtue, honor and rightfulness, he assumed that the rightful king would win in the end, as otherwise he wouldn't have been chosen king. Reality was of course more complicated, but still... to some point he definitly believed in the values some of those stories told.

[Barry Goldwater]

Some time after the impromptu war council in Casterly Rock, Lord Reyne comes to Riverrun as previously planned with the Lord Lannister. The old Grey Lion obviously comes in peace, there being only a meager handful of knights spread across his retinue of mostly silver-and-red-clad servants and courtiers, and neither he nor his people make any attempt to hide their winding, steady ride/march toward the seat of House Tully.

[Lord Dread]

The men were lead inside swiftly, as everyone recognized the banners of the western lions. Although it took some time to get Lord Eldred Tully informed, a guard eventually lead Lord Reyne into the Throne room of Riverrun, where the Lord of Riverrun was awaiting him. Stoic, but young and partially a bit nervous as well.
"Welcome to my halls, Lord Reyne", he said after some time, "I hope the journey from your halls to my court wasn't too unpleasant during this time of the year."

[Barry Goldwater]

"Not at all, Lord Tully, not at all." Reyne replied genially with a quick bow. "The roads can get a little muddy in this time of year, but I've seen and experienced much worse. I'm quite relieved the snows have yet to fall here."