Sunspear, Seat of House Martell

[Dance2]

DORNE

Sunspear Castle, Dorne - Seat of House Martell

HISTORY OF HOUSE MARTELL

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House Nymeros Martell of Sunspear is one of the Great Houses of Westeros and the ruling house of Dorne. 'Nymeros' indicates "of the line of Nymeria," but generally it is simply called House Martell. The Martells of old used a spear as their emblem, while Nymeria and the Rhoynar used the sun as theirs. These were combined when Nymeria wed King Mors Martell into a gold spear piercing a red sun on an orange field.

House Martell's founding is unknown, except that they were one of the ruling families of Dorne which, since the Andal Invasion had been a collection of feuding petty kingdoms even as the other regions of Westeros began to consolidate into larger realms. When the warrior queen of the Rhoynar of the eastern continent, Nymeria, came with her people to Westeros, she took one of the strongest of the Dornishmen as her husband: King Mors Martell. Combining their strength, the two managed to unite all of Dorne under their rule; House Nymeros Martell has reigned since. The union of their peoples saw the Martells abandon many of their older Andal customs in favor of those of the Rhoynar. Specifically, they began to call their rulers "princes" instead of kings, and their lands and title passed down to the eldest child regardless of gender.

As Aegon the Conqueror waged his Wars of Conquest, he eventually came to Dorne. Here his army was bled dry by guerrilla warfare in the desert, a situation in which his dragons were of little use. Deciding that conquering Dorne would be too costly, the Conqueror opted to leave the Martells as sovereign princes. House Martell kept Dorne independent from the Targaryens for two centuries, the only one of the Seven Kingdoms to manage such a feat. After repeated failed attempts at conquest (most notably under Daeron I), Dorne eventually joined the fold through marriage between the two houses. The alliance was a dual one, with the future King Daeron II marrying Princess Myriah Martell and Prince Maron Martell marrying Daenerys Targaryen. Since then, the Martells have ruled Dorne in the name of the King on the Iron Throne, while keeping the title of Prince of Dorne.

During Daeron II's reign, the Red Keep assumed a decidedly Dornish flavor due to the influence of his Martell wife. This was one reason that many nobles opted to rise against his rule. The Martells thus defended his claim against Daemon Blackfyre.

The Princeguard:
The Princeguard was founded in 1 AL, by King Elmyrs Martell, at the request of his son, Prince Pyus, Heir to Sunspear, during the 'War of Conquest', being carried out by Aegon the Conquerer.

Prince Pyus believed that eventually Dorne would be targeted by the conquest and had the special bodyguard unit formed to protect the royal family. The original name of the Princeguard was "The Prince's Guard", a formation of 6 knights who have proven themselves in combat, with one Lord Commander to oversee them. The first of the Lord Commander's was Jorbus Dayne, a general in the Dornish Army. Jorbus was the only Prince's Guard selected by King Elmyr's himself. Prince Pyus selected the other 6 Prince's Guard. The Princeguard had played an intricate part in protecting the royal family from the Targaryan conquests.

The Prince's Guard changed it's official name to The Princeguard, after the union of Princess Myriah and King Daeron II Targaryen in 162AL. Dorne is officially subjugated into the Seven Kingdoms, by this union. King Daeron II allows Dorne to keep the status of a "Principality", hence it's leaders assuming the noble title, 'Prince' or 'Princess'. The marriage brokered a peace between House Martell and House Targaryen, after over 150 years of warfare, the Targaryen's finally united the 7 Kingdom's under one ruler.

During "Robert's Rebellion (283AL)", 5 of the Princeguard were killed; one in the defence of the Red Keep, protecting Princess Elia Martell, four during the 'Battle of the Trident', protecting Prince Lewyn Martell. Prince Lewyn ordered Ser Rymun QORGYLE, and Ser Devron VAITH to protect Prince Rhaegar Targaryen.

List of notable Princeguard:
Ser Jorbus DAYNE (55BAL - 20AL), First Lord Commander of the Princeguard
Ser Lymun MANWOODY (36AL - 92AL), Successfully thwarted an assassination attempt on Prince Eros Martell, while accompanying the young prince on a royal visit to the Free City of Pentos. It is rumored the assassin was of the mysterious religious society of assassins, known as "The Faceless Men"
Ser Harlon "the Decisive" TOLAND (128AL - 207AL), slayed Ser Tytus Lannister, and Ser Albus Mallister of the Kingsguard, and then captured Prince Aemon (TARGARYEN) the Dragonknight', during a victory over the Targaryen's, during a battle which also saw the death of King Daeron I Targaryen in combat.
Ser Rylan WYL (250AL - 283AL), killed by Ser Gregor Clegane in The Red Keep, while protecting Princess Elia Martell.
Ser Rymun QORGYLE (255AL - 283AL), killed by Lord Eddard Stark during 'The Battle of the Trident".

Map of Dorne:

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Map of Sunspear Castle (Inner):

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Map of Sunspear Castle (Outer):

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Occupants of Sunspear Castle:

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Sunspear Inner Castle
Keep:
Prince Doran MARTELL, Lord of Sunspear
Princess Mellario MARTELL, Wife of Doran
Prince Cyprien MARTELL, Heir to Sunspear
Princess Arienne MARTELL, daughter of Doran
Prince Oberyn MARTELL, brother of Doran
Alicia DAYNE, Lady-In-Waiting for Princess Arienne
Old Rylanna MURKWOOD, Wetnurse/Lead Servant

Maester's Chambers:
Maester Caleotte

Tower of the Hand:
Lord Anders YRONWOOD, Hand of the Prince


Sunspear Outer Castle:
MILITARY DISTRICT

Princeguard Quarters:
Ser Travers DAYNE, Lord Commander
Ser Veklund QORGYLE, Princeguard
Ser Maron TOLAND, Princeguard
Ser Ramsun ALLYRION, Princeguard
Ser Carston WYL, Princeguard
Ser Dysun JORDAYNE, Princeguard
Ser Rhaegon SANTAGAR, Princeguard

Barracks:
Royal Guards

Officer Quarters:
Royal Officers
Watch Officers


RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT:
Francys MAYSUN, Master Cook + Family
Edwyrd AWSPECK, Head Gaoler + Family
Ser Halsun ASPEN, Captain of the Royal Guard + Family
Ser Marius LORNE, Captain of the Watch + Family

SEPT OF THE SUN:
Septon Ormus

[Dance2]

Princess Arienne accompanies her father, Prince Doran, whose seated at the side of a pond in the Royal Garden's. Prince Doran begins to speak...

Cyprien's return is quite sudden. He sent no word of his return, just arrived at port yesterday. Have you spoken with your brother yet?

Arienne remains silent for a few moments as they continue to walk before saying

No father, we have not spoken in years. I have not even seen him since his return...

Arienne stops and sits by the pond and takes a few moments to glare at her reflection in the water

He always spoke of having ambitions, and hopes of freedom for our people. He liked to claim he was a good a soldier as Ser Lymun the Decisive. I remember seeing him and Rhaegon play fighting in the courtyard with wooden swords...

Arienne looks up at her father

He isn't the little boy he was when he left, the boy I remember, is he father?

Prince Doran looks at his daughter and slightly nods his head in agreement

I see much of your uncle in him. When I saw him upon his return yesterday, it was as if I stared into a mirror, I was looking at an image I have not seen for 40 years. He has your mother's eyes, my looks, and your uncle's ambitions at heart. He was a child when he left, but he has returned to us a man, Arienne. Your uncle's mercenary company hardened him. I could see that as I stared into his eyes. He has commanded and he has killed. He is what I have always feared he might become.

Arienne plucks a daisy from the grass and begins to slowly pick away each pedal

I am afraid of war, father. I do not want the people to suffer. We have our peace and our relative freedom, what more can we ask?

Prince Doran begins to speak

What are our words, daughter?

Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken...

It is our will to remain free. Cyprien is in the same state of mind as your uncle. He idolized Rhaegar Targaryen. He took his death as an unexpected turn of events. As well as the death of my uncle, your great uncle Lewyn, who died at the same battle, protecting Prince Rhaegar. We have been bound to the Targaryen's for 100 years.

Robert Baratheon took your Rhaegar, your uncle's life. Tywin Lannister took your aunt Elia's life. The Baratheon's refused to give us vengeance for the senseless act committed by the Lannister's that led to the death of your aunt, as well as your cousins, Rhaenys, and Aegon. For this I can never personally forgive the Lannister's or the Baratheon's. But what is done is done, Arienne. Your uncle is hell bent on the notion that the only true way to settle this is to put Tywin Lannister to the sword. I will not allow the Dornish to suffer, not by the personal will of your brother or your uncle.

Arienne looks back to her father with teary eyes and says...

I trust you father, I have always trusted you. You are the wisest man I know. I know you will not let anything happen to Dorne. You will be our light in these trying times.

Prince Doran wipes his daughter's tears and says...

Don't cry sweetling.

Prince Doran picks a daisy and puts it in his daughter's hand

You know the Rhoynar people say that at the birth of the sun and of his brother the moon, their mother died. So the sun gave to the earth her body, from which was to spring all life. And he drew forth from her breast the stars, and the stars he threw into the night sky to remind him of her soul. The Rhoynar word, "Niy Mera" mean's "Fingerprint of the Mother". They say that the Mother Rhoyne is ever watchful, that whenever she reaches down from the heavens, and places her hands upon the Earth, from it springs new life.

You are my daughter, Arienne Nymeria Martell. You are a descendent from the Warrior Queen, Nymeria herself. You are as strong as any of the stories say she is. One day your brother will call upon your council, and you will make the right decisions, my daughter. I believe in you and I see myself and your mother in you. You are the greatest daughter any father can hope to have. I am fortunate to have you by
my side. Always remember what I have told you this day, Arienne.

Come, it is near sunset, we must return to greet our guests in the Grand Hall.

Prince Doran and Princess Arienne return to the Tower..

[Dance2]

One week later...

Prince Oberyn enter's the Solar, of the Tower of the Sun and interrupts his nephew during his studies

You know they say books are a woman's tool, I have always preferred the end of my spear to make a point rather then a quotation from a dead man.

Prince Cyprien looks up and smiles, arising and giving his uncle a hug

Uncle Oberyn, it is good to see you after all these years.

Prince Oberyn grabs his nephews forearm and vice versa, and says...

You left a boy, and returned a man. I can see it in you, that same feeling I had when I returned from my ventures.

Prince Cyprien nods in agreement, and sits down

I missed you at my father's dinner last week.

Prince Oberyn smiles and quickly straightens his face, before picking up his nephew's book from the table.

My affairs in the West keep me long overdue. Some outlaws from the Reach have been raiding along the western mountainside, terroizing poor Lady Larra Blackmont's people.

Lord Anders asked me to take a small contingent to see to his wife's request for justice. Let's just say that they won't be troubling her anymore.

Prince Oberyn gives a slight grin, and then focuses his glance on the cover of his nephew's book and picks it up.

"The Histories of the Princeguard".

Prince Oberyn throws the book on the table and turns his head and waves over Ser Veklund Qorgyle of the Princeguard.

Ser Veklund approaches the princes and bows

My Princes.

Ser Veklund, who was your first kill.

Ser Veklund straightens himself upright

A Tyrell hedge knight, some twenty ought years ago, My Prince.

Did he have any last words?

He did, he said: "My father is a powerful Lord".

I assume you still await justice from this "Powerful Lord"?

Yes, My Prince.

Prince Oberyn smiles and turns back to his nephew

How was serving with the finest, nephew. Who was your first? A man never forgets.

Prince Cyprien clinches his jaw and looks keenly at his uncle in admiration

A Dothraki raider, outside of Norvos.

Prince Oberyn laughs

Tell me, nephew, did you take his braid as a trophy?

Realizing the sarcasm in his uncle's voice, Cyprien smiles and rolls his eyes

My first was a Tyroshi Merchant-Prince... He thought skill with a coin was the same as skill with a sword. He wasn't so cocky when I twisted my spear and heaved it loose of his stomach. He regretted it afterwards I think.. Taking to combat that is. I saw it in his eyes as I threw my spear down and drew my dirk and knelt beside him. I saw the fear in his eyes. I knew
at that moment that all the gold in the world will not save him from his fate. I grabbed him by the hair and I slowly thrusted my dirk through his heart, watching the light fade out of his world slower and slower until his eyes shut for the last time. It was at that moment I knew I had wasted precious youth at the Citadel. I was sixteen then, but I remember his face, and I'll remember it until my last breath.

Ser Veklund nodded his head in quiet reflection, while Prince Cyprien picked the book up off the table

How come father didn't send an envoy to King's Landing for the coronation? The Tyrell's will take that as a slight...

Before Prince Cyprien could finish his sentence, Prince Oberyn cut him off

Tyrells? Do you really think we care what the Tyrell's think of us? Do you not remember your studies as a youth, Cyprien? The Gardener's bent the knee and handed Highgarden over to Aegon Targaryen. We Dornish were the only people in Westeros to thwart the Targaryen invasion. We defeated the dragons. Aegon grew tired of war, and it was our family that defeated
him. These Tyrell's are nothing more than usurpers. They usurped Highgarden from the Gardener's, and now they usurped the throne from the Targaryen's. Remember our words, "Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken". We have never been defeated and we never shall. We have held the Boneway for a thousand years. Not even the might of dragon's could penetrate our defences. We do not fear these
usurpers. They allowed the rape and murder of your aunt. The merciless and unprovoked murders of your niece and nephew. I will never accept a Tyrell as my King. I will play the Game of Thrones, but truth will remain the same, the Targaryen's are our King's. They have been for over 100 years. I put the sword to usurper's in Essos and I see no difference here.

Prince Cyprien looks at Ser Veklund, and then to his uncle

What was the war like? When the Usurper Baratheon dethroned King Aerys?

Ser Veklund will remember, we fought side by side when I lead a raiding party along the northern frontier. Pulled Lord Regis Caron from his keep in Nightsong, and I led
200 riders and ambushed his troupe. I jabbed a spear straight through his armor and pierced his chest, clear through his heart. Ser Veklund slew several that day too if I do recall..

Aye, My Prince. There were a few knights and brave men that day that would have regretted showing up now. And then we infiltrated Nightsong through the sewers in the early
morning and took the city by the time we broke our fast.

Prince Oberyn grew noticeably cross, his eyebrows narrowed and his jaw clenched

When the Lannister's siezed King's Landing and the Kingslayer buried a sword into Aerys Targaryen's back, and then those Highgarden scum bent the knee to the usurper but we persisted in raiding even after learning the death of your father and I's uncle, at the trident. Lord Arryn brokered a peace treaty with your father. We handed back Nightsong to the Baratheon's and they returned the rest of our army captured at the Trident.

I believe Rhaegar Targaryen would have been a far better king then his father was. It's a shame he did not get a chance to rule the Iron Throne. Instead we have to deal with the likes of this drunkard King. It turns my stomach to this day. We should have declared our independence then as good a time as any.

One day things will change, Uncle. It's inevitable, half the kingdom still call the Tyrell's usurper's.

A servant pours a chalice full of Hot Dornish Wine and is waved away

We shall see, nephew. We shall see

[Dance2]

WIIP

[Clagius]

You receive a Raven from King's Landing with following message; "You are summoned to swear fealty to the King of Westeros."

Raven awaits for responding message.

[Narf]

In your answer please state the number of regions you have direct control of.
If you accept we will send back a estimated yearly amount that we would both gain from this agreement.

[Gandalfus]

A raven arrives with a message from the Master of laws at kings landing, at the behest of the king
Prince Doran Martell, you're hereby summoned to kings landing to swear an oath of fealty to the king. IF you do not come within the year you shall be dformally declared an outlaw and an enemy of the realm.

Sincerely,
Henry Lannister, master of laws, at the behest of His Grace, King Tyrion Tyrell, rightful king of the Andals, Rhoynar and the First men.

[Dance2]

Several days later..

Prince Doran enter's the Council Room, and seats himself at the head of the table, accompanied by Maester Caleotte, whom seats himself on the left of the Prince.

Prince Oberyn opens the council meeting..
Brother, you picked a fine day to hold one of your council meetings. I would have preferred to spend my day in the gardens outside the Inner Keep, with a ripe, young Lysene wench.

Prince Doran shakes his head slightly and raises his hand to silence the council.

Though I lament troubling you of your busy day Oberyn, there is more pressing matters we must discuss.

Lord Anders, if you would...

Lord Anders Yronwood, Hand of the Prince clears his throat and speaks.

My Princes. Maester Caleotte. A raven has arrived from King's Landing.

It was dispatched under direct orders of the new King. He has summoned Prince Doran to King's Landing to swear fealty to the new King.

Prince Oberyn grows noticeably cross.

This.. King? If you call him that. He orders my brother to King's Landing? Who does this little shyte think he is? I piss on this offspring of a traitorous usurper...

Prince Doran clears his throat and interrupts his hotheaded brother.

We will dispatch an envoy to King's Landing to swear fealty to the new King, as we have done for his father.

Cyprien, as my heir, you are to be accompanied by a small retinue of Lords, including Lord Edric Dayne, and Lord Uron Allyrion. You will bring my wishes to the King, as well as my apologies for being unable to attend myself. You will leave the day after tomorrow, from Sunspear. You will arrive in port at Storm's End. From there you will ride under our banners to King's Landing. You will address the King in a company of his highlords. There is to be no insults of any kind. We have a rough past with most of the lords inside King's Landing. You will respect my wishes, and you will properly demonstrate what being a Prince of Dorne is, despite all tensions you will remain respectful to the King and his retinue.

Lord Travers (Lord Commander of the Princeguard), will accompany you and 3 Princeguard of your selection for this venture. Is this understood?

Prince Cyprien bows his head in acknowledgement

Yes father, I will do as you wish.

Prince Doran looks to his brother.

Before my brother can think of a witty jest, I will call an end to this meeting. That is all we will discuss for today.

Maester, would you accompany to my solar?

Maester Caleotte arises and moves to Prince Doran to take one arm and assist him as he rises from his seat.

Ofcourse, my Prince.

The council meeting ends, all members depart their own ways.

[Gandalfus]

You are hereby Cordially invited to attend the feast at casterly rock.
sincerely, Henry Lannister

[Lucius Malfoy]

After meeting and speaking with Prince Cyprien, Sigmund sails from Stonehelm to Sunspear, capital of the Princedom of Dorne. It had been a few years since the Stormlander had been in this realm...not since the Reach-Stormland victories at The Tor during the third invasion of Dorne. He would arrive at the port and travel with a small routine guard of fifty Swann knights to see Prince Doran, the ruler of Dorne and Lord of House Martell. He approached the castle guards and allowed them to inspect him.

[Dance2]

A half dozen city watch guards arrive at the Guard Post at the base of Sunspear hill, with a roll up parchment bearing the seal of Portmaster Anur Muron. Behind the city watch guards is Lord Sigmund Swann and his entourage. Two royal guards approach from the guard post and inspect the parchment's contents. The Guard Captain then motions for the gateway to be opened

Greetings My Lord. Due to our security measures, you will be allowed only a half dozen of your soldiers to accompany you within Sunspear Castle. I will dispatch an envoy up the hillside with you. The envoy will arrive at the Exterior Gatehouse, and from there further instruction will be given

The guard captain bows and moves aside allowing the Lord and his men safe passage through the gate

Upon arriving at the exterior Gate House to the Castle, the gate opens and the envoy of Lord Sigmund is greeted by Ser Ramsun Allyrion of the Princeguard, and several Royal Guards.

Ser Ramsun bows to Lord Sigmund

Greetings, Lord Sigmund, Prince Doran has been notified of your arrival. I will be your escort through the outer castle to the inner gatehouse. If you will follow me, My Lord.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Sigmund points to ten of his knights and beckons them to follow. The rest remain outside of the castle. His eyes gazed at the majestic castle of Sunspear, the home of House Martell. It was a marvel to gaze upon with his eyes. He then notices Ser Ramsun and bows in return.

Thank you, Ser Ramsun. I am glad to hear that Prince Doran is expecting me and will see me now. I will only take two of my guards with me. The rest shall remain here.

He points to two of them, leaving the last eight to wait in the courtyard for now. Then Sigmund gestures for Ser Ramsun to lead the way.

[Dance2]

Ser Ramsun turns and begins to lead the Lord and his two soldiers, as well as the company of 2 Royal Guards through the Exterior Gate House and through the Grand Courtyard to the Inner Castle entranceway. As Ser Allyrion and Lord Sigmund approach the gatehouse, it opens, and allows access through the entrance pass to the second Inner Gatehouse, that opens to the Armory Courtyard, and then finally the Inner Keep Gatehouse itself.

You've come a long way, My Lord. I apologize for our security measures, but we can never be to cautious.

The entourage enters the Inner Castle and walk through the Royal Courtyard up to the entrance of the Tower of the Sun.

[Lucius Malfoy]

I can understand your concerns, Ser Ramsun. As a man from the Stormlands...I would probably feel the same way if I was Prince Doran. I do not mind it however.

He gazes upon the architecture of the palace, amazed by how unique it was compared to the more mainland style in Central and Northern Westeros. Though it is understandable why since Dorne had been independent for many years. It was until King Daeron I that Dorne was conquered and united with the Kingdom of Westeros under the Targaryens.

[Dance2]

The envoy passes through the Grand Hall, and up four stories of stairs, where they come to a small hallway. At the end of it, in the centre of the Tower of the Sun, are two large ironoak wooden doors, with a collage of many different scenes displayed on it. Standing infront of the closed doors is Ser Carston Wyl of the Princeguard.

Ser Carston, an honored envoy has arrived. Lord Sigmund Swann of Summerhall, to speak with Prince Doran.

Ser Carston looks upon Lord Sigmund and his two guards, and bows to Lord Sigmund

Greetings, My Lord. Your men must remain in the hallway, you may proceed inside.

The two Princeguard open the large ironoak doors and allow entrance for Lord Sigmund into the Council Chambers, before closing the doors behind them

[Lucius Malfoy]

Sigmund gestures for his guards to wait at the end of the hall for him. He thanks Ser Carston and enters the Council Chamber. He hears the door close behind him as Sigmund continues to walk forward now towards the the front of the back of the chamber. He continues walking for now, walking to get within respectable distance before giving a humble greeting to Prince Doran.

[Dance2]

A seemingly tall man with a strong posture and rough complexion, awaits Lord Sigmund at the end of the table. His face shows no emotions and he states at Lord Sigmund for several moments before speaking

Greetings, Lord Sigmund Swann. I am (Lord) Anders Yronwood, Hand of the Prince, official representation of Prince Doran Martell, Lord of Sunspear. He was feeling ill this morning, he has been at bed rest. He was informed of your arrival and will be joining us shortly. Please.. Take a seat.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Sigmund keeps a respectable distance and bows to Lord Yronwood.

Thank you for the welcome, Lord Yronwood. I have expressed my wishes for a swift recovery of Prince Doran's condition to the heir, Prince Cyprien.

He then proceeds to the indicated seat and takes his place there, waiting for Prince Doran.

[Dance2]

How fares Prince Cyprien, in King's Landing? I see the young Prince has decided to extend his visit?

[Lucius Malfoy]

Prince Cyprien has been welcomed to King's Landing with a modest greeting and been extended hospitality. He has been conversing with the various Lords and Houses such as Greyjoys and Lannisters. Thankfully nobody was too hostile towards him. Some Lords gave him an attentive eye while others conversed with him as if he were an honored guest.