Sunspear; Seat of House Martell and Capital of Dorne.

[Ganbarenippon]

Sunspear.



Currently resident:
Prince Ythan Nymeros-Martell. Prince of Dorne, High-Lord of The Broken Arm, Lord of Sunspear and Ghost Hill.
Prince Dafyd Nymeros-Martell. Heir to Sunspear.
Prince Gwayne Nymeros-Martell.
Prince Damon Nymeros-Martell. High Marshall of Dorne.
Kyra Sand.
Uthor Sand.
Ser Ulrick Wells. Lord Treasurer of Sunspear.
Ser Arron Dalt. Captain of the Household Guard.
Maester Andrik.
Septon Eddison.
Roryn Sand. Seneschal.
Ser Igon Drinkwater. Master-of-arms.
Ser Lyle Ladybright. Second-in-Command of the Household Guard.
Ser Perwyn Allyrion. Lord Captain of the City Watch.

Currently absent:
Princess Naerys Martell Nee Toland. Princess-Consort of Dorne. At The Eyrie.
Princess Obella Nymeros-Martell. At The Eyrie for her wedding to the heir to The Vale.
Ser Kirth Fowler. At The Eyrie with his charge, Princess Obella.
Princess Eddara Nymeros-Martell. Castellan of Ghost Hill.
Ser Haegon Santager. At Ghost Hill with Princess Eddara.

The Castle and City

Sunspear is the ancient stronghold of House Martell and the capital of Dorne. It is located on the far southeastern coast of Westeros and is surrounded on three sides by the sea. The princely Water Gardens lie three leagues away on the coastal road.Sunspear is a walled city, protected by three massive winding walls encircling one another. Entry to the city is by means of the Threefold Gate, where the gates are lined up one behind the other allowing straight passage into the city, leading all the way up to the Old Palace. Otherwise one must travel through miles of narrow alleys, hidden courts, and noisy bazaars. Outside of the walls one can find mud-brick shops and windowless hovels.[1]Clinging to the castle's massive walls, the city spreads westwards. Mud-brick shops and windowless hovels are closest to the walls, then west of those are stables, inns, winesinks, pillow houses, some with walls of their own. More hovels and buildings then spread beyond those walls. The city is no more than a town when compared to the Free Cities, but it is the closest thing to a true city that the Dornish have. The Spear Tower, a massive tower of stone, thrusts up from the surrounding community, stretching one hundred and fifty feet tall, with a spear of gilded steel atop that adds a further thirty feet. Highborn prisoners might be confined in cells at the top of the Spear Tower.[1] The Tower of the Sun has a dome of gold and leaded glass. Beneath the dome sits the throne room, a large round room with thick windows and many colored glass. The floors are made of pale marble. Within the throne room there are two seats on a dais, near twins to one another, the only difference being that one is inlaid with the Martell spear on its back and the other features the blazing Rhoynish sun that flew from the masts of Nymeria's ships. The spear seat is used by a ruling prince.[1] The Sandship is a large building that looks like a dromond. It is dun-colored.

House Martell of Sunspear.

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. Their words are, "Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken." In appearance they are classic salty Dornishmen, with dark eyes, dark hair in ringlets, and olive skin. Owing to the marriage of Elia to the Crown Prince, House Martell and Dorne fought on the side of the loyalists during Robert's rebellion.

House Martell

* denotes main characters. Prince Ythan Nymeros-Martell. Age: 46.* Skills (16 points.) Income Tier 2: 3 points. Duels: +2 Siege: +2 Field Battles: +2 Survival +4 Escape +3 Prince of Dorne for twenty years, his biggest diplomatic achievement was in marrying his sister, Elia, to Prince Rhaegar, the heir to the throne. Fought on the Targaryen side during Robert's rebellion, though mainly out of family duty and an admiration for Rhaegar Targaryen rather than an particular loyalty to King Aerys. He lost his eldest son, Cletus, on The Trident. A highly intelligent man, he is respected throughout the Princedom for his justice. Well known for his honour, his word is his bond a fact not even the Tyrells can deny. He is a moderate general and fair in skill of arms, but he is no great warrior his skills being rather more suited to administration. Princess Naerys Martell Nee Toland. Age: 41. Skills (14 points): Survival +4 Birth +4 Escape +4 Fate +2 Twin sister of the Lord of Ghost Hill, she has been married to Ythan for twenty five years and has borne him many children. Her brother's lands recently passed to her after he fell on The Trident and she administers them on her husband's behalf. A quiet woman of great inner strength she is a close advisor to her husband and is respected throughout Dorne for her integrity. Prince Dafyd Nymeros-Martell. Age: 21.* Skills (6 points): Income Tier 1 : 1 point. Survival: +1 Duels : +2 Escape : +2 Second son of Prince Ythan and Lady Naerys he became heir to Sunspear after his older brother, Quentyn, perished on the Trident. A thoughtful, scholarly man he is considered quietly dangerous. A skilled fighter he does not have his father's scruples and will use whatever means necessary to ensure his House's success. Princess Eddara Nymeros-Martell. Age: 19. Skills (4 points.): Assassination +1 Survival +1 Birth +1 Escape +1 A stunningly beautiful young woman with a fiery temper, she is devoted to her brother and her father. She currently serves as Castellan of Ghost Hill for her father and mother, whom she does not always see eye-to-eye with. Prince Gwayne Nymeros-Martell. Age: 17. Skills (4 points): Duels +1 Joust +1 Survival +1 Field battles +1 A newly-made knight. Hot-tempered like his sister he is looking for ways to prove himself. Lady Obella Nymeros-Martell. Age: 14. Skills (2 points): Survival +1 Escape +1 Youngest of Prince Ythan's children. A gentle soul. Prince Damon Nymeros-Martell. Age: 37.* Skills (12 points): Duels +3 Survival +3 Field battles +3 Jousting +3 High Marshall of Dorne. Younger brother of Prince Ythan. Arguably the best fighter in Dorne. He is not cut out for court, being too direct for politics. He has his brother's implicit trust. Unmarried and likely to remain that way, he has sired two bastards (that he acknowledges). Kyra Sand. Age: 11. Skills (2 points): Survival +1 Birth +1 Bastard daughter of Ser Damon and a Gargalen of Salt Shore. Uthor Sand: Age: 9. Bastard son of Ser Damon and a Jordayne of The Tor.

Household and Court.

Ser Ulrick Wells. Age: 42 Skills (14 points): Loyalty +4 Income +4 Survival +4 Duels +1 Jousting +1 Lord Treasurer of Sunspear, he serves as the steward and head of the household servants. A younger son of House Wells he took service with his Prince after they grew up together. Ser Arron Dalt. Age: 50 Skills (18 points): Capture +5* Survival +5* Duels +4 Loyalty +4 Captain of the Household Guard. A good fighter and loyal servant of Sunspear. Maester Andrik. Age: 39 Skills (12 points): Income +3 Loyalty +3 Fate +3 Survival +3 A younger son of House Vaith he entered the citadel before returning to Dorne to serve his Prince. Septon Eddison. Age: 27 Skills (4 points): Fate +2 Denouncer +2 A young Reachman, sent by The Faith in an attempt to bridge understanding between The Reach and Dorne. Ser Igon Drinkwater. Age: 58. Skills (20 points): Duels +5 Survival +5 Jousting +5 Escape +5 Master-of-arms at Sunspear. Ser Haegon Santager. Age: 34. Skills (10 points): Duels +3 Capture +3 Assassinations +3 Survival +1 Sworn-shield to Princess Eddara. Many suspect he has claimed her maidenhead. Ser Kirth Fowler. Age 27. Skills (8 points): Capture +2 Duels +2 Archery +2 Survival +2 Sworn-shield to Princess Obella. A good natured young knight, younger cousin of Lord Fowler. Ser Lyle Ladybright. Age: 36. Skills (12 points): Capture +3 Duels +3 Assassinations +3 Survival +3 Second-in-command of the Sunspear Household guard. Brother to Lady Ladybright. Ser Perwyn Allyrion. Age: 41. Skills (14 points): Survival +4 Siege +4 Duels +2 Fist fighting +4 Captain of the City Watch. Distant relation to Lord Allyrion of Godsgrace. Roryn Sand. Age: 39. Skills (8 points): Income +3 Escape +3 Capture +2 Seneschal (chief servant).

Regional bonus.

Sunspear

Regional bonus.

The Spear Tower: A huge stone tower, with a spear of gilded steel at its top, the Spear Tower is the tallest building in Sunspear, and the upper floors serve as prisons for any highborn captives. The prisoners are generally well treated, but escape is extremely difficult, as the height of the tower means any attempting to leave must fight their way down the entire tower. -2 to all escape rolls from Sunspear. Triple Walls: Sunspear is protected by three great winding walls encircling one another, dating well before the times of the Targaryens. The only way to enter the city is through the Threefold Gate, a trio of gates, one in each of the three walls, that line up with one another, allowing straight access to the city. Not only that, but Sunspear is surrounded by the sea on three sides, meaning it can only be attacked from one direction, giving it excellent natural defenses. +3 to seige defense rolls.

Levies

Sunspear: Unraised. Large: 3,500 600 Dornish Spearmen 350 Sand Steed Riders 400 Light Inf 500 Heavy Inf 500 Polearms 500 Archers 500 Light Cavalry 150 Heavy Cavalry Ghost Hill: Unraised. Small: 1,500 370 Dornish Spearmen 150 Sand Steed Riders Raised, currently in The Vale under the command of Lord Arryn 200 Light Inf 100 Heavy Inf 105 Polearms 275 Archers 200 Light Cavalry 100 Heavy Cavalry

The Council of The Sun

Lord Treasurer of Sunspear: Ser Ulrick Wells. Lord High Marshall of Dorne: Prince Damon Nymeros-Martell. Lord High Admiral of The Broken Arm: Unoccupied. Lord Chancellor: Lord Daeron Dayne. Princess-Consort of Dorne: Princess Naerys Martell Nee Toland. Heir to Sunspear: Prince Dafyd Nymeros-Martell. Royal Spymaster: Lord Harmen Uller.

[Pontifex Maximus]

A Company of Valemen, looking very out of place and positively sweltering in the Dornish heat, disembarked and made their way slowly to the capitol of Sunspear. Zane Arryn led the way, a youth of fifteen years. He had spent the better part of five months crisscrossing Westeros, trying to stay one step ahead of his father's damned ravens which always carried more errands for him. By this late stage in the journey young Zane was worn out. A rider was sent ahead bearing the sigil of House Arryn in order to request an audience

[Ganbarenippon]

The party from The Vale is granted entry. They are brought into the throne room where Prince Ythan is seated upon a simple wooden throne. In wood-poor Dorne however, such a seat is valuable indeed. The assembled coutiers look upon the young man with suspicion and outright hostility on more than a few faces. Arryn and Martell had fought on opposite sides of the war after all.
"Young Arryn. Be welcome to Our court." Ythan says loudly enough to be heard at the rear of the throne room. "Please, will you not take bread and salt so that you might feel at ease under my roof?"

[Pontifex Maximus]

Zane bowed

"Thank you my Lord, but that will not be necessary. See it as a sign of good faith between our houses."

The tension in the room was palpable. Oliver's raven warned it would be as such. Best to steer clear of mention of the war.

"We must make efforts to repair the damages we've suffered through recent events. The future prosperity of all hangs in the balance. We seek your friendship now, for if there is one thing the Arryns recognize, it is the honor and courage of men on the battlefield. We cannot fault your bravery."
Damnit...that might have been too far too quickly.

[Ganbarenippon]

An angry muttering spreads around the room. Many here had lost relatives they loved on the Trident, but it was what had happened to Princess Elia and her children that had really inflamed tempers.
"SILENCE!" Booms Ythan. His temper plain to see. The weight of the Prince's personality tells however, and soon enough the room began to settle once more. "This man comes in peace and I will not have us behaving as though we were in a tavern common room! Ser Arron, if any cannot hold their tongues for the remainder of this audience they are to be escorted from the throne room." He tells the burly knight standing on his left, who bows his head in acknowledgement. Ythan turns his eyes to the Arryn boy once more.

"Honour and courage can flow both ways lad. Your father was put into an untenable position by the mad bastard seated upon the Iron Throne. He only did what any of us might. As did I when I raised my banners for my son-in-law, a man I could have followed gladly." He says this last staring at nothing,as though recalling things. "What a King Rhaegar would have made!" He says. "But alas, The Seven had other plans for him and here we remain. And I must now look to more...worldly matters." He focuses once more upon Arryn's face. "Perhaps it is as yet too early for friendship, the grief too fresh for us all. I lost my son-in-law, my sister, my nephews and niece...and my oldest boy." The grief almost overwhelms him once more, but he ruthlessly forces the pain down. He was a Prince, and he could not show weakness to his court. "But, it is not too early to attempt to bind these wounds. And it was never personal between our Houses. Speak your offer son, I'll listen."

[RVFVS]

My Prince Martell,

Currently my troops are on their way to King's Landing. I have brought 2,000 of my best men, the "Stone Men" who defend the Stone Way from invasion. I have dispatched these men for one purpose: the retrieval of your daughter, the Princess Elia (ooc: or whatever you decide her name is). I will be unable to be reached during the time I am on this mission but will update you as soon as possible.

Regards,

Lord Alistair Yronwood, Lord of Yronwood, Warden of the Stone Way, Blood Royal

[Pontifex Maximus]

Arryn's eyes shifted around the room, he suddenly felt less safe.

"As High As Honor, those are my house's words. We would have fought beside the King had he not thrown my grandfather into the black cells and forgotten about him like so much castaway garbage."

Zane waited for those words to sink in, perhaps they would sympathize with tales such as these

"We mourn with you, Lord Martell, many went needlessly to an early grave, and there is nobody to blame except the mad King...but we would have our relations with Dorne improve as our people share much in common. We, too, value horsemanship and riding skill. Many regard Vale knights as some of the most fearsome cavalry that can be faced on the open field second in quality to none and rivaled only by the Dornishmen. We would be honored if Dorne would open its ports to us in the Vale for trade. In return we could ship materials to aid in the fortification of castles and towns that would drastically reduce the costs of finding them elsewhere."

[Ganbarenippon]

Ythan considers this for a few moments. "Aye. That we can do. Trade would be an admirable start. Perhaps, in time, your Lord father and me cn come to an arrangement to exchange wards. But let trade be the foundation on which our relationship is built." A very different murmur scatters throughout the court at this, nobody expected the opportunity to make a profit from this meeting. "Is there anything else you wish to lay before me?" Ythan asks.

[Pontifex Maximus]

If it was up to me, you could take all of them...

"That is an interesting suggestion, my Lord, and unexpected. I have no authority to speak on such matters, but I invite you to the Eyrie in order to explore this further."

Seems the rest of Dorne is as surprised as me

[Ganbarenippon]

Ythan nods. "I will send an embassy to treat with your Lord then. Is there ought else?"

[Nesimî]

Mavros Stark arrives with six of his men after a long and uncomfortable voyage from King's Landing. Stepping off the ship, Mavros heads directly to the Sun Tower, his men following close behind.

[Pontifex Maximus]

To the esteemed Lord Martell,

Having heard of my son's successful visit to Sunspear and the offers you broached, I thought it wise to write you. My youngest son, Gavin Arryn, is in need of proper military training that I am afraid he will never receive while under the watchful eyes of his mother. Dorne is renowned for producing horsemen of great quality. The lad has seen twelve years and is big enough to mount a full sized horse. I would be willing to consider marriage arrangements or hosting a ward from Dorne in exchange.

Lord Oliver Arryn
Warden of the East, Defender of the Vale, Lord of the Eyrie, Lord of the Bloody Gate

[Ganbarenippon]

He is met in the courtyard by a grim looking Prince Damon Martell accompanied by an olive-skinned, bald knight who wear a tabard bearing the Sun and Spear. The High Marshall of Dorne gives a quick bow.

"Thank The Seven you did not travel under Stark colours! I do not know if you would have made it through the Shadow City safely if you did. All of Dorne is aflame over Elia right now." He walks over to Mavros. "Will you at least refresh yourself My Lord Stark? Or do you intend to press on today?"

[Nesimî]

He is met in the courtyard by a grim looking Prince Damon Martell accompanied by an olive-skinned, bald knight who wear a tabard bearing the Sun and Spear. The High Marshall of Dorne gives a quick bow.

"Thank The Seven you did not travel under Stark colours! I do not know if you would have made it through the Shadow City safely if you did. All of Dorne is aflame over Elia right now." He walks over to Mavros. "Will you at least refresh yourself My Lord Stark? Or do you intend to press on today?"

"I would rather press on immediatly, Prince Damon. Time may be running short."

[Pontifex Maximus]

and a reply,

"...I find the terms outlined acceptable. My oldest son and heir, Zane Arryn, has almost reached his sixteenth year. Such a bond would undoubtedly tie us in the bonds of friendship and kinship. We shall send Gavin by way of the seas and transport Lady Obella to the Eyrie with the utmost care on the return voyage. With the gods' help the two children will grow to love one another in the fullness of time."

[Pontifex Maximus]

The voyage had been miserable. When he wasn't leaning over the side vomiting, Gavin spent most of his time below deck trying to pass the time with the few passengers on board, all of whom were older than him or else very smelly. One week at sea had left the boy a bit skinny looking, pale, and exhausted. Disembarking in Sunspear was incredibly frightening. On one hand it was good to be off the ship, but to a lad that had spent most of his life in the Vale, the new scenery was incredibly intimidating. The smells, dress, and architecture were all strange, and the sun seemed to beat down with incredible intensity. Gavin used his hand to block the sunlight from his eyes as he looked up to the keep.

He was an average looking, slender boy with thin brown hair that hung loosely about his face, framing his frosty blue eyes. The burly knight, his protector, Ser Jed, oversaw the unloading of the ship. Several trunks containing Gavin's belongings were sent ahead to the castle while the knight began to prepare Gavin for what was to come next.

"You know this has nothing to do with how your father feels about you." Jed hated this, he was a knight, now a nanny

Gavin struggled to hold back tears. He didn't want to live in Dorne, or train in Dorne, or have anything to do with Dorne. "Please...don't leave me here."

Ser jed said nothing more. He was fond of the boy but Lord Arryn had given him orders and he would obey. Gavin shot cursory glances at the small folk gathered around them. They looked strange, dark. He didn't recognize anything the vendors were selling. After some time the group began to move to the keep and entered the court of Lord Martell. Ser Jed stepped forward.

"Lord Martell, no behalf of Lord Oliver Arryn I thank you for accepting our proposal. May I present Gavin Arryn, son of Lord Oliver Arryn."

Gavin stepped forward and bowed, attempting to hide his anxiety. He called out in a weak, boyish voice.

"Greetings, Lord Martell."

I can't let them see me cry. I have to look strong.

With this rather lame introduction over, Ser Jed continued. "If it pleases my Lord, our ship is resupplying in the harbor and we are prepared to welcome Lady Obella on board."

[Ganbarenippon]

Prince Ythan Martell rises from his throne and strides toward the nervous looking child. His heart went out to the boy, so far from home, he could only imagine how terrifying it must be for him. Ythan was a strong man in many ways, but if he had one weakness it was children. He goes to one knee before the child, who was tall for his age, and looks him right in the eyes, even as his own crinkle in a brilliant white smile.

"Gavin Arryn you are most welcome to my court. You must be tired after such a long journey." He winks at the lad and says conspiratorially. "Personally I always feel like throwing up whenever I set foot on a boat, let alone a ship. I find there to be no shame in it." His smile widens as he sees the boy gain a measure of confidence from his white lie, before continuing in a louder voice. "As long as you are in Dorne you are as a son to me an my family. I would expect all here to treat you as a Prince of Dorne." He says looking meaningfully around his court. "You can rest soon Gavin, or explore Sunspear as you wish, but first we must take care of some business." He winks at the boy before rising to his feet once more and returning to his throne.

"Ser Knight, you too are most welcome to my court. Might I know who I address?" He asks politely.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Prince Ythan Martell rises from his throne and strides toward the nervous looking child. His heart went out to the boy, so far from home, he could only imagine how terrifying it must be for him. Ythan was a strong man in many ways, but if he had one weakness it was children. He goes to one knee before the child, who was tall for his age, and looks him right in the eyes, even as his own crinkle in a brilliant white smile.

"Gavin Arryn you are most welcome to my court. You must be tired after such a long journey." He winks at the lad and says conspiratorially. "Personally I always feel like throwing up whenever I set foot on a boat, let alone a ship. I find there to be no shame in it." His smile widens as he sees the boy gain a measure of confidence from his white lie, before continuing in a louder voice. "As long as you are in Dorne you are as a son to me an my family. I would expect all here to treat you as a Prince of Dorne." He says looking meaningfully around his court. "You can rest soon Gavin, or explore Sunspear as you wish, but first we must take care of some business." He winks at the boy before rising to his feet once more and returning to his throne.

"Ser Knight, you too are most welcome to my court. Might I know who I address?" He asks politely.

Gavin's demeanor relaxed a bit.
Lord Martell smells funny but he seems nice enough

"I am Ser Jed of the Vale, my Lord" Jed bowed low, his armor crunching

[Ganbarenippon]

"As you wish My Lord." Damon bows. "Ser Lyle?" He turns to the bald knight.
"All is ready My Lord." The man says smoothly.
"Very good. Lord Stark, might I introduce Ser Lyle Ladybright? He is the second-in-command of our household guard here in Sunspear and will be your guide."
The bald knight bows deeply. "Lord Stark. I will get you there as quickly and safely as I know how."

[Nesimî]

Mavros inclined his head.

"A pleasure, Lord Ladybright. We will follow your lead."