The castle has five towers of dizzying size, with equally monstrous curtain walls. The walls are incredibly thick and its rooms are built on a scale that would be more comfortable for giants than humans. Harrenhal covers three times as much ground as Winterfell and its buildings are so much larger that they can scarcely be compared. Its stables can house a thousand horses, its godswood covers twenty acres, and its kitchens are as large as Winterfell's Great Hall. When it was built it could have potentially garrisoned thousands of men.
However, much of Harrenhal has far gone into decay. The Strongs use only the lower thirds of two of the five towers, letting the rest go to ruin, and many places in the castle have not been entered in decades. Bats infest the tops of some of the towers.
Harrenhal is built on a gigantic scale; its colossal curtain walls are sheer and high as mountain cliffs while atop the battlements the wood-and-iron scorpions seem as small as their namesakes when seen from the ground. Harrenhal's gatehouse is as large as Winterfell's Great Keep, and its stone is discolored and fissured. From outside the gatehouse, only the tops of five immense towers can be seen because the height of the walls obscure the view of them.
Of the castle's five towers, the shortest is half again as high as the tallest one in Winterfell, yet none of the towers are proper, being bent, lumped, and cracked from the melting of the stone during the burning of Harrenhall. Their original names were lost with the death of Harren the Black.
The Five Towers:
Tower of Dread
Widow's Tower connects to the Kingspyre Tower via a stone bridge. Underneath there is a great cell that is used to keep prisoners.
Wailing Tower contains storerooms on the ground floor and cavernous vaults beneath.
Tower of Ghosts is near the postern gate and the ruined sept.
Kingspyre Tower contains the Lord's chambers. It connects to the Widow's Tower via a stone bridge.
Known Gates:
The main gate has walls so thick that no less than a dozen murder holes are passed before one reaches the yard on the other side.
The east gate is smaller than the main gate and is located near the Tower of Ghosts.
Locations:
The Hall of the Hundred Hearths is the castle's great hall. It has only thirty-four or thirty-five hearths, but is said to be able to entertain an army. Its floors are smooth slate and there are steps to two galleries above.
The kitchens are located in a round stone building with a domed roof containing nothing but kitchens. The kitchens are as large as Winterfell's Great Hall.
The Barracks Hall above the armory is where the men-at-arms take their meals.
The armory is located below the Barracks Hall and contains the forge.
The godswood is walled over twenty acres. It has a small stream running through it. The weirwood heart tree appears to have a terrible visage full of hatred, with a twisted mouth and flaring eyes. It is located across the ward from where the Barracks Hall and the armory are.
Flowstone Yard is where men-at-arms exercise and drill and squires clean arms and armor. It has a lumpy surface and is located near the Wailing Tower. There is a covered gallery above the Flowstone Yard with arches looking towards it.
The bear pit is ten yards across and five yards across, walled in stone, floored with sand, and encircled by six tiers of marble benches. It is located in the middle ward.
The bathhouse is a low-ceilinged room filled with great stone tubs large enough to hold six or seven after the fashion of the Free Cities. The bathhouse is made of stone and timber, with only one entrance to the room.
LADY AND HOUSEHOLD
LADY JEYNE STRONG
Born 114 AC
Status: Unmarried.
Titles: Lady of Harrenhal, High Lady of the God's Eye.
MILITARY
LEVIES
Very Large Levy – 7,500 Points+1,200+1,200=9,900
PROFESSIONAL SOLDIERS
Not yet.
ECONOMY
TRADE
House Blackwood of Raventree Hall. Grain.
House Royce of Runestone. Stone.
Not yet.
Restricted.
BUILDINGS
TIER I:
TIER II:
TIER III:
TIER IV:
VASSALS
- Shoreham - House Wode, Knights of Shoreham. Small Levy – 1,500 Points - Esgaroth - House Blanetree, Knights of Esgaroth. Very Small Levy – 750 points - Atranta - House Vance of Atranta. Medium Levy – 2,750 Points - Willow Wood - House Ryger of Willow Wood. Small Levy – 1,500 Points - Goodsbrook - House Goodbrook of Goodsbrook. Small Levy – 1,500 Points
Last edited by Oznerol; July 14, 2015 at 04:59 PM.
A large party of cavalry rode up to the ruined walls of Harrenhal. The colors of House Vance and Tully flew overhead the mounted soldiers as they rode through the gates of Harrenhal into the main area before the keep. Ser Harys, along with Ser Shawney, had escorted the young Lady Jeyne of House Strong from the unfolding battle at Riverrun on the orders of Ser Vance, the Lord Regent of the Riverlands. Ser Harys pulled upon the reins of his horse as it trotted in place for a moment. The swordsword of House Tully and a member of House Justman looked around for a moment, not feeling welcomed by ghastly looking appearance of Harrenhal. Yet it was the furthest from the battlefield and the home of House Strong, or what remained of it.
Ser Harys turned to some soldiers, waving them towards the castle.
Find what servants remain and have them prepare fires in the hearths. Also see how the food storage looks, but I doubt much of it remains since Northern forces sacked this place.
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Lady Jeyne rode a pale mare and wore a simple gown, her auburn hair falling loose to below her breast. A hood covered her head and framed her delicate face. Jeyne was afraid and sorrowful, but home was home. No matter the pain that Snow had inflicted upon her, no matter how he abused her. Harrenhal was hers, her home, her birthplace, her inheritance. And no-man would rob Jeyne of her inheritance. She had endured more pain and grief than she seemed possible, but Jeyne was determined to look forward, to rule and prosper. She had lot to learn and even more to forget. Jeyne glanced the tall, ruinous towers of her castle, her heart beating like a drum. She sighed when the gates were crossed, passing under the one hundred portucullis. Her grey mantle concealed her figure and made her look small, insignificant, yet another loose stone on the courtyard. She raised her gaze and glanced the standards wavering on the battlements: red, green and blue on a white field. Her heraldry.
Father, I'm back...
Ser Shawney followed the man on horseback, seeing the situation relaxed, as there was not much to add on Harys' orders. He only nodded appreciateing, as the former sellsword knew what he did.
"If the chambers of Harrenhall do not provide us any food, we can always ask surrounding High Lordships for their support", the knight replied after a while towards Harys silently, "That's what we did at least, when Prince Daemon fought at the Stepstones against his enemies from Dorne and the Free Cities - of course, it were mainly smugglers and corrupt merchants, but well - in times of war we can only take, what we get."
He made a small pause before continiueing.
"I assume right now that we... are now in command of Harrenhall, when it comes to military and politics", Old Shawney then said thoughtful, while sighing, "A bitter duty. Let's hope Mad Harren's ghost only affects those, whom their overlords declare regent over the keep officially - even though I do not wish poor Lady Jeyne the same fate as her father or the mysterious death of the northern bastard.
The Scar of the Riverlands - an ugly wound and yet it is ironically our major stronghold, as superior and important as nowadays Riverrun is."
Ser Harys turned to Old Shawney, agreeing that they may need to ask neighbors for food and other necessities. He thought for a moment before looking in the direction of the beautiful Lady Jeyne who was nearby.
Perhaps it might be better to get supplies from those sworn to Harrenhal. To the south of the castle, Shoreham, home of House Wode and to the west is House Goodbrook, both sworn to Harrenhal and House Strong. We might as well take the time to gain the allegiance of those nearby for Lady Strong while at the same time gathering necessary supplies we need.
Harys Justman looks now to Old Shawney, nodding in the direction of Lady Strong.
Not many may like the idea of a woman ruling over them, so we will need to give her support while we secure the loyalty of her vassals, else her rule will be an unsteady one. And with House Strong resting on her existence, she will need all the help we can give her. Else House Strong will be trying to stand upon shifting sands and not solid ground.
Last edited by Lucius Malfoy; June 29, 2015 at 01:17 PM.
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Jeyne, seemingly ignored by both men, unmounted and handed her mare's reins to a squire. Ignoring both of them in turn, Lady Strong walked at good pace towards her home, entering her castle through a broken, burned door, her steps resounding through the empty and desolate halls. She was followed by a handful retainers, including her suviving lady-in-waiting, Ermesinde Blanetree, a blonde and small young girl, her face covered in freckles, who was fortunately enough to avoid most of the Northerners' abuse and mistreatment.
Shawney looked shortly after the lady, but decided to ignore her. The old knight with the walrus beard had already seen more widows in his life time, who had similiar fates as the poor girl.
She was in any case in need of strong suppport, if she still wants to live within these halls.
"I fear once the war is settled, Harrenhall will be approached by a lot of suitors", the old man replied, "Depending on how it goes, Ser Benjen might succeed Ser Mance as the Lord Regent, since people tend to trust a stable House Tully gouvernment over the realm. House Strong is a young dynasty and their heiress has a large burden on her shoulders - all we can do for now is to ensure that Lady Strong is able to rule on her own for the meantime under Lord Tully's protection. The last thing we want is to lose Harrenhall by a marriage to another lordship outside House Tully's realm.
Thus it might be a good approach on yours to inspect the vassal lordships of the God's Eye - people are probably in more need outside the castle than Lady Jeyne at the moment. After all they are our vassals."
Harys looks over at Jeyne for awhile as well while Old Shawney spoke to him. She was indeed an alluring prize for any man and his bed. The Justman had to agree with his colleague; if ever a man was to wed her, it had to be a Riverlander. Anyone else and Jeyne may feel uncomfortable as it was an outsider who stole her maidenhead by force and used her as a bedwarmer. His gaze returns to Old Shawney.
I will head to House Goodbrook, on the northern edge of God's Eye, first to see if I can gain their aid and allegiance for Harrenhal. Afterwards, I may head east to gain the allegiance of House Wode for Lady Jeyne. You should stay here and make sure proper lodgings are prepared for Lady Strong, the troops and ourselves.
The Riverlander mounted his horse again, ordering about a hundred good soldiers and their horses to be his escort. His eyes looked down at the elderly swornsword.
We must ensure the survival of House Strong and we must do whatever it takes.
He snapped the reins of his horse and the party galloped westward towards Goodbrook and their keep.
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The old knight nodded.
"Do as you wish, Ser", he merely replied with a chuckle, "I do not command you around."
Once Justman left, he turned towards the garrison, inspecting and instructing further the guards to get the place back to order in favor of Lady Strong.
Jeyne had climbed all the way to the Lord's chambers at the Kingspyre Tower. She stood on the balcony, wind screaming around her, playing with her cloak and gown. She entered her father's chambers again and shut the window behind her. Jeyne's gaze scanned the room, visibly sacked but still recognizable. She put in place a chair, and sat behind the desk. It still had an inkpot and a dried quill, stained or half-burned parchments all around. She glanced a golden shape under the bed's disorganized sheets. A seal, engraved with her family's heraldry. Her seal. Her unsure hands grabs it against her chest. Jeyne cried for a whole minute, sitting on the messed up bed. She wiped her tears with a trembling hand and walked towards the inmense fireplace with Hoare's heraldry carved on it. She left the seal on the desk, her nail scratching some wax which was adhered to the oaken surface.
Jeyne walked again to the window and watched as riders left and arrived in a ever-going stream. Men liked to consider themselves superior to her. The Northerners had done unthikable things, and they would all pay, in blood...
Jeyne felt, for the first time, all the weight of being alone in the world, but at the same time she was her own master, she was at command, she could act as she pleased. She was now a Lady on her own right and she wouldn't let them rule and command her again like a little child. She left her father's room and headed towards her grandfather's splendid chambers. She installed herself there with help of some maids, who brought new sheets, blankets and even some fine tapestries found in a forgotten chest. The fire burning on the immense fireplace, heating the enormous chamber. Jeyne calmly sat before the fire, staring at it. With iron on her voice she summoned Shawney to her presence.
She was unsure, he had little experience, but she was determined to not let men rule over her again. She was mistress of her own fate now.
The old knight entered the room as requested, formal and respectful, kneeling in front of the Lady.
"You have summoned me, mylady?", the knight in services of Riverrun asked curious. The young woman was maybe not experienced as a leader, but the former retainer, who served at the Stepstones knew from experience that it would be wrong to judge persons by their gender and age. The Dornish had taught him and those, who were present a lot of times.
"I've heard that you're securing my vassals loyalty. Remember that they shall swear fealty to me alone... I'm their rightful Lady"
Her voice sounds unsure, but she wanted to appear firm and authoritative. She played with a lock of her hair and licked her lips.
"Tell me, Ser Shawney, how are my lands faring? I've had little time to check by myself, and the state of my keep is already troubling me..."
"I trust in Ser Justman enough for being able to do it the correct way", the knight replied confident towards her, "House Tully does not intend you to be a puppet ruler, if this is what you fear. Yet, however, the damages the North did to your family are grave - I assume at some point that Ser Benjen will gather the Riverlords and Ladies after the war to discuss this matter.
As for the lands, the North has left his scars on your territory, as far as we can estimate. The entire garrisons of Harrenhall have to be reinforced by our men, while we will aim to recruit new guardsmen among your villages as soon as possible - for the meantime however and due to the political affilation of your father, upon whom was claimed to support the Green side by the North, you might be dependent on our protection.
Riverrun will however do, what they can to support you, mylady. We came as allies, not as overseers."
A noble retinue arrived at Harrenhall. It was headed by Lord Walys Mooton, he was flanked on both sides by the banners of house Mooton; a Red Salmon on white. His gaze fell on the state of the castle. Even worse then normal, he judged. Then he dismounted from his horse and with the reins in his hand, he walked on one of the many courtyards of the monstrous castle. There was little to no beauty on it. A castle too large to maintain, they say. Even the extensive lands of the Gods Eye can not keep it. A pity, Mooton thought. He was greeted by some attendants. "Bring me to your mistress, tell her that Lord Walys of Maidenpool has come to visit her."
The guardsmen nodded and led Walys thought the intricate maze that Harrenhal's corridors were. There were a myriad workers around, cleaning the halls, repairing the roofs, the doors and the windows, all trying to restore some greatness to the magnificent and horrid castle. Twenty fireplaces were light in the great hall, filled again with the loud noise of men feasting, jesting and quarrelling.
Lady Jeyne was sewing on her chambers, somewhere in the middle of the Kingspyre tower, the tallest erected by Harren the Black, only accesible by a bridge connecting it to the Widow's tower. Guards stood on the bridge and her Lady's chambers. She was acompanied by Blanetree, her dearest friend and sole survivor from the Northerners' massacre. Jeyne eyed Lord Mooton curiously, half-scared still. She spoke:
"Lord Mooton, what brings you here, I must apologize for my castle's current state of disrepair. We are working on it"
She asked with courtesy, her sewing work resting on her lap. She wore a rather simple gown, but the embroidery on the sleeves denoted her status.
The guardsmen nodded and led Walys thought the intricate maze that Harrenhal's corridors were. There were a myriad workers around, cleaning the halls, repairing the roofs, the doors and the windows, all trying to restore some greatness to the magnificent and horrid castle. Twenty fireplaces were light in the great hall, filled again with the loud noise of men feasting, jesting and quarrelling.
Lady Jeyne was sewing on her chambers, somewhere in the middle of the Kingspyre tower, the tallest erected by Harren the Black, only accesible by a bridge connecting it to the Widow's tower. Guards stood on the bridge and her Lady's chambers. She was acompanied by Blanetree, her dearest friend and sole survivor from the Northerners' massacre. Jeyne eyed Lord Mooton curiously, half-scared still. She spoke:
"Lord Mooton, what brings you here, I must apologize for my castle's current state of disrepair. We are working on it"
She asked with courtesy, her sewing work resting on her lap. She wore a rather simple gown, but the embroidery on the sleeves denoted her status.
Behind lord Mooton, a female appeared. Tall and slender, with brown hair, and a face who shared many familiarities with his. Unmistakeably his sister.
Lord Mooton bowed for her. "It would be more appropriate for me to bow for you, my lady." he said with a smile. "And please," he said. "Nothing of this is your fault."
He wore a red velvet doublet; embroiled with subtle patrons and high boots. On his neck the chain that reminded everyone that he was Master of Coin to the Queen. "May I introduce you to my sister, Lady Alys."
Lady Alys curtsied for her. "My Lady." she said. She wore a rich gown with dagged sleeves and seed pearls.
"We came to Harrenhall, to welcome your ladyship home." he said. "And see if everything was well."
Lady Jeyne approached the old man and grabbed his shoulder, gently.
"My Lord, that's a relief for me; that Tully cares for me and my House's integrity. I shall thank Ser Vance for it. I feared I would become a prisoner on my own castle. A ghost wandering through these... co...rridors. I really want to take the reins, to rule on my own. But it's difficult and I need council, advice, support"
She shed a tear that wiped almost inmediately with a hand.
"Ser Shawney, if there's something I want with urgent need is justice. The murderers, the rapers, the looters cannot leave unpunished. My honor demands it. I cannot stand to watch as the culprits avoid Justice..."
Lady Jeyne approached the old man and grabbed his shoulder, gently.
"My Lord, that's a relief for me; that Tully cares for me and my House's integrity. I shall thank Ser Vance for it. I feared I would become a prisoner on my own castle. A ghost wandering through these... co...rridors. I really want to take the reins, to rule on my own. But it's difficult and I need council, advice, support"
She shed a tear that wiped almost inmediately with a hand.
"Ser Shawney, if there's something I want with urgent need is justice. The murderers, the rapers, the looters cannot leave unpunished. My honor demands it. I cannot stand to watch as the culprits avoid Justice..."
"I'm certain that Ser Vance and Ser Benjen Tully will not leave the matter unattended", the old man assured the Lady, knowing that Lady Mormont had given the former sellsword an information, which served House Tully quite well, "But for the time of the war, we have to wait, before justice can be achieved. It would be unwise to test our decimated hosts against the power of those, who only joined the war recently. An eye will be kept upon the North."
"I'm certain that Ser Vance and Ser Benjen Tully will not leave the matter unattended", the old man assured the Lady, knowing that Lady Mormont had given the former sellsword an information, which served House Tully quite well, "But for the time of the war, we have to wait, before justice can be achieved. It would be unwise to test our decimated hosts against the power of those, who only joined the war recently. An eye will be kept upon the North."
Jeyne sat on her chair, she was clearly distressed.
"They did the unthinkable, Ser. My grandsire and my father were slaugthered on their own halls. My home sacked, myself used as a bedwarmer. That wasn't the worst, however, but the humillition they subjected me..."
She looked to her sewing work, which she resumed.
"I shall be ever grateful if those bastards are brought to justice, ser. I am now the Lady of Harrenhal and the God's Eye and I shall exact my revenge"
Indeed, nothing was my fault. Nor was my miscarriage... At last someone kind and gentle
Lady Jeyne longed for love and affection, friendship and simpathy.
"My Lord Mooton, no need to bow before me"
She smiled faintly. Nervous, Jeyne turned to face Lady Alys:
"My pleasure, Lady Alys. I thank you both for paying me a visit. I-I cannot thank you enough for this. As you see, my home is in disrepair, my belongings scattered and my servants dis--appeared or ki-lle--d"
Last edited by Oznerol; June 30, 2015 at 06:47 AM.
Harrenhal
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Originally Posted by Oznerol
