Name: Adler Arryn I, King of Mountain and Vale
Appearance: Adler stands at an impressive 6 feet tall. He is muscled and strong-built, as warriors usually are. He keeps his dark brown hair long, that it flows down to his neck. He also maintains a beard. Adler prefers to wear traditional Vale clothing, and usually some protective or fighting gear(not full armor, but maybe a vest). He has long hair, but he wears a hat. Usually he wears a military-style wool hat, sometimes wrapped in a scarf. If needed to, he will wear the Falcon Crown. He also wears a gauntlet on his left arm at all times for Saqruhaa.
Age: 40
Bio: Adler was born in 67 BC, the third son of King Robert Arryn. He had 2 older brothers, Rob and Jon. He learned how to speak before he could walk, and when he was 2, he rode his first horse. When he turned 4, his father made him learn the ways of the warrior. He practiced and became adept in the uses of the sword and bow. He liked to play with his brothers, but they were always too rough with him. In time, he also learned how to read and write from one of the servants at the Eyrie.
When he was 5, in 62 BC, his younger sister Sharra was born. Until now, it was only brothers. Sharra looked up to Adler. Adler felt closer to his sister than with his brothers, and he would often read stories to her. When Sharra turned 3, Adler stole a horse from a knight and brought it to her as a gift. He eventually returned it, though.
Adler would spend the next 2 years improving his fighting ability, as well as studying various subjects(his favorites being history, economy, warcraft, theology, politics/diplomacy, and medical). Various squires recall Adler as having "a book in his hand as much as he had a sword." During this time, Adler's relationship with Sharra grew stronger, and they frequently did many fun things together.
At the age of ten, it seemed that Adler lost all interest in the way of the warrior. He would often confine himself to his room, not going outside to practice sword-fighting with the smallfolk or practicing archery. He spent his time studying and writing poetry. He was only visited by his parents and his sister. Adler's mother remembered these times:
"I would come in the morning to see how he was doing, and he would be reading a book, his sword resting against the wall or on the floor. He wouldn't say much to me. Then I would go elsewhere and come back later, and then he was writing. I asked what he was writing, and he would describe the poetry or story he was currently working on. He would then take a candle and burn it, before writing something else. It was a very miserable time, and I feared the worst."
Adler would speak to his sister more than anyone else. They had very heartfelt conversations, and they knew all of each other's secrets. Sharra would bring food to Adler every day and wouldn't leave until he ate it. It hurt her very much to see Adler depressed like this. Adler never gave a reason for what caused his depression, but it's been speculated that it was a lack of confidence in his abilities as a warrior, being overshadowed by his brothers.
In 52 BC, tragedy struck. Adler, now a 15-year-old man, learned that 10-year-old Sharra had been kidnapped by one of the mountain clans. She was sadly killed. Adler blamed himself for her death, a guilt he has always lived with. From that day forward, Adler vowed to become a great warrior and avenge his sister.
Adler traveled all over the Vale to learn every combat technique. Swords, spears, pikes, staffs, axes, daggers, and bows. He kept himself sharp and well trained for fighting. One notable Knight he squired with was Ser Aquila. Aquila traveled all around the Vale with Adler, exposing him to life as a Knight. Eventually, at the age of 17, Adler was made a Knight by Ser Aquila, a fortnight before he died.
At the age of 18, Adler located the clan that had killed his sister. He went on a revenge mission, going after each of the clan leaders in an assassin type fashion. He managed to recruit small armies, and he fought numerous battles with the clan, eventually killing the men responsible for his sister's death and earning the respect of his father. King Robert placed Adler as a commander in the army. For the next few years, Adler proved his military prowess and fighting ability in numerous campaigns against Mountain clans. The greatest of these was in 42 BC(when he was 25), the Mountain Revolt(see above for complete details)
After the war, Adler set up numerous relief centers in the Western Vale to provide aid to many people whose lives were affected by the fighting. He ended up becoming very popular with the smallfolk, and Adler would often give his own money to them. He set up temporary provisional councils to control things. King Robert was getting senile, and Adler was acting on his behalf. He demanded that House Hoarre return all escaped Mountain Clan rebels, but this fell on deaf ears.
Adler knew the reality of his situation. With his brothers dead and his father growing old, it wouldn't be long before he became the King of Mountain and Vale. Eventually, he got a Raven from the Eyrie to return. Adler bade farewell to his men and rode across the High Road with a protective escort to the Eyrie.
King Robert revealed to Prince Adler that he was dying, and he needed to teach Adler how to become a great king after him. For the next 5 years, Adler studied diplomacy, politics, and administration, all the while honing his combat skills. His father also gifted him some fine weapons; an ornate sword and a Valyrian steel dagger, which he named
Talon. When Adler turned 30, he was given a falcon egg, which hatched into a female falcon that Adler named Saqruhaa.
Eventually, the sad news came. In 37 BC, King Robert passed away at the age of 60. Adler was now Adler Arryn I, King of Mountain and Vale. His first aim as King was to secure a bloodline. Already infatuated with Northern culture, as well as wanting a strong presence in the North, he looked to find a good house to marry from. He learned of the House Feather, and set off to meet them.
King Adler and his entourage arrived at Irontown and met with Lord Kaegan Feather. After a brief meeting and discussion, Lord Kaegan takes the King to his residence. Their, the King meets Lord Kaegan's 19-year-old son, Eyan, and his 24-year-old daughter, Bryna. He is immediately enchanted by Bryna's compassionate disposition and her breath-taking looks. The King makes an offer of marriage on the spot.
After much discussion, Lord Feather and King Arryn work out a marriage alliance. King Arryn requests Lady Bryna's hand in marriage, and in addition, being allowed to place a garrison of 2,000 Vale knights in Irontown, who would live independently. He also demands that the Feathers turn in any mountain fugitives that they may encounter. In return, King Arryn offered a holding in Gulltown reserved exclusively for House Feather, allowing them to build a merchant fleet and mitigate the disadvantage of being landlocked. Lord Kaegan happily agrees.
King Adler and Lady Bryna are wed in a ceremony in the way of the Old Gods, in front of a Godswood tree. They then hold an elaborate feast, which King Stark himself attends. After Lady Bryna Feather, now Queen Bryna Arryn, bids farewell to her family, the couple and their entourage sale back to the Vale.
In the Eyrie, they held another elaborate ceremony, this time in the tradition of the Faith of the Seven. After the wedding, Adler has a Godswood set up for his wife so she can practice her faith. Later in the year, Bryna gives birth to their first child, a daughter. Adler names her "Sharra."
Adler continued to rule after that, ten years so far. His reign was marked by an era of social reform, changing policies to work better, making him popular with the population. He also works to end the "threat" of the mountain clans. The King's main goal is to strengthen the Vale as a power in international affairs, and King Arryn does so with control over Gulltown and a garrison in the North. His reign is secured, and so is his kingdom.
However, King Arryn has had trouble producing an heir. Over the years, he has had 5 daughters with Lady Bryna; Sharra(37 BC), Lydia(35 BC), Aemma(33 BC), Bela(31 BC), and Lily(29 BC), but he has no sons. The future of his kingdom may be at risk, but he feels that his daughter could become the ruler. Still, he would prefer that one of his daughters has a son who can become King.
Mundane Skills:Combat: He is regarded as the greatest warrior in the Vale of Arryn, with great skill in many weapons.
Leadership: King Adler has proven himself to be an excellent leader, both politically and militarily.
Falconry: Is very skilled at hunting with his falcon, Saqruhaa.
Magic (If Any): N/A
Personality: A very wise and compassionate person, Adler loves to uphold the chivalrous values of the Andals. He is very proud of the Vale and its history as an unconquerable nation. He has the personality of a warlord if needed. He can be very cold. He is very stern with his enemies, and very loving with his friends. As one man puts it, "an Eagle outside, a sparrow in the house." When needed, he can be very aggressive. He is able to keep his emotions in check, for the most part. Adler has an absolute love for his family(mother, wife, and daughters), and he considers himself blessed to have so many women in his life.
Kingdom: The Vale of Arryn
Is he/she a Ruler? Yes
Heir(s): Sharra Arryn(10), Lydia Arryn(8), Aemma Arryn(6), Bela Arryn(4), and Lily Arryn(2), in that order. It does not bother Adler that he has only daughters, but he hopes that one of them will have a son who can become King.
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Name: Sharra Arryn, Princess of Mountain and Vale
Appearance:Sharra is a fair-sized young woman, known to be one of, if not the most, beautiful girl in the Vale, being known as the
Flower of the Mountain. Despite being only 10, she has had countless marriage proposals, all of which her father rejected. She has light brown hair, and her mother's eyes.
Sharra's style of clothing is a blend between her parents. Like her mother, she prefers to wear plain dresses, but she will wear elaborate overcoats over them in traditional Vale style. She keeps her hair braided, and she either wears nothing on her head or a crown(her's, or more usually, her father's). She also takes to wearing a gauntlet on her left arm for birds.
Age: 10
Bio: Born in 37 BC to King and Queen Arryn, she has lived her life in the Eyrie and the Gates of the Moon. Sharra knew from a young age the enormous responsibility she would have as future Queen. When she was 2, her younger sister Lydia was born. By this point she could speak. When Sharra was 3, she would begin to accompany her father on his journeys, after she learned how to read. She would often ride on the same horse with her father, who loved her dearly. One witness states:
"[Adler's] host had set off from the Gates of the Moon. We were heading towards Gulltown for an economic assessment and meeting. As the King mounted his horse, the Queen watched from the doorway, her infant in her arms, and she tried to hold Sharra back from running to her father. The little girl tried to run as best she could towards the King, who, evidently, really loved her. Although she could speak, she was shy, and the King took her up in his arms and kissed her head. He then tried to put her down on the ground, but she resisted, grabbing his beard. The King relented, and he lifted his daughter up on the horse in front of him, removed his elaborate Falcon Crown, and placed it on her head."
When Sharra was 4, she learned to write, and she became less shy, openly talking to others. Another sister, Aemma, was born. Adler had left to assess a situation regarding mountain clans, a dangerous mission, so Sharra had to stay behind. She was home with her 2 sisters and her mother, Queen Bryna. Sharra and her mother would spend their time riding horses and practicing archery, sparking Sharra's passion and skill for them. When her father returned, Sharra surprised him with her archery ability, better than usual for a beginner.
By the time Sharra turned 5, she had began reading books in the library. She learned a variety of subjects, but her favorite things to read about were history, politics, and falconry. At this time, the King was organizing a visit to see his father-in-law, for he was unable to before and Lord Kaegan was soon to pass away. The Royal Family sailed to the North, Sharra's first time on a ship. It scared her, but eventually they made it to Irontown. The King was glad to see his father-in-law, the Queen was glad to see her father, and Sharra was glad to see her grandfather. Lydia and Aemma were too young at this time to know what was happening.
It is said that Sharra greatly impressed her grandfather with her knowledge and skill in falconry, showing no fear when Adler's falcon perched on her arm. Her uncle Eyan helped her with her archery. After a week-long stay, the Royal Family headed back to the Vale.
For the next 5 years, Sharra would spend her time learning, practicing archery, horse-riding, playing with her sisters, or practicing falconry. On one occasion, Adler and Sharra were hunting in the woods near the Giant's Lance, and Saqruhaa captured a rabbit. Both of them called her back, but Saqruhaa flew right past her owner and instead perched on Sharra's arm.
Sharra would either be traveling with her father on his journeys, or staying at home with her mother. She didn't mind either. She respected and admired her mother for sacrificing her life to start a new one here. Sharra would soon join Adler's entourage, always accompanying him on stately matters and even speaking at them, impressing many with her wisdom. It is said that Princess Sharra wore the Falcon Crown more than King Adler.
In one journey when she was six, Sharra rode her own horse instead of sharing one with her father. At the meeting, various bannermen were debating where to build a new military outpost to monitor the mountain clans. Sharra spoke up, silencing them. When the bannermen asked where to build the installation, Sharra took put her bow and shot the map that one of the bannermen was holding, right at where she intended. "There," she said. Adler was reportedly so impressed by this that he lifted Sharra up, placed his crown on her head, and then placed her on his shoulder.
Another time, when she was nine, she was at home with her mother. A man slipped into their room with a dagger, intent on killing Queen Bryna in her sleep. Sharra, who was awake, shot the man in the knee. Saqruhaa then swooped down and grabed the dagger from his hands.
Now, at 10 years old, Sharra is continuing to learn how to be a good ruler for the Kingdom.
Mundane Skills:Archery-Sharra has been doing archery for a few years, a skill she learned from her mother. They like to go hunting together.
Horse-riding-Another skill she learned from her mother is riding horses. One of her favorite things to do is go on rides with her mother.
Politics-Sharra has a great presence in Vale politics.
Falconry-She seems to have a natural talent with it.
Magic (If Any): She has some sort of psychic connection with birds, especially falcons. She often talks to them, and they appear to listen.
Personality: Similar to her father and mother. Calm and cool in most situations, trying to always see what's going on. She makes observations and then rational decisions. Sharra thinks before she does things. She understands her responsibility, knowing full well that she will be the one to inherit the throne. As such, she was forced to age much faster(Adler learned he would be King when he was 25). Sharra is also very compassionate towards the people she loves, especially her parents. She likes to help the smallfolk also.
Kingdom: The Vale of Arryn
Is he/she a Ruler? No
Heir(s): N/A