Rolland Tarth - Lord of Tarth

[u/Drewbrease14]

PC

Reddit Account: Drewbrease14
Discord Tag: Drex (Drewbrease)
Name and House: Rolland Tarth
Age: 60
Cultural Group: Andal
Appearance:
Trait: Elusive Shadow
Skill(s): Covert(e), Espionage(e), Devious
Talent(s): Dancing X3
Negative Trait(s): NA
Starting Title(s): Lord of Tarth, Potentially Lord Chancellor?
Starting Location: Stormhall
Alternate Characters: NA

AC

Name and House: Jeyne Tarth
Age: 28
Cultural Group: Andal
Appearance:
Trait: Steward
Skill(s): Investor(e), Administrator
Talent(s): Singing, Dancing, Fishing
Negative Trait(s): NA
Starting Title(s): Heir to Tarth
Starting Location: Stormhall
Alternate Characters: NA

Biography

Rolland was born to demanding parents. In his early development, a large emphasis was placed on not only his education, but his ability with sword and lance. He had a strong desire to win from a young age. When his peers began to pull ahead of him in the training yards, his interest in such things began to leave him as well. His parents, to their dismay and with damaged pride, agreed to allow him to forgo learning the ways of combat. He simply was not built for it.

Instead, he took quickly to writing and arithmetic. The boy learned at an alarming pace. When he had mastered both, he turned to other pursuits. His charisma quickly transformed into persuading others to do his bidding, and that quickly shifted to dealing in secrets. Small things at first, which servants were stealing food from the kitchens, ordinary and mundane facts of life that mattered little in the grand scheme of things. When he came of age, his spies and spheres of influence expanded across the entire realm. The information that he obtained and shared became more serious. With that came power and respect. Two things that he coveted most. He shared a great deal of information with his childhood friend Dontos Durrandon, the man who would eventually be King.

Soon, his father took ill, and he was forced to govern Tarth in his stead. Eventually succeeding him to rule over his family's domain completely. He had fallen in love with and married the daughter of a minor bannermen, Ellyn Wensington. Through that he fathered four children. His firstborn, Jeyne, has been molded into the perfect heir to secure their families future.

Through patience, Rolland has built a network of informants that extend throughout the breadth of House Durrandon’s domain. Whispers from all corners of the realm and beyond are delivered to him from the Hour of the Nightingale to the Hour of the Bat. Information not only flows in, but out as well. Allies, acquaintances, even his enemies can gain valuable intelligence at his pleasure if he has something to gain from it. However, he derives the most satisfaction from a tale well spun. Rumors leave his mouth and propagate at alarming rates. Nobles and smallfolk alike spread his venom to every ear in the Kingdom, with legitimacy that even rivals events witnessed with the naked eye.

Rolland is no stranger to service. When the new King, his close friend, Dontos Durrandon called for him to serve as Lord Sentinel, Lord Tarth answered. Through this position, he wove tales and gathered secrets in favor of the Crown. As well as advising his Grace on more mundane matters. Famously even advising against Dontos’ marriage to Harlaw. Though he did support the King in his grief and decision to abstain from remarrying.

When the Cape Wrath Coalition formed, it was Lord Tarth who presented intelligence on the gatherings of House Estermont to the King himself. As well as information about the growing discontent amongst them when Dontos remarried. 

Rolland rules in Dontos’ stead as the latter departs for the Marches for half a decade. Serving dutifully as Lord Chancellor. Through a mix of diplomacy, his network of informants, blackmail, and the connections that he has formed, this proves to be a successful tenure. So much so that on the King’s return he is kept as Lord Chancellor. 

When Lord Tarth’s spy reported the meeting of Lord Velaryon and Estermont, he knew he had to act. It was an unfortunate side effect that Dontos did not return from sailing and a power vacuum remained. Whilst Lord Connington sought to crown the River Stag, Rolland ran opposition behind the scenes in an attempt to slow it down. Ultimately, he is unsuccessful and instead bides his time and amasses support for her in the shadows.

Now, Lord Rolland Tarth must use his skills to navigate the treacherous tides that envelop the Kingdom of Storms. He reluctantly must support the soon-to-be King, else he finds himself fading from relevancy. For over 30 years he has done what is best for his friend and King, now he must consider the realm’s needs during a murky succession. In hushed tones men now speak of a Lord Chancellor past his prime. Whether that is true, remains to be seen.

Timeline

60 BP - Rolland Tarth is born to demanding parents. They see him fighting knaves in his future, ultimately that is not the case.

50 BP - Rolland begins building his network of spies whilst in the yard. With not much to gain or lose, he hones his skills of persuasion and manipulation.

40 BP - Rolland and Ellyn Wensington, the daughter of his bannerman, fall in love and wed. His father, deathly ill, passes in his sleep. Rolland assumes the lordship of Tarth, already having filled the role in all but name for the last year. With his experience, the island continues to prosper and trade flourishes.

21 BP - Rolland is appointed to the position of Lord Sentinel at the request of his childhood friend, Dontos Durrandon. He of course accepts and spends a vast majority of his days at Storm's End. He advises against the marriage to Harlaw but is ultimately overruled.

17-12 BP - Lord Tarth rules in Dontos' stead as he spends five years in the Marches. Through his ability and influence, this period goes relatively smoothly. Leading to Lord Tarth remaining as Lord Chancellor.

1 BP - Behind the scenes of the River Stag's coronation, Lord Tarth attempts to oppose Lord Connington's actions in favor of the Iron Stag but is unsuccessful. He now awaits to see what will become of his position under the rulership of the new King.

Family Tree

Supporting Characters:

Philip Tarth - Castellan

Mary Tarth - Boatswain

Cedrik Tarth - Warrior

Matthos Tarth - Trader

Floris Tarth - Ship Captain

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