Robert's Rebellion


 * "Seven Hells."
 * ―Some Old Bear

Robert's Rebellion is the first great war of the communities history. It is among the Great Houses of Westeros who battle for control of Westeros.

Prelude
Lyanna Stark has disappeared. Reports indicate that her party was set upon by Rhaegar Targaryen, ten leagues from Harrenhal. Together with Ser Arthur Dayne and Ser Oswell Whent of the Kingsguard, the prince took her, spiriting her away to the south. Her father, the Lord Rickard Stark, Warden of the North, journeying to Riverrun for his son's wedding, was stricken when he heard the news. His only daughter, taken by the prince. There had to be an explanation. He sent all but half a dozen of his guards ahead to Riverrun to keep his son there, but turned himself south, to King's Landing. He approached the Red Keep with respect, showing no intention of doing any violence. He told the guards his intentions-to ask the Prince why his daughter was missing- and they let him in. But when he entered the yard, twenty knights drew their swords on him, led by Ser Jonothor Darry. They placed Lord Rickard under arrest on King Aerys's orders.

King Aerys declared it an offense comparable to treason to question the actions of a Targaryen. Lord Stark was charged with this crime. Rickard, knowing he would get no true justice from the Mad King, claimed his right to Trial by Combat. But he failed to comprehend the true depths of Aerys's madness. When he appeared for the trial, armed and armored for combat, he beheld nothing before him but an old man with a clay jar. He was confused at first, but then half a dozen of the King's guards grabbed him and forced him to his knees. They forced open his mouth while the old man approached. He opened the jar, allowing Rickard to see the green liquid swirling within. He tipped the jar, and the last thing that the Warden of the North felt was heat. Heat and pain.

With Rickard Stark dead, Aerys Targaryen sent word to Jon Arryn in the Eyrie. He was to surrender Eddard Stark and Robert Baratheon or be branded a traitor. Simultaneously, Hoster Tully received word at Riverrun. If Brandon Stark was not given over to the crown, then fire and fury would rain down upon the Riverlands. Both Lords sent the same reply to Aerys. Those responses would bring about an end to the age of relative peace that Westeros had known over the past years.

"If you want them, come and take them."

The Rebellion
''"So it begins." ''

-Marq Grafton just before the Sack of Gulltown

After the death of Rickard Stark, armies were mustered all around the Seven Kingdoms. Brandon Stark sent word north from Riverrun, calling all his banners to Winterfell, then rode home as fast as his horse could carry him. Soon enough, every northman who could hold a spear was marching to Winterfell. Hoster Tully and Jon Arryn called their banners as well, though the results were not what they had hoped.

In the Riverlands, several houses renounced the Tullys for traitors, instead pledging their swords and service to King Aerys. Chief among the dissenters were the Darrys of Darry, longtime allies of the Targaryens. The Goodbrooks, Rygers, and Lychesters declared for the Targaryens as well. In the Vale, only one family declared for Aerys, though it was a crucial one. The Graftons of Gulltown sided with the Iron Throne and closed the port to all rebels. This prevented Robert Baratheon and Eddard Stark, both guests of Jon Arryn in the Eyrie, from returning home. In Robert's case, this meant that he would not be able to rally his levies. Jon Arryn, knowing that Stormland support was vital and that he could not allow a threat so close to his home, marched on Gulltown with twenty thousand men.

Lord Marq Grafton had raised fifteen thousand men in defense of his city. His levies combined with the city guard and a handful of allies. His most powerful supporter was Lyn Corbray, younger brother of the Lord of Heart's Home. When the assault on the walls began, Lyn Corbray was given command of the western defenses. Marq Grafton himself commanded the central defenses. When the rebel army stormed the walls of Gulltown, Robert Baratheon himself killed Marq in a duel above the main gate into the city. Lyn Corbray was defeated and subdued by Elbert and Denys Arryn fighting in tandem. With the fall of both major commanders, the city yielded swiftly.

Aftermath
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