The most immediate cause of the War of the Five Kings was the death of King Robert Baratheon from a wound taken while hunting. His son and heir King Joffrey Baratheon was only acknowledged by House Lannister ; the other great houses of Martell , Tyrell , Tully , Stark , Greyjoy , Baratheon of the Stormlands and Baratheon of the Narrow Sea were named traitors. However, there were several events leading up to this conflict that influenced both the king's injury and the war that followed it.
The death of and her brother Ser Jaime Lannister . King Robert traveled north to Winterfell to ask his friend Lord Eddard Stark to become his new Hand. Lysa Arryn sent a coded letter to her sister Catelyn , Eddard Stark's wife, claiming that the Lannisters had her husband murdered. Catelyn convinced her husband to go south and investigate as Hand. During the king's trip to Winterfell, Bran Stark , Eddard and Catelyn's son, had seen the queen and her brother having sex while climbing the walls of the castle. Jaime Lannister threw the child from the tower to ensure that the secret died with him, but the boy survived, lingering in a coma. Some days after the King and Hand had left, a hired assassin came to kill the still-comatose lad, but was prevented from doing so by the boy's pet Direwolf . Lady Catelyn elected to go south to inform her husband of the attack.
When she arrived in King's Landing , she was met by her old friend, Petyr Baelish , who told her that the hired assassin's dagger had belonged to Tyrion Lannister , another brother of the queen. This was a lie, but neither Catelyn nor Eddard suspected it. Eddard told his wife to return home. While on the return journey, she encountered Tyrion at a roadside inn, and had him arrested for the attack on Bran. She took him to her sister in The Vale , where Tyrion faced trial by combat for his alleged crimes. He won his freedom, but the mere fact of his arrest had inflamed tensions with house Lannister. Eddard also investigated Jon Arryn's death and found out the truth about Cersei's children. Eddard revealed his knowledge to the queen, ordering her to go into exile with her children. Instead, Cersei had Robert given unusually potent wine, while he was on a hunt. While in this inebriated state, he was mauled by a boar. The dying king ordered that Eddard serve as his regent until Prince Joffrey came of age, but Eddard sent a letter offering Stannis the throne as Stannis was the rightful heir. The queen learned of Eddard's plot and had him arrested and imprisoned. Sensing a power struggle, Lord Renly Baratheon and Ser Loras Tyrell fled King’s Landing. Learning of Lord Eddard's arrest, his son and heir Robb called his father's armies together and marched south. Although there was only one king in the realm, the newly-crowned King Joffrey, the War of the Five Kings had begun.
- Ser Jaime Lannister led some 15,000 men against the defensive encampment of 4,000 men east of Golden Tooth, under the command of Lord Vance and Lord Clement Piper. Jaime’s host won an easy victory. Lord Vance and Lord Darry were killed while Lord Piper led the survivors back to Riverrun. The new Lord Karyl Vance also led some survivors away to attack the Lannister supply lines.
- Ser Edmure Tully was training an army of some 16,000 levies near Riverrun, when Ser Jaime Lannister’s host attacked. Ser Jaime won another easy victory. Ser Edmure was captured along with many of his bannermen and Lord Tytos Blackwood led the survivors into Riverrun as Ser Jaime’s host besieged the Castle.
- Tywin Lannister has Gregor Clegane ravage some of the countryside in the riverlands. At the request of Ser Marq Piper and Ser Karyl Vance, Eddard agrees to send a force to deal with Clegane and bring him to justice. However, Ned's leg is broken by an altercation with Jaime Lannister and he cannot lead himself. Tywin was hoping for an ambush that would give him Ned so he could trade him for Tyrion. Ned names Lord Beric Dondarrion to lead the force and sends Thoros of Myr, Lord Raymun Darry, Ser Gladden Wylde and Lord Lothar Mallory along with Alyn of Winterfell from his own guard to fight alongside him. The force numbers 120 not including Piper and Vance's men. Once word reaches them of the Battle of Golden Tooth, Piper and Vance leave on their own to attack the Lannister supply lines and help break the siege of Riverrun. Sometime after the beginning of the siege, Tywin Lannister brings his forces numbering 20,000 into the Riverlands. As Dondarrion crosses the Mummer's Ford, Tywin and Clegane attack from all sides, killing Ser Gladden Wylde and Lord Lothar Mallory. Gregor kills Lord Raymun Darry himself and gravely wounds Lord Dondarrion. Thoros and Alyn rally the survivors and escape with Dondarrion. Thoros nurses Dondarrion back to health. Soon they become outlaws at news of King Robert's death and attack the Lannister foragers and supply lines. Alyn of Winterfell dies in the campaign leaving Beric Dondarrion and Thoros to lead their growing numbers. They call themselves the Brotherhood Without Banners .
- Lord Tywin Lannister led an army of 20,000 men north from the Golden Road to travel across the Trident conquering the Riverlord’s holdfasts of all but the Twins, Riverrun and Seaguard. Lord Tywin takes Ravenhall since Lord Tytos Blackwood is trapped in Riverrun, Lady Shella Whent yields Harrenhall as she has no soldiers to defend it and Ser Gregor Clegane leads attacks that burn out the Pipers and Brackens. In this campaign Ser Cedric Payne was killed, therefore leaving Podrick Payne, his squire with Ser Lorimer the Belly. Ser Kevan Lannister had Ser Lorimer hanged for stealing from the camp supplies and had Podrick transferred over to be Tyrion's squire.
- Lord Tywin’s army met its first real opposition as house Stark entered the war on behalf of House Tully . Lord Roose Bolton planning a night attack leading roughly 16,000 men, however Ser Addam Marbrand’s outriders saw them coming and roused Tywin’s army in time to prepare for battle. Lord Tywin’s host won a bloody victory but realized the battle was only a diversion as Robb Stark, having won house Frey to his cause, split his forces, crossing the river with his cavalry. Lord Halys Hornwood and Ser Pate of the Blue Fork were killed, Lord Medgar Cerwyn was captured but died later from a wound taken, other captives taken were Harrion Karstark, Ser Wylis Manderly, Ser Donnel Locke, Ser Jared Frey, Ser Hosteen Frey, Ser Danwell Frey and Ronel Rivers.
Military Information
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Battles of the Whispering Wood and of the Camps
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Late 298
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The wooded area north-east of Riverrun and across the rivers from Riverrun
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Jaime’s defeat
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House Lannister
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House Stark
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Jaime Lannister
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Robb Stark
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<small>'''Killed''': Lord Andros Brax, '''Captured''': Ser Jaime Lannister, Willem Lannister, Ser Cleos Frey, Tion Frey, Lord Gawen Westerling, Lord Regenard Estren, Lord Quenten Banefort, Ser Garth Greenfeild, Ser Tytos Brax, Mallor the Dornishman</small>
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<small>'''Killed''': Daryn Hornwood (by Jaime Lannister), Eddard Karstark (by Jaime Lannister), Torrhen Karstark (by Jaime Lannister), </small>
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- Having split his cavalry from his main force prior to the Battle of the Green Fork, Robb Stark forged an alliance with House Frey in order to cross the river and gain fresh troops. Resupplied, he brought these forces to bear against those besieging Riverrun, first attacking Jaime Lannister in the Whispering Woods, as Jaime was known to lead men to capture stubborn holdfast or attack raiders while the siege of Riverrun was happening. With the help of the Blackfish, Robb's uncle, Robb led a surprise attack on Jaime Lannister as Jaime was leading a host through the Whispering Woods to either capture a stubborn holdfast or to attack raiders. As Lannister and his forces were caught completely off guard, the battle quickly became a slaughter. Ser Jaime, seeing the battle was lost, attempted to personally cut his way to and slay Robb Stark, hoping that the death of the northern leader would create chaos and confusion in the northmen. He slew many in the attempt, including several members of Robb's personal bodyguard, but was captured before he could succeed.
- The night after the Whispering Wood, Ser Brynden Tully led a force against the sleeping, leaderless north camp at Riverrun and quickly defeated them. Lord Andros Brax led his men in the west camp to cross the river, however most of their rafts were destroyed by the defenders of Riverrun. Those that reached the northern side were easily defeated by Ser Bryden. Robb then attacked the west camp with the remainder of his men. Seeing Robb’s attack, Lord Tytos Blackwood also attacked the west camp. Ser Forley Prester led the remaining south camp back to Golden Tooth.
During this time in the war new Kings were crowned. First was Lord Renly Baratheon , who was declared the King in Highgarden by his bannermen of the Stormlands and house Tyrell after his wedding to Lady Margaery , believing he was better suited to the Iron Throne than either his nephew King Joffrey or elder brother Stannis. Next was Lord Robb Stark, who was declared King of the North and the Riverlands by his bannermen and house Tully, as the bannermen of houses Tully and Stark did not want to submit to a Lannister reign. Third was Lord Stannis Baratheon , who was declared King in the Narrow Sea by his few bannermen, feeling it was his duty to take the Iron Throne as King Robert’s closest relative, given that Robert was not the father of Joffrey, Myrcella and Tommen. Last was Lord Balon Greyjoy , who was declared King of the Isles by his bannermen in an attempt to secede from the Seven Kingdoms, and who set about conquering the North.
- King Robb gave his Riverlords leave to reclaim their lands. Lord Tytos Blackwood reclaimed Raventree as the Lannister men fled scorching the land. Lord Jonos Bracken reclaimed Stone Hedge after a fierce battle costing the life of his nephew and heir Ser Hendry. Darry bannermen also reclaimed Darry for their young Lord Lyman Darry. Lord Karyl Vance and Ser Marq Piper took riding parties to attack Lannister foragers. Much later the other bannermen were also able to reclaim their holdfasts as the Lannisters retreated.
- Ser Gregor Clegane attacked the castle with his fierce company. After his victory over the garrison he had the entire household put to the sword including the young Lord Lyman Darry.
- Victarion Greyjoy led the entire Iron Fleet of a hundred ships up the Saltspear Bay to descend upon the 400 men left to defend the North in the Neck. Attacking from the north, the natural defenses of the keep were useless and the Northmen were easily beaten by the ironborn.
- Asha Greyjoy led a dozen ships around Sea Dragon’s Point in the far north to attack the small wooden keep of house Glover located just off the coast. The keep was easily overrun by the ironborn, making captives of Sybell Glover, her young children Gawen and Erena, and Larence Snow, the ward of Galbert Glover.
- Theon Greyjoy led eight ships in raiding along the Stony Shore. Benfred Tallhart led an undisciplined company he had dubbed the Young Hares to deal with the raiders. Theon ambushed this company, killing them all, while the only ironborn casualty was Todric, killed by Theon after the battle.
- Dagmar Cleftjaw was commanded to besiege the small keep by Theon in a ruse to draw out Ser Rodrik Cassel and the guards of Winterfell. Ser Rodrik arrived as planned to lift the siege, easily defeating the ironborn, only to hear that Winterfell had fallen in his absence.
Military Information
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Sack of Winterfell
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Late 298
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Winterfell and surrounding lands
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Capture and eventually
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House Greyjoy, House Bolton
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House Stark
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Theon Greyjoy, Ramsay Bolton
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Bran Stark
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<small>'''Killed''': None initially, eventually 20 of Theon's men dead and Theon captured</small>
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<small>'''Killed''': Mikken, Farlen the kennel master, Septon Chayle, Alebelly, Poxy Tym, Rodrik Cassel, Maester Luwin </small>
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- Theon Greyjoy descended on the few remaining guards with only twenty men, storming the castle at night and conquering the mighty castle with ease. After this, Theon declared himself the Prince of Winterfell. Brandon Stark , Rickon Stark , “Little” Walder Frey, “Big” Walder Frey, Meera Reed , Jojen Reed and Beth Cassel were all kept as hostages. However, Brandon, Rickon, Jojen and Meera escaped. To avoid embarrassment, Theon had two boys killed in place of the Starks and announced to the world that they were dead.
- Ser Stafford Lannister was charged to raise a new Lannister army after the defeat at Riverrun. Having no fear of being attacked in the Westlands, he posted few sentries. One night during their training, Ser Brynden Tully quietly killed the sentries, and King Robb’s army took the host by surprise, winning Robb an easy victory and badly bleeding the Lannister host. Ser Stafford was killed by Lord Rickard Karstark and Ser Rupert Brax was also killed. Ser Lymond Vikary and Lord Antario Jast as well as Martyn Lannister were captured. (There was a report that Lord Crakehall was killed but this seems inaccurate as Lord Roland Crakehall appears alive after the Battle of the Blackwater). On the North’s side Ser Stevron Frey was wounded and died three days later.
- After Oxcross, King Robb’s army fell on the nearby keep of house Marbrand. The keep was easily sacked and the castellan was killed.
- King Stannis Baratheon, realizing he didn’t have the strength to sack King’s Landing, besieged his brother’s castle with his 5,000 men. Hearing of this, King Renly marched his mounted forces of 20,000 from Bitterbridge to deal with his brother. After a failed parlay where neither would yield, Stannis offered his younger brother the night to reconsider before fighting the battle at dawn. While preparing for battle, Renly was killed by a shadow, ending the battle before it began. Many of Renly’s bannermen now swore allegiance to King Stannis; however, Ser Cortnay Penrose refused to yield the castle, partially because the safety of his ward, Edric Storm, a bastard son of Robert Baratheon , could not be guaranteed. Ser Loras Tyrell , Lords Randyll Tarly, Mathis Rowan, and Lady Arwyn Oakheart refused to give allegiance and fled to Bitterbridge. Late one night, Lady Melisandre was rowed under the castle where she summoned a shadow that went forth to kill Ser Cortnay. After his death, the castle submitted to King Stannis.
- Lord Tywin Lannister, hearing of King Robb’s victories in the Westerlands, marched his armies from Harrenhal, intent on reclaiming his lands. Ser Edmure Tully, not wanting Lord Tywin to cross the Trident un-bloodied, placed an army of 13,000 men along key fords of the Red Fork. After sending many small forces trying to test the defenses, Tywin had his men attack in force at a dozen places. The most heated battle was at Stone Mill, where Ser Edmure turned back Ser Gregor Clegane’s men. Ser Gregor was wounded from a dozen arrows and Lord Leo Lefford drowned. The other Lannister forces were also defeated and Ser Robert Brax was killed. Ser Lyle Crakehall, called the Strongboar, was captured.
Military Information
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Sack of Harrenhal
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Late 298
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Harrenhal
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Retaking of Harrenhal from Lord Tywin, defection of the Brave Companions to the King in the North
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House Lannister
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House Stark, House Bolton, the Brave Companions
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Ser Armoy Lorch
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Ser Halman Tallhart, Lord Roose Bolton, Vargo Hoat
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<small>'''Killed''': Amory Lorch and several of his men</small>
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<small>'''Killed''': None </small>
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- Lord Roose Bolton was ordered to take Harrenhal after Lord Tywin, who went marching west, left Ser Amory Lorch as castellan of 200 men. After joining with Ser Halman Tallhart’s company from the Twins, Bolton's host marched down toward the castle. Vargo Hoat , the commander of the Brave Companions, some 200 sellswords in charge of foraging for Ser Amory, reportedly gave battle to Lord Roose’s vanguard at the Ruby Ford, capturing its commander Robett Glover, Ser Aenys Frey and 100 lesser prisoners. However, the Northmen were quickly freed by Arya Stark with the help of Jaqen H’ghar , Rorge and Biter. At the same time, the Brave Companions turned on the Lorch men and let Roose Bolton's men into the castle. Ser Amory was captured and later killed for sport in a bear pit. Vargo was rewarded for joining the North with the Lordship of Harrenhal.
- Ser Garlan Tyrell , commanding the remaining 60,000 men of Renly’s army, was joined by the returning bannermen from Storm’s End as well as Lord Mace Tyrell ’s host of 10,000 men from Highgarden. King Stannis sent Ser Parmen Crane and Ser Erren Florent with the hope of winning the armies there. After the news went through the camps, several fights broke out between those that wanted to aid Stannis and those who remained loyal to Renly. Many returned to their homes, while some quickly traveled to join Stannis’ host as he marched toward King’s Landing. Ser Parmen and Erren were taken prisoner by house Tyrell. Soon after, Lord Petyr Baelish, representing the Iron Throne, won the allegiance of house Tyrell, and riders were sent north to warn Lord Tywin Lannister of the danger to the capital. Lord Tywin joined his near 20,000 men to Mace Tyrell's remaining 50,000 men to march against Stannis.
The War of Five Kings was near its end after two major battles were fought, effectively winning the war for King Joffrey.
Military Information
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Battle of the Blackwater
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Late 299
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Blackwater Rush at King's Landing
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Decisive Lannister Victory
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Stannis Baratheon/Storm's End
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King Joffrey/King's Landing
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King Stannis, Imry Florent, Davos Seaworth
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King Joffrey, Tywin Lannister, Tyrion Lannister, Garlan Tyrell
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<small>'''Killed''': Ser Guyard Morrigan (by Garlan Tyrell), Bryce Caron (by Phillip Foote), Ser Imry Florent, the brothers Dale, Allard, Matthos, and Maric Seaworth, Sers Bryan and Edwyd Fossoway (by Lothor Brune) and Lord Monford Velaryon <br>'''Captured''': Ser Jon Fossoway (by Lothor Brune) and Ser Tanton Fossoway, Lord Ardrian Celtigar, Bonifer Hasty the Good, Lord Estermont, Lord Steffon Varner, Ser Donnel Swann, Ser Mark Mullendore (lost an arm), Red Ronnet Connington, Dermot of the Rainwood, Lord Willum and his sons Josua and Elyas, Ser Timon the Scrapesword, Aurane Waters (The Bastard of Driftmark), Lord Alesander Staedmon the Pennylover</small>
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<small>'''Killed''':Mandon Moore (by Podric Payne), Jacelyn Bywater <br> '''Badly Wounded''': Tyrion Lannister, Lancel Lannister </small>
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- Lord Tyrion Lannister, acting Hand, had won the loyalty of Dorne by the betrothal of Princess Myrcella to Prince Trystane Martell and sent her south with much of the Royal Fleet. Cersei Lannister arranged for the creation of vast amounts of wildfire, to be used in the defense of King's Landing, and Tyrion had a long metal chain prepared across the Blackwater. Ser Imry Florent, commander of Stannis’s Fleet, led nearly all of Stannis's ships into Blackwater Rush to engage the remainder of the Royal Fleet. However, Joffrey's ships were unmanned and filled with wildfire. The ships were set ablaze while the chain was raised to cut off any retreat. Trapped in a river of fire, some of Stannis' ships managed to transport the remainder of his 20,000 troops across the river, where they met the city's defenses of 5,000 Goldcloaks. Despite his many setbacks, Stannis took two of the city gates and was near victory when his rearguard was attacked by Lord Tywin's 70,000 men from Bitterbridge. Tywin's vanguard was led by Garlan Tyrell , wearing Renly Baratheon 's armor, leading many to think Renly himself had risen from the dead. Stannis's men were quickly routed and many changed sides. Stannis and many of his most loyal men were able to retreat on the ships left out in Blackwater Bay.
- Ser Rodrik Cassel returned to besiege Winterfell with Leobald Tallhart, Cley Cerwyn, and knights of White Harbour, totaling 2,000 men. By threatening Rodrik's daughter Beth, Theon delayed the northmen's attack until Ramsay Snow arrived with 400 men from the Dreadfort. Believing them to be allies, Rodrik's men were taken completely by surprise when they attacked. Rodrik, Leobald and Cley were killed and the leaderless northern host was routed by the Bolton men, who lost only 20 of their own. Theon allowed Ramsay's men into the castle, where he quickly turned on the ironborn as well, killing them all except Theon. The castle was put to the torch and many of the Stark household were killed, including Maester Luwin. Theon, “Little” Walder Frey, “Big” Walder Frey, Kyra, Old Nan and Beth Cassel were all taken back to the Dreadfort as captives.
- Dagmar Cleftjaw returned to the keep after Ser Rodrik and Leobald departed for Winterfell. The sparsely defended keep was easily stormed by the ironborn. They killed the castellan and took Berena Tallhart, her children Brandon and Beren, and heiress Eddara Tallhart captive.
- King Robb’s army then fell on the Westerlings' keep, conquering it with ease. In the battle, Robb was wounded and needed some time to recover. When news reached him of Theon's murder of his brothers, he sought comfort in the arms of Jeyne Westerling. Shortly after, to avoid shaming her honor, they were wed despite his promise to marry a daughter of house Frey .
- Robett Glover was given command of 3,000 loyal northmen to take the town of Duskendale and its keep Dun Fort. This command was falsely given, however, as Lord Roose Bolton had heard news of Lord Tywin’s great victory at the Battle of the Blackwater and switched sides to join King Joffrey. Robett arrived at Duskendale to find Lord Randyll Tarly’s larger force waiting, and was easily defeated. Robett led the survivors back towards Harrenhal and encountered another army led by Ser Gregor Clegane . Robett and Harrion Karstark were captured, while Ser Helman Tallhart was killed.
- Under orders from Lord Tywin Lannister, Gregor Clegane and his men retake Harrenhall from Vargo Hoat. Clegane then butchers Vargo Hoat.
- Lord Roose Bolton marched his forces slowly from Harrenhal, leaving the castle to its new lord, Vargo Hoat. As planned, this slow march allowed Ser Gregor Clegane time to attack his rearguard, 2,000 loyal northmen led by Ser Wylis Manderly. Ser Gregor won an easy victory, taking Ser Wylis captive. To defend the ford, Lord Roose left some 600 loyal northmen led by Ser Kyle Condon and Ronnel Stout.
- Lord Rickard Karstark takes out his revenge against the Lannisters by murdering Willem Lannister and Tion Frey in their sleep. Robb Stark holds Lord Karstark and a handful of his men responsible and has his men hanged. Lord Karstark himself is beheaded by Robb for the crime of murdering prisoners. This act drives the Karstark force away from Robb's army, leading them to act against him in later incidents.
Military Information
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The Red Wedding
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Late 299
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The Twins
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Robb defeated and killed, end of the Stark Rebellion
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House Stark
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House Frey
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Robb Stark, Greatjon Umber, Edmure Tully
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Walder Frey, Roose Bolton
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<small>'''Killed''': Robb Stark (by Roose Bolton), Catelyn Stark (by Raymund Frey), Dacey Mormont (by Ryman Frey), Robin Flint, Wendel Manderly, Donnel Locke, Owen Norrey, “Small”Jon Umber, Lucas Blackwood, Raynald Westerling <br>'''Captured''': “Great”Jon Umber, Patrik Mallister, Edmure Tully, Marq Piper</small>
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<small>'''Killed''': Garse Goodbrook, Tytos Frey (by Sandor Clegane), Aegon Frey (by Catelyn Stark)</small>
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- King Robb, hearing of King Balon Greyjoy’s death and how many ironborn had returned to their isles to choose a new king, planned to quickly retake the North. House Frey, which had forsaken the King in the North after he broke his marriage agreement, finally changed its mind, conceding to let Lord Edmure Tully marry a Frey girl instead. King Robb marched his army to the Twins for the wedding feast at Lord Walder Frey’s request, where he was soon joined by Lord Roose Bolton and his remaining 3,500 men. After a large feast celebrating the union of Lord Edmure Tully and Lady Roslin Frey, the bride and groom were brought to their bedchamber. Around this time, the musicians everywhere in the castle started playing the infamous song "Rains of Castamere", which was the sign for Frey guards to pour into the hall and start killing the wedding guests. They were shortly joined by Bolton men, with Roose Bolton personally killing Robb. Lame Lothar Frey had rigged the tents outside to collapse on Robb’s army during the feast, which were now brought down and set afire as Bolton and Frey men attacked. Lords Frey and Bolton won an easy victory for King Joffrey mostly before Robb’s army knew there was a battle. This victory, combined with the yielding of all the Lords of the Trident except Tully, Mallister and Blackwood, was regarded as the unofficial end of the War of Five Kings, with King Joffrey the victor.
King Joffrey’s victory did not last long as he was murdered at his own wedding to Margaery Tyrell . Shortly after, the Hand Lord Tywin Lannister was murdered by his son Tyrion. The young Prince Tommen was crowned and married Margaery in his brother’s place.
- Black Walder Frey led a host to besiege Lord Jason Mallister one the few Riverlords not yielding to the Iron Throne. However at the threat of his son and heir Patrek’s hanging he quickly conceded. The two are now prisoners of their own keep.
- The newly elected King Euron Greyjoy of the Isles told his people he planned to conquer all of the Seven Kingdoms and began by sailing 1,000 ships to attack the four Reach islands called the Shields. Sending two ships up the Mander River to draw away most of the Shield Fleet, the remaining ships found themselves vastly outnumbered as Victarion Greyjoy led the attack. King Euron stormed Hewett Castle on Oakenshield. Ser Harris Harlaw was given Grimstone after defeating seven knights of house Grim in single combat on the Isle of Greyshield. The other Islands of Greenshield and Southshield were also taken. Ser Talbert Serry was killed by Victarion and Lord Moribald Chester was also killed.
- Newly made Lord Garlan Tyrell led some 10,000 men to take possession of his castle from house Florent. However, after the Battle of the Shields, he retreated to Highgarden to take up a defensive position should the ironborn try to raid the Tyrell Lands.
- Ser Loras Tyrell pledged to take command of the siege after hearing of the Battle of the Shields so Queen Cersei would allow the Redwyne Fleet to sail west to defend the Reach. Upon arrival at Dragonstone, Ser Loras launched an immediate attack. After suffering many losses, the Tyrell army forced the defenders to retreat to the inner keep. Ser Loras again led a fierce attack and ended up capturing the keep, but at a high cost. Ser Loras was reportedly severely burned from boiling oil and wounded during the battle.
- Ser Jaime Lannister was sent to the castle after Ser Daven Lannister had failed to make any progress in convincing the castle to surrender. Ser Jaime released Lord Edmure Tully under the condition he surrender his castle since as Lord he outranked his uncle Ser Brynden. Edmure surrendered the castle but not until after he aided his uncle to escape capture. The castle was left in the care of its new Lord Emmon Frey with 300 guards.
- Lord Mace was commanded to take the castle. After a lengthy siege, he left to march on King’s Landing hearing of his daughter’s imprisonment at the Sept of Baelor, after ordering Lord Randyll Tarly to march south and join him there.
- Lord Jonos Bracken was one of the first Riverlords to swear fealty to King Joffrey; because of their old rivalry, Lord Tytos Blackwood resolved to stay loyal to King Robb. Lord Jonos was given command to besiege the castle where the two sides fight fiercely and the siege is currently ongoing.
The time period during the War of the Five Kings is noted as containing other conflicts and campaigns that were directly or indirectly related, although not part of the conflict proper. The two principal theaters are Daenerys Targaryen 's eastern campaigns against the Ghiscari and the Night's Watch renewed conflict with forces beyond the Wall.
While the War of the Five Kings raged in the south of Westeros the Night's Watch was engaged in heavy fighting not only against resurgent Wildling forces but their ancient enemy, the Others . While the conflicts at and north of the Wall cannot be characterized as a campaign or war by any one side it can be viewed as a three-sided conflict between forces each pursuing their own goals at the expense of the others.
Even before the beginning of Robert's Rebellion, Mance Rayder , the King Beyond the Wall, was gathering wildling forces around him in an attempt to stave off attacks from the Others and recover the Horn of Winter. The Horn was needed as a fail-safe against the Night's Watch, as it was reputed in legend to be able to bring down the entire Wall with a single sounding. While most thought that the Horn was just a myth, Mance believed not only that it was real but that he could find it, deep in the frozen mountains known as the Frostfangs.
After the disappearance of a group of rangers led by Ser Waymar Royce, a second group led by First Ranger Benjen Stark went north to find their missing Brothers and discover what was becoming of all the wildlings. After the subsequent disappearance of this second group, and the continued realignment of known wildling population centers, Lord Commander Jeor Mormont organized an expedition of over 300 Brothers and personally led them north to an ancient settlement near the Skirtling Pass, east of the Frostfangs, called the Fist of the First Men.
While Lord Commander Mormont led his small army north, several groups were dispatched by the Watch to scout ahead. One of these groups was led by Qhorin Halfhand, a senior ranger and the second in command of the Night's Watch western most castle, the Shadow Tower. Accompanied by a half-dozen other rangers, including Jon Snow , a bastard of House Stark , the Halfhand discovered a vast wildling host deep in the Frostfangs. The group was trapped by wildling forces and either killed or went missing one by one until only the Halfhand and Jon Snow remained. At this point, to ensure that someone survived to bring word back to the Lord Commander, Qhorin Halfhand allowed Snow to slay him in a duel, thereby earning Snow the trust of the wildlings. With the destruction of the Halfhand's party, and Snow's inability to escape in time, the Lord Commander would receive no warning of the wildling host's purpose or composition, now numbering over a hundred thousand.
After the Night's Watch encamped on the Fist, a debate ensued among the Watch's leadership as to what the best course of action was to deal with the Wildling threat. Some, such as Thoren Smallwood, advocated attacking the wildling host along its line of march. The argument proved to be of no consequence when night fell and a force of Others and wights assaulted the Fist. The Watch had some initial success with flaming arrows and spear walls, but the massive waves of wights and the deadly Others overcame the Watch's defenses. Realizing that his position was untenable and remaining on the Fist would result in the overrunning and ultimate destruction of his forces, Lord Commander Mormont ordered the Brothers to attempt a breakout of their encircled position. Once mounted, the Brothers formed a wedge and managed to fight their way off the Fist.
Mormont's savaged forces managed to make a long march through the snow-covered wilderness to Craster's Keep, a Wildling estate known to the Brothers to be friendly to the Watch. The Watch was harried and harassed all through the night as they made their retreat, and by the time that they reached Craster's Keep less than one hundred Brother's remained of the original force. It was here, desperate and angry at their situation, that a group of Brothers rebelled and murdered not only the Craster but Lord Commander Mormont as well. A small group of loyalists managed to escape the carnage and make their way back to the Wall, bringing news of the disastrous expedition's fate.
Mance Rayder, now knowing that the bulk of The Watch's fighting forces had been wiped out on the Fist by their mutual enemy, made his way out of the Frostfangs and started his march toward the Wall. Mance formed a plan to divert the remaining fighting men from both Castle Black and the Shadow Tower to the far west so he could send a team to scale the Wall and take the unwalled Castle Black from behind. With his diversionary force riding hard for the west, Lord Steward Bowen Marsh marshaled his forces and took the bait leaving only the old, the green, and the sickly behind to defend Castle Black. After this time, Jon Snow escaped from the wildlings and managed to return to Castle Black with warning of the approaching enemy force of Thenns and Wildling raiders sweeping around to their southern flank.
The Battle for Castle Black began in the early morning hours as wildling raiders and Thenn warriors stormed into Castle Black. Jon Snow and Donal Noye, Castle Black's blacksmith and De Facto commander, organized the defense around archers in the towers and a line of fighting men on the massive wooden staircase that zigzagged up the south face of the Wall. After the archers took a heavy toll on the wildling force the battle was joined on the stair. Once the majority of the wildling forces had mounted the stair and were pushing back the crumbling defense the Watch sprung their desperate trap. The stair, soaked in oil between the last Night's Watch line of defense and the base of the structure, was set ablaze, destroying the stair and annihilating the wildling forces. While the raiding party had been defeated Mance's main force had yet to be dealt with and the Watch's primary means of transporting men and materials to the Wall had been destroyed.
With the news that his advance party had been defeated, and he would have to assault the Wall, Mance assembled his host at the tree line. The first morning's attacks were spearheaded by Giants mounted on mammoths. Only one giant, Mag the Mighty, King of the Giants, managed to breach the massive doors that lead to the tunnel underneath the Wall. Donal Noye and several brothers defended the tunnel system with spears and arrowfire from behind the internal gate and murder-hole system built into the tunnel. While they managed to kill all of the attackers, including Mag, and held the interior portcullis under the Wall, all the defenders were slain, including Noye, whose body was found crushed by Mag, his sword thrust though the Giant's neck.
With the death of Donal Noye, Jon Snow assumed command of the defense of the Wall at the request of its Maester, Aemon Targaryen . Over the next several days Snow managed to throw back repeated attacks on the Wall by using catapults, archers, flaming arrows, boiling oils and finally frozen barrels of rock and ice used to destroy Mance's armored battering rams. Fortunately for the defenders of Castle Black, reinforcements arrived in the form of Brother's fresh from the battle at the Gap, Bowen Marsh's costly engagement of Mance's diversionary attack. Marsh, the Lord Steward and not a ranger, was badly wounded in the Pyrrhic Victory . Ser Alliser Thorne and Lord Janos Slynt, a known sympathizer of House Lannister , enemies of Jon Snow's parent House Stark, arrived along with the reinforcements. They took Jon Snow into custody with the knowledge that he had deserted and joined forces with the wildings, either not believing or not caring about his orders from the Half-Hand to do just that.
Assuming that Snow would be killed, Slynt dispatched him to treat with Mance and demand his surrender. It was at this meeting that Snow learned that Mance had in fact found the Horn of Winter and held back from its sounding only because of a fear that without the Wall standing nothing would stop the Others from following his people into the South.
Military Information
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The Battle at the Wall
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298
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The Wall
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End of wildling threat, defeat of Mance Rayder
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Night's Watch
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The Wildlings
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Jon Snow
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Mance Rayder , Tormund Giantsbane
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20 members of the Night's Watch, 5000 knights
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40,000 wildling troops, including giants and woolly mammoths
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Qhorin Half-hand, Squire Dalbridge, several companies of the Night's Watch, overall minimal
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