Extras and Afterword
Obligatory disclaimer: I don't own ASOIAF; that honour goes to GRRM.
Edited by: Himura and R. Yorkshireman; B. Reader: Bub3loka.
I also want to thank everyone for their support and encouragement.
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Renly's Rebellion–also known as the War of the Five Kings—two years of religious turmoil and upheaval saw a great religious change.
Under the auspices of Regent Eddard Stark and the High Septon, the Doctrine of Acceptance was pushed forth across the realm. It was said that the Green Men of the Isle of Faces played a role, but none could say if it was significant or not. It officially acknowledged the existence of the Old Gods of River and Stone, Wood and Wind, as represented by the newly formed Green Priests, with the lands beyond the Neck being their primary domain.
As a sign of unity, septs–approved by the High Septon–weirwoods and heart trees were considered sacred, and it was sacrilege and a grave offence to lay a hand on one from the shores of Dorne to the Wall.
The Snowy Sept of White Harbour was officially recognised as independent of the High Septon entity.
The Crown, under Tommen Baratheon, reaffirmed the royal duties as a defender of the Gods, both Old and New.
The reform also saw the Faith split up into greater and lesser Septries. The Riverlands, the Westerlands, the Vale, two in Dorne, and three in the Crownlands (The Septry of the Blackwater and Crackclaw, the Marches, and the Honeywine), with the Grand Septry and the High Septon of King's Landing being the ultimate head of the Faith. The feud between the Greater Septry of the Honeywine and the Golden Septry of Lannisport over the relics and statues of the Starry Sept that Ser Devan Lannister looted from Oldtown continued for decades.
The Green Order, also known as the Green Priests, Druids, or Green Ones of the North, was what the fledgling clergy of the Old Gods was called. They had to take vows of devotion and servitude towards the land and its people. The seat was the Grand Grove of Wintertown, a grove surrounded by marble walls, around the towering Heart Tree rumoured to have grown from Baelor Hightower's lifeblood. A unique half-temple half-garden, open to visits from anyone.
Under the efforts of Prince Eddard Stark and High Priestess Melisandre, the outline of the Green Order was finalised. The lack of holy scripture presented the first big obstacle for the fledgling faith. Eventually, the Green Order was to facilitate connections to nature, the land, and one's ancestors. Novices of the Old Gods had to forge at least ten links across five disciplines to become a priest or a priestess–including healing, history, and botany, which meant that even women were allowed to study in the Northern Citadel of Wintertown–much to the protests of the Archmaesters of King's Landing that were summarily ignored.
The second requirement to become a Green Priest was to hear the pulse of the Earth–a feat usually achieved after a week in seclusion deep in the forest. The hierarchy in the order was straightforward. Novices were devoted to learning–both within the Northern Citadel and the world. The priests made up the bulk of the clergymen, with the elder druids–those who had passed a trial of the Old Gods and lived–serving as elders and reverends. The High Priest ran the affairs of the Green Order and served in the Grand Grove of Wintertown–to be chosen by the Prince of Winterfell by a selection of candidates put forth by the Elder Druids.
Regardless, the role of the Green Priests was to be advisors, healers, spiritual leaders, and even teachers if the need arose. Wandering priests were the norm in the North, and very few chose to settle in a Grove.
The presence of so many Red Priests in the Watch saw a rise of the Red Faith of R'hllor along Brandon's Gift and the Lands Beyond the Wall, but all attempts to spread into the North were rebuffed by High Priestess Melisandre.
There was a tacit understanding between the two clergies of the Gods, Old and New, to not interfere with their agreed-upon spheres of influence, yet it did not stop some houses from combining elements of both Faiths in their day-to-day lives. For example, House Dayne opted to combine worship of the Warrior with the ancestral worship common among followers of the Old Gods. Their statues of the Warrior bore remarkable similarities to the legendary kingsguard Arthur Dayne, even if they claimed it was the mythical founder of their House. Or in Storm's End, where future Baratheons also fashioned the Warrior into the image of the Demon of the Trident with its great antlered helm.
Other more queer examples were charged with heresy by the High Septon, such as what happened in Tyrosh by a grandson of Governor Lothor Brune, who declared the Father in the image of Tyrion Lannister the Magnanimous, or the naked statue of the Mother, which looked far too similar to his banner that Governor Lewyn Piper had ordered built in Lys, yet assured the Lyseni it was based on Ynanna…
Excerpt from Maester Eltan's 'The Great Religious Reform'
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From "Treatises on the New Orders and Guilds of Westeros":
"Renly's Rebellion was a watershed moment for many things, and the Great Reform of Regent Eddard Stark changed the Seven Kingdoms forever. For the first time, the Seven Kingdoms were indeed seven in number. One of the many changes was the rise of various new orders and guilds.
The Bridge Builders of the Riverlands
Created by Prince Edmure Tully to connect the Riverlands through bridges, as well as the repair and upkeep of existing ones, he instituted humble bridge tolls that were barely enough to cover the expense of maintaining the bridge, bringing trade and prosperity to the Riverlands. Contrary to its name, the Order of the Bridge Builders was also tasked with creating a grand network of paved roads that would link every corner of his Principality. Some believe the Order was started because of Prince Tully's infamous disgruntlement with House Frey and the Crossing since they refused his call at the start of Renly's Rebellion.
The Black Huntsmen
Created by King Tommen Baratheon to hunt down possible surviving remnants of the Faceless Men and serve as the Iron Throne's sword and shield against dark magic and other dangerous arcane practitioners. Some of the members are rumoured to dabble in magic themselves. It is said to have received heavy support from the King of Sarnor and the King of Tiger's Bay in their quest to cull the remnants of the Faceless Men.
The Order of Elenei
A scholarly order focused on naval exploration and the development of maritime crafts and skills was created by Queen Shireen Baratheon, patron of all sailors and shipbuilders. Said to be the backbone of the invincible Storm Armada.
Order of the Golden Lion
A knightly order of loyal knights that Prince Robb Stark created to serve as his companions for his young son, Prince Brandon Lannister, in the Westerlands.
The Winter Wolves
A martial order–but not a knightly one, as the Northmen would love to remind anyone who asks–who serve as an elite sellsword company. Almost exclusively for Northmen, the Order of the Winter Wolves operates in Essos–mainly Pentos, Myr, and the Disputed Lands, under the command of the infamous Prince Rickon Stark, serving the interests of Winterfell and the Iron Throne.
Originally, it was created for the veterans of Renly's Rebellion who wished to continue fighting under Winterfell's command. But many young Northmen flocked to the Winter Wolves' banner, eager to gain experience or martial skill, prove themselves, or just fight. It has also become a way for the old men of the North to die with dignity in battle while bringing gold to their families back home instead of hunting in the snow.
It is known to employ a permanent chapter of the Bridge Builders and assist the Black Huntsmen in their missions.
The Glassmaking Guild of Wintertown
After the Remaking of Myr, the North and Winterfell saw the rise of many Myrish craftsmen, who brought their skills and secrets to House Stark. Amongst them, the most famous ones were the silk-weavers and glassmakers of Myr…"
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Excerpt from the 'Great Houses at the beginning of the Fourth Century':
"Renly's Rebellion saw the fall of many Houses that could trace their origin to the Age of Heroes or even further back. But just as some fell, new ones rose, and the old ones who were on the winning side climbed even higher. Of course, one can't talk about Renly's Rebellion without mentioning the Starks of Winterfell, who, by the time Robert Baratheon perished in an unfortunate accident, were the most well-connected House in the Seven Kingdoms.
House Stark of Winterfell:
Prince Eddard Stark (born 263 AC) - Prince Robb Stark's Father, deceased at the Battle for the Heart of Winter in late 319 AC. Also known as the Kingmaker, the Bloody Blade, the Breaker of Chains.
Lady Catelyn Stark Tully (born 264 AC) - Perished from a fever caused by her grief after the death of her husband and son. Died in early 320 AC.
Their children:
Prince Robb Stark (born 281 AC) - A powerful warrior and capable commander. Wielder of the Valyrian Steel greatsword Ice. He is known as the Young Wolf for his exploits during Renly's Rebellion and one of the Demons of Winterfell–his half-brother being the other one. Also called the Beheader after personally executing over seventy petty lords and knights who had participated in the Pendaric Revolt in the Westerlands. Happily married to Princess Myrcella Baratheon.
Princess Sansa Stark (born 284 AC) - The wife of Ser Roderick Dustin, the heir and later Lord of Barrowton. Has four children. None of them can wield ice swords, unlike their mother or the Steelsongs of Snowhelm. Her eldest son, Eddard, became a Barrowknight at the age of fifteen–the youngest in generations.
Arya Stark (born 287 AC) - Eddard Stark's most wilful child. Captured by Theon Greyjoy during Renly's Rebellion and murdered by Lord Denys Drumm for supposedly slaying his father in 299 AC. Her death directly resulted in the Battle of the Bloody Shore and is said to have brought about the Breaking of the Iron Islands by her vengeful half-brother Jon Steelsong.
Brandon Stark (born 289 AC) - died while climbing a tower–or, well, falling off it in early 298 AC.
Prince Rickon Stark (born 293 AC) - Former page and squire to Lord Steelsong. The Lord Commander of the Winter Wolves after Ser Damon Dustin was assassinated by the Faceless Men. Wielder of the infamous Valyrian Steel axe, Bonebiter. In the footsteps of his elder brothers, a skilled commander and a dangerous warrior. Infamously sworn to take no wives after his betrothed, Lyanna Mormont, eloped with a bard. He has at least three known bastards in Essos. Known as the Axe of the North and the Mad Wolf.
Prince Artos Stark (born 299 AC) - The sixth child of Eddard and Catelyn Stark. A skilled warrior. Perished in the Battle for the Heart of Winter 319 AC.
Princess Lyarra Stark (born 299 AC)- Artos' younger twin sister. Devoted herself to the Old Gods and officially ascended to priesthood at nine and ten. When news of her father and twin brother's demise reached her, she took the trial of the Old Gods despite Robb Stark's vehement protest and successfully became the fourth Elder Druid and later High Priestess of the Green Order.
Prince Ellard Stark (born 301 AC) - The youngest son of Eddard Stark and Catelyn Tully. A skilled but brash fighter–said to have lost much of his hotheadedness and temper after his father died to save him in the Battle for the Heart of Winter.
Jon Snow of Winterfell (born 281 AC) - the illegitimate son of Eddard Stark and an unknown woman, and who, after Renly's Rebellion, rose as Lord Steelsong, ruler of the former Bolton Lands. (Further Details at House Steelsong)
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Prince Robb Stark and his wife, Princess Myrcella Baratheon:
Prince Edwyn Stark (born 299 AC) - Robb Stark's eldest son. Had squired to his uncle, Lord Jon Steelsong. Skilled in every weapon but is best known for his halberd and touted as the best hunter in the North. Married to Calla Steelsong.
Prince Brandon Lannister (born 301 AC) - The Lord of Casterly Rock and the Prince of the Westerlands, as per the will of the late Tywin Lannister. Called the Wolf of Casterly Rock, he's a skilled jouster and was raised in the South after becoming the page of King Tommen Baratheon at the age of eight. Married to Lady Malyna Marbrand.
Princess Jessamyn Stark (born 306 AC) - Prince Robb Stark's eldest daughter, known as the Flower of Winterfell and the Summerborn, for being born on the day summer had arrived. Loves stories and songs. Loves hawking like her mother.
Princess Cerenna Stark (born 312 AC) - Prince Robb Stark's second daughter. Cold and harsh. Interested in books more than flowers, songs, or boys. Practises with the crossbow, supposedly to emulate Queen Shireen Baratheon.
Prince Tommard Stark (born 315 AC) - The youngest Prince of Winterfell. He is the only child of Robb Stark who had inherited all of his father's colouring. Dislikes violence.
Princess Joanna Stark (born 317 AC) - The youngest child of Princess Myrcella Baratheon. The most curious, too, and it is said that she cannot sit still for more than a minute.
Benjen Stark (born 268 AC) - The 998th Lord Commander of the Night's Watch. A skilled ranger and warrior, known as the Black Wolf–not due to the black cloaks of his order, but his famed direwolf Midnight. He is most famous for his bastard children, even if he never acknowledged their existence, despite his Princely brother doing so. Died in the Battle for the Heart Of Winter.
Osric Snow (born 299 AC)- The illegitimate son of Benjen Stark by Nymeria Sand. Squired for Lord Jon Steelsong along with his cousin, Edwyn Stark. A skilled warrior known as the best marksman of Winterfell and one of the survivors of the Battle of Heart of Winter. Later married Elayne Waters, the supposed bastard daughter of Queen Cersei Lannister. Later became the Master-at-Arms in Winterfell.
Serena Snow (born 302 AC) - His second child by Nymeria Sand. Raised in Winterfell and later Snowhelm. Married Jon Liddle, the heir of Little Hall.
Merya Snow (born 304 AC) - His third child by Nymeria Sand. Raised in Winterfell and later Snowhelm. Married Rodrik Ironsmith.
Oberyn Snow (born 306 AC) - His fourth child by Nymeria Sand. Called after his grandfather with his mother's dying breath as she bled out after his birth. Called the Unlucky and raised in Snowhelm. Served as a page for his cousin, Lord Steelsong. Joined the Winter Wolves, and squires for Prince Rickon Stark.
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House Baratheon of King's Landing
King Tommen Baratheon (born 290 AC)- Also known as Tommen the Conqueror, Tommen the Daring or the Golden Sword of the Sunset Lands. Is said to be just as dangerous with a sling as he is with Brightroar, a skill acquired under the tutelage of the Mountain Clansmen of the North. Killed the infamous outlaw, Black Bard of the Mander, from over two hundred yards with his sling, bringing the looked-down-upon ancient weapon into a staple of the Crownlands in a single day.
Queen Shireen Baratheon (born 288 AC) - The Lady of Scales, also known as the Iron Queen or Stannis Baratheon with teats. Patron of sailors and shipbuilders. She is said to have played a part in King Tommen's Laws and has heavily supported and participated in the planning and diplomatic efforts of her husband's conquests. She is infamous for her skill in naval warfare and her mastery of her infamous weirwood crossbow, which she uses to hunt with her husband in Kingswood. Despite the whispers, the Greyscale didn't kill her before she reached twenty, nor was she as infertile as many courtiers gossiped.
Princess Argella Baratheon (born 305 AC) - The Crown Princess of the Seven Kingdoms, also called Argella Battleborn, for coming to this world during her mother's final battle. Married to Aemon Steelsong, her future Prince Consort.
Princess Cassandra Baratheon (born 307 AC) - Proud, beautiful, and very vain. Married to Jeor Steelsong, the heir of Snowhelm, despite all of her protests. Their marriage is said to be one full of quarrels and feuds.
Princess Floris Baratheon (born 311 AC) - Dislikes the cold. Considers the North dull and barbaric.
Princess Alysanne Baratheon (born 314 AC) - Loves pretty things, gossiping, and watching tourneys.
Princess Jocelyn Baratheon (born 317 AC) - Shy and inseparable from her twin sister Maris.
Princess Maris Baratheon (born 317 AC) - Sickly and inseparable from her twin sister Jocelyn.
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House Steelsong of Snowhelm
Hereditary titles earned by the founder Jon Steelsong (rumoured to be Lady Catelyn Stark's idea)- Lord of Snowhelm, Warden of the Weeping/Singing Water, Defender of the Eastern Shores, Keeper of the First Flame, and the Sword in the Darkness.
Coat of Arms: White direwolf head with red eyes on a black backdrop.
Words: Valour and Blood.
Lord Jon Steelsong (born 281 AC)- The legendary founder of House Steelsong. A famously ruthless sorcerer and warrior. Infamous after his tenure as a royal Regent for Prince Tommen Baratheon. Instrumental in the defence of the North during Renly's Rebellion, and has been said to be the first to slay an Other and the man to kill almost as many Cold Ones as everyone else combined. Possesses inhuman strength, sword skill, and control over direwolves. Known as the Second Coming of Bloodraven in the South, the White Huntsman, the Warg Lord, the Crownbreaker, Reaversbane, and many more in the North. While many considered his Princely Father to be the most dangerous man in the Seven Kingdoms in the time of Renly's Rebellion, Lord Steelsong comes as a close second.
Lady Val Steelsong (born approx. 279 AC)- Also known as Val the Wildling and Val the Spearwife. Many consider her a dragonseed for her silver-gold hair. A skilled huntress and master of the spear, dagger, and bow. Infamous for her disdain for the South and noblewomen. Also known for her eagerness to give birth to as many sons as possible. Has given birth to nine sons and two daughters.
Calla Steelsong (born 299 AC) - Called Steelsong as all battleborn children by wildling custom–born on the final night of the Battle for Warg's Hill, also known as the White Rout. The name also later became the choice of her Father's House. Silver of hair and purple of eyes. Said to be the prettiest maiden in the Seven Kingdoms. Inherited her father's talent with dark magick and his ability to skinwalk. Has seven direwolf companions to her name, though they usually roam the vast woods of the North. Infamously wild and wilful while young - giving her father many grey hairs. Has learned the bow, the dagger, and the spear from her mother and the sword from her father. Calla was considered thick as thieves with Robb Stark's firstborn son but, as a child, boasted that she would never wed–claims supposedly spoken to infuriate Lady Catelyn Stark.
Mellowed out after her marriage to Edwyn Stark–a union she pursued after rumours of the Stark Heir's possible engagement to Lynara Manderly reached her ears.
Aemon Steelsong (born 300 AC) - His father writ small but with silver hair and purple eyes. Wielder of an Others' blade he calls Frost. Squired for Prince Robb Stark with his twin brother. Married to Crown Princess Argella Baratheon.
Jeor Steelsong (born 300 AC) - Younger twin brother of Aemon. Wielder of Red Rain. There's nothing Valyrian in his looks, unlike his brother. Squired to Robb Stark. Dutiful but sensitive about the origin of his house and its lack of storied history. Heir to Snowhelm after his twin becomes consort to Argella. Married to Princess Cassandra Baratheon.
Duncan Steelsong (Born 303 AC)..."
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Afterword: This is it. The end of Shrouded Destiny. I contemplated doing a Jon or a Val PoV, but the chance to go full circle with another royal visit to the Crypts of Winterfell was too good to pass up. I hope you enjoyed the extras, but the logic I finished where I did is pretty much the same–I don't want to fall into the trap of endless epilogues ever again.
You might ask me about the fate of one character or another, but I can drag on writing plots and scenes for another two or three hundred thousand words and still have more to tell–it's the cruel feature of such a sprawling setting like ASOIAF. It never ends.
It was the tale of the Long Night and House Stark, a tale of the imploding Seven Kingdoms, the struggle for the Iron Throne, and all those plots are concluded–at least to the most satisfying and thorough end I was able to write.
This story challenged my skills as a writer to the limit, and towards the end, I felt I had some of the plot points slipping out of my grasp(though it could have been the 10k+ word chapters that left me drained). It looks quite different from my original plan, but I learned a lot and grew even more as a writer.
Naturally, there are some regrets–If I could rewrite things, I would do the Beyond the Wall plotline from a completely different angle. I never planned to go into detail, but I buckled under reader pressure to show more of 'Jon' and made a lacklustre showing. Some scenes might feel rough or stretch disbelief, but I'm happy with the end. That being said, this has been a grand undertaking of nearly 700k words, and I don't think I'm ready to dive into such a deep/big story anytime soon.