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House Blackberry of Briardowns (Dragon Ruin AU)

House Blackberry of Briardowns is a distinguished lordly cadet branch with deep-rooted connections to House Turnberry. While they traditionally swear fealty to House Baratheon, House Blackberry has always had a special connection to the legacy of the Storm Kings of old.

The history of House Blackberry can be traced back to the times before Aegon's Conquest. Maesters serving at Storm's End confirm that they fought against Orys Baratheon, the founder of House Baratheon, before eventually submitting to his might. The official records of House Turnberry reveal an intriguing story about House Blackberry's formation. A promising heir of House Turnberry, known for his reckless and salacious behavior, was banished from his ancestral home. In a twist of fate, he found himself embroiled in a battle against the Storm Kings and Shadow Kings, where he offered a bottle of stolen wine in exchange for his life. This marked the humble beginnings of House Blackberry.

The heart of House Blackberry's domain is situated on the borderlands between the Stormlands and the Reach, with the thriving trade town of Briardowns at its center. This town is renowned for its fortified berry wines, a recipe the Blackberrys claim to have "borrowed" from the Turnberrys. This brewing rivalry between distant kin has created a rift, leading to strained relations. The lands of House Blackberry benefit from the rich soil, nourished by sediment from the Red Mountains to the south. Maesters largely attribute this fertility to the agricultural wealth the Blackberrys harvest year after year. However, there are less scholarly individuals and superstitious folk who believe that Garth Greenhand, the legendary figure from the Age of Heroes, once tended to these lands, fostering their natural bounty.

Although House Blackberry is of relatively minor status, they have earned the respect of their fellow Stormlanders over the generations. They are often found serving House Baratheon as loyal protectors and skilled commanders.

In recent times, House Blackberry has pledged its allegiance to the revived Durradon Stormkings, a reformed line under the banner of House Bolling during the tumultuous period known as the Dragons' Ruin. They are currently embroiled in a bitter conflict against other Stormland Kings, with many brave sons of the House falling to the raids of the Lightning Kings of the Marches. House Blackberry remains resolute, defending their honor and preserving the legacy of their ancestors in the face of adversity.

#asoiaf #asoiaf fanart #asongoficeandfire #coat of arms #heraldry #fantasy #oc house #dark fantasy

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Jenny of Oldstones

“High in the halls of the kings who are gone Jenny would dance with her ghosts The ones she had lost and the ones she had found And the ones who had loved her the most

The ones who'd been gone for so very long She couldn't remember their names They spun her around on the damp old stones Spun away all her sorrow and pain

And she never wanted to leave, never wanted to leave Never wanted to leave, never wanted to leave

They danced through the day And into the night through the snow that swept through the hall From winter to summer then winter again 'Til the walls did crumble and fall

And she never wanted to leave, never wanted to leave Never wanted to leave, never wanted to leave And she never wanted to leave, never wanted to leave Never wanted to leave, never wanted to leave

High in the halls of the kings who are gone Jenny would dance with her ghosts The ones she had lost and the ones she had found And the ones Who had loved her the most”

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Dragons Ruin Project (ASOIAF AU)

House Rakaryon of Sanguine Towers

House Rakaryon, is an ancient Valyrian House that immigrated to Westeros alongside House Targaryen before the Doom of Valyria, they are a unique and mysterious family with a rich history and a deep connection to the Targaryens.

House Rakaryon originated in Old Valyria and were practitioners of Valyrian Blood Magic. While they were never dragonriders themselves, they excelled in the creation of hybrid creatures within the Flesh Pits. It is even said that the Rakaryons were instrumental in teaching the Dragonkeepers of the Dragonpit how to tend to and care for dragons.

Over the centuries, House Rakaryon has integrated themselves into the daily lives of House Targaryen. Many members of House Rakaryon serve as tutors, midwives, and guardians to the Royal Children. They form strong bonds with their charges and often remain by their side until the day they die. Rarely do they take on another charge; instead, they retire to a small isle along the coasts of Blackwater Bay.

Members of House Rakaryon possess the distinctive Valyrian features, including silver hair and vibrant eye colors. However, what sets them apart from other Valyrians is their dusky skin tones, a unique trait that still remains prevalent to this day. Perhaps due to their history as Fleshshapers or their practice of Valyrian Blood Magic, a small percentage of House Rakaryons are born with physical deformities. These can include extra limbs, skinned-over eyes, and even documented cases of forked tongues. Many Maesters refuse to provide service to the Rakaryons, forcing the household to attempt to correct these malformities themselves, with varying degrees of success.

Throughout the history of the Iron Throne, House Rakaryon has played significant roles in shaping the rise and fall of House Targaryen. During the Dance of the Dragons, while the majority of House Rakaryon remained neutral, those who had served Rhaenyra Targaryen throughout her life and helped raise her children were seen fighting alongside her armies. Lady Laeyrsa Rakaryon, an advisor to Aemond One-Eye, is rumored to have remained with Alys Rivers after his death to care for the Witch of Harrenhal's dragonseed, reportedly spawned by Aemond himself.

Additionally, it is believed that Shiera Seastar learned her sorceries and other occult practices from House Rakaryon, as many of the Great Bastards were cared for by members of the House. House Rakaryon is also blamed by some traditional Maesters for causing the Tragedy of Summerhall after teaching Aegon V Targaryen ways to hatch the dragon eggs still in their possession.

#asoiaf #asoiaf fanart #asongoficeandfire #coat of arms #heraldry #fantasy #oc house #dark fantasy #old valyria

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Dragons Ruin Project ASOIAF AU

House Barstark of the Feast Cairn

House Barstark, one of the most prestigious cadet branch of House Stark, holds a crucial role in the North, safeguarding the territories around the Barrowlands and the edges of the Neck. As the first line of defense for the North against potential invaders who manage to traverse the treacherous Moat Cailin, the Barstarks have a long and storied history.

The most treasured possession of House Barstark is Gravewalker, a striking bronze blade forged by the First Men. This ancient weapon possesses an unnatural sharpness and was discovered in the depths of the Feast Cairn, a testament to the house's deep connection with its ancestral lands.

Barstarks are known for their distinct appearance, characterized by slate-black hair and pale hazel eyes. Their gaunt features and unnaturally lithe physiques distinguish them from their Stark relatives.

House Barstark's origins can be traced back to the tumultuous days of the Andal Invasion. Beren Snow, a Stark bastard, rose to prominence when he saved the beautiful and only daughter of the Lord Dustin from the invading Andals. Beren and the Lady Dustin were quickly wed and adopted the name Barstark, establishing their seat in the ancient holdfast of the Feast Cairn, nestled near the borderlands of the Neck. 

Throughout the annals of history, House Barstark has played a significant role in the affairs of the North.

House Barstark followed Torrhen Stark to face the Targaryen dragons. However, when Torrhen bent the knee to Aegon Targaryen, the Barstarks, like many Northern houses, were outraged. They swiftly left the war camp and returned to the Feast Cairn, rejecting any summons or visitors. Records of the following years are spotty, but some collected accounts tell of House Barstark treachery as they raided across the North, attacking any and all travelers heading to Winterfell

The Barstark banners flew during the Targaryen civil war, supporting the northern forces alongside a handful of other noble houses.

House Barstark was a pillar of support for Cregan Stark's forces during the Hour of the Wolf in King's Landing. After Cregan's resignation, the Barstarks remained in the South for nearly a year, waiting for the worst of the winter to pass. When they finally returned to the Barrowlands, Lord Theomar Barstark brought with him his new wife, Lady Myranda Mooton.

In the pivotal conflict of Roberts Rebellion, the Barstarks played a role not previously anticipated. Sent ahead of Lord Eddard Stark to scout around King's Landing, they inadvertently found themselves joining the Lannister forces in the siege of the city. Tragically, most of the Barstark men were incinerated during the Immolation, leaving only a young lad of 15, Errold Barstark, to walk away from the fiery catastrophe.

Today, House Barstark stands firmly behind the newly refounded Barrowkings and enjoys a prominent position of power and influence. Berena Barstark, twin sister to Lord Tomard "the Hungry Lord" Barstark, serves as the current Barrowqueen.

#asoiaf fanart #asongoficeandfire #coat of arms #heraldry #oc house #asoiaf #fantasy #falseheraldry

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House Bodric of Hagstone is a minor house in the North, sworn directly to House Dustin, the Barrow-Kings of the region. While they may have a lowly position in the hierarchy of Northern nobility, the Bodrics have a unique and enigmatic history that sets them apart.

House Bodric's origins trace back to the Westerlands, where they once held power. However, their departure from the region is shrouded in mystery and dark tales. Legends speak of the Bodrics practicing forbidden arts, dabbling in necromancy and black magic, and even breaking ancient pacts. These malevolent practices supposedly led to their expulsion from the Westerlands. House Bodric chose to seek refuge in the North, where the harsh climate and distant location could offer them safety and solitude.

The Bodrics exhibit distinctive physical features. They tend to be pallid and lanky, with an air of sullenness about them. It is said that their appearance has been influenced by their intermingling with Northern houses like the Boltons over the centuries. While they retain some of their original southern fairness, the relentless cold of the North has seemingly stripped away some of their vitality.

House Bodric has a history of serving in the Night's Watch, with some members achieving high ranks within the organization. Ser Artan Bodric is the most famous of these, rising to the esteemed position of Lord Commander. His journey to the Wall was a result of his unwavering loyalty and service to Daemon Blackfyre during the Blackfyre Rebellion. However, his tenure as Lord Commander ended mysteriously when Brynden Rivers, known as Bloodraven, arrived at the Wall. Artan was found dead in his locked chambers, with his eyes and extremities seemingly plucked away by ravens, leaving a haunting enigma behind.

House Bodric wields an ancient and enigmatic ancestral weapon known as Lifeblood. Its composition remains a mystery, with maesters comparing its craftsmanship to the legendary bronze armor of House Royce and other artifacts associated with the First Men and the Children of the Forest. The weapon's dark and foreboding name adds to the aura of mystery surrounding it.

In recent times, House Bodric has aligned itself with the revived Barrow-Kings of House Dustin. They faithfully stand by their liege lords in the ongoing conflicts against other First Kings of the North, demonstrating their commitment to the power struggles and intricate politics of the region.

#coat of arms #medieval #heraldry #asongoficeandfire #asoiaf #asoiaf fanart #asoiaf art #oc house

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House Blackbriar of Thornhearth are a Major House of the Crownlands, known as the Lords of the Wormwood, the Blackbriars control most of the area along the Blackwater Rush leading to the Riverlands. The Blackbriars have had a tumultuous history with the Iron Throne and has been on the wrong side of many of the conflicts that have befallen Westeros.

House Blackbriar's history is shrouded in mystique, stemming from its foundation by Ser Greymen of the Briars, an Andal adventurer. He

laid claim to the dense and otherworldly woods along the banks of the Blackwater Rush, a place often veiled in an eerie, verdant fog.

The dark origins of House Blackbriar are entwined with the legendary figure known as the Blackthorn, a woods witch of notorious repute. One fateful night, the witch and Ser Greymen crossed paths within the confines of his secured quarters. The tales that surround this encounter diverge into two distinct narratives. Some claim that the Blackthorn used dark and beguiling magic to seduce Ser Greymen, while others believe that the two forged a mysterious pact. The only certainty is that by the following day, the Blackthorn had seated herself beside Ser Greymen, declaring herself his lady wife.

Ser Greymen, now bearing the name Blackbriar in homage to his union with the Blackthorn, oversaw the construction of a keep deep within the heart of the shadowy woods along the Blackwater Rush.

Legend has it that the smallfolk, roused by fear and suspicion, eventually rose against Greymen and his enigmatic witch wife. They stormed the partially built keep, seizing the Blackthorn from her private chambers and condemning her to the flames of a fearsome pyre. As the witch burned, stories describe a grotesque transformation, as if she transcended the boundaries of the mortal realm, writhing in both agony and ecstasy. When the mob turned their ire towards Lord Greymen and his infant child, they were met with a furious response from the loyal warriors under his command. In a brutal and chaotic clash, many lives were lost in the ensuing turmoil, further shrouding House Blackbriar's early history in blood 

Throughout the Reign of the Dragons the Blackbriars have repeatedly chosen the wrong sides to back during civil conflicts and internal strife, from supporting Rhaenyra during the Dance, shifting allegiance to Daemon Blackfyre halfway through the war to backing the Golden Company when they attempted to put Aegor Blackfyre on the Throne during Rhaegars rule.

Due to their ever shifting and seemingly random loyalities the Blackbriars have suffered the wrath of many of the Dragons and only there ability to shut down one of the more important trade routes into Kings Lnading saved them from extinction time and time again.

The Blackbriars possess a unique Valyrian steel Arming Sword known as the Vilethorn, with deep verdant green blade and a carved ruby rose in the pommel. Many say that the Vilethorn has been soaked in all manner of poisons and a single cut can fell even the stoutest warriors.

#asongoficeandfire #fantasy #coat of arms #heraldry #asoiaf fanart #asoiaf #falseheraldry #oc_house

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Along Northern Shores

#monochrome #landscape #digital art