Oswin Arryn

Oswin Arryn, sometimes called the Osprey or the Warhawk, was the Lord of the Eyrie and Defender of the Vale until his death in 370AC. A man of fierce temperament and decisive action, many remark that the first peace he ever knew was the grave.

Appearance and Character
Born with a shock of scarlet hair, inherited no doubt from his grandmother Sansa Stark, Osric's temperament matched the fire of his locks. Terrible in anger, and quick to it as well, many walked in fear of his rages whilst he ruled the Eyrie, and all stood clear when his hand moved to the sword. Oswin declared war eternal against the Mountain Clans, marching into the foothills in over a dozen different attempts to exterminate them to some degree. Though each attempt failed, through defeat or an inability to drive their foes out, Oswin nevertheless continued to try again.

History
Born to Osric Arryn and Alayne Tully, Oswin was a lusty and robust babe from the start. Growing quickly into a strong and handsome youth, he was the pride of his father and considered by all to be a good heir to the Eyrie.

In his youth Oswin was named Keeper of the Gates of the Moon by his father, though the title would be little more than lip-service. Oswin refused to remain in the keep, seeing to his duties - preferring instead to ride into the hills and meadows, wild and free. He and his companions often explored the stony ridges about the Vale - which brought him into conflict with the peoples of those lands on more than one occasion. These petty conflicts would awake in the future Lord Arryn a hatred for the Mountain Clans that ran deep - most especially when Oswin himself was captured, and taken hostage by members of the Burned Men.

After the death of Lord Osric, Oswin's efforts against the clansmen increased. Additionally he would see to the Vale's part of the Red God Revival, encouraging the ousting of foreign priests and red god faithfuls and ordering the execution of several missionaries. On the seas, Oswin's took a firm stance against pirates and smugglers, working with Lord Grafton to clear the waters of the Bay of Crabs.

When the Summer Sickness seemed to ravage the whole of the realm, Oswin ordered the sealing of the routes into the Vale. Refugees at the Bloody Gate were turned aside, whilst the more aggressive asylum-seekers were set upon with arrows and bolts. All the same, the sickness managed to enter the Vale via Gulltown, spreading then inward through the land.

Oswin attended the Blackwater Tourney, along with his brother Godric and his young son, Roland. Godric rode in the lists and won minor renown, but ultimately did not succeed. During the tourney Oswin put forth his name to King Aenar, seeking a position upon the Small Council. Oswin was rebuffed, souring his opinions toward the Crown, and went home to the Eyrie in a dark mood.

In 360AC, the royal court arrived in the Eyrie for their tour of the Seven Kingdoms. Oswin greeted them at the Bloody Gate, and led them up the High Road to his castle. Initially disappointed to find Aenys betrothed to a Blackwood, Oswin nonetheless hoped to find a royal match for his children amongst the royals. Whilst this dream was never realized, the royal visit would inspire Oswin's son and heir to greater heights of achievement, pleasing Oswin greatly.

Ten years later, nearly fifty years of age, Oswin would pass quietly in his sleep, content in his victories if not the permanence of their achievements. Most agree he was not one of the great lords of the Eyrie, but his strong hand and careful eye saw raids from the mountains drop drastically, and prevented the Summer Sickness from being far worse and arriving far earlier in the Vale.