Cregard Royce

Cregard Royce is the current head of House Royce and Lord of Runestone. He inherited the title and castle in 406 AC upon the death of his father, Lord Robert.

Appearance and Character
Cregard is very muscular but only of average height. He keeps his hair closely cut with a pony-tail braided down the back and a beard.

Growing up in the militaristic House Royce and having fought in the War of the Three Thieves as a squire, Cregard became an incredible fighter. Although he is skilled in all manners of weapons he trained with over the years, he is most skilled with a battle-ax.

When he's not fighting, Cregard is a quiet man. Growing up without any siblings, he learned to keep himself entertained on his own and never needed much in terms of companions. However, he is usually able to make friends in the sparring circle and at tournaments. Unlike his father, Cregard does not hate the other religions but does still follow the Old Gods.

Young Life
Cregard was born to Robert Royce and Mina Glover in 384 AC during the Hammer Uprising. He grew up witnessing his father's apathy towards the violent smallfolk and his cruel punishments for them. Although they tried, Robert and Mina never had more children after Cregard. Due to the revolts and the following Great Famine, Robert did not send Cregard to ward with another House nor offer to ward any young lordlings himself. As a result, Cregard did not have any boyhood companions and grew up to be a reserved man.

He also grew into a strong warrior. From an early age, Cregard showed talent. Although his father was only average with sword and shield, Cregard learned from Runestone's Master-of-Arms, Ser Lyonel Stone. By the time he was 12, Cregard clearly had a bright future as a Knight of the Vale.

War of the Three Thieves
Against his father's wishes, Cregard snuck off with House Royce's men sent to Gulltown to fight against the Essoi thieves. There, he made himself known to some for his bravery and near-madness in the way he fought. Also along the campaign, Cregard picked up some skill with a different kind of ax as he helped repair the ships making up the Vale's fleet. Upon returning home, Cregard's father had already heard of his son's violent actions and made sure he didn't become a brute. So, Robert forced Cregard to spend just as much time with the maester reading books and by his side at court learning to be a lord as he did in the sparring circle.

Becoming a Lord
During the Scarlet Winter, Cregard shone as an heir and future lord. He had little need for fine things that gold could buy so most of his money went to helping the smallfolk eat and keep their houses built against the snow, which he especially enjoyed helping with. In addition to showing promise as a ruler, Cregard also appeared to have the makings of a good father as well. With already three children when winter finally ended, he was determined to be a warmer father than his had been to him. Whether training his two sons to fight or show his daughter the finer points of woodworking, Cregard insists on spending time with them every day.

Family

 * Cregard Royce b. 380 AC
 * Roslin Royce b. 380 AC
 * Roland Royce b. 396 AC
 * Eleanor Royce b. 398 AC
 * Brandon Royce b. 401 AC

Cadet Branch

 * Samwell Royce b. 360 AC
 * Ysilla Moore b. 361 AC
 * Harwyn Royce b. 377 AC
 * Roslin Royce b. 380 AC