Redsmiths

The Redsmiths are one of the most powerful of the Mountain Clans in the Vale, thanks largely to their more frequent interactions with the Arryns and other Andal lords. In recent years they have led the resurgence of the Mountain Clans largely under the banner of a famous warrior who is professed to be the son of Roland Arryn and a wildling princess.

Lore
The Redsmiths trace their descent to one of the ancient First Men kings in the Vale, of a line vanquished during the Battle of Seven Stars. According to legend the daughter of a defeated lord fled the battle, last of her house, and took refuge in the depths of a mountain.

It was there that she communed with the spirit of the Old Gods, who gave her strength and the promise that one day, they would drive their foes from the hills. Their guidance led her to a mighty hill that had been torn open by some forgotten cataclysm, and there she and the remainder of her peoples settled, naming it Bronzehollow. They forged weapons of bronze to fight their foes, but their supplies were meager and stood little chance against the iron-clad foes who had driven them from the fertile plains. In time they grew to expand, but their name yet reflects their origins as crafters of weapons.

History
The Redsmiths have waxed and waned in strength, constantly locked in a struggle for dominance with both neighbouring clans and the people of the lowlands. By mid-300AC they were fairly powerful, the increase in accessible metals seeing their skills as smiths in far greater supply. The weapons they built would go on to serve Stone Crows and Howlers, Painted Dogs and more -- all vying with the Andal lords in their stone castles.

In time, however, the Redsmiths began to see that trade proved far more lucrative than raiding. The other clans had little in the way of goods, but the lords of the Vale - there lay wealth. When Roland Arryn made overtures to the many chieftans and chiefs in the mountains, it was in the Redsmiths that he found his closest and most willing allies. The two communities worked together for mutual benefit, and in time the Redsmiths thrived.

The Crisis
The marriage between Valla of the Redsmiths and Lord Roland Arryn proved too much for many Valelords to stand, and they rose against him in 392AC during the ceremony itself. Roland was killed, and Joramun of the Redsmiths - the chieftain - was later executed, along with many of his warriors and retainers. His daughter escaped into the high hills once again, and from there sparked renewed hostilities with the Arryns and their vassals.

The Redsmiths in 400AC and On
Under the command of Valla, daughter of Joramun, and Uric of the Redsmiths, the clan slowly rose to preeminence in the mountains. When her young son Royce at last came of age, he was named Chieftain of the Redsmiths - and turned then towards expanding that power exponentially.

The Redsmiths have since absorbed several smaller clans, forging strong alliances with the Black Ears and the Moon Brothers. The Burned Men have warred fiercely against them, but the strength and skill of the young Redhawk cannot be denied.

In 407AC, the inter-clan wars turned outwards - and by the order of Royce the clansmen attacked House Arryn as they made their way towards the Eyrie. They slew many men and captured weapons and armour, though they were ultimately defeated and driven off.

A few months later whilst collecting tribute and supplies, Uric of the Redsmiths stumbled upon Katerina Hunter and Jasper Arryn in the high hills. A brief, tense discussion eventually revealed the information that the lowlander lords were at war. Sensing an opportunity, Uric brought the information back to the Redsmiths -- and later that year they would launch a war in earnest against House Arryn and the Vale.

Current Members

 * Royce Redfeather, Chieftain of the Redsmiths
 * Valla of the Redsmiths, Princess and Mother of Royce
 * Uric of the Redsmiths, Warleader
 * Myrddin, a shaman, healer, and wise man, the left hand of the Redfeather.

Historical Members

 * Joramun of the Redsmiths, executed by Alaric Arryn
 * Alfyn of the Redsmiths, who attempted to scale the Giant's Lance in 58AC
 * Black Bael of the Redsmiths, who nearly united the clans beneath his banner before he was betrayed and killed.