Theon Harlaw

Theon Harlaw is the natural son of Lady Alannys Harlaw and her lover, Triston Volmark. Originally recognized as a Pyke, he was legitimized in the wake of the Seastone Interregnum by Visaera I Targaryen, and has ruled as the Lord of Harlaw since 432 AC. He came to power amidst the bloody civil war remembered as the Black Prophet's Rebellion, during which he had defeated his cousin and contender, Ravos Harlaw, and captured the false king Loren Greyjoy aboard his own ship - thus ending the conflict. Like his mother and uncle had before, he wields the Valyrian Steel longsword, Nightfall.

With a keen mind for strategy and matters of statecraft, Theon played a crucial part in helping his younger brother solidify his power, and it was due to his efforts that House Greyjoy's naval strength was restored during the Four Year Winter that struck the Realm. He had served as Lord Captain of the Iron Fleet for the better part of the season until his resignation in 436 AC, when late in the year, he was called upon to serve the Realm as King Aegon's Master of Ships. With the court of Pyke supporting his decision, he accepted the appointment and traveled to King's Landing.

For well over a year now, the Lord of Harlaw has been handling his responsibilities as a member of the Small Council with persistence, diligence, and infallible loyalty to the King. He had seen to a seamless transition after his predecessor's resignation, and building upon the latter's reforms, his own policies are simultaneously centered around the preservation of the Royal Fleet's strength and its expansion. His efforts thus far have paid off, for he has been proving not only his own worth, but that of his people as a whole - and it remains one of his goals to establish the Iron Islands as a most valuable asset to the Realm.

As the head of the most distinguished House Harlaw, Captain of the famed Argent Phantom, and a proud father of five, Theon's legacy remains yet unfinished. What's certain is that he enjoys a growing recognition in many circles, and his name is conjured with reverence and fear in equal measure.

Appearance & Character
By no means a towering giant, Theon Harlaw yet cuts an imposing figure by merit of his presence alone. His slender form is strengthened with a warrior's musculature, and his stature is possessed of an imperious quality as he bears himself with the martial might and noble grace that befit a man of his history. Despite his bastard birth, he came to the world exhibiting the distinctive characteristics that defined his line for generations, and as he had matured into adulthood, so had his heritage become more pronounced.

Theon wears his crown of midnight locks in a neat bowl-cut above thick and prominent brows, and sports a sparse beard, always fashionably trimmed, to highlight the inherent sharpness of his visage. Whilst his large, round eyes are a reflection of his mother, Theon has inherited his father's angular and in certain lights rugged features. His pointed chin, protruding cheekbones, and hooked nose - along with his charcoal gaze and devilish smile - complete an image of menacing elegance that he effortlessly projects.

Beside his bearing, his natural gifts are only further accentuated by his choice of attire. Subverting classic stereotypes and expectations, Theon - unless necessity calls for it - consciously avoids the roughspun cloaks and simple leathers associated with the reavers of the Ironman's Bay, and instead aims to strike an impression that imparts his ideal of synergy between tradition and progression. His wardrobe is generally composed of the colours of his House, with the interplay of the predominant blacks and dark greys, and scant patterns of silver evoking a sense of modesty and refinement alike.

Abiding by those choices, Theon prefers wool tunics and doublets with the occasional mantles and overcoats for their practicality, but he can also be spotted in finer fabrics such as velvet and silk, especially when is in attendance at the Red Keep. And although he is not particularly fond of lavish designs, he doesn't shy away from accessories. Apart from the signet ring of House Harlaw on his right hand, Theon is rarely seen without a peculiar brooch attached below his shoulders; depicting two silver scythes crossed with the slitted eye of Nagga betwixt their heads, it was a one of the last gifts his father had given to his mother, and by and of itself, it is of great sentimental value to him.

The only arm he regularly carries on his person is the steel dagger that hangs in its sheath from his leather belt. That, however, changes as soon as he leaves the political arena for the real. When he heads into battle, Theon dons upon himself a set of black and silver plate armour much akin to that of his predecessor, and only then does he wield the Valyrian Steel of his ancestors - albeit the blade rarely tastes blood. Even though he is a capable fighter, as a high lord, Theon understands his fundamental role in warfare as much as in politics. He is a beacon thousands look up to for leadership and guidance, and he has distinguished himself as a luminary in both respects.

The Lord of Harlaw emanates strength and purpose in an almost nonchalant manner, and his demeanor gains its authenticity from one simple truth; where others hide behind carefully tailored layers of deception, he does not. Theon draws his power of presence from his conviction, and an honest, if somewhat cynical display of the man he is. Whilst he perceives the subtleties of courtly intrigue, he cares little for their potential as weapons when there are tools far sharper at his disposal. Wielding upon his lips the savage candor of his Ironborn kin, the Harlaw means every word he utters, and lives by the law of their making. There is boldness in defying a convention so deeply intertwined with the political nature of the world, yet he still manages to persist on the top - and perhaps that's where his innate charm sprouts from.

Make no mistake though; for daring the man may be, he lacks in folly. Once riddled with insecurity and fearful of the scrutiny of his peers, Theon came to consider the pursuit of external acceptance a flaw, and believes that his truest conception of self may only be achieved on his very own terms. He sees individual merit as the surest means of excellence, and in the pursuit of the latter, he upholds his mother as the ultimate role model. He is unyielding in his positions, meticulous in execution, and always seeks to align his personal interests with what he deems the greater good. Pairing that philosophy, however, is a moral compass equivocal in its nature; Theon deliberates his decisions upon a pragmatic compromise between his principles and selfish desires, and as he advances towards the future, no sacrifice may seem too great for the preservation of his legacy.

Immediate Family

 * Alannys Harlaw, Lady of Harlaw b. 388 d. 433 AC
 * w. Triston Volmark b. 386 d. 409 AC
 * Theon Harlaw, Lord of Harlaw b. 406 AC
 * m. Genna Harlaw, Lady of Harlaw b. 404 AC
 * Alysanne Harlaw b. 421 AC
 * Triston Harlaw, Heir to Harlaw b. 421 AC
 * Edmund Harlaw b. 429 AC
 * Meredyth Harlaw b. 433 AC
 * m. Dagon Greyjoy, Lord of the Iron Islands b. 385 d. 432 AC
 * Victaria Greyjoy b. 412 AC
 * Arwyn Greyjoy b. 415 AC
 * Maege Greyjoy b. 417 AC
 * Alyn Greyjoy, Lord of the Iron Islands b. 419 AC
 * m. Alerie Redwyne, Lady of Pyke b. 420 AC

Extended Family
See the page of House Harlaw and the extended family tree.

Household

 * Sylas Myre - Castellan of the Ten Towers
 * Maester Lomas - Counselor and Tutor
 * Helya "Blackheart" Harlaw - Master-at-Arms
 * Donel Pyke - Steward
 * Othgar Blackgull - Drowned Priest of Harlaw
 * Tattered Tarle Kenning - Shipwright and Engineer