FYI
Gain inspiration from Reign of Winter for this chapter to help explain the progress of the North without having to explain what has occurred over the course of 12,000 years.
s/12731681/1/Reign-of-Winter - Really just wished the writer could come back and finish this story!
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25 Years After the Wall
The event that created the legend of Brandon of the Bloody Blade coincided with the day Bran the Builder passed onto the Next Great Adventure, as termed by Albus Dumbledore and Lady Death herself.
Both events brought a whole deal of sorrow for House Stark, not only because their King, Heahþrym Magnar, and father had died, but it also nearly led to the death of Brandon the Younger, who'd suffered against a force of twelve thousand with his Direwolf.
During the fight, at one point Brandon's Direwolf received a wound that was fatal, however her life wasn't ended in that moment.
A heavily scarred and wounded Brandon had expended more magic than he had or could draw upon at this stage without further exhausting his body, but that didn't stop him from sending a wave of cutting hexes grouped together for maximum damage at his foes until blood began to seep from his eyes, nose, and the ears.
As the magic sent his foes nearby flying away with fatal cuts, Brandon rushed forward to the side of his Direwolf, Sygg, who continued to attack the enemies while heavily wounded and limping.
Her blood began to flow over onto Brandon's body after he moved underneath her extended head, beneath the jawline, as their blood began to merge with each other, creating a unique reaction neither expected nor knew anything about.
As they hadn't noticed the reaction taking place just yet, they continued to fight the numerous foes, disregarding their own safety as the pushed the minds and bodies to continue fighting and survive for as long as to ensure the safety of those relying on them to succeed.
Never willing to give up as it meant the likely death of others tied to not just House Strong, but those of the nearby Childrens enclave as well, neither gave up fighting, with one ripping apart foes while the other used his bloodied blade and exhausted magical reserves.
Combined together, their strong mentality and incredibly willpower awoke the deep seeded power in Brandon's blood, which extended to his heavily injured Direwolf, having fought through the pain and suffer through the added strength provided by the reaction of the blood merging.
Soon enough, in the presence of his enemies, Brandon, and the spirit of his Direwolf merged with his body, mind, and soul, becoming one, all the while awakening the 'gift' Daniel, the Great Alpha of the Wolffolk, bestowed upon House Stark during their first meeting in the Godswood of Winterfell.
Brandon's children back at the Keep of House Strong, King Rickon, Torren, and their children back in the North, experienced a similar spirit bond with their Direwolves, though all remained alive, whereas Brandon saw the end of his beloved Sygg.
None underwent a complete body transformation right away, expect for Brandon the Younger, but they somewhat understood it was possible now, having gained some memories from the 'gift' to know it was a possible feat.
They also had a bond with their inner Direwolf, or as House Stark would come to call it, the 'Dire Side', though they only come to understand it on a deeper level during the first transformation that was known to occur in times Starks would be pushed to a greater height than they knew possible.
Transforming into huge Direwolf with the intelligence of a human but the speed, strength, and stamina that is close to superhuman, can be rather daunting and difficult for some to handle at first.
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In the case of Brandon, equipped with the aid of his inner Spirit Direwolf, standing just as tall and fearsome as Sygg, but with darker fur stained by the blood of his foes, easily eclipsing a fully grown destrier horse, he was more than ready to rip his foes to shreds.
Understanding Sygg sacrificed what remained of her strength to give Brandon her power, which led to his transformation, left the Third Son of House Stark saddened by her loss, grace, and playfulness but grateful for the gift to continue fighting.
Using his emotions to fuel his wrath going forth renewed, Brandon howled to the heavens before charging upon the army to continue slaughter against the forces appearing without no end in sight.
Eventually Brandon remained the only one alive, barely though, as the earth around him was blanketed by the blood of the fallen.
Having returned back to his human form, Brandon the Younger crumbled onto his knees, as the gentle winds carried the strong smell of iron, yet the warrior to cause all the mayhem stayed silent and unmoving.
Thankfully, the convenient arrival of Hadrianand the others saved Brandon, spending him away to safety to be healed up, as they all had the 'fun' and 'joy' of spreading the story of Brandon of the Bloody Blade throughout the Reach Kingdom.
With the recent death of Brandon the Builder, the group that arrived with Hadrianwere far from happy at seeing the poor state of their nephew.
Yet knew it wasn't wise to rage at the whole of the Reach populous for the actions of a greedy nobility, so they decided to spread a tale through the Kingdom instead that would warn all of the fabled wrath House Strong possesses, along with its contempt against the Kingdom for their actions.
The very same tale their spread through the Reach ended up arriving at the doorstep of Winterfell by the grand feast held in honour of Brandon the Builder after his funeral had passed, sung by a bard who left with more wealth than he could have ever imagined.
His descendants would one day create history, fuelled largely in kind by the actions of their ancestor to have sung at the funeral of Brandon the Builder.
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Having awoken in his old room back in Winterfell, Brandon the Younger soon realised he'd travelled there after the Healer had fixed the internal damage from the battle and over exhaustion of his body using magic.
Brandon met with his dear wife, children, and the rest of his family, only for the discussion about his change into a Direwolf during the battle, leading Rickon to call Magnar Daniel of Houses Thael and Sauyer, and High Magnar of the Wolffolk.
As the message went through Harry, Daniel chose to send only one man to help train the relevant members of Stark blood after his 'gift' to Bran the Builder's blood finally awoke in his Third Son, going on to activate for the rest of Stark blood.
Under the care of Remus, and his diligent training regiment, the power of the Dire-Side for House Stark only grew in strength, now more than ever as they secured the whole North under their rulership before the passing of their father.
Sadly, none could celebrate the awakening of the gift by the Great Alpha Wolf of the Wolffolk, as the funeral of their father neared and required their full attention as guests arrived at Winterfell.
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As the tale of Brandon of the Bloody Blade spready quickly across the whole Reach, including the massacre of the enclaves of Children and wandering Giants, all of whom were magical decoys left behind by Harry's forces to fool the masses, the petty Kings and Lords began to worry about the wrath of their High King.
Everyone knew how much Garth favoured his 'second son', many believing his attachment to Brandon was nothing more than making up for lost time, yet as the realisation of their actions began to settle in their minds and hearts, all began to pray to the Gods for mercy, and protection from the fury of their High King.
Many began to plan for the safety and wellbeing of their family, fully prepared to sell their wealth and goods away just so Garth Greenhand didn't learn of his son's 'end' by the actions of their greed.
Yet they soon came to accept their High King wasn't ever going to be seen again in the lands of the Reach, as word reached them of Garth travelling up to the North.
Garth had made up his mind to never return back to the Kingdom of the Reach after learning of the army gathering to attack the enclaves and Giants loyal to House Strong before moving onto the heavily renovated and upgraded castle.
Brandon the Bloody Blade would eventually return home to the grand castle in the South, happy to find himself in the Keep of House Strong, making sure his wife and children led a safe, secure, and fulfilling lives without any worry.
Remaining under disguise the entire time, only a select few of the most loyal men and women to House Strong knew of the truth regarding his identity.
Brandon the Bloody Blade continued to oversee the growth of his House, as his heir took over after they all returned from the North, eventually leading House Strong to greater heights, never once forgetting their ties to House Stark and the lands of the North.
Brandon's eldest son now wielded the Fallen Star metal longsword named 'Bloody Blade' after being recovered from the Red Lake, as the body of water was renamed, and handed over to House Strong as part of their territory.
Along with the pups of Sygg, House Strong began to secure their borders and strength, forever distrustful of Reachmen, while increasing their support for House Blackwood of Raventree Hall as it fought to become the King of the Rivers.
Garth on the other hand remained back in the North and settled a new life in service of House Stark as councillor to King Rickon Stark.
He also travelled a great deal all over the North, blessing lands, and even making improvements where possible to help the smallfolk of the North as they began to rise in number after many smallfolk made the decision to leave the Kingdom of the Reach after hearing of High King Garth's departure for the northern lands.
Garth would also travel to Skagos to further develop his magical abilities before heading Beyond-the-Wall, only to return after expending a great deal of his strength to help settlements being built in the harsh winter climate to have some of the most fertile land possible to grow their own food and domestical animals.
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32 Years After the Wall
Where the manmade river connected to the White Knife, allowing Winterfell to have their own riverport, an eruption from a deep volcano in the ground helped create a defensive hill perfect for a new castle.
Members of Clan Heiðruind went out ahead of time and checked out the land, only to discover the deep underground volcano with a steady stream of water for the ideal hot springs.
With the land changed into a large hill from the event of the eruption, it wasn't difficult to find the plentiful obsidian material formed together, ready for mining.
King Rickon Stark, the King of Winter and the North, ordered for a new castle to be built there atop the hill, with Magnar Alaric Makerstark declaring his hand in its design and creation, as it would be the home of Sidianstark in the future, named after the large source of obsidian material vein.
Torren, the second son of Bran the Builder, was ordered by King Rickon Stark to form his own House, with no better choice than the new hill.
Goblins, Dwarves, Gnomes, Giants, and so forth answered the call of Magnar Alaric Makerstark to build the castle, along with Hogwarts of Skane sending the very best and brightest to help.
Over the course of twelve months, the home of Sidianstark would be completed, including a riverport town with the opportunity to expand easily into a city one day, however in Torren's lifetime, the settlement would receive the name, Svarthaug.
The abundant source of natural hot springs received magical enchantments before its incorporation into the foundation of the castle and riverside town began, leading into the bathhouses, and hot springs for the smallfolk to help maintain a healthy lifestyle and one free of disease.
While it would become a mining town for all the obsidian found in the earth, Sidianstarks on the other hand, gained plenty of praise and notoriety from around the known world for the health benefits of the hot springs they had on offer.
Once finished, the castle named Svarthold, quickly became a shield for the North, ensuring no pirates would go further than their lands when travelling up the river White Knife.
They would also become one of the closest cadet branches to the main House of Stark, and a very loyal vassal for other cadet branches to compare themselves against, if not outright compete against at times.
Of course, they would already begin to see profits and help strengthen the North as soon as possible by providing the mined obsidian to House Makerstark, Clan Heiðruind, House Potter and her vassals.
Dwarves, Goblins, Gnomes, Wizarding, and even Druids would begin experimenting with the mined stone, learning a whole lot as they discovered countless uses.
For the Dwarves, they discovered how to merge it with forged steel, and their own variant, strengthening the blade and inscribing runes to improve its lethality.
Their control over fire and metals enabled their purity to be higher than anyone could naturally achieve from a forge, yet the true skill came from developing new unique metals be combining odd materials.
The Goblins on the other hand had figured out they could better inscribe upon other weapons while conducting their forging, writing runes upon each layer of the weapon through the magical processing, while wielding an obsidian focus that also acted as a scribing tool.
Both the Goblins and Dwarves eventually came together to create a blade with their unique forging processes utilising obsidian to create a blade capable of storing magical energy.
The Gnomes weren't far behind from creating a method to tap into the Blood Crystals of the Ygg-Heart-Atkaye Trees, having them built into the base of the handle of the blades, only to send energy through the weapon for the user to wield the instrument much like a Magical Focus.
Makerstark came to assist as well, improving the runic scripture utilised and incorporating the Damascus forging technique to help strengthen the durability of the blade, eventually leading to the creation of Stygian Steel.
As the sole producers of the dark glassy steel-like blade, House Sidianstark quickly became a influential force of power throughout Westeros as their weapons began to spread far and wide across the whole continent, first starting with the North, granting Sidianstarks power and influence all newly formed Houses best required to help stabilise the foundation of their strength early on for their generational rule.
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50 Years After the Wall
House Potter calls the whole North and allies to celebrate half a century of their rule, but also the success of the Northern Trading Company that freely operated all over the known world of Westeros and parts of Essos.
In the years since the merchant company came into exist, it expanded operations daily to reach all the way beyond the Kingdom of Gaesle, of what would become the Shadow Lands, arriving at the beaches of Ulos, only for High Magnar Hadrian James Potter to establish a warded home with a Transport Door to ease travel from Skagos.
There were no 'known' plans to settle and expand operations on the large Isle, however High Magnar Hadrian and his friends were for now, the only known people to enjoy the luxuries of the 'holiday' manor.
They had explored and found a city on the northern side, however it remained abandoned and stank of accursed magic left to fester and affect the land around it slowly.
It wasn't too much of an issue now to deal with, so Hadrian, Neville, Hannah, Daphne, and others helped plant and nurture Ygg-Atkaye-Weirwood Trees to help stimulate raw untainted magical energy in the area.
It'd take some time to heal the damage, but that wasn't an issue right now for them to focus on as they had plenty of other tasks to complete such as settling in the Kingdom of Gaesle.
They noticed all the people in the grand port city of Asshailab appeared noticeably like those of the Indian subcontinent from the Terra Dimension.
Hell, even the Patil Twins found it rather remarkable, but there were mixed features evident in the local population simply by the lighter eye colours, lighter hair, and sharper facial features that somewhat seemed elvish.
High Magnar Hadrian decided to begin building a local base in the Port City, hoping to expand the influence of the merchant company throughout the unknown Kingdom.
It's large dome architectural style merged perfectly with Italian renaissance, yet it appeared different at the same time.
In a couple days, Hadrian and his forces had begun their own operations to better understand the Kingdom they were in, only to discover they were in the lands of a powerhouse to rival the Golden Empire of Yi-Ti.
There was far much more to learn about the Kingdom, so as they occurred, Hadrian returned to Skagos through a Transport Door installed on his personal ship.
It gave him plenty of freedom to see the world while overseeing Skagos and the North's development on hand, especially if things were ever to get out of hand.
However, a day would come when High Magnar Hadrian would look upon Asshailab from the deck of the very same ship, silently staring at the chaos brought by Darkness swallow the Kingdom of Gaesle whole.
Only after he'd seen the Darkness settle and seep into the land, Hadrianwould be heard by the crew muttering 'So then I shall wait… for above all else, I have…time.'
His words had a far greater effect on the ship crews as they began to spread the forbearing words of the High Magnar, creating a phantom of sorts through the words.
'For Above All Else, We Have Time' became the official motto for the Northern Trading Company down the road in the future, while away from the North touring the world.
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From the Kingdom of Gaesle, they continued to expand over the years until they had achieved prominence all the way to Ibben and established a Trading Hub in most cities.
The Golden Empire of Yi-Ti had come to love the spices, herbs, meats, teas, fresh produce, wood, and leather begin produced in the North and sold around the world.
Magical herbs, medicinal plants, obsidian, and even the sap of the Ygg-Atkaye-Weirwood Trees was eagerly bought in Yi-Ti, causing many curious eyes to fall upon the Northern Trading Company.
Many were traders or merchants hoping to better understand the competition, however their arrival in the North left them all in shock and awe of their hosts and competition.
Even the members of the Imperial Royal Family of the Azure Emperor currently in power as he'd begun to notice the growing influence and strength of the Northern Trading Company in his lands.
The Azure Emperor believed he knew the true worth of the merchant company and thought it was nothing much in comparison to the Golden Empire, however it was far from the truth.
After spending the last half a century exploring and expanding operations across Westeros and Essos, the Northern Trading Company had the luxury to rise in power and wealth like no other in the known world, yet it all went back to the North and saw to its continued development.
Certain leaders understood this, which included the Raja'Mai, the ruler of the Kingdom of Gaesle, who wanted nothing more than to meet with the Formaðr of Clan Heiðruind.
As such, he'd taken the opportunity to send a delegate of his own, making it known to his people that they were interested in the 'children' coming together to call themselves a Kingdom.
It led more ships to head west from the Kingdom as a response, causing more than a few to give the North a curious glance over.
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In truth it came down to the incorporation of magic into company operations, since members of the Clan Heiðruind, all of whom were magically gifted and not all necessarily human, were involved in the Northern Trading Company.
Plenty of Clansmen had joined the merchant company, all willing to not just serve their High Magnar Hadrian but also see a different world unlike their past, and hopefully save it from itself if necessary.
As such, it was common for the Northern Trading Company to purchase land and buildings within each city before having them warded and heavily altered to not only store goods bought locally or brought over from the North, but to help establish a hidden base of sorts.
All this brought unbelievable amounts of wealth to House Potter and her vassals, most of whom were from the Terra Dimension and had made Skagos their home.
The Houses native to Skagos and her Isles were also benefiting greatly, especially House Beowulf, as Magnar Eivor established a navy of his own after training with the Northern Trading Company for a couple years.
He wasn't alone as the other Magnars of Skagos also joined and eventually raised their Houses into powerful vassals of their High Magnar Potter, and the Kings of Winter through their navies and growing populous.
Of course, the large taxes they sent, and gifts aplenty made sure House Stark knew of its faithful allies and vassals.
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Ships arrived in the docks of the Port City of Kingshouse, seat to the House Skaggnar, formerly Clan Magnar, who became host to all the Northern Magnars, their families, and loyal household.
All were invited personally by members of House Potter while they travelled all over the North, while installing Transport Doors for the nobility to utilise as they saw fit.
They were connected to a network, managed from a Storage Crystal modified to maintain the system that allowed the users to dial another Transport Door for access.
The idea and its subsequent application came from Hogwarts students who'd come to work for the Northern Trading Company and were responsible for installing the Transport Doors at new hidden bases of operation.
They created a holographic illusion that could be touched and control to dial another Transport Door, before receiving a notification saying the means of transport is accessible.
In its short time of use since they were installed, all the Northern nobility had become much closer with one another, especially House Stark, as they were able to create stronger and closer bonds with their vassals.
Of course, as the event to celebrate the Northern Trading Company's success neared, All Northern nobility collectively decided to not use the Transport Doors to travel right away to Skagos and instead wished to see their homeland as it continued to strengthen.
Reports said plenty but never enough to give the Magnars a true picture of their content, so the beauty and majesty of the Port City of Kinghouse was more than enough to leave them all stunned and surprised.
Having journeyed over from the port by the Last Hearth, all the Magnars and their families dealt with the biting cold and rough waters, but it was necessary to understand the smallfolk and better foster relations.
Yet all that work and the weight of their responsibility began to wash away as they docked and began to leave the ship for the marbled Port City that smelt of cedar, oak, pine, and a light dusting of salt.
The fresh and clean air was easily the least shocking event for the Magnars to process as they saw the lands once considered 'savage', now easily housing over a hundred thousand people with no smell of shit or filth to stain the paved streets.
This only rose the expectations for the city of Avalon or as the smallfolk called it, 'the Land of the Old Gods', a city designed and built like no other as it respects the values of nature, peace with the land, and serenity with the environment, but still maintain the bustling madness of thousands of citizens.
Before leaving the docks, they took note of the great number of ships in the port, many of which came from Essos, easily visible through the sails, leading a few Magnars to wonder how many guests were invited to the grand event.
Everyone stayed the night for now at the Keep of House Skaggnar, named Maghold to honour Clan Magnar before it became noble House.
There were plenty who still address House Skaggnar as Magnar, but it became far less as they years passed by, as the newer generations began to accept their House name and served House Potter and Stark loyally.
Maghold, formerly consisted of Ironwood and stone, was later built into a fortress that guarded the Port City of Kinghouse not just from the centre, but by expanding its walls to incorporate the whole city, and even extending out to sea so ships could break into the docks.
All of the work put into building Maghold, especially the aid of the Giants, Dwarves, and Goblins, turned the castle into a Keep that even caused King Rickon, his brothers Torren, and Brandon, who'd retired to the North and currently served beside his eldest brother as council, to be simply left stunned by the beauty of the castle.
The defensive layout of the Port of Kingshouse started from the docks, stretching out to various entrances leading to separate parts of the small city, all walled off specifically to keep visitors from not entering certain districts.
Of course, the central point or figure was the castle, which had towers stretching to levels just below Winterfell's own, but the method at which the Inner Keeps all connected to one another easily allowed for movement between the different sections without having to brave against the cold weather.
However, the Customs Office had caught many Northern nobles by surprise, yet most were rather eager to see the fabled facility to issue the famous Identification Cards of the North.
King Rickon had long learnt from one of his Wizards in the service of House Stark that the cards were created not just to give each person a physical representation of their connection to the North, but to understand who was in the lands of the North or overseas in other Kingdoms or territories.
The King, his family, the Magnars and their families, including any household servants and guards were required to go through the process at the Customs Office, but they were processed in a separate facility reserved for high profiled visitors.
This was specifically designed to deal with the increasing number of allies and known associates from Essos and parts of Westeros that the Northern Trading Company had to accommodate for now.
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Everyone soon left with a small card easily able to fit in their palm, with a crisp coloured photo of their face seared into the unique metal through magic to ensure none would ever mistake the person for another.
As many continued to admire the Identification Cards whilst enjoying their stay at the home of House Skaggmar, most were eager to begin the journey to Avalon the following morning by carriages exclusively designed and built in the North.
However even that was rather shocking, as they came across several large carriages the following morning the size of a large school bus.
They weren't as big as the Smaufnir Scouting Vehicles, but they were expanded upon from the inside, allowing all the guests to easily fit into the three vehicles.
All the Magnars and their King were again stunned by what they were seeing when travelling in the grand carriages, each full to the brim of various luxuries.
However, they were rather drawn to the passing scenario visible from their seats in the carriage as it became transparent for all to see the Lands of the Old Gods.
Ygg-Atkaye-Weirwood Trees were aplenty and growing in abundance, with Children of the Forest settling homes and small towns in the lush forest of Skagos, as well as the vast number of wildlife, magical and none.
Yet it failed to prepare them for the sheer beauty and surreal peacefulness of Avalon, home to not just House Potter, but dozens upon dozens of Vassal Magnars, all with grand and elegant manors of their own throughout the city.
All were designed using architectural styles from the Terra Dimension, which easily made the manors extremely eye-catching, but they didn't stand out against the rest of the city and its meticulous design.
One river leading into the city before splitting into two, dyed in the deep red colour of blood from the leaves that had fallen from the endless Ygg-Atkaye-Weirwood Trees planted throughout the city.
Better yet, nature had somehow interwoven itself into the foundation and structure of the city, as thick, interconnected vines were spaced out evenly, each giving light to where there was none barring down from the sun.
None knew it yet, but the plants were of the bioluminescent range High Magnar Hadrian developed in the Terra Dimension to help the environment, whereas now they were helping refine the magical energy in the atmosphere to stabilise it from its raw nature.
However, one of its most attractive features was lighting up the night sky without having to rely on lamps or magical means to keep the city alight in the night.
The source of the vines led back to the source, a large Ygg-Heart-Atkaye Tree stretching a hundred metres into the sky, which had its large canopy of branches spread out to cover and protect the inhabitants of Avalon like a large shadow, but one that was alight.
Though as the 'holy tree' drew everyone's attention, it also led them to see Camelot, the seat of House Potter, the Warden of the Shivering Sea, and High Magnar of the Bay of Seals.
The heavy architectural styles of Goblin, Dwarven, Gnome, Aelflyn, Veela, Giants, and many other magical beings went into the creation of Camelot, as it became their final bastion and seat of power to their little kingdom in this world.
Its impressive size and architecture rivalled Winterfell in its own unique way, while not really competing against its power as the seat of the Kings of Winter and the North, however it showcased to all that it truly belonged in the Lands of the Old Gods.
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While travelling through the city on the wide roads designed to ensure traffic remained a minimum, ended up leading to their transport being stuck in traffic.
It had begun to formulate in Avalon as of late, with more visitors than ever before arriving simply due to the invitation either sent an invitation by House Potter if not given by a family member, or invited by the Northern Trading Company, who began to release rumours regarding the event to draw more visitors.
However, the smallfolk of Avalon were instead overjoyed to see the banner of House Stark, and the other Houses of the North, causing them all to celebrate the arrival of the King in the North, his loyal Magnars and vassals to the Throne of Winter.
Music began to fill the air, attracting the attention of many for a moment, yet they focused back on the Northern nobility who looked out on the people from the guarded roofs of the bus carriage variants.
They in the grand open space of Camelot's courtyard, with High Magnar Hadrian James Potter, his family, loyal Vassal Magnars and their families, all patiently waiting for their guests, dressed in splendour for the long celebrations to come.
However, a simple breaking of salt and bread wasn't what the guest received upon their disembarking of the carriages, but rather a small walk to the Godswood to pray before the Ygg-Heart-Atkaye tree whose vines extended out across the whole city and take the oath of guest rights.
It was slightly different and imbued in magic, but it secured the protection of the guests better than anything else.
Though right after this event, King Rickon had asked, "Will the one known by many as the Wizard King, kneel to the Throne of Winter," to which stunned silence ran throughout the Godswood, with none daring to say a word.
Yet Hadrian, who had accepted his title as High Magnar under the rule of Bran the Builder, a friend who gave him shelter and a means to do good in another world, knew the possibility of such an event occurring, but didn't expect to see it happen so soon.
Regardless, he amusingly laughed and simply replied, "All you need to do is ask," which ended the conversation on the matter, though for historians and scholars of the North, this one line would remain ever present in the minds of all Stark Kings.
The Wizard King had technically 'knelt' to the Throne of Winter before Brandon the Builder, but it was more of a cooperation because Hadrian had his title of High King of the Terra Empire.
As to ensure he continued wielding his title from the Terra Dimension, Brandon proposed Hadrian knelt to the power of the Throne of Winter, but served better as an ally that was close as blood.
That was one of the reasons Hadrian and the others long ago accepted Rickon and his brothers as their nephews, helping raise them to become worthy men to carry the name and blood of House Stark, as they would do for future generations.
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Celebrations started soon after a short moment of rest was given to all the guests, as they freshened up in their private rooms before finding the Grand Hall where there was enough space to house Giants with ease and still have plenty of room.
The enchanted fire from the firepit that extended to each of the tables in the Grand Hall ensured all were nicely cozy during their meal and time spent in the room, however everyone stopped to view the enchanted roof.
Based off the ceiling of Hogwarts own Great Hall, the enchanted ceiling left everyone gobsmacked by its beauty and elegance as they wined and dined before as various discussions occurred all around.
Most spoke of business and trade, as each House of the North were gaining their own industries to help increase their wealth and develop the North as a whole.
Hadrian and his councillors spoke on length with Rickon about increasing the number of projects around the North, though such conversations only lasted for a time before they were concluded, and the proper celebrations began.
Theatre arts showcasing performances from the past worlds of Earth, as well as those local to Westeros, were just some of the offerings for the guests.
The first night wasn't overly strenuous for the Northern nobility as the following days leading up to the grand event would be of grand celebrations as guest from around the known world arrived.
This included the members of the Imperial Azure Family of the Golden Empire of Yi-Ti, as well as the Emissary for the Kingdom of Gaesle, who came to show their strength and prestige, only to be left stunned by the visage of Skagos and more importantly, Avalon.
All the Ygg-Atkaye-Weirwood Trees and the vines above with flowered roots, was just a small part of the beauty that made up Avalon as a whole.
The Children of the Forest, Giants, Dwarves, Goblins, Centaurs, Veela, Dryads, Nymphs, Merfolk, Wolffolk, and many more species living in peace with one another, was a sight of its own for all those invited and other who were simply visiting.
Either way, it showcased to many that the North wasn't as simple as they might have originally thought.
The Imperial Azure Royal Family gathered together in private and decided to strengthen relations with local Northern Magnars, while trying to meet with the King and High Magnar Potter.
Emissary for the Kingdom of Gaesle on the other hand, chose to wait and see how the grand event passed by before beginning any sort of discussion with the High Magnar, however his main goal was to find the Formaðr.
Yet both sides would be rather occupied trying to understand all the magical artifacts, runework, and craftsmen, leaving both parties from the two of the strongest and largest monarchies to ponder who exactly the North was to have such potent magical power.
The moment they realised how out of depth they were by being in Avalon came through the form of alcoholic drinks, magically brewed by House Ogden in conjunction with House Potter, Black, Scamander, Lovegood, Abbott, Longbottom, Weasley, Dagworth-Granger, and Greengrass.
FireWhisky, IceVodka, HeartyMead, and TropicanaRum were brought out for the guests who were invited to stay in Camelot to enjoy for now.
The castle had more than enough space as it was enchanted by the Wizard King himself, using the intricate runework of the Room of Requirement and Recreational Hall to build something new and unique that would have plenty of applications throughout the North.
Incorporated into the specific Keeps necessary, such as the one reserved for guests, would spawn a door with a vacant name bar in the hallway, allowing the individual or group to enter and claim it as their own.
The magic of the runework would recognise the individual or group, and ensure no other would enter without their permission, but more importantly, they could reuse those very same rooms the next time they visit or even pass it onto the following generation and so forth.
Hadrian made sure each of the doors led into spacious apartments that all had their own facilities like a training room with an instructor in all forms of weaponry, a library, pool, kitchen, and much more.
Best of all, each apartment had their own backyard leading out to a calm summer sea with a bar on the side full of drinks and snacks, replenished by the vast number of Aelflyn working away to manage the whole event.
Even if they had moved past their House Elf characteristics and traits, somethings never changed and for the Aelflyn, they all loved to help others through food, chores, and other similar tasks.
The guests such as the Houses Hightower, Tarly, Strong, Martell, Dorne, Yronwood, Durrandon, Casterly, and the Daynes were given quarters in the Guest Keep, leaving them all bewildered by their luxuries on offer.
Similarly, they would be offered to the Imperial Azure Royal Family, Heirs to Octarchs of the Old Empire of Ghis, and the Emissary of the Kingdom of Gaesle, though none of them had seen the quarters just yet as they arrived late together and appeared at the Great Hall on the first day after reaching Avalon.
As the night would continue on, they would eventually become acquainted to the magically brewed drinks, causing the lot of them to gasp in wonder as the magical properties of the drinks and the natural atmosphere of Camelot from the deep seeded magic, caused their bodies to spasm slightly.
The reaction was caused by the natural magic in their bodies slightly awakening and healing the damage accumulated over the years.
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As they fought to understand where exactly they had found themselves, the rest of the visitors were beginning to familiarise themselves with the Games, or as they would be known going forth, the Northern Games.
It was designed as a combination of Highland sports, athletic events, and any extras they could source from the Olympic Games, with a couple magically enhanced events.
Tug-of-War, Caber Toss, Hammer Throw, Stone Put, Javelin, Wrestling, Running, and so forth were shown along with Rugby, Gaelic Football, Basketball, Traditional Football (Soccer), and even Ice Hockey as an arena was formed along with the necessary equipment.
The next week or so of such events, along with all those brought to compete from all over the North, parts of down South along with friendly allies, and the rest from Essos where the Northern Trading Company operated.
While the grand event drew people to the North to experience the Northern Games, for the people of the North, the event was cemented as part of their Northern Culture and Customs, leading to a sweeping change throughout the North and extend to the world at large but to a lesser extent.
Kings of Dorne, the Vale, Reach, Westerlands, and especially the Riverlands were invited to the Northern Games, bringing along their own men and women to compete in the games with the prizes provided by House Potter and the Forever Winter Bank.
As the currency of the Wolves became dominate all over Westeros and parts of Essos for their conformity and purity, traded through the merchant fleets of the Northern Trading Company, all saw the Forever Winter Bank as an entity best not trifled with.
It was obvious for all to see they had the backing of not just several dozen magical species that appeared powerful in their own right, but more to the fact they had the backing of Clan Heiðruind.
They were regarded as another elite force to have originated from the North and called it their homeland, though loyal to the Formaðr, instead of the King of Winter, so many wanted to draw the supposed leader to their own side, all in the hopes of taking the riches from the North for themselves.
Besides a few petty King who knew better, all the rest tried their hardest during their time in Avalon to find the true identity of the Formaðr so they could either entice the man to join them or blackmail him into supporting their claims.
Most suspected it was the Wizard King, but none were certain of the fact and eventually came to their senses to act with caution, as none wished to anger the North, with various magical beasts and creatures at their side to keep the peace in the city.
With the presence of the Clansmen, most of whom had their bonded familiars standing close by, like a Nundu, Northern Lion, Direwolf, and even a Manticore, so no issues ever arose throughout Avalon while the Northern Games proceeded.
They were also instrumental in showcasing the greatest event to date that would forever change the landscape of Westeros and possibly Essos, as a legendary sport loved by magical society was ready to be displayed to the known world.
Quidditch was played in the presence of all the Magnars, Lords and Kings, each utterly lost in the chaos of the game, but just as drawn to the speed of the sport and the excitement it brought to their hearts.
Several games were played, with the teams all drawn from the houses of Hogwarts, allowing the students to showcase their skills in the air.
House Gryffindor versed Peverell, Hufflepuff fought against Ignius, Slytherin went up against Heiðran, while Ravenclaw fought a team drawn up of Wizards and Witches from all over the North who had graduated from the magical institution.
The event and reveal of Hogwarts to the Magnars, Lords, and petty Kings confirmed magic wasn't out of their reach, as the North had plenty of students from their lands alone.
King Rickon therefore found himself inundated with requests of alliances and in the odd case of a few smaller Magnars who wished to move their families completely up North as internal strife amongst the Houses in each of the Southern Kingdoms began to heat up simply by the introduction of the Northern Games.
Rickon chose not to accept all of the Magnar into the North after the timely interference of Tymon Blackwood's second son's heir from their Riverland cadet branch, who willingly accepted the Houses and willingly gave his support to build their new Keeps.
The Magnars of these Houses still swore themselves to the North, as had the cadet branch of House Blackwood in the Riverland, making them all oathbound to Winterfell and the Throne of Winter.
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100 Years After the Wall
The next 50 years after the first Northern Games would begin to reshape the society of First Men across all of Westeros as Hogwarts began to increase in the area of its operations, extending over the entire continent.
Students for the premier magical institution of Westeros would increase in number over the course of the next few decades, leading to significantly more social and construction developments all around the continent, but never to the extent of the North.
They would lead the organisation of the Quidditch League, seeing to its introduction around Westeros, as well as Flying Brooms, Carpets, and other such artifacts to cope with the growing magical society and populous.
However, as no region was ruled by a single family or House besides the North, magic only began to make life much harder for most in these Kingdoms as the battles became deadlier.
So, while developments in their lands occurred, it was a snail pace compared to the North, however Quidditch, all the sports, and athletic events showcased at the first Northern Games began to fester into the First Men culture, leading to more people focusing on their health to gain fame from the yearly and bi-yearly events.
These teams would be organised by the strongest and wealthiest Houses of Westeros and those of Essos willing to invest time and effort into building up their athletic forces, however they were required to create their own leagues to compete.
Many Houses were building stadiums and the necessary facilities to ensure their athletic forces could not only train and play their games or take part in particular athletic events but be well prepared for the bi-yearly event held for now on Skagos.
This also helped promote the alcoholic beverages of the North, most of which were brewed by House Umber to increase their wealth and help them rise to strengthen their support of House Stark and the North overall.
Whisky, Vodka, Gin, Wine, Sake, Cider, Beer, and much more were produced by House Umber, sometimes in conjunction with other Houses of the North to release unique production lines for a short time.
All the produced drinks were stored in long term storage containers, typically of oak, though magically saturated quickly became the best for containing the alcoholic drinks since it would also add a smooth aftertaste that helped relieve some bodily stress.
Therefore, the magical alcoholic drinks brought immense wealth to the House of Skagos involved in their production, as it brought wealth to not just their Houses but the North from around the world, especially Kingdom of Gaesle and the Golden Empire of Yi-Ti as they rose began to build a strong relationship with the North.
In the last fifty years alone, they had sent horses, texts, jewels, golds, weapons, and much more between each other, creating a unique friendship managed by the Northern Trading Company who kept the alliance between the three nations, strong and durable.
It also saw High Magnar Hadrian meeting the rulers of the allied monarchies, both of whom surprised him for different reasons.
The Azure Emperor had immense magical talent and a powerful core formed through strenuous physical training, only to halt in development while absorbing the wrong energy to further develop the core.
Hadrian grew closer with the Azure Emperor and spent time in his court, helping the wise man breakthrough the halt on his development, before leaving to visit the Kingdom of Gaesle.
What he didn't expect to find was the Raja'Mai of the Kingdom to be an Elven being, but one greatly weakened and far from their true capabilities.
It'd taken time for Hadrian to develop a friendship with the Raja'Mai for the Monarch to meet with him privately as Milly introduced herself and began to speak of the Aelflyn.
The conversation was a tentative one, as the Raja'Mai found it hard to believe his people could be similar to the Aelflyn, but it was hard to dismiss the similarities between the two.
After much thought and deliberation, Raja'Mai Keth'kor decided to grant some knowledge of his people to Hadrian and begin to learn about his people's past as they had greatly lessened in number for a long time.
Such an alliance brought more benefits than anyone expect to the North, as the Kingdom of Gaesle were magical gifted and known for their crafting, construction, food, art, culture, clothing, and much more, allowing them to compete with the Golden Empire of Yi-Ti and Realm of the Fisher Queens during their heyday.
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All of this progress was overseen by King Rickon Stark until it was handed over to his son with ease, as the young Northern man was well aware of the duties and responsibility on his shoulders.
Named Bjorn after a Stark from before the days of Brandon the Builder, the new King of the North known to many as 'the Scholar Wolf' would introduce certain reforms to the whole Kingdom to ensure education was available to all for free, especially children.
He realised it wasn't helpful for anyone to have uneducated citizens, especially if they worked in the growing industries that were beginning to expand even further and drawing more people to work.
To ensure they weren't making the wrong decisions because they didn't have the necessary knowledge to understand what was written or displayed, King Bjorn began to implement the first grand changes to the North.
With council from Elders of the Clan Heiðruind, Bjorn decreed schools would be built all over the North for children to attend from a young age to receive an education worthy of the North regardless of their station in life.
Sure enough, this caused Bjorn to be loved by the smallfolk, and even the Magnars as the people serving their Houses were better able to understand their duties and responsibilities without having to be told twice.
The Tower of Knowledge and Wisdom located in Winterfell, began to print books to fill the libraries of the schools around the North and parts of the Riverlands.
House Forrester, Tallhart, Greenwood, Blackwood, and Glover began to reap the rewards from the paper mills set up strategically in their lands and around the North to meet the growing demands of printed books and other paper-based goods.
They had all the copies of known scripture from around the world based off the magical runic array organised into the Great Library of Winterfell and Wintercity, both of which led to Bjorn's next act.
Expanding the Great Library of Wintercity, as it was named after the town became a small city under King Rickon Stark's rule, led to creation of the University of Winterfell after learning of Hogwarts University.
It wasn't a simple project or easy to complete within a short period of time, but it was worth it as King Bjorn chose to improve the loose organisation leading the scholars and professionals of the Tower of Knowledge and Wisdom.
First off, they became the Order of Knowledge and Wisdom, while the Tower became known as the Bastion of Knowledge and home to all who have achieved the rank of Scholar at the very least or above.
It started with the rank of Apprentice Student, requiring the individual to study basic sciences and general knowledge for roughly four years in classrooms before moving onto further studies.
If they were lucky enough during their four years to attraction the attention of a Scholar or anyone ranked higher, they could be recruited as an Apprentice, and gain the individuals assistance to further their own fields of knowledge or improve a specific field of study.
Only when they are deemed prepared to attempt a difficult test off all they have learnt over the course of the four years and through their own studies afterwards to finally achieve the title, Scholar.
After gaining the title, they can begin to specialise in a specific field, or many at once, depending on their schedule and workload, but to achieve the next rank, they are required to specialise in two fields and minor in three at the very least.
This has to go along with an altered thesis based off a full thesis previously accepted by the Order of Knowledge and Wisdom or brought over from the Terra Dimension and shelved.
Only after completing the modified thesis and having it marked as acceptable would the individual gain the next rank titled High Scholar.
These individuals were known as men and women that had proven their knowledge through an entirely modified thesis, found a minimum number of theoretical errors or possible improvements, or chose to faithfully serve a township or village for a minimum of three years.
They were given the option to serve minor Magnars and Keeps of the North, Riverlands, and Dorne allied with House Stark.
Then there were Great Scholars, also considered Doctors after having written their own original thesis, modified three others, and or made a new invention to contribute to the North.
They were required to have mastered a minimum of four fields and typically would go on to serve High Magnars or powerful Magnars of the North and around Westeros, though most would go on to simply teach the next generation at the University or at any of the schools around the North.
The highest rank achievable was the Grand Scholar, held for life or until one is mentally or physically impaired, as they would serve the Order of Knowledge and Wisdom, as well as House Stark alongside the Wizards and Witches in service to the Kings of Winter.
It was decided that no more than five Grand Scholars would ever be present at once, with two serving House Stark directly, as one would serve at court in Winterfell while the other would help manage the administrative duties through their aids and apprentices.
The remaining three would continue to serve at the Bastion of Knowledge in Winterfell or at the University itself, however most would end up staying in the Bastion of Knowledge simply because of the amenities.
It was determined Grand Scholars would be required to master a minimum of five fields with at least two original theses published and approved for shelving.
In a short period of time, the Scholars, and High Scholars would be recognised all over Westeros and would begin to rise in fame, easily surpassing the Order of Maesters from the Citadel once they became more active and able to extent their grasp beyond Oldtown and the Kingdom of the Reach.
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At one point, King Bjorn would go on to marry the granddaughter of Durran 'Godsgrief' Durrandon, a King of the lands that would become known as the Stormlands.
With the marriage securing blood ties to the Starks, House Durrandon were able to gain the fealty of House Storm, elevating Durrandon the Third to King of the Stormlands.
Bjorn also helped House Greywolf, lineage of the Warg Kings and cousins to House Stark, in building a fleet to help feed the North, even though they had plenty of fail safes organised all across the North in case of a truly harsh winter.
However, none were against another source of protein being added to their extensive diet, as seafood became another staple of the Northern food culture, as recipes from the Terra Dimension became commonplace in the North.
Sushi would be added to the Northern palate though made heartier with more fish and flavoured rice in various sauces.
During the same time, the last remaining primordial magical beings of the world were leaving the mortal lands for the heavenly plains, yet stopped and instead made their way to Avalon, the Lands of the Old Gods, in the mortal world.
Countless beings such as Centaurs, Dwarves, Goblins, Merfolk, Manticores, Minotaurs, Sphinxes, Harpies, Veela, Ice Spider, Nagga, Hellhounds, even a couple Krakens and plenty of other creatures, all native to this world, arrived at the lands of Avalon with the aid of magic from the world guiding them.
They had small differences in comparison to their counterparts from the Terra Dimension, but it mattered little as they were all warmly accepted by the Wizard King and given homes to live freely and flourish.
Along with the creatures brought over from the Pocket Dimension World, and the diligent work of the Wizard King to expand the lands through expansion magic runes inscribed upon Obsidian Obelisks planted around parts of the Bay of Seals islands, all creatures began to flourish under the high levels of magical energy in the air.
The dragons brought over from the Terra Dimension but left to safely roam in the Pocket Dimension World, until now, were beginning to undergo unknown changes to evolve their bodies in a way that wasn't yet understood.
By the time any sort of sense could be made of their changes, Newt Scamander advised the Dragons had evolved from the raw, untainted magical energy in the atmosphere of the world generated from the Ygg-Atkaye-Weirwood Tree.
They were finally at peace in a way that Earth had failed them in the past, enabling them to shed their scales several times over, with incredible density and strength, only for the latest ones to grow easily stronger than they had ever been in the past, and far from ever shedding off the body.
All the dragons were generally larger in size and rather freer, including expressive personalities than they were in the past, while still retaining the ferocity of the past.
This extended to the Phoenixes that settled in the mountain ranges Harry built after employing the Expansion Obelisks around the Isles.
They had come to find this world best suited them and started to take up various parts of mountains as their own, increasing their numbers, which only led to Milly asking Hedwig to gain their add in storing Phoenix tears for emergencies.
It was a difficult request, but one Hedwig achieved with great success as the Phoenixes advised to Milly, they were rather sensitive to onions, causing an Aelflyn chef to appear each day with all the onions required for various meals for the day, cutting them before the Phoenixes, while another Aelflyn stored the tears.
It was all rather maddening, but far from the new reality of Skagos as it became a stronghold of legendary propositions.
Previously it could be said Skagos and her islands combined together was roughly the size of Ireland, including the lands of Northern Ireland, yet now the Wizard King had increased it to match all of Great Britain.
It was far more than anyone could have expected to achieve from the islands of the Bay of Seals through the addition of the Obsidian Obelisks, however magic allowed for the possibility of such a feat, which also led to more Ygg-Atkaye-Weirwood Trees being planted in these spaces.
What none of the Wizard King's vassals had expected in this world was the revival of the Basilisks of old, as they arrived from the Pocket Dimension World along with Acromantula spider's nest.
The Wizard King made sure the Acromantula spider's nest was closely guarded and managed to make the most of their silk privately without external interference, with a magical artifact designed to capture the produced goods and transport them away to a warehouse.
Another product was designed to aid the intelligent Acromantula adult spiders to order whatever they wished to dine upon to satiate their hunger without needed to go off hunting.
However, Rubeus Hagrid, one of the people responsible for the Acromantula spider's nest, ended up introducing an Ice Spider Queen to Aragog.
The plan was to have them mate, which wasn't as difficult as thought out in the beginning, but the end result led to the creation of another specific ranch for their safety, management, and harvest of silk they produced.
They produced Ice Silk, a unique magical product through the unique bond between the Ice Spider Queen and Aragog, a Acromantula spider.
It was stronger than Acromantula Silk, had cooling properties and a greater breathable nature, making it highly valuable in not just the North, but eventually around the world.
Siaree on the other hand, the Basilisk familiar of the Wizard King, oversaw the nest of her children from the Island of Skane, allowing her to continue protecting the children of Hogwarts, while seeing to the development of her children.
Their scales would become highly valued ingredients for all sorts of uses, especially armour that would be worn by the likes of most Northern Magnars and their King in due time.
The fields of Potions and Chemistry saw great development largely due to the magical resources from the numerous creatures in Avalon and all over the North.
Ygg-Atkaye-Weirwood Trees had expelled a whole lot of raw magical energy into the environment and atmosphere, eventually giving rise to magical plants and metals.
As such, the arrival of the Basilisks, Dragons, Phoenixes, plants, venom, and such, helped increase the range of potions being developed and introduced to the market over time as more people entered the field.
Similarly, Hadrian began to conduct his own private projects with some aid from Siaree, especially to retrieve plants and gems from hard-to-reach regions around Skagos, and even on the mainland.
Though it wasn't enough for Hadrian as the bones of the Nagga from the Iron Island of Old Wyk was soon melded with the latest batch of eggs she'd laid, as everyone guessed of the possible changes the Wizard King sought through his familiar's children.
No one could understand how magic would change them, including Newt Scamander and his family that had become part of House Potter's lands, and dutifully served the Wizard King that gave them another chance at life in a truly magical world.
As such when the day came, all of the North forever understood the fierce some wrath of the Basilisks and their powerful nature.
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These additions to Avalon just meant the magical energy in the lands of the Ygg-Atkaye-Weirwood Trees saw to the increased health of the land and rise in primal creatures such as Direwolves, Direbears, Sabretooth cats, Shadowcats, White Hart Deer, Snow Bears, Northern Lions, and many others.
They were beginning to rise in number across the whole North and Beyond-the-Wall but fuelled by magic to see their exponential growth in population.
Eventually they would begin to be rounded up and managed by trained farmers willing to domestic primal creatures for the benefit of the North.
The reason for this came largely from a daughter of House Mormont gaining the friendship and spirit bond to a large brown furred bear.
It randomly occurred when the young Mormont daughter went out on a walk to see the bustling drydocks and port under the control of her family.
However, she ended up walking away from the port town and moved towards the woods, only to discover the large grizzly bear waiting for her patiently.
A young Witch in service to House Mormont, yet disillusioned, was prepared to step in and fight the bear to save the life of her charge, but it wasn't needed as the young daughter of the Mormont's simply when up to the bear and cheerfully said, "Up!"
With nothing more to be said, the bear picked up the young bear and placed her on its back, all while their spiritual bond formed and settled.
She wasn't the only one as a son of House Reed formed a spiritual bond with his murky golden Lizard Lion, yet of those born from the lineage of Baltha, the Lizard Lion of Hordan, a Second Son of House Reed to go on and establish House Marsh, a vassal of House Strong.
Therefore, House Mormont and Reed could count on their very own Spirit Beasts attached to their bloodline, much like that of House Stark and their Direwolves, creating a deep bond that existed through the magic of the land.
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145 Years After the Wall
Prince Torrhen 'the Mathematician Wolf' Stark refined the educational curriculum to implement a great importance on educating children on the basic sciences, all in the hopes to spread the metric system and a basic set of standardised mathematical equations throughout the North for all to know and understand with ease.
They had long been introduced by House Potter and her Vassals to the North yet weren't practised entirely by the Kingdom as some were just too stubborn on certain points, yet absolutely couldn't survive without developing their personal sporting teams and athletic forces.
The Grand Scholar to have served King Bjorn 'the High Scholar' Stark had tried to implement the metric system and a basic mathematical equation system before stubbornness stopped the North in its tracks.
Thankfully Prince Torrhen 'the Mathematician Wolf' Stark wasn't going to let that happen and began seeking his father out to begin setting some hard laws regarding the importance of the systems, and purposefully ignoring them for the old methods without uniform calculations.
It didn't cause any issues for traders or merchants as a set standard of measurement and mathematics made life easier for all, ensuring the true value of items and craftsmanship was better appreciated than ever before, yet it bothered a few Houses of the North that they had to change their calculations from the past.
Such practises were already employed by Forever Winter Bank to manage the wealth accruing in their vaults, but Prince Torrhen's help meant they wouldn't have to worry about the noble Houses of the North having trouble managing their accounts going forward.
They now had to figure out how to make it stick around the rest of Westeros and Essos, if possible, in the next decade at the very least.
As King Torrhen, the construction of the first sundial to keep track of time would be made in Winterfell.
During his reign it would turn into a giant clocktower, however the construction of said building in Wintercity would take at the very minimum two years even with magic to speed construction along.
It'd eventually be given the name Big Bran, as the will of the greatest wolf to lead the North each day in the management of their time.
This also caused the incorporation of the Gregorian calendar system all throughout the North, originally employed by the High Magnar of Skagos long ago under the reign of the Wizard King.
Having used the magical telescopes and astronomers that came over from the Pocket Dimension World, they were able to determine the Gregorian calendar worked best in this world, though they didn't actively promote the system all over the North since it wasn't their duty to do so.
Therefore, King Torrhen had no issues making it widespread, only to discover it had already been largely accepted by nobility and the smallfolk over the course of the years since the arrival of the Terra Dimension forces.
As such, in a short period of time, the North learnt to better organise their day and realise the perception of time, just as gyms were becoming commonplace throughout the North, a trend kickstarted by the heir of House Weasley, who'd become quite the physically fit and muscular Northern man for his age.
Making a name for himself at the annual Northern Games, Rolf Weasley's physique alone caught to attention of many, leading to further questions and enquiries until the benefits of a gym and healthy eating regime began to spread out far and wide.
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160 Years After the Wall
The Thirteenth Magnar Commander of the Night's Watch declares himself the Night's King and utilises the aid of his White Walker bride to forge the wills of the Night Brothers to his command.
Certain towers were able to rebel in time to escape the magic employed by the Night's King and his White Walker Queen, such as Eastwatch-by-the-sea, who notified House Hagrid of the nearby port city.
The son of Rubeus and Olympe, Pierre, the current High Magnar of the Half-Giants, watched over Fridfall, the name of the port city as it were, leading him to discover first that the Wall was overrun by the forces of the supposed Night's King.
Passing the news to Skagos, Pierre notified his steward to gather their forces, and sent word to House Fridwulf, knowing full well his Giant cousin would love a decent battle.
He wasn't wrong as House Fridwulf and her vassals all came charging to Fridfall, completely armed and equipped with mammoths and other grand beasts to help in the cultivation of land, as well as fighting in times of war.
As the news began to spread of the rising of the Night's King at the Wall, King Brandon Stark, who'd soon become known as the 'Breaker', would seek the aid of his cousin, High Magnar Beyond-the-Wall, Joramun PolarStark, and Clan Heiðruind, and the vassals of House Stark all throughout the North to fight against the would-be King.
Leading his own unit of Winter Wolves aptly named Winter Bears, Joramun PolarStark rode out from Hardholme, riding atop his Direbear to attack the Wall from his side, along with the other forces brought over by ship or through the modified Transport Door.
King Brandon Stark would leave his own Winter Wolves along with the Green Rangers from Asgard joining his forces, along with his vassals from all over the North.
This included the keen arrival of House Fridwulf and all their forces, which was matched by House Hagrid, who came over with Pierre leading them, along with his own young son.
Together, they moved upon the Shadow Tower, from where the Night's King ruled, dealing great damage to the forces of the Nights Watch under the control of the White Walker Queen through her unique magiks.
The forces of Clan Heiðruind arrived with their people riding various magical creatures such as Nundu's Direwolves, Direbears, Ice Spiders, Manticores, as well as a new flying species that arrived in Avalon, before the clan was tasked to help their readjustment to the northern climate.
Named Sky Banshee by a daring young man willing to test their capabilities as flying mounts, the creatures in fact were known to the First Men before the days of journeying over to Westeros.
They lived in the far mountains of the Ancient Lands of the First Men, protected, and cared for by their people for a long time, but it was believed they were hunted into extinction by a raiding power that caused them to originally leave the lands.
Their true name as by the Old Tongue runes was Ikranä, eerily similar to the flying creatures from a film made by a renowned director called James Cameron, though each contained a whitish tint to their skin pattern, rather than the green.
Those in possession of Data Slates and had access to the Multimedia Library were able to view the film and notice the similarities between the creatures, though it just meant the North had simply increased their power and strength to even greater heights.
Ikranä Banshees, as the riders came to call themselves, were included in the battle for the Wall, as they helped manage support from up above and attack the enemies with their enchanted bows from the skies, without ever being close enough to be caught by the enemy.
The Ikranä were also armoured in unique lightweight steel that incorporated obsidian in the forging process to give it a colourful glean that could be altered as desired by the smith, taking inspiration from the forging process of Stygian Steel.
It didn't necessarily have magical properties but was stronger and lighter than anyone expected, even flexible to a point.
Soon after this battle it'd become known as Ikranä Steel, as it would be worn like armour by the flying creatures because of its lightweight nature.
Therefore, it wasn't long before someone tried to turn it into armour for the armies of the North to wear, though not right away.
Actions taken by the Riders were instrumental in ending the battle as soon as possible, with the Night's King dying at the hand of King Brandon 'the Breaker' Stark, while his wife the White Walker died at the hands of Joramun PolarStark.
The whole war as you could call it lasted for less than half a year, but the damage was done to the Night's Watch as a whole, leading to King Brandon 'the Breaker' Stark to seek the guidance of his allies in resolving the matter of the Wall.
Thankfully the issue was resolved easily by Clan Heiðruind as they proposed Houses should be made to rule the Keeps, while reporting to a Main House that would oversee the whole Wall and report to the Kings of Winter.
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From the Westwatch-by-the-Bridge to Greyguard, House Shadow was formed to oversee the lands and rule, taking Shadow Tower as their seat, House Eastguard of Eastwatch-by-the-Sea, were told to rule up to Long Barrow, House Sable ruled from its seat of Sable Hall, along with Woodwatch by-the-Pool, and Rimegate.
House Icemark were the last to be organised by Brandon the Breaker, having decided they would rule over Stonedoor, Hoarfrost Hill, Icemark, The Nightfort, and Deep Lake, but all had to come swear allegiance at Castle Black.
House Blackwatch was formed to rule over Castle Black as its seat of power with Queensgate and Oakenshield under their control.
The new Magnars of the Houses swore their oaths to House Blackwatch who in turn swore to King Brandon 'the Breaker' Stark, however this didn't stop the Night's Watch from continuing their duty.
Besides the Magnars chosen to continue their lineages, the rest would still respect the Night's Watch job to continue monitoring for the White Walkers.
They weren't allowed to have titles of their own, and still continued their oaths of the Night's Watch but also served as guards to House Blackwatch and her Vassal Magnars.
This allowed them all the freedom to grow and strengthen over the years like the rest of the North, and better serve the North and the other Kingdoms of First Men.
Another organisation was formed under King Brandon the Breaker's rule, creating the Watchers, elite guards and warriors trained to survive in the harshest climates.
They would serve House Blackwatch and the others, but their main focus would be travelling further North to chart the lands and speak with the clans not taking shelter in the settlements in the hopes of getting them to join with the rest of the North as they all were First Men to have fought and fled together during the Long Night.
Several Rooms of Requirement and Recreational Halls were set up across the Wall at each castle, along with several Basic Magical Sentience's to train the Watchers and Night's Watch guard.
Houses Hagrid, Fridwulf, and all those who answered their call early on in the proclaiming on the Night's King rule over the Wall, were rewarded more land and benefits House Stark could provide, much of which increased the power of the two Houses.
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170 Years After the Wall
Magnar Beron Iceriver began improving the art of mapmaking and geography of the whole North, which meant the lands Beyond-the-Wall, all to bring wealth to his House and family.
They taught the smallfolk who were educated from attending the Basic Grade School, Apprentice Students and Scholars from the University, each hoping to further expand their knowledge pool and aid their homeland.
They were all sent around the whole North, sending back various reports, and retrieving information pertaining to the lands, especially detailed notes of landmarks.
Eventually they raised a Keep not far from Winterfell and nearby the lands of House Sidianstark, who helped build the home of their soon-to-be neighbours and called for assistance from Giants, Goblins, Dwarves, and the likes.
In less than a thousand years, House Stark would start to commission as massive, modified Ironwood table made as a map of Westeros and Essos in its entirety and kept safely away in the War Chamber of Winterfell.
Eventually it would lead other Houses of the North to have something similar made but one containing the whole North and parts of Westeros, so they knew of the lands in their control and those in the hands of allies, including neighbours.
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190 Years After the Wall
King Haryn 'the Fool' Stark would try to slay powerful Wargs, Wizards, Witches, Giants, Aelflyn, Children of the Forest, and even a child from a Stark branch House, only to find himself bound and overthrown by his own son, the Crown Prince Galern 'the Lawful' Stark.
Sending his father to the Wall to live out his remaining days, which would lead the man to understand all he had done wrong well before the end of his life.
To make up for his failures, Haryn Stark would begin drawing magical beings and creatures to join the Night's Watch, not only removing the stain on his name, but fortifying the Night's Watch in a way that would turn Haryn into one of the greatest Commander's to manage the Order created to protect and service the beauty of life, love, and creation.
Galern on the other hand, began to sort the necessary aid to create the Throne of Winter.
Calling on House Potter, Makerstark, SidianStark, Children of the Forest, Dryads, Druids, and so many more, Galern began to work together with them all in creating the throne.
None besides a few would know of its creation method, but it wouldn't be made known to others, as it would become the seat for all Stark Kings to rule from.
It had magical capabilities that only Stark Kings and their heir would know of, noted typically in various journals of Kings and heirs but kept secret so the knowledge wouldn't spread.
A few other thrones were created as well, one for the Queen to rule from and seated beside the King when she would appear in court, one for the King's Regent positioned to the right hand of the Throne of Winter and the last one positioned on the left for the Crowned Prince.
The smaller thrones were made of Ygg-Atkaye-Weirwood while the Throne of Winter for the King and Queen used Stygian Ice, made through a concentrated amount of obsidian and ice magic to forge its creation.
It true strengths and capabilities wouldn't be known or actively utilised until much later in the future, but once they were, House Stark and the Kings of Winter would be able to rival the strength of the Wizard King… supposedly.
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250 Years After the Wall
King Ignotius 'the Adjudicator' Stark, saw to the administrative development of the whole North, having made full use of his blood ties through his mother to bring the North into a new age of sorts while the rest of the world remained lagging behind.
His mother came from the House Peverell, formed from the blood of James Fleamont Charlus and Lily Rose Jade Potter, a granddaughter of Sirius Remus Peter Peverell, younger brother of Hadrian James Potter.
The strong lineage of wizarding blood, and one connected to the Wizard King was brought into House Stark and allowed them to grow even stronger magically to secure the North for their successors to come.
King Ignotius was raised studying at the local school in Wintercity, while spending his spare time in the Bastion of Knowledge, reading through the extensive collection stored away in the Great Library of Winterfell to better understand the world at large, the North as a whole, and where he could possibly improve upon it.
Attending various lectures and classes throughout his time visiting the Bastion of Knowledge, and even the University of Winterfell, increasing his knowledge pool for later possible use.
Only when he began studying at Hogwarts of Skane around his eleventh name day that the Crown Prince realised how best to fix the poor state of administrative roles throughout the North, however implementing such change required finesse and patience.
With the help of his father, Hadrian Stark, the Silent Wolf, Ignotius developed the first code of laws, dealing with variations in rulings and laws before forming the Code of Conduct.
It was heavily influenced by the Old Ways of the First Men and the laws of the Old Gods as they were spoken by the children of Asgard, the Green Rangers, who'd formed the Green Men and Women, people solely dedicated to protecting and managing the health of Ygg-Atkaye-Weirwood Trees as well as policing the lands of the North and eventually the rest of Westeros.
All were peaceful and sworn to House Stark and the North, so there weren't any issues spreading the new laws to all towns, cities, and villages across the North.
The Magnars rather appreciated the ability to manage local issues like economic or market issues, property disputes, criminal proceedings, and so forth, while following the system of law created.
High Scholars and Great Scholars of the Bastion of Knowledge provided their own assistance in such matters to ensure the people of the North wouldn't be exploited by a loophole.
Lawyers from the Forever Winter Bank even came to look over the laws and make some changes with the approval of King Hadrian before it was all implemented.
Throughout his time as Crown Prince and later, King, Ignotius further developed these laws and administrative departments to make governing of the whole North much easier for the following Kings to come.
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He also implemented new improvements to ensure communication between the whole North was uninterrupted, beyond using enchanted Ravens and Owls.
While they worked better than the versions utilised in magical society before the War to End All, since they could flash appear closer to the location of the message receiver, Ignotius still wasn't entirely pleased with the speed.
So, using Communication Mirrors as Data Slates weren't made available to every House of the North just yet as not all Northern Houses had children that'd attended Hogwarts yet, therefore the mirrors became the best option for instant communication between the Northern Houses beyond the Transport Doors and the convenience they offered.
Ignotius had learnt of wireless printers from his Uncle Bjord Makerstark, and how they operated, leading to the Wizard Wolf King to begin the development of a similar artifact that could do the same for instant communication.
It took some time, but the idea worked out and, in his lifetime, Ignotius knew the North was better connected to one another than they had ever been in the past.
He'd also taken the time to create messenger squadrons all Houses had to have on hand, ready to deliver messages and news to villages and towns in their domain just in case messaging through Ravens and Owls failed.
They operated off sleds, each improved by the numerous crafting guilds that were created to help managing the growing number of trained individuals across the whole North.
All of King Ignotius' developments for the North became the new foundation they would further build off.
One of the latest developments he employed in his later years as King was the introduction of various districts in Wintercity, each designated after the nation of people largely inhabiting those areas.
As such, Little Gaesle, Ghiscari, and Yi-Ti were now part of Wintercity and drew plenty of visitors of their own for the unique offerings on display that came from all over the world.
In time, it would grow and expand to include other nations from around the known world, yet for now it revolved around the largest nations besides the North.
It brought more trade and commerce to the city, and North overall, so it wasn't long before Gaesle, Ghiscari, and Yi-Ti inserted their own teams into the Northern Sporting Leagues, especially Quidditch once they had the necessary numbers to field a team.
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380 Years After the Wall
King Theon 'the Sisterwolf' Stark, named after being the sole son in the House Stark in his generation with four other sisters.
He'd gone and conquered the Three Sisters islands after pirates raided up the White Knife, causing plenty of damage until House Sidianstark fought them back with some losses of their own.
Hearing of the loss of family members infuriated Theon so much that he gathered the army of the North and sent orders to his navy to begin gathering.
House Thenn, Beowulf, Stane, Umber, Skaggnar, and the naval forces of Clan Heiðruind gathered together and fought against the pirates' forces of the Three Sisters, easily trumping over the ill prepared and disorganised fools.
The islands were then divided amongst House Beasthorn, Whitetree, and Frostfang, with House Frostfang chosen as the High Magnars of the Three Sisters.
All three Houses were tasked with guarding the shores of the North, from not only foreign invaders of Essos, but those of the Vale, sent by the Bronze and Griffin Kings.
As they would receive toll for allowing ships to pass through their waters, as the Wolf's Canal brought plenty of wealth to the North already, and more than enough ship traffic, so King Theon wasn't worried the Houses wouldn't be able to rise in power.
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House Beasthorn would begin building their navy by finding great areas for fishing, increasing the food available during times of winter, much like House Greywolf at Sea Dragon Point.
Merfolk also provided their assistance to House Beasthorn in their endeavours as they had done the same for House Greywolf.
They also began to seek out an agreement with House Beasthorn to begin the construction of a Merfolk settlement nearby, which would become home to their people, leading to the eventual creation of a magical city in the area.
House Whitetree instead had extremely fertile land which drew the Children of the Forest, Dryads, Nymphs and Druids to the region, along with some Centaurs who wanted to make it their home.
They taught House Whitetree how to make bows from the incredibly tough Ygg-Atkaye-Weirwood Trees at grew in excess throughout their lands.
Soon making shields, ships, and other such woodcrafts became knowledge of House Whitetree, making them incredibly wealthy.
There bows alone were some of the best in the world, only improved through enchantments and runes.
Ikranä Banshees soon found themselves equipped with the bows supplied by House Whitetree, as they offered the best stability in flight when wielded.
They would also begin crafting the first crossbows after receiving the designs from House Makerstark who had their own versions from Ironwood and partial metal components, but far from enough to make them easy to craft.
All this work and knowledge actually helped draw Children of the Forest from the lands down South, to the lands of House Whitetree, as well as Asgard, since the North was accepting of the Children and truly incorporated them into society compared to the other Kingdoms of Westeros.
Down South however, they were beginning to be mistreated and outright sent away from their homes so Houses could expand and grow their influence.
Therefore, it wasn't odd to see Dryads, Nymphs, Druids, Centaurs, and plenty of other creatures and beings all coming to call the lands of House Whitetree their new homeland.
House Frostfang though, were not only clansmen from Beyond-the-Wall to have taken Brandon the Builders proposition to head down south and take up lands and titles, but also married into House Frost, who operate on the west coast of the Northern coastline.
In conjunction with House Frost, they both began a lucrative business in selling 'Ice' down South for nobles to cool their drinks or simply to store food away for longer durations.
Transported by ship, the Ice industry became heavily lucrative for the two Houses, allowing House Frostfang to quickly build up a powerful navy of their own.
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510 Years After the Wall
Crown Princess Kyla 'the Daring Huntress' Stark came back from exploring the Lands of Always Winter to improve the maps pertaining to the region, only to discover a pack of countless wild Direwolves.
They had always been present in the lands Beyond-the-Wall, but as the magic grew stronger below the wall, and leaked over into the lands Beyond-the-Wall, it had started to strengthen the Direwolves differently than their counterparts managed by House Stark.
They were surprisingly able to breathe out Ice or a Frost Cold as they had come to recognised it, as it appeared and felt like shards of glass cutting into the skin when fired at a foe, easily capable of shredding apart its victims with fair ease if they weren't armoured properly.
Also, their bodies were far better acclimatised to the harsh winter climate, so Kyla decided to bring back around six hundred Direwolves, while her husband-to-be, Ulmen 'the Lovestruck' Umber, improved the state of the Wolf's Ranch for all the new Direwolves to come.
Rules and laws were created to protect the Direwolves, but also save them from being hunted or killed unless they killed someone innocent.
These laws extended out to familiars of other Houses, and those bonded to their bloodlines like House Mormont's Mountain Grizzly Bear, and House Reed's Lizard Lions.
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The Direwolves already bonded to House Stark soon became stronger, faster, deadlier, intelligent, and far from driven in regards to their battle and fighting instincts.
None ever had to worry about the loyalty of the Direwolves, as they were fiercely loyal to their bonded Stark, and behaved like familiars, so it wasn't uncommon to find Starks in their life riding Direwolves as large as a Horse, if not greater.
Of course, to keep their bloodlines healthy and to find other variants of Direwolves, a journey to the Lands of Always Winter would occur every couple of centuries, which helped maintain accurate maps of the whole North.
However, since the Wolf's Ranch was built, all the Direwolves and their riders were taught how to fight as cavalry and lead thousands from wolfs back to attack their enemies.
It was far from simple or easy to understand in the beginning but as time passed, the Wolfen Riddari became some of the deadliest warriors of the North, simply because of their natural affinity to fight from the backs of the Direwolves.
Bandits, which were becoming an increasing problem, were struggling to form together under the continued patrol of the Green Rangers, Winter Wolves, and Wolfen Riddari as they began to work in conjunction with the Ikranä Banshees.
Soon, they'd become one of the best trackers and cavalry unit of the North simply because of their lethality in the heat of battle as the Direwolves could also attack alongside their riders.
And in time, they would be the greatest bane of the invading Andals as they would struggle to survive against the lethality of the Direwolves and other Beast Riders.
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630 Years After the Wall
With North's population growing exponentially, as well as their power rising to extend not only over the North but parts of Westeros and Essos, King Neville Stark decided to conduct a census of the whole North to better understand the Kingdom, its people, and how to help them going forward.
Calling on Clan Heiðruind to help in the endeavour, a grand undertaking began to fully realise the implementation of the Identification Cards throughout the North, ensuring the borders as well were safe and secure.
This was done in addition to the census data collection which kickstarted the creation of a whole new administrative department of the Northern Realms Kingdom, as King Ignotius 'the Adjudicator' Stark had officially named the Northern Kingdom.
House Potter, Black, Lupin, and Pettigrew were involved in drawing up Magical Maps to cover the whole North, all to better understand where people were located to best send the data collectors and card forgers.
Eventually the maps were copied and moved to the Mapping Department in the Administrative Centre of Winterfell that oversaw the Northern Realms Kingdom, but not until they had completed the task of identifying all the citizens of the North and handing over their personal Identification Cards.
White Night would gain their own version of the maps and begin to tighten up the borders of the North, making sure spies weren't in their lands unless they so choose to have them in their lands.
All ports underwent modifications to stop people from entering the lands of the Northern Realms Kingdom, with the spies too unfortunate to get away without an Identification Card being made and stored away with their exact details.
Only the faithful of the House of Black and White, the Faceless Men in service of the Many-Faced God, could at times manage to get past the customs at the ports, but they would eventually be caught and sent back to their temple by White Night operatives.
For some reason or another, Faceless Men would arrive in the North but never took on contracts regarding Northern citizens unless they were scumbags of the vilest nature, but even so they would report the crimes and wait to see Northern justice occur through the courts made to ease the duty of the Magnars.
So, in one way or another, there was a silent friendship and alliance between the Faceless Men and the Northern Realms Kingdom, one that would last far longer than anyone could have ever imagined.
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Winter Wolves also changed its operations and evolved into an elite Order of the North called the Winter Legion.
To help deal with the growing number of bandits, and recruits joining the Winter Wolves as a result, eventually led to King Neville Stark to create the Order of the Winter Legion.
They would continue to follow a military ranking system, with the General leading their soldiers on behalf of the Commander in Chief, the King of the North.
The Winter Legion would now consist of half a dozen Generals, each with a legion under their command that could number up to three thousand soldiers.
They were not considered the army of the North but a special elite Order that would attract youth hoping to make a name for themselves while protecting the homeland they so dearly love.
The Army on the other hand was stationed at military bases around the Kingdom, in strategic points and particular strongholds in case of a sudden attack from a neighbouring or foreign Kingdom.
The Winter Legion however would take up positions protecting the coast of the North, while also dealing with banditry, and when they had the time, train the Silver Wolf Cloaks who were tasked with policing the growing towns and cities of the North as Green Rangers began to travel all around Westeros.
They weren't the only new Order to come into existence during this time as King Neville Stark sought to organise the growing number of Wargs, Skinwalkers, and Skinshifters to serve the interests of the North.
Training under the care and protection of Asgard's Green Rangers, the Order of White Eyes became the 'known' spying organisation for the North, though in truth they worked alongside the White Night, and were made to be known by the head spymasters, Freki, Munin, Hugin, and Geri.
Laws were set in place to ensure those born from noble Houses were allowed to join White Eyes had to give up their titles and last name to be accepted into the organisation.
Only after they had completed a minimum of 10 years of service would they be allowed to leave and be given a small piece of land, though it would be owned by House Stark, and they would begin to accept rent for living on the property by the time great grandchildren could begin to make a living for themselves.
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As the White Eyes would begin to move south and expand over Westeros, the Green Rangers began to do the same after King Neville Stark noticed the failings of First Men around the continent as they sought to fight one another instead of helping each other grow together.
They were not hardy people anymore but rather fought needlessly over land and smallfolk, causing endless wars and plenty of infighting.
To help combat this and promote the Old Gods, the Green Rangers were tasked with resolving the matters in the Kingdoms down south, which led to the Order growing in size and influence over Westeros, however the power remained in the tight grasp of House Stark.
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765 Years After the Wall
King Karthor 'the Architect' Stark would begin the Great Northern River Canal System of the North with the aid of the Druidic Guild, Children of the Forest, Dryads, Giants, Nymphs and many more.
After seeing the value of the Wolf's Canal to the North, Karthor decided the North needed to be linked by their numerous rivers, even if they had to craft it themselves from the land.
But before doing so, he spoke with Chit, the High Magnar of the Children of the Forest, who agreed to organising the Children and other magicals necessary for the job, while the King began to gather people to help with the labour.
It wasn't long before they were working on widening the newly created riverbeds by the earthquake throughout the North.
It allowed for another canal network to be set up from the west coast to the east, and plenty of new locations for castles and cities to begin forming over the years if they gained the right support and population numbers.
Karthor began the construction of giant statues like those on the east and west entrances of the Wolf's Canal, however they would be built at the far end of the Northern coast where the entrance into the Northern River Canal Network would begin and exit on either side, completely hiding a hidden route from the Sunset to the Shivering Sea.
Along the riverside, placed a far distance apart from one another, Karthor had statues of past Stark Kings built to remind those travelling through the Northern River Canal Network of House Stark's power to make such a feat possible.
In King Karthor's reign, many new castles and riverports were built, while slowly manned by loyal men and women, which eventually brought back the investment made into the significant project for the betterment of the North.
Soon a ferry taxi business and an increasing number of houseboats would begin to a whole new industry for the North to capitalise upon, further improving the economic state of the Kingdom.
Karthor also began the creation of two new settlements Beyond-the-Wall, one close towards the Skirling Pass, yet in the Bay of Ice, with the river in the region eventually extended to reach the sea of the Bay of Ice.
It became the settlement known as Icegard, as House Winterstone was employed to help build the town, using Ice stone to create the buildings, using magic to help charm the interior to be warm, while the exterior was reinforced by the cold.
The second settlement was near the Fist of the First Men, becoming Frostfist, again employing the aid of House Winterstone in helping build the settlement, but this time the Ice stone was largely used in reinforcing a strong exterior wall.
Several walls were created, many of which were made of stone, but the few of Ice stone were stronger and thicker than once could expect, only further enhancing in strength the colder it became.
Soon enough, they were manned by clans from Beyond-the-Wall, who were loyal to House Stark, though they all reported to House Polarstark.
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975 Years After the Wall
King Brandon 'the Economist' had to deal with money flow problems with a stagnant economy, even though they received plenty of taxes and continued to grow wealthier.
Hell, just the wealth brought from the Northern Trading Company had all on its own ensured House Stark would forever have vaults filled to the brim of gold and plenty of other treasures to last eons.
They had even brought a new magical species to the North from the River Kingdoms of the Rhoynar, an ally of the North and the merchant company simply by the ease at which they transported goods and brought immense wealth to the region, as well as stability to the smallfolk.
The Turtles now offered the taxi services for the River Canal Network a speedier means of travel, as they could be attached to the houseboats and asked to lead on.
Realising House Stark had just collected and hoarded more money and goods than deemed reasonable, Brandon knew his sort of continued practise by his family would begin to hurt the Northern economy in the years to come.
To stop it from happening and causing the downfall of House Stark, Brandon began to inject the money back into the economy, all in manners that benefited House Stark and the Northern Realm.
Calling on Forever Winter Bank to aid in his project to revive the North during the slow movement of the economy, Brandon went with their idea to expand Winterfell, and Wintercity first off.
Using designs left behind by King Karthor 'the Architect' Stark and King Brandon 'the Builder' Stark, Brandon the Economist saw to the expansion of Winterfell while incorporating architectural styles of the known world and those from the Terra Dimension to give the home of House Starks an ethereal beauty and majesty.
Increasing the number of towers from thirty-one to well over fifty, including twenty plus towers higher than any other in all of Westeros and possibly Essos, along with the improvements to the Hall of Artifacts, which saw expand in size and increase in the volume of artifacts on display.
The Great Crypts of Winterfell saw themselves expand in size to allow for grander marble tombstones, while more levels were added to accommodate Starks to come, the Throne Room gained a decent splash of elegance through various tapestries and artwork on display, including the additions of various armours and equipment wielded by past Starks.
There was no need to alter the thrones as they were already perfect in their current state, but the raised platform they remained situated upon received a long needed upgraded.
In the case of the Great Hall, it received the enchanted ceiling of Hogwarts, giving it an otherworldly charm that couldn't be replicated easily, and the Private Quarters of House Stark gained more amenities for their own section of the impressive castle, such as a family cinema, theatre, pool, gym, and even a private Recreational Hall.
Beyond that, Brandon saw to the building of another Godswoods for the smallfolk, rich or poor, to equally have access to, and pray to the Old Gods.
There was already a Ygg-Atkaye-Weirwood Tree planted in the execution grounds to absorb the blood of those convicted, all in the hopes of earning forgiveness from the Old Gods, however another was required for the smallfolk to pray before and gain some semblance of peace from the Old Gods presence.
This worked out perfectly as Botanists of wizarding nature, in addition to the Druids, Children, Dryads, and Nymphs also saw to the introduction of vines throughout Winterfell and Wintercity.
Based off Avalon for its perfect meld of nature with the buildings and populous of a city, the Botanists worked with the Druids and others to not just guide the vines throughout Winterfell and Wintercity without harming what was built already.
Though with the aid of magic, they could create tether points for the vines to spread and even plant themselves around in various places to sprout trees or plants, all bioluminescent so the Heart of the North was always alight, even in the darkness of winter.
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All the work to Winterfell and Wintercity still hadn't solved the issue regarding the economy, therefore the rebuilding of the sporting Colosseum and construction of a grand amphitheatre in Wintercity were approved by Brandon.
It followed with the expansion of the bathhouses and public toilets throughout the North as the plumping and sewage system began to expand all over the North, reaching each town, village, and city.
The lakeport of Winterlake also grew in size, as did the shipyards, in the hopes they might lead to some unnecessary expenditures to help funnel the economy with wealth.
This started a new tradition all Starks would follow through with every five hundred years or so, investing the accumulated wealth in the vaults to better improve the North through various projects or heavy maintenance.
They would commission a great wonder, rebuild, or expand upon Stark lands to inject the wealth from taxes back into their homeland.
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1100 Years After the Wall
King Bormir 'the Herculean' Stark would go on to befriend multiple enclaves, clans, and Houses of magical beings to lay the foundations for the Magical Corps in service of House Stark.
In the case of the Giants, who'd not only evolved from the mating between those native to Westeros and those of the Terra dimension, were granted the duty of being the Gatekeepers of Winterfell, and Wintercity.
This mostly came about due to the increase in their height, bodily shape, and improved intelligence combined with a greater understanding of oneself and those around them.
Averaging around the height of twenty feet, the most Giants were rather large though appeared more humanoid and similar to humans in appearance as time passed by.
A study was conducted some time ago by the University of Hogwarts on this specific matter, only to discover new evolved species that were variants from the union of Giants native to this land and those foreign to it eight feet in height.
So, they were included and used their large forms to become guards of Winterfell, situated throughout Winterfell and Wintercity, much like their Giant cousins.
They were joined by Dwarves, Goblins, and Gnomes, many of whom wanted to work in the Great Forges of Winterfell, and even those set up throughout the city, but that was just a benefit for some after becoming a guard for the Starks.
Centaurs happily accepted the position of scouts for the Starks, always manning the lands from a distance, making sure all was well in the lands surrounding Winterfell, and no bandits or criminals rose up as they patrolled.
The Merfolk went on to build a grand settlement in the Winterlake after it was expanded through an Expansion Obsidian Obelisk that'd been installed underwater.
It led to the eventual creation of Tempest; the second city of the Merfolk in the North after Aquarius had risen in the sea border of House Whitetree.
In a short period of time, and with the aid of the magical beings along with the gifted of the North, quickly helped Tempest come into formation for the Merfolk to move in and settle.
Soon though, they began to settle industries underwater, finding various previous gems, plants, and other minerals that could be used by their people or sold off to others around the North.
Most of the time though, they found magical plants, gems, and metals scattered throughout the waterways of the North, all heavily saturated by the magical energy freely being absorbed by the environment.
All the wealth brought from the sale of such goods eventually helped them rise to become the fiercest guards of the northern waters and made sure no pirates dared to ever travel through the River Canal Network and attack Winterfell, or any other Keep and settlement.
Working beside the Northern Giant Turtles, the Merfolk helped increase the speed at which they travelled by the River Canal Network, using them even in battle at times, though most of the time, the Giant Turtles were tasked to help drag along the house and riverboats, shortening the travel time people of the North had to experience going via the River Canal Network.
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1221 Years After the Wall
King Baldur 'the Ironwrath' Stark began his conquest of the Iron Islands after they led an attack on the Port City of Frosthill to House Frost, while a daughter of House Stark was there for fosterage.
She was sent there largely because of his wife, who was of House Frost, and wished for their Second Daughter, Atenia, to be fostered there, more so because of the friendship she developed with the Second Daughter of House Frost during the Northern Games held at the Last Hearth a couple years back.
White Eyes didn't take long to discover the spy in their lands and have them executed but not before learning how they got past the Magical Maps.
After learning of the fault, the report made its way up the chain of power before landing in King Baldur's hands, leading the King of the North to declare war on the Iron Islands.
The Northern Trading Company gave their full support in the endeavour and brought forth the ideal candidate to become the ruling Warden of the Iron Island for House Stark.
It happened to be a daughter of House Greyiron to have left when her father had tried to marry her into a rival's family as a means to bring down the family from the inside.
A cowardly act but one that the Grey King from House Greyiron had utilised as of late to increase the number of salt wives lining his bed each night.
In the end, King Baldur called on the support of his vassals, all of whom were keen on teaching the Ironborn a lesson they wouldn't ever forget.
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Through White Night operatives, discord amongst the Iron Island Houses led to the beginning of a civil war, which gave the North the best means to hide their attack for as long as possible.
In truth, Merfolk combined with the Krakens of Skagos largely destroyed the naval might of the Ironborn, leaving most to believe it was the actions of the civil war.
By the time the Ironborn were able to realise something was amiss, the Northern forces were able to seize the Iron Islands, taking over the entire region in less than a year.
Soon, they challenge began to change the culture of the Ironborn from reaping and raving like maddened idiots, though King Baldur didn't believe this feat was a difficult one.
Thinking of the Viking culture he'd read about in the Great Library of Winterfell, Baldur decided to speak with the Order of Knowledge and Wisdom to best introduce the correct changes to the Ironborn culture.
They'd taking on the Viking culture, adapt to it as their own, along with Northern traits and customs, eventually creating a loyal force to the North, one known for their ruthlessness and efficiency out at sea.
Before returning home, King Baldur declared his second son the High Magnar of the Iron Islands, with his legitimacy reenforced through his marriage to the daughter of the deposed Grey King of House Greyiron, forever changing the rulers of the Isles to House Greyironstark, leading even House Greyjoy to kneel before Northern might and accept their rulership.
The new High Magnar and his Magnara began to strengthen their power first over the Iron Islands, taking out any nuisance to their rule or those of their successors, before the redevelopment of all the Isles.
Calling on the Forever Winter Bank to help fund the changes to the Iron Islands, House Greyironstark began the construction of their seat of power on Old Wyk
As the island had lost some of the bones of the great Nagga to the Wizard King during his exploration of Westeros, Orion 'the Sea Dragon' Greyironstark would declare it the home of their seat and brought over magical forces from the North to help in its construction.
They even received several Expansion Obsidian Obelisk, all of which were used to increase the land size of Old Wyk, since it became the home of the High Magnar, and represented the centre for all Ironborn power, culture, and religion, though all three underwent a huge change by the actions of their new High Magnar.
Martyn of House Greyironstark now, chose to hold a huge feast in the Keep of their seat upon Old Wyk, named partly after the land it was built atop, Wykgard showcased the magical beauty of Northern architecture and construction to all the Magnars of the Iron Islands.
When they all arrived, they thought it'd be necessary to set up camp by the bones of the Nagga of the legendary Grey King, yet instead found themselves in a grand castle none of them could understand how to raid if ever given the chance.
What they found was a port city under construction, though just as guarded and patrolled by human forces, combined with the remaining scattered magical forces that chose to remain behind and settle a home alongside Martyn.
Though the most shocking fact they had to accept suddenly was the familiar of their High Magnar.
Presented before all of the gathered Magnars from across the Iron Islands, Martyn showcased his familiar Nagga-enhanced-Basilisk, a creature he'd found during his time at Hogwarts of Skane.
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While out exploring the Black Lake, he'd come across Siraee, who was watching her children play with the Great Squid of the Lake, only for one of the youngest to split away and approach Orion.
Siraee thought to intervene but held back after witnessing the exchange between her child and that of the young human wizard, only to sense the connection between the two.
Soon it led to rumours and the arrival of King Baldur at Hogwarts, only to be surprised after meeting Siraee and the familiar of his child.
The war with the Ironborn became the perfect reason for Baldur to make use of his son's familiar, even though the creature never fought.
Though Martyn perfectly used it now after claiming his right to the throne of High Magnar over the Iron Islands in the best way possible.
By a grand feast.
As such, the generous, but fearsome image with the Basilisk quietly curled together at his feet, reminded the Ironborn of the legendary Grey King of Old, making it easier to accept Martyn's rule without fault.
King Baldur was rather generous in supplying the Iron Islands with all goods they required to not just rebuild after the civil war amongst themselves and then the one against the North, but to help them become self-dependent to an extent under the rule of Martyn, but it didn't hurt to receive aid from Clan Heiðruind from time to time.
Baldur went on to change his title to become the High King in the North and the Iron Isle, Heahþrym Magnar of Winterfell, High King of First Men, Children of the Forest, Giants, Goblins, Dwarves, Centaurs, Merfolk, Wolffolk, etc, Heahþrym Magnar Protector of the Realm.
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1300 Years After the Wall
Taking inspiration from a film he watched through his Data Slate, King Eryx 'the Spymaster' Stark, would consult with House Potter's High Magnar Seron, on trying to develop White Eyes to increase in scope and size.
His ideas based off the film, while slightly farfetched, were rather sound and actually beneficial for the North to implement but High Magnar Seron didn't believe it was wise to grant the White Eyes further power when they ultimately answered to White Night.
Also, White Night had greater reach than anyone could have originally thought at first, so High Magnar Seron couldn't understand the reason for King Eryx's choices.
Instead, they refined the responsibilities and duties of the White Eyes, turning them 'publicly' into an assassination organisation operating worldwide.
They would continue to operate truthfully for White Night, but accept assassinations from other parties for a fee, however none against innocents, children, or people of the North.
In their stead, 'Kingsmen' came forth, much to the disagreement of High Magnar Montgomery, however the man relented and provided all the support he could for the intelligence agency to be one of the very best.
As such, they were given the opportunity to open a business front from where their operatives could function, while overseeing the change dress style and fashion for the world through their hidden alias of a bespoke tailor business.
Aware it wasn't the wisest decision to ask High Magnar Montgomery to manage the Kingsmen, so High Magnar Rogar 'the Warglord' Reed was given the honour, leading the eager Northern man to begin organising and managing the Kingsmen agency.
In time, he'd turn it into one of the greatest spy agencies of the known world, as their network expanding out to encompass the known world, working alongside the White Night, and at times White Eyes in the field, though operated largely on their own.
All three brought great security and safety to the North, however the Kingsmen became the stuff of legends as none could ever realise who were the real perpetrators, allowing them to freely manipulate world politics and move information as they so choose.
White Night even helped them distribute the information and sell it as they deemed fit, turning House Reed into a powerful House of the North, and rather wealthy at that too, as they oversaw a huge expansion of their magical moving castle.
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1410 Years After the Wall
Queen Vyla 'the Windfree' Stark helped House Ryswell begin to breed the best warhorses in the North, if not one of the best in the whole known world after numerous investments from House Stark, Ryder, Frost, and many others wanting better horses for battle.
Zorses, Dothraki Stallions, Dornish Sand Steeds, Penthosi Warhorses, Destriers, Chargers, and many more horse breeds brought over from Avalon, eventually raised the perfect Northern Warhorse, Svaðilfari, taking the name inspiration from Norse Mythology.
The name came from Magnar Nolan Makerstark after he rode out to the Keep of House Ryswell to help design a better ranch for the fierce and strong horse breed of the North.
Using Ikranä Steel, Queen Vyla saw to the armouring of the Svaðilfari, improving the fierceness of the warhorses in battle, while also maintaining the speed.
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Queen Vyla also saw to the rise of House Hornfoots, who'd established a Keep on Skagos, and served as vassals to House Potter.
They were gifted one of the largest ranches built in conjunction with House Potter to serve the need for domesticated animals throughout the North and even abroad.
This wasn't just to increase the production of wool, leather, and furs, but to begin a proper butcher and meat industry in the North to feed everyone as the population continued to grow in size.
House Nightrunner were similarly gifted a ranch of their own by Queen Vyla on Skagos, leading to relations with House Hornfoot increasing to a stage they became each other's greatest ally, and heavily trained together, sending guards, men-at-arms, and spearwives to constantly compete against one another.
What none had expected however was the appearance of House Potter and half a dozen Magnars loyal to the High Magnar of Skagos as they appeared in Wintercity.
All seemed rather grim, and far from the mood to be speaking with anyone, which led to a rather quiet and simple giving of bread and salt before the Ygg-Heart-Atkaye Tree of the Godswood.
Only after they all made their way to the Solarium of Queen Vyla, had the High Magnar of Skagos revealed what led him and his vassal to make the journey to Winterfell.
"The Kingdom of Gaesle has fallen, High Queen…" spoke High Magnar Charlus, the current Head of House Potter and Protector of Skagos and the Shivering Sea.
Born from the ancestral union of the Wizard King and Ice Queen, High Magnar Charlus was a powerful wizard in his own right and a solid ally of House Stark and the Northern Realms, so he was rather caught off guard when news reached him through the Northern Trading Company of Kingdom of Gaesles demise.
He didn't know who sent the message from their operations in the Kingdom of Gaesle, but it was enough to cause a unique shockwave throughout the Northern Trading Company as they took on the motto.
The words had a far greater effect on the ship crews by the Kingdom of Gaesle, as they watched the Kingdom be swallowed by the silent Darkness, creating a phantom of what was spoken in the moment.
'For Above All Else, We Have Time' became recognised by the Northern Trading Company before High Magnar Charlus even reached Winterfell, after which he was updated of what occurred in the Far East of Essos.
Through the instant messenger device created during the reign of King Ignotius 'the Adjudicator', High Magnar Charlus, High Queen Vyla and the remaining Magnars present in the Solarium read through the message sent from their Fleet Admirals.
'Survivors onboard, including remaining Elven Royal Family of Raja'Mai, too many losses in comparison to saved.
Travelling home to the North now with the fleet.'
Nothing was said for a long time as each Magnar processed all that was written, trying to understand how a whole Kingdom, especially one the size of Gaesle and its influence had ended so suddenly.
Queen Vyla and the Magnars present, as well as the rest of the North would rush to Winterfell with their men and women, prepared to aid the survivors and understand if it were possible to journey to Asshailab and find any other survivors.
Sadly, upon the arrival of the Northern Trading Company Fleet from the Kingdom of Gaesle, all the Magnars and their High Queen noticed the abysmal state of the survivors as they came into the lakeport of Wintercity through Winterlake.
They were joined by Aelflyn at the gates, with High Magnara Milicent of the Aelflyn stepping forward to grasp the grief stricken Raja'Mai and his wife, the Raja'Mae, as their people and Kingdom had come to an abrupt end.
All the death and destruction were hard for anyone to witness, but far worse for those considered the last of their lineage already from a dying species.
High Queen Vyla immediately declared to all present, amplifying her voice through her a sonorous charm, that they were considered part of the North and now under their protection for good.
It was a sombre moment to see the Raja'Mai and Raja'Mae kneel before High Queen Vyla and place their crown before her feet, but necessary to ensure the survivors of the Kingdom lived another day, even if it were far from what they knew as their home.
As a result, House Eldar was formed, with the former Raja'mai being awarded the title of High Magnar of the remaining Elvish populous, and the survivors of the Gaesle Kingdom, including its nobility.
They were given lands along the Northern River Canal Network, ensuring the new Magnars were able to successfully build their own Keeps and manage the smallfolk under them, however a large number of the survivors would on Skagos due to the vast open land on offer and the warmer climate.
High Magnara of the Aelflyn would lend the full support of her people to help the Eldari, as they had preferred to call themselves, in replenishing their numbers and bonding with magic once more as they had begun to lose their affinity to magic over the years.
They would eventually rise once more in power, but for the power of the North, rather than the Kingdom of Gaesle.
Forever grateful for the aid given by the whole North, the Eldari returned it tenfold through their loyalty to House Stark and even Clan Heiðruind for saving them as the Darkness rose over the kingdom.
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1475 Years After the Wall
Queen Andromeda 'the Farsighted' Stark, an unparalleled genius, would learn a great deal from the knowledge brought by House Potter and Clan Heiðruind from the Terra Dimension.
Learning from the countless books on engineering, physics, biology, mathematics, chemistry, and other sciences gave Andromeda the strength to design flotation devices, advance weaponry, new methods to mining, improved ship designs and much more.
Even her artworks were more beautiful and artistic than anyone could have imagined, each drawing plenty of admirers and buyers willing to spend their fortunes collected over lifetimes.
It all just cemented Andromeda as one of, if not the best ruler for the Northern Realms Kingdom, as her actions brought wealth and prosperity all across the whole North.
She introduced more literature from the Terra Dimension, such as comics, fantasy novels, and much more for the citizens to gain some inspiration after a couple alterations were made for the stories to be understood by society presently.
It helped draw another source of income for House Stark, but led to her making particular decisions later in her reign that would one day cement her legend to equal that of Bran the Builder in the eyes of most.
First, she noticed the Kingdom wasn't fully utilising fifty percent of their populous, even with the actions of House Potter vassals greatly improving the value of women, it still was far from enough to raise their station over the course of the last millennia.
Changing the inheritance laws from Agnatic-Cognatic Primogeniture to an Absolute Cognatic Primogeniture, meaning the First Born, regardless of gender, would inherit the noble title, removing a great many stresses regarding succession.
The law was accepted over the course of the next decade, as the acts of past Queens of House Stark had truly seen to the North's development and progress that even a number of Stark Kings over the last millennia had failed to accomplish in their rule.
Strengthening the Spearwife culture and helping it develop to a stage where women were taught to fight from a young age, including children of nobility, Queen Andromeda ensured within her reign that the women of the North would stand equally by their male brethren in the duties and responsibilities of their homeland.
The Winter Snakes would become the first Winter Legion to accept women into their ranks, before it turned into one of the most ruthless and well round force loyal to the North.
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In an effort to make the whole North closer to one another, Queen Andromeda would often speak with High Magnar Kharlan Remius Potter, knowing full well the extent of the knowledge and power of Terra Dimension greatly exceeded this world.
Through the knowledge brought by House Potter and its vassals to the North, Andromeda realised the High Magnar of Skagos, and its islands had stayed their hands for quite some time in the progress of the North besides the grand actions taken during the early days of their arrival to this world.
Journals from Brandon the Builder revealed a great deal about the strength and power in the hands of House Potter, which could easily be seen through the Data Slates each House of the North now owned and utilised freely.
Multimedia entertainment from a world not of their own had spread throughout the North, introducing certain peculiarities amongst the Northern nobility for countless generations, which led Andromeda to make sweeping reforms throughout the Kingdom.
Calling upon House Potter, Clan Heiðruind, and all the vassals in their service, Queen Andromeda asked them to begin truly introducing magic into each House of the North beyond the Wizards and Witches ensuring their health and safety.
Cinemas, Recreational Halls, and Rooms of Requirement were just the beginning of the changes being introduced to the Keeps of the North along with copies of the various comics, manga, novels, and similar goods items being gifted away.
Artworks from the Terra Dimension were sent over by House Potter to enter the new museums built as part of Queen Andromeda's reign, greatly improving the artistic culture of the North.
Each of the Keeps had magical portraits and continued with the tradition of having them produced as each generation was born, however they were considered an artform taught by the Arts Academy of Winterfell.
As Queen Andromeda's orders to introduce magic more readily to the North came into effect, it eventually led nobility to understand the magical portraits were actually produced by several vassals of House Potter.
So, none were too shocked or surprised by the treasures eventually sent to House Stark, such as the Faberge eggs, Amber Room of St. Petersburg, and the Honjo Masamune blade to be placed in an Art Museum built attached to the Art Academy built in Wintercity a couple centuries after schools were readily working and producing educated smallfolk.
The watchful eye of High Queen Andromeda maintained House Potter to continually oversee magical developments around the North to improve the standard of living.
Not only that, but Queen Andromeda also ordered House Potter to involve themselves to a greater extent in Northern society, leading the change in their people as it became a magical Kingdom that no other could challenge or compete against.
Transport Doors were readily sold and installed more freely than in the past throughout the North and the Isles, making travel between towns and small cities easier than ever before, allowing the Magnars and Magnara across the North to better understand their citizens.
Fireplaces were also linked to the refined Floo Network, providing another means of transport, however the Transport Stations, similar to that of Hogsmeade from the Terra Dimension, were now located all over the North and Isles, becoming an instrumental infrastructure to the Northern Realms to build a far more cohesive Kingdom, while further improving the Northern identity.
Costs and security would be provided to these facilities by House Potter and more specifically, Clan Heiðruind, though it wasn't long before more guards were sent by Queen Andromeda to manage each of these holdings.
The Transport Stations also led her to gain the aid of High Magnar of Skagos and his forces to connect up the Northern villages, towns, and cities to each other through the numerous Transport Stations being erected, securing the Lands of Winter in a way none had ever achieved before.
Though this was far from enough for Queen Andromeda who wished to see the military moving instantly across the lands of the Northern Realms Kingdom.
Aware of the value Portkeys offered, Skagos would soon supply the Northern elite warrior orders and levies as a means to arrive at the front door of any attack upon their lands, allowing for the several hundred if not thousands in time to travel all at once.
The first true test of the Group Portkeys would occur during the reign of Queen Andromeda when the Ghiscari Empire chose to raid upon the Northern Realm after trading for so long to understand the hardy nature of the Northern folk with talents to easily become a fearless fighting force for any King or Emperor if they so choose.
They chose to raid a town in the lands that would one day go to House Karstark, though in the middle of their attack upon the coast side town would they find themselves surrounded by the army of the North.
Leading the charge, Winter Snake Legionnaires began their assault on the Ghiscari soldiers who were surprisingly led by the son of a powerful Octarch who wanted nothing more than to rule over the Northern lands for himself.
Sadly, for the Octarch, his ambitions would never be fulfilled after receiving the heads of all the Ghiscari soldiers with their genitals cut off and stuffed into their mouths as per the orders of Queen Andromeda.
The son of the Octarch was included in the head, and wrapped in silk, 'So as to not damage the precious cargo of the 'humble' Octarch', as per the orders of Queen Andromeda.
In response, the Ghiscari Empire ceased all trade with the North, first trying to entice the people of Little Ghis to lead an attack upon the seat of House Stark, however none were willing to betray the Kings of Winter as they had provided lifestyle far greater than the Empire could afford them.
Sadly, any further plans were for nought as they began to fend against the rising power in Essos to fill the gap brought by the Shadow Lands.
However, the actions of Queen Andromeda would begin to spread all over Essos, even while the Ghiscari Octarch tried their hardest to stop such rumours, reaching the doorstep of the Kingdom of the Rhoyne Rivers.
Leading a merchant fleet to the North, Prince Zartha of the Rhoynar would arrive at the Port of Oldcastle to House Locke, before continuing the journey via the houseboats to Winterfell.
Amazed by the North the moment he entered their waters, Prince Zartha knew his people had to secure a friendship with the Northern Realms, especially after noticing how potent magical energy was in the atmosphere.
Even the sight of the last people to have survived the Kingdom of Gaesle's end, had brought a great sense of relief to Prince Zartha, who had taken many Gaesle survivors under his right of protection within his principality.
He'd extended it to the other principalities, but only with the authority of the Council, as they had a large population of Gaesle survivors, yet seeing the Northern Realms formed an idea in the Prince's mind to send some of the excess Gaesle survivors here.
As he came upon the sight of Winterfell from the houseboat provided by House Locke to lead them up the river White Knife, Prince Zartha became more determined than ever to become a fervent ally to the Kingdom in control of the Northern Trading Company, one of the most elite merchant trading organisations known around the world.
Only then could his people prosper just as the Kingdom of Gaelse had once upon a time, but now left behind an open vacuum of power to be grabbed in Essos.
Fully prepared to strengthen the Kingdom of the Rhoyne Rivers, Prince Zartha made his way from the lakeport, prepared to fight a battle of words to give his people an ally worthy of their greatness.
The fact there were Giant Turtles roaming the Northern Rivers, when they were typically found in the Rhoyne Rivers, only ensured Prince Zartha didn't hold back in his discussion with Queen Andromeda to secure a formal alliance.
The person in question however began to implement the creation of the Royal Wintersguard after the Winter Legions encounter with the Ghiscari soldiers had only showcased to her that House Stark needed its own protective order.
They would be required to protect members of House Stark, and their extended family per the instructions of their King and Queen, serving for life, or until they are physical or mentally unable to perform their duties.
They would be made up of various units, such as the Wolfsguard who were tasked to protect the younger children of House Stark.
No discrimination against gender or race was allowed in the recruiting of men and women to the Royal Winterguard, leading to the recruitment of all sorts of magical creatures and beings to the elite forces.
Half-Giants were inducted into the Wintersguard, even gaining their own unit named Atlasguard, however their task was far different than the rest.
Though many were inducted into the unit chosen to protect the King and Queen, including the children.
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After designing a flying device capable of transforming the North to greater heights were stored away and added to the collection of ideas Andromeda prepared in advance for her successors to make possible one day, she sought of other ways to change the North.
She had seen a great deal in her life and knew much more was possible, however the era in which she was born into lacked vastly behind, however Andromeda still saw more than one could have ever imagined through the beauty of magic.
House Woodfoot would gain her trust to begin their own glassworks industry on Bear Island, and even expanding it to the shores of House Mormont lands below Brandon's Gift.
House Greywolf were soon involved to provide navy protection to House Woodfoot and their glasswork industries, while also gaining a share of the profits.
Craftsmen guilds helped improve the quality of the glassworks and trained the first truly qualified Glassmith, beginning the craft of countless works of art as the craftsmen improved their skills and developed their craft.
Seeing the glass industry begin to flourish, Queen Andromeda focused on the agriculture industry, after noticing it was beginning to strain on the old management style it operated under for over a millennium.
Bull-drawn Plows, crop rotation, water management, fertiliser and far more was already introduced and implemented across the whole North during the days of Brandon the Builder, however Queen Andromeda saw a stagnant industry not moving forward.
Calling on magic to aid in their work, Andromeda thought of preserving food for long shelf life so it could be stored for longer.
As the power of the North grew, its influence had expended beyond their borders, leading to changes across Westeros.
Southern nobilities were prepared to greater extent to store goods away for a long time, saving them from hunger in dire times.
They also began to plan ahead of time to serve the interests of their Houses and people, but it wasn't often followed through by the next generation.
So, Queen Andromeda wasn't against increasing the production of long shelf-life goods, however it wasn't her main idea to improve the agricultural industry.
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Grandmaster Hephaestus, the Father of the Forge and Lady Aelius Makerstark, left plenty of knowledge behind pertaining to metal forging and crafting of steel, which was largely managed by House Makerstark, House Sidianstark, and the House Stark themselves from Winterfell.
While Makerstark operated from the Wolf's Fort of Rivia, House Sidianstark from Svartgard, leaving House Stark to manage the forge built by the Fabled Grandmaster Smiths of the North from the days of Brandon the Builder.
Over the course of the last millennia and a half, plenty of discoveries were made by the qualified Blacksmiths, Metal Forgers, and Grandmasters, such as a strong lightweight steel that wielded Fiendfire to purify the metals during the forging process.
It'd improved the strength of Stygian Steel, which all Northern nobility wielded, along with Fallen Star metal blade, though most were kept shelved, stored away in a vault, or given to the best swordsman to wield.
However, this new technique they discovered would only lead to the discovery of a new variant of steel in the future, as it wasn't considered ready by the Grandmasters to be introduced since Stygian Steel was more than deadly enough for the Northerners to wield right now.
Ikranä Steel was easily the next best thing on offer by the smiths of the North, since the use of Fiendfire during the forging process had led to further elimination of the magical properties in the blade but reduced the weight of the blade while increasing its sharpness and strength.
Having witnessed the thrum of steel hitting one another, in the blistering heat of a dozen and more forges running at once, Queen Andromeda continued to think of ways to not just improve the scale of farming operations in the North but offer the citizens a greater variety of fresh goods.
Since the days of Brandon the Builder, the North had countless seeds on hand from this world through the aid of the Wizard King and his vassals, as well as everything they brought from their home, the Terra Dimension.
All of those gifts were now littered across the whole North and farmed for the people, granting House Stark and the Northern Houses wealth of insane sums, but now Queen Andromeda wanted more than simply filling the vaults of noble Houses.
Aware of medicinal plants and their magical equivalents to long have populated throughout the North, Queen Andromeda realised one of her main goals for her homeland wasn't out of her reach.
Currently Healer Clinics were located all across the North and run by both qualified Wizards and Witches, alongside educated Nurses and Great Scholar Medical Doctors, all of whom were more than capable with their own hands and skills to heal patients.
Yet it was far from enough to manage the number of citizens of the Northern Realms, leading to Queen Andromeda making health reforms to implement a Universal Health Coverage for its citizens and visitors to an extent.
From basic medicine like cough syrup, pain relief pills, and even vaccines from particular illnesses to the more magical sort on offer and potions meant the North already had the means to begin implementing a Kingdom-wide healthcare system.
Of course, this wouldn't just create the health industry but also promote the agricultural industry as more people were required to manage the bountiful farms now also growing medicinal plants.
It wasn't all Queen Andromeda did for the agricultural industry as she began building markets around the North to sell the goods, along with supermarkets and pharmacies that eventually would expand southwards.
However, her introduction of a proper healthcare system in the North came at the optimal time as Queen Andromeda called on the High Magnar of Skagos, Kharlan Remius Potter, once more to help her latest idea.
The construction of a railway network for the whole North.
A daring task and one considered far from cheap to complete, would become the backbone of the North's transportation network without having to rely upon magic.
Goblins, Dwarves, Gnomes, Giants and countless magical and First Men were called upon to support House Stark in the grand project, which was discussed by the Northern Magnars during a feast suddenly called by Queen Andromeda.
None could even miss the feast as they were able to travel with ease through their ow private Transport Doors or utilise the increasing number of Transport Stations.
They would arrive in a secure tower of Winterfell dedicated to arrivals and departures through the numerous magical transportation methods on offer.
When the Magnars arrived with their families, all ate merrily as the food was abundant and made by some of the best chefs throughout the North, drinking away the night before waking up the following day to begin the discussion regarding the railway network.
In the beginning, many voices were against building the railway network, largely due to the cost and upkeep of the machine, however High Magnar Potter and his Vassal Magnars of Skagos advised the train and the carriages would be charmed to reduce as much wear and tear as possible so it could last for eons.
They would also gain train stations in their regions of the North before splitting to travel to the smaller cities and towns, reducing the time required to travel across the Kingdom.
Such assurances and many others throughout the day full of open discussions eventually led to the beginning of the North's greatest feat to come in this generation, however it would take over close to a decade to complete, even with magic providing plenty of assistance.
Not just that, it would draw on the labour resources of every Northern House, yet Queen Andromeda wasn't concerned about it as the North had one of the largest populations in Westeros.
So, she moved onto other subjects to improve North even further during her reign.
Her next plans for the North involved designing a whole new naval fleet, and not one to simply serve House Stark, but the whole North which included the creation of a proper naval force similar to the Northern Army.
While designing ships and boats to serve House Stark, even calling on the Greyironstarks to float many of her questions and ideas as they had raised one of the largest navies under High Magnar Arcturus Greyironstark, Queen Andromeda laid out the foundation for the Northern Military Armed Forces based off all she had learnt regarding the Terra Dimension and the former nations.
In the next century, Queen Andromeda's Northern Military Armed Forces would be fully formed and operational, leading to Special Forces units such as Marine Commandos, Special Air Services, and Navy SEALs.
The creation of military bases and a headquarters for all the branches of the Armed Forces to base their leadership out of, had Rooms of Requirement, Recreational Halls, and much more set up to train the soldiers into the finest and fiercest force in service of the Northern Realms Kingdom.
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Her final and truly greatest creation, was designing a theme park based off Disney World, hoping to begin its construction during her reign however held off from taking such a large step forward as novels, comics, Mangas, and films from the Terra Dimension were still far from seeping into their culture and society en mass.
However, a descendant in the future would make full use of her design, leading to the creation of one of the greatest attractions and cities in the known world upon an island long hidden away by the will of a powerful magical user.
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1609 Years After the Wall
Magnar Benjen 'the Traveller' Whitestark of Winterfort, a little ways away from the Long Lake and nearby to the Northern Mountains, would learn greatly from the questions posed on life by philosophers from the Terra Dimension, having spent much of his youth searching for such knowledge in the vast Bastion of Knowledge.
His actions would lead his cousin, Crown Prince Derryn 'the Watermage' Stark, born to a Rhoynish Princess, chose to send Benjen around the known world to explore and possibly achieve some sort of answer to the questions posed by philosophers, and himself.
He wouldn't be alone as Crown Prince Derryn sent many of his friends made during his days at Basic Grade School, and Hogwarts.
They all joined Benjen 'the Traveller' and explored Westeros and Essos with the young philosopher, travelling all the way to Yi Ti, and even Asshai with his Wizards and Witches to learn about the city that once was a Great Portcity to the Kingdom of Gaelse.
Ruins remained as well as the marble statues of the last inhabitants during the forming of the Shadow Lands, leaving behind their tormented figures as they succumbed to the Darkness.
Now though it was possible to live in the lands of the Shadow, however it wasn't recommended, which the Wizards and Witches part of the group agreed with as they sensed the dark nature of energy in the environment.
Spending a short few weeks in Asshai, they left with plenty of information to further study the Shadow Lands and the effects of the Darkness on the environment, though it wouldn't be accessed till they returned home to the North.
Crown Prince Derryn 'the Watermage' joined them from time to time through a Transport Door, in the hopes to see their progress while travelling around the known world.
Yet he couldn't help but feel stunned by the progress of his cousin in strengthening the North through conversations leading to bustling friendships.
The greatest feat so far Crown Prince Derryn had heard of involved Benjen travelling as far as the Bone Mountains and reaching the Patrimony of Hyrkoon.
Several Warrior Maids of the Patrimony of Hyrkoon had ended up joining Benjen after he left their lands and journeyed to the Ibben to meet with the Council.
They were part of the travelling group, while training to refine their skills through the Basic Magical Sentience's in the Training Rooms built into the ships.
Their grand nature of the ships didn't just leave them gobsmacked by the luxury, but its usefulness screamed to them all that following Benjen was the right decision.
They weren't the only ones since his time in Yi Ti led to a great number of families local to the region to join Benjen the Traveller's fleet.
Having sat in the court of the Emerald Emperor, Benjen eventually rose in prominence, somewhat due to his connection to the Northern Trading Company and House Stark, only for it to reward him with numerous Yi-Tish families leaving their ancient homeland for the North.
They were exiled after serving the last Emperor and his dynasty diligently, which led the current Emperor to make the hard decision that saw their removal.
All the families were loyal men and women, having served the Golden Empire without fault since before the days of the Azure Emperor.
Therefore, as much of shock it was to be sent away from their homeland, moving to the North wasn't as bad of prospect than they had originally thought it might be once they saw the luxuries of Benjen's personal ship, the Sea Bifröst.
As most were martial artists and warriors of various weapon forms, they were all testing their strength against Northern warriors, especially Crown Prince Derryn 'the Watermage' friends who had joined Benjen in his adventure.
To the surprise of many, the Northerners were far stronger and clinical in their combat forms, leading to a greater number of training sessions and collaborations between the members of the travelling group.
They would have the opportunity to test their strength against foes, most of whom were sent by the Old Empire of Ghis, as they wanted nothing more than to slaughter Northerners for their actions during a raid on the Northern Realms.
The wealth and power of the Northern Trading Company secured Benjen's safety during such attacks, even taking the brunt of the attacks, however it eventually led to the organisation involving itself in a long war of its own with the Empire for daring to test their strength and influence.
Northerners however saw it as justice for the attacks led by the Empire on the North during the reign of Queen Andromeda, but in truth, they were to ensure no other Northerner would ever experience such treatment in the lands of Essos.
Benjen on the other hand couldn't help but bathe in the philosophical dilemmas and issues of society and his own existence in Essos meant, causing his Wintersguard sent by his King to howl in despair for the cruelty of their mission in protecting the young Northern man.
They cursed at the heavens for being dragged along to visit the Kingdom of the Rhoyne Rivers, knowing full well they would end up in some sort of trouble due to their charge.
Sadly, this time it led to Benjen the Traveller gaining the allegiance of struggling survivors from the Kingdom of Gaesle, including Rhoyrish living in harsh conditions, wanting to gain a second chance at life in the blessed lands of the Northern Realms.
None of the rulers of the Principalities would oppose his decision, having accepted the North as allies, and even provided their own ships to help transport the displaced people North.
In the meantime, this would allow Benjen to journey to the newest Kingdom trying to rise in power and take over the power vacuum left behind by the demise of the Kingdom of Gaesle.
However, they were left somewhat stunned by the sight of Dragons flying through the sky with riders upon their backs, with spiral towers reaching high into the air, most of which were forged from dark stone that was smooth all over.
Having arrived with a fleet dispatched from the North to meet them close to the Valyrian Peninsula, porting at the city of Oros.
The Northern Trading Company had their own hidden base of operations in the city, kept secure and safely away from the nosy Valyrian nobility that were trying to secure their power over the region.
Unlike Valyria, the capital city of their civilisation, Oros was beside the grand open fertile fields that were used to feed the vast populous.
Of course, the Northern Trading Company made life easier by transporting fresh produce and meats from the Northern Farms, but it still wasn't enough to feed all those serving as part of the Valyrian Freehold.
After spending a short few weeks in Oros to explore and understand any new philosophical dilemmas, Benjen eventually came across Valyrian nobility.
Neither expected to meet each other during their walk through the city of Oros, only for it to cause Benjen to be invited into the manor of House Targaryen.
The young man, a second son of the current Dragonlord of House Targaryen decided to show Benjen around Valyria, which led to his introduction of the second son from House Belaerys.
Jaethr Targaryen and Zyrax Belaerys eventually created a strong bond with Benjen the Traveller that they invited him to their Houses back in the capital city, even introducing their new friend to family.
Benjen would spend time residing in the House of Targaryen, being granted plenty of audiences with the Dragonlord, and the various riders to discuss philosophy, and even exchanging knowledge, however they all much preferring duelling through swordsmanship, and even magic.
Jaethr even learnt how to deepen his connection with his dragon through Benjen, as the Northern Wizard explained parts of warging and even provided several books on Occulmancy.
It caused quite a problem amongst the group travelling with Benjen, as they weren't pleased, he handed over magical knowledge so freely, yet the discussion must have never registered to Benjen as he taught Zyrax Belaerys various forging techniques.
Nearly causing his group of Northern followers to riot at his actions, Crown Prince Derryn 'the Watermage' had to make the trip over from the North through the Transport Door to calm tensions.
At the same time, he needed to understand why Benjen thought it was a wise choice to provide such knowledge to the two Houses, with the Traveller Wolf simply replying, 'For we have given, so we shall now receive.'
More than anything, Derryn wanted to beat his damn cousin, but held off from taking action for a few days at the very least.
Thankfully, Benjen's actions allowed the Northern Trading Company to gain the right to set up a Trading Hub in Valyria, as the Freehold understood they couldn't refuse the might merchant company that operated all over the known world.
They also sold and traded plenty of goods the Valyrians couldn't come across or find to farm themselves, so they had to rely upon the Northern Trading Company, even if they didn't want to.
Yet, the Dragonlords of House Targaryen and Belaerys find themselves far better off than anyone else during trades since they maintained a friendship with the North, beginning through Benjen the Traveller.
This would also lead to House Belaerys discovering how to forge Valyrian Steel through techniques provided by Benjen the Traveller, though it occurred around the same time the North made another breakthrough in steel forging.
Upon Benjen's return to the North, the young man was well suited to take over the duties of his House, being granted the title of Magnar by his dear cousin Crown Prince Derryn 'the Watermage'.
However, his legend and acts throughout his journey would forever benefit the North greatly, causing their power and influence to rise once more.
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1660 Years After the Wall
The son of the Crown Prince Derryn 'the Watermage' Stark, Desmond 'the Librarian' Stark, a young man known to spend his time in the Great Library of House Stark, and the Bastion of Knowledge, only to commission a city where the Tumbledown Tower stood.
The plan was to build a city dedicated to different crafts, masteries, and occupations, becoming the home of higher learning and apprenticeships in the Northern Realms.
It wouldn't stop Wintercity from housing the grand tower of the Bastion of Knowledge or the University of Winterfell but give the numerous students options to choose from the countless classes on offer to better their future.
Therefore, Desmond started printing copies of the books in the Great Library of Winterfell and the University of Winterfell, preparing them all to be sent to the city of education, aptly named Alexandria.
Countless carriages were sent each day until the train station was built in the new city that was coming together neatly, all full of books and materials required to turn it into a haven of education and study.
It'd also gain military facilities to help train student looking to improve their fighting styles, creating a whole new meaning for masteries in the artform of swordsmanship, spearmanship and so forth.
Descendants of High Magnar Symeon Star-Eyes were granted a Keep in Alexandria, becoming their seat of power as House Star-Eyes would begin the formation of the deadliest levies and soldiers in service of the North.
They further rose in prominence as a child of the House eventually grew up to improve the artform style developed by their ancestor to have been granted a nobility.
This not only secured their title as 'The Protectors of Knowledge' but granted the House a title for producing the deadliest spearmen of the North.
Even the Winter Snakes were known to spend time in Alexandria, fighting against the Basic Magical Sentience completely aware of the spearmanship artform style developed by Symeon Star-Eyes to further their own skills.
They, like many others in the future, improve upon the work of their ancestor as the countless books from this world and the Terra Dimension gave them the chance to improve the craft.
All in the North never forget the actions of the Great Wizard King as without him the Great Libraries of the North wouldn't have the grand collections of knowledge, ensuring the Gaesle were never forgotten, nor was their culture or homeland that became the Shadow Lands.
It was one of the reasons why House Stark never fought too hard for the knowledge on Water Magic from the Kingdom of the Rhoyne Rivers when a Princess married into their House.
This however had an adverse effect with the Rhoynish Princess leaving her homeland with chests full of books and tomes to give House Stark all that was required to become powerful Watermages in their own right.
So, the building of Alexandria had a large effect on the northern society as it began to eventually draw people from around the known world, all in the hopes to gain the education to leave behind their own name or legend that would further on for generations.
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News had reached Prince Desmond 'the Librarian' Stark of King Gerald Hightower commissioning his very own version of the Bastion of Knowledge in Oldtown, having visited Winterfell in his youth to study at the famed Tower of the North, only to be left mesmerised and forever obsessed to recreate the same for those in his Kingdom.
The Repository of Oldtown had served House Hightower without fault for hundreds of years and gained a reputation of their own as 'Learnt Men', but they were far from the level of the Scholars or High Scholars of the North.
Gerald asked for the aid of the Children of the Forest, who he believed were the cause of the Tower's unique functions and vast interior space, praying they would help rise the Repository of Oldtown to greater heights, and House Hightower as a result.
The King had high hopes for the Repository of Oldtown to lead innovation and its implementation to turn Oldtown into the home of progress and science, however his first roadblock came from the Children being unable to help.
The actions of his forefathers against the Children had caused pacts and oaths to form that left House Hightower believing they had secured power over the Children, but that was far from the case, with the North forever the haven for their species.
King Gerald would eventually call on the aid of Prince Desmond 'the Librarian' Stark to travel south and finish the 'great' Citadel of the Order of Maesters after hearing of the success in the North with the unveiling of Alexandria.
King Gerold was unable to see the big reveal of the city as his focus was on completing the Citadel, however all the reports informed him the city was like no other in all of Westeros, especially the North.
Incorporating the architectural styles of the Gaesle, Patrimony of Hyrkoon, Tall Men, Zoqora, Kingdom of Sarnor, Rhoynish, and those brought from over from the Terra Dimension, such as Roman, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque, Prince Desmond led the design of Alexandria to follow the newly created Northern Renaissance Style.
A Northern architectural style already existed; however, it wasn't up to par for Prince Desmond to consider worthy of designing Alexandria around it as the style wouldn't help it achieve the grand feat of becoming one of the many wonders across the North.
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1750 Years After the Wall
Prince Desmond 'the Librarian' Stark was soon proven correct in regards to his Northern Renaissance Style being ideal for greater works of the North, led to it becoming part of the grand development of the Silk Road proposed by Queen Sansa 'the Silkwolf' Stark.
Having noticed the large sum of wealth in the Hall of Vaults of Winterfell, Queen Sansa began to invest in the North by building cinemas to showcase the films and shows kept safely stored and maintained by House Potter.
She'd seen the vision High Queen Andromeda had for the North and began to implement changes to help introduce certain media entertainment art to the masses.
This only led to the Arts Academy of Winterfell rising in prestige through their artistic graduates of high calibre, all their minds blown by the media art now being offered by House Stark to the North.
Queen Sansa had done this purposely to keep the graduated students grounded somewhat so they wouldn't cause trouble in the world, so the rise in Cinemas and Theatres around the Northern Realms began early in her reign.
It would slowly but surely lead to another industry being created, led at first from the Arts Academy in Wintercity until a Stark later down the road would create a city dedicated to his love of art, culture, and innovation, but for a time would settle in Alexandria.
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Even with all the money spent so far, Queen Sansa wasn't prepared to stop and learnt through historians and scholars about the Silk Road developed in the Terra Dimension.
After learning of its importance in shaping the world and promoting trade, Queen Sansa decided the North would take on the challenge and become the home of the Silk Road of this world.
However, it wouldn't come without plenty of challenges as Queen Sansa needed to determine who would receive the honour of such a duty as being the seat to the start and finish of the Silk Road.
In the end, House Dustin of the Barrowton and High Magnar of the Barrowlands was tasked with building the Silk Road, and maintaining the hub of commerce and trade, eventually leading to House Amberstin joining the grand project.
A train station of the famous and renown Northern Railway Network would develop a stop at the home of the Silk Road, Novigard, a new city of the North and one with great potential.
Gauntlgrym, a magical city built in the mountains of the Barrowlands by magical beings from all over the North, gave their aid to the creation of Novigrad, and even supported the opening of a Forever Winter Bank branch, with the first open in Winterfell over a thousand years ago, and the second at the Port City of Rivia to House Makerstark.
This was going to be the fifth branch of the bank, with the original located on Skagos, and the fourth on the Iron Islands of Old Wyk, so the bankers weren't afraid to spend their wealth on the Silk Road.
They had their own plans to lead the Silk Road towards the Iron Islands, further ensuring their incorporating into the Northern Realms, its culture and power.
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1810 Years After the Wall
King Brandon 'the Shipwright' Stark, in close cooperation with Houses Thenn, Frostfang, Whitetree, Beasthorn, Locke, Frost, Potter, Greywolf,Greyironstark, and countless others, would begin the rebuilding of the naval forces.
This would include the Northern Military Navy, since the ships they were equipped with were considered significantly out of date according to the design plans left behind by Queen Andromeda 'the Farsighted' Stark.
The more streamlined design of the ships to reduce air resistance along with a massive ram hidden below the waves of the sea, the three-mast design would easily allow the ships to sail up to thirteen knots, making it faster than a brig with ease.
This was all without magical enchantments and runes being added, along with weaponry which included Greek Fire, as gifted by Clan Heiðruind to further improve the legality of the naval forces out in the open waters.
Combined with ballistae, scorpions, crossbows, and modified catapults, the new ships were far better defended and deadlier than anyone could have suspected, especially after King Brandon 'the Shipwright', a veritable genius when it came to the sea and ships, had improved upon Queen Andromeda's designs.
Along with the artifacts like compasses, nautical telescopes, and grabbling hooks, King Brandon 'the Shipwright' ensured all ships were more than capable of surviving out at sea.
His greatest addition to the ships was a modification of the steam engine built for the trains of the North to be built into the new ship designs, granting them even greater speeds and power in the open waters.
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1838 Years After the Wall
The son of King Brandon 'the Shipwright' Stark, Crown Prince Brandon 'the Burner' Stark, would leave home in his youth to travel around the known world, much like this father had.
However, the trip was far from simple or safe, as the new fleet of Northern ships would face countless battles at sea against slavers, pirates, and even the Ghiscari Empire who wanted nothing more than to see the end of House Stark and the North under their rule.
Travelling as far as Yi Ti, and making his way to Ibben, Crown Prince Brandon the Burner would visit the Kingdom of Sarnor in his time travelling the seas, even arriving in the Kingdom of the Rhoyne Rivers to meet distant family.
He'd even secure the transport of the remaining Jhogwin, and Ifequevron as they began to face more raids upon their lands from man.
Both species were eventually given a promise of land and safety in the North, leading to both sides travelling back to their lands and gather their people.
Brandon the Burner helped by calling on ships from the North endlessly to gather the last of the magical beings and creatures they could find across Essos, before moving them all to the Northern Realms.
His return home to the North came with the discovery of a Sea Dragon while staying in the Kingdom of the Rhoyne Rivers, which just so happened to be found by a Wizard in charge of Brandon's protection.
The water beast, no larger than a couple meters, would make itself known as Brandon the Burner walked through the streams of a Rhoynish city, only to pause to gaze out at the beautiful sunset falling over the bustling principality.
It was during this moment that the Wizard became alerted to the magical creature as it barred down its gaze upon Brandon who became aware after a short while of its presence.
Both continued to gaze deeply into each other's eyes up until the Crown Prince of House Stark decided to kneel down and open his palm for the creature to glide up his arm.
It did as he asked but stopped for a moment to prick his skin with its teeth, leaving behind a coarse substance that caused Brandon to shake and squirm under the excruciating pain, but after a short while, he understood a familiar bond was created with the infant Sea Dragon.
The Wizards and Witches in his service tried to best understand the creature and provide it rituals to help increase it growth rate and magical properties, but besides that, there were no issues with the creature.
Even when they left the Rhoryne Rivers and headed towards Valyria, hoping to meet with House Targaryen and Belaerys, leaving with countless treasures, Brandon nestled beside his familiar to better understand its capabilities, all of which were put to the test against raiders.
A fleet of Andal ships tried to intercept the Stark naval fleet, and seize it for themselves, only to find they were heavily outmatched.
King Brandon the Burner made sure to leave the Andal fleet in tatters and sent it back to the shores of the Shivering and Narrow Sea considered under their control, but only after ruthlessly showcasing to the Andals that the Northerners weren't to be fucked with.
The Stygian Steel blades of the North easily chipped away at the refined iron weapons of the Andals, a stolen forging technique from the Rhoynar, a fact that infuriated Brandon.
His little Sea Dragon, or as he had come to call him, Jörmungandr, was ripped away at the necks of the Andals, let completely free to wreak havoc by Brandon as they boarded the poorly built raiding ships.
They were sent on the orders of a few noble Houses of Andalos, and the King, a man who wanted to strengthen his people and Kingdom to survive in the chaos of Essos, so sought a battle against the North for their ships.
Having learnt of this, King Brandon decided to send the flaming ships with jars of Greek Fire, all timed to explode at a specific moment based off a magical proximity timer.
His actions in his youth that caused a large fire by the Saltspear, had resulted in the naming of Blazewater Bay to commemorate the sea on fire, however his title would truly form together because of the actions leading to the shores of Andalos burning under green flames that attacked the sea as well.
Upon his return to the North, King Brandon the Burner would begin preparations for a long war against the Andals, sensing they would try their hand at attacking the North.
They wouldn't dare go up against the Northern Trading Company, but King Brandon didn't put it past the bastards willing to invest time and effort into slavery.
It was one of the contention points he had with his dear Freeholder and Dragonrider friends as he didn't understand why they thought blood sacrifices were magically sound in comparison to the Ygg-Atkaye-Weirwood Trees.
House Belaerys practically ended their slavery operations, only ever purchasing them as to reduce the options for some of the darker Houses of the Freehold to freely practise Sacrificial and Blood Magic.
House Belaerys knew better than to break off their friendship and alliance with the Northern Realms Kingdom, especially their bond with House Stark and Potter, therefore they adopted the magical practises of their sworn Northern brethren.
House Targaryen sadly began to drift apart from the alliance created by Benjen the Traveller largely due to foolish and youthful behaviour from a young Dragonlord, elected to take over his father as the reigning Lord due to his sudden death.
As such, certain bonds, relationships, and alliances were ignored by the specific generation, leading onto the next for a time.
This caused certain members of the Freehold Council to try and draw over House Targaryen to their side, advising them to start practising Sacrificial and Blood Magic once more.
They were eventually able to step away from such practises, but it wasn't for a long time, and at a point where they had to fight back hard to once more have an alliance with the North.
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1940 Years After the Wall
In an effort to prepare for the growing forces of the Andals, which were increasingly becoming a thorn in the side of the Northern Trading Company and other Northern ships, House Stark began to heavily invest in strengthening Westeros.
Raising certain Houses of Kings to rule over others wasn't a difficult choice to make for House Stark as they realised the Kingdoms besides their own were far from stable or safe for the smallfolk.
The Riverlands were stable in comparison to the rest, but that was largely due to the support given to House Blackwood of the Riverlands so they could rule over the others as Kings.
House Greystark, a cadet branch of House Greywolf, and Sidianstark, were tasked by House Stark, after their recent bond of blood through marriage, to begin forging bonds with allied Kings of Westeros and increase trade with those worthy of the North's support and friendship.
House Durrandon already gained the friendship of House Stark eons ago during the reign of Bran the Builder, leading to countless marriages between the two Houses over the course of their combined history.
House Dayne, Royce, Gryffin, Martell, and Yronwood all had maintained an alliance with the North after witnessing the first ever Northern Games, which had developed into the Olympic Games that took place every third year, calling on the combined athletes of Westeros to a single Kingdom, never the same consecutively.
In Dorne, House Dayne, Martell, and Yronwood managed a loose alliance of their own that forced them to compete against one another so they could improve for the Olympic Games and in general, the Westeros Sporting Leagues.
They held their own Desert Games annually, drawing thousands to compete or simply visit to see the event, which meant the alliance couldn't be broken, however the rise of Andals in the lands of House Martell caused many to worry about the future of their people and homeland.
King Ulrick of House Martell, King of the Salty Dornish and the Broken Arm, began to see the rise in Andals entering his Kingdom and wrote to his tenable allies, King Arcturus of House Dayne, King of the Stoney Dornish and the Red Mountains, King Desmond of House Yronwood, King of the Sandy Dornish, and the Desert, and King Rickard 'the Strategist' Stark.
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Having spent his youth learning about Essos and the various Kingdoms and Empire that called it their own, especially in the current day and age, led the future King Rickard 'the Strategist' Stark to raise not only his mental fortitude concerning war, battles, and the possible enemies of his homeland, but help his brethren in the same way.
While Occlumency was taught by Wizards and Witches in service to the House of the North while noble children were young and it was easier to understand, however most would ignore it due to the difficult behind training the mental arts.
However, the rewards were far greater than it seemed at first, which helped the future King Rickard the Strategist realise the North was ill-prepared for an invasion from Essos.
The Northern Military Armed Forces constantly underwent war games in the Rooms of Requirement set up for training and simulations, all in the hopes to be better prepared than their foes in the war to come.
As such, House Stark freely paid for the improvement of defences across the whole North, especially on the coastal lines, yet King Rickard the Strategists own work improving the strategies of the military would send his forces to begin setting up emergency drills in cities and towns of the North, educating the citizens of what to do in an attack.
Underground shelters were also built with plenty of resources stored away in magical storage vaults, designed to store more items than one could imagine while ensuring nothing spoilt.
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Hearing from his friend in Dorne, King Rickard the Strategist would advise his other friends in the South, such as King Jameson of House Casterly, King of the Westerlands, about the growing number of Andals in their lands.
The Golden Amber Lions of Casterly Rock were known for their endless mines of gold, amber, and gems that had made them the Great House to rule over their Kingdom, even if they had never truly accepted the title.
They couldn't care less about the people beyond the lands surrounding their Keep, however the rest of the Kingdom looked up to them and had accepted their rule over others.
They were also fervent believers in the Old Ways of the Old Gods, having gained the blessings of the Children after participating in the war of the Long Night, ensuring the smallfolk knew House Casterly were of a hero's lineage.
Corlos, the son of Caster, from a village where Lannisport would rise one day, raced to the North to fight in the war, only to return home and receive the blessings of the Children to build a Keep upon the Rock of the Westerlands.
Around what would become the Godswood of Casterly Rock, the Keep of House Casterly would be built into a grand castle that required the aid of House Stark to complete as Goblins, Dwarves, Giants, and Gnomes were called to aid in its construction.
Forever bound in an alliance and deep friendship with House Stark, the supposed Kings of the Westerlands were receptive of the idea Andals would attack soon, and it would be wise to prepare in advance.
Since wealth had never been an issue for their House, King Jameson Casterly decided to invest heavily in the protection of the Westerlands, calling on the Lords and petty Kings to swear fealty so the changes to the region wouldn't cause strife later.
His actions were well received by House Stark, as the standing military of the Westerlands began to grow in size and ferocity, yet the Kingdom of the Reach was still fighting political amongst themselves, having become too careless during times of long peace.
Dorne eventually received helped from House Stark through House Yronwood and Dayne, who in turn helped relieve some of the pressure on House Martell, who began to see more and more Andals in their port city of Sandship.
Thankfully the arrival of Green Men and Women helped ease the growing tension in the city for King Ulrick to accept the aid of House Stark in preparing for the war to come.
This meant the Broken Arm of Dorne required House Martell's focus, though it wasn't possible in the current climate, leaving only one last option for King Ulrick to make, which was the marriage of his daughter to the third son of King Rickard.
Rickards own mother was of House Dayne, so he wasn't entirely keen on the marriage proposal, however with a few conditions attached, the King of Winter was able to secure the Stepstones in part, allowing it to be rewarded to his son and future gooddaughter.
It didn't take long for the final points of the marriage contract and dowry to be sorted before House Stark could begin sending supplies and a workforce to prepare the Stepstones of the Broken Arm of Dorne to serve their purpose in preparation for the Andals.
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1949 Years After the Wall
House Greystark navy sent with supplies to the Stepstones, meeting with the ships of House Wade, a loyal vassal to House Dayne after warring with House Martell, and losing their original Keep, had come into conflict with a dozen Andal ships and wasn't faring well.
Racing to the rescue of their ally, the ships of House Greystark would barrel through the Andals with ease, saving the men of House Wade, eventually leading to close friendship and oath of debt to the North for the Dornish House.
The event however would alert the rest of Westeros to begin preparing for the Andals to come, a hard enough fact to achieve, but made easier through the Northern Games held later that year in Avalon.
House Potter, her vassals, and Clan Heiðruind would help alliances form and friendships come together between certain Houses in particular Kingdoms of Westeros, such as the Vale.
King Gryffin, and the Bronze King were very much against one another, and unable to push past their enmity, but decided to make peace for once as the news of Andals rising in power began to worry all who heard of the barbaric behaviour of the Andals.
Their religion went against magic, and saw it as heathen, something all First Men couldn't accept and wouldn't be forced to either, so the more magically gifted Houses began to band together and prepare in case the war didn't go their way.
During this time, House Greystark oversaw a number of southern Houses leave the lands of their ancestors and make their way up North as they either couldn't accept being vassals under specific Kings or believed the war wouldn't go in their favour, except for the North.
House Stark had no issue accepting them into their lands, but all were thoroughly monitored by the White Night to seek out traitors and spies that may appear over the years to come.
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1954 Years After the Wall
First 'true' attack on Westeros comes after the ships attacking House Wade near the Stepstones were destroyed, this time led by Argos Sevenstar, the first of his name.
Taking the title 'Warlord' Argos led a large fleet from Andalos to attack the Kingdom of the Vale, Kingdom of Dorne, and the Northern Realms.
Raiding through skirmishes, drawing inspiration from the Ironborn reaping culture that was mostly gone and incorporated into Northern customs, allowed the Andal fleet to thoroughly wreak havoc across the eastern coastline of Westeros.
The land surrounding Blackwater Bay became the landing point for a couple large raiding fleets, all of whom returned back to Andalos with women and children taken from the raided villages.
Dorne and the Vale did the best to repel the sudden raids, however, were not prepared for the inconsistent and random attacks from the Andals.
The North though were ready to meet at sea, and captured the Andal ships, freeing all those taken, before taking them up North, while the Andals returned to their homeland similar to how Queen Andromeda handled the Ghiscari.
News of this eventually reached Argos who then chose to lead a large fleet to attack the North in Oldcastle, hoping to take control over the port city run by House Locke, yet House Greystark were more than ready to strike out with Beast and Wolfen Riddari thinning the charging forces of the Andals.
There were a great number of losses from both sides as they clashes continued for a long time, but in the end, Crown Prince Cregan 'the Blade Wolf' Stark saw the invading Andals crumble as the Warlords following House Sevenstar were slaughtered by the furious wolf.
He saw several Warlords charge upon his father at once, combating the Wintersguard, and keeping them away from serving at their King's side as Argos Sevenstar led the charge, accompanied by his closest Warlords.
King Rickard brought several of them down with his ancestral Fallen Star metal greatsword called Ice, sadly he couldn't fend off the attack to his back by Argos.
In his rage, Cregan forced his way through the fighting forces of both sides, and dual wielded both the greatsword of his father and his own bastard sword, before carving his way through the warlords.
Argos survived, though heavily scarred by the encounter with Cregan, vowing to never return to the North, as they were monsters in human flesh, not knowing his actions had ensured not Andals would ever settle in the North.
As King Cregan the Blade Wolf gathered his vassals in Winterfell and called for the Northern Military Armed Forces to lead the charge against the Andals still in the lands of Westeros.
Dorne, the Vale, and parts of the Westerlands were freed from the growing forces of the Andals, even if most were slaughtered by the armies prepared many years ago in preparation for such a fight.
Sadly, they weren't as powerful or stringently trained to survive for long against the tactics employed by the Andals, since the commanders of the enemy forces were following the instructions of House Sevenstar, as told back in Andalos.
