Durran XIX Durrandon
Durran XIX Durrandon (57-112 A.I.), known as Durran Stormcrowned, was the third Storm King to rule during the Coming of the Andals. He ascended the Storm Throne in 75 A.I. His rule saw a period of relative stability in the Stormlands. His actions with his many sons, however, would prove disastrous, and led to the civil war known as the Great Stag Duel.
Appearance[edit]
Durran lacked the broad shouldered-strength of many of his ancestors, but he had a natural charm. He had a clean-shaven face with wavy black hair, kept styled and mid-length.
Personality[edit]
Durran was considered a friendly, warm king who fraternized with his vassals rather than ruling over them. He attended many feasts and hunts in his youth, and enjoyed jokes and japes. In the twilight of his life, he became despondent and depressed, as he watched his dream for the Stormlands crumble around him when he sons squabbled over who should be named heir.
History[edit]
Durran was born to a Dornish camp follower, fathered out of wedlock by Qarlton II Durrandon. This birth was seen as fulfilling the prophecy bestowed to Rhialta Durrandon, his eldest sister. As the only son of Qarlton, Durran went on to inherit the kingdom when his father disappeared at sea. Becoming Storm King at 17, much of his early reign was quiet and peaceful, though Durran himself was concerned by rumors of Rhialta bearing her own bastard son. Despite searching for her, none in the Stormlands ever found out what happened to her after her father's death.
He aided in the reconquest of Goldengrove, honoring a pact made by his father, and in return the Carons swore fealty to Storm's End. He fought in many offensive campaigns against the Yronwoods during his life, but all ended in failure.
Before House Strickland landed on the Hook, Durran carved into his chest with a bronze dagger, and saw a vision in lightning off the coast of Storm's End. Allegedly, he saw a fleet coming to a rocky outcropping, and correctly surmised it was the Hook. Allying with House Massey, he repulsed the invading Andals.
A foray into the Blackwater hills also resulted in defeat, and the Stormlanders were forced back across the southern bank of the Blackwater Rush.
Durran's later life saw him stricken with weakness after multiple further attempts to consort with the storm gods. Devastated by his failures and having lost hope in his prophetic origins, Durran suddenly abdicated and left for the Night's Watch with three of his sons. Three other sons would rise to press their claims: Durran the Kingslayer, Balder Stormblessed, and Beron the Boring. These three candidates consolidated power around themselves, and the ensuing war became known as the Great Stag Duel.
Durran died unceremoniously at the Wall shortly after arriving. Most stories claim he took his own life, after ensuring his sons at the Wall would prosper.
Quotes by Durran[edit]
"Struggle is part of life. Suffering. Harm. But Stormmen endure."
—Durran to Jeyna Borrell.
"You can keep your strange seven gods if you wish, but they will not find respite in the Stormlands. All who live here for long enough learn that there are two gods of this land."
—Durran to Albyn Leygood.
"Go home, Qarl."
—Durran to Qarl Blacktyde.