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| *[[Western Marches]] | | *[[Western Marches]] |
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| == Reach Proper ==
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| === Highgarden===
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| [[File:Highgarden labyrinth.jpg|thumb|Highgarden is famed for its labyrinth—designed as much for courtly amusement as for the defense of the castle.]]
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| Highgarden rises from a wide green hill above the banks of the Mander, the greatest river in Kingdom of the Reach. The castle itself is ringed by three tall curtain walls of pale stone, each taller and stronger than the last. Between two of those walls lies a hedge maze of thorn and bloom—both a noble amusement and a trap for invaders. The oldest parts of the fortress date back to the [[Age of Heroes]], low and thick-walled, built for endurance rather than elegance. <ref name="Highgarden">George R. R. Martin, ''The World of Ice and Fire'', (London: HarperVoyager, 2014) p. 218-219</ref>
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| In the heart of the castle’s godswood stand three massive weirwoods, so tightly grown together that they seem as one. Known as the Three Singers, they are said to have been planted by [[Garth Greenhand]] himself. Beneath their pale branches lies a still black pool, reflecting bark and sky alike. <ref name="Highgarden">George R. R. Martin, ''The World of Ice and Fire'', (London: HarperVoyager, 2014) p. 218-219</ref>
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| The lands around Highgarden are some of the richest and most beautiful in the Reach. Orchards and vineyards cover the slopes, and fields of golden roses stretch for miles. The air is thick with the scent of ripening fruit—melons, fireplums, and peaches too sweet to keep long off the branch. <ref>George R. R. Martin, ''A Song of Ice and Fire: A Game of Thrones'', (Bad Hersfeld: Random House LLC US, 1996) Eddard I</ref>
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| Bordering the heart of Highgarden are the domains of Darkstone, Orchard Way, Darkdell, and the famed Rose Road. These lands are dotted with prosperous villages, vineyards, and groves. The region is fertile, warm, and wealthy—one of the true hearts of the Reach. <ref name="Highgarden">George R. R. Martin, ''The World of Ice and Fire'', (London: HarperVoyager, 2014) p. 218-219</ref>
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| ==== Houses of Highgarden ====
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| <div style="column-count:3">
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| *[[House Bushy]]
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| *[[House Fossoway]]
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| *[[House Gardener]]
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| *[[House Kidwell]]
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| *[[House Manderly]]
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| *[[House Middlebury]]
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| *[[House Oldflowers]]
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| *[[House Willum]]
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| </div>
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| === Shield Islands===
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| [[File:Shield Islands.jpg|thumb|The Shield Islands are a small archipelago in the Sunset Sea, guarding the mouth of the Mander.]]
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| The Shield Islands are a small archipelago in the Sunset Sea, guarding the mouth of the Mander west of Highgarden. <ref>George R. R. Martin, ''Song of Ice and Fire: A Storm of Swords'', (Bad Hersfeld: Random House LLC US) Davos VI</ref> Once known as the Misty Islands and used as footholds by Ironborn raiders, they were reclaimed by [[Garth_VII_Gardener|King Garth VII “Goldenhand”]] of the Reach, who drove the Ironmen from the isles, renamed them the Shield Islands, and resettled them with his fiercest warriors and best seamen to defend the Mander’s mouth.<ref>George R. R. Martin, ''The World of Ice and Fire'', (London: HarperVoyager, 2014) p. 182</ref>
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| Thereafter, the islanders were granted special dispensations and privileges to maintain a perpetual bulwark against any returning Ironborn. For centuries, the men of the Four Shields prided themselves on defending both the mouth of the Mander and the heart of the Reach from seaborne foes.<ref name="Reach211">George R. R. Martin, ''The World of Ice and Fire'', (London: HarperVoyager, 2014) p. 211</ref>
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| However, the Ironborn under [[Urron Greyiron|King Urron Greyiron]] launched a second conquest of the isles. Led by Lodos [[House Drumm|Drumm]], the Iron Fleet shattered the defenders in a brutal year-long campaign. Lord Lyman Hewett surrendered and was executed, while Houses Chester, Grimm, and Serry attempted to carry on the fight through guerrilla warfare. Despite initial success, the rebellion was ultimately crushed, and all four noble houses were extinguished or exiled. The Shield Islands have remained under Ironborn control ever since.
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| ====Notable Houses====
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| <div style="column-count:3">
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| *[[House Greyjoy of Greyshield|House Greyjoy]]
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| *[[House Greyiron of Southshield|House Greyiron]]
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| *[[House Goodbrother of Greenshield|House Goodbrother]]
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| *[[House Myre of Misty Isle | House Myre]]
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| *[[House Shields]]
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| </div>
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| ===The Ocean Road===
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| [[File:Ocean Road.jpg|thumb|The Ocean Road is a coastal region of the western Reach.]]
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| The Ocean Road is a coastal region of the western Reach, stretching eastward from the Sunset Sea past the Shield Islands and toward Old Oak, Red Lake, and Goldengrove. The road follows gentle hills and green meadows, dotted with scattered woodland and fishing hamlets.
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| Old Oak, the seat of [[Oakheart|House Oakheart]], stands near the center of the region. According to legend, John the Oak, the First Knight and reputed son of Garth Greenhand and a giantess, established the ideals of chivalry here. His descendants—the Oakhearts—continue to hold the lands from Old Oak. <ref name="Reach208">George R. R. Martin, ''The World of Ice and Fire'', (London: HarperVoyager, 2014) p. 208</ref>
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| To the north lies the wooded border of the Northmarch, held by [[House Webber]]. To the east, the land rises toward Red Lake and the fields of Goldengrove.
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| ===Notable House===
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| <div style="column-count:3">
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| *[[Oakheart|House Oakheart]]
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| *[[House Lowther]]
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| *[[House Stackhouse]]
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| </div>
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| ===Red Lake===
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| [[File:Red Lake.jpg|thumb|Once called Blue Lake, it earned its crimson title when Brandon of the Bloody Blade slew so many giants and Children of the Forest on its banks that the waters ran red with their blood.]]
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| Red Lake lies on the northeastern shore of its namesake lake in the northwestern Reach, close to the border with the Westerlands. Once called Blue Lake, it earned its crimson title when Brandon of the Bloody Blade slew so many giants and [[children of the forest]] on its banks that the waters ran red with their blood. <ref name="Reach208">George R. R. Martin, ''The World of Ice and Fire'', (London: HarperVoyager, 2014) p. 208</ref>
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| The surrounding lands are richly forested and remarkably fertile, their slopes cloaked in vineyards and orchards that flourish under the Reach’s mild climate. Standing above the water is the castle of [[House Crane]], whose legendary skinchanger, Rose of Red Lake, could take the form of a crane—and whose descendants are said to inherit her gift. <ref name="Reach208">George R. R. Martin, ''The World of Ice and Fire'', (London: HarperVoyager, 2014) p. 208</ref>
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| In the Age of Heroes, [[King_Garth_III_Gardener|Garth the Great]] secured Red Lake and neighboring Goldengrove through pacts of friendship and mutual defense, extending the Reach’s northern frontier.<ref name="Reach211">George R. R. Martin, ''The World of Ice and Fire'', (London: HarperVoyager, 2014) p. 211</ref>
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| Thanks to [[Josera Crane]] and [[Gwayne_IV_Gardener|King Gwayne IV 'the Gods Fearing' Gardener]] a few Children of the forests have returned to Red Lake and call it their home again.
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| ====Notable Houses====
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| <div style="column-count:3">
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| *[[House Crane]]
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| *[[House Kern]]
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| *[[House Tortoll]]
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| </div>
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| ===Goldengrove===
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| [[File:Goldengrove.jpg|thumb|Goldengrove is a fertile and picturesque region in the northern Reach.]]
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| Goldengrove is a fertile and picturesque region in the northern Reach, seated along the Silverdown that flows from the hills near Silverhill southward to Highgarden. It is best known as the seat of [[House Rowan]], whose ancestral castle, Goldengrove, watches over the verdant landscape. <ref name="Reach208">George R. R. Martin, ''The World of Ice and Fire'', (London: HarperVoyager, 2014) p. 208</ref>
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| Goldengrove entered the domain of House Gardener, when Garth the Great expanded his kingdom through diplomacy, binding houses like the Rowans to his cause through mutual oaths and peaceful accords.<ref name="Reach211">George R. R. Martin, ''The World of Ice and Fire'', (London: HarperVoyager, 2014) p. 211</ref>
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| However, following the devastating [[Seven Years' War]] between the Reach and the Westerlands, Goldengrove no longer remained under Rowan control. The conflict saw massive losses for the Reach, and as part of the war’s resolution, Goldengrove and its surrounding lands were ceded to [[House Risley]], an Andal house.
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| King Galayn Gardener was able to reclaim Goldengrove after many years and restored House Rowan to their ancestral seat. The Risleys were subsequently driven out of the Reach.
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| ====Notable Houses====
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| <div style="column-count:3">
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| *[[House Inchfield]]
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| *[[House Rowan]]
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| *[[House Shermer]]
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| *[[House Westbrook]]
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| </div>
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| ===Stonebridge===
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| [[File:Stonebridge.jpg|thumb|Stonebridge lies along the banks of the Mander.]]
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| Stonebridge lies along the banks of the Mander, where the river flows wide and strong through some of the most fertile lands in the Reach. The region is a patchwork of rich meadows, green fields, and wooded groves.
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| The region takes its name from the ancient stone bridge that crosses the Mander here. Though the castle near the bridge itself is modest, made of timber and stone, it stands on low, flat land. <ref>George R. R. Martin, ''A Song of Ice and Fire: A Clash of Kings'', (Bad Hersfeld: Random House LLC US, 2000) Catelyn II</ref>
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| Surrounding Stonebridge are the lush domains of Blueburn, Fullharvest, and the Manderfields, each known for their fertile soil and abundant crops.
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| ====Notable Houses====
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| <div style="column-count:3">
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| *[[House Ball]]
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| *[[House Corne]]
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| *[[House Fording]]
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| *[[House Meadows]]
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| *[[House Merryweather]]
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| </div>
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| ===Tumbleton===
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| [[File:Tumbleton.jpg|thumb|Tumbleton is surrounded by a fertile landscape of green hills, small rivers, and golden fields, where meadows, farmland, and orchards flourish.]]
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| Tumbleton lies at the northeastern edge of the Reach. It is surrounded by a fertile landscape of green hills, small rivers, and golden fields, where meadows and farmland stretch out toward the distant Riverlands and the borders of the Stormlands. <ref name="Reach208">George R. R. Martin, ''The World of Ice and Fire'', (London: HarperVoyager, 2014) p. 208</ref>
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| Located not far from Blackwater Bay, the region around Tumbleton acts as a threshold between the lush heartlands of the Reach and the wilder frontiers to the north and east. To the north lie the Heartland Fields, a mix of dense forests and open cropland. The area is dotted with thriving towns and minor holds, the most notable among them being Footly Hall, the seat of [[House_Foote_Tumbleton|House Foote]] of Tumbleton.
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| ====Notable Houses====
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| <div style="column-count:3">
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| *[[House Foote Tumbleton|House Foote of Tumbleton]]
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| *[[House Norcross]]
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| *[[House Weller]]
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| </div>
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| == Oldtown ==
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| [[File:Oldtown region.png|thumb|To enter the port of Oldtown from the Sunset Sea, one first needs to enter the Whispering Sound.]]
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| Oldtown and its surrounding lands occupy the southwestern corner of the Reach, where the Honeywine River pours into Whispering Sound on the Sunset Sea. North of the city lie Honeyholt, seat of [[House Beesbury]], and Brightwater Keep, fortress of [[House Florent]]. <ref name="Oldtown">George R. R. Martin, ''The World of Ice and Fire'', (London: HarperVoyager, 2014) pp. 213–216.</ref><ref>George R. R. Martin, ''A Song of Ice and Fire: A Storm of Swords'' (Bad Hersfeld: Random House LLC US, 2003), Tyrion III</ref> Eastward rise the fertile Uplands, while to the west Blackcrown of [[House Bulwer]] commands the rocky cliffs of Whispering Sound. <ref>George R. R. Martin, ''Fire and Blood'', (Bad Hersfeld: Random House LLC US, 2018) pp. 817–818</ref> <ref name="SamwellV">George R. R. Martin, ''A Song of Ice and Fire: A Feast for Crows'', (Bad Hersfeld: Random House LLC US, 2005) Samwell V</ref>
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| The Honeywine, fed by tributaries at Honeyholt and from the Uplands, winds south through Oldtown into Whispering Sound. Its valley is the agricultural capital of the Reach, where orchards and fields yield harvests to supply the great city and beyond. <ref name="SamwellV">George R. R. Martin, ''A Song of Ice and Fire: A Feast for Crows'', (Bad Hersfeld: Random House LLC US, 2005) Samwell V</ref>
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| Settlement at the mouth of the Honeywine dates to the [[Dawn Age]], as runic [[First Men]] records. <ref name="HightowerLore">George R. R. Martin, ''Fire and Blood'', (Bad Hersfeld: Random House LLC US, 2018) pp. 817–818</ref> In the Age of Heroes the Ravenry on its namesake isle began as a pirate lord’s stronghold, menacing vessels up the river.<ref name="SamwellV">George R. R. Martin, ''A Song of Ice and Fire: A Feast for Crows'', (Bad Hersfeld: Random House LLC US, 2005) Samwell V</ref> [[House Hightower]] built the Hightower upon their black-stone fortress on Battle Isle. The city grew yet Oldtown’s wooden palisades still fell to the sack by countless figures until [[Otho_II_Hightower|Otho II Hightower]] erected the massive stone walls that endure till today. <ref name="HightowerLore">George R. R. Martin, ''Fire and Blood'', (Bad Hersfeld: Random House LLC US, 2018) pp. 817–818</ref>
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| Over time, more and more Andals came to Oldtown, changing the city as they brought their customs and religion with them.
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| ===Notable Houses===
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| <div style="column-count:3">
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| *[[House Beesbury]]
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| *[[House Blackbar]]
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| *[[House Bulwer]]
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| *[[House Cafferen]]
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| *[[House Costayne]]
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| *[[House Florent]]
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| *[[House Goode]]
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| *[[House Graceford]]
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| *[[House Horpe]]
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| *[[House Hightower]]
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| *[[House Potter]]
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| *[[House Rodden]]
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| *[[House Sawyer]]
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| </div>
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| == The Arbor ==
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| [[File:The Arbor.jpg|thumb|Vineyards of the Arbor basking in the island’s famed sunshine]]
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| The Arbor is a golden island beyond the Redwyne Strait, renowned for its lush vineyards, exquisite wines, and endless summer sun. Its soils are remarkably fertile and the landscape remains green year-round, with vineyards terracing nearly every hill under almost perpetual mild weather.<ref name="Reach">George R. R. Martin, ''The World of Ice and Fire'', (London: HarperVoyager, 2014) p. 207-208</ref> Gilbert of the Vines first taught the islanders to press grapes into the sweet vintage that bears his name and founded House Redwyne.<ref name="Reach" />
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| The island’s principal port, Ryamsport, handles much of its wine trade, while the settlements of Vinetown and Starfish Harbor support farmers and fishermen alike. Nearby isles, Stonecrab Cay, the Isle of Pigs, the Mermaid’s Palace, Horseshoe Rock, and Bastard’s Cradle, share in the Arbor’s shipbuilding craft, making the region an essential naval power for the Reach. <ref name="SamwellV">George R. R. Martin, ''A Song of Ice and Fire: A Feast for Crows'', (Bad Hersfeld: Random House LLC US, 2005) Samwell V</ref>
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| The Redwyne Straits separate the Arbor from the mainland Reach; all ships bound from Oldtown to the Arbor must cross these waters.<ref>George R. R. Martin, ''A Song of Ice and Fire: A Feast for Crows'', (Bantam Books US, 2005), Samwell II </ref>
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| After Urron’s death, the Arbor regained its independence during the early reign of [[Galayn Gardener|King Galayn Gardener]]. However, its loyalty remained in question. When the Ironborn returned under King Cragorn "the Black Kraken" [[House Greyjoy|Greyjoy]] during the Great Reaving, Lord Abelar Redwyne refused to defend Oldtown, fearing retribution. In response, the Reach declared the Redwyne line ended, cursed Arbor wine, and cast the Arbor into isolation.
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| After some time, the Reach would reclaim the Arbor with the help of the Oldtown Fleet and defend it against the Ironborn. The Redwynes were punished, and descendants of King Galayn Gardner married into the Redwynes and took their name.
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| ===Notable House===
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| <div style="column-count:3">
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| *[[House Cupps]]
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| *[[House Kenning of Golden Vines|House Keening]]
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| *[[House Redwyne]]
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| *[[House Stonecrab]]
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| </div>
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| == Western Marches ==
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| [[File:Western Reach.jpg|thumb|The Western Marches are close to Dorne]]
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| The Western Marches, once part of Oldtown’s domain under [[House Hightower]], is the greener sister of the [[The Eastern Marches|Eastern Marches]] in the Stormlands. They lie where the Red Mountains thrust northwest from Dorne into the southern Reach. Horn Hill, perched among the wooded foothills of those peaks, is the seat of [[House Tarly]];<ref name="SamwellV">George R. R. Martin, ''A Song of Ice and Fire: A Feast for Crows'', (Bad Hersfeld: Random House LLC US, 2005) Samwell V</ref> to the east stand Starpike of [[House Peake]] and the [[House Caron|Caron]] Storm Lords of Nightsong, two other key strongholds. At sunset the Red Mountain peaks glow blood-red.<ref name="Reach211">George R. R. Martin, ''The World of Ice and Fire'', (London: HarperVoyager, 2014) p. 211</ref>
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| In the Age of the Hundred Kingdoms this land formed the petty Kingdom of the Western Marches, from Horn Hill to Nightsong, until House Gardener of Highgarden unified it with the realms of the Hightower and the Arbor to forge the Kingdom of the Reach.<ref name="Reach210">George R. R. Martin, ''The World of Ice and Fire'', (London: HarperVoyager, 2014) p. 210</ref> This is a region full of rocky ridges, rolling hills, and dense forests. The woodlands are most impenetrable around Horn Hill.<ref name="Reach211">George R. R. Martin, ''The World of Ice and Fire'', (London: HarperVoyager, 2014) p. 211</ref>
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| ===Notable Houses===
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| <div style="column-count:3">
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| *[[House Peake]]
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| *[[House Tarly]]
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| </div>
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| == History == | | == History == |