Lyle Bracken
King Lyle Bracken (a.k.a. The River King, King of the Trident, The Brute)
Bio
Early Life
Lyle Bracken was born into a lineage of formidable lords, known for their iron will and unyielding nature. His father, Robert Bracken, was a ruthless man who instilled a harsh code of strength and resilience in his son, often resorting to brutal methods to ensure Lyle met his exacting standards. Under this stern tutelage, Lyle grew into a hard and determined leader, molded by a childhood of relentless discipline.Rise to Power
Lyle Bracken's most infamous act was the complete annihilation of House Blackwood, the Brackens' mortal rivals for thousands of years. In 385 AC, Lyle led the Bracken forces in the fall of Raventree Hall, resulting in the extinction of House Blackwood. He publicly beheaded Marcus Blackwood and executed the rest of the family soon after. This brutal victory allowed Lyle to crown himself King of the Riverlands, a title that marked the zenith of his power but also set the stage for his eventual downfall.
Reign as King
Lyle's reign as King of the Riverlands was marked by a ruthless consolidation of power. However, his time on the throne was short-lived. In 393 AC, during the height of the Reconquest, King Aegor Targaryen turned his attention to the Riverlands. Lyle fought several bloody battles against Aegor's forces, showcasing his tactical acumen and fierce determination.The Battle of the Trident
The pivotal moment came at the Battle of the Trident. Here, more than 5,000 Bracken soldiers were cut down by arrows, stuck in a muddy bog. Realizing the dire situation, Lyle Bracken challenged King Aegor to single combat, hoping to turn the tide of the battle. However, he was met not by Aegor, but by his brother, Aegar Targaryen, a superior swordsman wielding the Valyrian sword Widow's Wail. In a duel that sealed his fate, Lyle Bracken was killed by Aegar, marking the end of his short-lived kingship.Legacy
Following Lyle's death, his eldest son, Otho Bracken, officially bent the knee to Aegor Targaryen, bringing the Riverlands under Targaryen control once more. Lyle Bracken is remembered as a hard and determined leader whose ambition led to the extinction of a rival house and the brief rise of the Brackens to kingship. His death in single combat against Aegar Targaryen stands as a testament to his fierce resolve and the relentless nature of the Bracken lineage. But in the end, Lyle Bracken, though remembered as a great warrior, is not looked upon favorably in history. His brutal treatment of the smallfolk and the wholesale slaughter of the Blackwood line cast a long shadow over his legacy, one of darkness and power. Ironically, his son, Otho Bracken, would later march on King's Landing, seize the Red Keep, marry a Targaryen princess, and crown himself King on the Iron Throne. Despite Lyle's ruthless reign, it was Otho who ultimately achieved what Lyle had grasped for—a throne, though at a tremendous cost to their house’s reputation and honor.Family Ties
Immediate Family
- Mother: Lady Roote
- Father: Robert Bracken
- Son: Otho Bracken
- Son: Jonos Bracken
Life
345 AC
393 AC
48 years old
Children
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