Ser Stannis Waxley is the current Head of House Waxley and the Knight of Wickenden. He was born in 398 as the first son of Walter Waxley, and took over his father's lands when his father died of illness in 413. A brilliant commander, renowned knight and able fighter, he is renowned for his martial abilities.

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Appearance and Character

Ser Stannis is large and serious man. Towering over most others at six foot six inches and of a powerful build, he often is seen wearing his armor. His face is grave and solemn most of the time, with a scare above his left eye. His eyes are often fierce and determinate. He has brown hair and a brown beard.

Stannis is a melancholic, maintaining a appearance of solemnity and determination, speaking little. His eyes are always active, so although he may not be speaking he pays attention and makes careful note of a situation. He is known for being cautious and reserved, keeping most of his thoughts in his head. He is regarded by many as loyal, dutiful and pious.

On the field of battle, he takes on a more imperious attitude, and when he issues commands, they are stern and authoritative. He genuinely cares for his men, and as such is well respected them and also because he leads them well.

However, despite his reserved public persona of gravity, he is more relaxed in his private life. Stannis loves his wife and children dearly, and cares for them and enjoys spending time with them. To those he knows well, he can laugh and enjoy spending time with, although even then he is not much of a talker. But to most, he remains distant and serious, trying to make it clear that it is his duty which he is concerned about.

Despite being generally cautious, he always yearns for a fight. He is not a man of peace or idleness- he is a man born to lead in command and fight in times of war. For this reason he joins in conflicts which he may have no obligation to or a limited one. He has a bellicose nature, always yearning for a chance to prove himself and improve his abilities.

History

Early Years (398-406)

Stannis was born in 398 the first son of Walter Waxley, the Knight of Wickenden. The common story that Walter named his son after seeing a mummer's show about the War of Five Kings and taking a particular liking to Stannis Baratheon's character. Some detractors say that he did it to spite the Targaryens and that naming his son after the Stag of Dragonstone was a little act of rebellion. Regardless of reason why, the boy was named Stannis, and it would grow to have an affect on him.

In the year 400, when Stannis was only 2 years old, Walter's brother and Stannis's uncle Harlan Waxley was named to the Kingsguard, bringing great prestige to House Waxley. He would later become the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. Stannis never really knew his uncle; Harlan had defied the orders of his grandfather to go pursue the life of the Knight and had severed ties to the family. Two brothers, Preston and Axell, and a sister, Shella, followed him, but he was never particularly close with any them as he grew older.

Despite the whisperings behind the reasons for his naming, Stannis asked the Maester about his namesake when he was very young. He was told about Stannis's actions and character during the War of Five Kings, and immediately took a liking to him. On his fifth nameday he was presented with a historical tome about the life of the Stag of Dragonstone, which as soon as he was able to read he devoured eagerly. He resolved to follow in his footsteps, to be like his hero. And so he studied eagerly. He poured over books of military conquests and battles, studying strategy and tactics whenever he could. He was a bright child, although to their dismay his teachers could not get him to study many things outside of the art of command. However, he showed great martial promise.

Squire (406-412)

When Stannis was eight years old, he became the Squire of Sir Lyonel Waxley, his second cousin and a Knight of the Vale. Ser Lyonel was a young and gallant knight, fond of participating in tourneys. He and Stannis got along quite well, although Stannis thought less of pageantry than real combat. Ser Lyonel taught him about the importance chivalry, which Stannis would learn to take seriously. However, he would never be as openly gallant as Ser Lyonel, though he was chivalrous and courteous.

As a squire for his Ser Lyonel at the Tournament of Harrenhal in 407, he met Lord Lyndon Vance and his beautiful daughter Catelyn Vance. Both took an immediate liking to each other over the course of the tournament, and became friends. Stannis even impressed Lord Lyndon with his abilities, his diligence, and his quiet courtesy. However, he could not allow the match, because Catelyn was his heir at the time. Stannis was upset, but knew that what Lord Lyndon had told him was right. His love for Catelyn grew over the years, however, and he resolved to marry her one day.

However, being a Squire for Sir Lyonel proved to be short lived, as the Mummer's War began the next year. With Ser Lyonel joining the army of Lord Alaric Arryn during the war, he got first hand experience to warfare and running an army. He kept silent, and diligently observed all that he could, as well as getting martial training in the process. He fought in the Battle of the Ruby Ford, and stayed by Lyonel's side the entire time until Ser Lyonel was slain in the fighting. He was captured by the enemy when he stayed to defend the body of his master. He was released, however, being the son of a minor noble and only a boy. Stannis still took the loss difficultly, and was particularly saddened by the death of Ser Lyonel, whom he had grown fond of.

He became a Squire for his uncle Ser Selwyn Waxely, for whom he served as a squire for the next four years. Selwyn was very different than Lyonel. Whereas Lyonel was the gallant Knight, Selwyn was feisty and fiery. He was known for his tendency to settle disputes with a sword rather than words, and had a firm stance on honor. Although Stannis never learned to be as fiery as Selwyn and remained cautious, he helped to instill in him the importance of honor and a fierce determination, lessons Stannis would take to heart. As Selwyn was a member of the Brotherhood of Winged Knights, he was around The Eyrie frequently, and silently observed the politics of the Arryn court. He also learned a great deal about military tactics and command from Selwyn based on his experiences in the War of the Three Thieves and the Mummer's War, as Selwyn had led a contingent into combat for both wars. Stannis served him as faithfully and as well as he could. Ser Selwyn himself anointed him a Knight at the young age of 14.

Young Knight and Marriage (412-413)

After being anointed a Knight, the first thing Ser Stannis did was to ride from the Eyrie to The Riverlands, all the way to Wayfarer's Rest to ask for marriage the woman he had loved from afar for five years. There, he asked Lord Lyndon for the hand of his daughter Catelyn, now being a Knight, and with Lyndon finally having a male heir, Edmund. Lord Lyndon agreed, and the two were married before the Gods at Wayfarer's Rest. Happy and triumphant, the two made their journey back to Wickenden. Having not seen his father for over four years, he was welcomed home with much celebration and fanfare. Catelyn was welcomed warmly into Wickenden, as the match had been quite a fortunate one, a match to the prestigious House Vance.

The two were happy to spend time together, and Ser Stannis for this year to seen to be smiling all while carrying out his duties. However, towards the end of the year, his father fell ill. He quickly grew concerned, and did what he could, but his father's condition grew worse. At the beginning of the year 413, his father finally passed away, and with it the young Ser Stannis became the Knight of Wickenden at the mere age of 15. It is said that after his father's death, he adopted a stern and reserved exterior persona, although he was more open to those he knew well.

Knight of Wickenden and War in the Vale (413-422)

After his father's death, Ser Stannis took over the responsibilities of running Wickenden. His wife Catelyn, with her sharp wit, proved a wise and competent administrator, and was able to do a lot of the actual management. He continued his study of military tactics and commanding when he could, wishing for a chance to put it into practice. During this time of peace his oldest son Yohn, his daughter Catelyn, and his son Peyton were born.

His chance to fight would come with Osric Arryn's war against Royce Redfeather, beginning in 418. He supported Osric's hunt for Redfeather. During the course of the war he won some minor victories against the clansman, he and his men were never able to do any lasting damage to the Mountain Clans, and did not end up being an important part of the fighting. So the on and off campaign continued until 422, when Stannis joined his forces with Lord Osric's at the Battles of the Dales. Ser Stannis and his men preformed well but were hard pressed by the mountain clansman, until a last charge by Sir Osric slew Redfeather and ultimately won the day. With it Ser Stannis and his battle-hardened but weary men were able to return after four years on campaign. Although he not accomplished anything really of note, he had gained valuable battlefield experience.

A Decade of Peace (422-433)

In the decade following the War in the Vale, the realm was in relative peace. Stannis's remaining children, Leona, Lysa, Kyle, Lyndon, and Jocasta were born during this period. The gods had blessed Stannis with many children, and he was happy with his family. He took several trips with Catelyn and his children to visit his wife's family, the Vances. He became close with his father in law Lyndon Vance and his brother in law Edmund Vance. He would even name his son Lyndon in honor of Lyndon.

At the same time, peace also meant there were no battles to fight. Nonetheless, Stannis continued to study and to train during this period in time. However, despite his desire for war, he was happy. His family was doing well, he had a beautiful wife and children. Life was treating him very well. But even still could not get rid of his desire to fight. At this time, Stannis upgraded the fleet of Wickenden and expanded it, and learned the art of sailing and naval command. He never quite had the chance to experience much combat except for fighting pirates in the Bay of Crabs, however, he mastered naval movement and became able to navigate across the seas quickly and efficiently.

The Bleeding (433-435)

When the Bleeding finally began in 432, Ser Stannis sought for an opportunity to fight. When Daimon Tully called forth the forces of the Riverlands, Ser Stannis joined his in laws the Vances for an opportunity to fight. He joined the Tully army as they fought against Ser Maric's Warsmiths and beat them back. This culminated to his participation in the Siege of Oldstones, where Ser Maric's forces made their last stand. Although he did not play a major role in the fighting, as he was overshadowed by the host of both the Tullys and the Starks, this again provided valuable combat experience for his men.

After the fighting in the Riverlands was over, Ser Stannis heeded Rhaegar II Targaryen's march against the Warsmiths and marched to join his host. He joined the King's march and participated in the Battle of Bitterbridge, where the King himself was slain. He was not able to play a major or notable role, but again served to the best of the ability, helping in what he could. After the battle, he began to make his march back to the Vale, and brought his army back home.

Soon after he had returned, Lord Arryn called his banners to deal with the Gulltown Massacre. Once more Ser Stannis and his men marched to the field, where he participated in the failed assault on the city. However, the situation was resolved when Ser Darryn Shett was brought before Lord Arryn and the siege ended. Ser Stannis again returned home, not to set out during the course of the Bleeding.

Recent Events

After the Bleeding, Ser Stannis remained at Wickenden, having gained more combat experience. He would travel to the Riverlands several times upon the deaths of his in laws. For the most part, however, he has remained quietly in Wickenden for the years following the war, continuing his studies and preparations, and spending time with his wife and family after his long absence.

Family

Family Tree

Ser Marwyn Waxley, known as “the Candle”. Knight of Wickenden and famous member of the Brotherhood of Winged Knights. Born in 348 AC. Slain by Alaric Arryn in 382 AC during the Crisis of the Crescent. Married to Lorena Sunglass, born 350 AC. Together they had four children:

Ser Walter Waxley, Knight of Wickenden, born 370 AC. Died of an illness in 413 AC. Married to Catelyn Brax, born 380. Together they had four children: Ser Stannis Waxley , Knight of Wickenden. Born 398 AC. Married Lady Catelyn Waxely, nee Vance, his wife. Born in 396 AC. They have eight children together: Ser Yohn Waxley, his eldest son and heir. Born 414 AC. Married to Lyra Pryor, born 415. Together they have two children: Jeyne Waxley, born 435 AC. Edmund Waxley, born 437 AC. Catelyn Waxley, born 416 AC. Ser Peyton Waxley, born 418 AC. Leona Waxley, born 424 AC. Twin sister of Lysa. Lysa Waxley, born 424 AC. Twin Sister of Leona. Kyle Waxley, born 426 AC. A page of Lord Edmund Vance. Lyndon Waxley, born 429 AC. A squire of Lord Tristifer Mooton. Jocasta Waxley, born 432 AC.



Ser Preston Waxley, born 401 AC. Castellan of Wickenden. Married Ravella Wylde, born 408. Together they have 3 children: Percival Waxley, born 425 AC. Squire of Lord Jasper Waynwood. Alys Waxley, born 428 AC. Petyr Waxley, born 431 AC. Axell Waxely, born 403 AC. Maester of the Citadel. Shella Waxley, born 406 AC. Married to Stannis Seaworth. Together they had one child: Lord Steffon Seaworth, born 423 AC. Lord of Fireheart.



Carolei Waxley, born 373 AC. Died in 424 AC. Married to Lucas Waynwood. Together they had four children: Edmund Waynwood. Born in 402 AC. Died in 404 AC. Oswell Waynwood, born 406 AC. Died 435 AC. Jasper Waynwood, Lord of Ironoaks, born 410 AC. Married to Alayne Waynwood. Sarra Waynwood, Heir to Ironoaks. Born 430 AC. Mya Waynwood, born 413 AC.



Ser Selwyn Waxley, born 375 AC. Died in 422 AC. Member of the Brotherhood of Winged Knights. Married Lyra Wydman, born 377 AC. Together they had six children: Joanna Waxley, born 394 AC. Ser Robert Waxley, born 395 AC. Married Talla Lipps, born 397. Together they have one child: Ser Harold Waxley, born 417 AC. Arrana Waxley, born 398 AC. Died 430 AC. Married to Edmund Lynderly. They had three children: Heather Lynderly, Lady of Snakewood. Born 415 AC. Alaric Lynderly, born 417 AC. Died 425 AC. Arwyn Lynderly, born 420 AC. Ser Jon Waxley, born 401 AC. Sworn Brother of Night's Watch. Ser Osric Waxley, born 403 AC. Lucy Waxley, born 405 AC.



Ser Harlan Waxley, born 377 AC. Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. Died in 410 AC.

Household

The following is a list of members of Ser Stannis's Court in Wickenden: