Domeric Bolton

Domeric Bolton

House Bolton

Northmen

273–281 AC[1]
the Dreadfort[2]

297 AC[1]
the Dreadfort[2]

Roose Bolton

Bethany Ryswell

According to his father, Lord Roose Bolton, the quiet Domeric read history, played the harp, and was an excellent horseman.

Domeric served four years as a page in Barrowton to his aunt,[2] Lady Barbrey Dustin, and then squired for three years for Lord Horton Redfort in the Vale of Arryn. Domeric enjoyed the company of Horton's sons and began to consider them brothers. Lord Redfort thought the lad had the making of a tourney champion.[3]

After returning from the Vale to the Dreadfort, Domeric heard he had a bastard half-brother, Ramsay Snow, and wished to seek him out, against his father's wishes, since he had always wanted a brother of his own. Soon after the visit, Domeric died in 297 AC[4] from a sickness of the bowels, according to Maester Uthor. However, Roose believes Ramsay poisoned Domeric, in order to become Roose's only son.[3] The heirless Roose subsequently brought Ramsay to live at the Dreadfort.

Lady Walda Frey promises she will give her new husband, Lord Roose Bolton, new trueborn sons to replace dear Domeric.

Roose tells Theon Greyjoy about Domeric and his death while they ride through the streets of Barrowton.

Domeric. A quiet boy, but most accomplished. He served four years as Lady Dustin's page, and three in the Vale as a squire to Lord Redfort. He played the high harp, read histories, and rode like the wind. Horses … the boy was mad for horses, Lady Dustin will tell you. Not even Lord Rickard's daughter could outrace him, and that one was half a horse herself. Redfort said he showed great promise in the lists. A great jouster must be a great horseman first.[3]

—Roose Bolton, to Theon Greyjoy
Ramsay killed him. A sickness of the bowels, Maester Uthor says, but I say poison. In the Vale, Domeric had enjoyed the company of Redfort's sons. He wanted a brother by his side, so he rode up the Weeping Water to seek my bastard out. I forbade it, but Domeric was a man grown and thought that he knew better than his father. Now his bones lie beneath the Dreadfort with the bones of his brothers, who died still in the cradle, and I am left with Ramsay. Tell me, my lord … if the kinslayer is accursed, what is a father to do when one son slays another?[3]

—Roose Bolton, to Theon Greyjoy
Once he had heard Skinner say that the Bastard had killed his trueborn brother, but he had never dared to believe it. He could be wrong. Brothers die sometimes, it does not mean that they were killed.[3]

—thoughts of Theon Greyjoy

Coat of arms A red flayed man on pink de sang
(Carnation gouttée-de-sang, a flayed man gules)
Seat The Dreadfort
Head Lord Roose Bolton
Region North
Titles
Red King (historical)
Lord of the Dreadfort
Warden of the North
Heir Ramsay Bolton
Overlords
House Stark (?–299 AC)
House Baratheon of King's Landing (300 AC–present)
Cadet branch House Bolton of Winterfell
Founded Age of Heroes

House Bolton of the Dreadfort is a noble house from the Dreadfort in the north. They are an old line descended from the First Men and dating back to the Age of Heroes.[1][2]

The Bolton sigil is a red flayed man, on pale pink spotted with red blood drops.[3][4][5][6][7][8] According to George R. R. Martin, their words are "Our Blades Are Sharp".[9] According to the Bolton servant "Reek", Lord Roose Bolton believes "a naked man has few secrets, but a flayed man has none".
The Boltons are known for their historical practice of flaying their enemies,[11] and they are said to hang the skins of their enemies in a room of the Dreadfort.[3] The family has a reputation for being dishonorable,[12] cruel,[13] and cunning.

The Boltons are an ancient and powerful house of the north who once ruled as Red Kings from the Dreadfort, with their land reaching from the Last River and the White Knife to the Sheepshead Hills.[1] It has been suggested that the legendary Night's King was a Bolton.[14] Some Red Kings allied with Marsh Kings to defend against southron invaders.[1]

The Boltons have a sinister reputation[1] because of their tradition of flaying their enemies,[11][15] with the skins then hung in a room of the Dreadfort.[3] After the Long Night, the Red Kings were bitter rivals of the Kings of Winter, the Starks of Winterfell. The Boltons achieved some successes against the Starks, with Kings Royce II and Royce IV burning Winterfell.[1] According to rumor, some Boltons wore the flayed skins of Stark princes and lords, such as the son of Bael the Bard,[16] as cloaks[1] during the Age of Heroes.
The last Red King, Rogar the Huntsman, submitted to Winterfell when the coming of the Andals to Westeros was beginning. King Theon Stark, the Hungry Wolf, and the Boltons defeated Argos Sevenstar and his Andals in the Battle of the Weeping Water.[1]

Vassals of Winterfell
Thousands of years ago,[N 1] the Dreadfort rose in an unsuccessful rebellion with the Greystarks of the Wolf's Den against the Starks. The Boltons survived the rebellion, although the Greystarks did not.[13]

The Chronicles of Longsister state that during the Rape of the Three Sisters by the Kings of Winter, which occurred two thousand years ago,[17] Belthasar Bolton had a Pink Pavilion made from the flayed skins of a hundred Sistermen.[15]

The Boltons threatened Winterfell during the reign of King Edrick Snowbeard.[18] At some point unspecified centuries ago, the Boltons rebelled against the Starks. The Stark armies besieged the Dreadfort for two years before the Boltons capitulated to King Harlon Stark and dipped their banners once more.[19]

"A thousand years ago",[N 2] the Boltons bent their knees to Winterfell and agreed to abandon their practice of flaying.[11] It is rumored the skins of their enemies hang in a room within the Dreadfort, however.[3]

Iron Throne Era
Barba Bolton attended the Maiden's Day Ball in King's Landing, but King Aegon III Targaryen chose to wed Daenaera Velaryon instead. Barba asked the Iron Throne for aid in feeding northmen during winter.[20]

When Lord Eddard Stark called the banners of the north to fight in Robert's Rebellion, Lord Roose Bolton took up arms, fighting in the Battle of the Trident. Afterward, he advised Lord Robert Baratheon to slash the throat of Ser Barristan Selmy, a knight in the Kingsguard of King Aerys II Targaryen, but Robert instead sent for his maesters to treat the wounds of the legendary Barristan the Bold.[21]

When Domeric Bolton, Roose's accomplished son and heir, learned that he had a bastard half brother, he rode up the Weeping Water to befriend Ramsay Snow. According to Lord Bolton, Domeric was then poisoned by Ramsay.[22] Now heirless, Roose brought Ramsay to the Dreadfort.

After the arrest of Lord Eddard Stark, Warden of the North, in King's Landing, Lord Roose Bolton responds to Robb Stark's calling of the banners to Winterfell. A Bolton man knifes a Cerwyn man at the Smoking Log in the winter town outside the castle. Roose and Robett Glover demand a command.[3]

When the northern host splits at the Twins, Roose receives his wish, commanding an army of mostly infantry to engage Lord Tywin Lannister.[24] Lord Bolton hopes to catch Tywin unawares by forcing a night march, but the northmen are forced to retreat at the battle on the Green Fork.[25] Roose reforms his army at the mouth of the causeway.[26]

Robb is able to relieve Riverrun, where he is proclaimed King in the North after the Battle of the Camps.[26]

A Clash of Kings
Encamped at the Twins,[27] Roose marries Walda Frey, a granddaughter of Lord Walder Frey.[28][29] Lord Bolton takes the ruby ford and the crossroads in the riverlands.[30][28]

Following orders from Ser Edmure Tully, Roose and Ser Helman Tallhart march on Harrenhal.[28] Bolton is able to seize the fortress by making a deal with the Brave Companions within, and he is indirectly aided by Arya Stark and Jaqen H'ghar.[4] At Harrenhal, Roose unwittingly takes the incognito Arya as his cupbearer. He and the Freys under Ser Aenys learn of House Greyjoy's ironborn taking much of the north and of the Lannister-Tyrell victory over Stannis Baratheon in the Battle of the Blackwater. Roose orders Helman to first burn Darry and then join Robett Glover in attacking Duskendale in Robb's name.[31]

Meanwhile, Roose's bastard son, Ramsay Snow, marries and kills Lady Donella Hornwood, taking the Hornwood lands for himself.[32][33] House Manderly responds with fighting in the Hornwood.[33] Ramsay then leads the Dreadfort men in betraying the northmen under Ser Rodrik Cassel in a battle at Winterfell. After dispersing Rodrik's host, Ramsay has his men burn Winterfell, capturing or slaughtering all within.

In the aftermath of the sack of Winterfell, Bolton men search the kingsroad in the north for the missing Bran and Rickon Stark.
The northern army sent by Roose into the crownlands is crushed in the battle at Duskendale.[35]

When Ser Jaime Lannister is captured by the Brave Companions and brought to Harrenhal, Roose allows him to go on his way if he agrees to place all blame for the loss of his hand on the Brave Companions. Roose sends his captain, Steelshanks Walton, with two hundred men to secure Jaime's passage back to King's Landing.[29][36]

The same day that Jaime leaves Harrenhal, Roose rides north to attend the wedding of Edmure Tully, Lord of Riverrun, to Roslin Frey at the Twins. He watches as his rearguard under Ser Wylis Manderly is chewed up by Ser Gregor Clegane in the fighting at the fords of the Trident. Lord Bolton leaves six hundred men under the command of Ser Kyle Condon and Ronnel Stout to guard the Trident.[37]

Roose arrives at the Twins with three thousand foot and five hundred horse, most of whom are Bolton or Karstark men.[38] Robb Stark, King in the North, intends for Roose to command the rearguard during his upcoming campaign against the ironborn-held Moat Cailin.

Roose's actions culminate with his personal killing of Robb at the Twins in the Red Wedding, which he planned with Lame Lothar Frey with the approval of Lords Walder Frey and Tywin Lannister.[7][39] House Bolton usurps House Stark, with Roose being named the new Warden of the North by the Iron Throne. Meanwhile, Ramsay Snow is granted a royal writ of legitimacy by King Tommen I Baratheon, becoming Ramsay Bolton.[40] Ramsay has been amusing himself with the torture of the captive Theon Greyjoy.[38]

A Feast for Crows
Cersei Lannister, the regent for the young Tommen, relies on House Bolton to hold the north for the Iron Throne.[41] Her small council considers aiding the Boltons against House Greyjoy, the self-styled Kings of the Isles and the North, if Roose is able to defeat Stannis Baratheon.[42]

A Dance with Dragons
The Boltons' authority is contested by Stannis and several northern lords, and is begrudged by nearly all others.[12][19] Lord Roose's strongest supporters are his relatives of House Dustin and House Ryswell.[22]

Roose's horse marches north along with two thousand men from the Twins. His passage is secured thanks to the forced efforts of Theon Greyjoy, whose will has been broken by Ramsay. At the siege of Moat Cailin, Theon is able to convince its ironborn garrison to surrender, and Ramsay has them flayed alive.[43] At Barrowton in the north, Roose instructs Ramsay to behave more discreetly, and arranges the marriage of Ramsay to "Arya Stark", who is actually Jeyne Poole, in order to secure dynastic legitimacy.[22]

Ramsay Bolton, the Lord of the Hornwood, weds "Arya" at Winterfell in the presence of several northern lords,[44] and he claims to be the Lord of Winterfell.[45][46] The Boltons and Freys quarter in Winterfell as the autumn snows fall, awaiting the march on Winterfell by King Stannis. While there, Roose deals with high tensions between the different factions, particularly between the Freys and Lord Wyman Manderly.

Theon manages to escape with Jeyne, much to Ramsay's chagrin.
According to a letter purportedly sent from Ramsay to Jon Snow, the Lord Commander of the Night's Watch at Castle Black, the Boltons have smashed Stannis's army. Theon tells Stannis he expects that Ramsay will be marching on the crofters' village while Roose remains safe in Winterfell.

The known Boltons during the timespan of the events described in A Song of Ice and Fire are:

Lord Roose Bolton, Lord of the Dreadfort and Warden of the North, called "the Leech Lord".
His first wife, deceased.
Lady {Bethany Bolton}, his second wife, deceased.
{Domeric Bolton}, his trueborn son, deceased.
Sons, died still in the cradle.[22]
Lady Walda Frey, Lord Roose's third wife, called "Fat Walda", currently with child.
Ramsay Bolton, born Ramsay Snow and called "the Bastard of the Dreadfort", his natural son and heir. Self-styled Lord of the Hornwood and Lord of Winterfell.
Lady {Donella Manderly}, Ramsay's first wife, Lady of the Hornwood as the widow of Lord Halys Hornwood. Perishes after being imprisoned without food.
Lady "Arya Stark", actually Jeyne Poole, Ramsay's second wife. Currently in custody of King Stannis Baratheon.

Walton, called "Steelshanks", Lord Roose's captain.
Maester Tybald, counselor, healer and tutor at the Dreadfort. Placed by Lord Roose at Arnolf Karstark's army. Currently imprisoned under orders of King Stannis Baratheon.
Walder Frey, called "Big Walder", Ramsay's squire.
{Walder Frey}, called "Little Walder", Ramsay's squire. Murdered at Winterfell.
Elmar Frey, a page to Lord Roose.
{Reek}, a man-at-arms infamous for his stench. Slain by Rodrik Cassel's men while posing as Ramsay.
Reek, formerly Theon Greyjoy, a hostage and attendant of Ramsay.
Ben Bones, kennelmaster at the Dreadfort.
Damon Dance-for-Me, Sour Alyn, Skinner, Grunt, men-at-arms sworn to House Bolton and members of the Bastard's Boys.
{Luton}, another of the Bastard Boys. Severely injured during a fight between Manderly and Frey men, finished off by Ramsay.
{Yellow Dick}, another of the Bastard's Boys. Slain by Rowan, a wildling spearwife.
Nymeria, called "Nan". Lord Roose's former cupbearer at Harrenhal. Actually a disguised Arya Stark.
Nage, a man-at-arms.

King Royce II Bolton, a Red King.[1]
King Royce IV Bolton, a Red King known as "Royce Redarm".[1]
King Rogar Bolton, known as "Rogar the Huntsman", the last Red King.[1]
Sons.[1]
Belthasar Bolton, a participant of the Rape of the Three Sisters.[15]
Barba Bolton, a maiden at the Maiden's Day Ball.[20]

After Roose Bolton is raised to Warden of the North several houses swear fealty to their new overlord, not all willingly.

House Cerwyn of Cerwyn.
House Dustin of Barrowton.
House Hornwood of Hornwood. Ramsay Snow becomes the Lord of Hornwood after forcibly marrying the now-deceased Lady Donella Hornwood.
House Karstark of Karhold. Castellan Arnolf Karstark is secretly aligned with the Boltons even though he has declared for King Stannis Baratheon.
House Locke of Oldcastle. Ondrew Locke is likely working with Wyman Manderly.
House Manderly of White Harbor. Wyman Manderly has his own agenda.
House Ryswell of the Rills.
House Stout of Goldgrass.
House Umber of the Last Hearth. Hother Whoresbane has joined the Boltons because Greatjon Umber is a hostage at the Twins but Mors Crowfood has joined Stannis in his march on Winterfell.

Who dressed the poor child in those Bolton rags? That badge ... there's many a man who would hang her in half a heartbeat for wearing a flayed man on her breast.[51]

—Ravella Smallwood to the brotherhood without banners
Every great lord has unruly bannermen who envy him his place. My father had the Reynes and the Tarbecks, the Tyrells have the Florents, Hoster Tully had Walder Frey. Only strength keeps such men in their place. The moment they smell weakness .... during the Age of Heroes, the Boltons used to flay the Starks and wear their skins as cloaks.[2]

—Jaime Lannister to Brienne of Tarth
It is not happenstance that they put a flayed man on their banners.[52]

—Jon Snow to Stannis Baratheon
What did any Bolton ever know o' honor?[12]

—the Lazy Eel's proprietor to his customers
Cromm: They are only wolves.
Asha: The wolves are all slain. These are the skinners who slew them.[45]

—Cromm and Asha Greyjoy
The Boltons have always been as cruel as they were cunning, but this one seems a beast in human skin.[13]

—Robett Glover to Wyman Manderly and Davos Seaworth
Let me bathe in Bolton blood before I die. I want to feel it spatter across my face when my axe bites deep into a Bolton skull. I want to lick it off my lips and die with the taste of it on my tongue.[53]

—Hugo Wull to Corliss Penny

Northmen are natives of the north, the northernmost region of the Seven Kingdoms.
Ethnicity: Most northmen are descended from the First Men who settled the north in antiquity,[2] and the coming of the Andals to the north was halted at Moat Cailin.[3] There have been centuries of intermarriage with the Andals who conquered southern Westeros, however.[4] There were once numerous petty kingdoms in the region, but over centuries they submitted to or were extinguished by House Stark of Winterfell, who ruled as Kings of Winter and Kings in the North until Aegon's Conquest.[5] [6] The Old Tongue spoken by the First Men of antiquity has been replaced in the north by the Common Tongue, with the earlier language now only spoken beyond the Wall.[7] Northern accents can be considered "frosted".[8]

Many northmen, including Karstarks and Umbers, are large in stature and have thick beards, long hair, and heavy cloaks of wool or fur.[9][10] During the Dance of the Dragons, for instance, Mushroom compared the host of Lord Cregan Stark to armored bears.[10]

The people of the northern mountains are divided into twoscore clans.[6] Due to its exposure to southron influences, White Harbor, the major port and only city in the north, has a mixed population.[11]

Crannogmen live in the swamps and marshes of the Neck. Some claim the smaller size of crannogmen is because of intermarriage with the children of the forest, while others attribute their size to poor nutrition.
Skagosi live on the isolated island of Skagos in the Bay of Seals. Because of their size and smell, some maesters believe the hairy Skagosi have a strong admixture of Ibbenese blood, whereas others suggest they may be partially descended from giants.[13]

Some maesters believe the blood of Cape Kraken's people is closer to that of ironborn than northmen.[14]

Northmen have negative opinions of the free folk who live north of the Wall, considering them to be savage wildlings.[15][16][17] In turn, the free folk consider nort

Northmen have negative opinions of the free folk who live north of the Wall, considering them to be savage wildlings.[15][16][17] In turn, the free folk consider northmen of the Seven Kingdoms to be "kneelers"[18][19] but do not hate them like they do the Night's Watch.[20] Northmen have been considered wild[21][22] or savage[23][24][25][26] themselves by some southerners, such as Septon Eustace.

Religion: Most northmen still follow the old gods, and they have little inclination for newer religions. The worship of the old gods is not accompanied by priests, holy texts, songs of worship, and barely any rites.[28][29] Prayers are done in silence.[29] Worshipers of the old gods visit godswoods, groves contained within castles throughout the Seven Kingdoms, where a heart tree, usually a weirwood, can be found. These trees, which have faces carved into them, are considered to be sacred. Worshipers believe the old gods watch through the trees.[30][31]

There are only a few houses who follow the Faith of the Seven,[32] with House Manderly the most prominent.[33] Due to its religious aspect, most northmen refuse to take holy orders and thus cannot become knights, although some northern cavalry are knights who still follow the old gods instead of the Seven.[34] Most knights of the north live in the region's southern lands, such as White Harbor[35] and the barrowlands.[31] Heraldry in the north is simpler than that in southern Westeros, showing the lesser influence that chivalry has had there.[36]

Since most northmen pray before heart trees instead of following the Seven in septs, some southrons consider them to be godless[10] or tree worshipers.[26][6]

In the aftermath of the Dance of the Dragons, many northmen from the host of Lord Cregan Stark remained in the riverlands, marrying widows at so-called Widow Fairs. They strengthened Houses Tully and Blackwood in particular, and helped to revive worship of the old gods south of the Neck.

Costumes: Guest right is treasured among northmen.[7] The people of the north have long memories, and a lord who does not seek his rightful vengeance threatens to have his own men turn on him.[9] A northern custom is that when someone is condemned to death, he who passes that sentence should swing the sword.[10][15]

During harsh winters, many farmers and younger northmen seek refuge in the winter town nearby Winterfell or in the castles of lords.[38][17] To preserve resources for the younger generations, many older northmen leave their home to ostensibly "hunt" during winter, with most not surviving until spring.[17] Men who are old, childless, homeless, or younger sons also traditionally joined winter armies which marched for adventure and plunder with no expectation of survival.[10]

The first night was allowed in the north until Queen Alysanne Targaryen convinced King Jaehaerys I Targaryen to abolish it.[33] Some northern lords, such as the Umbers still discretely practice it, however.[39]

Northmen hold the Night's Watch in high regard,[10] and many lords send annual gifts to support the black brothers.[40]

Bastards of noble origin from the north may be given the surname "Snow"

In their mail shirts and shaggy fur cloaks, their features hidden behind thick tangles of beard, they swaggered through the city like so many armored bears, says Mushroom.[10]

—writings of Gyldayn
They say those northmen are a savage folk, and their woods are full of wolves.[41]

—John the Fiddler to Duncan the Tall
These are northmen, Uncle. The north remembers.[9]

—Robb Stark to Brynden Tully
Northmen, they were. Savages who worship trees.[26]

—Septon at Sallydance to Lem
She knew them by their beards, by their faces, by their cloaks of bearskin and sealskin, by their half-heard toasts and the songs they sang; Karstarks and Umbers and men of the mountain clans.[42]

—thoughts of Arya Stark
Victarion: We will have all the north, as your lord father dreamed.
Asha: When longships learn to row through trees, perhaps. A fisherman may hook a grey leviathan, but it will drag him down to death unless he cuts it loose. The north is too large for us to hold, and too full of northmen.[43]

—Victarion Greyjoy and Asha Greyjoy
Davos: I never knew that northmen made blood sacrifice to their heart trees.
Bartimus: There's much and more you southrons do not know about the north.[34]

—Davos Seaworth and Bartimus
The Freys may not care, but the northmen ... they fear the Dreadfort, but they love the Starks.[44]

—Barbrey Dustin to Theon Greyjoy

Location Westeros, the north
Government House Bolton, feudal lord
Ruler Lord Roose Bolton
Religion old gods

The Dreadfort is a castle in the north and the seat of House Bolton in northeastern Westeros. Located on the northern bank of the Weeping Water, the fortress is southeast of the Lonely Hills and north of the Sheepshead Hills. The Dreadfort is north of Hornwood, south of Last Hearth, and southwest of Karhold.

Steelshanks Walton serves as Lord Roose Bolton's captain[2] and Nage is one of his guards. Ben Bones is the castle's kennelmaster[3] and Tybald serves as maester.[4] Letters from the Dreadfort use pink sealing wax.[5] Other men at the Dreadfort include sworn swords, serjeants, soldiers, gaolers, and torturers.[6]

The Dreadfort is a strong fortress with thick stone walls and massive towers.[7] The castle has triangular merlons which look like sharp stone teeth.[6]

The great hall of the Dreadfort is dim and smoky, with rows of torches grasped by skeletal human hands jutting from the walls. Long tables stand before a dais with a high table and the seat of the Lord of the Dreadfort. The hall has a vaulted ceiling and wooden rafters turned black from smoke.[6]

Kennels are located in the Dreadfort's yard, and steep steps lead down to the dungeons. The cells beneath the castle have cold damp stone walls.[6] The castle is ill omened, for it is said the Boltons keep torture chambers and a special room where they hang the flayed skins of their enemies, including several Kings in the North. Boltons are buried beneath the Dreadfort.

The Dreadfort was the seat of the Red Kings from House Bolton during the Age of Heroes. The Boltons eventually submitted to the Kings in the North from House Stark near the start of the coming of the Andals to Westeros. The Boltons aided King Theon Stark in repelling the invasion of Argos Sevenstar.[10]

The Dreadfort once joined House Greystark of the Wolf's Den in rebellion against the Starks.[11] Centuries ago, the Boltons rose up against King Harlon Stark and the Dreadfort held out for two years under siege before the Boltons surrendered.[7]

The servant Reek twice stole perfume from Lady Bethany Bolton's bedchamber because of his horrid smell.[9]

Domeric Bolton, the heir of Lord Roose Bolton, died at the Dreadfort[12] after visiting his baseborn brother, Ramsay Snow, along the Weeping Water.[9] Maester Uthor called it a sickness of the bowels, but Roose blamed poison.[9] Lord Bolton subsequently brought Ramsay to live at the Dreadfort.[13] The Bastard of Bolton has earned a dark reputation from hunting women, and victims who give him good sport are sometimes the namesake for hounds in the Dreadfort's kennel.

Dreadfort men under the command of Lord Roose Bolton join the northern host called by Robb Stark at Winterfell.[8]

A Clash of Kings
Lady Donella Hornwood learns that Ramsay Snow, the bastard son of Roose, is massing men at the Dreadfort. She is concerned, as the lands of House Hornwood lands adjoin those of the Boltons.[13] While returning from Winterfell's harvest feast, Donella is seized and forced to wed Ramsay. In response, Lord Wyman Manderly seizes Hornwood to prevent Ramsay from occupying it,[14] and White Harbor knights battle Dreadfort men in the Hornwood forests. News reaches Winterfell via Ser Rodrik Cassel, but he does not have the manpower to stop the fighting in the Hornwood.
"Reek", a servant of House Bolton, is captured by Rodrik after the supposed death of Ramsay. After the capture of Winterfell by Theon Greyjoy, "Reek" aligns himself with Theon. Because Theon lacks the manpower to hold Winterfell, he allows "Reek" to leave to hopefully gather a few hundred reinforcements.[16] However, "Reek" returns to Winterfell with six hundred men from the Dreadfort. He attacks Rodrik's army of Stark loyalists in a battle at Winterfell, reveals himself to be the still-living Ramsay Snow, and orders the sack of Winterfell.

Lothar Frey reads a letter to Robb Stark, now King in the North, at Riverrun. According to Big Walder Frey, the women and children who survived the sack of Winterfell, which allegedly was caused by Theon's ironborn, were taken to safety at the Dreadfort by the Bastard of Bolton.[18]

Maester Aemon sends a raven to the Boltons in a plea for help to defend Castle Black from wildlings.[19]

The hosts of Roose and Robb meet at the Twins for the wedding of Lord Edmure Tully. Robb agrees with Roose to keep Theon captive at the Dreadfort.[20] The Boltons turn on their Stark allies, however, and aid the Freys in slaughtering them at the Red Wedding.[21] King Tommen I Baratheon signs decrees which name Roose the new Warden of the North and which legitimize Ramsay Snow as Ramsay Bolton.[22] The Hand of the King, Lord Tywin Lannister, intends for the Dreadfort to battle the ironborn for control of the north.[23]

A Feast for Crows
Ramsay serves as castellan of the Dreadfort.[24]

A Dance with Dragons
Theon Greyjoy is kept in a dungeon below the castle where he has been subjected to Ramsay's flaying since the sack of Winterfell.[6] Kyra and Theon eventually escape through an unguarded postern gate, but this turns out to be a ruse by Ramsay; Kyra is hunted and killed by Ramsay and Theon is returned to captivity.[6] Big Walder and Little Walder Frey eventually bring the mutilated Theon, now called "Reek", to Ramsay's feast in the great hall with Arnolf Karstark and Hother Umber.[6]

Ramsay marches with a host to resolve the siege of Moat Cailin.[25] Arnolf writes to Stannis Baratheon at Castle Black that the Dreadfort is weakly garrisoned with fewer than fifty men, half of them servants. However, Jon Snow, Lord Commander of the Night's Watch, explains that the Dreadfort is a strong castle, and he convinces Stannis to instead march from Castle Black to Deepwood Motte.

Lord Roose never says a word, he only looks at me, and all I can think of is that room they have in the Dreadfort, where the Boltons hang the skins of their enemies.[8]

—Robb Stark to Bran Stark
There were other cells, other prisoners. Sometimes he heard them screaming, even through the thick stone walls. The women always scream the loudest.[6]

—thoughts of Theon Greyjoy
I know the Dreadfort. It is a strong castle, all of stone, with thick walls and massive towers. With winter coming you will find it well provisioned. Centuries ago, House Bolton rose up against the King in the North, and Harlon Stark laid siege to the Dreadfort. It took him two years to starve them out.[7]

—Jon Snow to Richard Horpe
The boy he'd been before had been ironborn, true enough, but Reek had come into this world in the dungeons of the Dreadfort.[25]

—thoughts of Theon Greyjoy
Theon was not afraid to die. Underneath the Dreadfort, he had learned there were far worse things than death. Ramsay had taught him that lesson, finger by finger and toe by toe, and it was not one that he was ever like to forget.[26]

—thoughts of Theon Greyjoy

Aliases
Lord Leech
The Leech Lord
Lord of leeches
Titles
Lord of the Dreadfort
Warden of the North
Allegiance House Bolton
Culture Northmen
Born or before 260 AC
the Dreadfort
Spouses
1st: Unnamed
2nd: Lady Bethany Ryswell
3rd: Lady "Fat" Walda Frey
Issue
Sons who died in the cradle
Domeric Bolton
Ramsay Snow
Unborn child
Roose Bolton is the Lord of the Dreadfort and the head of House Bolton. He is convinced that regular leechings improve a person's health, and as such frequently has himself leeched, which has led to some calling him the Leech Lord, though never to his face.
Appearance and Character
Roose has an unremarkable body, neither plump, thin, nor muscular. He has pasty skin and a pallid chest, which is soft and hairless. Roose has short, strong fingers. He has a plain face, beardless and ordinary, with his only noticeable feature being his strange eyes, paler than stone and darker than milk, like two white moons. The color is sometimes called "ghost grey". His eyes are paler than those of his son, Ramsay.
Though mild-mannered, Roose is remorseless and implacable. He is considered to be cold and cunning. Roose's voice is small and soft; he rarely raises his voice, forcing those who listen to do so intently, falling silent. Roose sips his alcohol, preferring hippocras, or hot spiced wine, although he is also willing to drink ale and regular wine. Roose's personal motto is "A peaceful land, a quiet people".
Roose often wears black ringmail and a red-spotted pale pink cloak, trimmed with white fur.[10][19][12] He also owns a suit of dark grey plate armor over a quilted tunic of blood-red leather. Its rondels are shaped like human heads whose mouths are open in agony. Its helmet has streamers of red silk which flutter in the wind. Usually worn with it is a pink woolen cloak embroidered with droplets of blood. Roose wields sword and dagger.

Alias Bethany Ryswell
Title Lady of the Dreadfort
Allegiances
House Ryswell
House Bolton
Culture Northmen
Born or before 269 AC[1]
the Rills[2]
Died or after 273 AC[1]
the Dreadfort[2]
Father Lord Rodrik Ryswell
Spouse Lord Roose Bolton
Issue
Sons who died in the cradle[3]
Domeric Bolton
Bethany Bolton,[4] née Ryswell, was the elder[3] daughter of Lord Rodrik of House Ryswell and, as the second wife of Lord Roose Bolton, the Lady of the Dreadfort.
History
According to Roose, Bethany never made a sound in bed.[3] Bethany had one son with Roose, Domeric.[2] During his youth, Domeric served as a page at Barrowton with Bethany's sister, Lady Barbrey Dustin. Reek, a servant at the Dreadfort, was once caught stealing perfume from Bethany's bedchamber in order to his mask his unpleasant scent; the following year Reek was caught drinking the perfume.[3]

Bethany died of a fever.[4] Domeric died in 297 AC,[N 1] allegedly poisoned by her husband's bastard, Ramsay Snow.

Imagine Domeric Bolton, a young man of slender figure and graceful posture, his midnight black hair falling softly in curls around his pale face. His eyes, a deep steel gray, reflected a wisdom beyond his years, a melancholic, distant glow that suggested an ancient soul, full of untold stories. He had a serene and noble air, his features sculpted with the precision of a skilled sculptor, revealing an ethereal and rare beauty. As for his clothes, Domeric preferred elegant, well-fitting attire, befitting his position as heir to the Dreadfort. On a typical occasion, he could be seen wearing a deep green velvet cloak, adorned with fine silver embroidery that represented the symbol of House Bolton. Under his cloak, he would wear a doublet of soft leather, dyed in shades of gray and black, in honor of his family colors. His pants, made from the finest quality wool, completed the ensemble along with sturdy leather boots, perfect for long rides. In the biting cold of the North, Domeric wrapped himself in a heavy cloak lined with wolf fur, the same one his ancestors had worn for generations. A silver pennant-shaped brooch bearing his house's crest held the cloak in place, a final touch that demonstrated his noble lineage and responsibility as heir to the Boltons. This is the image I conjure up for young Domeric Bolton, a character whose memory still reverberates throughout the Dreadfort and beyond.

House Stark:
An alliance with House Stark would have been highly beneficial to the Boltons, strengthening their power in the North. Domeric could have married one of Eddard Stark's daughters, like Sansa or Arya, promoting peace and cooperation between the two houses. This union would have contributed to a more harmonious relationship between Winterfell and the Dreadfort.

Karstark House:
Another interesting option would be an alliance with House Karstark, one of the most influential noble families in the North. A marriage between Domeric and one of Lord Rickard Karstark's daughters would have strengthened the ties between the Boltons and the Karstarks, ensuring mutual support in times of conflict.

House Umber:
House Umber, known for its military strength and loyalty to the Starks, would also be a viable candidate for a marriage alliance. A marriage to a daughter of Greatjon Umber could have provided the Boltons with a powerful alliance, ensuring a formidable army in times of war.

Manderly House:
The Manderly House, which resides in White Harbor, would be another strategic choice. This alliance could have offered the Boltons access to White Harbor's resources and maritime trade, benefiting both houses economically. Domeric could have married a daughter of Wyman Manderly, sealing this alliance.

Ryswell House:
Finally, an alliance with House Ryswell, from which his mother Bethany Ryswell came, would have strengthened family ties and ensured Ryswell support. Domeric could have married a cousin or other distant relative of House Ryswell, further cementing this connection.

1. Family Dynamics
   Domeric's presence could have moderated the behavior of his half-brother, Ramsay Snow (later Ramsay Bolton). With the influence of Domeric, a respectable and balanced young man, perhaps Ramsay would not have become so cruel and sadistic. Domeric could have been a positive influence, trying to correct or control Ramsay's behavior.

2. Alliance with the Starks
   If Domeric had survived and perhaps even married a daughter of Eddard Stark, it could have strengthened the alliance between the Stark and Bolton houses. This union could have prevented the Boltons' betrayal during the War of the Five Kings and maintained the Boltons' loyalty to the Starks.

3. Role in the War
   Domeric, being a more honorable and strategic leader, could have played a significant role in the wars that followed. He could have led the Boltons alongside the Starks or, if necessary, stood up to Ramsay to protect the honor of his house and the Boltons.

4. Consequences in the Battle of the Bastards
   If Domeric had survived, the Battle of the Bastards could have been avoided or, at the very least, would have had a completely different dynamic. Domeric could have helped Jon Snow retake Winterfell from Ramsay, or perhaps even kept the peace before battle became necessary.

5. Stability in the North
   Domeric's survival could have ensured greater stability in the North. As a fair and respected leader, he could have ensured the loyalty of the smaller houses around the Dreadfort, promoting peace and unity in the region.

6. Impact on Bolton History Domeric, with his education and character, could have transformed the reputation of House Bolton, moving it away from its dark and brutal past. Under his leadership, the Boltons could have become a more respectable and honorable house.

ISFJ – The Defender
ISFJs are known for being calm, caring, and loyal people, traits that seem to align well with Domeric. He was described as a calm and talented young man with a deep sense of responsibility and duty. ISFJs are dedicated to their responsibilities and often put the needs of others above their own. Domeric displayed these qualities by serving as a page and squire, as well as forming meaningful bonds with those around him.

INFJ – The Lawyer
INFJs are quiet, inspiring visionaries known for their empathy, idealism, and desire to help others. Domeric could have had this personality, as he seemed to have a sensitive and deep soul, with a strong sense of justice and morality. INFJs are often seen as natural leaders who inspire and motivate others, something Domeric could have become had he lived.

ISFP – The Adventurer
ISFPs are artistic and sensitive individuals who appreciate the beauty and harmony around them. Domeric enjoyed reading history and playing the harp, which suggests an appreciation for creative and cultural pursuits. ISFPs have a gentle and quiet nature, which is reflected in the description of Domeric as a calm and talented young man.

Among these types, ISFJ and INFJ seem to be the most aligned with Domeric's character, considering his sense of duty, empathy, and calm demeanor.

Type 1: The Perfectionist
Type 1s are known for their sense of responsibility, ethics, and desire to do what is right. They strive for perfection and have a strong sense of justice. Domeric, with his calm nature and talent, may have a deep desire to maintain the honor and integrity of his house by following the high standards he believes are right.
Type 2: The Helper
Type 2s are caring, empathetic and oriented toward helping others. They seek to be loved and appreciated for their support and generosity. Domeric can have an empathetic and caring nature, especially considering his strong bonds with other people and his desire to serve and help.
Type 6: The Loyal
Type 6s are loyal, responsible and trustworthy. They value security and stability and have a strong sense of duty. Domeric, being a responsible and devoted heir to his family, may have a deep desire to ensure the safety and stability of the Dreadfort and the people he loves.
Type 9: The Peacemaker
Type 9s are known for their calm, conciliatory nature and desire to avoid conflict. They seek peace and harmony. Domeric, with his serene and balanced nature, may have a deep desire to maintain peace and harmony in his home and among his loved ones.
Among these types, Type 1 and Tipohar most match Domeric's personality, considering their sense of responsibility, ethics and desire for security and stability.

The Influence of Family and Education
Domeric grew up under the influence of Roose Bolton, a cunning and calculating man, but was also surrounded by kinder, more intellectual figures, such as his mother, Bethany Ryswell. This mix of influences shaped Domeric into a young man who valued intelligence, calmness and empathy. He learned from an early age the importance of diplomacy and balance, constantly trying to be the bridge between the different facets of his family.

The Search for Knowledge
Domeric had an insatiable thirst for knowledge. He did not just limit himself to traditional studies, but also sought to understand the histories and cultures of the different regions of Westeros. This curiosity made him a cultured and erudite young man, capable of in-depth conversations about history, music, and philosophy. His passion for reading and music showed a sensitive and artistic side, which he nurtured with dedication.

The Weight of Expectations
As heir to the Dreadfort, Domeric carried a great weight of responsibility. He felt the pressure to honor his family's legacy, but he also wanted to shape a different, more just and balanced future. This duality often made him reflect on his decisions, carefully weighing the impacts of his actions. He was a potential leader, who sought to do what was best for his home and people.

The Relationship with Ramsay
Domeric knew of the existence of his bastard half-brother, Ramsay, and despite suspicions and rumors, he tried to approach him in a friendly manner. Domeric believed that, with patience and understanding, he could bring out the best in Ramsay. He saw in Ramsay a lost soul, who, with the right guidance, could find redemption. Unfortunately, this attempt to get closer ended up being fatal for Domeric.

The Vision for the Future
Domeric had an idealistic vision for the Boltons' future. He dreamed of a more prosperous and respected Dreadfort, where justice and honor prevailed over fear and cruelty. He planned to strengthen alliances with other Northern houses and promote peace and cooperation. Domeric believed that, through knowledge and diplomacy, he could overcome the mistakes of his family's past and build a lasting, positive legacy.

Internal Struggle
Behind his external calm, Domeric carried an intense internal struggle. He dealt with the duality of wanting to follow the traditions of his house, but also wanting to break the cycles of violence and terror associated with the Boltons. This constant struggle made him an introspective young man, often reflecting on the nature of power and leadership.

Let's imagine Domeric Bolton's eyes as a window into his gentle, introspective soul. Unlike the pale, almost colorless eyes of his father and half-brother, Domeric's eyes could be described as a deep, serene blue-gray. They would have a soft, warm glow that would reflect your calm and compassionate nature.

Poetic Description
His eyes, like a stormy sky, sheltered the depth of a sea in constant movement, a blue-gray that oscillated between tranquility and melancholy. Within them, there was a subtle light that radiated serenity and wisdom, suggesting an ancient soul, aware of the burdens and responsibilities it carried. At the same time, those eyes held a rare kindness and empathy, characteristics of a heart that always sought the good.

Symbolic Analysis
While Roose and Ramsay's pale eyes symbolized emotional detachment and coldness, Domeric's eyes could symbolize hope for a new beginning for House Bolton. They would represent the fusion of intellect and emotion, a combination that Domeric used to navigate the complexities of his life and his relationships.

This is the image I envision in the eyes of Domeric Bolton, a young man whose memory still resonates with a unique glow different from the other members of his family.