House Bolton

History
House Bolton has existed since the Age of Heroes, though none know the exact circumstances of its founding. They have ever been rivals of the Starks for the title of Kings in the North, and throughout history the Boltons have taken the place of the Starks several times. During these struggles the Boltons acquired their reputation for flaying, and it is said that some great Bolton lords flayed the skin of their Stark enemies and wore it as a cloak. Ultimately, however, the Starks were victorious, and about one thousand years ago the Boltons swore fealty to the Starks as Kings in the North. Though they rose one last time in rebellion about three hundred years later, the Boltons were put down once again.

Lord Roose Bolton's only son who survived the cradle, Domeric Bolton, died about two years ago of a terrible sickness of the belly. His wife, Lady Bethany Ryswell, died quite recently, only weeks or months ago, and he has taken a bastard named Ramsay Snow into the Dreadfort as an heir.

Defense Holdings
Castle: The Dreadfort. A large and extremely solid castle, the Dreadfort is an intimidating sight, with high walls and triangular merlons like sharp teeth. It has held out under siege for several years in the past. Rumors say there are secret dungeons where flayed skins as kept as trophies and where flayings continue to take place.

Land Holdings
The Boltons control the Lonely Hills region east of Winterfell. They and their bannermen control a large part of the North.

Power Holdings
The Boltons have a sizable army and several bannermen. Next to the Starks they have the largest single force in the North. Roose Bolton is a seasoned battle commander known for calm and discretion; he fought ably in the Rebellion.

Wealth Holdings
Maester Tybald: A red-haired maester who has served the Dreadfort for some years.

Relations
The Boltons have several bannermen, including House Minos. They are known to be calm and patient as lords, and generally speaking their lands are quiet and peaceable. Many Northern lords, especially those loyal to or sworn to the Starks, distrust or fear the Boltons, however.

Family and Household
Roose Bolton              [Domeric Bolton]   Ramsay Snow
 * Steelshanks Walton, master-at-arms
 * Maester Tybald, maester.
 * Ben Bones, kennelmaster.