The Arryn Family

The Arryns have been lords of the Vale for centuries, and were the first to sieze power after the fall of Bran the Broken.

The Vale
The Vale is an old, rich and extremely defensible country. It is usually highest in maintenance, because of the incredible costs of its fortifications and its many convenient mountain ranges. While a small strip of land at the top of the Vale is an easy target for raiders, the only place to land next to that are the fortified passes of the Bloody Gate or the harbor of Gulltown.

The Camping Curse
While defensive play in the Vale is easy and usually favored, this leads to an occurance known as the "camping curse" by many players. This idea states that these incredible fortifications lead to the lords of the Vale playing way too defensively, and thus practically isolating themselves for the entire game. This has been seen in stark contrasts with countries like the Riverlands and Reach, which have been centers of warfare in both clashes. These players are usually way more involved in warfare and diplomacy and thus have a much better time. This curse has been the bane of many Vale players, who just kinda sat there for twelve to sixteen hours.

Lords of the Vale
The Arryns have played a major part in the first and second clashes, ending up on the throne in the first clash and being part of the winning alliance in the second clash.

Jon Arryn II
Jon Arryn II was the Lord of the Vale during the First Clash, and won the throne through shrewdness and diplomacy. He has been regarded by many historians as one of the worst kings since the Aerys II the Mad.

Jon Arryn III
Jon Arryn III was the Lord of the Vale during the Second Clash, and helped the victorious King Stannis Baratheon II secure the Battle of Riverrun with reinforcements stationed at the Bloody Gate.