Maddy

Biodata

Background / History

Power Struggle at Nightsong

Maddy served as Nightsong’s master-at-arms under Earl Baylan Caron, who repeatedly praised his swordsmanship. He was already established at the castle during Titus Peake’s time there as a squire, habitually addressing newcomers—including Titus—as “rookie” 12.

After Baylan’s death, Maddy sought to retain real power rather than surrender it to the young successor, Bryce Caron. His castle guards substantially outnumbered the earl’s personal guard, giving him an advantage over the loyalist faction led by Ser Iomine 12.

When Titus visited Nightsong, Maddy questioned his purpose and delayed notifying Bryce. Unable to justify refusing a meeting between the two earls, he escorted Titus inside. At the reception, he offered hot ale and summoned Seven-String Tom, while privately worrying about Titus’s twenty elite soldiers and awaiting the return of his deputy, Tyronn Lue 12 13.

Bargain and Duel

Tyronn Lue returned after failing to capture local bandits. Titus used that failure to propose dismissing him and placing the castle guards under Iomine. Maddy initially objected, but welcomed Titus’s additional proposal to take Bryce as his squire: sending the young earl to Starpike would leave Maddy freer to consolidate control at Nightsong 14.

Maddy then accused his own deputy of accepting bribes and collaborating with the bandits, ordering his arrest. He interpreted this sacrifice as a workable compromise with Titus. His private plan was to establish himself as acting castellan, accumulate wealth, and flee with his followers if circumstances later turned against him 15.

The apparent agreement collapsed when Maddy challenged Titus’s ability to judge whether Bryce deserved knighthood. Titus treated the objection as an insult to himself, Baylan, and Starpike. Both drew their swords, and Titus attacked first 15.

Maddy survived Titus’s opening assault and counterattacked with his superior reach. Titus nevertheless wounded him across the chest with a behind-the-back hand-switching strike, then broke his broadsword after thirteen rapid blows. Maddy called for the guards and fled; Alston’s attempt to intervene failed to stop Titus 16.

Defeat and Death

During the pursuit, Titus severed Maddy’s left Achilles tendon. Unable to stand, Maddy offered to relinquish his office and leave the Dornish Marches. Titus brought him before his followers, where Maddy ordered them to surrender. Several guards who had witnessed his betrayal of Tyronn Lue were the first to disarm 17.

Maddy claimed that Titus had promised to spare him, but Titus denied having made such a promise. With Parker restraining the defeated knight, Titus drove Orphan-Maker down through his shoulder and into his heart 17.

His death ended his faction’s control of Nightsong. Bryce was knighted and gained the standing to take charge of his castle, though Titus subsequently left Bowen and ten soldiers to help stabilize his position. Titus also regarded Baylan’s death as suspicious, but Maddy’s involvement was never established 17 18.

Appearance

• Tall, long-limbed build: His height, unusually long arms, and enormous strides contributed directly to his fighting reach 12 16.
• Sleepy expression: His weary face looked chronically sleep-deprived, matching the nickname “Big Sleep” 12.
• Facial features: Thick lips and conspicuous white teeth 12.
• Clothing: Wore a red cloak and a finely made breastplate 12 16.

Personality

Maddy was arrogant and dismissive of newcomers, continuing to belittle Titus after the former squire had become both a knight and an earl. His confidence had a genuine martial foundation, but Titus’s taunts readily provoked him into anger 12 15 16.

His ambition was opportunistic and self-serving. He readily sacrificed Tyronn Lue to preserve his own position and viewed Bryce’s departure as an opportunity for personal enrichment. Once defeated, he abandoned his defiance and offered obedience to save his life 14 15 17.

He enjoyed music and requested “The Golden Rose,” a song praising House Tyrell. In discussing the Kingswood Brotherhood, he also expressed admiration for Jaime Lannister’s performance against the Smiling Knight 13.

Abilities & Skills

Swordsmanship

• Renowned opening strike: Baylan claimed Maddy’s first strike was the fastest in the Dornish Marches 12.
• Strong defensive foundation: He blocked and parried Titus’s sustained opening assault despite being caught unprepared 16.
• Exceptional reach: His long arms allowed sweeping attacks at distances Titus could not match through technique alone 16.
• Combat limitations: Titus’s mobility and unconventional attacks defeated his defenses, while Orphan-Maker progressively damaged and ultimately broke his weapon 16.

Command

• Commanded Nightsong’s castle guards, whose numbers gave his faction its initial advantage 12.
• Retained enough authority after his defeat to order his followers to stop fighting and surrender 17.

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• Knight’s broadsword — A finely crafted, cross-guarded weapon. Its broad blade endured repeated clashes with Orphan-Maker before breaking 15 16.
• Plate armor — Included a breastplate cut open during the duel and a steel pauldron penetrated during his execution 16 17.
• Highgarden warhorse — His stated usual mount 14.

Relationships

• Baylan Caron — Former lord and an admirer of his swordsmanship 12.
• Bryce Caron — Nominal lord whose authority Maddy undermined after Baylan’s death 12 14 15.
• Titus Peake — Former squire at Nightsong whom Maddy underestimated; ultimately his dueling opponent and executioner 12 15 17.
• Ser Iomine — Rival leader of Bryce’s loyalist faction 12 14.
• Tyronn Lue — Deputy whom Maddy accused of treachery and had arrested to protect his own position 14 15.
• Alston — Supporter who attempted to defend him after his sword broke; later executed by Bryce 16 17.