House Karstark

House Karstark of Karhold is a vassal house that holds fealty to House Stark of Winterfell. Their lands are north-east of Winterfell, located in heavy forested lands overlooking the Shivering Sea. Their stronghold is a castle called Karhold and the head of the house is the Lord of Karhold.

Background
House Karstrak is a cadet branch of House Stark and trace their descent to Karlon Stark, and through him, to the Starks and the First Men.

Karlon Stark was a younger son of the King in the North who was awarded lands on the eastern region of the North after putting down a rebellion of House Bolton of the Dreadfort, about 700 years ago. Over time, Karlon's seat, originally known as Karl's Hold, became known as Karhold, while the Karl's Hold Starks became known as Karstarks.

The Karstark sigil is a white sunburst on black. Their words are "The Sun of Winter."

Members

 * Lord Rickard Karstark, Lord of Karhold.
 * His son, {Torrhen Karstark}. Killed by Ser Jaime Lannister during an escape attempt.
 * His son, {Eddard Karstark}. Slain fighting by the side of King Robb Stark during the War of the Five Kings.

In the books
In the Song of Ice and Fire novels House Karstark's origins remain the same. The Karstarks are reliable and fierce warriors. Their military power is formidable, as they are able to field some 300 cavalry and 2,000 infantry. They fought alongside the Starks during Robert's Rebellion.

Members in the books:
 * Rickard Karstark
 * His eldest son and heir, Harrion.
 * His second son, Torrhen.
 * His third son, Eddard
 * His daughter, Alys.
 * His uncle, Arnolf, castellan of Karhold.
 * Cregan, Arnolf's eldest son
 * Arthor, Arnolf's second son
 * Three grandchildren, sons of Arthor