Warne Rivers

Warne Rivers, also known as the Bandit King, was the third ruler during the Warlord Years.

History
Born a bastard of the Riverlands, the Mad King's Slaughter granted Warne an opportunity. He left his farmstead to being a life of banditry, slowly uniting men under him by promising all the gold in King's Landing. After five years of petty raids in the Riverlands, his host rode to Harrenhal to pillage the rich lands surrounding it. This led to the Battle of Harrenhal when the current King, Garbet Yel, took his army to meet him. The battle was a victory for Warne, and led to him taking the throne.

The reign of Warne heavily depleted the Stormlands, Riverlands and Crownlands. In order to maintain loyalty, he allowed his men to raid wherever they pleased. Many farms were burned when smallfolk refused to pay taxation. Soon the area slid into near open revolt, with Warne's men being assassinated in various ways. Deciding on a show of force to pacify the smallfolk, Warne began a massive terror campaign. However, King's Landing rose up and locked the gates, forcing Warne to the abandoned Harrenhal. He was killed by a loose stone, splitting his skull when it fell from the gatehouse.

His death led to a time known as the Empty Throne.