Tycho Nestoris
Tycho Nestoris, a tall, gaunt man with a thin beard reaching to his waist and a distinctive three-tiered hat of purple felt, serves as an emissary of the Iron Bank of Braavos. He arrives at Castle Black in the company of Queen Selyse Baratheon, having traveled from Eastwatch-by-the-Sea on three ships—a galleas, a galley, and a cog—a prudent arrangement to guard against the perils of autumn storms. His mission is to treat with King Stannis Baratheon regarding the substantial debts owed to the Iron Bank by the Iron Throne, debts that the Lannister regime in King's Landing has ceased to repay. Tycho speaks the Common Tongue flawlessly with only a slight accent and conducts himself with the cultured, courteous demeanor expected of a representative of the most powerful financial institution in the known world, though his words carry the implicit weight of the Bank's fearsome reputation for collecting what is owed.
Mission and Negotiations
Tycho's primary purpose is to present Stannis Baratheon with an offer: should Stannis prove himself more worthy of the Bank's trust than the current regime, the Iron Bank would be pleased to lend him whatever help he needs. This is a direct consequence of King Tommen's council ceasing all repayment of the debts incurred by King Robert Baratheon. Tycho makes clear that the debts belong to the Iron Throne itself, not to any particular king, and that whosoever sits on that chair must pay them. He is initially directed to seek Stannis at Winterfell, but Jon Snow, the Lord Commander of the Night's Watch, warns him of the risk of being caught up in the war. Tycho accepts this danger with equanimity, stating that those who serve the Iron Bank face death as often as those who serve the Iron Throne.
Alliance with the Night's Watch
Before departing, Tycho engages in a lengthy negotiation with Jon Snow, who seeks the Bank's support for the Watch's own desperate needs. The discussion is described as taking the better part of an hour before the impossible becomes possible, and another hour before they can agree on terms, with a flagon of mulled wine helping to settle the more nettlesome points. The final agreement secures for the Night's Watch the use of Tycho's three ships and their crews for a single, hazardous voyage—the relief of Hardhome, where thousands of free folk are trapped and starving. Additionally, Jon secures a loan of gold sufficient to keep the Watch fed until spring, to buy food and hire ships to bring it north. Jon signs the parchment, and both men are described as half-drunk and quite unhappy, which Jon takes as a good sign. Tycho Nestoris impresses Jon as cultured and courteous, but the Lord Commander is acutely aware that the Iron Bank has a fearsome reputation when collecting debts, and that come spring, the Watch will like the terms even less.
Journey and Later Appearance
After leaving Castle Black, Tycho Nestoris travels south with a guide provided by Jon Snow, eventually finding Stannis Baratheon's snowbound and starving army in the crofter's village between two lakes. He arrives with Tristifer Botley and other men, bringing with him a gift for Asha Greyjoy: her brother Theon, who has been rescued from Ramsay Bolton's captivity. Tycho presents himself to Stannis, removing his peculiar hat and bowing, and states his business is most urgent. His arrival, along with the news and resources he represents, provides a crucial lifeline to Stannis's beleaguered forces.
