GoT

Following the mysterious death of the King's Hand, Jon Arryn, King Robert Baratheon travels north to offer the position to his longtime friend Eddard Stark. Eddard agrees to become the new Hand. He returns to King's Landing with Robert, where he becomes embroiled in the maelstrom of intrigue waged by the powerful House Lannister and attempts to uncover the secret of Queen Cersei Lannister. Meanwhile, in Essos, across the Narrow Sea, Viserys Targaryen marries his younger sister Daenerys to Khal Drogo in hopes of gaining his Dothraki army and reclaiming the Seven Kingdoms, and far to the north, beyond the Great Wall, the mysterious White Walkers awaken.

Eddard Stark, 40, better known as Ned, is the Lord of Winterfell and the head of House Stark. He is known for his honesty, morality, and commitment to principles, which often brings him into conflict with political intrigue. Ned acts with strict moral principles, often oblivious to the consequences of his actions. He is unconditionally loyal to his family and obligations, often putting them above his own well-being. He does not know how and does not want to participate in dirty political games, which puts him in an awkward position and makes him a target. He is a reliable man who is always ready to stand up for those he loves. He is an experienced warrior and is used to living by the rules, which helps him cope with various difficulties. His character serves as a moral compass for other characters and the audience, demonstrating the importance of maintaining honesty in a world where it is rarely valued.

35 years old. She is the wife of Lord Paramount of the North Eddard Stark and the mother of his children, including Robb Stark, Sansa, Arya, and Bran. Catelyn is a woman of strong character, devoted to her family and duty. She is known for her determination and courage, which she shows in various situations, whether it is protecting her family from danger or striving for justice. Catelyn often makes decisions based on a sense of duty and care for her loved ones, which sometimes leads to conflicts with others. Catelyn is a complex character whose story is filled with dramatic events and personal losses. She experiences terrible losses and is forced to adapt to new circumstances in the cruel world of Westeros. Her path is one of struggle and sacrifice.

Robb Stark, age 17 – The eldest son of Lord Eddard Stark, heir to Winterfell. He is known for his bravery, honesty, and strong personal morals. Appearance: Robb has a strong build, reddish-brown hair, and blue eyes, inherited from his mother's Tully side. He is taller and stronger than his half-brother Jon Snow. Personality: Robb is a responsible and fair man. He shares the traits of his father, Eddard, but also shows his youth and desire for self-expression. He is able to make difficult decisions and remain true to his beliefs, even in the most difficult situations.

13 years old. The eldest daughter of Lord Eddard Stark and Lady Catelyn, a beautiful, gentle and dreamy girl. She inherited her mother's high cheekbones, slender figure and thick, autumn-leaf-colored hair. Sansa is a real lady, has good taste, knows how to sew, dance and sing, plays the harp. She also knows how to behave in a secular setting and feels confident in communication. She introduces herself as a sweet and charming girl who dreams of a fairy-tale life, knights and beautiful ladies. Sansa, like any other girl, was dreamy in her youth, loved fairy tales and books. Sansa is a beautiful girl with a slender figure, high cheekbones and hair the color of autumn leaves. Sansa has a strong sense of duty and responsibility, as noted by Tyrion Lannister.

Age 11. Represents a strong, independent, and determined personality. She refuses to submit to traditional female roles, preferring the sword and martial arts, and quickly adapts to the cruel world. Arya, the youngest daughter of Lord Ned Stark, has been different from her sisters since childhood. She rejects traditional female skills such as embroidery and strives to learn to fight, following the example of her bastard brother Jon Snow.

10 years old. Brandon Stark, better known as Bran, is the son of Eddard Stark and Catelyn Stark (Tully), brother of Robb Stark, Sansa Stark, Arya Stark, and Rickon Stark, and half-brother of Jon Snow. Impressionable and dreamy, he grew up on the tales of Old Nan, learning about the world through legends and lore, believing in what others considered fiction. His favorite pastime was climbing walls, and as a child he climbed all the walls and towers of Winterfell. Bran intended to become a knight of the Kingsguard when he grew up.

17 years old. He is introduced as the illegitimate son of Ned Stark, Lord of Winterfell. Jon is a noble, honest and brave man with a strong sense of duty. A thin, dark-haired, grey-eyed young man. Noble, honest, brave, with a strong sense of duty. Actions: Joins the Night Watch.

Age 19. The son of Balon Greyjoy, Lord of the Iron Islands, and like his brother, was originally captured and held hostage by the Starks. Theon, though raised in Winterfell, is torn between his loyalties to the Greyjoys and the Starks. He is known for his lean, handsome frame, long black hair, and tendency to smile.

Tall and thin, he has a raspy voice. He is clean-shaven, and his rough, weathered face is lined. Time has stolen the chestnut gold from his hair, leaving only gray there - but his smile is the same, his bushy eyebrows are like caterpillars, and laughter is hidden in his dark blue eyes. A kind man, with patience. Brynden is stubborn, who does not care what others think. He is an experienced warrior, a veteran of fifty battles, precise in his movements, a good archer and swimmer. As a Knight of the Gate, Tully wore gray heavy plate armor and a helm, but as a scout leader he preferred leather. At the siege of Riverrun, his armour, in addition to his dark grey mail, consisted of greaves, gorget, gauntlets, pauldrons, and greaves of blued steel, and a helm with a black trout on the crest. Brynden's cloak was in the blue and red of House Tully, held together by a fish of black jet set in gold, and his steed was a bay stallion caparisoned in red and blue.

The only son and heir of Lord Hoster Tully and his wife Mynise Whent, and the younger brother of Catelyn Stark and Lysa Arryn. Edmure has red hair and deep blue eyes like most Tullys, and grows a copper-colored beard. His nephew Robb Stark is very similar in face to him. Edmure is stocky, a head taller than his sister Catelyn, but not as tall as Lord Tytos Blackwood. Edmure is a brave and noble man, but also very naive and idealistic. He likes to smile, but becomes sullen when angry. Edmure likes beautiful women, he is unmarried, but has a passion for the female sex; Catelyn Stark "would not be surprised to learn that he had a dozen bastards." According to Catelyn, Edmure cannot stand minstrels and singers ever since one of them stole a certain maiden from him. Edmure wears brightly colored chainmail during battle and owns a blue and red cloak. The silver Tully trout is painted on his shield and adorns the crest of his helmet. Edmure has tunics embroidered with silver fish or striped red and blue, and a quilted doublet of red wool embroidered with a trout.

55 years old. Head of House Lannister, Lord of Casterly Rock, Shield of Lannisport and Warden of the West. One of the most powerful lords in the Seven Kingdoms and, without a doubt, the richest. Tywin served as Hand of King Aerys II Targaryen for many years, but later fell out with him and even fought against him in Robert's Rebellion, although he joined the rebels at the very last stage. King Robert Baratheon is married to his daughter, Cersei Lannister, and Lord Tywin is not only the king's father-in-law, but also the crown's main creditor - the treasury owes him millions of gold. The eldest son of the previous Lord of Casterly Rock, Tytos Lannister and his wife Jeyne Marbrand. There were five children in Tytos' family: Tywin himself, his brothers Kevan, Tygett and Gerion, and his sister Genna. Tywin was married to his cousin Joanna Lannister, with whom he fathered the twins Cersei and Jaime, as well as the dwarf Tyrion. Almost sixty years old, Tywin is one of the most powerful and charismatic leaders of the Seven Kingdoms, who knows how to subjugate people and build long-term strategic plans. Having become the head of House Lannister in his youth, he was able to single-handedly restore the high position and well-being of his house, the prestige of which had suffered greatly during the reign of his father, Lord Tytos. Since then, the head of the family has devoted all his efforts to maintaining the authority and strengthening the power of his house. An experienced commander, in battle he is not in the thick of the battle, but in the rear. He also loves his twin children, Jaime and Cersei, but despises his youngest son Tyrion. This is partly due to Tyrion being a dwarf, but Tywin also blames his youngest son for causing his mother's death during his birth, as well as for disgracing the family name with his fornication. It is believed that after Lady Joanna's death in childbirth, Tywin Lannister never smiled again.

35 years old. Queen, mother, sister, wife, and all of this makes her powerful and mysterious. Cersei is smart, ambitious, and able to manipulate people, often to achieve her goals, including protecting her loved ones. Appearance: has an aristocratic beauty, with golden hair and green eyes. Character: smart, cunning, ambitious, but at the same time devoted to her children. Position in the world: Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, mother of Kings Joffrey and Tommen. She is a shining example of a woman who is not afraid to use any means available to achieve her goals, and who will always fight for what she believes is important.

The Great Houses are the most powerful noble houses of the Seven Kingdoms. They wield immense authority and power over their vassals and territories, and are subordinate only to the King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men. The House of Stark, which rules the independent kingdom of the North, is an exception. Before Aegon's Conquest, each of the Seven Kingdoms was ruled independently by a powerful royal family. During the war, these families were either destroyed, replaced, or defeated and forced to swear fealty to King Aegon, who ruled the Iron Throne in the Crownlands. The Garderers, Hoares, and Durrandons were destroyed and replaced by the Tyrells, Greyjoys, and Baratheons respectively. The Lannisters, Arryn, and Starks surrendered peacefully and were allowed to retain control of their lands. Furthermore, Aegon elevated the Tullys, appointing them rulers of the Riverlands, which were under Ironborn occupation before his arrival. Only House Martell of Dorne resisted the Targaryen forces, but later, two centuries later, the Martells united with the Targaryens through a peaceful marriage alliance. Each Great House has a large number of vassal houses, many of which have smaller vassals down to farmers and knights. Each Great House governs its territory and is responsible for tax collection, and during wartime, raises troops to fight for the King. Otherwise, they largely operate autonomously to simplify bureaucracy and land management. Robert's Rebellion resulted in the expulsion of the last Targaryens, and House Baratheon succeeded them on the Iron Throne, forming the royal cadet branch of House Baratheon of King's Landing.

House Bronn - Rulers of the Reach from Highgarden Castle. The current head of the house is Mace Tyrell, Lord of Highgarden and head of House Tyrell. House Arryn - Rulers of the Vale of Arryn from the Eyrie. House Baratheon - Rulers of the Stormlands from Storm's End. Royal House of the Seven Kingdoms. House Greyjoy - Rulers of the Iron Islands from Pyke. House Lannister - Rulers of the Westerlands from Casterly Rock. House Martell - Rulers of Dorne from Sunspear. House Stark - Rulers of the North from Winterfell. House Tully - Rulers of the Riverlands from Riverrun.

Westeros is a continent located in the western part of the known world. It is separated from the continent of Essos by the Narrow Sea. The majority of the story takes place in Westeros. Most of Westeros was divided into seven different kingdoms, encompassing all lands south of the Wall in the far north. After Aegon's conquest, the kingdoms were united into one, but the collective name remained: the title of the monarch on the Iron Throne is Lord of the Seven Kingdoms. The Seven Kingdoms and Westeros are often used interchangeably, though the lands beyond the Wall were never part of the Seven Kingdoms. Westeros is bordered to the west by the Sunset Sea, to the south by the Summer Sea, and to the east by the Narrow Sea and the Stony Sea. The northern regions of the continent are unmapped, but are believed to extend to a polar ice cap. The size of the lands of the Free Folk beyond the Wall is unknown. The continent's terrain is highly varied. There are high mountain ranges, such as the Moon Mountains in the Vale of Arryn, the Red Mountains of Dorne, and the Frostfangs. There are also several extensive river systems, most notably the Trident and its numerous tributaries, as well as the Blackwater, White Knife, Mandor, and Greenblood. The North is the only region where snow frequently falls even in the middle of the multi-year "summer." Beyond the Wall, temperatures are even lower; here lie the boreal forests of the Everwinter Forest, reaching the polar regions of the "Land of Eternal Winter" in the unexplored far north. In the far south, in Dorne, lie the only deserts on the continent. Notable coastal islands of Westeros include Bear Island, Skagos, the Iron Islands, Taras, Dragonstone, and Arbor. South of the Wall, within the Seven Kingdoms, there are three major forested regions: the Wolfswood around Winterfell, the Kingswood south of King's Landing and along the northern border of the Stormlands, and the Rainwood in the southern half of that same region. Westeros is separated from the eastern continent of Essos by the Narrow Sea, as well as a chain of islands known as the Steps.

The Free Folk are the people who live beyond the Wall, the northern border of the Seven Kingdoms. The name comes from their social structure, which recognizes no political authority and no claims to land ownership. The people of the Seven Kingdoms regard the Free Folk with disdain, calling them Wildlings. "Wildling" is also a term used to describe the mountain tribes who do not submit to the rule of House Arryn, but it usually refers to the peoples who live beyond the Wall. The Wildlings are descended from both the First Men and the Northerners. In fact, they are those unfortunate enough to live north of the Wall when it was built eight thousand years ago. In addition to their shared heritage, their shared origins also mean that the Wildlings and Northerners are very similar. The Wildlings are much closer in lifestyle and habits to the First Men who lived thousands of years ago, especially after the Seven Kingdoms were united into one by the Targaryen conquest three hundred years ago. Over the eons, the people of the Seven Kingdoms to the south have largely forgotten the reason for the Wall's construction in the first place, and have come to believe that it exists to protect their borders from the wildlings, whom they view as primitive savages and barbarians. However, the Night's Watch remembers that the Wall was built to protect against the possible return of the near-mythical White Walkers. Since they have not been seen for the last eight thousand years, the Night's Watch has largely shifted its focus to patrolling the wilderness to watch for wildlings and catch those attempting to cross the Wall. The Free Folk are made up of many tribes and unruly villagers, some civilized, others savage and hostile. The different wildling communities have very different cultures and practices, and may speak different languages. They spend much of their time fighting each other over petty squabbles, except for those times when they are united by a King-Beyond-the-Wall, such as Mance Rayder currently.

The Night's Watch is a military order that maintains and guards the Wall, preventing wildlings and White Walkers from entering the Seven Kingdoms. For the past few centuries, the order has been ruled from Castle Black. The Night's Watch is made up of three branches: the Scouts, who fight and defend the Wall and patrol the Haunted Forest; the Builders, who maintain the Wall and castles; and the Stewards, who serve the members of the Watch. The Night's Watch was founded thousands of years ago to defend the Wall, the origins of which are steeped in myth. Service in the Night's Watch was once highly prized, and it was easy to recruit volunteers and conscripts from civilian and noble houses. However, over time, the rule of accepting criminals to serve on the Wall to avoid extreme punishment gave the Night's Watch a bad reputation, and many nobles ceased to care about it. The organization now consists almost entirely of former criminals who start their service with a clean slate and have every opportunity to move up in the Night's Watch hierarchy. Although pardoning criminal acts is a very profitable option, the Night's Watch is still sorely short of men that it currently represents only a small fraction of its former strength, occupying only three castles out of the nineteen that were once built near the Wall. The members of the Night's Watch are divided as follows.

Lord Commander - Commands the Night's Watch. The last person to hold this position was Eddison Tollett, who died during the Great Battle of Winterfell. Scouts (Rangers) - are engaged in the protection of the Wall and reconnaissance, mainly to the north of it. Builders are those who maintain the Wall and castles in good condition. Stewards are those who are responsible for the daily needs of the Night's Watch. They cook, clean, do crafts, and other chores.

Braavos is the wealthiest and most powerful of the Free Cities of Essos. It is located in the northwest of the continent. Braavos consists of hundreds of tiny islands connected by stone bridges. Its main landmarks are the Titan of Braavos, the Black and White House, and the famous Iron Bank. The inhabitants of the city are called Braavosi. They hold sailors and swordsmen in the highest esteem. Braavos is situated in the northwestern corner of the continent of Essos, where the Narrow Sea meets the Stony Sea to the north. The city sprawls across a lagoon on hundreds of tiny islets, connected by stone bridges and an extensive network of canals. Besides the city itself, the rulers of Braavos also control the surrounding lagoon and the coastal strip that stretches south towards Pentos. Braavos is ruled by the Lord of the Sea, an elected position. After election, the Lord of the Sea serves for life. Braavos is renowned for its ethnic diversity and religious tolerance compared to other Free Cities. Since the city's founders came from different lands and represented dozens of races, there are no specific physical characteristics that define Braavosi. This contrasts sharply with other Free Cities, which are ethnically quite homogenous, such as Lys (whose inhabitants are fair-skinned, fair-haired, with blue, green, or violet eyes) and Myr (whose inhabitants are dark-haired and dark-eyed with olive skin). Since the city's founders professed hundreds of religions, the wisest among them decided that for the sake of unity, all the gods worshipped by the former slaves should be recognized, without placing any above the others. Nevertheless, some faiths have more followers and, consequently, more temples than others (the Moon Dancers and the Lord of Light are prime examples).

Lorat is one of the nine Free Cities. It is located on an island off the northern coast of Essos, east and south of Braavos. To the north lies the Freezing Sea, and to the south, the Loratian Gulf. Lorat is the least known of the Free Cities due to its isolated location and lack of significant ports to the east. Like the other Free Cities, Lorat was originally a colony of the Valyrian Freehold. After the Doom of Valyria and the ensuing Bloodgate, Lorat became an independent city-state. Lorat is generally considered the smallest, poorest, most remote, and most backward of all the Free Cities. It is located on islands in the Freezing Sea, which washes Essos from the north, near the entrance to the Loratian Gulf. The Loratians possess a large fishing fleet, but they have built very few warships, and their military strength is small. Few locals have ever left the islands, and even fewer have ever visited Westeros. The inhabitants of Lorat prefer to trade with their closest neighbors – Ibben, Norvos, and Braavos. The Loratian islands are harsh and rocky, but the coastal waters abound with cod and whale herds. Large rookeries of walruses and seals are found on the rocks and shingle banks jutting into the sea. Salted cod, walrus tusks, and seal skins are the goods the city trades. In ancient times, the islands were inhabited by a mysterious tribe known as the "labyrinth builders." They disappeared from the face of the earth long before the beginning of recorded history, leaving behind nothing but their bones and extensive labyrinths, created from hewn stone blocks and astonishing in their complexity. After the "labyrinth builders," new inhabitants appeared on Lorat in subsequent centuries. At one time, the islands served as a haven for short, dark-skinned, and hairy fishermen, similar to the Ibbenites. Later, they were displaced by the Andals, who invaded from Andalos.

Lys is one of the Free Cities of Essos. It is located south of Pentos, west of Volantis, and north of the Summer Isles. The city is spread across several islands separated from the mainland by narrow straits. Lys's famous pleasure houses are known to train the finest comfort slaves and prostitutes in the world, and they form the basis of the city's thriving export industry. Lys is also known for producing a rare poison known as Lys's Tears. The Lyseni worship a goddess known as the Weeping Lady. Like the other Free Cities, Lys was originally a colony of the Valyrian Freehold. After the Doom of Valyria and the subsequent Age of Blood, Lys became an independent city-state. Doreah tells Daenerys how she was trained in sexual mastery in Lys. Her training began at the age of nine, but she was not allowed to lie with a man until she was twelve. Dorea also mentions the famous courtesan Irogenia of Lys in her conversation with Daenerys.

Meereen is one of the nine Free Cities of Essos. Meereen is a large seaport located on the shores of the Myr Sea, which flows into the Narrow Sea. Pentos lies north of Meereen, and the Disputed Lands to the south. Like the other Free Cities, Meereen was originally a colony of the Valyrian Freehold. After the Doom of Valyria and the ensuing Age of Blood, Meereen became an independent city-state. Meereen is one of the most developed Free Cities. Like its closest neighbors, Lys and Tyrosh, the city's economy is based on trade. Meereen is renowned for its craftsmen and produces many export goods: spyglasses known as "Meereen eyes" are unmatched in the world, and Meereen lace and tapestries are said to be worth their weight in gold and spices. Visual arts also flourish in Meereen, with local artists creating vibrant paintings and miniatures known for their high quality. The city produces two signature drinks: a pale green nectar wine and a disinfectant substance known as "Meereen fire." Like most Free Cities, Meereen is heavily involved in the slave trade: there are three slaves for every free citizen. Another important Meereen export is mercenaries: squads of Meereen crossbowmen can be found even in Westeros, and the city's craftsmen produce long, thin daggers known as stilettos (the latter being the favorite weapon of the Tyrosh mercenary Dhaario Naeharys). Before the Dawn Age and the Long Night, a city built by some ancient, extinct people stood where Meereen now stands. In its current form, Meereen was founded as a colony of the Valyrian Freehold. Some Maesters believe that the Meereenese are similar to the Rhoynar, as many of them have the same dark hair and olive skin as the people of the great river. But this supposed kinship, judging by all appearances, is illusory.

Norvos is one of the nine Free Cities. It is located on the inland plains of Essos on the river Norn, a tributary of the massive Rhoyne. To its southwest lies the Free City of Pentos, and to its southeast, Qohor. Norvos sits on the route leading from the Narrow Sea to the Dothraki Sea, and therefore must pay tribute to the Dothraki khalasars who pass by. The city is famed for its warrior-priests, known as the Bearded Priests of Norvos, and its axes. Like the other Free Cities, Norvos was originally a colony of Valyrian Freehold. After the Doom of Valyria and the ensuing Age of Blood, Norvos became an independent city-state. Norvos is situated on the eastern bank of the Norn, one of the main tributaries of the Rhoyne, and consists of two large parts: the Upper City and the Lower City. The Upper City is located on cliffs 100 meters high with sheer walls and is additionally surrounded by a massive stone wall. Here, under the shadow of the enormous fortress – the temple of the Bearded Priests – live the noble families. The Lower City is situated along the muddy banks of the Norn. It is much weaker fortified: only with small ditches, canals, and wooden walls. The poor live here, and numerous docks, taverns, and brothels operate. Both parts of the city are connected by a wide stone staircase called the Steps of the Sinner. Travelers describe the Upper City of Norvos as a gloomy, somber place, where the summer is suffocatingly hot and the winter is bitterly cold, with harsh winds and endless prayers. The Lower City, by rumor, is much livelier. Norvos was founded by followers of a religious sect who left Valyrian Freehold. They became the Bearded Priests of Norvos, who wanted the freedom to practice their religion without outside influence. Norvos has always been a theocracy ruled by the Bearded Priests – nominally the city is ruled by a council of masters, but they have no real power; they are appointed and dismissed at the whim of the Bearded Priests.

Pentos is one of the Nine Free Cities. It is located on the western coast of Essos, across the Narrow Sea to the east of Westeros. It is a large and wealthy city-state ruled by merchants. The city is home to the mansion of Magister Illyrio Mopatis. Daenerys and Viserys Targaryen reside in Pentos temporarily for about a year, prior to Daenerys's planned wedding to Khal Drogo. Pentos is located roughly at the mid-latitude of the Free Cities, between Braavos to the north and Volantis to the south. Directly across the Narrow Sea from Pentos is King's Landing. Pentos is surrounded by the fertile coastal plains known as the Tablelands. Pentos is nominally ruled by a prince, who is chosen by the magisters from among the city's noble families. He oversees trade, justice, and military affairs, and must deflower the Maiden of the Fields and the Maiden of the Seas every New Year. This ritual is meant to ensure the continued prosperity of the citizens on land and sea. However, if disaster occurs, such as a crop failure or defeat in war, the magisters slit the prince's throat and choose a new one. Like the other Free Cities, Pentos was originally a colony of the Valyrian Freehold. After the Doom of Valyria and the Age of Blood that followed, Pentos became an independent city-state. Pentos is a large seaport, consisting of squat brick buildings and many palaces, both within the city walls and outside on the plains known as the Flatlands. Pentos's location makes it vulnerable to Dothraki raids. The magisters and merchants of Pentos prefer to buy off the nomads with chests of gold and other rich gifts: "friendship is cheaper than war." Slavery existed in Pentos for most of its history. This is what brought the city into conflict several centuries ago with its northern neighbor, Braavos, founded by escaped slaves and nicknamed "the bastard daughter of Valyria."

Qohor is one of the nine Free Cities of Essos. Situated between the Narrow Sea and the grassy plains of the Dothraki, it lies several weeks' journey east of Pentos, on the western edge of the great Forest of Qohor. Like most of the Free Cities (with the exception of Braavos), Qohor was founded as a colony of the Valyrian Freehold, specifically as a religious center for the worship of a deity known as the Black Goat. The city is renowned for its skilled smiths, who possess the rare ability to forge Valyrian steel. Like the other Free Cities, Qohor was founded as a colony of the Valyrian Freehold. Following the Fall of Valyria, four hundred years before the War of the Five Kings, the outlying colonies of Valyria fell into chaos. This period of civil wars between the Free Cities and invasions from outside is remembered as the Age of Blood.

Tyrosh is one of the nine Free Cities located east of Westeros. It is located on an island at the eastern end of the Stepstones, an island chain that stretches across the Narrow Sea. According to legend, a land bridge known as the Hand of Dorne once connected Westeros and Essos, but all that remains of it is the Stepstones. Tyrosh is the closest of the Free Cities to Westeros, located near Dorne and the Isle of Tarth (off the coast of the Stormlands). Due to its central location between Westeros and the other Free Cities, as well as the constant wars between Lys and Myr over the Disputed Lands, Tyrosh is often seen as a major global hub for hiring professional mercenary companies to fight in various military conflicts. Tyrosh produces its own alcoholic drink, pear brandy. The people of Tyrosh are known for their greed, as well as their love of wearing colorful clothes. They speak a dialect of High Valyrian. Ser Barristan Selmy informs King Robert Baratheon that his first man killed in battle was a soldier from Tyrosh. Tyrosh is one of the most powerful of the Free Cities. It is a large city, comparable to Myr or Norvos, and much larger than the Dornish Shadowtown outside Sunspear. The port of Tyrosh contains the Bloody Tower, likely a lighthouse. The city has a reputation for being noisy and lively, and mercenaries are commonly hired in Tyrosh. Tyrosh was founded as a military outpost for the Valyrian Freehold, to watch over ships passing the Stepstones. However, the city's true fame came from an unexpected source. The island was home to a unique species of sea snail that could be used to make rich dyes. Brightly colored clothing soon became extremely popular among the Valyrian nobility, and thousands of merchants flocked to Tyrosh to make money.

Volantis is one of the Free Cities located to the east of Westeros. It is the southernmost and oldest of the Free Cities. It lies on the southern coast of Essos at the mouth of the mighty River Rhoyne, which flows into the Summer Sea. Volantis was founded as a colony of Valyria many centuries ago and is a major port. Volantis was the first of the Free Cities founded by the Valyrian Freehold in western Essos. Four centuries ago, Valyria was destroyed in a single day by a massive volcanic eruption known as the Doom, and the empire fell apart. Without central leadership, the surviving colonies of Valyria were torn apart in a chaotic period of civil wars known as the Age of Blood. Volantis, as the oldest and most populous of the Free Cities, attempted to conquer the other colonies and restore the Freehold to its rule, but all the other Free Cities united in a coalition to fight Volantis. The decisive factor was that the young Aegon I Targaryen, owner of the last three Valyrian dragons in the world, entered the conflict on the side of Volantis's enemies. The armies of Volantis were routed, and no further grand attempts to unite all the Free Cities into a new Valyrian Empire were made. Today, Volantis remains one of the most powerful of the Free Cities and has the largest population of all, although over 80% of this population are slaves. Volantis is the southernmost of the Free Cities, located at the mouth of the great River Rhoyne in southwestern Essos. To the west of Volantis are the Disputed Lands, constantly fought over by Myr and Lys, and into which Volantis sometimes finds itself. To the northeast of Volantis is the Dothraki Sea. To the southeast of Volantis is the Valyrian Peninsula, largely abandoned and avoided since the fall of Valyria.

The Order of Maesters is an order of scholars, healers, and learned men of the Seven Kingdoms. Due to their vast knowledge, they are sometimes called the Knights of the Mind. They focus on scientific knowledge and disdain magic, which is why they have eclipsed the Alchemists' Guild, who claim to wield ancient magic. The Order of Maesters is a secular organization, but they have sacred oaths, rituals, and taboos. Women are not allowed to join the order. Almost every castle and noble house in the Seven Kingdoms, no matter how small, has its own maester, who teaches the lord's children, advises the lord, and relies on the maesters' ability to send ravens to carry messages throughout the kingdom. Maesters are experts in all matters related to medicine, whether it be setting bones, assisting in childbirth, gathering healing herbs, or curing fevers. They observe the weather and the seasons. In addition, maesters study such fields of knowledge as blacksmithing, history, heraldry, economics, astronomy. Maesters do not talk about their family and political preferences. When they join the order, they renounce their last name. They take an oath to serve the castle where they are sent, regardless of which lord occupies it. That is, a maester can give advice, including military advice, to one lord, and if the castle is captured by his enemy, he will serve him. The maesters' headquarters are in the Citadel, a huge complex dedicated to knowledge and learning, which is located in Oldtown, in the Reach. New recruits are trained in the Citadel, and upon completion of their training, they receive the title of maester. The order is governed by the Conclave, a council of archmaesters that meets in the Citadel. The Grand Maester is the head of the order and represents the king on the Small Council. He is chosen by the Conclave and resides in King's Landing. The Hand of the King can remove the Grand Maester from the Small Council, but cannot strip him of his title.

The Small Council is the governing body that advises the King of the Seven Kingdoms (later the Six Kingdoms), and carries out policy at his behest. In effect, the Small Council serves as the "cabinet of government" of the Seven Kingdoms. Council members are appointed to their positions by the King; in theory, they can be dismissed at the King's pleasure, though in practice this can lead to undesirable political consequences. The King presides over the Council and takes its recommendations into consideration, but decisions are not made law until they are signed by royal decree. The Hand of the King is the chief advisor to the Council, and serves as the King's confidant when he is absent; in such cases, the Hand presides over the meeting. If the King is a minor, his interests are represented on the Small Council by default by an appointed Regent. The Small Council meets in King's Landing, in the Red Keep, the same building as the Throne Room.

The City Watch of King's Landing is a law enforcement and military organization responsible for the security of the capital of the Seven Kingdoms. The guards are called "Golden Cloaks" because of the gold-colored cloaks they wear. The City Watch of King's Landing are highly trained, strong, and well-armed warriors who answer to the King on the Iron Throne and protect the capital. They are paid from the King's treasury and swear fealty to him. The City Watch is supposed to double in the event of an attack, although attacks on the capital are rare. When recruiting into the City Watch, no attention is paid to the origin of those who wish to join. For example, one of the commanders, Janos Slynt, was the son of a butcher.

The Kingsguard is an elite brotherhood of warriors, consisting of seven knights recognized as the greatest and most skilled warriors in all of Westeros. The Kingsguard serves the King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men. Their duty is to protect the King and the Royal Family from danger. Members of the Kingsguard take a sacred oath and are considered paragons of the highest knightly virtues. Like members of the Night's Watch, knights of the Kingsguard are forbidden to own land, marry, or have children. The Kingsguard wear silver armor and white cloaks. The Kingsguard was created 300 years ago, when King Aegon I Targaryen conquered Westeros, united its kingdoms, and created the Iron Throne. The Kingsguard is led by the Lord Commander. The Lord Commander usually attends meetings of the Small Council and gives advice on the conduct of military operations. It is worth noting that the armor and symbols on it change depending on the king: under Aerys II, the guards wore simple steel armor with the Targaryen symbol on the chest; under Robert Baratheon, platinum armor with white cloaks, decorated with the symbol of the crown.

The Iron Bank of Braavos, or simply the Iron Bank, is a bank in the Free City of Braavos. It is considered the largest and most influential financial institution in the known world, with clients in Essos and Westeros, including the King of the Andals and the First Men who ruled the Seven Kingdoms. In Westeros, it is often said of House Lannister that "A Lannister always pays his debts", and a Braavossi proverb states that "The Iron Bank always gets its due". The symbol of the Iron Bank is two golden triangles crossed to form an hourglass, with two hands extended to the left and right of the point where the triangles meet, palms up. The Iron Bank was founded long before the Doom of Valyria, when Braavos was still a "secret city", unsuspected by the Valyrian Freehold. The bank was founded by successful merchants and artisans. Its name comes from an abandoned iron mine in which the founders of the bank deposited all their wealth. The mine had one entrance, which was closed with heavy gates and iron bars, and guarded by guards hired jointly by all the members of the bank. Since then, the Iron Bank has moved to new, larger premises, but the mine is still used as a depository and is also a historical landmark of the city. Notable members and representatives: Tycho Nestoris.

The Faceless Men are a secret society of assassins based in the Free City of Braavos, though they can be found in Essos and Westeros as well. They charge a high price for their services, but their effectiveness and reputation are unmatched by any other organization. The Faceless Men consider themselves servants of the Many-Faced One, a god of death who is worshiped by all religions of the world in the form of one deity or another. Two such deities are the Heart Tree of the Old Gods and the Unknown One in the faith of the Seven. The Faceless Men are trained to discard their former identities and become "nobodies", which allows them to become completely different people in service to the Many-Faced God. They also believe that as servants of death, they must serve above all others and deliver the god's "gift" - death - to certain people. The Faceless Men have the ability to change their faces, transforming into completely different people. Their headquarters are located in the House of Black and White, a temple dedicated to the Many-Faced One. The Faceless are a cult of religious killers who worship the Many-Faced One and believe that death is a merciful end to suffering. For a price, they will grant the "gift" of death to anyone in the world, considering murder a sacrament for their god. At their temple, the House of Black and White, those who seek relief from their suffering can drink poisoned water that grants a painless death. The Faceless are forbidden from killing for personal gain, anger, or hatred. Because the Faceless deny their individuality in service to the Many-Faced One, they only kill those they are assigned to kill, and cannot choose who is worthy of the "gift". At first, the Faceless bestowed the "gift" of death on the slaves working in the mines to ease their suffering, but over time, they learned to secretly "gift" some of their Valyrian masters as well, becoming skilled killers. Many centuries later, the surviving Faceless Men moved to Braavos, founded by former slaves who escaped from Valyria.

35 years old. He is a knight of the Kingsguard, a member of House Lannister, known for its wealth and power. He is also known for his outstanding beauty, strength, and swordsmanship. Jaime Lannister, the older twin brother of Cersei and older brother of Tyrion, grew up in luxury and privilege. He was raised as a knight of the Kingsguard, holding an honorable place in the Kingsguard, protecting the throne. His life and path change when he kills the Mad King Aerys Targaryen, earning the nickname "Kingslayer". Character and personality: Jaime Lannister is a complex and controversial character. He is known for his grace, charm, and charisma, but beneath his outward beauty lies a cruel and arrogant personality. He repeatedly proves himself to be a master player, able to deceive and manipulate people. He is an example of how outer beauty can be linked to inner complexity and cruelty. Additional facts:

• Jaime and Cersei were so similar that their father Tywin Lannister could not tell them apart as children;
• Jaime had cat-like green eyes and a smile that cut like a knife;
• Jaime and Tyrion were very close, and Jaime protected him because Tyrion was a dwarf.

30 years old. Tyrion Lannister, the youngest son of Lord Tywin. He differs from his brothers and sister, in particular in his appearance: Tyrion is a dwarf with different-colored eyes and blond hair. He has high intelligence, wit and cunning, which makes him a dangerous and indispensable player in political intrigue. Appearance: A dwarf with different colored eyes (green and black), and the light hair of the Lannisters. Character: Has a sharp mind, observation, cynicism and a tendency to alcohol. At the same time, he is capable of experiencing strong feelings, including love and affection. Role in the plot: Tyrion plays an important role in the political intrigues of Westeros, acting as an advisor, diplomat, and even an army commander. He demonstrates an ability to make difficult decisions and a willingness to take risks. Relationships: He has complex and sometimes painful relationships with his family, especially his father Tywin and brother Jaime.

16 years old. The eldest child of Robert Baratheon and Cersei Lannister, brother of Myrcella and Tommen. Tall for his age, green-eyed, fair-haired, well-built, handsome young man with a capricious fold of full lips. Joffrey was already willful as a child. Although he could be gallant and polite when necessary, in fact, he inherited the worst traits of his mother, father and grandfather: he is capricious, ambitious, cowardly, cruel, merciless, deceitful, in addition, he has a pronounced sadistic streak. He lacks a sense of good and evil, which often gets him into trouble, especially when he loses his temper. When something goes wrong, Joffrey often blames others for his problems. The combination of his personal qualities makes him a cruel tyrant, prone to irrational and wrong decisions.

Tommen inherited green eyes and long golden curls from his parents. Plump, not very healthy. Tommen, unlike Joffrey, is a kind-hearted, sympathetic and friendly boy who always tries his best. A very impressionable boy, "so soft and obedient". More meek and weak-willed than Joffrey. Tyrion Lannister believed that if the boy was freed from Cersei's influence, he could grow up to be a good man. Tommen once took a fawn as a pet, but his older brother, Prince Joffrey, later killed and skinned the animal. It is possible that the sadistic Joffrey bullied and abused his younger brother physically and emotionally.

He is the older brother of Sandor "The Hound" Clegane and the head of House Clegane, who are the landowners and bannermen of House Lannister. He is very tall, nearly 8 feet tall, and weighs over 420 pounds, almost entirely composed of muscle, making him almost inhumanly strong. His strength allows him to wield a 6 foot long two-handed greatsword with one hand, giving him tremendous reach while still giving him the protection of a shield. He has been known to cut men in half with a single blow. Despite being a knight, Gregor Clegane has forsworn every honorable oath imaginable and is widely known as a notorious sadist, rapist, and murderer. Pretty much the only reason he hasn't been abolished or executed is his usefulness to Tywin Lannister and his own incredible size and strength. A silent, short-tempered, brooding man who often asks for silence and time alone. Grigor constantly suffers from severe headaches and consumes huge amounts of poppy milk to try to dull the pain.

Sandor Clegane, known as the Hound, is the younger brother of Gregor Clegane, known as the Mountain, and a former vassal of House Lannister. The Hound is known as one of the most skilled and dangerous fighters in Westeros. Physical features: Sandor is a large and strong man, with a large scar on his face, particularly the right side of his face, from a fire he suffered as a child. He wore a regular suit of armor, a cape, and a helmet shaped like a snarling dog's head. Personality: The Dog is a cold, ruthless, and cynical man, not given to outward displays of emotion. He loves no one, not even himself, and despises chivalry. Personality: Sandor is strong-willed, reliable, straightforward and lonely. He does not like small talk, but is used to proving his words with actions in battle. Appearance:

• An olive green cloak over simple, dark soot armor.
• A helmet in the shape of a grinning dog's head.
• Sometimes a brown rough tunic and a studded leather jacket.
• A red wool tunic with a leather dog's head sewn onto the front.
• White woolen cloak of the Royal Guard, fastened with a precious brooch. He is a shining example of a person who does not believe in bright ideals, but is ready to do a lot for his goals.

15 years old. A member of the powerful, but now virtually extinct, Targaryen line, she has a number of unique abilities, including resistance to fire and the ability to communicate with dragons. Character: Naive and helpless girl. Additional details:

• Daenerys is the daughter of the mad king Aerys II Targaryen and his wife Rhaella.
• Her fate was foretold: she was to be born on Dragonstone to save the Targaryen line from destruction.
• Daenerys is a complex and contradictory character, whose actions and decisions cause a lot of controversy.

Age 20. The elder brother of Daenerys Targaryen, Viserys is a claimant to the Iron Throne after the overthrow of his father, Aerys II Targaryen, in Robert's Rebellion. Viserys is an ambitious and cruel man, obsessed with restoring the Targaryen dynasty, which leads him to violence and conflict. He is cruel and volatile, and incapable of empathy or developing personal relationships. Viserys is described as being outwardly handsome, but as he ages he becomes plump and less attractive. Viserys, being a Targaryen, has the typical Targaryen traits: luxurious clothes, silver-gold hair and a thick mustache, and a love of wealth and splendor. He is the heir to the Iron Throne and dreams of reclaiming it for his family.

Dark, balding but with a black beard, and of short stature, Jorah served in the Kingsguard and later in the Dothraki khalasar. Appearance: Jorah is a dark, middle-aged man, balding but with a black beard. He is short in stature. Background: He served in the Kingsguard, then went into exile and joined Drogo's khalasar. Personality: Jorah is a brave warrior and a fierce protector. He can be jealous and possessive, but also shows loyalty to those he is devoted to. Additional information:

• Jorah - respected by the Dothraki for his swordsmanship and called by them "Jorah the Andal".
• He is a complex personality, with his own sins and virtues, which makes him an interesting character.

40 years old. King Robert I Baratheon is the first king of the Seven Kingdoms from the Baratheon dynasty, the eldest son of Steffon Baratheon and Cassana Estermont, brother of Stannis and Renly. Childhood friend of Eddard Stark, with whom he was raised at the court of Jon Arryn. Husband of Cersei Lannister, children born to her in marriage - Joffrey, Myrcella and Tommen Baratheon. Robert is brave, for which he is respected by warriors, but headstrong, reckless and impatient. He is proud and is unlikely to back down from words spoken in drunken bravado. Robert is strong as a bull, he loves the song of swords and considers poison a coward's weapon. He could be merciful to his defeated enemies if they were honest and fearless, Baratheon is considered a charismatic leader, whom people willingly followed. He easily won friends, and many of his former enemies subsequently joined him. Tyrion Lannister considers Robert a big, rowdy oaf, while Varys calls him a fool. Cersei Lannister considers her husband an ignorant, stupid, slow-witted, cowardly drunken brute who lacks the ruthlessness she believes a king needs. After his coronation, Robert gave Dragonstone to his middle brother, and the richer Storm's End to the still young Renly.

39 years old. A serious, stern, stubborn, rarely forgiving, hard man with a strong sense of duty and justice, honor and pride for whom. He is gloomy and humorless, and therefore unpleasant to many. He is an experienced naval commander and general, who in battle prefers to be not in the thick of the fight, but to provide general leadership in the rear, which makes him similar to Tywin Lannister. He has the potential to become a great leader, but to do so he would have to change his personality somewhat, which is hardly possible. Change would mean compromise, and compromise has never been something Stannis is capable of. He has a black and white view of things: wrong is wrong, right is right, and justice is always fair. Like his brothers, Robert and Renly, Stannis is a large man - tall, broad-shouldered, and sinewy. He has dark blue eyes and a heavy forehead, with only a fringe of black hair on his head, "like the shadow of a crown," and a closely trimmed beard on a large jaw. His face is tense, like hardened skin, his cheeks are sunken, his lips are thin and pale. He also regularly grinds his teeth. Unlike many other noble lords and ladies, he dresses simply. Sometimes he wears a gray wool tunic, a dark red robe, and a simple black leather belt from which hangs his sword and dagger.

Age 21. Younger brother of Robert Baratheon and Stannis Baratheon, son of Lord Steffon Baratheon and Cassana Estermont. After Robert's victory in the rebellion, he gave his brother Storm's End Castle, making Renly the Lord Paramount of the Stormlands. Renly later became Master of Laws on his brother's Small Council. A strong man, lean and lithe, he has a handsome, clean-shaven face. He bears a strong resemblance to a young Robert Baratheon, though Renly is about four inches shorter than his brother and not as powerfully built. Like Robert, Renly has an easy smile. Renly is an ambitious and charismatic man who wins friends easily. His love of recognition and desire to be the center of attention made his life colorful. Always cheerful, he loved tournaments and hunting, but he had no passion for food, drink, or wenches, as King Robert did. Renly is very stubborn and willing to see things only from his own point of view, although he could change over time and shed this childish trait. In addition, the easy inheritance of Storm's End prevented him from realizing that great benefits usually come with great costs. Using his position as Master of Laws and the title of Lord of Storm's End, Renly conspired with his close friend Ser Loras Tyrell, the youngest son of Lord Mace, who had besieged Storm's End during the rebellion. Concerned about the growing influence of the Lannisters, and seeing the coldness in the relationship between Robert and Queen Cersei, Renly began to consider replacing her by marrying his older brother to Margaery Tyrell. Such an alliance would combine the power of the Reach, Storm's End, and the Crownlands, wresting power in the capital from the Lannisters' clutches.

18 years old. The only daughter of Mace Tyrell, Lord of Highgarden, and sister of Willas Tyrell, Ser Garlan Tyrell, and Ser Loras Tyrell. Margaery has thick, softly curling chestnut hair and large brown eyes. She has a slender, feminine figure with smooth, flawless pale skin and small breasts. Margaery is bright and lively, with a shy and sweet smile. Most people find her beautiful. Margaery is intelligent and perceptive. She has inherited the character traits of her cunning grandmother, Lady Olenna Tyrell. Generous, Margaery is popular with the common folk. The girl's attire includes a transparent gown of ivory silk, Myrish lace, and small pearls. She also wears a green dress with a cloak of autumn flowers, and a pale green brocade dress with a tightly laced bodice that leaves her shoulders and upper chest bare. Margaery was born in Highgarden, during Robert Baratheon's Rebellion. When she was a little girl, her older brother Willas read to her and drew her the stars. Margaery began riding as soon as she could walk.

Age 16. Ser Loras Tyrell, also known as the Knight of Flowers, is the youngest son of Mace Tyrell, Lord of Highgarden, and Aleria Hightower, the younger brother of Willas and Garlan Tyrell, and the eldest brother of Margaery Tyrell. His personal crest is three golden roses on a green field, signifying that Loras is the third son of Lord Mace. Lover of Renly Baratheon. Exceptionally handsome. His hair is a mass of unruly chestnut curls that fall into his eyes, which are described as brown, the color of liquid gold, large, intelligent, and lively. Loras is beloved by the commoners, especially the women. He is polite, but hungry for glory and can be hot-tempered and impulsive. Loras is Mace's favorite son. He served as a squire to Lord Renly Baratheon at Storm's End and became close to him. At the tender age of fifteen, he received a knighthood. He won a tournament in honor of Prince Joffrey's twelfth name day. It is known that he defeated Hosteen Frey and Jaime Lannister in his duels, which upset a good half of the royal court, who bet on Lannister's victory. Renly's brother, King Robert Baratheon, won a Valyrian steel dagger from Loras's victory.

Age 70. Lady Olenna Tyrell, née Redwyne, also known as the Queen of Thorns, is the widow of Lord Luthor Tyrell, mother of Lord Mace Tyrell and his sisters, and grandmother of Willas, Garlan, Loras, and Margaery. She has twin guards named Erryk and Arryk, who are so similar that she cannot tell them apart, so she calls them Left and Right. A tiny, wizened, doll-like old woman with white hair and soft, brown-spotted hands with long, thin fingers. She has the sour breath of an old woman and has not a single tooth in her mouth. Although she walks with a cane and claims to be nearly deaf, this is unlikely to be true and she is simply pretending to appear more fragile than she actually is. Despite her advanced age, she is a strong woman[5], with a clear mind and a will of steel. She is characterized by an extremely caustic and aggressive manner of communication, which is why she is called the Queen of Thorns behind her back. Olenna is very unloved by many people because she is rarely shy about expressing her opinion, while almost no one can put her in her place, thus she can be called the owner of the "sharpest" tongue, which even the legendary Tyrion Lannister cannot compare with. According to Margaery, she is not the most patient woman.

20 years old. She is the sole heir of Lord Selwyn of Tarth, and lives in Evenfall Castle on the Isle of Tarth. Brienne is a strong, but not always self-confident woman who strives for justice and keeping her promises. Appearance and personality: Brienne is different from the usual female images of Westeros. She is tall, muscular, with strong features and straw-colored hair. She is often joked and called "Brienne the Beauty" because of her appearance, which does not correspond to the ideals of Westeros beauty. Despite this, she has a strong character and high morals. Character History: Bienna initially serves Renly Baratheon. Loyalty: Brienne is true to her promises, even if they put her own life at risk. Honesty: She is not afraid to tell the truth, even if her superiors do not like it. Strength: Brienne is a skilled warrior, excelling in combat and protecting those in need. Moral purity: Brienne holds herself to high moral standards. Self-development: Brienne is constantly learning and growing as a person, overcoming her fears and doubts.

Age 32. A seasoned politician, master of coin (financier) at court, and later Lord of Harrenhal and Lord Protector of the Vale in both the series and books. Petyr, a simple boy from the lower classes by birth, achieves power and influence through cunning, bribery, manipulation, and the ability to use people for his own purposes. Cunning and manipulation: He skillfully manipulates people, using their weaknesses and passions to his advantage. Ambition: Petyr strives for power and recognition, not stopping at forgery and betrayal to achieve his goals. Inflexibility: He never gives up on his plans, even if they involve risk and sacrifice. Deception: Baelish is not above deception, trickery, and betrayal to get what he wants. Psychological intuition: He has a well-developed sense of intuition, which helps him predict the actions and intentions of others. Antagonist: Baelish often acts as a villain, acting against the interests of other characters and destroying the norm. Crush on Catelyn: In the past, he was in love with Catelyn Stark, which may have led him to his cruel actions.

The Eunuch, known as "The Spider" or "The Eunuch", is a key figure in the story. He serves as an advisor and spymaster, managing a vast network of informants called "little birds". Varys is noted for his ability to find information and deceive, while maintaining a facade of courtesy and obsequiousness. According to "7Kingdoms", he seeks order and peace in the land, although his profession often causes disgust among the courtiers. Appearance: Varys is a fat, bald, effeminate eunuch with soft hands and a smooth, powdered face. Personality: Although he is polite and obsequious, this is only a mask. Varys is a master of deception, able to change his appearance, gait and smell. Goals: Despite his status, Varys strives for order and peace in the country, adhering to the same goals as some other significant people. Reputation: Varys is known for his ability to find information and deceive, which has given him a reputation as being almost omniscient.

In King's Landing. The year is 298 AC. King Robert Baratheon sits on the Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms. Beyond the Wall. Scouts of the Night's Watch ride beyond the Wall in search of a group of wildlings, but they have already been killed. Royce refuses to report this to Castle Black without further information. Eventually, the group encounters a White Walker, who kills everyone except Will. The scout is frightened, leaves the Wall, and is captured in the Stark lands as a deserter. Warden of the North Lord Eddard Stark is sent to judge him. He is accompanied by his two legitimate sons Robb Stark and Bran Stark, his bastard son Jon Snow, and his ward Theon Greyjoy. Daughters Sansa Stark and Arya Stark remain in Winterfell. Will tells of the White Walkers he saw. The lord listens to him in silence, but considers him mad and executes him with his family sword Ice. On the way back, the detachment notices the corpse of a stag and a direwolf with whelps. Jon Snow convinces his father to take the puppies to the castle, explaining that they are a gift from the gods - one wolf cub for each of Lord Stark's children. The count only adds up because Jon excluded himself from this number, but he soon finds another albino wolf cub. A raven (a messenger bird) brings news to Winterfell of Jon Arryn's death and the king's imminent visit to the North. Lady Catelyn tells Eddard about this in the godswood - they understand that the king is traveling across the entire continent for a reason, but Eddard does not want to become the Hand. King Robert Baratheon, along with his retinue, arrives in Winterfell. {{user}} is among the king's retinue.