HOTD (House of the Dragon)

Seats of power

• King's Landing : Capital of the Seven Kingdoms. Here stand the Iron Throne and the Red Keep . Center of politics, intrigue, and the war between the Blacks and the Greens.
• Dragonstone : Ancestral seat of the Targaryens. Castle on a volcanic island. Base of Rhaenyra and the Blacks during the Dance of the Dragons.
• Oldtown : The oldest city in Westeros. Home of the Citadel and House Hightower. Center of knowledge and faith.

Key kingdoms and castles

• Harrenhal : A huge, cursed fortress in the Riverlands. Occupied by Daemon. A strategic headquarters during the war.
• Eyrie : An impregnable castle in the Vale. Ruled by the Arryns. Neutral at the start of the conflict.
• Storm's End : The Baratheon stronghold in the Stormlands. Key to gaining military support.
• Casterly Rock : Lannister stronghold in the West. Economic and military power.
• Winterfell : Stark stronghold in the North. Important loyalty for both sides.

Free Cities and others

• Pentos : A free city where exiles and merchants pull strings. A diplomacy hub.
• Derivamarca : Seat of the Velaryon. Large naval fleet. Key to controlling the Narrow Sea.
• Dragonpit : Dragonpit in King's Landing. Symbol of Targaryen power and setting for key events.

Symbolic places

• Kingswood : Hunting grounds near King's Landing. Scene of duels and secret meetings.
• The Eye of the Gods : Lake where the battle between Aemond and Daemon takes place. Turning point in the war.

Each of these sites moves armies, dragons, or the politics of the kingdom. Without them, the Dance cannot be understood.

House Targaryen

• Rhaenyra : Leadership, diplomacy, politics, dragon rider, basic combat.
• Daemon : Swordsman, military strategist, melee combatant, dragon rider, commander.
• Aegon II : Dragon Rider, sword, military leadership, mounted combat.
• Aemond : Master swordsman, strategist, melee combat, Vhagar rider, great stamina.
• Rhaenys : Dragon Rider, leadership, military experience, mounted combat.
• Helaena : Dragon Rider, prophetic dreams.
• Baela : Dragon rider, sword, agility.
• Rhaena : Horsemanship, diplomacy, knowledge of dragons.
• Laenor : Dragon Rider, naval combat and swordsman.
• Laena : Dragon rider, bravery, mounted combat.
• Jacaerys : Diplomacy, leadership, dragon rider, sword.
• Lucerys : Dragon Rider, basic combat, diplomacy.

Hightower House / Greens

• Alicent : Diplomacy, political manipulation, negotiation, court administration.
• Otto : Political strategy, negotiation, administration of the kingdom.
• Tyland Lannister : Finance, economic strategy, administration.
• Criston Cole : Master swordsman, spearman, military training, troop leadership.

Velaryon House

• Corlys : Navigation, naval strategy, sword, leadership, diplomacy.
• Jacaerys / Lucerys / Laenor / Laena / Baela / Rhaena : see above.

Others

• Larys Strong : Espionage, manipulation, information, planning.
• Mysaria : Espionage, infiltration, manipulation, informant network.
• Harrold Westerling : Master swordsman, discipline, leadership.
• Erryk Cargyll : Sword, protection, military tactics.
• Arryk Cargyll : Sword, discipline, defensive combat.
• Harwin Strong : Physical strength, hand-to-hand combat, sword.
• Lyonel Strong : Politics, law, administration.
• Borros Baratheon : Physical combat, military leadership, command of armies.
• Jeyne Arryn : Leadership, diplomacy, administration.
• Orwyle : Medicine, academic knowledge, counseling.

Characters and personalities

Rhaenyra Targaryen: Intelligent, proud, determined, and protective. She defends the throne at her father's behest.

Daemon Targaryen: Ambitious, impulsive, charismatic, and lethal. An exceptional warrior and strategist.

Aegon II Targaryen: Arrogant, impulsive, and hedonistic. He accepts the crown believing it is rightfully his.

Aemond Targaryen: Cold, disciplined, calculating, and proud. An excellent swordsman and rider of Vhagar.

Alicent Hightower: Intelligent, pious, and protective. She always puts her children first.

Otto Hightower: Astute, patient, manipulative, and brilliant politician.

Rhaenys Targaryen: Wise, serene, firm, and experienced.

Corlys Velaryon: Ambitious, honorable, and a great naval commander.

Criston Cole: Strict, disciplined, proud, and totally loyal to the Greens.

Larys Strong: Mysterious, manipulative, silent, and an expert in espionage.

Helaena Targaryen: Sweet, reserved, absent-minded, and with prophetic dreams.

Jacaerys Velaryon: Responsible, diplomatic, mature, and brave.

Lucerys Velaryon: Kind, humble, respectful, and somewhat insecure.

Baela Targaryen: Brave, impulsive, proud, and independent.

Rhaena Targaryen: Calm, kind, patient, and prudent.

Borros Baratheon: Proud, authoritarian, and temperamental.

Jeyne Arryn: Intelligent, fair, prudent, and firm.

Tyland Lannister: Cunning, organized, and pragmatic.

Mysaria: Calculating, reserved, manipulative, and observant.

Harrold Westerling: Honorable, loyal, and respected.

Erryk Cargyll: Noble, honorable and faithful to Rhaenyra.

Arryk Cargyll: Disciplined, loyal, and faithful to Aegon II.

Orwyle: Prudent, rational, and conciliatory.

Lyonel Strong: Wise, fair, and honest.

Harwin Strong: Brave, protective, and loyal.

Laenor Velaryon: Noble, kind, and honorable.

Laena Velaryon: Brave, free, and determined.

Weapons and important items

Iron Throne: Symbol of the absolute power of the Seven Kingdoms. It was forged by Aegon the Conqueror from the swords of his enemies and represents the authority of the rightful king.

Blackfyre: An ancient Valyrian steel sword of Aegon the Conqueror. Traditionally wielded by the King of the Seven Kingdoms, it symbolizes the legitimacy of his reign.

Dark Sister: A Valyrian steel sword used by Visenya Targaryen. During the Dance of the Dragon, it belongs to Daemon Targaryen and is one of the family's most famous weapons.

Aegon's Dagger: A Valyrian steel dagger that belonged to Aegon the Conqueror. It contains a hidden prophecy that can only be read by fire. Viserys gives it to Rhaenyra as a symbol of trust and her duty to protect the realm.

Royal Crowns: Each king can use a different crown. Aegon II is crowned with the Crown of the Conqueror, strengthening his claim to the throne.

Dragon eggs: These are placed in the cradles of newborn Targaryen children in the hope that they will hatch and form a bond with the prince or princess.

Dragon mounts and chains: Equipment used by riders to ride and control their dragons during flight and battle.

Valyrian steel: An extremely rare, lightweight, and nearly indestructible metal. Only a few noble houses possess weapons forged from this material.

Wildfire: A highly flammable substance created by alchemists. It can burn even on water and is one of the most destructive weapons in Westeros.

Royal books and records: These preserve genealogies, decrees, oaths, and succession documents. In many cases, they can determine the legitimacy of an heir and have enormous political value.

Targaryen customs

House Targaryen retains many traditions of Old Valyria, even centuries after conquering Westeros. They believe their blood possesses a special bond with dragons, and therefore highly value maintaining the purity of their lineage through marriages between siblings, uncles, nieces, or cousins—a practice accepted within the family but rejected by much of the realm.

Dragons are considered members of the family and the ultimate symbol of Targaryen power. From a young age, many princes receive a dragon egg in their cradle in the hope that it will hatch and form a bond with them. It is also common to claim an existing dragon. This bond usually lasts a lifetime, and a dragon rarely accepts another rider while the previous one lives.

High Valyrian is the family's traditional language. It is used to give orders to dragons, in ceremonies, and as a symbol of prestige.

The Targaryens typically have silver hair and light eyes, traits considered distinctive of Valyrian blood. Maintaining these characteristics is a source of family pride.

The family usually names their children after ancient kings, conquerors, or important members of the dynasty, with names like Aegon, Viserys, Rhaenyra, Daemon, Baelon, or Jaehaerys being repeated.

Succession to the Iron Throne carries enormous weight within the family. The heir typically receives a military, political, and diplomatic education from a young age, preparing them to rule.

The honor of House Targaryen, respect for the ancestors, and the protection of dragons are fundamental values. For many Targaryens, losing a dragon or allowing the family to weaken is one of the greatest possible dishonors.

Although they adopted the Faith of the Seven to rule Westeros, many continue to feel different from the rest of the nobles, seeing themselves as the last descendants of the ancient Valyrian Empire.

Kingdom Policy

The Seven Kingdoms are a feudal monarchy ruled from the Iron Throne. The king holds supreme authority over laws, justice, the military, taxation, and diplomacy, though he relies on the support of the great noble houses to maintain stability. Each region is governed by a Lord Paramount, who administers his lands, collects taxes, dispenses justice, and swears loyalty to the monarch. In return, he must provide soldiers and resources when the king demands them.

Day-to-day governance rests with the Privy Council, composed of the Hand of the King (the king's chief advisor and ruler in his absence), the Master of Coin, the Master of Laws, the Master of Ships, the Master of Whisperers (espionage), the Grand Maester, and the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. Their duties include advising the monarch and administering the realm.

The Kingsguard protects the king and the royal family, swearing to serve for life with absolute loyalty. The City Watch maintains order in King's Landing.

The succession to the Iron Throne is not governed by a definitive written law. Traditionally, the eldest son is favored, but the king can name a different heir. This conflict led to the Dance of the Dragons: Viserys I designated Rhaenyra as his heir and never revoked that decree, while the Greens maintain that Aegon II should rule as the eldest son.

Oaths of loyalty hold immense political value; breaking them is considered treason. Alliances between houses are typically secured through marriages, pacts, and military promises. The Church of the Seven also wields influence over the nobility and the common people, though House Targaryen retains many Valyrian customs, such as marriage between relatives and the bond with dragons. During war, politics revolves around securing allies, maintaining the legitimacy of one's own claim, and preventing houses from switching sides, as a single alliance can determine the fate of the realm.

Important Houses of the Dance of the Dragons

House Targaryen: Royal family descended from Old Valyria. They possess the Iron Throne and most of the dragons. During the war, they split between the Greens and the Blacks.

House Velaryon: Lords of Driftmark and owners of the largest fleet in Westeros. Rhaenyra's main allies thanks to Corlys and Rhaenys.

House Hightower: Lords of Oldtown. One of the most powerful families in the kingdom. They lead the Green faction through Alicent and Otto Hightower.

House Lannister: Lords of Casterly Rock. Wealthy and influential. They support Aegon II and provide significant resources to the Greens.

House Baratheon: Lords of Storm's End. Ruled by Borros Baratheon, they support the Greens after making a pact with Aemond.

House Stark: Lords of Winterfell and Wardens of the North. They remain loyal to the oath sworn to Viserys and support Rhaenyra.

House Arryn: Lords of the Eyrie. Ruled by Jeyne Arryn, they support Rhaenyra because of their kinship and the oath they swore to Viserys.

House Tully: Lords of Riverrun. They ultimately support the Black faction.

House Celtigar: Lords of Claw Isle. An ancient Valyrian family and ally of Rhaenyra.

House Blackwood: Noble house of the Riverlands. Loyal to Rhaenyra during the war.

House Bracken: Historical rivals of the Blackwoods. They support the Green faction.

House Strong: Lords of Harrenhal. After the deaths of Lyonel and Harwin, Larry Strong remains with the Greens.

House Redwyne: An important family in the Dominion with a powerful fleet. Allied with the Greens.

House Peake: House of the Reach that supports Aegon II and actively participates in the war.

House Beesbury: Traditionally loyal to Viserys. Their lord opposes Aegon's coronation and supports Rhaenyra's claim.

1. Viserys I Targaryen is elected king after the Great Council of Harrenhal.

2. Queen Aemma Arryn and her newborn son die.

3. Viserys names Rhaenyra Targaryen as his heir.

4. The lords of Westeros swear fealty to Rhaenyra.

5. Viserys marries Alicent Hightower.

6. Aegon, Helaena, Aemond, and Daeron Targaryen are born.

7. Rhaenyra marries Laenor Velaryon and Jacaerys, Lucerys and Joffrey are born.

8. Daemon marries Laena Velaryon; Baela and Rhaena are born.

9. Laena dies and Aemond claims Vhagar.

10. Aemond loses an eye in a fight with Rhaenyra's children.

11. Rhaenyra and Daemon marry and have two children: Aegon and Viserys.

12. Vaemond Velaryon claims Driftmark and Daemon executes him.

13. Viserys publicly reaffirms that Rhaenyra remains his heir.

14. Viserys I dies.

15. Otto Hightower and the Green Council conceal his death.

16. Aegon II Targaryen is crowned king in King's Landing.

17. Rhaenys escapes from the Red Keep with Meleys and arrives at Dragonstone.

18. Rhaenyra is crowned queen on Dragonstone.

19. The Greens and the Blacks begin to gather allies, armies, and dragons.

20. Jacaerys and Lucerys depart as emissaries to gain support.

21. Lucerys arrives at Storm's End and meets Aemond.

22. Aemond pursues Lucerys on Vhagar.

23. Vhagar kills Arrax and Lucerys.

24. Daemon informs Rhaenyra of her son's death.

25. Peace ends definitively and the Dance of the Dragons begins

Rhaenyra Targaryen: Heir named by Viserys I. She defends her right to the Iron Throne and her father's last wish.

Daemon Targaryen: Rhaenyra's husband and uncle. A feared warrior and brilliant strategist. He will do anything to ensure Rhaenyra reigns.

Aegon II Targaryen: Eldest son of Alicent and Viserys. He is crowned by the Greens, who consider that, as the son, he has the strongest claim to the throne.

Aemond Targaryen: Brother of Aegon and rider of Vhagar. Cold, disciplined, and the best warrior of the Greens. His loyalty to his family is absolute.

Alicent Hightower: Aegon's mother. She seeks to protect her children and ensure that one of them rules the Seven Kingdoms.

Otto Hightower: Hand of the King and chief strategist of the Greens. He organizes Aegon's coronation to maintain his family's power.

Rhaenys Targaryen: "The Queen Who Never Was." Support Rhaenyra because she too lost the throne for being a woman.

Corlys Velaryon: Lord of Driftmark and husband of Rhaenys. His powerful fleet is one of the Blacks' greatest sources of support.

Criston Cole: Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. A former ally of Rhaenyra, he is now one of the Greens' top generals.

Larys Strong: Master of Whispers. Manipulative and an expert in espionage, he acts to increase his influence.

Jacaerys, Lucerys, and Joffrey Velaryon: Rhaenyra's sons and future heirs to her cause. Lucerys's death definitively ignites the war.

Helaena Targaryen: Queen and wife of Aegon II. Of a calm personality and with prophetic visions.

Daeron Targaryen: Alicent's youngest son. He remains loyal to the Greens and participates in the war alongside his dragon Tessarion.

King Viserys I Targaryen rules the Seven Kingdoms during a time of apparent peace. After the deaths of his wife and newborn son, he names his only child, Rhaenyra Targaryen, heir to the Iron Throne, forcing the great lords of Westeros to swear fealty to her. Years later, Viserys marries Alicent Hightower, who bears him Aegon, Helaena, Aemond, and Daeron. Despite having sons, the king never revokes Rhaenyra's appointment, causing a deep rift within the family.

As the years passed, Rhaenyra married Laenor Velaryon and had three sons: Jacaerys, Lucerys, and Joffrey, whose legitimacy was constantly questioned. After Laenor's death, Rhaenyra married her uncle Daemon Targaryen, and they had two more children. Meanwhile, the rivalry between Alicent's sons and Rhaenyra's grew. During Laena Velaryon's funeral, Aemond claimed Vhagar, the largest dragon in the world, but lost an eye in a fight with Rhaenyra's sons, vowing never to forget that night.

Viserys's health deteriorates until his death. Taking advantage of Rhaenyra's absence, Otto Hightower, Alicent, and the Green Council conceal the king's death and crown Aegon II Targaryen as the new monarch in the Red Keep. Upon learning of this, Rhaenyra is proclaimed queen on Dragonstone, convinced that the Iron Throne belongs to her by her father's will.

Both sides begin gathering allies, armies, and dragons. Rhaenyra sends her children as messengers to garner support. Lucerys flies to Storm's End, where he meets with Aemond. The pursuit between Arrax and Vhagar ends with Lucerys's death, turning the conflict into an inevitable war. Thus begins the Dance of the Dragons, a Targaryen civil war that will pit dragon against dragon and plunge Westeros into fire, blood, and betrayal.

The Blacks support Rhaenyra Targaryen as the rightful heir to the Iron Throne, as she was named successor by King Viserys I and numerous lords swore allegiance to her claim. Their power base is Dragonstone, the ancient stronghold of House Targaryen. Main members: Rhaenyra Targaryen: Proclaimed Queen; rider of Syrax. Daemon Targaryen: Husband and uncle of Rhaenyra; one of the best warriors in Westeros; rider of Caraxes. Jacaerys Velaryon: Rhaenyra's eldest son; Vermax rider. Lucerys Velaryon: Second son of Rhaenyra; rider of Arrax (dies at the beginning of the war). Joffrey Velaryon: Youngest son; Tyraxes rider. Rhaenys Targaryen: "The Queen That Never Was"; rider of Meleys. Corlys Velaryon: Lord of Driftmark and commander of the Velaryon fleet. Baela Targaryen: Daughter of Daemon; rider of Moondancer. Rhaena Targaryen: Daughter of Daemon; still without a dragon at the start of the war. Dragons and Riders: Syrax → Rhaenyra Targaryen. Caraxes → Daemon Targaryen. Meleys → Rhaenys Targaryen. Vermax → Jacaerys Velaryon. Arrax → Lucerys Velaryon. Tyraxes → Joffrey Velaryon. Moondancer → Baela Targaryen. In addition, several riderless dragons live on Dragonstone at the start of the war, such as Vermithor, Silverwing, Seasmoke, Sheepstealer, Grey Ghost, and Cannibal. Main allied houses: Velaryon House (Driftmark). House Arryn (The Eyrie). House Stark (Winterfell). Tully House (Freshwater). Blackwood House. Manderly House. Celtigar House. Numerous houses in the Riverlands, the Valley, and the North. Strengths of the faction: They control Dragonstone, possess the powerful Velaryon fleet, have more dragons than the Greens, and receive the support of some of the oldest and most loyal houses to the oath made to Viserys I. Their greatest assets are Daemon's military experience, the enormous naval influence of Corlys Velaryon, and numerical superiority in dragons.

The Greens support the coronation of Aegon II Targaryen as the rightful king of the Seven Kingdoms, upholding male-preference primogeniture. Their power base is the Red Keep in King's Landing.

Main members: Aegon II Targaryen: King of the Seven Kingdoms and rider of Sunfyre. Alicent Hightower: Dowager Queen and main political leader of the faction. Otto Hightower: Hand of the King and strategist for the Greens. Aemond Targaryen: Brother of Aegon, recognized as the best warrior of the family; rider of Vhagar, the largest and most powerful dragon in Westeros. Helaena Targaryen: Sister and wife of Aegon; rider of Dreamfyre. Daeron Targaryen: Younger brother; rider of Tessarion, the Blue Dragon. Ser Criston Cole: Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, one of the greatest generals of the Greens. Larys Strong: Master of Whispers, expert in espionage and intrigue. Tyland Lannister: Master of Coin and advisor. Jasper Wylde (Iron Foot): Master of Laws. Grand Master Orwyle: Advisor to the King. Dragons and Riders: Vhagar → Aemond Targaryen. Sunfyre → Aegon II Targaryen. Dreamfyre → Helaena Targaryen. Tessarion → Daeron Targaryen. Main allied houses: Hightower House (Old). House Lannister (Casterly Rock). House Baratheon (Storms End). Redwyne House. Peake House. Bracken House. Rowan House (one branch). Various houses of the Reach, the Crownlands and part of the Riverlands. Strengths of the faction: They control King's Landing, the Iron Throne, most of the kingdom's administration, the Royal Treasury, and the Kingsguard. Their greatest military advantage is Vhagar, the oldest, most experienced, and most devastating dragon in the entire Dance of the Dragons. Furthermore, they possess a strong political network and the backing of powerful noble houses, especially the Hightowers and the Lannisters.