HOTD†

Battle in Westeros

• Knights are trained from a young age in the use of the sword, lance, shield, bow and horseback combat.
• Games and tournaments serve to demonstrate skill, gain prestige, and strengthen alliances.
• Valyrian steel is the most valuable material for making weapons, as it is lighter, stronger, and sharper than ordinary steel.
• Dragons are the most devastating weapon in the world. A single dragon can change the outcome of a battle.
• Among the best warriors of this era were Daemon Targaryen, Criston Cole, Harwin Strong, Aemond Targaryen, and Harrold Westerling.
• Battles usually combine infantry, cavalry, archers and, in the case of the Targaryens, dragon riders.
• Castles and fortresses are essential for defense, so sieges can last for weeks or even months.
• Honor is important to many knights, but in war strategy, alliances and cunning usually decide the victor.

Magic in the world of Westeros

Magic exists, but it is rare and poorly understood. Most of the inhabitants never witness it directly.

• Dragons are the greatest manifestation of magic in the world and their existence strengthens the magical arts.
• Some Targaryens have prophetic dreams, known as "dragon dreamers", able to anticipate future events through visions.
• High Valyrian is used to give orders to dragons, although it is not a magical language in itself.
• The Children of the Forest mastered ancient forms of magic linked to nature and the weirwood trees. Beyond the Wall exist ancient forces and supernatural creatures, though in this age most consider them mere legends.
• In Essos, various forms of magic are practiced, such as blood rituals and the arts of the Lord of Light, but they are uncommon in Westeros. Magic inspires both fear and fascination, and many masters try to explain it through reason rather than accepting it as something supernatural.

Guards and Orders of the West

• Royal Guard: An order formed by seven elite knights known as the White Cloaks. Their mission is to protect the king and the royal family with absolute loyalty.
• Gold Cloaks: City Guard of King's Landing. They maintain order, patrol the streets, and enforce the laws.
• House Guards: Each noble house has its own soldiers and knights to defend its lands, castles, and lords.
• Maesters: Members of the Citadel who serve in castles as doctors, advisors, teachers, and messengers.
• Night's Watch: A brotherhood tasked with guarding and defending the Wall. Its members renounce lands, titles, and family to serve for life.
• Dragonstone Guard: Soldiers loyal to House Targaryen tasked with protecting the island, the castle, and the dragons.

Social norms of the West

The king and the royal family must be treated with the utmost respect. Insulting or disobeying them can be considered treason.

• Nobles should address each other using titles such as Your Grace, My Prince, My Princess, My Lord or My Lady.
• Oaths of loyalty and honor have great value, although politics often puts them to the test.
• Marriages between nobles are usually arranged to strengthen alliances between houses, not for love.
• Hospitality is a sacred tradition: a host must protect their guests and they must respect the home that receives them.
• Knights must act with honor, protect the innocent, and obey their lord.
• Publicly challenging a nobleman or member of the royal family can result in a duel, arrest, or punishment.
• In court, elegant, discreet, and respectful behavior is expected. Open offenses and scandals damage a person's reputation and that of their entire family.

Economy of the West

• The wealth of the kingdom comes from taxes, trade, agriculture, mining, fishing, and tributes from the great houses.
• The official currency is the Gold Dragon, the Silver Stag, and the Copper Star, used throughout Westeros.
• House Lannister controls the most important gold mines, being one of the richest families.
• House Velaryon derives much of its fortune from maritime trade and its powerful fleet.
• The Domain is the main agricultural region, supplying food to much of the kingdom.
• The ports of King's Landing, Oldtown, and Driftmark are key centers of trade.
• Feudal lords collect taxes from their vassals and administer the lands under the authority of the king.
• In times of war, trade decreases, taxes increase, and many regions suffer from shortages of food and resources.

Creatures of Westeros and Essos

• Dragons: The most powerful creatures in the world. Only the Targaryens and other descendants of ancient Valyria can form a bond with them.
• Direwolves: Enormous wolves of the North, very rare and considered a symbol of House Stark.
• Giants: Large beings that live beyond the Wall. They are becoming increasingly rare.
• Children of the Forest: An ancient magical race that lived in Westeros before the arrival of the First Men. They are almost considered extinct.
• Horses: The main means of transport and the most used mount by nobles, knights and armies.
• Ravens: Trained by the maesters to carry messages between castles.
• Falcons and hunting dogs: Used by the nobility for falconry, hunting and guarding.
• Krakens and other sea beasts: There are numerous legends about enormous creatures that inhabit the seas, although very few have been seen.

Religion in Westeros

The Faith of the Seven is the predominant religion in the Seven Kingdoms. Its deities are the Father, the Mother, the Warrior, the Maiden, the Crone, the Smith, and the Stranger, who represent different aspects of life.

• Its highest authority is the Grand Septon, whose headquarters are located in King's Landing during this time.
• The temples of this religion are called septs, where weddings, funerals, coronations and other ceremonies are held.
• In the North, House Stark and their vassals continue to worship the Old Gods, praying before the weirwood trees of the sacred forests.
• The Targaryens respect the Faith of the Seven, but they retain customs inherited from Valyria, such as marriages between relatives and the use of High Valyrian.
• There are other religions, such as that of the Drowned God in the Iron Islands and the worship of the Lord of Light (R'hllor) in Essos, although they have little influence at court during this time.

Laws and punishments of Westeros

• The king's word has the force of law throughout the Seven Kingdoms.
• Treason against the Crown is normally punished with death, exile, or the loss of lands and titles.
• Breaking an oath of loyalty is considered a serious crime and can be punished by execution or confiscation of property.
• Lords have the authority to administer justice within their own domains, provided they respect the authority of the king.
• Nobles can request a trial by combat, letting the outcome of the duel decide their innocence or guilt.
• Murders, robberies, rapes, and other serious crimes receive punishments ranging from fines and imprisonment to mutilation or execution, depending on the severity and social status.
• The Kingsguard exclusively protects the king and the royal family, while the Gold Cloaks maintain order in King's Landing.
• Noble marriages often require the approval of their families or the king when they affect political alliances.
• Directly disobeying an order from the king can be considered treason.
• Bastards do not have automatic inheritance rights, unless they are legitimized by royal decree.

Main family relationships (Season 1, before the death of Viserys I)

• Viserys I Targaryen: King. Son of Baelon Targaryen. Brother of Daemon Targaryen. Husband of Alicent Hightower. Father of Rhaenyra, Aegon, Helaena, Aemond, and Daeron.

• Rhaenyra Targaryen: Daughter of Viserys I and Aemma Arryn. Wife of Daemon Targaryen. Mother of Jacaerys, Lucerys, Joffrey, Aegon the Younger, and Viserys.

• Daemon Targaryen: Brother of Viserys I. Husband of Rhaenyra. Father of Baela, Rhaena, Aegon the Younger and Viserys.

• Alicent Hightower: Wife of Viserys I. Mother of Aegon, Helaena, Aemond, and Daeron. Daughter of Otto Hightower.

• Aegon Targaryen: Eldest son of Viserys and Alicent. Husband of his sister Helaena. Father of Jaehaerys, Jaehaera, and Maelor.

• Helaena Targaryen: Daughter of Viserys and Alicent. Wife of Aegon II.

• Aemond Targaryen: Son of Viserys and Alicent. Younger brother of Aegon and Helaena.

• Rhaenys Targaryen: Viserys' cousin. Wife of Corlys Velaryon. Mother of Laena and Laenor Velaryon.

• Corlys Velaryon: Husband of Rhaenys. Father of Laena and Laenor.

• Baela and Rhaena Targaryen: Daughters of Daemon and Laena Velaryon. Granddaughters of Corlys and Rhaenys.

• Jacaerys, Lucerys and Joffrey Velaryon: Children of Rhaenyra, officially recognized as children of Laenor Velaryon.

Hierarchy of Titles in Westeros

• King/Queen: Supreme authority of the Seven Kingdoms. Rules from the Iron Throne.
• Prince/Princess: Members of the royal family, usually children or grandchildren of the monarch.
• Hand of the King: The second most important position in the kingdom. He administers the government and acts on behalf of the king when necessary.
• Lord Paramount: Lord who governs one of the great regions of Westeros and answers directly to the Crown.
• Lord/Lady: Rulers of castles, cities or territories belonging to a noble house.
• Heir: Person destined to succeed the ruler of a house or the king.
• Knight (Being): Warrior appointed by another knight through a ceremony. They swear to protect the innocent and serve with honor.
• Lord Commander of the Royal Guard: Leader of the seven knights in charge of protecting the king and the royal family.
• Grand Master: Advisor to the Crown on medicine, history and academic knowledge.
• Maesters: Scholars who serve castles as doctors, advisors, and messengers.
• Guards and soldiers: They protect castles, cities and carry out the orders of their lords.
• Commoners: Peasants, artisans, merchants and other inhabitants without noble titles.

Relevant minor houses

• House Strong (Harrenhal): An influential family at court. Lyonel Strong was Hand of the King; Harwin Strong, a renowned knight; and Larys Strong, a master of rumors and a skilled conspirator.
• House Celtigar (Broken Claw): An ancient house of Valyrian origin, loyal to the Targaryens and known for its wealth.
• House Royce (Runestone): Noble family of the Vale famous for its knights and its long history.
• House Beesbury (Hive): Rulers of a prosperous region. Lord Lyman Beesbury serves as Master of Coin.
• House Wylde (Rainwood): House of the Stormlands. Lord Jasper Wylde holds the position of Master of Laws.
• House Cargyll: A family of knights in the Kingsguard. The twins Erryk and Arryk are known for their skill and for ending up on opposing sides.
• House Merryweather: Noble house of the Reach that maintains political influence at court.
• Darklyn House (Forest Refuge): An ancient Crownlands house, known for its loyalty to the monarchy.
• House Massey (Sharp Point): House of the Crownlands, frequent ally of the Targaryens.
• House Staunton (Rook's Rest): Noble family close to King's Landing and loyal to the crown.

Important places in the West

• Red Keep (King's Landing): Residence of the royal family and seat of the Iron Throne.
• Dragonstone: Ancient Targaryen stronghold and home to numerous dragons.
• Driftmark: Castle of House Velaryon and main port of its powerful fleet.
• Storm's End: Seat of House Baratheon and one of the most resilient fortresses in the kingdom.
• Winterfell: Home of House Stark and capital of the North.
• Casterly Rock: Fortress of House Lannister, famous for its immense wealth in gold.
• Eyrie: Castle of House Arryn, located on the top of a mountain and considered almost impregnable.
• Riverrun: Seat of House Tully and center of the Riverlands.
• Harrenhal: The largest castle in Westeros, partially destroyed by dragon fire and surrounded by legends.
• Antigua: One of the oldest cities on the continent, home to the Citadel and Hightower House.
• The Stone Steps: A strategic archipelago disputed by pirates and neighboring kingdoms.
• The Wall: Enormous ice fortification that protects the Seven Kingdoms from the northern wilds.

House Targaryen is descended from the ancient dragonlords of the Free City of Valyria. Before the Doom of Valyria, the family left the continent and settled on Dragonstone, escaping the cataclysm that destroyed the Valyrian Empire.

More than a century later, Aegon I Targaryen, along with his sisters and wives Visenya and Rhaenys, conquered six of the seven kingdoms of Westeros with the help of his dragons Balerion, Vhagar, and Meraxes. After the conquest, he created the Iron Throne, uniting the continent under a single crown.

Since then, the Targaryen dynasty has ruled Westeros for generations. Their lineage is characterized by silver hair, violet eyes, and a close connection to dragons. To preserve this bloodline, they often marry within their families.

During the time of the House of the Dragon, the family is still at the height of its power, with numerous living dragons. However, disputes over the succession of King Viserys I threaten to ignite a civil war that will jeopardize the dynasty's future.

Otto Hightower: An excellent politician, strategist, and diplomat. He is known for his ability to manipulate alliances and govern the kingdom.

Corlys Velaryon: Legendary navigator and admiral. Great naval strategist, merchant, and military commander.

Criston Cole: Considered one of the best swordsmen of his time. Expert with sword, spear, and hand-to-hand combat.

Harrold Westerling: Veteran knight of the Kingsguard. He excels in combat, leadership, and protecting the royal family.

Larys Strong: Master of information and espionage. He manipulates people through secrets and a vast network of informants.

Lyonel Strong: A brilliant jurist and advisor. He is known for his wisdom, impartiality, and knowledge of the law.

Harwin Strong: One of the strongest warriors in the kingdom. He excels in sword fighting and physical strength.

Mysaria: Expert in espionage, negotiation, and obtaining information through her contacts.

Erryk Cargyll: A skilled swordsman and protector. He is known for his honor and loyalty.

Arryk Cargyll: A disciplined and skilled knight, with extensive experience defending the royal family.

Orwyle: Grand Master with extensive knowledge of medicine, history, politics, and science.

Viserys I Targaryen: A good ruler and diplomat. A dragon rider in his youth, though he no longer fights.

Rhaenyra Targaryen: Rider of Syrax. Intelligent, a skilled negotiator with knowledge of politics and High Valyrian.

Daemon Targaryen: One of the greatest warriors in Westeros. Master of the sword Blackfyre, strategist, and rider of Caraxes.

Aegon Targaryen: Rider of Sunfyre. A skilled fighter and adept at riding dragons.

Helaena Targaryen: Rider of Dreamfyre. She possesses prophetic dreams and visions that often foretell the future.

Aemond Targaryen: An extraordinary swordsman, disciplined and strategic. Rider of Vhagar, the largest dragon in the world.

Rhaenys Targaryen: Experienced warrior and diplomat. Rider of Meleys, one of the fastest dragons.

Baela Targaryen: Moondancer Rider. Agile, brave, and skilled in combat.

Rhaena Targaryen: She knows the traditions of her house and the care of dragons. She does not yet possess an adult dragon at this stage.

Jacaerys Velaryon: Rider of Vermax. A good leader, diplomat, and skilled with the sword.

Lucerys Velaryon: Rider of Arrax. Skilled at riding dragons and with basic combat training.

Joffrey Velaryon: Rider of the young Tyraxes. He is still learning the skills of a Targaryen prince.

Royal Council (before the death of Viserys I)

• King: Viserys I Targaryen. Supreme authority of the kingdom.
• Hand of the King: Otto Hightower. He administers the kingdom and acts on behalf of the king when necessary.
• Grand Master: Orwyle. He attends to the king's health and advises on medicine, science, and academic matters.
• Lord Commander of the Kingsguard: Ser Harrold Westerling. He commands the seven Knights of the Kingsguard and protects the royal family.
• Master of Coin: Lord Lyman Beesbury. He oversees the treasury, taxes, and finances of the kingdom.
• Master of Laws: Lord Jasper Wylde. Advises on laws, justice, and punishments.
• Master of Rumors: Larys Strong. Gathers information, uncovers conspiracies, and manages the crown's spy network.

Otto Hightower: Astute, patient, and ambitious. As Hand of the King, he prioritizes the stability of the kingdom... and the interests of his family.

Corlys Velaryon: Proud, determined, and visionary. The "Lord of the Tides" is one of the richest and most powerful men in Westeros.

Criston Cole: Strict, disciplined, and an excellent swordsman. He is fiercely loyal to Alicent and harbors a deep grudge against Rhaenyra.

Harrold Westerling: Honorable, serene, and just. Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, true to his oaths.

Larys Strong: Intelligent, manipulative, and enigmatic. He gains power through information, secrets, and conspiracies.

Lyonel Strong: Wise, honest, and prudent. He serves as Hand of the King and always advises impartially.

Harwin Strong: Brave, loyal, and protective. He stands out as one of the kingdom's finest warriors.

Mysaria: Astute, observant, and calculating. She builds her influence through an extensive network of informants.

Erryk Cargyll: Honorable and loyal to his principles, even above politics.

Arryk Cargyll: Disciplined and obedient. He fulfills his duty to the crown without question.

Grand Maester Orwyle: Prudent, diplomatic, and dedicated to maintaining peace within the Royal Council.

Viserys I Targaryen: A kind, patient, and conciliatory king. He prefers peace to war, although his indecisiveness exacerbates conflicts within his family.

Rhaenyra Targaryen: Intelligent, determined, and proud. She fiercely defends her right to the Iron Throne and protects her children above all else.

Daemon Targaryen: Charismatic, unpredictable, and extremely dangerous. He is a brilliant warrior, ambitious, and fiercely loyal to those he considers his family.

Alicent Hightower: Pious, calculating, and protective of her children. She believes Aegon should inherit the throne.

Aegon Targaryen: Rebellious, irresponsible, and hedonistic. He does not wish to rule, but accepts the crown when others pressure him to.

Helaena Targaryen: Sweet, reserved, and kind. She has a calm demeanor and often makes strange prophecies that few understand.

Aemond Targaryen: Disciplined, proud, and vengeful. He is a skilled swordsman and Vhagar rider, determined to prove his superiority.

Jacaerys Velaryon: Responsible, respectful, and mature. He strives to live up to his mother's example.

Lucerys Velaryon: Noble, sensitive and somewhat insecure, although brave when the situation demands it.

Joffrey Velaryon: The youngest of Rhaenyra's children. Curious, cheerful, and innocent.

Rhaenys Targaryen: Serene, wise, and prudent. Known as "The Queen Who Never Was," she tends to analyze every situation before acting.

Baela Targaryen: Brave, impulsive, and with a warrior spirit.

Rhaena Targaryen: Calm, kind, and thoughtful. She wishes to prove that she deserves her family's legacy.

Season 1 Timeline

• 101 AD: The Great Council chooses Viserys Targaryen as heir to the Iron Throne over Rhaenys.
• Years later: Queen Aemma Arryn and her son Baelon die during childbirth. Viserys names his daughter, Rhaenyra, as his heir, and the great lords swear fealty to her.
• Viserys marries Alicent Hightower, with whom he has Aegon, Helaena, Aemond, and Daeron.
• Daemon conquers the Stepstones and is proclaimed King of the Narrow Sea before reconciling with Viserys.
• Rhaenyra marries Laenor Velaryon, while Daemon marries Laena Velaryon.
• After several years, Rhaenyra and Alicent's children are born, increasing the rivalry between the Green and Black factions. Laena and Laenor Velaryon die. Aemond claims Vhagar and loses an eye in a fight with Rhaenyra's sons. Shortly after, Daemon and Rhaenyra marry.
• Six years pass. Viserys' health deteriorates and the succession dispute reaches its most critical point. Viserys gathers his family for a final supper, attempting to reconcile them, although the hatred between the two sides remains.

At the time of the first season of House of the Dragon, the living dragons and their known riders are:

• Syrax: ridden by Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen.
• Caraxes: ridden by Prince Daemon Targaryen.
• Meleys: ridden by Princess Rhaenys Targaryen.
• Seasmoke: ridden by Ser Laenor Velaryon.
• Sunfyre: ridden by Prince Aegon Targaryen.
• Vhagar: ridden by Prince Aemond Targaryen, the largest and oldest dragon of the time.
• Dreamfyre: ridden by Princess Helaena Targaryen.
• Vermax: ridden by Prince Jacaerys Velaryon.
• Arrax: ridden by Prince Lucerys Velaryon.
• Tyraxes: ridden by Prince Joffrey Velaryon.
• Moondancer: ridden by Lady Baela Targaryen.

Other dragons like Vermithor, Silverwing, Cannibal, Grey Ghost, and Sheepstealer live riderless. Additionally, there are several dragon eggs and hatchlings on Dragonstone that could potentially lead to new bonds in the future.

The weapons and relics of Westeros represent power, prestige, and legitimacy. The most important is the Iron Throne, symbol of the king's authority over the Seven Kingdoms.

The Valyrian steel sword Blackfyre is the traditional sword of the Targaryen kings and a symbol of the crown. Its counterpart is Dark Sister, another Valyrian sword used by great warriors of the family.

Royal crowns change with each monarch, but all represent the right to rule. The king's seal and royal decrees have the force of law throughout the kingdom.

Dragons are the most powerful weapon of House Targaryen. Capable of destroying armies and fortresses, they are the main reason the dynasty conquered Westeros.

The armor of the Kingsguard, the white cloaks of its seven knights, and the Valyrian steel swords inherited by some great houses are also objects of enormous prestige, passed down from generation to generation.

House Targaryen retains many customs inherited from ancient Valyria. The most well-known is marriage between relatives, especially siblings or cousins, in order to keep the dragon blood pure. Although many in Westeros consider it strange, the Faith of the Seven tolerated it for the royal family.

Dragons are the greatest symbol of the house. Many princes receive a dragon egg at birth, placed in their cradle in the hope that it will hatch. Others claim a fully grown dragon if it accepts them. The bond between rider and dragon often lasts a lifetime.

High Valyrian remains an important language for the royal family. They use it in ceremonies, private conversations, and, most importantly, to give orders to dragons.

The Targaryens deeply value their lineage and believe their blood sets them apart from all other noble houses. Their sigils are the three-headed dragon on a black field and the motto: "Fire and Blood."

Royal funerals often include the cremation of the deceased by dragon fire, as a symbol of the return to the fire from which, according to their beliefs, their lineage originates.

Although they are a family bound by blood, disputes over succession, power, and dragons are frequent. Marriages, alliances, and oaths are often driven by both political duty and the interests of the dynasty.

The kingdom of Westeros is a monarchy ruled from the Iron Throne by House Targaryen. The king holds supreme authority over the laws, justice, the army, and the great lords, though he relies on the loyalty of the noble houses to maintain peace.

Succession usually favors the eldest son, but there is no absolute rule. The king can name his heir, and the lords must decide whether to respect that wish. At this time, Viserys I maintains Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen as the rightful heir, even though many support Prince Aegon.

The Hand of the King is the most powerful person after the monarch. He administers the kingdom, runs the government when the king is unable to do so, and oversees the Royal Council.

The Royal Council advises the king and is made up of high-ranking officials such as the Hand of the King, the Grand Master, the Master of Coin, the Master of Ships, the Master of Laws, and the Master of Rumors.

All the great lords have sworn loyalty to the king, and years ago they also swore to recognize Rhaenyra as his heir. Breaking an oath is considered a grave betrayal, though ambition and politics often outweigh honor.

The great houses of Westeros live in an increasingly fragile peace under the reign of King Viserys I Targaryen. Although the Iron Throne holds the realm together, ambitions, old rivalries, and family alliances threaten to shatter that stability.

House Targaryen: The royal family and dragon riders. King Viserys has named Princess Rhaenyra as his heir, but many support Prince Aegon, sowing a succession conflict.

House Velaryon: Lords of Driftmark and the most powerful family at sea. Led by Lord Corlys Velaryon and Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, they are Rhaenyra's main allies.

House Hightower: One of the most influential families in Antigua. Queen Alicent Hightower and her father, Otto Hightower, support Aegon's claim to the throne.

House Stark: Wardens of the North from Winterfell. Known for their honor, loyalty, and strength.

House Lannister: Lords of Casterly Rock. Their enormous wealth grants them great political and military influence.

House Baratheon: Rulers of Storm's End. A powerful warrior house whose support can tip the scales of any war.

House Arryn: Protectors of the Vale from the Eyrie. Their stronghold is considered almost impregnable.

House Tully: Lords of Riverrun and leaders of the Riverlands, a strategic region that is often caught in the middle of major conflicts.

House Greyjoy: Rulers of the Iron Islands. Famous for their seafaring culture, their independence, and their tradition of plunder.