Taena of Myr

1. #1Starkselective

   Keys: Starks, Stark, Winter Is Coming, wolf blood

   House Stark of Winterfell is one of the Great Houses of Westeros and the principal noble house of the north. In days of old they ruled as Kings of Winter, but since Aegon's Conquest they have been Wardens of the North and ruled as Lords of Winterfell. Their seat, Winterfell, is an ancient castle renowned for its strength. Their sigil is a grey direwolf racing across a field of white. Their words are "Winter Is Coming", one of only a few house mottoes to be a warning rather than a boast. Aside from the Karstarks of Karhold, the Starks of Winterfell have distant relatives in the north. Some younger Starks have also held vassal holdfasts for the Lords of Winterfell. The Starks have a reputation for long faces, brown hair, and grey eyes. Some are known for melancholy and iciness, while others have a wildness sometimes called "wolf blood". House Stark traditionally buries deceased members of their family in the crypts below Winterfell. The statues of the kings and lords have stone wolves by their feet and have swords placed upon their lap, which are said to keep the spirits of the dead at rest, locked within their tombs. House Stark traditionally follows the old gods. The Starks have traditionally been friends of the Night's Watch. The Starks hold the belief that there must always be a Stark in Winterfell.

2. #2Arrynselective

   Keys: Arryns, Arryn, As High as Honor

   House Arryn of the Eyrie is one of the Great Houses of Westeros, and is the principal noble house in the Vale of Arryn. Their main seat is the Eyrie, which is considered impregnable. House Arryn has at least one other holding, their winter castle at the Gates of the Moon, which was once their main seat. Both of these fortifications sit astride the Giant's Lance, the tallest mountain in the Vale, the Gates of the Moon at its foot, the Eyrie at its top. The Arryn sigil is a sky-blue falcon soaring upwards, outlined against a white moon on a sky-blue field, and their words are "As High as Honor". The Arryns of the Eyrie have a collection of distant relatives located throughout the Vale. The Arryns are considered to come from the oldest and purest line of Andal nobility, which they say reaches back to Andalos and possibly Hugor of the Hill.

3. #3Hightowerselective

   Keys: Hightowers, Hightower, We Light the Way

   House Hightower of the Hightower, also known as House Hightower of Oldtown, is one of the most powerful of the noble houses in the Reach. Their seat is the Hightower, located in the city of Oldtown. The sigil of House Hightower is a stone white watchtower, with a fire on the top. Their motto is "We Light the Way", and they possess a Valyrian steel sword called Vigilance. The Hightowers are among the oldest and proudest of the Great Houses. They have often preferred trade instead of war, and have also avoided many wars because of their support for the Faith of the Seven. House Hightower are a proud family, some Hightowers are said to have dabbled in alchemy and necromancy. Members of House Hightower thus far described tend to have silver or golden hair.

4. #4Targaryenselective

   Keys: Targaryen, Fire and Blood, Targaryens, blood of the dragon

   House Targaryen is a noble family of Valyrian descent and founders of the Seven Kingdoms. The Targaryen sigil is a red three-headed dragon, breathing red flames on black. The three-headed dragon represents Aegon the Conqueror and his two sisters, Rhaenys and Visenya. The house words are "Fire and Blood". The only family of dragonlords who survived the Doom of Valyria, the Targaryens left the Valyrian Freehold twelve years before the Doom. They resided for more than a century at Dragonstone castle on Dragonstone island, until Aegon the Conqueror and his sister-wives, Visenya and Rhaenys, began the first of the Wars of Conquest in 2 BC. During Aegon's Conquest, the family built the Aegonfort in the new capital city of King's Landing. The Aegonfort was later torn down and replaced by the Red Keep. The Targaryens eventually built the summer residence Summerhall, which has been given to several younger sons of the family over time. The Targaryens are renowned for their beauty, having the typical Valyrian features: pale skin, silver, platinum, or gold hair and eyes in various shades of purple or light blue. A few Targaryens had darker hair. The Targaryens can tolerate more heat than most ordinary people, but they are not immune to fire. The Targaryens long believed themselves immune to illness. Another trait typical to Targaryens is the ability to have premonition-like dreams. Against the doctrines of the Faith, however, the family continued to follow the Valyrian practice of incestuous marriage. This was formulated as the Doctrine of Exceptionalism. Deceased Targaryens are traditionally cremated.

5. #5Cleganeselective

   Keys: Cleganes, Clegane

   House Clegane is a house of landed knights in the westerlands. They hold fealty to House Lannister of Casterly Rock, and are among their primary bannermen. Their lands are southeast of the Rock and include a towerhouse, which is named Clegane's Keep. Their sigil depicts three dogs on a yellow field. The first Clegane of House Clegane was kennelmaster at Casterly Rock. During one autumn year he saved Lord Tytos Lannister from a lioness, although he lost a leg and three dogs while doing so. Lord Tytos rewarded him with lands and a towerhouse.

6. #6Martellselective

   Keys: Martell, Martells

   House Nymeros Martell of Sunspear, usually simply called House Martell, is one of the Great Houses of the Seven Kingdoms and the ruling house of Dorne. "Nymeros" indicates "of the line of Nymeria," referring to the union of the Martells with the Rhoynish warrior queen Nymeria around 700 BC. The Prince of Dorne rules from Sunspear in southeastern Dorne. The Martells of old used a spear as their emblem, while Nymeria and her Rhoynar used the sun as theirs. When Nymeria wed Lord Mors Martell, the symbols were combined into a gold spear piercing a red sun on an orange field. Their words are Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken. They usually have salty Dornishmen features, with dark eyes, dark hair in ringlets, and olive skin.

7. #7Velaryonselective

   Keys: Velaryons, Velaryon

   House Velaryon of Driftmark rules the island of Driftmark, the largest island of Blackwater Bay in the crownlands. Their castles include Driftmark and High Tide. The head of House Velaryon is titled Lord of the Tides and Master of Driftmark. The Velaryons are sworn to Dragonstone. Their arms depict a silver seahorse on sea green. Their words do not appear in the books, but according to semi-canon sources they are "The Old, the True, the Brave". House Velaryon is of Valyrian descent, and its members have Valyrian features, such as silver-gold or silver hair and purple eyes. Some Velaryons have blue or grey-green eyes. A traditional name of the Velaryons is Jacaerys. It is traditional for the sons of House Velaryon to be given a taste of a seafarer's life when young. The positions of master of ships and lord admiral are often filled by a member of House Velaryon, as the family provides most of the royal fleet.

8. #8Lannisterselective

   Keys: Lannisters, Lannister, A Lannister always pays his debts

   House Lannister of Casterly Rock is one of the Great Houses of Seven Kingdoms, and the principal house of the westerlands. Their seat is Casterly Rock, though another branch exists in nearby Lannisport. Their sigil is a golden roaring lion on a field of crimson. Their official motto is "Hear Me Roar!" However, their unofficial motto, equally well known, is "A Lannister always pays his debts." The Warden of the West is a Lannister by tradition. Their gold mines have made the Lannisters the wealthiest of the Great Houses, and the Lannister fleet is anchored at Lannisport. Through the female line the Lannisters boast of descent from Lann the Clever, the legendary trickster of the Age of Heroes who tricked the members of House Casterly into giving him Casterly Rock during the era of the First Men. Later marrying Andals, the Lannisters reigned as Kings of the Rock until the Targaryen conquest, when they were defeated at the Field of Fire. King Loren I Lannister's surrender to Aegon the Conqueror allowed the Lannisters to remain the liege lords of the westerlands. Lannisters have a reputation for being comely with fair, golden hair and emerald green eyes. Lannisters are known for wearing crimson cloaks, and their household guard are known as the red cloaks.

9. #9Tullyselective

   Keys: Tully, Tullys

   House Tully of Riverrun is one of the Great Houses of the Seven Kingdoms. Lord Hoster Tully, the Lord Paramount of the Trident, rules over the riverlands from the Tully seat of Riverrun. Their sigil is a silver trout leaping on a striped field of blue and mud red, and their house words are "Family, Duty, Honor." Members of House Tully tend to have fair skin and blue eyes, including deep blue. Tullys have had auburn (red-brown), red, and brown hair. House Tully follows the Faith of the Seven and worships in a sept found inside their seat of Riverrun. The godswood of Riverrun is used for relaxation instead of religious purposes. Tully funeral customs decree that a deceased member is placed on a small boat. Men might be clad in their armor and surcoat, with a wooden sword and shield. They are placed on their cloak, among stones to make the boat heavy in the water, and driftwood, kindling and scraps of parchment to allow it to catch fire. In honor of the Faith, seven men are chosen to push the funeral boat to the water. Using a flaming arrow, the boat is lit afire in the Red Fork.

10. #10Baratheonselective

    Keys: Baratheons, Baratheon

    House Baratheon (noble family) Description: House Baratheon is one of the Great Houses of Westeros, they rule as Lords Paramount of the Stormlands. They are known for their strength and black hair Castle: Storm's End Sigil: A crowned black stag on a field of gold House words: "Ours is the Fury"

11. #11Tyrellselective

    Keys: Tyrells, Tyrell

    House Tyrell (noble family) Description: House Tyrell is one of the Great Houses of Westeros, ruling as Lords Paramount of the Reach. They can field the greatest armies and can command a navy that equals the royal fleet House words: "Growing Strong" Castle: Highgarden Location: They rule over the most fertile lands of the Realm Sigil: A golden rose on a green field

12. #12Blackwoodselective

    Keys: Blackwood, Blackwoods

    House Blackwood of Raventree Hall is an old house from Raventree Hall in the riverlands, one of the main families sworn to House Tully of Riverrun. They once ruled the riverlands as kings during the Age of Heroes. They blazon their arms with a flock of ravens on scarlet surrounding a dead weirwood upon a black escutcheon. House Blackwood rules over wider domains and can field a much larger army than their overlord of House Tully. Raventree is located in Blackwood Vale north of Riverrun and the Red Fork. Multiple Blackwoods have been described as tall and thin, or slender. They usually have black hair. Some Blackwoods are buried in the village Cairns, while others are buried beneath the dead weirwood of Raventree Hall. The Blackwoods are an ancient house descended of the First Men. Family traditions state they ruled most of the wolfswood in the north before being driven south by the Kings of Winter from House Stark, which Maester Barneby's runic translations support. The Blackwoods have an old and bitter feud against their neighbors in the riverlands, the Brackens of the Stone Hedge, coming from the Age of Heroes when both houses ruled as kings.

13. #13Royceselective

    Keys: Royces, Royce

    House Royce of Runestone is an old and powerful noble house of the Vale, sworn to House Arryn. Their seat is the castle Runestone, located on the coast of the narrow sea north of Gulltown. There is also a junior branch occupying the non-hereditary seat of the Gates of the Moon, located on the path that leads to the Eyrie. The Royces of Runestone blazon their arms with black iron studs on bronze, bordered with runes, and their motto is "We Remember". The Royces are proud of their descent from the First Men.[ They have a suit of ancient bronze plate armor inscribed with runes that is thought to make its wearer immune to injury, and it has become customary for sons of the house to wear steel armor with the same runes in emulation of the heirloom. The truth of this claim has been called into question, however, as quite a few Royces have died wearing the ancient armor. The Royces control several ports and do not depend on Gulltown for its commerce.

14. #14Red Keepselective

    Keys: Red Keep

    The Red Keep is a castle on Aegon's Hill in King's Landing, the capital of the Seven Kingdoms. The Red Keep contains the Iron Throne. The Red Keep is made of pale red stone and overlooks the mouth of the Blackwater Rush. The Red Keep has seven massive drum-towers crowned with iron ramparts. The castle is smaller than Winterfell and is patrolled by gold cloaks. Much of the Red Keep is connected underground. Massive curtain walls surround the castle, with nests and crenelations for archers. Thick stone parapets, some four feet high, protect the outer edge of the wall ramparts, where the heads of traitors are traditionally placed on iron spikes between the crenels at the gatehouse. The walls have great bronze gates and portcullises, with narrow postern doors nearby. The castle also has great cornerforts. The immense barbican has a cobbled square in front of it. Behind the walls are small inner yards, vaulted halls, covered bridges, barracks of the City Watch of King's Landing, dungeons, granaries, kennels, and stables. The Red Keep has serpentine steps which can be strenuous to climb. Doors are made of oak banded with black iron Sweet-smelling rushes can be spread on floors. The Red Keep is full of cats.

15. #15The Eyrieselective

    Keys: Eyrie

    The Eyrie is an ancient castle and seat of House Arryn, one of the oldest lines of Andal nobility, within the Vale of Arryn. It is situated in the Mountains of the Moon on a shoulder of the peak known as the Giant's Lance, several thousand feet above the valley below. Although small compared to the seats of other Great Houses in Westeros, the Eyrie is considered impregnable to attack. During wintertime, the Arryns seek refuge against the cold in the Gates of the Moon at the base of the mountain. The Eyrie is the smallest of the great castles, being no larger than Maegor's Holdfast. The castle is made of fine white stone. Its seven slim, white towers are bunched tightly together and can hold up to five hundred men. The waterfall known as Alyssa's Tears can be heard from the Eyrie, and falcons fly near the castle. The Eyrie lacks stables, smithys, and kennels, but its granary is as large as those found in much larger castles, like Winterfell. The Eyrie also contains a sept. The castle's household guard wear sky-blue cloaks. To reach the Eyrie from the west, an invading army would have to first overcome the Bloody Gate guarding the high road. Within the Vale, the stout Gates of the Moon guards the base of the Giant's Lance. Steep stone steps carved into the Giant's Lance creep up the mountainside from the Gates of the Moon; they are too narrow for horses, but are accessible by mules.

16. #16The Valeselective

    Keys: the Vale

    The Vale of Arryn, the Vale, or the kingdom of Mountain and Vale, is located on the eastern shore of Westeros, a land of fertile soil, rivers, and lakes, protected by its largely impassable Mountains of the Moon. Tends to be slightly isolated from the rest of Westeros. The knights of the Vale are the finest in the land. The Vale's military strength is comparable to the North and Dorne. The Vale is ruled by the Arryns from the castle known as the Eyrie. Notable houses of this region include Baelish, Belmore, Corbray, Egen, Grafton, Hersy, Hunter, Melcolm, Redfort, Royce, Templeton, and Waynwood. Bastards of noble origin raised in the Vale are given the surname Stone.

17. #17King's Landingselective

    Keys: King's Landing, Kings Landing

    King's Landing is the capital of the Seven Kingdoms, located in the crownlands on the east coast of Westeros. It is situated at the Blackwater Rush and overlooks Blackwater Bay. King's Landing is the site of the Iron Throne and Aegonfort. The city is dangerous at the best of times, despite being policed by the City Watch

18. #18The Northselective

    Keys: The North, winterlands

    The North, or the winterlands, is the largest of the major regions of the continent of Westeros, the dominion of House Stark extends from the border of the New Gift, which is controlled by the Night's Watch, to the southern edge of the Neck far to the south. Notable bannermen of the region include Bolton, Cerwyn, Dustin, Flint, Glover, Hornwood, Karstark, Manderly, Mormont, Reed, Ryswell, Tallhart, and Umber. The North It's the only place where the culture and traditions of the First Men still predominate. The region is sparsely populated, with vast wilderness, rising moorlands, high plains, forests, pine-covered hills and snow-capped mountains, speckled with tiny villages and holdfasts. The cold north is much less fertile than provinces in southern Westeros. Its harsh climate is deadly in winter and occasionally it will snow even in summer. The north has been ruled by the Starks for thousands of years from the castle known as Winterfell. The only city in the region is White Harbor, while the most prominent northern towns are the winter town and Barrowton. Bastards of noble origin raised in the north are given the surname Snow.

19. #19Dorneselective

    Keys: Dornish, Dorne

    Dorne is the large peninsula which makes up the southernmost part of Westeros, and is one of the constituent regions of the Seven Kingdoms. The lords of the ruling House Nymeros Martell style themselves "Prince" and "Princess" in the Rhoynish fashion. The Martells rule from their capital, Sunspear, outside of which sprawls the shadow city. Notable houses include Allyrion, Blackmont, Dayne, Fowler, Jordayne, Qorgyle, Santagar, Toland, Uller, Vaith, Wyl, and Yronwood. The region is rocky, mountainous, arid and dry, and features the only desert on the continent. Dorne is bordered by the Sea of Dorne to the north, the islands known as the Stepstones to the east, and the Summer Sea to the south. Stretched between them is the mountain range known as the Red Mountains, which separates Dorne from the stormlands to the north and the Reach to the northwest and west. There are two major passes, the Boneway and the Prince's Pass. Dorne's rivers provide some fertile lands and even during a long summer there is enough rain and other supplies of water to keep Dorne habitable. The Dornish are very independent, with a stronger sense of "national identity" than many of the other regions. They are considered passionate and fiery and have more relaxed views on sexual morality. The landscape consists largely of rocky mountains and parched deserts, and is known for its military strength.

20. #20Clegane's Keepselective

    Keys: Clegane's Keep

    Clegane's Keep (castle) The Clegane's Keep is the seat of House Clegane in the Westerlands. The towerhouse is modest in comparison to other castles, and there is a village some feet away.

21. #21The Faithselective

    Keys: the Seven, Gods, the Faith, Faith of the Seven, Seven Who Are One, The Seven-Pointed Star

    The Faith of the Seven is the dominant religion in most of Westeros. Followers of the Faith worship the Seven Who Are One. For the less educated, this concept is often difficult to grasp, causing them to often believe that there are seven different gods. The seven faces are The Father, The Mother, The Warrior, The Smith, The Maiden, The Crone, and the Stranger. The male and female godsworn of the Faith are called septons and septas, respectively. Upon taking their vows, they set aside their last names. The head of the Faith is the High Septon, who is elected by a council of the high-ranking septons. The silent sisters are tasked with preparing the deceased for the grave. Humbler members of the Faith are "holy brothers" and "holy sisters". The Faith hold its own ecclesiastical courts to try servants of the Faith accused of wrongdoing. The Faith's wealth and properties are exempt from taxation. The sacred courts sit in judgment of kings and queens. Teachings of the Faith have a heavy influence on Westeros. The Faith preaches against prostitution, gambling, and bastardy. It holds slavery, polygamy, incest and prostitution as monstrous and vile sins. Religious worship is done in septs. The Faith holds that there are seven heavens and seven hells. Although all sins may be forgiven, crimes must still be punished. The Lord of the Seven Hells is said to command demons and practice black arts. Holding hands and singing is part of worship and prayer. The Faith has a number of holy books. The most important one is The Seven-Pointed Star.

22. #22The Motherselective

    Keys: the Mother

    The Mother (deity) The Mother, sometimes also called the Mother Above, is a loving and protective deity of the Seven. She is often asked for mercy, and to keep loved ones safe. Offerings can be made to the Mother when a woman becomes pregnant, to praise the Mother for giving the gift of life.

23. #23The Warriorselective

    Keys: the Warrior

    The Warrior (deity) The deity of the Warrior is always depicted with his sword, and protects followers of the Seven from their foes. Most men make offerings to the Warrior before battle, while others might say a prayer. Additionally, people might beseech the Warrior for a favorable condition during battle, to watch over soldiers, give them strength, keep them safe, both in battle and outside of battle, and help warriors to victory

24. #24The Strangerselective

    Keys: the Stranger

    The Stranger (deity) The deity of the Stranger is neither male nor female, yet both at the same time. He is the outcast, the wanderer from far places, less and more than human, unknown and unknowable. His face is the face of death. He leads the newly deceased to the other world. Those who feel like outcasts might light a candle for the Stranger

25. #25The Maidenselective

    Keys: the Maiden

    The Maiden (deity) The deity of the Maiden, also called the Maid, is represented as a beautiful, innocent-looking young woman. People might pray to the Maiden to keep young women safe. A mother can pray to the Maiden to lend courage to her daughters and guard them in their innocence, while a bride might light candles in thanks if a suitable marriage offer is made

26. #26The Andalsselective

    Keys: Riverlands, rivermen, riverlanders, riverlander

    The Riverlands, located south of the Neck, are a central region of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, consisting of the rich, fertile, and populous areas around the three forks of the Trident and the northern Blackwater Rush. They are the domain of the Tullys of Riverrun. At the time of the Conquest, the riverlands were ruled by House Hoare, the Kings of the Isles and the Rivers. Although the riverlands lack a city, they have many large towns, such as Maidenpool and Fairmarket. The people of the riverlands are known as rivermen or riverlanders, and they are a mixture of hardy warriors, peaceful fisherfolk, and devout smallfolk. Their lords have a reputation for being notoriously quarrelsome, and are referred to as "river lords". Noble bastards born in the riverlands are given the surname Rivers. The riverlands are ruled from Riverrun by House Tully, the Lords Paramount of the Trident. Notable houses of the region have included Blackwood, Bracken, Darry, Frey, Lothston, Mallister, Mooton, Mudd, Piper, Ryger, Strong, Vance, and Whent. Bastards in the riverlands are given the surname Rivers.

27. #27The First Menselective

    Keys: The First Men

    The First Men are one of the three major ethnic groups from whom the humans of Westeros descend, the others being the Andals and the Rhoynar. The First Men were the culture of humans who first set foot on the continent when they migrated to Westeros. The First Men crossed the land bridge called the Arm of Dorne under the leadership of the First King. The influence of the First Men is still felt in Westeros, most strongly in the north. The original language of the First Men was the Old Tongue, a harsh, clanging language that is still spoken by the free folk and the giants. The First Men had a runic writing system. The custom of guest right is both a sacred rule and an ancient one. The guest rights are taken seriously, both beyond the Wall, and in the Seven Kingdoms, and although it looms less in the southron kingdoms, it is held most dear in the north. There, breaking guest right is punished similarly to the direst of treasons.

28. #28The Dothrakiselective

    Keys: Dothraki, Dothrakis, Khal, Khaleesi, Khalakka, Khalasar

    The Dothraki people are a culture of nomadic warriors in Essos who range across the vast grasslands of the Dothraki sea in hordes known as khalasars. People of the Seven Kingdoms and the Free Cities also refer to the Dothraki as horselords. Dothraki typically have copper-toned skin, black hair, and black, almond-shaped eyes. Dothraki men wear their hair in long braids, oiled or greased with fat. They are only allowed to braid their hair after they have won a victory; The braid is only cut when a Dothraki warrior is defeated in battle, an act through which he lets the world know his shame. Both men and women might wear painted leather vests over bare chests and horsehair leggings cinched by bronze medallion belts, although wealthier Dothraki might also have silver and golden medallions on their belts. For footwear Dothraki wear leather boots, leather sandals which lace up to the knee, or sandals of woven grass. When visiting the Free Cities, the Dothraki wear rich fabrics and sweet perfumes. Being accustomed to riding horses every entire day, Dothraki warriors walk with a bowlegged swagger on the ground. The Dothraki scrub themselves clean with sand. Dothraki chieftains are called khals, while the wife of a khal is known as a khaleesi. The heir of a khal is named the khalakka. A ko is one of the khal's commanders within a horde. Bloodriders fulfill the roles of guards, brothers, shadows, and friends to the khal. The jaqqa rhan are mercy men. The Dothraki consider riding a horse as a basic marker of social status. A khal who cannot ride cannot rule. Custom decrees that the khaleesi must ride a mount worthy of her place by the side of the khal. Pregnant women are expected to ride on horseback almost up to the moment of birth. A cart is of less prestige, and is further meant for eunuchs, cripples, the very young, and the very old. A man who does not ride is considered the lowest of the low and without honor or pride. Although some are respected, women have a lower social status than men. Most of all, the Dothraki follow strength. Should a khal die without an adult heir, his kos might fight among themselves to take the place of the fallen khal. The Dothraki worship a horse god and that the moon is a goddess, and that she is the wife to the sun. Dothraki consider the earth to be their mother and think it sinful to cut her flesh with plows and spades and axes. Buying and selling is considered to be unmanly by the Dothraki, but Trade is allowed in the sacred city Vaes Dothrak. The Dothraki language is considered a rough, harsh language by Westerosi. Among the Dothraki, weddings occur beneath the open sky, and mate like the animals in their heat. Polygamy is practiced among the Dothraki. The Dothraki hate and fear the sea and the ships in it, refering to the sea as “the poison water." The Dothraki believe that someday ghost grass will cover the world, and then all life will end. Bloodmagic is forbidden amongst the Dothraki. A maegi is considered to be a vile thing, evil and soulless.

29. #29Valyrianselective

    Keys: Valyrian, Valyrians

    Valyrians are a race originating in Essos, in the eponymous Valyrian peninsula, Valyrians are famous for being pale skinned and their rare features of silver-gold hair and violet-purple eyes, characteristics not found amongst any other peoples of the world. This can vary from white to silver-gold to blond hair, and from lilac, to deep purple, and pale blue eyes. The most noble of Valyrians were considered strikingly or inhumanly beautiful. Valyrians are originally a civilization sheltered in the Fourteen Flames, a ring of volcanoes on the Valyrian peninsula. The Valyrians tamed the dragons with magic and made the beasts into devastating weapons of war. With the aid of dragons, the Valyrians established the Valyrian Freehold. Valyrians survive in Lys, where even the smallfolk have the pale skin, silver-gold hair, and purple eyes of the dragonlords of old, as well as in Volantis, among the Old Blood, which traces its descent to the Freehold itself. Other survivors are the members of House Targaryen, the sole surviving family of dragonlords, as well as those of Velaryon and Celtigar.

30. #30Valyriaselective

    Keys: Valyria, Old Valyria

    Valyria, also called Old Valyria, is a ruined city in Essos. It is a long-dead city of wonderment, and was once the capital of a great empire called the Valyrian Freehold. It was destroyed by a cataclysmic event known as the Doom of Valyria a century before Aegon's Landing. It is the ancestral home of House Targaryen, House Celtigar, and House Velaryon. Valyria was on the Valyrian peninsula, which extended into the Summer Sea. The Doom of Valyria shattered the peninsula, separating the city of Valyria from the Lands of the Long Summer by the Smoking Sea. Valyria is said to have had topless towers and used sphinxes as decorations. Valyria is said to still hold many treasures from before the Doom, such as Valyrian steel blades and items of magical power.

31. #31The Old Godsselective

    Keys: Old Gods

    The Old Gods are nameless deities of stream, forest, and stone worshiped in the North of Westeros and beyond the Wall. They are so named because the Faith of the Seven (the "new gods") replaced them in all but the north of Westeros, where worship of the old gods is still practiced by northmen, crannogmen, and free folk. Westerosi of various faiths commonly swear by the old gods and the new. Worshippers of the old gods believe that no man can tell a lie in front of a Weirwood tree, as the old gods know when men are telling a lie. As such, an oath might be made in front of a weirwood tree, or with a hand placed in the mouth of the weirwood’s face. The old gods were worshipped by the children of the forest, and eventually after the Pact, by the First Men. Various actions, such as incest, slavery, and kinslaying are considered offensive to the old gods, although, as regards kinslaying, the degree of kin and circumstance of killing one’s kin hold significant influence. The laws of hospitality are considered to be sacred. It is believed that the old gods can detect when men lie to heart trees. Worshippers visit godswoods. Prayer and marriages are done in front of a weirwood tree. There are no priests, no holy texts, no songs of worship, and practically no rites that go with the worship of the old gods. It is a folk religion, passed from generation to generation.

32. #32Septaselective

    Keys: Ghost grass

    Ghost grass is a type of grass that grows throughout the Shadow Lands in the Further East of Essos, both on its shores and in the valleys between its mountains. Ghost grass is taller than a human on horseback and has stalks as pale as milkglass. The inedible ghost grass is an invasive plant that overwhelms other grass.

33. #33Septonselective

    Keys: Bloodrider, Bloodriders

    A bloodrider is a sworn protector of a khal among the Dothraki khalasars. Part guardian, brother and companion, the bloodriders guard and accompany the khal in his daily routine. They share what is his, sometimes even his wives, but never his horse. Sometimes a bloodrider may also be a ko, one of the leaders in charge of the khalasar's subdivisions. The bloodriders and their khal refer to each other as "blood of my blood". Only a khal can ask a man to become his bloodrider, by saying "I ask your oath, that will live and die as blood of my blood, riding at my side to keep me safe from harm." Should the khal die in battle, the bloodriders live only long enough to avenge him. Once done, the last service the bloodriders must perform is to escort the khaleesi to Vaes Dothrak to join the dosh khaleen, and then they are to join their khal in death.

34. #34The Kingsguardselective

    Keys: Kingsguard, Kingsguards, Queensguard, Queensguards, Sworn Brotherhood of the Kingsguard

    The Sworn Brotherhood of the Kingsguard are the royal bodyguards of the Iron Throne. Regarded as the finest knights in the Seven Kingdoms, they are sworn to protect their king and the royal family with their own lives, to obey his commands, and to keep his secrets. The Kingsguard are sworn for life and are forbidden from owning land, taking a wife, or fathering children, although they can hold non-hereditary commands, such as being warden or Hand of the King. A female ruling monarch, Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen (129–130 AC) have operated with a Queensguard instead of a Kingsguard. The Kingsguard is composed of seven men, all of them sworn knights. When an invalid Kingsguard knight is incapable of performing his duties, they are taken up by his sworn brothers. The first duty of the Kingsguard is defending the king from harm and also sworn to protect the queen, though not from anything the king might do. They are also sworn not to harm any member of the royal family. The Lord Commander of the Kingsguard serves on the king's small council. The Kingsguard wear all white cloaks and intricate suits of white enameled scales, their fastenings for breastplate and other pieces made of silver, and pure white unemblazoned shield.

35. #35The Silent Sistersselective

    Keys: Guest right

    Guest right is an ancient and sacred custom in Westeros, going back thousands of years to the First Men. It is also recognized in the Free Cities. The guest right is a sacred law of hospitality, especially in the north. When a guest, be they commonborn or noble, eats the food and drinks the drink off a host's table beneath the host's roof, guest right is invoked. Bread and salt are traditional provisions. When invoked, neither the guest nor the host can harm the other for the length of the guest's stay. A lord with a bared sword across his knees is making a traditional sign that he is denying guest right.

36. #36Maestersselective

    Keys: Maester, Maesters, Archmaesters, Archmaester, Grand Maesters, Grand Maester

    The Maesters are an order of intellectuals, scholars, healers, messengers, and scientists in the Seven Kingdoms. They educate new students at the Citadel, which is located in Oldtown, a city in the Reach. House Hightower was integral in the Citadel's foundation, and continues to patronize the order. As advisers to the Westerosi nobility, the maesters have largely supplanted the Alchemists' Guild. Maesters who have completed their training at the Citadel are sent by the Citadel to serve at the holdings of lords and landed knights throughout the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, from the Arbor to the Wall, but not in the lands beyond the Wall. A lord has to pay the Citadel for a maester's service. Maesters serve as the resident medical expert at a castle, responsible for everything from setting broken bones, assisting childbirth, and knowledge of medicinal herbs and potions to aid fevers and internal illnesses. Students who start their education at the Citadel are known as novices. Once they have earned a link for their chain, they become acolytes. Archmaesters are maesters who have demonstrated mastery of a particular subject. They receive a mask, ring, and rod in the metal corresponding to the link of the maester's chain which signifies their expertise on the topic. Grand Maesters are sworn to serve the whole realm, the Grand Maester sits on the small council and acts as one of the royal advisers. The governance of the Citadel is held by the Seneschal, who is chosen from among the archmaesters.

37. #37Kinslayingselective

    Keys: Kinslaying, Kinslayer

    Kinslaying is a great taboo. Any individual who kills a family member is believed to be cursed forever, they are usually looked down upon or shunned.

38. #38Moon's bloodselective

    Keys: moon's blood

    Moon's blood (idea) Menstruation is called moon's blood, it's not proper for spouses to sleep on the same bed or have sex while the woman is on her period

39. #39Moon's turnselective

    Keys: moon, moon's turn, moons

    Moon's turn (idea) One month can be referred to as a moon or a moon's turn

40. #40Bedding ceremonyselective

    Keys: bedding ceremony

    Bedding ceremony (tradition) The bedding ceremony is when the bride is undressed and carried by the male guests to her chambers to consummate her marriage with the groom.

41. #41Moon teaselective

    Keys: Moon tea, Tansy tea

    Moon tea or tansy tea is a medicinal herbal tea used in the Seven Kingdoms, as well as beyond the Wall, to prevent or abort pregnancies. Moon tea is made generally by maesters and woods witches out of tansy, mint, wormwood, a spoon of honey, and a drop of pennyroyal. Moon tea is commonly used without issues, but it can also have dangerous side effects. Devout members of the Faith of the Seven consider the use of moon tea to be murder.

42. #42Bastardselective

    Keys: bastard, bastardy

    Bastard (status) A bastard is anyone born out of wedlock. All religions attach very negative social stigmas to this. It's a social disgrace to have a bastard. They are not allowed to inherit their father's lands or titles, and have no claims to the privileges of their father's house unless they are legitimized

43. #43Bastard surnamesselective

    Keys: Stone, Rivers, Snow

    Bastard surnames (concept) All acknowledged bastards born to a noble in Westeros have to identify themselves through a specific surname marking them as a bastard, which varies by region. The surnames are Flowers (from the Reach), Rivers (from the Riverlands), Sand (from Dorne), Snow (from the North), Stone (from the Vale of Arryn), Storm (from the Stormlands), and Waters (from the Crownlands)

44. #44Name dayselective

    Keys: name-day, name day, nameday

    Name day (celebration) A name day, or name-day, is the Westerosi equivalent of a birthday. A person celebrating their name day may receive gifts. A tourney, feast, or hunt may be held to celebrate a noble's name day

45. #45Direwolfselective

    Keys: Direwolf, Direwolves

    Direwolves, or "ravenous" wolves, are a variety of large, powerful carnivorous canine that inhabit the forests of the northernmost regions of the North. Unlike the more common wolf, dire wolves are enormous beasts with fur that range from light grey to dark brown, and sharp, powerful jaws.

46. #46Shadowcatselective

    Keys: Shadowcat, shadowcats, Shadowskin, Shadowskins

    Shadowcats are large felines found throughout Westeros, including the lands beyond the Wall, the Mountains of the Moon, the northern riverlands, and the Red Mountains of Dorne. Shadowcats have thick black fur with white stripes. Their claws are known to be very sharp; a shadowcat can disembowel a man with one paw. Shadowcats have sharp curved front teeth and a lashing tail. Shadowcats have deep, rumbling growls and furious screams. Their eyes appear to glow at night. Shadowskin, the pelts of shadowcats, are prized as warm and thick fur cloaks. Shadowcats are fearsome predators, and also scavenge. Silent and agile hunters, a shadowcats can smell blood six miles away. They will eat every shred of meat from a kill, and will crack bones to get at marrow. Shadowcats tend to not attack living men unless starved.

47. #47The Wallselective

    Keys: the Wall, Night's Watch, sent to the Wall

    The Wall is a massive barrier of mostly ice stretching across the northern border of the Seven Kingdoms, separating it from the wild lands beyond. The Wall is one hundred leagues long and reaches over seven hundred feet at his highest point, although some foundation blocks in hilly regions send it nine hundred feet in the air. One of Lomas Longstrider's nine Wonders Made by Man, the Wall is defended and held by the Sworn Brothers of the Night's Watch, who patrol and guard nineteen castles from the Frostfangs mountain range in the west to the Bay of Seals in the east. Those who join the Watch in order to avoid another punishment can be referred to as sent to the Wall. The Wall is straight like a sword from Castle Black to Eastwatch-by-the-Sea, but runs like a snake between Castle Black and the Shadow Tower. The Wall shines blue and crystalline in sunlight, glimmers palely in moonlight, and glows pink and purple at dawn. Tunnels have been cut through the Wall at each castle of the Night's Watch. They are sealed with ice and stone wherever castles have been abandoned or in times of danger. The builders of the Night's Watch permit the forest to come no closer than half a mile to the Wall. The top of the wall is studded with catapults, cranes, trebuchets, and scorpions, but they are immobile. The Night's Watch can reach the top of the Wall from the southern side via ramps of earth and gravel, winch-drawn cages, and steps of ice, stone, or wood.

48. #48Greenseerselective

    Keys: green dreams, greenseer, greenseers

    Greenseers were the wise men and leaders of the children of the forest who had magical abilities, including power over nature and greensight. Greenseer possess the magical ability to perceive future, past or distant events in dreams known as Green Dreams. Only those with First Men blood can be greenseers.

49. #49Wargsselective

    Keys: warg, warging, skinchanger, skinchangers

    A Skinchanger is a person with the ability to enter the mind of an animal and control its actions. A skinchanger able to enter the mind of a wolf or dog is known as a warg. The act of doing this is called "warging." A warg's human body will become comatose when his consciousness leaves it to enter the mind of an animal, and his eyes will glaze over white, until his consciousness returns to his own body. The interaction between the skinchanger's and animal's minds influence both personalities, with detrimental effects to the human if the animal's influence is not fought. It is much easier for a skinchanger to do so if a bond exists between the two parties. An untrained skinchanger may unconsciously enter the mind of an animal, especially while sleeping, particularly if a bond exists. It is traumatic if an animal is killed while its mind is inhabited by a skinchanger. If a skinchanger is killed while inhabiting a creature, a part of his consciousness will remain in the creature. Only those with First Men blood can be skinchangers.

50. #50Godswoodselective

    Keys: Godswood, Godswoods

    A Godswood is usually a small wooded area within the walls of castles throughout the Seven Kingdoms. It is primarily used as a place of worship by those who carry on the traditions of the First Men and pray to the old gods. To followers of the Faith of the Seven, some of whom belong to families that converted to the Faith throughout the centuries, they are treated as a private wooded area of solitude.

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