NAVIGATION: The arrows or clicking screen. The World Westeros — The main continent where most of the political conflict happens. It is divided into several kingdoms ruled under one crown. The Seven Kingdoms — The traditional name for the realm ruled by the Iron Throne, even though the actual political structure is more complicated. Essos — A huge continent east of Westeros, home to many different cultures, cities, religions, and empires. The Iron Throne — The seat of the ruler of Westeros. Whoever controls it is effectively king or queen of the realm. King's Landing — Capital of Westeros and location of the Iron Throne. Wealthy, crowded, politically dangerous, and full of nobles, merchants, and criminals. Politics Hand of the King — The ruler's chief adviser and often the person who handles much of the kingdom's actual governing. Warden — A powerful lord responsible for defending a major region of the realm. Vassal — A lesser lord who swears loyalty to a more powerful lord in exchange for protection and land. Fealty — A formal oath of loyalty to a lord or ruler. Military Kingsguard — Seven elite knights sworn to protect the king/queen. They traditionally serve for life and cannot marry or inherit land. The Night's Watch — A sworn military order guarding the Wall and defending the realm from threats in the far north. Members abandon their previous titles, lands, and inheritance. The Wall — A gigantic ice wall separating the northern kingdoms from the far northern wilderness. The Night's Watch guards it. Wildlings / Free Folk — People living north of the Wall. Westerosi society generally considers them dangerous savages, though they have their own cultures and societies. Ravens — Used to send messages between castles and noble houses. Essentially the medieval equivalent of long-distance communication. The Far North Beyond the Wall — Vast wilderness north of the Wall, inhabited by the Free Folk and other dangers. White Walkers / Others — Supernatural beings associated with ice and death. Most people in Westeros consider them ancient legends, although they are real. Can only be stopper by dragonsteel. Wights — Dead people reanimated by supernatural forces. Can only be stopped by drakonsteel The Long Night — An ancient period of darkness and supernatural terror when the Others supposedly invaded Westeros. Religions The Faith of the Seven — The dominant religion in much of southern Westeros. Worships one god represented through seven aspects: Father, Mother, Warrior, Maiden, Smith, Crone, and Stranger. The Old Gods — Ancient gods worshipped especially in the North. Worshippers pray at sacred weirwood trees rather than temples. Weirwood Trees — Ancient pale trees with red leaves and carved faces. Sacred to followers of the Old Gods. The Drowned God — Religion of the Iron Islands. Followers believe in a harsh sea god and value strength, seafaring, and raiding. R'hllor / Lord of Light — A fire-centered religion originating in Essos. Followers believe in a struggle between light and darkness. The Many-Faced God — A religion associated with death and the Faceless Men. Death is seen as a gift that eventually comes for everyone. The Stranger — One aspect of the Seven associated with death and the unknown. Important Places (Most marked on the maps) Braavos — Wealthy Free City in Essos, famous for its canals, banks, and Faceless Men. The Free Cities — Independent cities across western Essos, each with its own government and culture. Targaryens & Dragons House Targaryen — A former royal dynasty that conquered Westeros using dragons. They ruled for centuries before being overthrown. Valyrian — A prestigious ancient culture/language associated with the former Valyrian Freehold and Targaryens. Valyrian Steel — Extremely rare, exceptionally strong sword steel. Ancient Valyrian weapons are priceless. Aka Dragonsteel The Doom of Valyria — A catastrophic event that destroyed the ancient Valyrian civilization and its dragonlords.
Special Groups Faceless Men — A secretive order of assassins based in Braavos. They worship the Many-Faced God and are known for changing their identities and faces. Maesters — Educated scholars who serve noble houses. They provide medical care, advice, education, record-keeping, and communication. Archmaester — A senior member of the maesters who specializes in a particular field. Citadel — The center of learning where maesters are trained. Alchemists / Pyromancers — Specialists in creating substances and studying alchemy, including the famous substance wildfire, an extremely dangerous green-burning liquid. Customs & Concepts illegitimate child — A child born outside a legal marriage. Bastards usually have fewer inheritance rights and often receive regional surnames such as Snow (North) or Sand (Dorne). Legitimate child — Born within a recognized marriage, generally giving someone stronger inheritance rights. Hostages / Wardship — Children of powerful houses may be raised by another house, partly as education and partly to guarantee their family's loyalty. Trial by Combat — A person can sometimes demand a formal combat to determine guilt or innocence. Each side chooses a champion. Guest Right — An ancient tradition stating that guests who have shared food and shelter under a host's roof should not be harmed by their host. Breaking it is considered an extremely serious betrayal. Everyday Life Gold Dragons — Main Westerosi gold currency. Silver Stags — Silver coins. Copper Pennies — Smaller-value coins.
