Houses of the North
House Stark
Description: Wardens of the North, oldest of the noble Houses of Westeros, descendants of the First Men, the first human inhabitants of the continent. The Starks still honor the ways of their ancestors, following some of the ancient traditions and worship the Old Gods. They are well-known for their rock-solid sense of honor. This makes them highly appreciated and trusted for their word among the houses of Westeros, but this strictness also makes them often inflexible, a trait that might easily lead one to doom in political war.
Relations: As wardens of The North, they have many houses sworn under them. In addition, they have been in very good terms with Tullys, Arryns and the Baratheons over the recent years, while they have had their swords crossed with Lannisters and the Greyjoys.
Heraldry: The sigil of the house is a direwolf, they reside in the castle Winterfell. Their house words are a warning; “Winter is coming”, always be prepared for worse. No one is more suited for the ruthless nature of The North.
House Karstark
Description: The Karstarks are also descendants of the First men and an old branch of the Stark family, related to them from over 1000 years ago and remaining loyal ever since. Known to be big, fierce, bearded and long-haired. They usually wear cloaks made of pelts of of seals, bears, and wolves.
Relations: Sworn to House Stark.
Heraldry: The sigil is a white sun on black, they reside in Karhold and the House words are :”The Sun of Winter”
House Mormont
Description: They live on Bear Island, one of the most northern populated locations in the Seven Kingdoms. Due to lack of valuable resources on their island, the Mormonts are a quite poor house. On the gate of their wooden stronghold, there is a carving and woman, with a baby on her other arm suckling her breast and a battle-axe one the other. While most houses leave the fighting for men, the women of House Mormont are brought up to defend themselves from attackers, such as the wildings or Ironmen, and are often as formidable warriors as the men.
Relations: Sworn to House Stark
Heraldry: Sigil is a black bear standing in the woods, seat in Bear Island, house words: “Here we stand”
House Manderly
Description: They have their seat in White Harbor, the only city of the North. The trade and fishing, perks of owning a large port, have made them the wealthiest house of the North. They originate from the Reach, where they were driven from by an alliance lead by the Tyrells over a thousand years ago. They fled to North, where the Starks welcomed them, and have been loyal subordinates ever since. As originating from the south, theirs traditions differ from the rest of the northmen. For one, they follow the Faith of the Seven, the leading religion in most of the continent.
Relations: Sworn to House Stark, due to financial stability they have a great importance to many of the northern Houses, and see over the lands of many smaller houses, such as Locke, Woolfield and Flint. Their history with the Tyrells and other Houses of the Reach is bitter.
Heraldry: Sigil is a white merman. Seat in Newcastle of White Harbor.
House Bolton
Description: Powerful house of the North, also descending from the First Men. They once ruled part of the northern lands as Red Kings, but later had to bend the knee to the House Stark. Powerful, calculating and cruel to their opponents. In the past they were known to flay their enemies, a tradition that the Starks forbid them. However, the rumor goes that in the dungeons of their fortress, they are still secretly upholding this habit. A common saying among the Boltons is "A flayed man holds no secrets."
Relations: Sworn to House Stark, however they were once enemies.
Heraldry: A red flayed man. House words: Ours blades are sharp. Seat in Dreadfort.
Houses of the Westerlands
House Lannister
Description: Wardens of the West. Fair-haired, tall, and handsome, the Lannisters are the blood of Andal adventurers who carved out a mighty kingdom in the western hills and valleys. They appeared to the history books out from nowhere, while the former rulers of the area just mysteriously disappeared from the writings. All the gold of the region has made them the wealthiest family in Westeros and that means power. Ambitious, Influential and respected house. A common saying in Westeros goes "A Lannister always pays his debts."
Relations: As wardens of the West, they have many house sworn to them. They do not have really warm relationships with the North, the Baratheons or Arryns. But they often find support in another wealthy, the Tyrells
Heraldry: A golden lion. House words: “Hear me roar”. Seated in Casterlyrock.
House Swyft
Description: A traditional house from Westerlands, known to raise many great knights in past.
Relations: Sworn to House Lannister
Heraldry: Sigil is a blue rooster. Words: “Awake, awake!” Seated in Cornsfield.
House Brax:
Description: Traditional western house, loyal to the Lannisters. However, they have tried to marry in to the House Tully of Riverlands.
Relations: Sworn to House Lannister
Heraldry: Purple unicorn, seated in Hornvale
House Clegane:
Description: Is a house of landed knights that holds fealty to House Lannister of Casterly Rock, and are among their primary bannermen. A relatively young house, that gained notable name and lands, after saving the reigning Lannister lord. Their men are know to be freakishly strong and violent.
Relations: Sworn to House Lannister
Heraldry: Three dogs. Seated in Clegane’s Keep
