Inheritance & Succession

## Inheritance in the World of Ice & Fire: A Comprehensive Guide to Succession Laws

The inheritance laws in the world of Ice & Fire, as depicted by George R. R. Martin, emulate the intricacies and ambiguities of real medieval history. Their lack of codification leads to various interpretations, sometimes resulting in conflicts and disputes over rightful succession.

### Primary Principles

**Male-preference Primogeniture**

* The eldest son becomes the primary heir, followed by subsequent younger brothers.
* Once all sons have been considered, daughters come into play, with the eldest daughter being the first and followed by her younger sisters.
* While this is the commonly accepted norm, it is not always strictly adhered to.

**Gender and Leadership**

* Leadership qualities, political alliances, and unique circumstances can sometimes override gender biases, allowing women to assume leadership roles or claims to titles.

**Dorne exception**

* Dorne stands as an exception in Westeros, where gender plays no role in determining the order of inheritance.
* Inheritance is purely based on birth order, male or female, a custom brought over from the Rhoynar.

**No Clear Heir**

* Ambiguities arise when there is no clear heir, either due to lack of offspring or other complexities.
* Lords have the authority to nominate heirs, even those who might not traditionally be first in line.
* In the absence of a nominated heir, claims can be brought before the King or Lord Paramount for adjudication.

**Legitimized Bastards**

* When they are given a status equivalent to trueborn children once legitimized, it can't be undone and their exact place in the line of succession remains undefined.
* They may either follow trueborn children in the order or find a claim depending on the time and nature of their legitimization.

**Change of Surname**

* An heir from another house, upon inheritance, adopts the surname of the house they inherit, emphasizing the continuity of the house's legacy.

### Exceptions

**Widow's Right:**

* In circumstances where a ruling lord passes away without leaving a clear heir, his widow can potentially claim and oversee his lands.
* She is empowered to nominate an heir, ensuring the continued leadership of the house.

**Setting Terms in Wills**

* Lords hold the prerogative to lay down specific conditions concerning inheritance in their wills.
* Such conditions can lead to potential legal disputes or even open conflicts.

**Legitimized vs. Unlegitimized Bastards**

* While legitimized bastards can stake a claim to titles and lands, unlegitimized ones possess no such legal rights.
* The mere existence of unlegitimized bastards can pose indirect threats or challenges to the inheritance of legitimate heirs.

### Gender and Female Power

While the societal norms and customs often seem patriarchal, they don't fully suppress the potential power and influence of women:

1. **Inheriting Titles and Lands**
	* Women are not excluded from inheriting titles or lands. In the absence of male heirs or under specific circumstances, women can come to power.
2. **Regency**
	* Women can be appointed as regents Ladies or Queens for their underage children, allowing them significant political power until their children reach the age of majority.
3. **Marriage as a Tool**
	* Marriages in Westeros are often more than mere social contracts; they are political tools.
	* Women, through strategic marriages, can influence political decisions, forge alliances, and sometimes, control the reins of power from behind the scenes.

### Marrying as Heads of Houses

See Marriage

When a Lord of one House marries a Lady of another House, the following steps must be taken:

* **Choice of Residence:** The couple must decide which House they will primarily reside in. This decision could be based on various factors, including the prestige of the House, its geographical location, alliances, or personal preferences of the characters.
* **Renunciation of Titles:** The individual moving to their spouse's House must renounce their title as the head of their original House. This ensures that there is no divided loyalty or conflict of interest.
* **Inheritance:** The individual who renounces their title also relinquishes their rights to inheritance in their original House. The heir-apparent or next in line from their original House will assume the role of the head.

#### Titles & Name Change:

* **Adoption of Surname:** It's traditional for the lady to adopt the surname of her husband's House. However, given the custom nature of these rules, the couple may decide differently, especially in cases where the lady's House holds greater power or prestige.
* Holding of Separate Titles: While one might renounce the title of being the head of their House, they can still hold other titles or be given new titles in their spouse's House, such as "Lady of [Spouse's House]" or "Master of [Specific Domain or Responsibility]."

#### Absorption of Titles:

* No individual should be able to absorb or claim the title of their spouse's House simply by virtue of marriage. This ensures that the distinct identities of each House remain intact.

#### Provisions for Exceptions:

* **Special Cases:** In unique circumstances, where the story arc or roleplay situation demands, exceptions can be made. However, these must be approved by the Paramount Lord of the King.
* **Widow/Widower:** If a head of a House is widowed, they can retain their title and even remarry. However, any new spouse must abide by these guidelines, ensuring that the political dynamics of the world remain consistent.

#### Duties and Responsibilities:

*Main article: Lords, Ladies & Duty*

* **Active Participation:** Once the decision about which House to reside in is made, the active Lord or Lady must engage in events, plots, and decision-making processes relevant to their House.
* **Joint Decisions:** Major decisions affecting the welfare of the House or its people must be made jointly, reflecting the partnership and alliance brought about by the marriage.

### Loss or Renunciation of Succession Right

The right to succeed in the Seven Kingdoms & Essos can be surrendered, forcibly removed, or constrained due to various reasons. The intricacies of these situations play a significant role in the political landscape.

#### **Voluntary Renunciation**

* **Choice of Love over Throne:** Personal choices can lead to the voluntary relinquishing of succession rights. Choosing to marry the Lord of another House may result in renouncing the succession right and titles.

#### **King's or Lord's Prerogative**

* **Naming an Unexpected Heir:** While traditions generally dictate the line of succession, a king or lord possesses the power to name a different heir.
	+ It's crucial to note that while a king or lord can name an unexpected heir, it doesn't necessarily eradicate the claims of those traditionally in line. Future disputes can arise due to such decisions.

#### **Automatic Relinquishment of Succession Right**

Certain vows or life choices in Westeros automatically result in the renunciation of inheritance rights:

* **Night's Watch Membership:** The solemn vows of the Night's Watch demand renunciation of any inheritance rights.
* **Religious Commitment**: Joining the religious order, be it as a septon, a septa, silent sister, or any other religious role means giving up any claim to lands or titles.
* **Maester's Chain:** Upon donning the maester's chain, one gives up any titles or claims to inheritance.
* **Kingsguard Oath:** Swearing the oath to join the Kingsguard means surrendering any right to inheritance.

#### **Attainder Due to Treason**

* Those convicted of treason can be attainted. This severe penalty not only strips the traitor of their titles and rights but can also impact their descendants. In some cases, the future generations of an attainted individual may also lose their right to succeed.