Kingsguard

**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.

## Customs

### Duties

**The Kingsguard** is composed of seven men, all of them sworn knights. A Kingsguard knight serves for life, regardless of age or any physical or mental ailments. When an invalid Kingsguard knight is incapable of performing his duties, they are taken up by his sworn brothers. The knights of the Kingsguard are forbidden to marry, father children, and to hold land. Regardless, the White Swords may retain or be granted certain titles.

The first duty of the Kingsguard is defending the king from harm. They are sworn to obey the king's commands, to keep his secrets, to counsel him when requested and to keep silent when not, and to defend his name and honor. The king can decide to extend the protection offered by the Kingsguard to others. Some kings have chosen to extend this protection to their wives, children, and other relatives, and some have even chosen to grant this protection to their lovers, mistresses, and bastards. The Kingsguard are 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. When the small council is in session, one of the Kingsguard always stands guard outside the council chambers.

### Equipment

The equipment of the Kingsguard includes armor that is a mix of gold and silver, as well as a red or dark red cape.

### White Book

The White Book is a book of the records of the Kingsguard. It is given to each member of the Kingsguard, and it contains the biographies and deeds of the members of the Kingsguard throughout history. The book is bound in white leather and is kept within the White Sword Tower, where the Kingsguard resides. The White Book also describes the duties and oaths of the Kingsguard, as well as the members' respective battles and duels. The book is passed down from each member who dies or moves on to new duties, and each entry is written by the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. The White Book is highly respected within the realm and is considered an important historical document.

## History

the Kingsguard was established by Aegon the Conqueror as his personal bodyguard to be composed of the seven most chivalrous and skilled knights in the Seven Kingdoms. The aim was to create an institution that would be independent of the rivalries and politics of the various great houses and provide unwavering allegiance to the monarch.

## Historical Members

### Tywin I Lannister (406 AC)

* Ser Jovis Baratheon, also known as "The Young Stag", Lord Commander.
* Ser Asterion Celtigar, also known as "The Red Crab".

### Aasmir I Targaryen (407 AC)

* Ser Storm Targaryen, also known as "Nightmare in Sand", Sacrificed himself fighting the Nightsking to protect his king.
* Ser Asterion Celtigar, also known as "The Red Crab", elevated to Lord Commander after Jovis's dismissal.
* Ser Jaqen Targaryen.
* Ser Alerio Rykker.
* Ser Rix Rykker.
* Ser Ice Rykker.