81 replies to this topic

[greygnarl]

Who would you put on your Kingsguard?

They have to be alive during the time the books take place.
For example, Ned Stark would be okay but his brother Brandon would not.

For me:
Lord Commander Ned Stark Loyal and honorable
Barristan the Bold Perfect for the Kingsguard
The Greatjon Huge and Very loyal
Loras Tyrell Loyal and chivalrous
Jon Snow/Targaryen Loyal and quick thinking
Stannis Baratheon Always does his duty
Victarion Greyjoy He is big, strong and has a follower personality

[Lady Hodor]

My Queensguard:

Jaime Lannister (with two hands) undefeatable.
Khal Drogo, would be utterly brutal in killing any enemy.
Barristan the Bold, a legend in the field, and loyal.
Jorah Mormont, doesnt seem to care about following a queen.
Brienne of Tarth, after all she's done, she deserves a knighthood.
Robb Stark, Grey Wind would certainly come in handy.

[Silver Spearwife]

Definitely Barristan the Bold.
Jeor Mormont.
Jaime Lannister (two handed). If you win his favor, which I think I could, he's as loyal as they come.
The Hound, likewise. He'd be harder to win over, I imagine.
Brienne of Tarth. No question.
Greatjon Umber, I guess. I'm having trouble with the last two.
One of Dany's bloodriders, I suppose. She's right, they're very loyal.

Jeor gets to be Lord Commander. He has the most experience with leadership. Good man, dedicated, and a good fighter to the best of my knowledge.

Jon's not on the list because I have other plans for him .

EDIT: In retrospect, Grey Worm is probably better than a Dothraki.

Edited by Silver Spearwife, 31 March 2012 - 01:22 AM.

[Red Raven]

My Queensguard:

Lord Commander:  Barristan the Bold - very loyal and a total badass
Brienne - just as good as two-handed Jaime and she's earned it
Grey Worm - loyal and has had advanced training in other weapons
Greatjon - as loyal as he is big
Loras Tyrell - skilled and chivalrous
Jon Snow and Ghost - quick thinker and a direwolf would be a bonus
A trimmed down and sobered up Robert Baratheon.  Not much of a king but a helluva fighter.

[Turkey Jack]

Barristan, Jamie and Jonothor Darry (assuming he is on the quiet isle) the best in Aerys day and not much has changed.
Mance, Drogo and Sandor based on their horse and fighting qualities.
and finally Jaqen H'ghar who better to see it coming then a FM

[lewis92]

Jaime with both hands
Barristan as Lord Commander
Loras tyrell
Jon Connington
The Halfhand
Oberyn Martell
Syrio ofcourse

aaaand Sandor Clegane would be my sworn shield
whos messing

[Turkey Jack]

Red Raven, on 31 March 2012 - 02:14 AM, said:

My Queensguard:

Brienne - just as good as two-handed Jaime and she's earned it
Jon Snow and Ghost - quick thinker and a direwolf would be a bonus.

lol Brienne is as good as a half starved two-handed manacled and chained Jamie.  Jon + direwolf/full warg I can understand but Jon isnt even close to being the best fighter in the nights watch when he first joins (almost all the best are dead later in the books), plus in later books he has valyrian steel to speed him up and still not close to the likes of halfhand.

@13 Jamie won his first tourney, @15 he was good enough for the KG, Loras only a year older than Jon already a member of KG.  The gulf between Jon and the best is immense, he may have potential, but considering he has been schooled by the best the north has to offer he is no where near the best.

[James Arryn]

Barristan
Areo Hotah
the Blackfish
Loras Tyrell
Balon Swann
Jaime Lannister
Victarion

[Jack's Smirking Revenge]

Jaime Lannister (with two hand)
Ser Barristan Selmy
Loras Tyrell (unless I was surrounded by Tyrells)
The Hound - I'd actually treat him with respect and his bluntness about the shortcomings of knights and the highborn is pretty refreshing.

Honestly after that I have no idea.  Maybe Greatjon or possibly Brienne. Someone who is loyal, and I wouldn't be a psycho that would push Jaime to kill me.  Stannis would be pretty cool.

[Awesome Oberyn Martell]

Lord Commander: Barristan Selmy
Arthur Dayne
Eddard Stark
Loras Tyrell
Jaime Lannister
Sandor Clegane
Brynden Tully

They're all brilliant fighters, but most importantly people like Jaime would keep me in check. Knowing that if I ever came to the brink of destroying my kingdom, he'd stop me. Eddard, Sandor, Brynden are all brilliant fighters but would keep to their place and leader. I also thought about Kevan for that reason.

ETA: Oberyn is my hand so cannot be in the KG

Edited by Awesome Oberyn Martell, 31 March 2012 - 05:45 AM.

[Gurkhal]

I would pick my Kingsguard on the bases that they wouldn't be either heads or the only acceptable heirs of their Houses as I don't want to piss off someone of force divided loyalties. I would choose other Houses than the Great Houses as I don't want these to have to much influence in my kingdom. The members of the smaller Houses won't have so much back-up to fall back on and would thus, I hope, stay more loyal to me.

Then I would make a small change to the Kingsguard and that is that I would expand it to nine members. Nine to symbolize the nine regions of Westeros who comes together to serve and protect their common king. I would pick one knight from each region. I might be hard in the North, but where at least I have the Manderlys and their bannermen to pick from, and there are a few Houses with knights also on the Iron Islands.

The two most important aspects I would look for in my kingsguard would be loyalty and martial skill. How they are as a person I couldn't care on bit about. Their purpose is to protect my royal ass and that's it. You could add the royal asses of the queen, crown prince etc. but that's it! And only knights who've stood a vigil will come close to being part of my Kingsguard. Tradition is important and I trust ser Barristan Selmy to keep the traditions of the Kingsguard alive and thriving under my reign. The changes that I'd already do to the Kingsguard with adding two new places and making it represent the nine regions of Westeros would be more than enough.

North: Jory Cassel
Riverlands: Marq Piper
Westerlands: Lyle Crackhall
Vale of Arryn: Mandon Moore
Crownlands: Jaremy Rykker
Stormlands: Barristan Selmy (Lord Commander)
Reach: Arys Oakheart
Dorne: Gerris Drinkwater
Iron Islands: Harras Harlaw

This is pretty much the same set as the last time a thread like this was up except that I've found a replacement for Bryndel Tully so that I won't have a member of a Great House, and a person known to be stubborn and willfull at that, in my Kingsguard.

[Ragnar Of The North]

Lord Commander Barristan Selmy
Brynden Blackfish
Jaime Lannister
Oberyn Martell
Sandor Clegane
Balon Swann
Victarion

[Mr Stereo1]

Personally, if I was selecting a Kingsguard, I'd be looking for good leaders over strong fighters. If they bring political weight or increased loyalty from their houses with them, then all the better, but I'd be focused on gathering a cadre of loyal and competent leaders. With that in mind -

1. Barristan Selmy remains as Lord Commander. He has exceptional loyalty, martial prowess, and above all else, he's perceptive. If I plan on using the Kingsguard for a wider range of duties, then I'd like someone I can trust to notice any ill intentions to be commanding my wider bodyguard.

For the members, I agree with Gurkhal. Removing members of important houses from the line of succession is something I need to be careful about... although, it is a useful way of getting bad leaders out of the way for more talented siblings. Robert for example.

2. Jon Snow. As noted above, he's not the best swordsman, but he has all the qualities I'm looking for. A little on the young side, but he's matured quickly under pressure, so I'm not too concerned if he's forced into a war before he's an adult.

3. Balon Swann. No notable leadership skills, but he meets the other criteria and doesn't have any links to major houses who might cause trouble.

4. Davos Seawoth. While he's slightly lacking as a fighter, he's done well enough when he's dispatched on tasks by Stannis, is extremely loyal, and has exceptional talent as a smuggler. The only other naval commanders that come to mind are Greyjoys...

5. Halfhand. He's willing to die to complete his mission, and he brings a skillset that would otherwise be difficult to get. Some pouchers might be able to function as rangers, but they wouldn't be likely to have much experience working in groups, unless they were brigands, which brings it's own problems.

6. Sandor Clegane. While broadly speaking an altruistic streak is a positive thing, there are time when lesser evils are necessary for a great strategy, and a man like the Hound would be willing and able to carry them out without any problems, but he's also never shown a sadistic streak like his brother, or, say, Ramsay, so he's less likely to do more than ordered.

7. Mance Rayder.

[greygnarl]

Now that I see the other lists I'm going to take the Halfhand over Victarion and Areo Hotah over Stannis.

[EgoistMusketeer]

Ill just surround myself in sand snakes

[Chalkius Stark]

Lord Commander : Barristan Selmy. Oldest, wisest, still awesome with his sword.
Jaime Lannister. (Two handed)
Quorin Halfhand
Mance Rayder
Sandor Clegane
Loras Tryell
Syrio Forel

All very skilled fighters. Barristan, Jaime and Mance especially, nobody could beat those 3. Selmy is loyal, Quorin would die for his vows, Syrio seems to have honour. The rest if treated right, which I would intend to do, would serve me well also.

[seeyouintee]

Amazing how many people put Jaime even though he killed one of his kings.

Awesome fighters, but I'd have to count Jaime and Gregor out. Jaime can't be trusted and Gregor is a psychopath.

Offhand, I'd go with:
Barristan Selmy
Loras Tyrell
Greatjon Umber
Brienne
Probably Blackfish. He's smart, honorable, loyal, good fighter, makes pretty good decisions.
Maybe Bronze Yohn Royce. Upper eschelon fighter, good sense of loyalty.

I'd be tempted to add The Hound, he does have a loyal streak but he's still a bit of a wild card.

[King Doug]

I like the idea of not taking heirs to titles/lordships, but that is not an absolute necessity for me, unless they are heirs to major houses. While the Kingslayer is awesome in battle, he's a friggin Kingslayer and heir to the Rock. Need to have a good mix of Generals and Soldiers.  Generals to lead some armies and soldiers to protect.

- Ser Brynden Tully as Lord Commander. His military prowess and skill at arms are proven when he's one of Robb's top advisors. In case you forgot, Robb never lost a battle thanks in no small part of the Blackfish.
-Ser Gerold Dayne. The Darkstar is a beast. Period.
-Ser Loras Tyrell. His skill is unquestionable and one of the most loyal people in my KG, just ask Renly. Can also lead an army like when he led the assault on Dragonstone.
-Sandor Clegane. He is awesome with a sword and is quite savvy. I'd just make sure fire isn't championed against me (i.e. Rickard Stark or wildfire at the Blackwater).
-Mance Rayder. unmatched North of the wall. Anyone that can get over 100,000 wildlings to unite due to his skill at arms is ok to protect me. He might be in line to be the next Lord Commander since Blackfish is kinda old.
-Lady Brienne of Tarth. Obviously very skilled with a sword. Even though the Kingslayer was weaker and chained, he was still one of the best fighters in the realm and she gave him all he could handle and more. She is loyal, and dumb. A perfect soldier and protector.
-Benjen Stark. Is good at everything required. Skilled at arms, loyal, sense of duty, smart, can lead an army, also another candidate to take over as Lord's Commander.

Quite a few runners-up and honorable mentions. Hard not to take Barristan the Bold, but he's old. Also considered Jon Snow, Syrio Forel, Ser Jorah Mormont, Grey Worm, SmallJon Umber, Bronze Yohn Royce, Ser Robar Royce, Jory Cassel, Ser Lothor Brune, Ser Gerris Drinkwater, Ser Bronn, Cotter Pyke, Theon Greyjoy, Davos Seaworth and MANY others. This was harder than anticipated.

Edited by King Doug, 01 April 2012 - 03:07 PM.

[Prince of Dragonstone]

Jaime Lannister "The Lion of Lannister"- two handed, the best swordsman in the realm
Barristan Selmy "The Bold"- One of the best Kingsguards that ever lived, loyal, steadfast and honorable.
Loras Tyrell "The Knight of the Flowers"- Noble, loyal, affable. A bit cocky but his skill with a sword is indisputable.
Brienne of Tarth "The Maid of Tarth" - The only person to go toe-to-toe with Jaime Lannister and almost overtake him. The wench is fearsome!
Grey Worm "Commander of the Unsullied" - The best fighter in a cohort of warriors trained from birth to be the ultimate fighting force. You would want him on your side.
Syrio Forel "The First Sword of Braavos" - Need I say more?
Sandor Clegane "The Hound"- Might not be as elegant a fighter as Jaime or Barristan but he's brutal and resourceful. One of the best warriors in the series.

[Ser Areo Mace]

In addition to the Kingsguard I'd have My personal guards that are to be by me at all times (besides those private moments) so my Kingsguard can protect the royal family and carry out other duties they'd have.

Kingsguard
LC Barristan Selmy
Ser Jaime Lannister (Westerlands) (next in line for the LC spot)
"Small" Jon Umber (the North) (he has younger brothers and has shown to be willing to serve as a KG even if it was only for the war)
Ser Loras Tyrell (The Reach)
Ser Archibald Yronwood (Dorne)
Ser Balon Swann (the Stormlands)
Ser Robar Royce (The Vale)

Masters-at-Arms
Ser Luthor Brune* - he is the head Master-at-Arms and will be assisted by Hero and Ser Rolly.
"Hero" the Unsullied Soldier* (also a Captain of the Gold Cloaks)
Ser Rolly Duckfield*

King's Justice Captains**
If you would take a man's life, you owe it to him to look into his eyes and hear his final words. And if you can not do that, then perhaps the man does not deserve to die.
Sandor Clegane*
Ser Addam Marbrand (Until he becomes Lord of Ashemark)
Ser Marlon Manderly*
Ser Justin Massey
Ser Godry Farring
Ser Richard Horpe

King and Queen's Personal Guard
King's Guard and Council
Syrio Forrel and Areo Hotah
At least one if not both are to be with the King at all times as his personal guard and council, along with the LC's (when they are not needed else where)
Queen's Guard and Council
Brienne of Tarth and Nymeria Sand
At least one if not both are to be with the Queen at all times, along with a KG member and Strong Belwas.

The City Watch will be replaced by freed Unsullied Soldiers to eliminate corruption in their ranks. They will also train with the Masters-at-Arms to make them better all around fighters.
(all of them need different names)
Grey Worm would be the Lord Commander of the Gold Cloaks.



In regards to the choice of Brynden Tully as the LC to many peoples KG I think he would be better suited for the position of Hand of the King.

* Alternates for a position in the Kingsguard
** The King's Justice is lead by the Lord Justiciar and is tasked will hunting down Outlaws and Criminals that are plaguing the Realm, they are to capture and bring said Criminals back to be Judge by the King or the Hand of the King(basically they are US Marshals or Europool). They train along side the KG that way they are familiar with them if one of them needs to replace a member of the KG.

Edited by Ser Areo Mace, 05 August 2012 - 07:49 PM.