Arvernian

The more I read the stories the more convinced I begun that Robert Baratheon is a homage to Conan. Compare the way the two are described: both are tall and dark haired with blue eyes. Where does the name Robert come from anyway? Is it in fact a nod to Conan's creator Rober E Howard? And come to think of it Baratheon and Barbarian are very similar words. Both have a fondness for wenching, drinking and eating. Both took control of a kingdom that was run by a mad king. Both felt somewhat trapped by the responsibilities of the position.

On the matter of House Vance, I right away thought of Hugo Gernsback (after who the Hugo award is named) when I saw the name Hugo Vance, even though I'd not picked up on the earlier Vance references. Hyannisport MA, home of the Kennedys seems to be the influence in name, if nothing else, of Lannisport. I also have to wonder if Gerald Dayne and his sword Dawn are in fact mirrored off of Michael Moorcock's Dorian Howkmoon nad his Sword of the Dawn.