Game of Thrones Season One Ultimate Unofficial Guide: The Game of Thrones Season 1

the game board.
    Renly Baratheon is Robert’s youngest brother and second to his older brother Stannis on the list as rightful heir to the throne. Liked by most everyone, Renly is Lord of Storm’s End, a stronghold given him to rule by Robert. The audience discovers his love affair with Ser Loras Tyrell, or Knight of the Flowers, and their desire to have the throne. Loras convinces Renly that he will be a kind king and that everyone already adores him. He promises the monetary and strategic support of his father as well. Renly later tries to persuade Ned to pronounce him King when Robert dies because Stannis, the soldier, would not make a good king. Renly serves as Maester of Laws on the council and is not seen taking a stand on much of anything. Renly deserts King’s Landing with Ser Loras and an entourage before Ned is able to publicly confront Cersei with the truth as to the rightful heir.
    Another interesting choice for council is the eunuch named Varys. Although not of Robert’s appointing, Varys fulfills the position of Maester of Whisperers, one he assumed under Mad King Aerys’ reign; a job most likely suggested by Varys knowing the Mad King was growing increasingly paranoid about his perceived enemies. He basically serves as official royal spy and Robert has chosen to keep this person as a part of his council. Much like Littlefinger, Varys has a hand in just about everything and is privy to rare knowledge because of his many allegiances. He uses this inside track to secure his comforts and maneuver a safe position in the game. He also has a nickname, The Spyder, and wears his disadvantages as a protective shield. He is known to move about using the Red Keep’s secret passageways, knowledge of which was assumed to be lost. At one point he is seen conspiring with Illyrio Mopatis of Pentos about Ned having uncovered the queen’s secret. Hints are made about a fight between the lion (Lannister) and the wolf (Stark). Varys is also the only person seen visiting Ned while he is imprisoned in the dungeons. He has the ability to help Ned escape, but will not do it because he claims to be an agent of the realm. Despite knowing Cersei’s secret, he feels Ned’s death will keep the peace that he wants. Originally born in Essos, not much else is known of Varys’ life or true allegiances.
    The final council member is Grand Maester Pycelle, a seemingly forgetful, bent old man who serves as counselor to the King and healer to the King’s family. In other words, he is the only man responsible for administering medicines to the king and royal court. He has served in this position for 67 years under four different kings. This experience has made Pycelle a shrewd politician, enabled him to secure his position, and helped him avoid suspicion of foul play. The audience finds out at the end of the season that he is playing on his age and only fakes being forgetful and crouched. The question remains as to what his motives may be.
    Illyrio Mopatis is the wealthy merchant from Pentos that served as the Targaryen siblings’ benefactor and helped arrange the Dothraki marriage. He gifts three fossilized dragon eggs to Daenerys at her wedding ceremony. Throughout the first season, it is discovered that Illyrio Mopatis has been communicating news regarding Daenerys to Varys of the King’s Council. They also speak about Cersei’s secret while Arya is hidden in the dragon’s skulls contained in the dungeons. Both men hail from Essos. Motives behind his willingness to put the Targaryens on the throne include securing trade agreements with Westeros and eradicating the need to pay tribute to the Dothraki in order to avoid pillage.

Family History/Current Game Position
Stark
    Descended from the First Men from the Age of Heroes, The Stark family has ruled over the northern territories since the first King of The North, Brandon Stark, built its stronghold and erected The Wall to protect the realm just after The Long Night. The Stark reign as Kings only ended a few centuries ago when Aegon the Conqueror (Targaryen) took control of the realm by terrorizing its regions with dragons.
    Ned Stark grew up at Winterfell with two brothers and one sister. One of his brothers, Benjen, serves as a ranger of the Night’s Watch at Castle Black, forsaking any ties to family name. His sister Lyanna was betrothed to Robert Baratheon, Ned’s close friend, until Prince Rhaegar Targaryen kidnapped her. Ned’s father and older brother, Brandon, went