16th Level (Man-at-arms 1 / Noble 3 / Knight 2 / Kingsguard 10)

A great knight and Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, Selmy owes his allegiance to the realm. He was once loyal to Jaehaerys, then Aerys, and then to King Robert Baratheon. Old and legendary in his battle-prowess, Ser Barristan Selmy is regarded as everything to which a noble knight can aspire. Polite and honourable, he is a good man, but perhaps too straightforward to be wise. A soldier, not a scholar, Ser Barristan is considered a paragon of knightly virtue. He is white-haired, yet strong and graceful in appearance, and has a nobility of spirit that is apparent to any who meet him.

Barristan became a White Sword at the age of 23 and gave up all claim to his ancestral keep and the love of his betrothed for the love of his king. He is relieved of his duty by the newly crowned King Joffrey Baratheon — an unprecedented act, for brothers of the Kingsguard are sworn to their duties for life. Insulted, Barristan leaves King’s Landing for parts unknown, killing the guards sent to detain him, but he eventually lands in the service of Daenerys Targaryen. His house is sworn to Storm’s End, though his loyalty was always to the king.