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Monday, June 6, 2011

Greatest Warriors of the Westeros- #8 Sandor Clegane, The Hound

Sandor Clegane, The Hound, warrior and sworn Shield of Joffery
The Hound by Amok ©

Update (July 2026): (Since the conclusion of the television series, I have gone back and reworked all of the “Top Warriors of Westeros” posts. What began as a Top 10 has now expanded to a full Top 20 in light of the additional material and perspective we gained.

With George R.R. Martin’s remaining books still unwritten, these rankings remain a mix of book canon and informed speculation. The core arguments and personal opinions are unchanged, I’ve simply improved formatting, clarity, spelling, and flow so the series reads better and holds up as a proper archive piece.)

The overall Top 20 Greatest Warriors of the Westeros can be found here  

I'm now up to #8 on the list of Greatest Warriors of the Westeros and its getting tougher and tougher to rank them as I go. It's with some trepidation that I place this next warrior at #8. But, when you consider who is on the list at spots from #1-7 you'll see why Sandor Clegane is here. Its not that he is a "bad" warrior far from it, simply the list is getting tougher with those above him.

The Hound, or simply Dog as Joffrey refers to him is Sandor Clegane. Sandor is the younger brother of the Mountain that Rides. Has there ever been a family with such cool nicknames? The problem is that the Cleganes are far from a happy family. Sandor was burned horrifically by his older brother Gregor for playing with a unused toy of Gregor's. The result was that Sandor's face was burned, lost an ear and has no hair on the section of scalp where he was burned. With his innocence shattered Sandor grew to despise knights (which he has previously idolized) and harbor a great rage for his brother.

#8-Sandor Clegane 

As a warrior, the Hound is one of the finest fighters in the current time frame of the Seven Kingdoms. His fearsome size and abilities make him an intimidating foe. He has no real fear other than fire—which, given the circumstances of his childhood, is entirely understandable.

Sandor distinguishes himself repeatedly during the War of the Five Kings. At the Battle of the Blackwater he fights ferociously, cutting through Renly’s (and later Stannis’) host. Reports of his prowess appear before and after that clash, though he would have been a bit too young to fight in Robert’s Rebellion. He killed his first man at twelve and later slew Beric Dondarrion in single combat after the assault on King’s Landing. In short, crossing swords with Sandor is a risky proposition for any opponent—and one likely to prove fatal.

The Reluctant Kingsguard Sandor holds a deep contempt for knights and the hypocrisy he sees in them. It is rather amusing, then, that he is appointed to the Kingsguard without ever becoming a knight. He simply refuses the title, as his goals in life revolve around one thing: slaying his brother Gregor.

For all his gruff exterior and disdain for knightly ideals, the Hound reveals curious “soft spots” that set him apart from many true knights. As a member of the Kingsguard, he is often called upon to guard Sansa Stark while she is betrothed to Joffrey. While other Kingsguard members obey Joffrey and strike her without hesitation, the Hound does not. He deflects and shields her from the boy-king’s wrath.

During the riot in A Clash of Kings, when the mob turns on the noble party fleeing to the Red Keep, chaos reigns. Several members of the party are dragged off—some killed, others (like Lollys) raped. Sansa goes missing initially, as does the Hound. Where Ser Preston Greenfield, Ser Aron Santagar, and others fall, it is the Hound who comes through, saving Sansa’s life and protecting her from violation. Later, after the Battle of the Blackwater, he comes to her room and could have taken advantage of her, but he does not. For all his mocking attitude, genuine affection and protectiveness shine through. Perhaps he sees in her the innocence he himself once possessed.

Another notable act comes during the tourney at King’s Landing for the Hand. Sandor saves the life of the Knight of the Flowers (Loras Tyrell) from his brother the Mountain. Whether he did so purely out of a desire to finally get to grips with Gregor, or for other reasons, we may never know—but no one else stepped in.

Toughness and Conscience The Hound is exceptionally tough. After taking serious wounds that became infected, he still managed to cross significant distances before his fate became uncertain in A Storm of Swords. It is worth noting he was fighting three men at once during that encounter—no small feat.

He is also implied to have led forces, at least in part, at the Battle of the Blackwater and survived, which says something. That said, we see little direct evidence of his abilities as a commander, so in this ranking I give him only middling marks for leadership. What elevates him is his raw warrior skill.

Of special note, Sandor is a warrior with something of a conscience. Make no mistake—he has his flaws (killing Mycah under orders, an act that clearly haunts his reputation and arguably himself). Yet there is more to the Hound than meets the eye:

  • He protects Sansa during the Riot in King’s Landing, almost certainly saving her from gang rape and death.
  • He repeatedly places himself between her and danger.
  • He attempts to shield her from Joffrey’s malice.
  • He never exploits her, despite having multiple opportunities.
  • In the television adaptation, Sansa clearly understands him; when drunk and ranting at the Battle of the Blackwater she tells him you won't hurt me," and he visibly softens.
  • He treats vows with more seriousness than many anointed knights, even if he refuses to take them.
  • He has a clear moral line when it comes to children.
  • Unlike many other warriors and knights, we do not see Sandor taking any women to his bed—in a way upholding knightly vows of chastity.

But make no mistake, when it comes time to kill, he doesn't mince words. Case in point when at the Crossroads Inn in A Storm of Swords:

Polliver "You're going to die for some chickens?"

The Hound: "Someone is..."

 

In closing, Sandor Clegane is one of the best warriors of his generation. The only thing missing from his legend is slaying Gregor—though given the Mountain’s demise at the hands of the Red Viper of Dorne ("Frankengregor" notwithstanding), that possibility may yet remain. I feel comfortable placing him high on this list. He keeps mighty company and is arguably the greatest warrior in the series who is not a knight, outside of the Red Viper himself.

Sunday, June 5, 2011

(One of) The Greatest Warriors of the Westeros? Syrio Forel???

Syrio Forel by Amok ©

Update (July 2026): (Since the conclusion of the television series, I have gone back and reworked all of the “Top Warriors of Westeros” posts. What began as a Top 10 has now expanded to a full Top 20 in light of the additional material and perspective we gained.

With George R.R. Martin’s remaining books still unwritten, these rankings remain a mix of book canon and informed speculation. The core arguments and personal opinions are unchanged, I’ve simply improved formatting, clarity, spelling, and flow so the series reads better and holds up as a proper archive piece.)

Syrio deserves special consideration as originally he was #6 on the list of Greatest Warriors. Since then I have removed him entirely as new information has come out about the World of Ice and Fire or in the case of Syrio a lack of it. 

While cool that he throws out the line: "what do we say to the god of Death? Not today"- we really do not have much to go on with him.

Further still, is the First Sword of Bravos simply a glorified bodyguard? We don't really know at least how he tells it.

With all this said we don't know enough about him to say where he would land. My current revision has him somewhere around maybe #30. And even that is just a guess.

Her is the original posting of when I had him ranked at #6 only updated for spelling and consistency.

Now we turn to one of the most enigmatic figures in A Song of Ice and Fire: Syrio Forel

(And yes, many readers doubt that is his real name.)

No character thus far has inspired as much speculation, debate, and outright affection as the former First Sword of Braavos. To call him widely loved would be a massive understatement. From his stylish water-dancing philosophy to his memorable mentorship of Arya Stark, Syrio quickly became a fan favorite—and one of the most theorized characters in the entire series.

Syrio Forel

Few characters in A Song of Ice and Fire spark as much speculation and affection as Syrio Forel—the enigmatic Braavosi swordsman who becomes Arya Stark’s tutor.

We first meet him in King’s Landing when Ned Stark grants Arya unusual latitude. In a society where highborn daughters are groomed for political marriages, Arya’s tomboy nature sets her apart from Sansa. Ned allows her to train with Syrio rather than confining her to more “ladylike” pursuits. The First Sword of Braavos takes the young girl under his wing and begins teaching her the water dance—a light, agile fencing style far removed from the heavy plate armor and brute force common in the Seven Kingdoms.

More Than He Appears From the start, Syrio feels like an enigma. He wields a slender blade and emphasizes balance, perception, and adaptability over raw strength. His training goes beyond swordplay; he is essentially preparing Arya to become an assassin. There is constant commentary on his prowess, yet the reader never quite gets the sense that he is exactly what he claims to be.

One potential mark against him is the lack of demonstrated battlefield leadership. However, if theories connecting him to the Faceless Men of Braavos hold weight, “leadership” could mean something far more subtle and deadly.

The Enduring Mystery Syrio’s fate during the Lannister coup in King’s Landing is one of the series’ great question marks. He faces off against multiple Lannister guards and Ser Meryn Trant of the Kingsguard—a seemingly suicidal stand. George R.R. Martin has stated (paraphrasing) that fans should accept Syrio is dead and that he is not invincible. Yet many readers—including this one—remain skeptical. Martin has been known to push back against fan theories when annoyed, only to later lean into them. The “too good to be true” exit, combined with Arya’s later training in Braavos, makes it hard not to suspect Syrio (or someone connected to him) is still influencing events. Jaqen H’ghar is another popular candidate, but Syrio feels like the most elegant solution.

This “Boba Fett effect”—the mysterious, quasi-anti-hero who says little but does much—explains much of his popularity. Even if he truly fell in the Red Keep, his impact on Arya (and the reader) is undeniable.

Ranking Rationale Syrio landed at #6 on this list previously. Now? No idea where ut we can't easily say Top 20. We never see him in a prolonged, high-stakes fight against a legendary opponent, so his placement relies heavily on implication and reputation. Like one or two others ranked even higher, it is the off-screen sense of mastery and the way he transcends conventional Westerosi fighting that earns him this spot. The water dance, his calm confidence against overwhelming odds, and his lasting influence on Arya all speak volumes.

Whether he is truly gone or not, Syrio Forel remains one of the most compelling and mysterious warriors in the series.

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Greatest Warriors of the Westeros- #9 Gregor Clegane, The Mountain

The Mountain, Gregor Clegane from the Game of Thrones
The Mountain by Amok ©

Update (July 2026): (Since the conclusion of the television series, I have gone back and reworked all of the “Top Warriors of Westeros” posts. What began as a Top 10 has now expanded to a full Top 20 in light of the additional material and perspective we gained.

With George R.R. Martin’s remaining books still unwritten, these rankings remain a mix of book canon and informed speculation. The core arguments and personal opinions are unchanged, I’ve simply improved formatting, clarity, spelling, and flow so the series reads better and holds up as a proper archive piece.)

The overall Top 20 Greatest Warriors of the Westeros can be found here  

Wait, what’s this I hear you say? The Mountain That Rides is at #9 of the countdown of the Greatest Warriors of Westeros? Preposterous! How can this be? He is a monster of a man, freakishly strong and cruel!

I’m glad you asked, because when looked at from just the surface, how could anyone beat out the Mountain right? Well, if nothing else, I'm sure the Red Viper of Dorne might have some thoughts on the matter.

#9-Gregor Clegane, The Mountain that Rides

Few names inspire more dread in Westeros than Gregor Clegane. Standing nearly seven feet tall and weighing over three hundred pounds, the Mountain is a massive, ill-tempered brute wrapped in black armor and wielding an enormous greatsword. He is ruthless in the purest sense of the word: the kind of man who gives ruthlessness a bad name.

His atrocities speak for themselves. After the Sack of King’s Landing, he raped Elia of Dorne and murdered her infant son by smashing the child against a wall. He burned his younger brother Sandor’s face as a child simply for playing with one of his toys. Rumors persist that he murdered several members of his own family to consolidate power. Gregor is not merely violent; he is a monster.


Weapon of Fear Gregor’s greatest advantage is terror. Opponents often know they are doomed before the first blow lands. Encased in heavy plate and driven by unrelenting rage, he is difficult to stop on the battlefield. It is telling that the few who show no fear of him stand out—most notably Prince Oberyn Martell, the Red Viper of Dorne. Before their fateful duel, Oberyn calmly told his lover, “No, I’m going to kill that,” underscoring both his confidence and Gregor’s reputation.

When the fear and brute strength are stripped away, what remains is a man reputed to be the strongest in the Seven Kingdoms and a formidable (if lumbering) warrior. Oberyn exploited that very lack of agility in their duel, using speed and precision to deadly effect despite Gregor’s raw power. 

Battlefield Role and Temperament During the War of the Five Kings, Gregor led brutal raids across the Riverlands and the Trident. While these campaigns bordered on outright brigandage, they demonstrated his effectiveness as a field commander under Tywin Lannister’s direction. 

His band of followers known as the Mountain's Men aren't much better than thier foul-tempered master. More on them in a future series of posts.

He is vengeful to a fault: at the Tourney of the Hand, he attempted to kill Knight of Flowers for besting him in the joust, only stopped by the intervention of his brother, the Hound.

Gregor is said to fear nothing and to be consumed by nothing but rage. He serves a clear narrative purpose in the story: the embodiment of the monster that even noble lords sometimes require. As Tywin Lannister himself might acknowledge, “Every great house needs its monster.”

A curious aspect of Gregor’s condition is that it may not be entirely his fault. From the onset of his abnormal growth, he has suffered massive headaches to the point where he has to rely on the milk of the poppy to dull the pain. One wonders whether this unrelenting pain, combined with a body that never stopped growing—fuels the malice and rage that define him. While this does not excuse his behavior in the slightest, it at least offers a partial explanation for the monster he became.

Final Ranking Thoughts There he stands, the Mountain That Rides at #9 on the list. The competition from here on out only gets fiercer, and Gregor’s combination of sheer physical dominance and unrelenting brutality earns him a hard-won place among Westeros’ most feared warriors.

But at the same time the warriors above show way more skill than his sheer brutality. The question is does skill win more than brawn, it likely does, if for no other reason than the Red Viper. 

Monday, May 23, 2011

The Greatest Warriors of the Westeros- #12 Bronn of the Blackwater

Bronn of the Blackwater, sellsword and knight
Bronn by Amok ©

Update (July 2026):

(Since the conclusion of the television series, I have gone back and reworked all of the “Top Warriors of Westeros” posts. What began as a Top 10 has now expanded to a full Top 20 in light of the additional material and perspective we gained.

With George R.R. Martin’s remaining books still unwritten, these rankings remain a mix of book canon and informed speculation. The core arguments and personal opinions are unchanged, I’ve simply improved formatting, clarity, spelling, and flow so the series reads better and holds up as a proper archive piece.)

The overall Top 20 Greatest Warriors of the Westeros can be found here  

Before diving in, I know there’s a large faction of readers who consider Bronn the greatest warrior in the entire series. I respectfully disagree, and the reasons are laid out below. Much of his popularity stems from the classic anti-hero appeal that dominates modern storytelling. Yes, he’s a sharp-tongued sellsword with undeniable charisma—but that doesn’t automatically make him the best.

As we move higher up this countdown, it becomes clear that Bronn would truly struggle against the elite tier (#1–4) and have a chance at the rest of the Top 10. That said, there are also readers who argue he doesn’t belong in the Top 20 at all. Read on and you’ll see why I believe he earns his place.

#12-Bronn 

The lean, mean, two-fisted sellsword of Westeros earns his spot on this list—and he earns it well.

We first meet Bronn in A Game of Thrones during Caetlyn Stark’s journey, when she brings Tyrion Lannister to the Eyrie for judgment. Ever the opportunist, Tyrion demands trial by combat. Bronn steps forward to champion him against Ser Vardis Egen, the captain of the Vale’s guard. In a display of practicality over chivalry, Bronn easily dispatches the heavily armored knight and wins Tyrion’s freedom. Later, he helps repel an assault by the Mountain Clans in the Mountains of the Moon, further proving his worth.

His sell-sword mentality is succinctly summed up after dispatching Ser Vardis.

Lysa Arryn: "You don't fight with honor."

Bronn: "No...He did." 

Strengths of a Survivor Bronn is not the strongest warrior in the series, nor is he necessarily the quickest. What sets him apart is his intelligence. He is one of the smartest fighters we meet—perhaps the smartest—because above all else, he survives. Bronn knows when to fight, how to fight, and—most importantly—when not to fight.

Only he and Oberyn Martell (the Red Viper) show no visible intimidation in the face of Gregor Clegane. Bronn even explains to Tyrion exactly how the Mountain could be beaten. Tellingly, he refuses to champion Tyrion a second time when the opponent is Gregor—leaving that honor (and the risk) to Oberyn. It’s not fear; there’s simply nothing in it for him. That mercenary calculus is Bronn’s greatest strength: he fights only when there is something tangible to gain.

Style and Practicality As a sellsword, Bronn fights light and agile, often in less armor than his opponents. He is comfortable with two weapons and is not above dirty tricks or pragmatism. Formality and knightly honor mean nothing to him. In that sense, he is the polar opposite of someone like Loras Tyrell, The Knight of Flowers.

So far in the books, Bronn has not faced truly dangerous opponents in single combat—foes who would truly test his limits. He is too smart for that. He picks his battles carefully, only engaging when the odds favor him and the reward is worth the risk.

At the same time he can be cocky when he knows he can beat someone. Case in point with the look he gives Meryn Trant (a composite of him and Ser Boros Blunt) in the the television series:

Tyrion: "Bronn, the next time Ser Meryn speaks, kill him."

Battlefield Courage Bronn is undeniably brave, yet his powerful survival instinct makes him a fascinating case. At the Battle Blackwater (for which he would eventually be knighted) he could easily have slipped away. Instead, he fought well, leading sorties alongside the Hound. That decision speaks volumes about his loyalty when it suits him—and his ability to thrive in chaos.

Adding to the overall idea of the series of command experience being useful? Bronn replaces Janos Slynt as the Captain of the Gold Cloaks in King's Landing and does a good enough job under Tyrion when he was acting Hand. 

Final Thoughts I have nothing against Bronn. He is not the greatest warrior in Westeros, but he is almost certainly #1 or #2 when it comes to battlefield intelligence. He possesses a keen eye for an opponent’s weaknesses and the ruthlessness to exploit them. That combination is why he makes the Top 20. Against the absolute elite higher on this list, however, his smarts alone might not be enough to save him.

He's not the toughest warrior on the list, but the case can surely be made for being the smartest when it comes to combat. 

Sunday, May 22, 2011

The Greatest Warriors of the Westeros- #7 Robert Baratheon


Robert Baratheon, King of the Seven Kingdoms
Robert Baratheon by Amok ©

Update (July 2026): (Since the conclusion of the television series, I have gone back and reworked all of the “Top Warriors of Westeros” posts. What began as a Top 10 has now expanded to a full Top 20 in light of the additional material and perspective we gained.

With George R.R. Martin’s remaining books still unwritten, these rankings remain a mix of book canon and informed speculation. The core arguments and personal opinions are unchanged, I’ve simply improved formatting, clarity, spelling, and flow so the series reads better and holds up as a proper archive piece.)

The overall Top 20 Greatest Warriors of the Westeros can be found here  

Continuing, it’s time to add another warrior on the Top 20 countdown of the Greatest Warriors of Westeros in the Song of Ice and Fire. At #7 is Robert Baratheon: King, drunkard, and warrior. An absolute beast with his warhammer, and a monster on the Trident.

Let’s get something straight beforehand: it’s obvious that Robert Baratheon is ing Henry VIII I of England turned up to 11. It’s hardly a revelation. But one important note here: we are talking about Robert at his prime, not when he was the later king, grown down by years of kingship and warring with his wife Cersei.

Robert himself understood it best when talking to Ned in A Game of Thrones, about how he (paraphrasing) wishes he and Ned should become sellswords, drinking, whoring, and fighting across Essos.

In a way this parallels what Spock tells Kirk in Star Trek II the Wrath of Khan:

“If I may be so bold, it was a mistake for you to accept promotion. Commanding a starship is your first, best destiny. Anything else is a waste of material.”

And so it was with Robert.

#7-Robert Baratheon

While other knights use sword and lance, Robert uses a hammer to utterly smash his foes into submission, or death, or both. This is no understatement. His hammer is massive and hard to wield for other men, yet in his prime he does it with ease. Presumably he’s trained in the others, but he really doesn’t need them. Want proof? Prince Rhaegar on the Trident — where Robert wrests the crown from the Targaryens — lies smashed to pieces at his feet.

While others might shrink from danger, he tackles it head on to the point of rash foolishness.

Living up to his family’s words “Ours is the Fury” is just part of his character. He’s as tempestuous as they come as the Lord of Storm’s End. Probably fitting that he should wed Cersei Lannister, who is as volatile as he. Anyone who can stand up to that… woman… is pretty damn tough.

The series of books that Martin writes all hinge on the The War of the Usurper, or Robert’s Rebellion as it is also known. It’s the focal point of “before” and “after.” It is the fact that many of the lords rise up in rebellion against the Mad King Aerys after his many atrocities — the leading noble lords and their sons (including Ned’s father and brother Brandon) — sets the stage for the events of the current timeline, culminating with Robert’s rise to king.

The fact that Robert is past his prime by the time of A Game of Thrones is doubly sad, as we see him as the hollow shell of what he once was and greatly unhappy for it. For him, striving for the crown was more of a challenge and more rewarding. Actually governing bores him, so he tells Ned as much in that “that damned chair will rub your ass raw.”

Of all the warriors in the book, Robert has probably fallen the farthest from what he once was. When he fought Prince Rhaegar he crushed his chest and armor, smashing the very ornamentation off of the Prince’s armor as well. And by all accounts Prince Rhaegar was a stout warrior. By the time of A Game of Thrones instead, we get a worn and spent Robert. So much so that Eddard can poke fun at him for getting fat, and Robert at himself telling Lancel Lannister to fetch the "breastplate stretcher" at the Tourney of the Hand.

Just like every character in Martin’s pantheon, Robert is flawed — but in his case, magnified. He is a drunk and above all a womanizer, sleeping with any woman around it seems. His bastards are numerous, his appetites legendary, but it’s clear that Robert was never cut out to be king. His kingship shows how far he has fallen, and it’s Robert’s death in A Game of Thrones that leads to the War of the Five Kings.

Robert makes the list at #7 as a powerful warrior in his prime and for being such a catalyst to the overall story. Robert was relentless. His power faded to the shell that we see him in before his untimely death. But in his prime? Robert was as fearsome as they come.

Of special note is his leadership. Throughout the list it serves as bonus and a tiebreaker of sorts. In that regard he rises to the top. He won a kingdom — hard to beat that.

Friday, May 20, 2011

The Greatest Warriors of the Westeros- #13 Brynden Tully, The Blackfish

The Blackfish by Amok ©

Update (July 2026): (Since the conclusion of the television series, I have gone back and reworked all of the “Top Warriors of Westeros” posts. What began as a Top 10 has now expanded to a full Top 20 in light of the additional material and perspective we gained.

With George R.R. Martin’s remaining books still unwritten, these rankings remain a mix of book canon and informed speculation. The core arguments and personal opinions are unchanged, I’ve simply improved formatting, clarity, spelling, and flow so the series reads better and holds up as a proper archive piece.)

Previous he had ranked #10 but as I expanded the list I revised him to his current position. 

The overall Top 20 Greatest Warriors of the Westeros can be found here  

#13- Brynden Tully, "The Blackfish"

Few knights in Westeros embody stubborn honor and quiet competence quite like Ser Brynden Tully—the Blackfish.

The name originated as an insult from his older brother, Hoster Tully. Brynden turned the slight into a badge of pride, adopting the black fish as his personal sigil. By the time we meet him in A Game of Thrones, he has left the Riverlands and entered the service of House Arryn in the Vale.

Defender of Riverrun Brynden earns his place on this list not only for a lifetime of exploits, but for one standout moment: when Lannister forces besiege Riverrun, it is the Blackfish who holds the castle while his brother Lord Hoster lies dying in his bed.

In A Feast for Crows, Jaime Lannister rides out to parley. The Blackfish meets him coolly, largely unimpressed by the famous Kingslayer. While Jaime engages in banter, Brynden calmly sizes him up with barely a flicker of concern. That composure alone marks him as a badass. The Kingslayer—widely regarded as one of the finest swords in the realm—fails to intimidate him in the slightest. It is also worth noting that a young Jaime was inspired to become a knight after witnessing Brynden’s prowess in the War of the Ninepenny Kings.

The Blackfish is willing to let his nephew Edmure hang rather than yield, calmly calling the Lannisters’ bluff. In short, he bends the knee to no one.

The overall impression you get from Brynden is that he's the type of guy that if you ever get into a fight? You want him on your side because you know he isn't going to quit. 

Reputation and Resolve We see relatively few direct battle scenes featuring the Blackfish (here’s hoping for more in future books), yet everyone who speaks of him reaches the same conclusion: he is one of the finest knights and warriors in the Seven Kingdoms. His reputation stands alongside that of Ser Barristan Selmy.

Even after Robb Stark’s murder at the Red Wedding, Brynden refuses to surrender. He continues the fight long after many others would have yielded. When Riverrun is finally handed over, he makes a daring escape by swimming through the Water Gate rather than submit. If you looked up “uncompromising” in a dictionary, you would likely find the Blackfish’s face staring back at you.

Final Ranking Thoughts Ser Brynden Tully ranks at #13 on this list. He may be the most well-rounded knight in the series—skilled, respected, and utterly resolute. In a world full of larger-than-life warriors, the Blackfish proves that quiet competence and unbreakable will can be just as formidable.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Restless Rust Monster Games- WA2- Assault of the Hill Giant Raiders, a Free Module

 

Raiding and pillaging just for fun!
 

(Edit 7-6-26) This post has been rewritten to allow for the free download of one of my modules WA2- Assault of the Hill Giant Raiders, set in my campaign world. In the end I decided against becoming a published module writer and focused on other endeavors.

WA2- Assault of the Hill Giant Raiders can be downloaded here

Original Post

I've mentioned it a few times on various websites, but I've been ever so slowly expanding my written modules for 2nd edition Advanced Dungeons and Dragons. The ultimate goal of this is to get a number together for sale and make them available for print-on-demand at Lulu.

Eventually I think I might include some 1st edition ones as well but we'll have to see where this takes me first. One idea for 1st edition I've been mulling over is a Tiamat inspired adventure. Plus as time and creatively allows I'm re-writing the Planar Webs of Lolth (in place of Queen of the Demonweb Pits).

The Tiamat one could be sprawling and like the redo of the Webs is planar. Maybe I should key them as modules OP2 and OP3; after all I don't think there were any that I remember of after OP1...But I digress.

As of right now I've got my first one WA2 - Assault of the Hill Giant Raiders well underway, but at the rate I'm going it still could be a while. The reason it's WA2 and not WA1 is that WA1 is mammoth and is taking forever to write. What I need to do is focus and finish on something. WA2 is the closest to being done as I ran it in my 2nd Edition AD&D game a few months back. I'm at the point where the layout is largely ready and it's finally down to art being needed. And therein lies the tough part: As I've said at www.purpleworm.org (now mirrored here). I'm willing to meet an artist(s) in terms of "talking turkey", but the costs I've heard so far are way up there. 

Bear in mind this is an old school hobby individual (me), not a major, mid or even lower level publisher we are talking about.

In any event, keep an eye out for Restless Rust Monster Games in the future, but just don't hold your breath for things being quick unless I see a high level of demand.