The Westerlands

The Westerlands are a region in the west of Westeros, facing the Sunset Sea, ruled by House Lannister from Casterly Rock. Famed for their gold and silver mines, the westerlands are the wealthiest region of the Seven Kingdoms, and their lord, the Warden of the West, commands resources that have made House Lannister the richest family in the realm.

The westerlands are a land of rugged hills and mountains laced with rich ore, dotted with mines and the holdfasts of the western lords. Their chief port and city is Lannisport, near Casterly Rock, a thriving harbor under the shadow of the Lannister stronghold.

Geography

The region lies west of the Riverlands and north of the Reach, bounded by the sea to the west. Its hills and mountains hold the gold and silver that are its lifeblood. Major holdings include Casterly Rock and Lannisport (House Lannister), the Golden Tooth guarding the eastern pass into the riverlands, Crakehall, Ashemark, the Crag, and many lesser seats.

The Golden Tooth is the key fortress controlling the main route between the westerlands and the riverlands, and any army marching east from the Rock must pass beneath it.

History

The westerlands were once ruled by the Kings of the Rock, the line of House Lannister descended in legend from Lann the Clever. After Aegon's Conquest, King Loren Lannister submitted following the Field of Fire, and the Lannisters became Lords of Casterly Rock and Wardens of the West, keeping their wealth and their dominance over the western lords.

In the story

The wealth of the westerlands underwrites the Lannister cause throughout the War of the Five Kings. Tywin Lannister marshals the western host, and the gold of the mines, though running thinner than the family lets on, funds armies, alliances, and the crown's enormous debts. Robb Stark's campaign carries the war into the westerlands, raiding deep into Lannister lands and threatening Lannisport.

Inhabitants

The western lords are sworn to House Lannister and share something of their pride. Houses Lannister, Crakehall, Marbrand, Lefford, Westerling, and many others hold the hills and harbors of the region.