The Political Structure of the Empire of Westeros and Western Essos
The Emperor’s Role
At the summit of the Imperial hierarchy stands His Majesty, the Emperor of Westeros and Western Essos. The Emperor is not only sovereign ruler but also:
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Commander-in-Chief of both the Order of the Golden Sun (the supreme military host of the Empire) and the Imperial Fleet of Westeros.
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The sole appointing authority for all Governors of the provinces. These offices are not hereditary but serve at the Emperor’s will.
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Guardian of the Golden Throne of Westeros, seated in the Imperial Palace of Rygoros.
His Consort, the Empress, shares ceremonial and cultural duties and may wield political influence as counselor and regent.
Realm Division
The Empire is divided into two great Realms, each overseen by a Grand Governor, and one Special Administrative Zone:
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The Western Realm: Made up of Westeros proper and the Stepstones. Its capital is Aegon’s Landing.
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The Eastern Realm: Made up of the western expanse of Essos, including the Valyrian Peninsula. Its capital is Braavos.
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The Imperial Capital, Rygoros: Not part of either realm, it is governed directly by a Lord Mayor, serving as the administrative heart of the Empire.
Grand Governors
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Grand Governor of the Western Realm: Duke Eddard Stark, Governor of Starkland, serves as the first Grand Governor of the Western Realm. Though once Warden of the North, he now oversees eleven provinces as Imperial administrator.
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Grand Governor of the Eastern Realm: Prince Aegon Targaryen, Governor of New Valyria, holds authority over the fourteen provinces of Essos, presiding from Braavos.
The Provinces
Western Realm (11 Provinces)
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Province of Stormlands – under Prince Randall Baratheon.
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Province of Crownlands – under Prince Lucas Baratheon, also Defender of Aegon’s Landing.
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Province of the Reach – under Duke Mace Tyrell.
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Province of Dorne – under Princess Arianne Martell, wife of Lucas Baratheon.
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Province of the Riverlands – under Prince Stannis Baratheon, Prince of Harrenhal.
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Province of the Westerland – under Duke Kevan Lannister.
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Province of the Vale – under Duke Jon Arryn.
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Province of Starkland – under Duke Eddard Stark.
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Province of the North – under Governor Mance Rayder.
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Province of the Stepstones – under Prince Rhaemond Assarion, Dragonlord of Bloodstone. Tyrosh has been fully integrated into this province.
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Province of the Iron Islands – under Theon Greyjoy.
Eastern Realm (14 Provinces)
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Province of Braavos.
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Province of Lorath.
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Province of Qohor.
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Province of Norvos.
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Province of Essaria (revived Free City).
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Province of Sarnor.
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Province of Duncania.
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Province of Easterland.
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Province of Pentos.
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Province of Myr.
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Province of Baelon – ruled from Viseryon by Prince Aegor Assarion.
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Province of Lys.
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Province of Volantis – under Princess Rosalia Baratheon, styled Princess of Volantis.
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Province of New Valyria – governed directly by Prince Aegon Targaryen.
Special Administrative Zone
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Imperial Capital, Rygoros: A city apart from any provincial structure, governed by a Lord Mayor appointed by the Emperor. Rygoros remains the true capital of the Empire, with the Golden Throne as its supreme symbol.
The Assarion Question
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Prince Rhaemond Assarion: No longer styled King, he is recognized as Dragonlord of Bloodstone and Governor of the Stepstones.
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His house remains a proud cadet branch of House Targaryen, integrated into the Empire’s hierarchy while retaining prestige as dragonlords.
Balance of Authority
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The Emperor rules absolutely, with the Governors as delegates of his will.
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Grand Governors act as supreme administrators of their realms, but they cannot pass titles to heirs.
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The Emperor ensures no single House accumulates power without Imperial oversight.
This structure ensures that the Empire of Westeros and Western Essos stretches unbroken from the Land of Always Winter to the Valyrian Peninsula, bound by law, dragonfire, and the will of the Emperor.
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