Your personal bodyguard- reposted and revised

[The Imp]

I got a couple of PMs asking what happened to this post.The servers apparently got rolled back to an old save and it, along with others, got lost. Rather than answer the PMs (I was having trouble due to my pop-up blocker) I decided just to recreate the post. I added three names that weren't on my original list, as people mentioned them.

Very simply, which person would you want as your personal bodyguard? This means in a dark alley, in a sword fight, castle siege, whatever. You have to asses a variety of criteria- fighting skills, strength, stamina, loyalty, etc.

My choice would be Syrio Forel followed closely by Jaqan H'Ghar (again, assuming they aren't one and the same.


Ser Gregpr Klegane
Sandor Klegane
Ser Barristan Selmy
Srong Belwas
Ser Jaime Lannikster (pre-injury)
Brienne Tarth
Ser Jorah Mormont
Syrio Forel
Jaqan H'Ghar
Khal Drogo
Ser Bronn
Oberon Martel
Areo Hotah
Ser Arthur Dayne
Qhorin Halfhand
Jon Snow (Ghost allowed to assist)

enjoy

 

[Boaz]

Thanks Imp.

To successfully access my PMs, I always click "Cancel" when asked if I want to view them... then I manually click the "Private Messages" button in the top left corner under the words "Welcome, Boaz."

And not that you needed to respond to me... I'm a big boy, I can handle rejection. (I think this is where younger people would insert a smiley... but I'm too old for that... you guys will just have to read sarcasm into my ramblings.)

But I must say that I thought I might've dreamed or fantasized this thread the first time around... that is until I realized that a lot of threads were missing. I mean, I know I'm not insane... just obtuse.

Good to see that you added Areo Hotah to the list. He and BFS (again, that stands for Barristan Freaking Selmy) top my wish list of bodyguards.

 

[The Imp]

Thanks Imp.

To successfully access my PMs, I always click "Cancel" when asked if I want to view them... then I manually click the "Private Messages" button in the top left corner under the words "Welcome, Boaz."

And not that you needed to respond to me... I'm a big boy, I can handle rejection. (I think this is where younger people would insert a smiley... but I'm too old for that... you guys will just have to read sarcasm into my ramblings.)

But I must say that I thought I might've dreamed or fantasized this thread the first time around... that is until I realized that a lot of threads were missing. I mean, I know I'm not insane... just obtuse.

Good to see that you added Areo Hotah to the list. He and BFS (again, that stands for Barristan Freaking Selmy) top my wish list of bodyguards.

I DID try to get back to you, so no need to feel rejected.

I also am pretty sure Barristan was in my original post

 

[Bayou Boy]

1. Barristan Selmy
2. Areo Hotah
3. Brienne Tarth

I still go with BFS (I love that, by the way). The guy wanted to be a member of the kingsguard from the time he first picked up a sword. By comparison, Areo Hotah really had no choice in the matter and Brienne took a position in Renly's Rainbow Guard primarily because of her feelings for him.

When given an opportunity to retire from the job with Westeros' equivalent of an extraordinary pension with full benefits, BFS refused. When he left King's Landing, did he wallow in self-pity? Did he become a sellsword? No, he travelled to the Free Cities to find himself another bodyguard gig.

His performance of his duties has been exemplary, as noted in his page in the White Book.

 

[Charming Serpent]

Barristan
Areo
Brienne
Jon Snow
Jaime

I shall reiterate that picking dead people will only result in others (including myself) bringing up people we have only heard about i.e. Aerys' Seven and Aegon the DragonKnight, Ryam Redwyne, Symeon Star Eyes etc etc ...

We should find a solid Seven for an ideal Kingsguard. Preferrably alive

Oh, and using Boaz's criteria as to what would be good in a guard. Now, if he would only be so kind as to re-post what those qualities were ......

 

[Wiggum]

You guys don't think that The Mountain wouldn't destroy Areo?

Wonder if that duel came up in the tourney.

But seriously, if you have the option of Barristan Freakin! Selmy, you take it.

 

[Pravuil]

I think It's unanimous--Ser Barristan Selmy.

 

[Bayou Boy]

You guys don't think that The Mountain wouldn't destroy Areo?

Wonder if that duel came up in the tourney.

I think the Mountain would very likely kill Areo in single combat. When it comes to bodyguards though, I'm going to choose the guy who's willing to die for me over the guy with demonstrated amorality and homicidal tendencies. I think Areo would do a better job of keeping me safe. It's the opposite of the situation Tyrion was faced with in the Vale in Book 1. In this case, I would prefer the guy who's willing to die for me than the guy who's willing to kill for me.

Gregor's also not the sharpest tool in the shed and there's evidence that his performance and judgment would be further impaired by his frequent quaffing of milk of the poppy. In other words, not only would he fail the background check (burned his kid brother, killed his sister, killed his father, killed 2 wives, confessed rapist and baby-killer, killed his own man for snoring, etc.), he'd also fail the pre-employment drug screening.

But seriously, if you have the option of Barristan Freakin! Selmy, you take it.

Absolutely. Selmy's an extremely competent fighter who would consider it an honor to take an arrow for the guy he's sworn to protect.

 

[Boaz]

Wiggs, I gotta say that if I were seated on the Iron Throne as King Boaz... I'd not feel comfortable with Gregor behind me. What if he did not like the order to merely scowl at the crowd? What if I did not give him enough people to kill regularly? I'd be afraid he'd chop my head off!!! I'd feel all warm and fuzzy if BFS or AH were guarding me.

 

[Wiggum]

You both make a good point.

But if I want a preventive defense, having Gregor behind me would be the way to do it.

 

[The Imp]

IMO, the combination of fighting skill, intelligence, quickness, loyalty and bravery make Syrio the ideal choice. He doesn't just look, he SEES. He doesn't just use a sword, he IS the sword. He was able to dispatch the Lannister Household Guards (4 of them if I remember correctly) and hols Ser Meryn off so that Arya could escape. You couldn't ask more in a bodyguard than what Syrio did in that fight, and with just a wooden practice stick. Imagine if he was fully geared.

 

[Eulalia]

I'm glad the Imp reposted.

I realize this is a "yang" question. In that case I would choose Qhorin Halfhand (except for the "being dead" problem) as a defender and guide if that were needed, or Sandor, or BFS.

There is a "yin" perspective.

If Jaime was married (not necessarily though)and happy with me, I would choose Jaime (with two hands yet!). I think if you offered understanding of his actions, forgiveness, love and were a compelling strategic partner, while having a moral core that would be plenty to have his defend you to the death. I think that would go beyond sex, because it would be tough to compete with Cersei in that arena. He seems like a combat prodigy.

I think Sandor would be a very strong defender, if one could simply, sincerely see his inner beauty and be trustworthy. It would probably help, if one is cute...

Syrio would fight to the death, and be very effective, if, well, one was his favourite pupil?

Sam would fight if you were a humble helpless female, but he is not a gifted warrior. He would try. I'd rather set up a college in Kings Landing with him.

I think Tyrion would defend you to the best of his ability, if he were close to you. He might choose guile, and make some sort of deal or he might blow it and provoke fights. He would find someone or a clan of someone's to be the muscle. Perhaps he would call his dragon...

Bronn would fight for money and status, and risk death, but only if the odds were reasonable.

The Mountain, as detestible as he is, seems fearless, and yes there would be the preventative factor. What would you have to do to have his loyalty--his oath? a remote control device? Why does he do what he does?

BFS would probably defend a helpless and threatened female, but he would only seek you out to do so, if you were a royal heir and worthy.

Brienne would stand by you, if you were a threatened female. She seems trustworthy in every way.

Jon would defend you if he could, and if it fit with his overall goals. I would count on Ghost, if he were "part of my pack". How cool would it be to have your own K-9 unit?

I believe Arya would defend you fearlessly, if she were close to you.

Catelyn would defend you to the death if you were her child.

Oberyn Martell would defend you, if you were part of his family, or for revenge.

 

[TK-421]

Barristan, shmarristan...In his prime maybe. But in the time period when ASOIF my choices are:

1) Jaqen
2) Brienne
3) Jorah
4) Sandor

 

[Wiggum]

I'm thinking Donal Noye.

Yeah, I know I have a little man crush on him, but he did kill the king of giants while only having one arm.

 

[Aegon the Unworthy]

Oh wow, Im gone for a year and see a joke of mine is still going strong. I cant say how extremely freaking pleased I am by that...

Seriously, BFS. No way I go with anyone else. I want someone who doesnt have a couple of extra agendas going on...H'Gar, uh yeah...Gregor is a monster, Sandor cant be trusted not to try to kill his brother, Jaime hasnt saved a single person he was sposed to protect....Im sure theres other options that arent inherently flawed (love some Areo Hotah) but BFS is perfect.

 

[Qhorin Halfhand]

I think for me it would be pretty close between Areo Hotah and Qhorin Halfhand, with Qhorin Halfhand just above. I think people like Bronze Yohn or the Blackfish are overlooked too. They are men who aren't the ultimate word in combat, obviously (though both competent nonetheless) but they have a huge amount of experience and nobility. I think Areo/BFS are over-represented because they're essentially just bodyguards in the books. They're the best choice for everyone because their whole THING is that they're good bodyguards.

Qhorin Halfhand is not a bodyguard, on the other hand. He's demonstrated as someone who takes duty and oaths seriously and demonstrates he is very skilled in combat as well as a good leader of men.

I think people are overlooking something like an ability to lead men or inspire loyalty in men. Men like Gerold Hightower or Arthur Dayne for instance weren't just a good bodyguard but also held others to their standards and made someone like Jaime to aspire to greatness. Those are important qualities because it means your general level of safety goes up as the men under your personal protector are more vigilant, more loyal, better trained/led and so on. That's what makes me consider someone like the Blackfish or Bronze Yohn.

Also someone like Eddard Stark as your personal defender could obviously call on significant resources to keep you safe. Counting the entire North as a bodyguard just by choosing Eddard Stark is PROBABLY cheating though, but he does have a lot of the leadership/loyalty qualities I just mentioned too.

 

[Lord Qorgyle]

It depends on what qualities you wish though. It's a bit puzzling that people don't see Ser Selmy as the best option, as, well, he's portrayed as the perfect bodyguard!
As Qhorin pointed out though(Expanding away from the list for a little), there are characters which exemplify the characteristics you'd wish from a bodyguard, namely Eddard Stark. Though this all takes a bit of fiddling, but I'm presuming the situation is you are choosing knights for your kingsguard and whoever you over the position to is willing (For whatever reason).

Within that though, I'd have to say a top three would be:

1) Ser Selmy
2) Sandor Clegane
3) Brienne of Tarth

Though, if you move beyond the list:

1) Daemon Blackfyre
2) Eddark Stark
3) Er, um... Balerion? Probably Howland Reed

 

[schpat]

Garlan The Galant! He's a better sword than Loras which makes him probably the on of the best in the realm!

As to loyalty, well Hotath has my vote there.

 

[Wiggum]

Ned is a good addition LQ, and one I overlooked.

But I wasn't being flippant when I mentioned Noye.

If you want loyalty = Noye.
Industriousness (if it's not a word it is now) = Noye.
Ability with weapons = Noye.
Ability to make his own weapons = Noye.
Serious potential for asskickery = Noye.
Able to fight with one arm = Noye.
Not scared of giants = Noye.

 

[Qhorin Halfhand]

Not scared of giants = Noye.

This is a trait which is not used THAT often in your typical bodyguard.