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[[File:goldcloaks art.jpg|thumb|right|350px|© Fantasy Flight Games]]  
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[[File:Chris Pritchard King's Landing Guard.JPG|thumb|350px|Gold cloaks by by Chris Pritchard © Fantasy Flight Games]]
  
The '''City Watch of King's Landing''', also known as the '''gold cloaks''', are the defenders of the city of [[King's Landing]] (including the [[Red Keep]]) and the enforcers of the law, sworn only to the Crown. The Watch presumably falls under the bailiwick of the [[Master of Laws]].<ref>[[A Game of Thrones]], [[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 27|Chapter 27]] Renly threatens to replace Slynt</ref>
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The '''City Watch of King's Landing''', also known as the '''gold cloaks''',{{ref|AGOT|47}} are the defenders of the city of [[King's Landing]] (including the [[Red Keep]]) and the enforcers of the law, sworn only to the [[Iron Throne]]. The Watch presumably falls under the bailiwick of the [[master of laws]].{{refn|group="N"|Lord [[Renly Baratheon]], the [[master of laws]], threatens to replace [[Janos Slynt]] as commander.{{ref|agot|27}}}} They are not as well trained as the [[City Watch of Lannisport]].<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/1174/ Military Questions], June 21, 2001</ref>
  
There are two sets of barracks for the City Watch, the East Barracks by the [[Dragon Gate]] and the West Barracks near Cobbler's Square.
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There are three sets of barracks for the City Watch: the East Barracks by the [[Dragon Gate]],{{ref|TLOIAF|King's Landing}} the West Barracks near [[Cobbler's Square]] and the [[Gate of the Gods]],{{ref|tloiaf|King's Landing}} and one beneath the [[Tower of the Hand]] in the Red Keep.{{ref|agot|32}}{{ref|ACOK|3}}
  
==Equipment==
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==Appearance==
The City Watch wear cloaks, usually made of heavy wool, dyed gold. Their ringmail, boots, and gloves are black.{{Ref|aGoT|65}} The officers (such as the captains of the gates into the city) wear black breastplates ornamented with four golden disks.{{Ref|aCoK|17}} They can be used as guards, foot soldiers or in some cases, as mounted lancers.{{Ref|aCoK|41}} Nonetheless, the watchmen are not true soldiers, and their discipline in a pitched battle shows this fact.  
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[[File:goldcloaks art.jpg|thumb|right|350px|Gold cloaks by Michael J. Williams © Fantasy Flight Games]]
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:''See also: [[:Category:Images of the City Watch of King's Landing|Images of the City Watch of King's Landing]]''
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The City Watch wear cloaks, usually made of heavy wool, dyed gold. They are equipped with mail armor, iron cudgels, iron spears, dirks, and occasionally longswords. Their armor, boots, and gloves are black.{{Ref|aGoT|65}} The officers (such as the captains of the gates of the city) wear black breastplates ornamented with four golden disks.{{Ref|aCoK|17}} They can be used as guards, foot soldiers, or in some cases, as mounted lancers.{{Ref|aCoK|41}} Nonetheless, the watchmen are not true soldiers.{{Ref|acok|49}}
  
The gold cloaks use iron cudgels and spears topped by black iron heads.
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==History==
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===Establishment===
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The City Watch was established under the [[House Targaryen|Targaryen dynasty]] as early as the reign of [[Maegor I Targaryen]]. After Maegor's death, Prince [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen|Jaehaerys]] arrested the Commander of the City Watch.{{Ref|FAB|Prince into King - The Ascension of Jaehaerys I}} Command of the City Watch was later given to Lord [[Qarl Corbray]].{{Ref|FAB|The Year of the Three Brides - 49 AC}} At the command of Queen [[Alysanne Targaryen]], the City Watch combed [[Flea Bottom]] in search of [[Tom the Strummer]] to make him the court singer.{{Ref|FAB|A Time of Testing - The Realm Remade}} Lord Qarl later succumbed to the [[Shivers]] in {{Date|59}}, with many of the City Watch stricken as well, leading to the streets of King's Landing falling into anarchy.{{Ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Policy, Progeny, and Pain}}
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===Daemon and the Dance of the Dragons===
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[[File:Marc Simonetti Damon Prince goldcloaks.jpg|thumb|350px|Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]] and his men on patrol, by Marc Simonetti ©]]
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Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]] commanded the watch from {{Date|104|105}}. He instituted their uniform use of equipment, including the golden cloaks from which they get their name. The weapons he issued were dirk, short sword, and cudgel. There were two thousand gold cloaks at the time.{{ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}
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During the [[Dance of the Dragons]], the officers of the City Watch were loyal to Queen [[Alicent Hightower]] and the [[greens]], but the rank-and-file gold cloaks supported their former commander, Daemon, a leader of the [[blacks]]. Ser [[Luthor Largent]] was appointed commander at the start of the war, but Ser [[Otto Hightower]], the [[Hand of the King]], named his son [[Gwayne Hightower|Gwayne]] as Luthor's second.{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}} During the [[fall of King's Landing]], Luthor led a coup in support of the blacks and personally killed Gwayne Hightower.{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}
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After Luthor was killed during the [[Riot of King's Landing (Dance of the Dragons)|riots in King's Landing]], Ser [[Balon Byrch]] became the new commander.{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}} The "[[Mudfoot]]" garrison, stationed at the [[River Gate]] or "Mud Gate", joined the [[hedge knight]] and would-be kingmaker [[Perkin the Flea]], declared their allegiance to [[Trystane Truefyre]] and flew his banner above the River Gate. The garrison stationed at the [[Gate of the Gods]] was overwhelmed by Perkin's men.{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}} Twenty gold cloaks accompanied Queen [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] when she fled the capital, but half of them deserted her on the [[Rosby road]] and the remainder stayed at [[Duskendale]] when she sailed for [[Dragonstone]].{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}} Perkin became commander of the City Watch after a pardon from King [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon II]].{{ref|fab|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}}
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Many gold cloaks died during the [[Winter Fever]] and the [[Moon of Madness]], so Lord [[Unwin Peake]] added five hundred of his own men to the City Watch.{{ref|FAB|Under the Regents - War and Peace and Cattle Shows}} During the [[Lysene Spring]], [[George Graceford]] admitted that Ser [[Lucas Leygood]], the gold cloaks' commander, and six of the seven gate captains had conspired against King [[Aegon III Targaryen]] and Prince [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys Targaryen]].{{ref|FAB|The Lysene Spring and the End of Regency}}
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===House Baratheon===
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When the Targaryens were overthrown during [[Robert's Rebellion]], the new king, [[Robert I Baratheon]], continued the institution of the gold cloaks. [[Janos Slynt]] became their commander after the death of [[Manly Stokeworth]].{{ref|adwd|7}} During his rule as commander of the gold cloaks, Janos was known for taking bribes and selling positions and promotions. By the end of his tenure, over half the officers were paying him part of their salaries. Lord [[Jon Arryn]], the [[Hand of the King]], discovered this, and had two men who were willing to come forward to testify against Janos, but both were found dead a short time later. Robert recognized Janos's corruption, but allowed him to remain in his position, arguing his successor might be worse. The king's brother, Lord [[Stannis Baratheon|Stannis]], felt Lord [[Petyr Baelish]] had convinced Robert to retain Janos.{{ref|ASOS|78}}
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==Recent Events==
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===''A Game of Thrones''===
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[[File:Brian ValenzuelaGold Cloaks.jpg|thumb|350px|Gold cloaks by David Demaret © Fantasy Flight Games]]
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During the [[Hand's tourney]], the gold cloaks are hard-pressed to keep the king's peace. The [[Hand of the King]], Lord [[Eddard Stark]], commands Lord [[Petyr Baelish]] to find funds to hire more watchmen, and lends twenty of his own [[Winterfell]] guardsmen to help for the tourney's duration.{{ref|agot|27}}
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After Robert's death, Petyr tells Eddard he will make certain the gold cloaks are loyal to him in the power struggle against Queen [[Cersei Lannister]], with a bribe of six thousand gold coins.{{ref|agot|47}} In truth, Petyr bribes Janos to support the queen, which is ultimately successful when Janos and one hundred gold cloaks accompany Eddard to the throne room and betray him, killing the [[House Stark guards|Winterfell men]].{{ref|agot|49}} Janos is rewarded by being named [[Lord of Harrenhal]].{{ref|agot|57}} After being dismissed from the [[Kingsguard]], Ser [[Barristan Selmy]] kills the gold cloaks that Janos sends to arrest him.{{ref|acok|3}}{{ref|adwd|11}}
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King [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey I Baratheon]] considers leading the City Watch into the field against his uncle, [[Renly Baratheon]].{{ref|agot|69}}
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===''A Clash of Kings''===
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Five gold cloaks come upon [[Yoren]]'s band of [[Night's Watch]] recruits on the [[kingsroad]] with the intent of seizing [[Gendry]], a [[bastard]] of King [[Robert I Baratheon]], but they are driven away.{{ref|acok|5}} On Cersei's orders, Janos sends his right hand man, [[Allar Deem]], to murder the infant [[Barra]], another royal bastard.{{ref|acok|8}}
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Commander Slynt is exiled to the [[Wall]] by the acting Hand, [[Tyrion Lannister]], for his corruption and next potential betrayal, and Tyrion arranges for Allar to be thrown overboard.{{ref|acok|8}} Janos's replacement is Ser [[Jacelyn Bywater]], an honorable veteran of [[Greyjoy's Rebellion]], who helps Tyrion prepare the city's defenses in the face of impending invasion by [[Stannis Baratheon]].{{Ref|ACOK|49}}
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Along with forty knights and squires including [[Hobber Redwyne]], three hundred gold cloaks escort Petyr Baelish to [[Bitterbridge]] on his mission to treat with the [[House Tyrell|Tyrells]].{{Ref|ACOK|36}}
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During the [[riot of King's Landing]], Ser Jacelyn and a wedge of mounted lancers charge down the streets in an effort to defend the royal party, while numerous others form lines of spears before the [[smallfolk]]. In total, nine gold cloaks are slain and forty wounded.{{Ref|ACOK|41}} Tyrion sends Jacelyn to take Prince [[Tommen Baratheon]] into custody at [[Rosby]], confronting his [[sworn shield]], Ser [[Boros Blount]], without bloodshed, and seizing Rosby to hold him there.{{Ref|ACOK|44}}
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Towards the end of his term, Janos had tripled the number of the gold cloaks, making them six thousand strong.{{Ref|ACOK|41}} Despite this, the new watchmen are poorly trained, and many are drunks, brutes, or cravens who joined for the promise of bread. Also, as Kingslanders, few have love for [[House Lannister]] after the [[Sack of King's Landing]].{{Ref|ACOK|49}} Tyrion believes that only a quarter of them (fifteen hundred) are reliable as actual soldiers.{{Ref|acok|49}}
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When Stannis arrives and the [[Battle of the Blackwater]] begins, the Watch constitutes the bulk of the defending force.{{Ref|ACOK|59}} When King Joffrey withdraws from the walls, the men break. Commander Bywater attempts to rally them, but is killed by his own men on the cusp of success.{{Ref|asos|4}}
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===''A Storm of Swords''===
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After figuring casualties and desertions, the number of men available is down to forty-four hundred.{{Ref|ASOS|4}} Command falls to Ser [[Addam Marbrand]], Lord [[Tywin Lannister]]'s daring cavalry captain. Despite problems with paying the men, Addam is forbidden by Queen Cersei from dismissing any from service.{{Ref|ASOS|4}} Some who deserted in the Battle of the Blackwater return to the barracks, trying to take up service again, and Tywin orders Addam to break their knees.{{Ref|ASOS|19}}
  
==History==
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An honor guard consisting mostly of gold cloaks accompanies Tyrion Lannister when he welcomes Prince [[Oberyn Martell]] to King's Landing.{{Ref|ASOS|38}} Gold cloaks manage the crowd of [[smallfolk]] at the wedding of King Joffrey to [[Margaery Tyrell]] at the [[Great Sept of Baelor]].{{Ref|ASOS|60}}
The City Watch was established under the [[House Targaryen|Targaryen Dynasty]]. When the Targaryens were [[Robert's Rebellion|overthrown]], King [[Robert Baratheon]] continued their presence.  
 
  
Commander [[Janos Slynt]] was a corrupt man who embezzled money from his men, but Robert deigned to keep him on lest his successor be worse. After Robert's death, Slynt accepted a bribe from [[Petyr Baelish]] to support [[Cersei Lannister|Queen Cersei]] in a power struggle against the [[Hand of the King]], Lord [[Eddard Stark]], which was ultimately successful. He was rewarded with lordship, but was exiled to [[the Wall]] by the next Hand, [[Tyrion Lannister]] for his corruption and next potential betrayal.
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When being brought to his trial for the [[Purple Wedding|death of Joffrey]], Tyrion is escorted by Addam and six watchmen rather than the [[Kingsguard]], most of whom had testified against him. A hundred gold cloaks stand guard in the throne room.{{Ref|ASOS|66}}{{Ref|ASOS|70}}
  
His replacement was Ser [[Jacelyn Bywater]], an honorable veteran of [[Greyjoy Rebellion|Greyjoy's Rebellion]], who helped Tyrion prepare the city's defenses in the face of impending invasion by [[Stannis Baratheon]]. Towards the end of his term, Slynt had tripled the number of the gold cloaks, making them 6,000 strong.{{Ref|ACOK|41}} Despite this, the new watchmen were poorly trained, and many were drunks, brutes, or cravens who had joined on for the promise of bread. Also, as Kingslanders, few had love for [[House Lannister]]. When Stannis finally arrived and the [[Battle of the Blackwater]] began, the Watch constituted the bulk of the defending force. When King [[Joffrey]] withdrew from the walls, the men broke. Commander Bywater attempted to rally them, but was killed by his own men on the cusp of success.
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===''A Feast for Crows''===
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Ser Addam is relieved to leave his troubling duties to join Ser [[Jaime Lannister]] in a mopping-up campaign in the [[riverlands]].{{ref|affc|27}} In his place Cersei appoints the illiterate hedge knight [[Osfryd Kettleblack]],{{ref|affc|28}} who is later removed by the [[small council]] after Cersei's arrest by the [[Faith of the Seven]]. In his place, they promote [[Humfrey Waters]] to lead the gold cloaks.{{ref|affc|43}}
  
[[File:goldcloaks.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Goldcloaks in the TV series]]
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===''A Dance with Dragons''===
After figuring casualties and desertions, the number of men available was down to 4,400.{{Ref|ASOS|4}} Command then fell to Ser [[Addam Marbrand]], Lord [[Tywin Lannister]]'s daring cavalry captain. Despite problems with paying the men, Commander Marbrand is forbidden by Queen Cersei from dismissing any from service. Tywin orders Marbrand to break the knees of those who deserted in the battle. Ser Addam is relieved to leave his troubling duties to join [[Jaime Lannister]] in a mopping-up campaign in the [[Riverlands]]. In his place Cersei appoints the illiterate, craven hedge knight [[Osfryd Kettleblack]], who is later removed by the [[small council]] after Cersei's arrest by the [[Faith of the Seven|Faith]]. In his place they promote [[Humfrey Waters]] to lead the gold cloaks.
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The new Hand of the King, Lord [[Mace Tyrell]], adds a hundred [[Highgarden]] men to the City Watch.{{ref|ADWD|Epilogue}}
  
 
==Known Commanders of the City Watch==
 
==Known Commanders of the City Watch==
* Prince {[[Daemon Targaryen (husband of Rhaenyra)|Daemon Targaryen]]}<ref>[[The Princess and the Queen]]</ref>
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* Lord [[Qarl Corbray]]
* {[[Luthor Largent]]} during the civil war known as the [[Dance of the Dragons]]
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* Ser [[Robert Redwyne]]
* {[[Manly Stokeworth]]}
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* Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]]
* Lord {[[Janos Slynt]]}
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* Ser [[Luthor Largent]]
* Ser {[[Jacelyn Bywater]]}
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* Ser [[Balon Byrch]]
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* Ser [[Perkin the Flea]]{{ref|fab|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}}
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* Ser [[Lucas Leygood]]
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* Ser [[Adrian Thorne]]
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* [[Manly Stokeworth]]
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* Lord [[Janos Slynt]]
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* Ser [[Jacelyn Bywater]]
 
* Ser [[Addam Marbrand]]
 
* Ser [[Addam Marbrand]]
 
* Ser [[Osfryd Kettleblack]]
 
* Ser [[Osfryd Kettleblack]]
 
* [[Humfrey Waters]]
 
* [[Humfrey Waters]]
  
==References in A Song of Ice and Fire==
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==Known members of the City Watch==
*During the [[Tourney of the Hand]], the gold cloaks are hard pressed to keep the king's peace. Lord Eddard Stark commands Petyr Baelish to find funds to hire more watchmen, and lends 20 of his own [[Winterfell]] guardsmen to help for the tourney's duration.
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*Ser [[Harwin Strong]]
*When Eddard confronts Queen Cersei, Janos Slynt and 100 gold cloaks accompany and betray him.
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*"[[Blood (the butcher)|Blood]]"
*After being dismissed from the [[Kingsguard]], Ser [[Barristan Selmy]] kills the gold cloaks that Janos Slynt sends to arrest him.
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*Ser [[Gwayne Hightower]]
*On Cersei's orders, Slynt sends his right hand man, [[Allar Deem]], to murder [[Barra]], Robert's infant bastard daughter.
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*Ser [[Garth the Harelip]]
*Five Gold Cloaks come upon [[Yoren]]'s band of [[Night's Watch]] recruits with the intent of seizing [[Gendry Waters|Gendry]], another royal bastard, but are driven away.  
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*[[Allar Deem]]
* Along with 40 knights and squires including [[Hobber Redwyne]], 300 gold cloaks escort Petyr Baelish to [[Bitterbridge]] on his mission to treat with the [[House Tyrell|Tyrells]].
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*[[Bronn]]
*During the [[Riot of King's Landing]], Ser Jacelyn and a wedge of mounted lancers charge down the streets in an effort to defend the royal party, while numerous others form lines of spears before the smallfolk. In total, nine gold cloaks are slain and 40 wounded.
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*Tyrion sends Jacelyn Bywater to take [[Tommen Baratheon|Prince Tommen]] into custody at [[Rosby]], confronting his sworn shield [[Boros Blount]] without bloodshed and seizing [[Rosby]] castle to hold him there.
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==Quotes==
*When being brought to his trial, Tyrion is escorted by Addam Marbrand and six watchmen rather than the Kingsguard, most of whom had testified against him. A hundred gold cloaks stand guard in the throne room.
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[[File:goldcloaks.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Gold cloaks in ''[[Game of Thrones]]'']]
*Hand of the King [[Mace Tyrell]] adds a hundred [[Reach|Reachmen]] to the City Watch.
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{{Quote|[[Daemon Targaryen|Daemon]] gave us these cloaks, and they're gold no matter how you turn them.{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}|[[Luthor Largent]] to [[Gwayne Hightower]]}}
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{{quote|For the sake of the love I bear for [[Catelyn Stark|Catelyn]], I will go to [[Janos Slynt]] this very hour and make certain that the City Watch is yours. Six thousand gold pieces should do it. A third for the Commander, a third for the officers, a third for the men. We might be able to buy them for half that much, but I prefer not to take chances.{{ref|agot|47}}|[[Petyr Baelish]] to [[Eddard Stark]]}}
  
==References and Notes==
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{{quote|It takes more than a gold cloak to make a watchman.{{ref|acok|41}}|[[Jacelyn Bywater]] to [[Tyrion Lannister]]}}
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==Notes==
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{{notes}}
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==References==
 
{{References|2}}
 
{{References|2}}
  
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Revision as of 20:20, 15 August 2019

Gold cloaks by by Chris Pritchard © Fantasy Flight Games

The City Watch of King's Landing, also known as the gold cloaks,[1] are the defenders of the city of King's Landing (including the Red Keep) and the enforcers of the law, sworn only to the Iron Throne. The Watch presumably falls under the bailiwick of the master of laws.[N 1] They are not as well trained as the City Watch of Lannisport.[3]

There are three sets of barracks for the City Watch: the East Barracks by the Dragon Gate,[4] the West Barracks near Cobbler's Square and the Gate of the Gods,[4] and one beneath the Tower of the Hand in the Red Keep.[5][6]

Appearance

Gold cloaks by Michael J. Williams © Fantasy Flight Games
See also: Images of the City Watch of King's Landing

The City Watch wear cloaks, usually made of heavy wool, dyed gold. They are equipped with mail armor, iron cudgels, iron spears, dirks, and occasionally longswords. Their armor, boots, and gloves are black.[7] The officers (such as the captains of the gates of the city) wear black breastplates ornamented with four golden disks.[8] They can be used as guards, foot soldiers, or in some cases, as mounted lancers.[9] Nonetheless, the watchmen are not true soldiers.[10]

History

Establishment

The City Watch was established under the Targaryen dynasty as early as the reign of Maegor I Targaryen. After Maegor's death, Prince Jaehaerys arrested the Commander of the City Watch.[11] Command of the City Watch was later given to Lord Qarl Corbray.[12] At the command of Queen Alysanne Targaryen, the City Watch combed Flea Bottom in search of Tom the Strummer to make him the court singer.[13] Lord Qarl later succumbed to the Shivers in 59 AC, with many of the City Watch stricken as well, leading to the streets of King's Landing falling into anarchy.[14]

Daemon and the Dance of the Dragons

Prince Daemon Targaryen and his men on patrol, by Marc Simonetti ©

Prince Daemon Targaryen commanded the watch from 104105 AC. He instituted their uniform use of equipment, including the golden cloaks from which they get their name. The weapons he issued were dirk, short sword, and cudgel. There were two thousand gold cloaks at the time.[15]

During the Dance of the Dragons, the officers of the City Watch were loyal to Queen Alicent Hightower and the greens, but the rank-and-file gold cloaks supported their former commander, Daemon, a leader of the blacks. Ser Luthor Largent was appointed commander at the start of the war, but Ser Otto Hightower, the Hand of the King, named his son Gwayne as Luthor's second.[16] During the fall of King's Landing, Luthor led a coup in support of the blacks and personally killed Gwayne Hightower.[17]

After Luthor was killed during the riots in King's Landing, Ser Balon Byrch became the new commander.[18] The "Mudfoot" garrison, stationed at the River Gate or "Mud Gate", joined the hedge knight and would-be kingmaker Perkin the Flea, declared their allegiance to Trystane Truefyre and flew his banner above the River Gate. The garrison stationed at the Gate of the Gods was overwhelmed by Perkin's men.[18] Twenty gold cloaks accompanied Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen when she fled the capital, but half of them deserted her on the Rosby road and the remainder stayed at Duskendale when she sailed for Dragonstone.[18] Perkin became commander of the City Watch after a pardon from King Aegon II.[19]

Many gold cloaks died during the Winter Fever and the Moon of Madness, so Lord Unwin Peake added five hundred of his own men to the City Watch.[20] During the Lysene Spring, George Graceford admitted that Ser Lucas Leygood, the gold cloaks' commander, and six of the seven gate captains had conspired against King Aegon III Targaryen and Prince Viserys Targaryen.[21]

House Baratheon

When the Targaryens were overthrown during Robert's Rebellion, the new king, Robert I Baratheon, continued the institution of the gold cloaks. Janos Slynt became their commander after the death of Manly Stokeworth.[22] During his rule as commander of the gold cloaks, Janos was known for taking bribes and selling positions and promotions. By the end of his tenure, over half the officers were paying him part of their salaries. Lord Jon Arryn, the Hand of the King, discovered this, and had two men who were willing to come forward to testify against Janos, but both were found dead a short time later. Robert recognized Janos's corruption, but allowed him to remain in his position, arguing his successor might be worse. The king's brother, Lord Stannis, felt Lord Petyr Baelish had convinced Robert to retain Janos.[23]

Recent Events

A Game of Thrones

Gold cloaks by David Demaret © Fantasy Flight Games

During the Hand's tourney, the gold cloaks are hard-pressed to keep the king's peace. The Hand of the King, Lord Eddard Stark, commands Lord Petyr Baelish to find funds to hire more watchmen, and lends twenty of his own Winterfell guardsmen to help for the tourney's duration.[2]

After Robert's death, Petyr tells Eddard he will make certain the gold cloaks are loyal to him in the power struggle against Queen Cersei Lannister, with a bribe of six thousand gold coins.[1] In truth, Petyr bribes Janos to support the queen, which is ultimately successful when Janos and one hundred gold cloaks accompany Eddard to the throne room and betray him, killing the Winterfell men.[24] Janos is rewarded by being named Lord of Harrenhal.[25] After being dismissed from the Kingsguard, Ser Barristan Selmy kills the gold cloaks that Janos sends to arrest him.[6][26]

King Joffrey I Baratheon considers leading the City Watch into the field against his uncle, Renly Baratheon.[27]

A Clash of Kings

Five gold cloaks come upon Yoren's band of Night's Watch recruits on the kingsroad with the intent of seizing Gendry, a bastard of King Robert I Baratheon, but they are driven away.[28] On Cersei's orders, Janos sends his right hand man, Allar Deem, to murder the infant Barra, another royal bastard.[29]

Commander Slynt is exiled to the Wall by the acting Hand, Tyrion Lannister, for his corruption and next potential betrayal, and Tyrion arranges for Allar to be thrown overboard.[29] Janos's replacement is Ser Jacelyn Bywater, an honorable veteran of Greyjoy's Rebellion, who helps Tyrion prepare the city's defenses in the face of impending invasion by Stannis Baratheon.[10]

Along with forty knights and squires including Hobber Redwyne, three hundred gold cloaks escort Petyr Baelish to Bitterbridge on his mission to treat with the Tyrells.[30]

During the riot of King's Landing, Ser Jacelyn and a wedge of mounted lancers charge down the streets in an effort to defend the royal party, while numerous others form lines of spears before the smallfolk. In total, nine gold cloaks are slain and forty wounded.[9] Tyrion sends Jacelyn to take Prince Tommen Baratheon into custody at Rosby, confronting his sworn shield, Ser Boros Blount, without bloodshed, and seizing Rosby to hold him there.[31]

Towards the end of his term, Janos had tripled the number of the gold cloaks, making them six thousand strong.[9] Despite this, the new watchmen are poorly trained, and many are drunks, brutes, or cravens who joined for the promise of bread. Also, as Kingslanders, few have love for House Lannister after the Sack of King's Landing.[10] Tyrion believes that only a quarter of them (fifteen hundred) are reliable as actual soldiers.[10]

When Stannis arrives and the Battle of the Blackwater begins, the Watch constitutes the bulk of the defending force.[32] When King Joffrey withdraws from the walls, the men break. Commander Bywater attempts to rally them, but is killed by his own men on the cusp of success.[33]

A Storm of Swords

After figuring casualties and desertions, the number of men available is down to forty-four hundred.[33] Command falls to Ser Addam Marbrand, Lord Tywin Lannister's daring cavalry captain. Despite problems with paying the men, Addam is forbidden by Queen Cersei from dismissing any from service.[33] Some who deserted in the Battle of the Blackwater return to the barracks, trying to take up service again, and Tywin orders Addam to break their knees.[34]

An honor guard consisting mostly of gold cloaks accompanies Tyrion Lannister when he welcomes Prince Oberyn Martell to King's Landing.[35] Gold cloaks manage the crowd of smallfolk at the wedding of King Joffrey to Margaery Tyrell at the Great Sept of Baelor.[36]

When being brought to his trial for the death of Joffrey, Tyrion is escorted by Addam and six watchmen rather than the Kingsguard, most of whom had testified against him. A hundred gold cloaks stand guard in the throne room.[37][38]

A Feast for Crows

Ser Addam is relieved to leave his troubling duties to join Ser Jaime Lannister in a mopping-up campaign in the riverlands.[39] In his place Cersei appoints the illiterate hedge knight Osfryd Kettleblack,[40] who is later removed by the small council after Cersei's arrest by the Faith of the Seven. In his place, they promote Humfrey Waters to lead the gold cloaks.[41]

A Dance with Dragons

The new Hand of the King, Lord Mace Tyrell, adds a hundred Highgarden men to the City Watch.[42]

Known Commanders of the City Watch

Known members of the City Watch

Quotes

Gold cloaks in Game of Thrones

Daemon gave us these cloaks, and they're gold no matter how you turn them.[17]

For the sake of the love I bear for Catelyn, I will go to Janos Slynt this very hour and make certain that the City Watch is yours. Six thousand gold pieces should do it. A third for the Commander, a third for the officers, a third for the men. We might be able to buy them for half that much, but I prefer not to take chances.[1]

It takes more than a gold cloak to make a watchman.[9]

Notes

  1. Lord Renly Baratheon, the master of laws, threatens to replace Janos Slynt as commander.[2]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 47, Eddard XIII.
  2. 2.0 2.1 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 27, Eddard VI.
  3. So Spake Martin: Military Questions, June 21, 2001
  4. 4.0 4.1 The Lands of Ice and Fire, King's Landing.
  5. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 32, Arya III.
  6. 6.0 6.1 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 3, Tyrion I.
  7. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 65, Arya V.
  8. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 17, Tyrion IV.
  9. 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 41, Tyrion IX.
  10. 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 49, Tyrion XI.
  11. Fire & Blood, Prince into King - The Ascension of Jaehaerys I.
  12. Fire & Blood, The Year of the Three Brides - 49 AC.
  13. Fire & Blood, A Time of Testing - The Realm Remade.
  14. Fire & Blood, Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Policy, Progeny, and Pain.
  15. Fire & Blood, Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession.
  16. Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens.
  17. 17.0 17.1 Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold.
  18. 18.0 18.1 18.2 Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown.
  19. 19.0 19.1 Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II.
  20. Fire & Blood, Under the Regents - War and Peace and Cattle Shows.
  21. Fire & Blood, The Lysene Spring and the End of Regency.
  22. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 7, Jon II.
  23. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 78, Samwell V.
  24. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 49, Eddard XIV.
  25. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 57, Sansa V.
  26. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 11, Daenerys II.
  27. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 69, Tyrion IX.
  28. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 5, Arya II.
  29. 29.0 29.1 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 8, Tyrion II.
  30. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 36, Tyrion VIII.
  31. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 44, Tyrion X.
  32. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 59, Tyrion XIII.
  33. 33.0 33.1 33.2 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 4, Tyrion I.
  34. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 19, Tyrion III.
  35. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 38, Tyrion V.
  36. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 60, Tyrion VIII.
  37. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 66, Tyrion IX.
  38. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 70, Tyrion X.
  39. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 27, Jaime III.
  40. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 28, Cersei VI.
  41. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 43, Cersei X.
  42. A Dance with Dragons, Epilogue.