Warning: Our Game of Madness articles will include content from the five currently released A Song of Ice and Fire books and seasons 1-5 of HBO’s adaptation Game of Thrones. Some material from A Feast for Crows and A Dance With Dragons has not been covered in the show yet, but may be in season 6. If you aren’t caught up with the books and/or show, read on with care.
The Beaus of the Ball
8 spots of our final 12 have been filled; Qhorin Halfhand, Jon Umber, Jaime Lannister, Sandor Clegane, Brienne of Tarth, Victarion Greyjoy, Robert Baratheon, and Bronn have all secured spots in our regional finals. That’s quite the lineup but it’s even more impressive when you realize some of the very best have yet to stake their claims. Today, we finish off round two in the Far East and the South, where legendary fighters face off against the best of the current generation and one match pits two of our round one underdogs against each other to see who will be our Game of Madness cinderella.
The Far East
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1. Barristan Selmy vs 4. Syrio Forel
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Syrio Forel is an interesting opponent for Barry the Bold. We know the Water Dancer can take on armored knights, with relative ease to boot, but those knights were a far cry from Barristan Selmy. Syrio’s biggest advantage is his agility, it doesn’t matter if he’s small or not as strong, if he can’t be touched, he can’t be defeated. The guards he faces early in the series are heavily armored and most certainly not as quick as a prime Barristan Selmy. Barristan declares himself superior to five Kingsguards when he is relieved of his duties and we don’t doubt the claim considering all of his accolades.
That early battle with Syrio and his wooden practice sword is the one thing that gives the former First Sword of Braavos any chance in our contest and while it was impressive, it was a bit anticlimactic that he was (most likely) killed by Meryn Trant. But what’s more interesting is that Syrio isn’t the only person to put up a fight despite being out armed and out armored. Why, Barristan Selmy did it as well! And he actually survived in the end! After being removed from the Kingsguard and tossing his blade at Joffrey’s feet, Selmy managed to escape King’s Landing with just a dagger in hand, taking out Goldcloaks every step of the way. Not only did he escape with his life, but he later donned a disguise and snuck back into the city to update his entry in the white book at the White Sword Tower. Seriously, with every Goldcloak looking to capture or kill him, he decided to go back and update his resume before getting the hell out of dodge for good.
When you can take your opponent’s best thing going for them and one up it with ease, it’s a no brainer that you’re coming out on top.
Winner: Barristan Selmy
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6. Grey Worm vs 7. Jon Connington
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One of these fighters will be the Cinderella of our ball. Unfortunately, they’ll have to face Barristan Selmy in the Far East finals but regardless of how that match goes, it’s a good run. Fighters from Essos are at an immediate disadvantage to a knight from Westeros. They are lightly armored, though the Unsullied spears would give them favorable reach. It is stated that the Unsullied can fight in armor if need be, and this would help Grey Worm, but it would be a sudden change to his usual fighting style. He’ll last longer but it may not increase his chances of actually winning the battle.
The Unsullied are also meant to act as a unit on an open battlefield. They are more disciplined than any other rank of fighter, they feel no pain and have no fear, their training starts at a young age and is relentless. It’s a focused life they lead but it’s not one that prepares them well for one vs one combat. HBO’s adaptation has shown, however, that the show version of Grey Worm is more than capable on his own.
Despite the reach advantage, Grey Worm won’t be able to control this fight like he did against Strong Belwas. He may be able to keep Jon Connington at bay for a time but the knight will force his way in and once in range, Grey Worm will have no choice but to abandon his spear and switch to a short sword. At that point, the Griffin feasts, regardless of what type of armor Grey Worm dons.
Winner: Jon Connington
