While all the NPCs are drawn from Houses within the existing Game of Thrones canon, this is not an essential requirement for players. The Festival of Roses draws more than hundred guests from the surrounding parts of Westeros, including many knights, lords, and ladies from the other side of the nearby border with the Stormlands. Hedge Knights from near and far who have found themselves on Grassy Vale's doorstep are in attendance for the displays. And those wishing to curry political favour in the region, but without the pull to be invited to Highgarden, may use House Meadows as a stepping stone on their climb.
In other words: I am less interested in restricting your choices/concepts as players, if you can spin a good story.
Players are invited to decide amongst themselves if their characters know each other, if they come from a canon House, or one they created themselves, and what it was that brought them to Grassy Vale. Keep in mind, however, that everything - from your House name to your coat of arms and words - is subject to GM veto. Just for the sake of my sanity.
