Autumn is coming.

In this season of our show, House Banister has come to rule the AL Westeros with unmatched prosperity during a delightful spring and into summer. Dastardly House Moreno is old and weak and completely reliant on a magic Trout. In the North, King Felix is nothing but a drowned god. The Mad King Beane is nothing but an ancient memory. Only the bastards to the South pose a threat to the sigil of the "T."

The four houses chasing the iron throne (Illustration by Alex Fine / Contributor to The Dallas Morning News)

But House Banister has grander plans in this Game of Thrones. In the coming months, it plans to lay waste to the rebellious free city of Astros and the rest of the continent before either gaining revenge on the Giants of the Bay or the plundering the Maddon Men of the Midwest.

One thing to keep in mind, though: When you play the Game of Thrones, you either win or you end up dead, er, without a parade. And the King's Road is full of dangerous twists and turns.

Before autumn arrives, though, there is work to be done and there are stories to catch up, too. Midway through the season, our own Master of Whispers, the mysterious Lord Evan, has listened to all his little birds singing - and Tweeting -- across the land to gather information about what they have been up to and what lays ahead. He's gathered information from the Three-Eyed Raven and the Hand of the King Himself.

Here in a document, unsealed for the first time, sworn before the old gods and the new, is the Midseason Report on the House of Banister, known throughout the world as the Rangers.

Long may they reign!

All illustrations are by contributor Alex Fine.

Nobility

The best of the best in all the Kingdoms. Leaders among men. They pommel foes with swords made of Valyrian steel or Dragonglass. They wield ultimate power, whether at home or far flung in the field.

Nomar Mazara -- Daenerys Targaryen

Emerged from a Dothraki hoard early in our show to prove worthiness of being the kingdom's next great hope. He is first of his name, third of the order, Slayer of Angels, Biggest of Chills and King of the Domed Kingdom to Come.

Adrian Beltre -- Jon Snow

You can't kill the bastard. Stab him and the Lord Commander simply fights more ferociously. A master swordsman, there is no one better suited to defend the far corner of the kingdom. One difference: Nobody ever dare say: "You know nothing, Adrian Beltre." Or touch his head.

Ian Desmond -- Daario Naharis

Call him a sellsword, if you like, but he's become a major figure in our story, front and center, if you will. And there have been few better in the world at coming up with clutch sword swings when needed late in fights.

Elvis Andrus -- Arya Stark

Illustration by special contributor Alex Fine.

Began the show seven seasons ago as a precocious little child with some moments of humor. Endured some horrific moments, particularly Episode 5 last year of "The Battle with Toronto." This season, the story seems to be one of rebirth.

Sam Dyson -- Tormund Giantsbane

Red of beard and possessing the ability to throw a deadly spear, he is a force to be reckoned with, especially now that he's taken over for a former leader of the wild folk from the hinterlands. But too much fighting may wear him down.

Matt Bush -- Sandor "The Hound" Clegane

Illustration by special contributor Alex Fine.

The Hound has seen numerous atrocities and has been punished for his own past crimes, but he's been given a second chance to start anew. Has formed unlikely alliance with Tormund Giantsbane and Ser Bronn to rescue the Faceless Men of the Staff from the giant bonfire they mistakenly lit.

Cole Hamels -- Jaime Lannister

The Kingslayer has already struck down the evil King Felix once this season. The greatest swordsman in all the land, despite being left-handed. He leads the Order of the Rotation, whose numbers have dwindled lately.

Jake Diekman -- Ser Bronn

Swarthy and deadly. Distinguished himself in so many battles with his funky fighting style he earned a title: Ser Bronn of Wymore, Killer of Lefties, Master of the Eighth and Hand of the King of the Bullpen. He's been of great service to Jaime Lannister in finishing off opponents in both the North and now the West.

Colby Lewis -- Ser Jorah Mormont

Endured so many calamities, serious wounds, exiles and has been given up for dead more than once. He seems to come back stronger each time. Now, just as it looked like things were turning back in his favor, he's struck down once again. Will this be the last of him?

Knights

The lords may not rule the Kingdom, but they are integral to its success in the wars already fought and the war still to come. They deserve Seven Blessings for their work. Some have a claim to nobility, others only ambitions, but they are all loyal to the House of Banister and help it thrive.

Rougned Odor -- Tyrion Lannister

Illustration by special contributor Alex Fine.

Don't be fooled by the impish appearance, he's powerful and dangerous with a wooden club in his hands or his bare fists. Remember Bautista the Bat-Flipper, who fought under the sigil of the Blue Jay? He tussled with our hero and nearly wound up with his head on a spike at The Battle of Arlington. Why? Because a Lannister always pays his debts.

Tony Barnette -- Ser Davos Seaworth

Trusty, reliable and willing to play a subordinate role. Also, has traveled a great distance over the Great Sea to join the fight. Understands sometimes you must fail to succeed.

Ryan Rua -- Podrick Payne

Has squired for many of kings and noblemen and is advancing in skill and versatility. Knights who fight left-handed should be especially weary of this one -- he's slain a garrison's worth of them already.

A.J. Griffin -- Beric Dondarrion

How many times can he come back from the beyond? We hadn't seen much of him in several seasons, but he reappeared this season and was promptly struck down again. If he survives, they may sing great songs about him. Who knows? He might write them himself. Whispers say he plays a mean lute.

Robinson Chirinos, Bobby Wilson, Bryan Holaday -- The Night's Watch

These brothers are sworn to be the last line of defense from raiders reaching our home. Honorable men are hard to find for this job these days, but this platoon of men has been brave and noble. When one fell, others stepped in. The one who bears a physical resemblance to husky, bearded Samwell Tarly has been, just like Tarly, a most unlikely hero.

Jurickson Profar -- Grey Worm

Unshackled after two years, he remains Unsullied as the day he first appeared - a prospect beyond compare. He seems almost indispensable, but will he have to be sacrificed in order to acquire more experienced sellswords for the march on the Iron Throne?

Martin Perez -- Petyr "Littlefinger" Baelish

Illustration by special contributor Alex Fine.

The man who would be king. He's so close to attaining it all, but can he be trusted? He has risen from nothing to a noble position, second in command among the Order of the Rotation. Can he control his emotions to capture his throne or will he end up mad as a Bolton?

Foot soldiers

In the sea of humanity that spreads across the pitched battlefield, we often don't see the small contributions these warriors make and we often forget them when they fall. Though they may be faceless to us most of the time, they are there, though, nonetheless.

Prince Fielder -- Robert Baratheon

Swear upon the old gods and the new, he was royalty once and ruled with a powerful iron scepter. Now, mostly a forgotten figure. A mid-season cliffhanger: Will he be exiled or make a triumphant return from beyond? Right now, he's looking a stronger character.

Yu Darvish -- Bran Stark

He might very well be the Lord of the Mound one day, but after a traumatic injury, he's spent most of the last year on a mystical journey to heal himself. Will he be held captive there forever or will he warg into the dominant archer that was once told as his future?

Mitch Moreland -- Hodor

This giant of a man doesn't say much, doesn't have much of an ego, is willing to do what is asked of him and is extremely strong. And he's shown the ability to inflict real damage. It appears, though, this is the last season we'll see him in this Kingdom.

Shin-Soo Choo -- Benjen Stark

Illustration by special contributor Alex Fine.

Seven blessings. Missing and presumed dead for a long time, he has recently returned healthy. Looks like he is ready to resume title of First Ranger, a leading role. Is willing to walk miles and miles to return home.

Joey Gallo -- Gregor "The Mountain" Clegane

Freakishly huge, Freakishly powerful. Some even doubt he's human. He can do great harm - when he makes contact. Little birds tell me we'll see more in seasons to come - if he's not sold to another house.

Hanser Alberto, Delino DeShields, Jared Hoying, Justin Ruggiano, Brett Nicholas, Andrew Faulkner, Anthony Ranaudo, Jose LeClerc, Michael Roth, Chi Chi Gonzalez -- Dothraki Hoard

Occasionally sweep in from their home encampment in the Hill Country called the Kingdom of the Round Rock. But they are a nomadic people, usually overwhelmed by the prospects of long-term life in the big city, and return from whence they came. Minor characters.

Drew Stubbs -- Prince Oberyn Martell

Illustration by special contributor Alex Fine.

The Prince of 'Horns was quite quick on his feet, but when he was robbed of that quickness, he disappeared as fast as he arrived.

Wildlings

Unrefined and often undisciplined. Many came from the grasslands of the Round Rock, but are rarely capable of handling everyday life in the cutthroat world of Kingdom of the Major Leagues. There have been some notable cameos, but most often they fade in and out as forgettable extras.

Derek Holland -- Theon Greyjoy

Illustration by special contributor Alex Fine.

Ambitious, proud and too impulsive. So close to becoming a king, then lost it all. Was maimed by hounds, not by those of Ramsay Bolton, but rather his own. Seeks to restore honor to his name. Currently: Wounded.

Tom Wilhelmsen, Phil Klein -- Army of the Dead

Pray to the Lord of Light for they are lost to us now, no longer alive, but no longer dead. One of them went so mad, he refused pay then went back Northwest of The Wall from where he came. Now he walks among the White Walkers of Puget Sound.

Shawn Tolleson -- Jaqen H'ghar

Illustration by special contributor Alex Fine.

A deadly assassin only a year ago, he lost his nerve (or his changeup) and now has joined the Faceless Men of the Staff to find himself. Valar morghulis. With any luck, he'll soon join up with Tormund Giantsbane, The Hound and Ser Bronn.

Alex Claudio, Cesar Ramos, Nick Martinez, Kyle Lohse, Luke Jackson -- Faceless Men of the Staff

Illustration by special contributor Alex Fine.

A mysterious sect of men who are used mostly in thankless missions either when all hope is lost or when there simply are no other options. Through it all, though, one has worked his way into a temporary assignment to the Order of the Rotation.

Keone Kela -- Edmure Tully

Illustration by special contributor Alex Fine.

Been locked away in a cell for most of the season. Will he be released and lay claim to be one of the Lords of the Bullpen? Or will he run off and join the Faceless Men?

Twitter: @Evan_P_Grant