This one came up today. If my opponent removes the Intrigue crest from Ser Balon Swann, does his ability still allow him to be declared as a defender for an intrigue challenge?

His ability says "you may declare him as the defender of an int challenge even if he's kneeling." and doesn't have any "he could normally participate in" text.

I was hearing that the Greatjon from Where Loyalty Lies could do this. Jump in on an intrigue challenge despite having no intrigue crest and the ability wording seems similar. We played as if he couldn't today just to be on the safe side but this may be important to know this Saturday.

Kingsguard said:

Since the ability specifies that he can be declared as a defender in intrigue challenges, it "preempts" the icon requirement.

Oh, excellent. Ser Balon just became that much more awesome…

Thanks for the info.

I like to view his printed INT icon as really only being useful if you'd like to use him as an attacker for an INT challenge.

Bomb said:

Almost would have made more sense not to give him an int icon at all. Mil + pwr and the ability would feel more kingsguardy.

Does Shagga son of Dolf's ability bypasses the icon requirement too?

Sure! Not many that couldn't anyways, but in case they've been orphaned or summat, Shagga helps 'em out.