It was tough for 'Game of Thrones' avid fans to deal with Oberyn Martell's untimely and unfortunate death, but all goodbyes lead to new beginnings with nine new characters set to join HBO's original series in its fifth season.

In a panel discussion held at Comic-Con 2014 in San Diego last Friday, directors and executive producers have announced the inclusion of nine new characters to some of the (still alive) characters: Tyrion Lannister, Jamie Lannister, Cersei Lannister, Jon Snow, Natalie Dormer, and Margaery Tyrell.

Following Prince Oberyn's death in a duel with The Mountain, the fifth season of George R.R. Martin's novel adaptation introduces Alexander Siddig as Doran Martell. He will be playing the role of Oberyn's older brother, who is also the ruler of the Kingdom of Dorne. Siddig also starred in 'The Fifth Estate', 'Da Vinci's Demons', and '24'.

Another newcomer, Tony Sebastian, is cast as Trystane Martell. He is the son of Doran and the sole heir to Dorne's kingdom. British actor and playwright DeObia Oparei will be Areo Hotah, a skilled long-axe captain guard. Enzo Cilenti, who played roles in 'The Fourth Kind' and 'In the Loop', is commissioned as Yezzen. He was a wealthy slaver before Daenerys had overtaken the trade.

Nymeria Sand is also a new character, portrayed by Jessica Henwick. Nymeria is the eldest illegitimate child of Prince Oberyn together with Tyene Sand (Rosabell Laurenti), who is skilled in using daggers. Keisha Castle-Hughes' Obara Sand is also the prince's bastard daughter.

67-year-old Jonathan Pryce is King Landing's High Sparrow, a pious and kind-hearted gentleman who always helps the poor. 'Game of Thrones' Season 5 is expected to return on HBO in Spring, 2015, after production finishes its filming, currently taking place in Spain.