A Song of Ice & Fire

The horsemen of Winterfell are well known for their expert riding skills. Though Stark Outriders eschew the heavier armor of many other mounted units, what they lose in durability they more than make up for in maneuverability and speed. Not ones to be bogged down by enemy forces, they can quickly distance themselves from their foes, ready to charge back in again on a flank.

The great Houses of Westeros had many other, smaller Houses that paid fealty to them. These bonds could be quite strong, reinforced by marriage. When House Stark sent out its ravens to call their Bannermen, House Tully was quick to lend their arms to the cause. In battle, the Sworn Shields would lock their shields together, side-by-side, creating a nearly-impenetrable wall, on which even cavalry charges could be halted.

The Starks are known to be dependable, resilient, and  above  all, loyal. This goes double for their leaders. These warriors from House Stark lead the armies of the North in the War of the Five Kings. Each one under the Direwolf banner is an expert in some part of military engagement. 

If the Lannisters are known for one thing, it’s their deep pockets. Their wealth lets them afford only the best when it comes to arming and armouring up their troops. Halberds tend to be a relatively cheap weapon to produce, but those made for Lannister troops are still of the highest quality, almost guaranteed to never break, even when receiving a charge from enemy cavalry. And receiving a charge is just what these men are trained to do, and do it well.

Wars are fought with money, and in the War of the Five Kings, none of the Great Houses are more financially equipped than the Lannisters. They outfit their troops in the best armor and arm them with the finest steel. But troops still need leaders. 

Speed is often the deciding factor in combat. The one that can get in a good, strong strike against their opponent will be at an advantage for the rest of the battle. The swift Ranger Hunters excel at lightning-fast strikes. Using either their short bow or their trusty daggers, they conduct rapid raids against enemies. However, that speed comes at a price in terms of armor. If caught in a protracted engagement, the favor quickly tips against them.

In Westeros, its not just the men that will put their lives on the line out on the battlefield. Especially for the Free Folk, everyone is expected to do their part, and thats why the Spearwives units are created. But far from just feeble extras, the Spearwives have trained extensively with their weapons of choice, and can be just as deadly as any other soldier. Their short spears are light enough to even be thrown at the enemy, letting the Spearwives cut them down at range. But the real danger comes when they charge. Their sharp spears, with the momentum of a running start, can pierce even the toughest armor. Adding a seasoned Spearwife Matriarch to the unit only enhances their maneuverability.

One thing remains true for the unaligned forces in the War of the Five Kings, whether they’re fighting for coin, self-interest, or simple survival, they always remain true to themselves. They are a wild card that can be added to any army in the game.