RIVERLANDS (Kingdom of the Rivers and Hills)
The Riverlands are a central and fertile region in the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, located around the three forks of the Trident River and the northern Blackwater Rush. Known historically as the "Kingdom of Rivers and Hills," the region's strategic location at the heart of Westeros, along with the absence of natural defensive boundaries, has made it a frequent battleground. The people of the Riverlands, called "rivermen" or sometimes "riverlanders," are a diverse mix of resilient warriors, peaceful fisherfolk, and pious smallfolk. The lords of the Riverlands, often referred to as "river lords," are known for their quarrelsome and independent-minded nature. Rich in fertile land, the Riverlands are also crisscrossed by rivers that support extensive trade. Fisherfolk, grain barges, and merchant vessels use these waterways to transport goods, making the rivers an economic lifeline for the region.
Army: Approximately 20,000 – 35,000 men
WESTERLANDS (Kingdom of the Rock)
The Westerlands, located in the western part of Westeros, are ruled from Casterly Rock by House Lannister. Known for their wealth, the Westerlands are home to abundant gold mines, making them one of the richest regions. The people of the Westerlands, known as "Westermen," are renowned for their pride, ambition, and loyalty to House Lannister. While not as agriculturally productive as other regions, the wealth from their mines has allowed them to build powerful armies and support political ambitions throughout the realm.
Army: Approximately 35,000 – 40,000 men
STORMLANDS (Kingdom of the Storm)
The Stormlands, a region of rugged coastline and dense forests in southeastern Westeros, are ruled from Storm's End by House Durrandon. Known for their wild storms and rough terrain, the Stormlands produce hardy and battle-tested people. Due to their challenging geography, the Stormlanders have a long history of resilience and martial prowess. The forests provide timber, and the region is also known for its coastal fishing and trade, although it lacks the agricultural abundance of other regions.
Army: Approximately 20,000 – 30,000 men
DORNE
Dorne, located in the southernmost part of Westeros, is ruled from Sunspear by House Martell. Known for its hot climate, deserts, and rugged mountains, Dorne has a unique culture influenced by its proximity to Essos. The people of Dorne called "Dornishmen," are passionate, independent, and culturally distinct from the rest of Westeros. The region is famous for its spicy food, wine, and tolerance of diverse customs. Dornish armies, while relatively small, are known for their skill in desert warfare, and the region's geography makes it difficult to invade.
Army: Approximately 10,000 – 20,000 men
THE NORTH (Winterlands)
The North is the largest and one of the most rugged regions of Westeros, characterized by its cold climate, vast forests, mountains, and sprawling tundras. Governed from Winterfell, the ancestral seat of House Stark, the North has a culture heavily influenced by old traditions and the ancient religion of the Old Gods. The people of the North, often called "Northerners," are known for their hardiness, loyalty, and sense of honor. Unlike other regions, the North relies more on hunting, fishing, and animal husbandry due to its colder climate, with relatively little agriculture compared to the South. In times of war, the North can muster a sizeable force, though it is spread across a vast and challenging landscape.
Faith: The Old Gods
Army: Approximately 30,000 – 35,000 men
THE REACH (Kingdom of the Reach)
The Reach is a rich and populous region in southwestern Westeros, renowned for its fertile lands and abundant agriculture. Ruled from Highgarden by House Gardener, the Reach is considered the breadbasket of Westeros, supplying grains, fruits, and wines to the rest of the kingdom. The people of the Reach are known for their chivalric values, artistry, and dedication to knighthood, with many of the realm's tournaments and festivals celebrated here. The Reach has a large and well-equipped army and benefits from its favorable geography, which supports trade and naval power along its southern coast.
Army: Approximately 50,000 – 60,000 men
THE VALE (Kingdom of the Mountain and the Vale)
The Vale of Arryn, or simply "the Vale," is a mountainous and secluded region in northeastern Westeros, ruled by House Arryn from the Eyrie, a virtually impregnable fortress high in the mountains. The people of the Vale, called "Valemen," are fiercely loyal and skilled in mountain warfare. The Vale is somewhat isolated, and its economy relies on mining, herding, and some agriculture in its fertile valleys. The mountainous terrain makes it difficult for large armies to invade, providing natural protection.
Army: Approximately 10,000 – 20,000 men
THE IRON ISLANDS (Kingdom of the Iron Isles)
The Iron Islands, an archipelago off the western coast of Westeros, are home to a seafaring people known as the "Ironborn." Ruled from Pyke by House Hoare, the Iron Islands have a harsh, rocky landscape that offers little agriculture. The Ironborn are renowned for their naval prowess, raiding capabilities, and adherence to the Old Way—a culture centered around reaving and self-reliance. Their maritime skills make them formidable on the water, although their small population limits the size of their land-based forces.
Faith: The Drowned God
Armada: Approximately 5,000 – 12,000 sailors
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Hi, the author here. I'm just checking in to clarify any questions or address any misunderstandings you, the readers, might have.
The number of men each region can raise is based on estimates for the pre-Conquest era, a time when ongoing conflict and instability limited population growth among the smallfolk. Additionally, these numbers don't imply that such armies are invincible. For example, suppose House Whatever its name is can raise around 4,000 men. This force might consist of approximately 800 cavalry, 1,000 archers, 500 knights, and 1,700 levies.
However, not all troops would be equally effective in battle. The true combat strength lies in the knights (who can be considered "soldiers") and the cavalry, who are well-equipped and trained for warfare. Archers, though less heavily armored, only need to aim and shoot, making them valuable at range. In contrast, the levies are mostly untrained peasants, often equipped with basic or poorly crafted iron weapons and little to no armor. While they add to the overall numbers, levies lack the skill and equipment needed to perform effectively in combat, serving more as supplementary forces rather than a primary fighting force.
If you're wondering how the Reach could raise around 60,000 men on its own, while the combined forces of the Lannister and Gardener armies at the Field of Fire totaled the same, the answer is simple. The Reach is Westeros's most prosperous and fertile region, producing more food than any other. This abundance draws people to the region, boosting its population. However, just because the Reach can raise around 60,000 men doesn't mean it's safe; it's surrounded by enemies on all sides. To the west are the Lannisters, to the north the struggling Riverlords, to the east the Storm Kings, and to the southeast the Dornish—all eager to take a piece for themselves. As a result, the Reach must have left some men behind to defend their castles and lands. Similarly, the Lannisters of Casterly Rock must reserve some forces to protect against any future Ironborn incursions.
If you're wondering why the Vale can only raise 10,000–20,000 men, it's because the Vale is a highly isolated region. This isolation makes trade with other houses or regions difficult, if not nearly nonexistent. Additionally, the Mountain Clans continue to plague the Vale and its inhabitants, which means they must keep some forces behind to defend against these ongoing threats.
Thank you for reading, and may you have a wonderful day! I hope you'll continue to follow my novel, and if you have any questions let me know. (Side note: I'll officially release chapters containing the story next week. These first two chapters are just to give readers a better look at the situation in Westeros 1,400 years before Aegon's Conquest.)