If the Riverlands had themselves a Gardener or Stark type dynasty who could create political unity and cohesion amongst the riverlords could they be the equal to the Reach? Would it help them that they have a coast on the right side of Westeros to take better advantage of trade with Essos? Would the Reach have even become what it was if faced with competition from a united Riverlands?

stevenattewell Uncategorized July 19, 2016 1 Minute

The equal of the Reach? No. Even at its full potential, the Riverlands can raise 45,000 men and the Reach has 100,000.
The equal of the Kingdom of the Rock or the Storm Kingdom pre-Aegon? Yes.
Having a coast on the eastern side of Westeros would help, assuming the Kings of the River worked to develop Maidenpool and Saltpans.
I think the Reach’s fundamentals were too strong to really prevent it from becoming a great power, but perhaps some of its wilder expansionist phases would have been limited.

Published by stevenattewell

Published July 19, 2016