The Knights of the Vale: Would They Have Made a Difference Fighting for King Robb?

The Knights of the Vale, led by House Arryn, possess a storied history steeped in chivalry and prowess. Could these esteemed warriors have tipped the balance of power in the tumultuous War of the Five Kings by allying with Robb Stark? This strategic examination explores the potential advantages and challenges of such an alliance.

Advantages and Impact

The involvement of the Knights of the Vale would have provided several significant advantages to Robb Stark's cause:

Military Strength

The Vale of Arryn can boast a formidable military force. Their knights are not only well-trained and disciplined but also uniquely skilled in the art of combat. Their combat strategies and fighting styles could have complemented Robb's own tactics, potentially turning the tide in critical battles.

Strategic Positioning

The Vale's geographical position offers strategic advantages, particularly in terms of movement and supply lines. Controlling the Vale could have provided Robb with a buffer against southern threats, making it easier to fortify his northern stronghold.

Political Alliances

Support from the Vale would have strengthened Robb's political position, encouraging other houses to join his cause. This could have led to a more unified front against the Lannisters, significantly altering the landscape of the war.

Resource Access

The Vale is rich in resources, and their support could have provided Robb with additional supplies and funding for his campaigns. This would have bolstered his military capabilities, enabling him to wage a more robust war.

Challenges and Complexity

While the potential benefits of the Vale's support are substantial, it's crucial to consider the complexities of the political landscape. Several factors would have influenced whether the Knights of the Vale could maintain their support:

Political Trust and Neutrality

House Arryn's initial neutrality, heavily influenced by Littlefinger, and internal tensions within the Vale could have posed significant challenges. Without a solid political alliance, securing the support of the Vale would have been an uphill battle.

Leadership and Tactical Decisions

The decisiveness of leadership and tactical decisions would have played a pivotal role in the outcome of any alliance. How Robb and his advisors navigated these complexities would have determined whether the Vale's support could be leveraged effectively.

Analysis of the Vale's Capabilities

Assuming the Knights of the Vale had entered the conflict, their participation would have had the potential to reshape the War of the Five Kings significantly:

Fleet and Army

The Vale is not typically known for its naval strength, but it has a solid fleet that could rival that of House Redwyne. Their fleet's historical effectiveness, particularly during Aegon's Conquest, could provide Robb with a significant advantage. Additionally, the Vale's smaller size and more rapid mobilization capabilities would have allowed for a swift and powerful force to be brought to bear.

Traditional Cavalry

Unlike the North, which is largely infantry-based, the Vale has a deep tradition of utilizing knights and their formidable cavalry. Their cavalry units are considered among the toughest in Westeros, offering a versatile and powerful force on both offensive and defensive fronts.

Historical Alliances

During Aegon's Invasion, the Vale augmented their fleet with ships from Braavos, showcasing their willingness to form strategic alliances. This historical precedent suggests that the Vale could again ally themselves with other powerful houses to bolster their support for Robb.

Impact on the War

Assuming the Vale army entered the conflict quickly, they would have descended upon the Riverlands like a hawk. Their swift entrance and experienced leadership would have kept the eastern part of the Riverlands secure. By the time the two armies could meet in battle, the Vale army would likely have swelled to around 25,000 to 30,000 soldiers, a significant force.

However, Lord Tywin Lannister would face a decision: should he engage the Vale army now and deal with Robb afterwards, or retreat in an orderly fashion? Logistically, Tywin's best option would be to retreat and regroup, as fighting the Vale army would lead to heavy casualties and a protracted war. This would change the narrative of the war, as the Riverlands would still have a powerful army to rely on, and control might shift towards the army led by the experienced lords of the Vale.

Ultimately, the outcome of the war would depend on multifaceted factors, including leadership, alliances, and tactical decisions. While the Knights of the Vale could have made a substantial difference, their ability to influence the war would have been contingent upon these complex interactions.