Strategic Plans for Taking Kings Landing Without Dragons: A Detailed Analysis
Strategic Plans for Taking King's Landing Without Dragons: A Detailed Analysis
The traditional narrative often revolves around the use of dragons as the primary means of conquering King's Landing. However, let's explore a viable alternative strategy, especially in the event that the dragons perished at the Battle of Winterfell. This strategy, centered around the leadership of Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen, leverages a blend of military tactics, political maneuvers, and logistical support to achieve their objectives.
Strategic Objectives and Initial Moves
The first phase involves several key actions. Firstly, Arya Stark and the Night's Watch (now under the leadership of Jon Snow) must capture Euron Greyjoy, preferably alive, to gain leverage over the Iron Fleet and possibly incite rebellion among the Greyjoys. This is crucial for diverting Lannister and Golden Company (GC) resources and attention away from King's Landing. Furthermore, it is imperative to eliminate Cersei Lannister, the primary antagonist in Westeros, to undermine the Lannisters' control over the capital.
Securing Allies and Resources
After securing Euron Greyjoy, the next step is to secure the Iron Fleet. A hijacking of the fleet, with Euron's severed face as bait, could turn the tides significantly. This would not only provide a formidable naval force but also a powerful psychological weapon. Additionally, Jon and Daenerys should establish a temporary truce with Yara Greyjoy to leverage the Iron Fleet's support. Meanwhile, the remaining forces, including the Unsullied and Dothraki, could be deployed to patrol and defend the coasts, ensuring that any attacks by the GC or Lannisters do not come by sea.
Establishing Siege Parameters
Without dragons, traditional siege methods would be essential. Creating numerous siege ladders and other siege engines would be crucial. Jon and Daenerys can lay siege to King's Landing, hoping for a popular uprising against Cersei, much like the one that caused her father's demotion. The strategy is to wear down the Lannister and GC forces while waiting for domestic support to tip the scales in their favor.
Addressing the Siege Pitfalls
However, the traditional method of siege warfare requires substantial resources and time. With both Jon and Daenerys' forces diminished by battles, maintaining a high number of siege equipment and soldiers would be challenging. Additionally, the presence of the Golden Company and Euron Greyjoy with their extremely deadly ranged weaponry (scorpions) poses a significant threat. Utilizing the Iron Fleet to blockade King's Landing could also hinder any supplies or reinforcements reaching the capital from the sea.
Alternative Field Strategy
In the face of these challenges, a more active and field-based strategy becomes essential. The plan would involve drawing the Lannisters and GC away from King's Landing to a field of their choosing. This would be reminiscent of the Battle of the Trident, where Harry Strickland, the principal defender, would lead his forces against Jon and Daenerys with a slightly larger force, consisting of approximately 20,000 Vale knights, 5,000 Northmen, 3,000 Unsullied, and 2,000 Dothraki.
Executing the Field Maneuver
The aim would be to provoke a battle, thereby creating the opportunity to engage in a decisive cavalry engagement. Gendry, armed with his formidable warhammer, would face Jaime Lannister, the iconic opponent. Gendry's hammer deals substantial blunt damage, making him a formidable counter to Jaime's sword. The battle would culminate in a clash of steel, with Gendry's hammer proving decisive, killing Jaime Lannister.
With Jaime's death, the Targaryen forces, under the leadership of Jon and Daenerys, would push back the royalist forces. The plan would involve pinning the Dothraki and Northern cavalry against a spear wall, effectively neutralizing their charge ability. The resultant chaos would allow Jon and Daenerys' forces to gain a decisive advantage.
Final Siege and Capture
In the aftermath of the battle, with the royalist forces weakened, Jon and Daenerys would continue the siege. They would attempt to scale the walls using siege ladders and breach the portcullis of the Red Keep using a ram. The success of this plan would hinge on maintaining their momentum and coordination, ensuring that their forces do not become overly depleted or disorganized.
Concluding Analysis
This analysis provides a comprehensive and strategic roadmap for Jon and Daenerys to take King's Landing without dragons, leveraging a combination of diversions, naval superiority, and field maneuvering. The success of this plan would significantly impact the outcome of the war and potentially lead to the fall of Cersei Lannister and the establishment of a more stable and just rule in Westeros.