The Second Strongest Vassal/House in the Reach After House Hightower in A Song of Ice and Fire

The political landscape of Westeros is deeply rooted in the intricate relationships among various houses, each vying for power and influence. One such region is the Reach, a fertile and prosperous area in southern Westeros, home to the powerful House Tyrell and other influential houses. In this detailed exploration, we will delve into which house besides House Hightower holds the second strongest position in the Reach according to the lore of A Song of Ice and Fire.

The Power of House Hightower

House Hightower, as the Lord Paramount of the Reach, is one of the most influential and wealthy houses in Westeros. Located in the strategically vital city of Oldtown, the capital of the Reach, the Hightowers have historically held significant power. Formerly home to the High Septons and the Citadel, these houses are deeply entrenched in the religious and historical fabric of Westeros.

Nevertheless, Who Follows Them?

After the Hightowers, the next strongest house in the Reach is a matter of debate among the lore enthusiasts and scholars. Here, we will analyze the potential contenders and their strengths.

The Wealth and Military Might of House Redwyne

House Redwyne stands out as a formidable contender. This house is renowned for its vast maritime wealth, commanding 200 warships and a thousand merchant ships. Its wealth and naval power make it a threat unmatched by many other houses. Despite not matching the Hightowers in terms of land ownership, House Redwyne's strategic wealth and military prowess render it a significant force.

Estimates suggest that House Redwyne's army size could surpass five thousand soldiers. This is comparable to the strength of other major houses, such as House Frey. The power of these warships and merchant ships alone underscores their military might, making them almost equal to the Hightowers in terms of influence and resources.

The Other Contenders

Other houses, such as House Florent, House Tarly, and even the Manderlys of the North and Royces of the Vale, also hold significant influence and followers within the Reach. However, their wealth and military might do not quite match that of House Hightower or House Redwyne.

House Florent

House Florent has an army size of approximately 2000 soldiers, which is ‘at best’ according to Stannis. While this is impressive, it still falls short of the strength needed to rival House Hightower or House Redwyne. They are more of a match for other major houses, such as the Karstarks.

House Tarly

Specializing in producing high-quality soldiers, House Tarly prioritizes military prowess. However, their numbers may not be comparable to those of House Hightower or House Redwyne. They are more of a military house than a purely wealthy one.

House Manderly and House Royce

The Manderlys of the North and the Royces of the Vale are also significant houses, but their positions in the Reach are less prominent. Their wealth and military strength are not as substantial as those of House Hightower or House Redwyne, and their influence is largely contained within their respective regions.

Conclusion

Given the criteria, it is most likely that the second strongest vassal/house in the Reach after House Hightower is House Redwyne. The vast number of warships, merchant ships, and the sheer wealth and military might they command position them as a significant contender in the political landscape of Westeros. Their potential army size of over five thousand soldiers further cements their place in the hierarchy of influential houses.

This conclusion is based on a detailed analysis of the available information and the relative strengths of these houses in the region. Further evidence and interactions within the narrative of A Song of Ice and Fire might provide additional insight into the true nature of their power and influence.