Braavos

Referred to by some as the “Bastard Daughter of Valyria,” Braavos is by far the wealthiest and most powerful of the Free Cities of Essos. Perhaps the most powerful asset at Braavos’s command is the legendary Iron Bank. The Iron Bank’s power ensures the vast majority of the known world’s wealth flows into its vaults. With this wealth, Braavos has little to fear, as it can rapidly expand its military with battle-hardened mercenary companies, such as the Golden Company, to hammer their opponents into submission. If a hammer does not do the job, the Braavosi can turn to using Faceless Men to conduct the surgical removal of their opponents.

Braavos is also a leader in both trade and industry. Braavosi ships are amongst the most numerous that ply the seas, leaving no doubt of their seafaring heritage and naval prowess. The one thing that sets Braavos apart from all the other nations of Essos is its refusal to engage in the practice of slavery.

Location

Braavos is situated in a lagoon, and its sprawl is built up on hundreds of islands. They neighbour Pentos to the south, which they recently won a war against to banish slavery, and to the west their neighbour is the zealots of Norvos.

Religion

Being a trading city, there are various religions in Braavos, and at least one shrine for each one. The Temple of Black and White, Weeping Lady of Lys, and Sept-Beyond-the-Sea, to name a few.

Rulers

Sealord Ferrego Antaryon

Vassals

• First Sword Qarro Coletin

• Lord Master Tormo Fregar

• First Sword Tago Celeris

• First Sword Vigar Valtaris

Fiefs

Towns:

Braavos

Castles:

Beliros, Narralis

Villages:

Bahah, Purple Harbour, Andalos, Taengaris

Troop Tree

The Reach specialises in heavy cavalry and medium infantry. The Reach does have the best cavalry forces in the game, as they are the best armoured and most skilled, making them excellent for smashing through enemy lines. The Reach has practically no archers, as they only have one troop tree for them, and they are not very good compared to the other kingdoms. This means that the Reach gets its strength in flat-field battles rather than sieges, with their cavalry working perfectly with the flat landscape surrounding their lands. It is advisable to mount a full cavalry charge against your enemy as quickly as possible; after you have smashed through their formations, you will want to tell them to wait off to the side and then mount another charge. It is advisable to constantly do this.

Strengths

• The only faction with access to a crossbow horse archer.

Weaknesses

• No shields.

Unique, Location-Based Troops

The player can recruit the following special, elite troops if governing Braavos directly:

Faceless Men

The player can recruit the following special, elite troops if The Reach is chosen as the starting people:

• Faceless Men can be recruited from the Temple of Black and White if the player directly governs Braavos.
• Faceless Men are elite archery units who can also hold their own in melee combat. However, Faceless Men do not have shields and thus are more vulnerable to ranged, cavalry, and heavy infantry units.

Sealord Guard

• Sealord Guards can be recruited from the Master-at-Arms if the player directly governs Braavos.
• Sealord Guard are elite infantry, Excellent ‘bodyguard’ units.

Extra Information

• The Iron Bank is located in Braavos. The player can either take out a loan or deposit money and earn interest at the Iron Bank.