A Song Of Ice & Fire

The Dothraki Outriders are generally used as scouting forces, using their superior riding skills to spy on the enemy and ascertain the best way for the main army to attack. But once the battle has started, a whole new facet of the unit becomes apparent: they’re also master archers. Archers are generally slower units in an army. Obviously, that’s not the case when your archer is also a master rider.

There are many nobles in Westeros that don’t directly belong to any of the major or even minor Houses. They may have a title and some small wealth at their disposal, but they are basically landless, free to roam as they please. Setting them apart from your average vagabond is their ability to afford a suit of armor, a horse, and at least minor upkeep for both. These Hedge Knights, as they’re so known, often band together and offer their services to anyone willing to pay their price.