Quote:
Originally Posted by Mandalore93
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Say it with me people, it was not Theon's plan to take the north. The reason he was sent to Pyke in the first place is twofold. Firstly, he's Balon's son. Secondly he's the one who came up with the alliance plan for the Islanders to attack the Westerlands.
Secondly, at the time of Roose taking command, he's done nothing treasonous that anyone's heard of. Even his eccentricities aren't known given his "quiet rule" policies. He's a seasoned commander and known for being level headed and a man who thinks. He is the logical choice at the time in comparison with the other idiotic lords. Even after he pretty much defies what Robb thinks he would do...he can't be relieved. He's one of the most powerful bannermen that Robb has. This isn't a centralized state where you can just pull generals left and right.
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Balon is known to hate the Starks and to be vindictive. There is a 0% chance that Theon can convince Balon to join the Northern cause, and Robb should've been smart enough to know that. Balon's reputation isn't exactly a secret. By sending Theon, his only potential leverage over the Iron Islands, he's almost guaranteed that his coastline will be raided.
As for Bolton... you've made the case perfectly for why he shouldn't have been sent. He sent his most powerful bannerman to lead the larger portion of his host, with the Frey men. Frey is known to be deceitful (Cat doesn't trust him and has known him her entire life), and while I don't think Walder planned on betraying Robb until his marriage to Jeyne happened, it still wasn't adding up. Combine that with the very real possibility of feudal rebellion (how many minor lords have revolted against their King / Earl etc when given the opportunity) by Bolton, and he was setting himself up for failure. In short, the Young Wolf wanted Greatjon Umber to lead his other host and he should've trusted his first instinct. Never trust the man who has the most to gain from your failure.
PS: I hope in the show the Blackfish rides into battle playing Ride of the Valkyries on a lute as he dismembers the entire Bolton army, proceeding to flay Roose and Ramsay alive with a potato peeler. Picture Apocalypse Now with more brutality.