Most crannogmen were small of stature, skilled at guerrilla warfare in marshlands, and accustomed to using poisoned weapons. Thus, they were a nightmare to enemies invading the Neck and were also known as the "Marsh Devils."
Legend had it that the crannogmen once had their own king—the Marsh King. Blessed by the Old Gods, they also possessed special abilities like the Children of the Forest, such as communicating with animals.
It was said that the King in the North known as the "Smiling Wolf"—Rickard Stark—had slain the last Marsh King of the crannogmen and taken his daughter as his wife.
From then on, all crannogmen had submitted to House Stark, becoming one of its most steadfast allies.
[Robb:...]
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Led by Chief Reed, the crannogmen chieftains nodded to Gryn once more before rising together.
Next, Chief Howland presented His Majesty with a treasure of the crannogmen: a carefully polished, ancient Dragonglass dagger.
"..."
King Gryn graciously had Ser Brienne accept the crannogmen's gift, then rewarded each chieftain with a gilded Crabb shortsword.
The shortsword bestowed upon Chief Reed was set with a large emerald.
A royal feast was then held for the crannogmen chieftains, lasting until deep into the night.
Early the next morning, with the crannogmen acting as guides, King Gryn led his army along the Kingsroad and entered the Neck.
Apart from the main road, which could barely accommodate five horses abreast, both sides were entirely covered in wetlands and swamps.
Dense thickets stood soaked in fetid marshes year-round, with curtain-like fungal plants hanging between their branches. Gryn spotted many lizard-lions and giant snakes darting through them.
After marching through the Neck for two days, Gryn had to marvel at how it was a natural fortress. Any attempt to force a passage through would