[The Next Day]
It was mid-morning and the Royal guard was already assembled, hundreds of men manning the broad city wall. Some stood next to the Scorpions and Hwachas, while others stood with bows and quivers of arrows at their side. Below the wall, on the broad field that stretches from the city’s old gate, The royal guard were amassed. In the front were the officers distinguished from their Cohorts with their helmet plumes which ran side to side, while the legionaries ran front to back.
In the back sat Jacelyn, Joffrey’s vice commander and second in command. He wore his distinguished armor and memorable iron hand. All the soldiers were well disciplined and well outfitted, standing in tight line formations, with the walls covering their flanks. Everyone stood silently and soberly, not making a sound. The negotiations were going well, but Joffrey knew the northerners were a fickle lot and decided not to take chances. He ordered his entire force to be at the ready in case negotiations broke down.
Soon the old gate opened and out rode Joffrey still in his personal black and gold lion armor, surrounded by his kingsguard. Beside him was his beloved Sansa. After talks the previous night, Robb had requested to see his sisters, to see if they were as well looked after as his father. Joffrey agreed but would only bring one at a time in case he attempted something stupid.
As the nine riders made their way out of the city the royal guards parted ways for them, making a clear path to the open field before filing back into formation. After arriving at the front of the army Joffrey nodded his head to his officers who stood at attention. They then began to ride out toward the area where negotiations were to be held. As they rode however a loud sound filled the tranquil morning air, the sounds of war horns.
Suddenly thousands of northern soldiers, equipped with boiled leather armor, with wooden round shields and long swords came charging out onto the field. The sigils they wore were that of a white sunburst on black. Joffrey looked around stunned by the sudden turn of events, but quickly regained his composure. He grabbed the reins of the frightened Sansa’s horse, helping her regain control over the beast.
“Go! Go!” He shouted to his beloved and guards.
They quickly turned back around and rode back towards the city. As they approached the men separated again allowing them through, and opening the gates. As they rode by the men filled back in and braced themselves for the wall of northerners charging at them.
“Get inside Sansa!” He shouted to the girl and smacked the back of her horse, as she rode inside. Joffrey then looked up at the top of the walls.
“Archers!”
The men at the top of the walls then got into positions, readying the scorpions, Hwachas, and longbows. The gate closed behind Sansa, Joffrey led his horse to be near Jacelyn at the rear as the north soldiers continued to charge. The royal soldiers didn’t quiver or waver, but the expressions on their faces betrayed their anxiety. The north soldiers charging at them outnumbered them four to one after all.
The northman surged forward, hollering with collective violence that makes the ground tremble. Eight thousand soldiers descending on the young king and his men.
“Brothers! Formations!” Joffrey shouted.
Jacelyn and the Royal guards shouted in unison.
The royal soldiers readied their shields and lances, getting into their Phalanx formation. They covered the men to their left with their heater shields. Working as a single impenetrable unit, just as they had been trained in basic training. They stand at the ready as the wave of northmen clash against their battle line.
Chaos soon erupted as the wave of northern soldiers slammed into the southerners' shield wall. Blood and flesh erupted as the two sides collided, north soldiers jumping and climbing over one another trying to get over the tight formation, only to be met with spears. Atop the wall one of Joffrey’s officers gives out commands.
“Loose” He shouts and the archers let the arrows and bolts fly. A deadly swarm of hornets that rises towards the clouds before descending on the charging northmen.
Suddenly the north army is bombarded with hundreds of carbon steel tipped arrows. Hundreds of men fall, the royal guard let loose another swarm of arrows while others reload the scorpions and Hwachas. Many find their mark biting into the enemies throats and faces. Piercing their leather armor like a hot knife through butter.
The north army, so overwhelming mere seconds prior, is now struck with chaos. The men in the front turn back realizing too late that they’ve become targets. While men at the back still push forward. In this confusion of foot traffic the rain of arrows continue to fall killing more and more soldiers by the second.
At the back near the trees sat Lord Rickard Karstark and one of his banner man. He was wide eyed and completely baffled by the scene unfolding before him.
[The Night Before]
He had amassed all of his personal forces and the men loyal to him which made up more than half of the northern forces. He instructed them that once the blonde haired little shit king came out of the city they would slaughter his men and take him prisoner. All of this under the justification of getting Ned and his daughters back.
In truth he had lost himself to vengeance with the loss of his two sons to the Lannister forces. He had marched tirelessly to the royal capital thinking of nothing else but putting Joffrey, his siblings, and his whore mother’s head on spikes. But once they arrived their king had betrayed him. They obviously outnumbered the black armored cunts seven to one but he refused to attack. He had given up his family and the future of his house for the Stark king’s cause, and how did he repay him? By spitting in his face. He even had the gall to put his hand on his shoulder and preach to him.
It had filled him with such rage he was ready to spit bile. So while the other soldiers slept he gathered his forces and the few other lords that would listen to him, and instructed them on the battle plans. Only great Jon seemed to agree with taking the fight to the southerners, mostly out of concern that the king had wavered with his siblings and father being used against him. He agreed to help Lord Karstark with the battle, but refused to allow any of his sons or banner man involved with their treason.
Karstark had tried to persuade him to let his men fight as well, but the giant oaf just laughed at him.
“Don’t get it twisted my lord.” He said laughing. “I’m doing this for our king, not you.”
It frustrated him to no end, but ultimately he relented. They couldn’t use the horses thanks to lord Glover and his men overseeing them. Though with eight thousand men he assumed it was more than enough.
[Back to the Battle]
Karstark just continued to look stunned not knowing what to do as the carnage unfolded before him.
“Hold the line!” One of the officers at the front of the shield wall shouted.
The northerners continue to push against the shield wall which suddenly comes to a halt.
“Now!” The lead officer shouts.
The front of the line then as one pushed back the north soldiers. After creating distance the soldiers thrust their spears out, screwing the bewildered northern forces. All the Royal guards wore spring steel plated armor, and carbon steel forged weapons. They cut right through Northerners' boiled leather armor and ring mail. After the first line dropped the royal guards stepped forward interlocking their shields. They continued to push the northern troops back using the tactics they had mastered in their basic training and had practiced everyday.
The archers continued to fire arrows at the incoming enemy while the ground infantry pushed them back. Whenever a man would fall, one of the men in the rear line would fill in, so as not to leave a weak spot to be exploited. Joffrey watched from the rear surrounded by his kingsguard as his royal soldiers fought. They executed their formations flawlessly killing their enemies without hesitation and without mercy.
He knew they were going to win at this rate. Joffrey then looked up to the front of the battle line and saw a giant of a man sowing chaos in their formations. It was the same old man who had insulted him in the tent wearing heavy armor, carrying a giant round wooden shield the size of a door, and a two handed great sword he wielded with one hand. Joffrey could see clearly who this giant of a man was with one look, the great Jon Umber.
He forced his way through their tightly packed formations breaking apart their defense. Men followed behind him forcing their way through cutting down some of Joffrey’s men. His men started to grow frightened by the beast in human clothing, and started to back away. Joffrey could see this man was beginning to change the tide of the battle and had to be stopped. He cursed under his breath wishing he had brought Sandor with him to fight this monster.
Joffrey then reached down and grabbed a lance and shield from one of his soldiers. He then rode forward his men making way for their king, as his shocked kingsguard looked on. Jon looked up and saw the blonde hair little shit riding toward him. Joffrey raised up ready to skewer the giant. Great Jon slammed his giant shield into the king’s horse knocking it to the ground, causing Joffrey to tumble and roll into the dirt.
Joffrey scrambled to his feet readying his shield and drawing his sword ready to face the giant himself. Jon Umber beheaded a few of the royal soldiers who charged at him, before turning to face the young king. He had to admit the blonde haired cunt had more balls than he first thought, coming to face him alone.
He charged at him swinging his great sword down at him while the king got his shield up just in time. Jon’s sword cleaves into the shield, nearly splitting it in two. Joffrey stares down at the splintered shield before discarding it. The two foes circle one another while hundreds of soldiers fight around them.
“So you’re the young lion huh?” He asked mockingly
Joffrey doesn’t respond and remains focused trying to find a gap in the great oaf's defenses. Jon charges, swinging his great sword. Joffrey ducks underneath the blade and lunges forward trying to get on the inside. Jon quickly side steps out of the way despite his giant size. He goes for another overhead swing, which Joffrey meets with his own sword. The blades are forced down, Jon then backhanded Joffrey knocking him away making him spit blood.
Jon swings at him again as he back steps, before Joffrey goes for an overhead slash of his own. Great Jon brings his blade up horizontally blocking Joffrey’s attack. He then brought it up and forced it behind Joffrey’s back causing him to yell in pain and drop his sword.
Great Jon held him in a bear hug, his legs dangling above the ground. Joffrey then slammed his helmeted head against Non’s nose. Jon staggered back, blood spurting from his face, his nose clearly broken, anger filling his eyes. Joffrey stood before him completely disarmed, Jon brought his sword up ready to strike.
“My king!” One of his kingsguard shouted.
Two of his kingsguard then made their way out of the crowd of men and attacked the giant. He turned to face them and blocked their strikes with his sword. As they fought Joffrey looked around trying to find a weapon to defend himself with. Jon quickly beheaded the one, and then hacked and hammered at the other, before cutting him from collar bone to hip. He then turned to resume his fight with the king and was met with a lance through the gut. The spear pierces Jon’s armor driving through his belly and out his back.
Surprise filled his eyes as he coughed up blood. Joffrey twisted and shoved the spear in more like he was sticking a pig. The giant dropped his sword, seemingly succumbing to his injuries, before he reached out and grabbed the shaft. Jon then punched Joffrey in the face with his free hand forcing him to let go. He then breaks the solid wood of the spear like a twig.
Half a spear still sticking out of his back, Jon swings the shaft clobbering Joffrey in the head, sending his helmet flying. Joffrey completely dazed and disoriented falls to one knee, Jon beats him again behind the neck. Joffrey crawls forward blindly. His hands brush over his dropped sword. Jon reaches up ready to hit Joffrey again with a big swing, Joffrey then springs to his feet, severing the giant's arm just below the elbow, before driving it into his chest. Piercing right below his breastplate.
Great Jon vomits up more blood looking down at the lodged sword in his stomach. Jon then reaches out with his one remaining hand and seizes Joffrey by the neck. He hoists him up into the air determined to strangle the life out of him. Jon spits a giant wad of blood and smiles, his teeth washed in his own blood.
Joffrey attempts to kick off the giant and get free, but Jon’s fingers dig deeper and deeper into his throat. Joffrey’s eyes begin to flutter as he chokes, slowly losing consciousness. He began driving the sword deeper and twisting it. The giant yells in pain as he slowly slumped to his knees. The blood loss becoming too much for the old lord, his eyes finally rolled back dead. He topples over on top of the young king, his hand still locked on his throat. Joffrey undoes the dead man’s grip and squirms out from under his giant corpse.
Lord Karstark looks on in disbelief to Great Jon’s death. The Northerners began to panic with the great lord's death and started to break rank. The Royal soldiers become more confident seeing their king defeat the terrifying giant that started to push forward. The royal soldiers started routing the northerners as they became disorganized.
An exhausted Joffrey continued to cut down any northmen that charged him.
“Forward!” He shouted to his troops.
The men marched forward in formation stepping over the giant corpse of the north lord. Over top of their shields they thrust their spears at the backpedaling soldiers. They pushed their shields forward in a line formation knocking the men off their feet.
“Front line!” Jacelyn ordered.
Suddenly the front line of royal soldiers hurled their spears at the north troops. The spears pierced right through their weak armor and wood shields. They then drew their short arming swords closing the distance, and began hacking at the frightened troops. Their long swords became useless in such close proximity.
Joffrey picked up a fallen shield and began fighting with his troops. They hacked and clawed at the men, the back line of men piercing any still breathing enemy soldiers. Arrows continued to rain down on the dwindling enemy forces. Hundreds of corpses watered the ground.
“Retreat!” Some of the enemy troops started to shout.
The enemy troops then began to turn tail and run back towards the safety of the trees. As they turned to flee the royal soldiers chased after them. They ran the fleeing men from behind with their spears, and gutted any stragglers with their swords.
Then men on the wall cheer and embrace each other as brothers.
Joffrey, still on foot, leads his men as they chase down the fleeing north forces. Several thousands of north soldiers laid dead across the battlefield. As they chased the fleeing men down, Joffrey could see reinforcements in the horizon. The remaining northern forces were now armed and armored, some on horse back and making their way towards them. Joffrey quickly got to the front of his troops and ordered them to stop.
“Men halt!” He shouted which they obeyed without question.
“My king! We have them!” One of his officers shouted, wanting to continue the pursuit.
“Their reinforcements have arrived.” He pointed out to the clueless officer. “They have heavy cavalry. Fall back to the safety of the walls!” He ordered.
He knew their Phalanx formation would be useless if the northerners used their cavalry to outflank them. They would end up running through them like piss through snow.
“Fall back into lines!” The officer ordered.
The men obeyed, getting back into formation, and slowly backpedaling toward the walls of the city. The northmen came charging out of the forests ready to avenge their fallen comrades. The Calvary came out ready to ride down the southern cunts. Suddenly Robb Stark rode out in front of them waving his long sword, stopping his troops.
“Halt!” He ordered which his men obeyed and stopped.
He then turned and looked upon the carnage that unfolded in his absence completely awe struck.. Thousands of his troops laid dead upon the field, more than half of his army. The battle had started while he was still preparing for their meeting. By the time he had gotten his remaining soldiers for battle and rode out the fight was already over.
He then looked and saw that Joffrey’s forces hadn’t diminished even by half. He looked across the battlefield and saw him at the head of it. His face was bruised and bloodied and his armor gleamed in the blood of his soldiers. The two kings stared at one another not uttering a single word. Then as if having had a silent conversation both men turned toward their own troops.
“Back to the city!”
“Back to camp!”
The pair then turned back looking at each other again before nodding their heads and turning and leaving. The two armies then turned from opposite directions and made their way back home. The tale of what occurred that day would forever go down in the great histories of Westeros. When a force of a mere two thousand slaughtered and defeated an army over twice their size. It would forever seal the legend of the Royal guards who would henceforth be feared as the king’s reapers.
Whispers of what actually happened would fill great halls and taverns for years to come. Some believed that the king had conjured the power of the stranger to strike down his enemies. Others believed Joffrey had used blood magic to strengthen his forces. While even more ridiculous rumors sprung up. Not many were willing to believe that victory came thanks to a combination of great strategy and brave men.
Though that was a tale for another day.
I'm kinda glad, that a fight still happened. This has multiple advantages for Joffrey:
Experience: His troops got experience on the battlefield, which brings the survivors closer and makes them more effective for the next time.
Reputation: His Army got a reputation as elites, that defeated more then double their own number, with little losses. He got a new reputation, from "the blonde little shit" to "the young lion"
Negotations: He has a big advantage in the coming negotations, because he showed his capabilites and the northmen broke their word.
And this is all only what I came up with on the fly. So, war=good for Joffrey (at least this battle)
Also it would have been kinda anticlimatic, without any combat after Robb came with his troops all the way here.
I wish you would have had the MC be more logical so that I didn't feel he had plot armor 7 miles thick.
The logical decision would be to ride out and meet great Jon in 1v1 combat? Our nearly untrained adolescent king, would surely have no trouble against one of the single strongest and fiercest fighters in all the realm?
The whole fight, it wasn't anxiety or tension I felt, but boredom. Of course the MC will come out victorious, it's HIS novel. But why do I feel that the MC knows this fact as well?
I disagree, while yes I doubted he would lose there was still the question of "what would his victory cost?" An arm or leg? Maybe even a large portion of his army?
Yes he'd win, but at what cost?
And that was the logical decision, to ride out and take on Jon was needed both because Joffrey is both the best trained fighter and his army needed a morale boost. And seeing your leader on the front lines is about a big of a boost as you can get.
Also he isn't "barely trained" he's been training in sword fighting for months longer than any of his soldiers, and before that he was in a modern day military. I think those have to count for something.
@Isekai_Protagonist
I'm pretty sure we all knew the REAL stakes in that fight, the MC was gonna be fine but as you said, 'at what cost'. The cost was barely some soldiers apparently.
He was already with his army, a smart commander DOES NOT ride out to combat and face foes 1v1, regardless of any possible ego/morale boost associated. This is a myth from media, the shining commander leading the vanguard is not only bullsh*t its the quickest and most efficient way to have your most important people killed.
The best trained combatant on the MCs side is Himself who has wielded a sword for less then a tiny fraction of what he would have trained with any firearms in his previous life? Against a battle hardened veteran, who also happens to be rumored to have giants in their ancestry, along with freakish strength? But your right, maybe the advantage the MC has is his amazing training (either pitifully short with sword, or inconsequential with firearms) and not the advanced metallurgy or techniques and technology.
Why not ride into combat instead of shooting him with arrows (pretty big target for a scorpion bolt) or just tiring him out, what could go wrong in a messy battle?
If he's 'completely' unscathed afterwords, is it plot armor?
@NuggerNaut
a smart commander DOES NOT ride out to combat and face foes 1v1, regardless of any possible ego/morale boost associated. This is a myth from media,
That's not true lol.
While its true it would backfire by a sh*t ton if the leader of the army were to be killed or defeated.
And it is true a "smart" commander does not ride out to battle, but rather only the greatest commander who have the balls and skills to do so, or rather successfully and killed in action.
Especially in a era of sword, spear and bow, instead of modern warfare where anybody can die to a shrapnel or random flying bullet, or artillery strike 20km away.
Any "historian" for fun especially those who enjoy medieval warfare can give several example in ancient time of where commander or higher figurehead of an army going out to battle and risking death all for morale boost, or ego boost according your words, if not simply to help out the fight.
An evidence i can easily give that would be Khalid Ibn Walid and Prophet Muhammad.
The first guy was a general of the army and renown for being the greatest warrior of his era and even all time. Undefeated, fought hundred of sword duel and never lost, etcetera.
Prophet Muhammad was basically an equivalent of Pope in Christian, or King or Emperor but the consequences if he were to lose or die in battle is many times more severe, which he didn't.
If a King die, either his heir or some cousin of another grandfather would inherited the throne.
But if the "founder" of the Islam (for a lack of better word) were to die, especially during the early day of Islam before it grew big and when their back were on the wall, it would be seen as another cult and would die out like every other dead cult.
Also for other questions, there probably a typical n obvious reasons for it.
Like why did no one shoot arrow at him?
Beside the fact that was the front line, not a video game where archer can accurate shoot at another human being in a uncontrollable environment, as the risk of friendly fire = damaging morales is too damn high.
@Bobisekaibulshitto
Don't list 2 exceptions to the common sense rule I asserted and have that be the reason his choice was logical.
Do I need to list the umteenth thousands of comanders and kings and generals throughout all of strategic warfare that were killed on the battlefield, ultimately loosing that battle for them, for my point to stand?
It was a dumb decision that worked out because he is the MC of a novel. Does my statement mean crazy, improbable stuff doesn't happen in 'real life'? Nope.
It means it was a dumb illogical decision. If I walk blindfolded across the highway will I be hit by a car every single time? Nope. Was it still a dumb, reckless and illogical decision? Yep.
@NuggerNaut
Don't list 2 exceptions to the common sense rule I asserted and have that be the reason his choice was logical.
Well thats ret*rded.
If you don't want to accept a (main) character in a fan fictional story to do "impossible" achievement that was historically achieve in our real world, then this story will never satisfy you lol
Just do what other normal people do and drop the story, and move on with your life.
@Bobisekaibulshitto
By all means, do the impossible. I am reading a reincarnation novel about a second life in a fictional story afterall.
But I stand by my original comment, the MC actively and consciously chooses an illogical action on a chaotic battlefield. That decision is All that more stark when compared to the common sense and realism that was being brought to the novel previously.
You reasoning is that because it's happened a handful of times before successfully, it's not a stupid decision that relies on luck. My reasoning is that it is ultimately a dumb decision to have the MC make because it relies on plot armor for me to believe the outcome.
But to each their own
@NuggerNaut lets see
the MC actively and consciously chooses an illogical action on a chaotic battlefield
1) The m.c has a "good" talent and skill that is praise by one of the greatest swordman in the series despite his age, whathisname. Obviously the mc gonna be the strongest warrior
2) He also already exp life and death fight, so he won't panic mid battle and accidentally trip and cut his neck w his own sword.
3) Hes fighting his first battlefield in a "control environment", far from chaotic when compare to the average battlefield in the series, sooner or later he have to fight his own battle, so might as well gain an experience in a "safe" environment, fighting in front of his city gate where he can retreat when the worst case scenario happen, their back is facing a wall so the enemy won't just magically appear behind their back and destroy them with shock cavalry, their troops are fully rest, etc.
4) he is most likely to be captured to be ransom than he is to be killed. Or at least he won't be killed on sight in other chaotic battlefield. Because they need him alive to save ned stark and his daughters.
5)
Despite being equip with high quality weapon and armor,
Despite receiving strength and conditioning training that basically make look and physically perform like supersoldier when compare to other army across the kingdoms,
Despite their top discipline that make other army look like bunch of undisciplined thugs, their training in martial arts, warfare and tactic & formation that originated from a superpower country, an empire that dominate the world with those battle formation, tactic and fighting style,
Despite all of those advantages... at the end of the day, they are still bunch of greenhorn when it comes to the war.
The royal soldiers didn’t quiver or waver, but the expressions on their faces betrayed their anxiety.
Even a cold battle harden veterans warrior still fear death if they were in their position if 8k enemy came running into them.
What makes you think a bunch of (legionnaire) recruits who have no experience in war other hand killing bunch of gold cloak who let their guard downs, will be able to hold the line against 8 thousand angry man until their death?
Because they can deadlift their bodyweight for 10-20 reps and do jumping jack? Means shit.
But if someone they deeply respect and admired were NOT to order them to fight while sitting behind the wall, somewhere safe but order them WHILE fighting alongside them, it can either make or break a guaranteed defeat.
Morales are much more important in war than anybody in this comment section including myself realize. A soldier can have a belly full of mead, warm meal, a roof on top of their head, shit, go ahead give them wifi and whores, but if their morales are crippled, the army are destroyed before the battle even started.
6) also, probably half of his army are outside the wall, two thousand was it?
So by not staying outside, he will risk most of his army being destroyed.
I mean could the author done a better job?
Sure. Maybe. I'm not that good of writer...
Is it illogical and unrealistic for a commander of an army to go out and fight the battle alongside his men?
f*cking no...?
But sure, agreed to disagreed, just a fanfiction.
@Bobisekaibulshitto
Know what can really destroy morale more then ANYTHING else?
Watching the person that leads you get chopped in half by a freakish half-giant.
The MC made a really bad call to have his first real fight in a 'Controlled environment' (don't agree on principle with that assertion, but i get what ya mean) with one of the most physically powerful combatants (that was apparently threatening to single handedly dismantle a phalanx of thousands) in a battle where he and his army is outnumbered.
It's OK that he's in the battle, that would be the only way he could direct the battle. It even makes sense that he would be fighting foot soldiers with his troops for experience. Its NOT OK that he charged head-on to the most dangerous and physically strongest combatant for his first real life an death fight with a sword
It was a dumb call. Period.
I'm OK with this just turning into a 'god-king' MC novel with wish fulfillment around every corner and power creep steeper then everest, but I'm starting to love it because it's a fairly logical look into enacting this MC plans and goals in this world.
Sorry this isn't as comprehensive as I would like, but I'm on my phone now and all the constant scolling to re-read your comment is driving me mad lol.
@NuggerNaut Honestly i agree whit both sides he should go down there for the morale boost but shouldn't have taken that fight 1 on 1 as he was likely to lose (a few months of sword training and body training souldn't stand a chance to the half giant and he doesn't only winning by his opponent getting distracted at the right time) and that would have routed his army as well he should have taken his kingsguard who where whit him when he first left the city whit him to protect him and let baristan deal whit the half giant while he kills other north man that would be the best option in that situation (i mean even the MC thinks about sending the hound to fight in his stead be since he isn't there he decides to do it himself. Why? He has his teacher / sworn shield who he has never beaten in practice right there why not send him or at least take him whit you) even in those real life examples those comanders in the front line always had there personal guard whit them (unless they all died protecting their charge) so MC going truly alone while his kingsguard are there is indeed moronic / suicidal.
Conclusion i don't think MC is dumb for going out but for not using the best fighter in his army / the realm. Where is Baristan during all this the man has ONE job both as commander of the kings guard and as sworn shield and that is to keep the MC safe and we know he was there as mc was riding whit his kingsguard to the peace talks when this started jet he disapears when the fighting starts and doesn't help his king at all at this point he really should retire as he is clearly useless (other than as an instructor)!
P.S. @Bobisekaibulshitto on your 4) (they are specifically comming for his head in this case and he should know it based on the fact that only half the army is charging and they all have the sigils of the lord he knows (from meta) has lost his sons and wants revenge for it while his peace talks whit rob where going well and he knows the guy is more honerable than this so it isn't a normal case where he would be captured)
@Bobisekaibulshitto another example for historical Leaders would be Alexander the great who threw himself several Times into Battle and Always came Out alive and establisched an huge Empire which sadly Fell after his death with no succesor.
Also i could think that a Scorpion or / and a Hwacha Barrage on the troops Backing The great Jon could have Taken him his protection to his Back which would have forced him to either slow down or get slowly encircled and stabbed to death.
That would in my opinion also BE an Option while not as efficient als one on one Combat though. Feel free to disagree
@NuggerNaut You can also consider his reputation. In this world he needs to be feared and respected. He won't gain any of that if he's known to hide behind his army even if that is the more logical thing to do(something I agree with), especially since his enemy, rob stark, has already gained a massive following thanks to his growing reputation as a prodigy with tactics and fighting on the front lines. Being known as a brave and fearless ruler in this world would get you a lot if used right.
@Rayodino how use full is it really i mean in the original the boltins stab him in the back and in this he loses about half his army to an unauthorized attack by one of his commanders i can really feel the fear and respect they have for him LOL
The reputation might help but isn't so important that it's worth to try the 1vs1 and not bring his kingsguard i stay by my point he should bring them an fight some of the normal soldiers whit them close by while baristan takes on the half giant that way he gets some rep by fighting in the front while staying relatively safe