Robb's Rebellion: Red Wedding Alternative

Fanfiction writers have explored the idea of what would have happened if the Red Wedding had never taken place. In George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series, the Red Wedding is a pivotal event that shapes the trajectory of the story. The wedding is a plot by Tywin Lannister, carried out by the Freys and the Boltons, to eliminate Robb Stark and his forces. However, in fanfiction, this event is averted, and the story takes on a different course.

In these alternative narratives, Robb Stark survives the Red Wedding and continues his campaign, seeking to retake the North and confront the Lannisters. With the Riverlands still under Tully control and the Freys and Boltons facing retribution for their betrayal, the balance of power shifts. The Lannisters, now without their secret weapon, must contend with a resurgent Stark force.

The fanfiction explores various possibilities, such as Robb executing Walder Frey and Roose Bolton for their treachery, forming alliances with other houses, and even offering terms to Stannis Baratheon, the true heir to the Iron Throne. The absence of the Red Wedding creates a ripple effect, altering the fates of key characters and reshaping the political landscape of Westeros.

Robb Stark's plan to retake the North

Robb's plan to retake the North is likely to be successful, as he has the support of the Riverlands and the North. However, it is unclear how long the North-Riverlands alliance can hold against the Lannister-Tyrell alliance. The Lannisters are dealing with internal conflicts, such as Joffrey's ineptitude and Tywin's death, which may cause chaos in the South and provide an opportunity for Robb to take back the North.

Robb's return to the North may also impact other regions of Westeros. For example, Tywin Lannister may try to negotiate a peace with Robb, offering to return Ned Stark's sword and blaming the Freys for conspiring against Robb to regain his trust. He may also try to send Sansa back to the North, either by annulling her marriage to Tyrion or sending Tyrion with her as a spy.

Robb's decision to break his promise to marry one of Lord Walder Frey's daughters may have consequences, as it calls into question his credibility and willingness to uphold alliances. This may make it difficult for him to form future alliances or gain the trust of key allies, such as Stannis Baratheon and Howland Reed.

Overall, Robb's plan to retake the North seems feasible, but it is important to consider the potential impact on alliances and the changing dynamics in Westeros.

The Lannisters self-destruct

The Lannisters are one of the Great Houses of Westeros, one of its richest and most powerful families, and one of its oldest dynasties. Their unofficial motto, "A Lannister always pays his debts", is used much more often than their official motto, "Hear me roar!".

The Lannisters' power and influence are bolstered by their vast wealth, derived from their rule over the Westerlands and their ownership of Casterly Rock, which sits atop the most productive gold mine in the region. They are also known for their advanced military equipment and large fleet, which is berthed at Lannisport.

However, the Lannisters' military strength has been significantly depleted over the years due to their involvement in various conflicts, including the War of the Five Kings and the Last War. Despite their formidable resources and reputation, the Lannisters are not without their flaws and vulnerabilities. Internal strife, disloyalty among their bannermen, and incestuous relationships within the family have contributed to their decline.

In the absence of the Red Wedding, the Lannisters may have continued their downward spiral, exacerbated by their debts to the Iron Bank of Braavos. Their internal conflicts and external enemies could have further weakened their position, leading to their self-destruction.

With Tywin Lannister's death, the family loses its ruthless and strategic leader. Tyrion, the youngest son, becomes the head of the family but faces challenges due to his dwarfism and strained relationships with his siblings, Cersei and Jaime. Cersei, driven by paranoia and a desire for power, makes questionable decisions as Queen Regent, alienating potential allies and causing further division within the family.

The Lannisters' enemies, such as House Stark, House Martell, and House Greyjoy, could exploit these weaknesses and work together to bring about the Lannisters' downfall. Additionally, the Lannisters' debts to the Iron Bank of Braavos could lead to financial ruin if they are unable to repay their loans.

The Lannisters' self-destruction could manifest in several ways:

• Internal Strife and External Enemies: The combination of internal conflicts and external threats could lead to the Lannisters' downfall. With Tywin's death, the family loses its strong leader, and Cersei's questionable decisions as Queen Regent may further alienate allies and create divisions.
• Financial Ruin: The Lannisters' debts to the Iron Bank of Braavos could be their undoing if they are unable to repay their loans. This could lead to the bank calling in its debts, causing financial ruin for the family.
• Loss of Military Strength: The Lannisters' military strength has already been significantly depleted due to their involvement in various conflicts. Without the element of surprise and the advantage of numbers, they may struggle to maintain their dominance.
• Incestuous Relationships: The incestuous relationship between Cersei and Jaime, and the resulting children, Joffrey, Myrcella, and Tommen, has created tensions and strained alliances. This could lead to further instability within the family and provide an opportunity for their enemies to exploit.
• Power Struggles: With Tywin's death, Cersei and Tyrion may engage in a power struggle, each trying to assert their authority and influence over the family. This could create further divisions and leave them vulnerable to external threats.

Robb's alliance with Stannis

Robb Stark's alliance with Stannis Baratheon would have been a difficult one, fraught with internal conflict. Stannis's followers had become ruthless fanatics, wishing to spread their faith and destroy false gods. The Northmen, on the other hand, were very proud and stubborn and would not take kindly to any demands to betray their faith.

Stannis was willing to use any means necessary to achieve victory, while Robb wanted a 'good' victory, not one that compromised his morals and honour. Robb would not have stood for the things Stannis was willing to do, such as blood sacrifices, witchcraft and kinslaying. Additionally, Stannis would have expected Robb to bend the knee, seeing him as a subordinate rather than an equal. Robb would have struggled with this, having been crowned King in the North.

However, some fans believe that Robb's alliance with Stannis could have worked, as long as Robb bent the knee. Stannis was practical-minded and did not force his faith onto his allies and followers. He was also willing to make concessions to avoid offending his allies. Robb and Stannis also shared some similarities—both were implacable, although for different reasons, and both were committed to their responsibilities.

If Robb had allied with Stannis, it is likely that they would have quickly defeated the Lannisters and Tyrells. Stannis could have offered to betroth his daughter Shireen to Quentin to gain Dornish support, completely surrounding all territory held by the Lannisters and Tyrells. With Winter coming, Stannis would have had little desire or ability to burn down the weirwood trees of the Northern houses.

However, Robb and Stannis would likely have clashed eventually, and it is doubtful that their alliance would have lasted.

Robb's marriage to Cersei

In a fanfiction where the Red Wedding never happened, Robb Stark could have ended up marrying Cersei Lannister. This is a possible outcome suggested by a Reddit user, who also mentions that Robb would eventually die of "chamber business".

In this scenario, Robb's marriage to Cersei could have come about as a result of political alliances and negotiations. Robb, as the King in the North, would have been seeking to strengthen his position and secure his claim to the North. On the other hand, Cersei, as the widow of Robert Baratheon and the mother of King Joffrey, would have been looking to maintain her power and influence in King's Landing.

The marriage between Robb and Cersei could have been arranged through a series of negotiations and political manoeuvres. Robb might have offered Cersei a chance to retain her influence and protect her children, while Cersei could have seen Robb as a potential ally against other rivals, such as House Tyrell.

However, the marriage would likely have been fraught with tension and conflict. Robb and Cersei would have had different priorities and goals, with Robb focused on the North and Cersei concerned with maintaining her grip on the Iron Throne. Additionally, Robb's honour and sense of duty might have clashed with Cersei's more ruthless and manipulative nature.

Despite the challenges, the marriage could have provided a temporary period of stability for both parties. Robb would have gained a powerful ally in Cersei, who had experience in court politics and manipulation. Cersei, in turn, would have gained a husband who was a respected military leader and the King in the North.

Ultimately, however, the marriage may not have lasted. Robb's loyalty to the North and his honour might have led him to make decisions that conflicted with Cersei's desires for power and control. Additionally, Cersei's unpredictable nature and tendency towards scheming could have created further tension and distrust between them.

In the end, Robb's marriage to Cersei could have ended in tragedy, with Robb meeting an untimely demise, perhaps at the hands of Cersei or her allies. Despite the potential benefits of their union, the differences between Robb and Cersei, as well as the complex political landscape of Westeros, would have made their marriage a challenging and tumultuous one.

Robb's fate

In the fanfiction "The Direwolf's Fury", Robb Stark dreams of the Red Wedding before it happens, allowing him to avoid the massacre. He then goes on to kill Roose Bolton and Walder Frey, and captures and beheads the latter.

In another fanfiction, "A Burning Heart", Robb successfully retakes Moat Cailin with fewer casualties than expected, and Edmure Tully begins pushing the Mountain's Men out of the Riverlands. Robb then seems to hit a wall, but his wife Jeyne Westerling is described as having "even more wits than him".

In "The Young Wolf and The Bold Stag", Robb is in a better position than Tywin, as the latter is facing threats from Stannis and Renly Baratheon. Tywin is also unable to take the battle to the North due to the oncoming winter. However, Robb is still in major trouble, as the Ironborn have ravaged the North, and he has lost the threat of Stannis that was splitting the Lannisters.

In "A Risky Plan", Robb's plan to retake the North would have worked if he had survived a little longer, as Joffrey dies shortly after at the Purple Wedding, and Tywin not long after that. With the resulting chaos in the South, Robb could have successfully retaken the North.

In "The Dance of the Stags", Robb's fate is not explicitly mentioned, but it is implied that he is still alive, as he has not left Jon Snow's side since being named King in the North.

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