Renly Baratheon: A Different Leader in Game of Thrones

Imagine a world where Renly Baratheon, the most charismatic and capable Baratheon brother, had managed to kill hispower-hungry brother, Stannis, and take the Iron Throne for himself. This hypothetical scenario would have dramatically altered the course of the Game of Thrones story, leading to a series of pivotal changes and different outcomes for the characters and kingdoms involved.

The Fall of Stannis and the Ascendancy of Renly

Renly would have been the one to sit on the Iron Throne, and with Stannis out of the picture, the Lannister forces would have boldly continued their pursuit to remove the Baratheon line entirely. Yet, the attack on the Red Keep during the Battle of the Blackwater would have resulted in the deaths of Cersei, Joffrey, and Tommen, as well as Lancel, leaving no leverage for Tywin Lannister to leverage against Renly. Without Renly's rivals and enemies, the Lannister threat would have significantly diminished.

The Northern Alliance and a Quick Resolution

Under Renly's leadership, all would likely have been relatively calm, with Renly using his charm to reconcile with Robb Stark, the King in the North. Robb, impressed by Renly's proximity to the throne and his promise of peace, would likely have agreed to bend the knee, creating a powerful alliance between the North and the Reach. This alliance would have given the Baratheons a formidable army and a legitimate claim to the throne.

With the support of the Northern lords and the Reach, Renly's forces would have moved swiftly to secure the crown, dealing a swift and decisive blow to the Lannister forces. The combined power of the Northern banners and the Reach would have been a significant force, making it less likely for Balon Greyjoy to go to war and more likely for him to seek peace. Loras Tyrell would moreover play a crucial role as a bannerman to Renly, reinforcing the newly formed alliance.

The Arrival of Daenerys Targaryen and Her Army of Victims

Meanwhile, with Daenerys Targaryen's dragons arriving, the landscape of power would have drastically changed. Seeing the sheer power of the dragons, Renly and the Alliance would likely have been more inclined to join forces with Daenerys, creating a formidable alliance that could have easily conquered King's Landing and the Lannister forces. The combined might of the combined Baratheons, Starks, Tylers, and the dragon lords would have been a force to reckon with, and the Targaryens' arrival could have been the pivotal moment that secured Renly's reign.

The Aftermath: A New Dynasty Rises

In a scenario where Renly ascends to the throne, Stannis's supporters, including some of Melisandre's followers, might attempt to push Shireen's claim, but this would likely be a small and ineffective movement, especially after Renly takes the city of King's Landing. Renly's combined forces, consisting of the Stormlands and the Reach, would have been more than enough to secure the city and the throne.

Renly and Loras would have swiftly taken the city with a combined force, and Joffrey would have met a swift end at Renly's hands, ensuring Cersei's death and the subsequent suicide of Tommen. The Lannister loyalists, realizing their chance of winning is now slim, would have offered peace. Tywin Lannister, seeing no further hope for victory, would have been forced to sue for peace, with Jaime Lannister being released as part of the agreement.

Robb, now King in the North, would have retained his title, much to Renly's chagrin, leading to potential conflicts and complications in the future. Balon Greyjoy, recognizing the futility of his position, would have declared his allegiance to Renly. Theon Greyjoy, proven to be a liability, would have been executed for his crimes, and Robb would have made a strategic marriage alliance, possibly to a Frey, to further strengthen his northern claim.

The Continuing Saga

Once Renly consolidates his power, the main storyline would shift to Daenerys Targaryen raising her army of dragons and leading the way towards reunification of the Seven Kingdoms. With Renly as the rightful ruler, the tensions and power struggles would be slightly different, but the overarching goal of peace and unity would remain.

In conclusion, the rise of Renly Baratheon would have altered the Game of Thrones narrative significantly. A charismatic and skilled leader, Renly would have united the North and the Reach, leading a powerful alliance against the Lannisters and paving the way for a new and stable dynasty.