The Succession Question: Who Would the Northern Lords Support as King of the North?

In the sprawling narratives of Game of Thrones, the succession question remains one of the most contentious and intriguing elements of the plot. If Jeyne Westerling were to give birth to a child fathered by Robb Stark, an immediate question arises: would the Northern lords try to reinstate Jon as heir or Robb's child? To answer this, we must consider the laws of succession, the Northern lords' allegiances, and the prevailing political landscape.

Laws of Succession and Northern Allegiances

The laws of succession in Westeros often hinge on established heirs, and in the case of Robb Stark, his children are the rightful line of succession. If Robb did not have a son himself, Jon Snow was named his heir. This decision was likely made with the intent of preserving the Stark line of succession if Robb had no male offspring.

However, if Jon were to mount a coup, claiming that Robb's child is too young to rule, he might find some allies. But this situation would likely result in war, which is not something Jon Snow would want to instigate. The Northern lords are aware of this, and they might side with Jon because of his command abilities and leadership qualities.

Another possibility is that Jon could start a war in Rickon's name, but this would be a lengthy and tumultuous path. Given that Robb's child is a newborn, it would be challenging for him to assume the throne in the immediate future. Thus, the Northern lords would likely support Jon or Rickon, the older brother, over a new-born infant.

Key Factors Influencing Succession

To determine the most likely outcome, several factors must be considered:

1. Finding Rickon Stark

The first major factor is whether the Manderly family and Davos can find Rickon Stark and present him to the Northern lords as their heir. If Rickon is in good health and can be presented as a capable and eligible heir, it will strengthen his claim to the throne.

2. Political Conspiracy and Backstabbing

The second factor is the possibility of a political conspiracy or conflict. If a plan to backstab or otherwise remove Stannis Baratheon exists, it could potentially shift the power dynamics and influence who the Northern lords will support.

3. Robb's Legitimacy and Heirship

Finally, we must consider if Robb actually legitimized his son and named him as his heir. If he did, then his child’s claim to the throne would be stronger. However, the lack of such a clear legacy can make it difficult for the Northern lords to rally behind a newborn child.

Conclusion: Rickon's Sensible Stand

Given the above factors, if Jeyne Westerling were to give birth to Robb's child, it is highly unlikely that she would be able to challenge Rickon's rightful position as the heir. Westerosi tradition favors the son over a younger brother, as seen when Joffrey became king upon Robert's death, instead of Stannis or Renly. Additionally, the Manderlys, being the most powerful Northern house, would not likely change their support for Rickon, even if Jeyne's child were to be proven as Robb's heir.

Moreover, the Targaryens and Dornish have a slightly different tradition, favoring the eldest child over the brother, but the son still seems to have the stronger claim to the throne. Since Robb's child would be a newborn, the Northern lords would logically support Rickon, the older brother, as the rightful and capable heir to the throne.