Introduction

When Jon Arryn tragically met his end, the fate of the Iron Throne and the different paths of characters could have significantly changed. What if King Robert Baratheon had named Lord Stannis Baratheon as his Hand of the King? This alternative scenario would have profound implications for Westerosi politics and the ongoing conflicts.

The Immediate Aftermath

With Stannis as the Hand of the King, the immediate betrayal and revelation of the truth that Robert’s “children” were not his might have hastened. In this narrative, Stannis would inform Robert of Cersei Lannister’s scheming and the potential threats to the kingdom. Upon confirming these truths, Robert might decide to take decisive action.

Given his nature, Stannis would move swiftly to eliminate those responsible: Cersei and Jaime Lannister would face execution. Joffrey and Tommen, as the illegitimate children, would be sent to the Wall, ensuring they cannot pose a future threat to the authentic claimants to the throne.

The Lannister Response

Lord Tywin Lannister, upon hearing this news, would likely declare war against Robert. However, Tywin, who is already outnumbered significantly, would face a formidable challenge from the combination of Robert’s forces and the support from potentially loyal Stark and Tully houses.

Given the numerical superiority of Robert’s forces, Tywin would be coerced to bend the knee rather than face annihilation. He would probably be sent to the Wall, thus further diminishing the Lannister influence in Westeros.

Marriage and Heir Potentials

Should Robert seek to remarry to produce a legitimate heir, the chances of this happening would increase. Alternatively, if Robert were to legitimize Edric Storm, the situation for succession would become clearer.

Should neither of these options materialize, the throne might eventually pass to Stannis upon Robert’s death. This would ensure the succession according to lineage and avoid further civil strife.

Impact on Diplomacy and Tensions

One of the significant changes in this scenario would be the shift in diplomatic relations, particularly with Dorne. Jon Arryn was a master diplomat and helped maintain peace with Dorne, which would no longer be the case under Stannis. Tensions would likely rise, and Stannis would need to work more diligently to maintain stability in the south.

Moreover, Stannis’s exceptional strategic acumen would enable him to discern the true nature of Cersei’s deceit much earlier. This might necessitate his pursuit of Renly Baratheon, ensuring he emerges as the sole claimant to the throne.

Alternative Outcomes if Stannis Becomes Hand Earlier

If Stannis were named Hand of the King earlier, before Jon Arryn's death, the implications would be even more significant. Stannis would not resign his position, preventing Jaime Lannister from making his move. Instead, Stannis would have Robert seize Cersei and her children, sending them to Casterly Rock, possibly for punishment, including execution.

With Tywin Lannister without a clear heir to take the throne, this move would effectively solve the problem of succession for the immediate future. The impact on The Wall would be another crucial factor, as Stannis would handle it similarly to the original story but might delegate responsibilities to loyal Stark houses for better management.

Uncertain Dany Plot

The journey of Daenerys Targaryen, however, would be too complex to predict accurately. The timing of various events and the reactions of different characters could vary, making it difficult to foresee the exact changes that would unfold.

Conclusion

The naming of Stannis Baratheon as Hand of the King after the death of Jon Arryn would have far-reaching consequences for the various houses of Westeros. Depending on when this decision was made, the narrative could drastically shift, leading to different alliances and conflicts. Each scenario presents its unique challenges and opportunities, shaping the outcome of the War of the Five Kings and beyond.