What if Robb Stark had Allied with Stannis Baratheon?

The narrative of A Song of Ice and Fire and Game of Thrones hinges on the decisions of powerful figures and the fates of kingdoms. One intriguing what-if scenario is Robb Stark aligning with Stannis Baratheon over the Lannisters and Renly Baratheon. Let's explore this fascinating possibility:

The North's Loyalty and Disdain for the Lannisters

First and foremost, the Lannisters were never Robb Stark's allies to begin with. As Tywin and Tyrion accurately pointed out, with Joffrey’s petulant decision to behead Ned Stark, the symbolic lease of mutual trust was severed. Robb Stark, embodying the ideals of his father Ned, would rather eat shit than bend his knee to a king who sentenced his lawful father to death. The North cherishes Ned Stark, their beloved leader, and would never align with a southerner who sought to exploit him.

Mannis and the Requirement for Kingship Declaration

For Robb to ally with Stannis, he would need to bend the knee to Stannis. This scenario requires Stannis to declare his kingship. However, Stannis's initial inaction after Ned’s execution and his sluggish declaration of kingship imply a missed opportunity for alliance. Greatjon Umber’s observation that following another southerner would result in either desertion or unapproved attacks on Lannisters complicates the situation further.

Assuming Stannis did declare his kingship before Robb's coronation, Robb might still contest it in front of his bannermen. With the North and Riverlords grumbling but agreeing to help achieve the alliance, Stannis would demand:

Robb and Edmure (and possibly Lysa) and their bannermen from their respective regions to bend their knees to him as the rightful King. Jaime Lannister to be considered as a prisoner under Stannis's authority. Robb and the Northerners to acknowledge the Red God religion, possibly facing resistance from those clinging to traditional beliefs. The three regions to fight for Stannis against the Lannisters and Renly's forces.

The Iron Throne and Beyond: An Odd Partnership

Robb's true interest lies not in the Iron Throne but in seeing Joffrey deposed. If Stannis allowed Robb and Rickard to execute Joffrey, regain Sansa and Arya, and respect their religious practices, the alliance could be solidified. Stannis, however, might need to reluctantly return Sansa to her family to maintain Stark support. For Joffrey, Cersei, and their kin, Stannis would likely need to fulfill his priestess's prophecy and burn them, including Cersei, Tommen, and Myrcella.

The Aftermath and Implications

Though this odd alliance would elevate Stannis's position, it would come at a price. If Stannis becomes a zealot like his wife and adheres to Melisandre’s teachings, a rebellion would ensue. The North, Iron Islands, and others would oppose forced conversion to a foreign religion. This would jeopardize any grand alliance Stannis might have originally envisioned. With Stannis’s best intentions possibly leading to chaos, the Iron Throne's fate would remain uncertain.

In summary, the hypothetical alliance between Robb Stark and Stannis Baratheon presents a complex web of political, religious, and personal challenges. While it could lead to temporary victories and power shifts, the resulting uncertainty and potential conflict might ultimately weaken both parties.