Hello everyone,
Thank you for following the story and for your engagement so far! As we reach the climax of the first major arc and look towards the future, some key decisions need to be made about the political landscape of Westeros in our altered timeline.
A Note on Pairings
So, first things first, just so everyone's on the same page: Jon Snow's main pairing is already locked in. His future is tied up with Daenerys and Rhaenys – that's the core 'three heads of the dragon' idea for the Targaryen restoration side of the plot. That part's fundamental to where the story is heading, so it's not something we'll be voting on.
However, the path for Robb Stark, the future Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North, is more flexible and will significantly shape the North's alliances in the years to come.
The Poll: Choosing Robb's Future Betrothal
The fallout from the current events in Winterfell will cause massive political shifts. As we move into Arc 2 (The Training Arc), the alliances forged during Robb's youth will be crucial. I genuinely see strong narrative potential in several different directions for Robb's betrothal, each offering unique benefits and challenges for House Stark and the North.
Therefore, I want to put this major decision in your hands. Your choice will directly influence the political plotlines and character dynamics throughout the long "Training Arc" and beyond.
Please read the strategic benefits of each potential match carefully and vote for the future Lady of Winterfell!
The Candidates:
1.WyllaManderly
The Northern Strength: A match within the North, binding House Stark more closely to House Manderly of White Harbor.
Benefits: Secures the loyalty, wealth, and naval power of the North's richest and most influential port city. Reinforces Northern unity and self-reliance. Keeps Robb focused on internal Northern matters. Likely ensures a loyal and culturally aligned Lady of Winterfell.
2. Margaery Tyrell
The Southern Powerhouse: An alliance with House Tyrell through the famously beautiful and politically astute Margaery.
Benefits: Binds the North to the Reach, the wealthiest, most populous, and most fertile region in the Seven Kingdoms. Provides immense resources (food, manpower) and deep political connections in the South. A powerful statement on the Westerosi political stage.
3. Arianne Martell
The Dornish Alliance: A marriage to the heiress of Dorne, publicly cementing the bond that connects the future generation of Starks and Martells, complementing the secret ties already forming (Foreshadowing).
Benefits: Creates a formal, public alliance between the ruling houses of the North and Dorne for the next generation. Solidifies the anti-Lannister political bloc. Provides a strategic (though distant) ally with unique political cunning and a history of Targaryen loyalty.
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The poll will be open till end of Arc 1. Honestly, a decision this big that impacts the story so much is usually something I'd keep close to the chest and decide on my own. However, I really loved seeing the response numbers and engagement on the first poll, so I decided to trust you all with a major choice this time.
This decision is crucial for planning the next major arc, so please choose the path you find most compelling for the future of House Stark! If you enjoy having this kind of input on significant plot points and want to see more polls like this in the future, I need to see a strong turnout – let's aim for at least 100 individual Votes before this poll ends.
Thank you for participating and helping shape the story!