Imagine a world where Rhaegar Targaryen has won the battle of the Trident. A world where House Lannister never repaid their debts in blood and something significant was done about the White Walkers earlier. This is the world of 'A Game of Consequences'. The decision to diverge from George RR Martin's original output may be controversial, but the exploration of alternative possibilities is a compelling exercise in its own right.

The Settings

The Well-loved settings of Westeros and Essos remain largely unchanged, with their distinct landscapes and cultures intact. However, new corners of these sprawling lands are explored with a curiosity unquenched in the original source material. The Summer Isles, Ibben, and certain uncharted parts of Sothoryos feature more prominently, giving space to previously unseen creatures and peoples.

Still, landscapes are mere backdrops to the characters who reside in them. Let's examine these locations by the influence they've had on the development and actions of these characters.

The Characters

This world allows for a radical reshaping of many beloved characters. The alternative path for Daenerys Targaryen stands out. She remains in Essos, prioritizing the liberation of the enslaved. Her focus has shifted from conquering to healing, a direction that Martin seemed to be headed in, only to twist violently at the last. While much discussion is made of her potential for madness, this narrative delves into her as a figure of justice and compassion.

Tragedy reigns heavy on the lives of the Stark children but they are granted the relief they were long denied. This narrative seeks a balance between justice and mercy, offering some characters redemption while others face the consequences of their actions. Joffrey Baratheon and the Bolton Bastard face a reckoning for their actions and Tyrion Lannister's moral arc takes a turn towards redemption.

The Plot

The plot of 'A Game of Consequences' traverses numerous narrative threads, with political intrigue, secret alliances, and spectacular battles aplenty. With all characters navigating a dense political landscape, their arcs are defined by considered choices and not bizarre twists of fate. The true horror of the White Walkers is properly addressed along with the fundamental question of the Iron Throne's real worth.

This narrative insists on its theme that actions have consequences, this fanfiction analyzes how strategizing, moral ambiguity, consequence, and diplomacy play out in characters' rise and fall.

Interactivity

'A Game of Consequences' is promoted on Google Docs, a free-to-use, real-time co-authoring tool that is perfect for this effort. The audience is thus welcomed to provide real-time comments, observations, and suggestions, leading to a constantly evolving narrative.

Google Docs effortlessly harnesses the collective creativity of its user base, allowing readers to directly contribute to the storyline and raise questions about future plot development.

Discussion and Critique

The reality of writing fanfiction often provokes thoughts about the ethics and legality of reworking established characters and narratives. 'A Game of Consequences' is no outlier and has sparked interesting conversations around these subjects.

Critics might argue that this work diverges considerably from Martin's original vision. However, should the popularity of fanfiction be dismissed as mere parasitic activity? Or is it not a clear indication of readers' desire for alternative narrative paths and untold stories?

Common Questions

Q1: Can anyone contribute to 'A Game of Consequences'? A: Yes, Google Docs allows for real-time contributions and edits. However, discretion is advised in terms of the content put forward.

Q2: Is it possible for this fanfiction to be published officially? A: While it's not impossible, there are rules and restrictions surrounding copyright and intellectual property that need to be addressed.

Q3: Did George RR Martin approve this fanfiction? A: No official endorsement or approval from George RR Martin has been given.

References

Martin, George RR. A Song of Ice and Fire. Bantam Books.

Tolkien, J.R.R. The Lord of the Rings. HarperCollins.

Rowling, J.K. Harry Potter. Bloomsbury Publishing.

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