14. What If Joffrey Hadn't Executed Eddard Stark?
HBOOne reason the execution of the honourable Eddard Stark was so shocking was because it was unexpected, it was impulsive, and it wasn't part of the plan. Ned accepted the terms presented to him and shamed his family by admitting to false treason, though it didn't help and Joffrey ignored the guidance of his family to give the order anyway. The death of Ned Stark incited war and put a heavy strain on the resources of House Lannister, but what if Joffrey hadn't done this? If Eddard is sent to Castle Black and spared his head, then the war doesn't happen, at least not immediately. Stannis and Renly would still dispute their claim to the throne, but Robb Stark could have been negotiated with had his father still been alive. One on hand, this could allow the Lannisters to deal with their enemies one by one, thus avoiding the War of the Five Kings. Alternatively, it have could delayed the war, eventually leading to a greater trigger point, it could even have caused the king's enemies to gather their forces under one banner. The consequences are mostly unclear in this case.