ASOIAF / Game of Thrones (SPOILERS INSIDE)

[Frieza_Prexus]

Originally Posted by Patriam1066 [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

I agree completely with what you say about Stannis having the best claim, but I disagree with him being the best candidate. He punishes Davos for smuggling in an attempt to save the garrison, and calls it honor. If he were so honorable, he would kill himself for having benefitted from a smuggler's crimes, rather than exact draconian measures on a man simply trying to help. Stannis is too brutal to rule justly. I have no doubt that he could do the job well, but the lower classes would suffer from his intractable sense of "honor."

Stannis didn't cut his fingers for smuggling the onions. He cut off his fingers for ALL of his past smuggling crimes. The onions were simply an act of war in a time of war. He was rewarded for that specific act and never punished.

Stannis is by far the best candidate to rule the kingdom. He is an effective administrator, and that is what's needed most right now. With Kevan dead, there are very few people that could join the small council and actually govern. There are/were people who would be better rulers if they had a competent small council, but whoever takes the throne will pretty much be doing everything themselves at first.

Stannis is the only person who brings the full administrative package. He has experience in economics, administration, laws, and war. No one would be as effective or just as him in the current situation. Certainly, there are situations where people would be more effective rulers because of the support staff they have, but no one has that luxury, and whoever takes the throne will be flying solo for a while.

Stannis/Davos 2015.