Before I started this book, I spent a lot of time thinking about how to set up the protagonist's background.
Most of the beloved and well-known characters are in Westeros, so I gave up on starting in Essos.
I went back and forth among the various options in Westeros and ultimately chose the Crab Claw Peninsula, which has a tradition of loyalty to the Queen.
That way, the protagonist could interact with Queen Cersei right from the start, making it easier to develop his story from there.
In the canon, the main noble houses that have appeared from the Crab Claw Peninsula are: House Boggs, House Brune, House Cave, House Crabb, House Hardy, and House Pyne.
After comparing them, I felt that House Crabb had the most impressive-sounding name—it carries a bit more weight.
Also, while most of the other families from the Crab Claw Peninsula have only produced a single Kingsguard knight at most, House Crabb has produced three, and even boasts a legendary hero from the region. Within the peninsula, they stand out as relatively prominent.
On top of the protagonist's high intelligence, I've given him two subtle buffs to enhance the reader's enjoyment: one is Unmatched Talent, and the other is a sort of Crab Claw Peninsula "racial aura."
After all, political intrigue stories always involve a long process—and I didn't want readers to feel frustrated. So if you ever feel a bit annoyed during the plot, just remember: worst-case scenario, he flips the table. Hopefully, that keeps the mood light.
Cough, may you always enjoy your reading experience.
[About the Plot Development]
Quite a few political intrigue enthusiasts are lurking among this book's readers.
In A Song of Ice and Fire, all kinds of unexpected twists and turns can happen—that's part of what makes it so captivating.
So I've been racking my brains to come up with fitting storylines, but even so, some readers have been able to deduce future developments from very limited hints in the text.
Sometimes the comments really surprise me—makes me wonder if there's a spy in my house who's leaking the outline. I nearly got smacked for that once.
At first, I tried to rewrite the story to avoid those predicted twists… but in the end, I just gave up.
I worried that changing the outline too much would make the plot fall apart. So I gave in—and decided to just add more content instead.
Author's motto: Embrace the world, embrace those who are smarter than you.
[Minor Spoilers]
According to the outline, the protagonist Gawen Crabb will travel to Braavos twice, but the sections will be brief. Most of the main plot will take place in Westeros.
According to the outline, the main character from House Stark will be Sansa Stark, paired with a certain someone.
According to the outline, there will be a significant political showdown between Gawen Crabb and Lord Tywin Lannister.
According to the outline, Gawen Crabb will have a complicated love-hate relationship with Petyr Baelish (Littlefinger).
According to the outline, Varys will be suppressed by Gawen Crabb.
According to the outline, the female lead will take shape around the mid-point of the story—probably someone you know?
Samwell Tarly will become Gawen Crabb's maester (there's a juicy spoiler for you).
That's all for now.
Hmm… question for you: if Gawen Crabb were to encounter the three baby dragons, given his personality, what do you think he would do?
See you tonight!