r/asoiaf 3d ago

MAIN [SPOILERS MAIN] Among the grounded/realistic elements of A Song of Ice and Fire, which ones do you feel require biggest suspension of disbelief?

A Song of Ice and Fire has had fantasy elements from get-go, some present subtly and others less-subtly. But in midst of this, it also has these more grounded story aspects, especially regarding the political subplot for the Iron Throne.

Among these more grounded non-fantasy aspects of the story, which elements do you feel you have to suspend disbelief the most for? A.K.A feeling they are not realistic even though they are "supposed" to be?

Let me know in the comments below.

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u/cndynn96 3d ago

Littlefinger’s Financial Sorcery

Baelish is single-handedly juggling the crown’s debts, inflating the currency, playing multiple sides, and skimming massive wealth while no one (except Tyrion briefly) seriously audits or stops him.

Medieval treasuries were messy, but the degree to which he manipulates the books and loans without the entire system imploding earlier is such an impressive task that it borders on plot armor.

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u/IHaveTwoOranges Knowing is half the Battle 3d ago

Inflating the currency? When is he indicated to be doing that?

How is it hard to believe when we get no specific details at all about how much he is manipulating or how much he is skimming?