One idea could be that in modern day, Arya is kidnapped by a rival business syndicate who mistake her for someone who has crucial information about a major deal. They hold her in an abandoned warehouse. Her Stark family then uses their influence and resources to track her down. They also enlist the help of some of Arya's old friends from her training days, who use their stealth skills to infiltrate the kidnappers' hideout.
Arya would likely be very defiant. She has been through so much in the original 'Game of Thrones' series that being kidnapped wouldn't break her spirit. She'd immediately start looking for weaknesses in her captors and any possible means of escape. For example, she might study their routines, when they bring her food or check on her, and plan her escape around that.
It could be really interesting. Maybe the great houses would be like powerful corporate families. The Starks could be a family in a cold northern region, running a large logging or mining business. The Lannisters would be super rich and involved in finance or media. There would be modern weapons instead of swords and bows, but the political intrigue and power struggles would remain the same.
A modern day 'Game of Thrones' fanfic could have the Targaryens as a reclusive but extremely wealthy family who own a large portion of the world's precious metals. They are being hunted by the other families who want to steal their wealth. The Dothraki could be a biker gang who form an alliance with Daenerys Targaryen to help her take back what is rightfully hers. It would be a mix of power struggles, loyalty, and betrayal, just like in the original series.
I think Tyrion would still be really interesting. He's so clever and adaptable. In a modern setting, he could be a brilliant strategist in business or politics, using his wits to outmaneuver his opponents just like he did in the show.
Definitely Tyrion Lannister. In a modern setting, he could be a brilliant but underestimated lawyer, using his wits to outmaneuver his opponents in the courtroom, much like he did in the political intrigue of Westeros. Daenerys Targaryen would also be great. She could be a strong - willed businesswoman or a political leader, fighting for the rights of the underprivileged.
Well, Bran Stark is quite popular in some modern - day fanfictions. He could be a super - intelligent hacker or a psychic researcher, given his abilities in the original series. Sansa Stark is also well - liked. She can be a socialite or a diplomat in modern - day settings, using her charm and political acumen. And of course, The Hound. In modern day, he could be a rough - around - the - edges bodyguard or a private investigator with a dark past.
One interesting concept could be modern politics mirroring the power struggles in Westeros. For example, political parties vying for control like the houses in the original series. Another might be modern technology being used in the context of the 'Game of Thrones' world, such as social media being a new form of spreading rumors or propaganda, similar to how whispers spread in the alleys of King's Landing. Also, modern-day characters taking on the roles of the iconic 'Game of Thrones' characters, with their own unique interpretations of the traits and motives of those characters.
Some popular ones include fanfictions that focus on the relationships between the characters in a modern context. For instance, a fanfiction might explore a modern day love story between Arya Stark and Gendry. It could be set in a city where Arya is a martial arts instructor and Gendry is a blacksmith. There are also those that look at how the White Walkers could be a modern - day threat, like a biological or technological menace that the characters have to face, rather than ice - zombies as in the original show.
Power struggles are still very common. Just like in the original, characters in the modern AU fanfics are often fighting for control, whether it's in a business, political or social setting. For example, in fanfics where they are in a corporate world, they compete for the top position in the company.