I have been doing more work and more thinking about Patents and Charters.
I have been asked a couple of times if a PC can build a large estate/holding in a way that other PCs could pledge 'allegiance' to - in other words, a mini-Midmarch. So far we haven't had a specific guidance for that, so I would have been making stuff as I went along, and then playing catchup with the rules - just life I have been with the March-Lord holdings. :)Considering how that has put the Aristocracy/Noble system 'front and centre' for the time being, I thought I would address that now.
As I look at the charters and patents - it is becoming clear that Governors, Lord-Mayors and Barons are all regional leaders who should have a (roughly) equally influence, rights and responsibilities. And I have decided to give all three the right to create Lairds and Lords-Dominus without recourse to the Council of Peers.
- Laird - 'owns' either a hex or a Hamlet that they are hereditary 'lords' of. Both Safiya and Marik is laird of two settlements in Midmarch. Technically Cass is Laird of Silverton AND Lord Mayor of Tusk. This is a very minor position in the Aristocracy and doesn't really get ant extra influence.
- Lord-Dominus - doesn't need to be a landowner, but promises support to their 'overlord'. Cyrus (Ringbridge) is an example of this. Adoven with 5 defence points to pledge (Manor House, Sword School, Military College) will also be a Lord-Dominus.
Examples
Character1 wants to build an independent stronghold - away from Henry's (or anyone else's immediate control) They can follow this route ..
- Set up a march-Hold. This will allow them to appoint Lairds ...
- Build 5 points of defence - apply to the council for Lord-Dominus rank
- Increase defence to 10 BP - apply to the council for lordship
- Increase defence to 15 BP - apply to the council for Barony
- Promote Lairds to Lords-Dominus etc ...
Character2 wants to build a more 'traditional' barony. They can follow this route ...
- Get a hex from Henry - This will allow them to appoint Lairds ...
- Build 5 points of defence - apply to Henry for Lord-Dominus rank
- Increase defence to 10 BP - ask Henry to apply to the council for lordship
- Increase defence to 15 BP - ask Henry to apply to the council for Barony
- Promote Lairds to Lords-Dominus etc ...
Alternately - build 'New Tusk' somewhere and get yourself appointed as Lord mayor.
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:18, Tue 21 July 2020.