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Inspired by comments by James and others on this thread and watching the History channel too much at 4 am.
I was wondering this on a long cross country flight:
Is there room in the campaign for a 'King's Foil’? That is, some one (or some ones) who act directly against the king (and his loyalists) in Kingmaker. The type of opposing action could vary, be it as subtle as trying to put the individual’s agenda ahead of the king’s wishes, or it could be as brazen as sparking an open rebellion.
I can see two reasons for such a type of character(s).
First if some player(s) truly want to play in court intrigue/subvert the throne backroom dealing, this would certainly be a perfect time to indulge this type of role playing.
This may be problematic for some groups who play ‘one for all, and all for one’ but may be the seeds of a great campaign for others.
The second (and perhaps more viable) way this type of character may work is if the ‘King’s Foil’ is actually in full league with the king. The ‘Loyal Opposition’ if you will. Basically said characters would rally those who would truly oppose the king and his wishes and either moderate the damage they do or may very well finger and turn in those who would be too dangerous to remain at large.
Also, if there were such an imagined opposition, the king may have an easier time in raising taxes, arming and building a militia, hoarding produce and livestock, and rallying the lesser nobles and commoners alike to his banner. So that when a real threat did happen, the kingdom's resources were already running at 'wartime peak'.
It worked nicely for Emperor Palpatine. : )
