G.ame O.perational D.irector's page

what about grapple and at will spells?

I did this during the second time I ran KM I placed it in the woods along the thorn river and called it Thornhollow I might still have some notes around somewhere but really you don't need much but some location name changes to make it fit and work amazingly well

I used from shore to sea to replace candlemere island because I wanted a bigger adventure there and that also worked out nicely

and Fangwood Keep to spice up the elvin fort in the woods

House Lebeda
Success Through Grace

House Lebeda of Lake Reykal are known as the most “Rostlandic” of
Brevoy’s noble houses, having inherited a good deal of Taldan blood and
tradition, including a fondness for sword fighting and an appreciation
of the finer things. tempestuous, driven, prickly about their
honor, in short, much like the Swordlords.

Their family seat of Silverhall is one of the grandest castles in Brevoy, its spires rising above the shores of Lake Reykal. The Lebedas earn and maintain their fortune as merchants and brokers between the northern and southern reaches of Brevoy, and control much of the shipping across the lake.

People: Dame Sarrona Lebeda has ruled the house as
regent since the death of her husband, but their son Lander is
approaching his majority, when he will become lord of the house. His
older sister Elanna spends a great deal of time representing their house
in New Stetven.

History: The Lebedas have come to prominence only
since the arrival of Choral the Conqueror. Forged out of a mixture of
Taldan settler stock, river pirates and the older Issian residents – the
Lebeda developed as a pragmatic, and powerful, merchant house..

Now: House Lebeda made their money by trading from Lake Reykal into the river Kingdoms and beyond – along the East Sellen river. However, the East Sellen is now blocked and their primary source of income is diminished. Subsequently they have turned their attentions to courting House Surtova.

Notable Members:
Dame Sarrona Lebeda
Lady Elanna Lebeda
Lord Lander Lebeda

Ser Harren Talbett - A Knight in service to House Lebeda. Brandyn Orylovsky squired for him.

Sworn Houses:
Major Houses:
House Swann
Motto: Through Grace Strength
Ranking: Major sworn to Lebeda
Heraldry: Battling swans black and white, with beaks and feet of gold, on per pale white and black
Expertise: Aldori Swordmasters
Castle: Stonehelm
Lands:
Next to House Surtova, House Swann is probably the most powerful and influential family in Brevoy. They rule from Stonehelm, a castle
situated on Lake Reykal and built to oversee a major river route inland
to the Rostlands, and have governed these lands for as long as any can
remember. Their wealth and power makes even the Rogovarians consider a
situation carefully before angering the Swann family.

The head of the house is Lord Gulian Swann, a man in his later years of life.
Having survived war famine and any number of raids. Gulian has two sons: his first and heir is Donnel, while his second—and far more respected son—is Ser Balon. Ser Balon is a skilled warrior, an expert with the Aldori Blade. Lady Ravella, wife of Lord Smallwood of Acorn Hall, is also a Swann.

House Mallister
Motto: Above the Rest
Ranking: Major sworn to Lebeda
Heraldry: A silver eagle displayed on indigo
Expertise: Aldori blade masters
Castle: Seagard
Lands:Silveriver
Near the Silveriver stands Seagard, a great castle and seat of House Mallister. This old castle was raised to protect the coast against Numarian raiders and still serves in this capacity to this day. Its greatest feature is the Booming Tower, a mighty tower equipped with a great bronze bell that’s rung when the hordes are sighted. The people of Seagard have a bone-deep distrust of the Numarians and see them as their greatest enemies. The castle and surrounding community are well fortified, able to resist just about any strength attack.

Lord Jason Mallister: The current lord of Seagard, fought bravely at the Battle of the hill, Although he is still a great warrior, a proud man who fears nothing, time is starting to catch up with him. His long brown hair is salted with white and his features are gaunt. Still, he’s tall and lean, with high cheekbones and fierce, blue-grey eyes. Patrek Mallister: Son of Lord Jason, Patrek has all the exuberance of youth. He’s heir to Seagard, but he’s spent the last few years sowing his wild oats, wenching, drinking, and hunting. In spite of these excesses, Patrek takes his position seriously and is nearly his father’s equal in battle. Ser Rodrick Mallister

Jeffory Mallister
Brandon Mallister
Lord Jason Mallister

House Talbett
Motto:
Ranking: Major sworn to
Heraldry:
Expertise: Stewards
Castle: Lands: Siverhall

City: pop 30,952

Silverhall is the seat of House Lebeda and boasts one of the grandest castles in Brevoy, its spires rising high above the shores of Lake Reykal. While it has farmlands to the south and west, it grew wealthy as a trade Port, facilitating trade between the old Issia and the river kingdoms to the south.

Minor Houses:
House Mooton
Motto: Wisdom and Strength
Ranking: Minor sworn to Mallister
Heraldry: A red salmon on white, a gold treasure
Expertise: Aldori
Castle: Maidenpool
Lands: Bay of Crabs
Lord William Mooton is the head of the house His daughter and heir is Eleanor Mooton. Ser Myles Mooton, the former squire of at the time Prince Urzen Rogarvia, Another older house in the Rostlands, House Mooton rules their lands from Maidenpool, where it’s said Florian the Fool first beheld Jonquil. Legends aside, House Mooton was well known for their ties to House Rogarvia.

House Staedmon
Motto:
Ranking: Minor sworn to Swann
Heraldry: A black dagger piercing a red heart on white de sang within an undulating border
Expertise: Merchants
Castle: Broad Arch
Lands:
Lord Alesander Staedmon, called Pennylover, rules this minor house.

House Toyne
Motto: Fly High, Fly Far
Ranking: Minor sworn to Mallister
Heraldry: A winged heart, black on gold, within a black bordure embattled
Expertise: Aldori
Castle:
Lands:

House Trant
Motto: So End Our Foes
Ranking: Minor sworn to Swann
Heraldry: A hanged man, black on blue
Expertise: River Trade
Castle: Gallowsgrey
Lands:Ser Meryn

House Wynter -Extinct-
Motto:
Ranking: Minor sworn to Swann
Heraldry: Expertise: Aldori Crane (Monk) Style
Castle: Winters end
Lands: subsumed by Shu'mier

House Muddle
Motto:
Ranking: Minor sworn to Talbett
Heraldry: A golden crown studded with emeralds on a red-brown field
Expertise: Aldori standard
Castle: Oldstones
Lands:
Lord Andal Mudd Ser Tristian Muddle the Fourth.

Now that some of the basic precepts are out of the way I'll be posting up some houses. Again I have taken Ideas from MANY sources if you recognize something in there as your Idea and I failed to give you any credit I apologize I've gone through 2 computers in the last several years and had to rebuild notes many times some from memory just make a note if you are so inclined and I'll be happy to correct my notes for future posts.

The Aran Blade

There are many things the Aldori dueling blade is and each school in turn will argue over ring pommel or the varieties of tip or if the weighted section of the blade should be six or eight inches in length or if the thickness should be a certain heft, even the hilt and it's acceptable wrappings are under scrutiny.

The irony of the phallic nature of these arguments are not completely lost on the Aldori and in fact some cases you have to pay close attention to make sure which kind of argument or in some cases insult you might be witnessing, many a duel to the death has been started over both these arguments.

The one thing all Aldori agree on is the masterwork quality of the blade while the range of the vaguely agreed upon qualities of the dueling blade are in some contention at times the one thing is they are the qualities of an Aldori blade if one of these conditions are not met the blade is called an Aran Blade, or false Aldori these are still excellent quality blades (treated as bastard swords for combat stats and feat purposes) and often as not created by apprentice smiths by accident because they didn't pay attention to the forging process less ethical smiths have tried to pass these off as Aldori to foreigners and fools alike but most smiths know they don't need some fool out there bearing an Aran blade with their smiting mark on it calling it Aldori

Any fool that approaches an Aldori and challenges them with such a blade would be ridiculed and mocked, only if they try to pass off an Aran Blade as a Aldori dueling blade if they are aware of such and make no pretense then the Aldori being challenged may feel some pity for this person but will take the challenge seriously all the same.

The Aldori Daga or Sgian Or Kuai

The Daga or Sgian, is a dagger that can be easily concealed on the person. still cut in the style of a miniaturized Aldori blade it follows more a form of functional tool from a hunting and skinning knife to food preparation and eating utensil this blade is used for almost every purpose one can use a tool knife (d2 x2 S/P)

Courtesy and etiquette would demand that when entering the home of a friend, any concealed weapons would be revealed. It follows that the Daga or Sgian would be removed from its hiding place and displayed in the vambrace.

The difference between a Daga and a Sgian started as masculine and feminine with the Daga being the masculine blade thicker usually made of tougher metal and more of a utilitarian tool, where as the Sgian is the feminine lest sturdy construction and often made out of softer materials but still an acceptable utilitarian tool

Where the tradition started with Lord Aldori and his sexist attitudes against women duelist has evolved into the Daga being the traditional tool blade of an Aldori duelist and the Sgian being the traditional tool knife of a non-duelist.

Crafted from a single piece of metal, the Aldori kuai has a thick 8 inch spike of a blade that is vaguely reminiscent of the Aldori dueling blade
and a ring for a pommel,and a blade that is sharpened only near the tip. (d4 x2 P/S). It is mostly used in throwing competitions and entertainment sport, very, very rarely for self defense and never for formal duels

Benefit(s) Unlike finer weapons, the kuai can readily substitute for a crowbar or piton without being damaged in the process.

The Aldori Quint

The Aldori Quint occupies a lot of the same tradition as the Kyne but is used as a more formal dueling off hand blade and at 16 - 24 inches in length fills the roll of short sword (same combat stats as a rapier d6 18-20x2 S/P) in the Aldori tradition. Like the Kyne it is cut in the same tradition of the Aldori dueling blade and has an ornate handle and also worn at the small of the back, this is where the similarities end.

If this is worn at a non dueling function it is considered an insult to the host and almost always results in some sort of repercussion from social stigma of the one offering deliberate insult to a duel depending on how other social dynamics play out and differences in the status levels of the people involved

The Aldori Kyne

Daggers are to be found in every culture known to man, they are the most basic weapon in personal protection, but in some cultures they represent far more.

In the sword lord tradition daggers known as Kynes, which is essentially a 12 - 16 (depending on era and school) inch version of an Aldori dueling blade (same stats as kukri, d4 18-20x2 P/S) with ornate handles usually bearing the crest of the dueling school and or house. These blades have become the traditional and ceremonial sidearm of the Aldori duelist and thus have a odd place as the dueling culture which seems to have a love/hate affair with them.

Some Aldori fighting schools use them in duels mostly as a parrying blade as it is considered crass to strike at an opponent with one and to use one for a final death blow is an insult for all times between the differing schools with challenges and insults offered in ever increasing legion usually resulting in one school surviving

They are one of the few blades not looked upon as an insult to a host at formal functions and often as a tabard used to recognize the wielders house and school these are traditionally worn at he small of the back with the handle on the side of the predominate hand if ready or looking to fight it is thought of as good manners to wear the handle on the non dominant hand side at court functions.

The Aldori dueling sword (pronounced AL-door-ee) is a 3½-foot-long sword that has a slightly curved tip. Although first developed by weapon smiths in Iobaria, it is the signature weapon of the Aldori Swordlords, a fighting school from the region of Rostland in the Brevoy nation. It is only sharpened on the outside edge. A wielder of the Aldori dueling sword relies more on speed than strength to injure opponents.

Unlike many precision blades, an Aldori dueling sword can also be effectively wielded with two hands, and those trained in its use suffer no penalties to its accuracy.

where Elven weapons look like delicate works of art and Dwarves weapons are bulky and like wise artistic and other races play at war with weapons they can pretend are something else when the fighting stops this blade is not accepting of excuse it's artistry lays in it's function as an implement of death nothing more.

A very simple, sleek, effective weapon, this is a one-or-two handed single edged sword used for powerful slashing attacks, capable of devastating piercing strikes, and the thick back and tip of the blade acts as a blunt striking/parrying surface. The blade is straight and has a tip suitable for thrusting/piercing as well as slashing with the odd heavy weight of the end of the blade acting as a small mace.

The hilt lacks any type of cross-guard, being a simple, long leather wrapped handle with a small pommel, this blade is forged out of one single piece of steel providing it a strength that few weapons of lesser craftsmanship enjoys. The first few inches of the blade are sharpened with a piercing strike in mind, thicker, and more compact than the cutting edge of the blade. The cutting area of the blade broadens along the belly to a consistent width, giving it a distinctive profile.

It can be used from horseback or on foot with equal ease, and does not require an Exotic Weapon Proficiency feat to be used as a long sword, however to use this unmistakable weapon of war to it's fullest extent it requires an exotic proficiency.

In Brevoian culture Phrasma wields no scythe but an Aldori Blade

(To understand the changes I've made there is some ground work that needs to be put out. When I said I reenvisioned the Aldori they are still a rebellious faction centered in Restov they just have more acceptance in this setting.)

Coral took a fascination with the Aldori style which explains why he allowed the survivors to regroup in Restov.

He even made dueling a means of settling disputes with his own personal Aldori turncoats which when he created the great houses they also sought out Aldori and their training striking up an odd love hate relationship with the fledgling nation and their conquered subjects.

This part acceptance and part stealing of the Aldori culture lead to fierce competition between the houses which was another side effect Coral wanted, leading to many houses spending enormous sums to train the best fighters, craft the most magnificent dueling blades, and the discovery of sword techniques that are jealously guarded secrets of the houses that created them

"Imagine somewhere between Chinese boxing schools and Spanish/French/Italian fencing schools"

Mean while Mivion remains in this setting far closer to the traditional Aldori teachings and way of life Brevoy pushed the cutting edge(pun intended) of Aldori Dueling it is here where the Aldori dueling blade was perfected it was Brevoy's international reach that made the style known far and wide while it is a matter of opinion which country style is superior there is no doubt in anyone's mind that both are effective and deadly.

Redcelt has his own write up on the houses of Mivon with factions, sub factions and family alliances set up. It's a fascinating take on Mivon one that I've taken bits from and use in my jigsaw puzzle of a game

@Indraea; That is a brilliant idea. Mivion could push out it's minor families to claim territory in all open spaces around it. The only downside I see and the reason Mivon hasn't done this already is loyalty to Mivon would be questionable with these feudal franchises most nobles in Mivon are only loyal to the Aldori sword and family in that order.

Crap both are a good plan... granted I think I can work them both one as a primary and the other as a backup plan... yes this will work out nicely

I would love to use a variation this it's just the kind of underhanded double dealing that will draw my players into making mistakes on the battlefield

I've used falcons hollow and the crown of the kobold king in tandem with it and it worked wonderfully my players never knew what hit em and the delving into the same dungeon time and time again made them want to burn me at the stake

I fit the module from shore to sea(6th lvl) into the AP and it worked out amazing it takes very little adjustment

I made the Aldori dueling the national past time of Brevoy it's their baseball, soccer, and football all rolled into one the list is a pecking order and I play it up like Italy or France back in the height of their dueling culture with a hint of a blended Asian take on the tradition especially where the dueling blade itself is concerned

And because it's the longsword of the area it's not considered exotic and the swordlord is the method of fighter training available in the area though certain feats are closely guarded secrets.

My players are from house Lebeda so it stands to reason they know more basic information about that house but this is the write up I've given them. it's pre-disappearance of the bloodline of Corral.

Lebeda (Grand house)

(Major)Swann (Farming, Trade, Mercantile)
Staedmon (Merchants)
Trant (River Trade)
Wynter (Aldori Crane wing) patrols the east Sullen river and the southern border with the stolen lands

(Major)Mallister (Aldori blade masters) Protects the north west border with Numeria
Mooton (Aldori Swordmasters) Protects the south west border with Numeria
Toyne (Aldori Standard) patrols the south border along the stolen lands close to Numeria

(Major)Talbett (Stewards)
Mudd (Aldori Standard)Personal guard of the house lebeda

-------------------------------------
Rogarvia (Ruling house)

(Major)Shu'mier
Brunwald
Valyrion-Aelyrion
Dimitri

(Major)Kerenski
Manning
West-Kell
Karamazov

(Major)Bath-Rani
Reyne
Poole

-----------------------------------
Medvyed (Grand house)

(Major)Blackmoor
Hightower
Lewis

(Major)Marrick (extinct) being folded/married under Blackmoor Lewis used to be sworn under this house

(Major)Denaben
Donniger

(Major)Yomtear
Waynwood

-----------------------------------------
Orlovsy (Grand house)

(Major)Saxdale
Khavortorov
Buckler

(Major)Sunmount
Dondarrion
Drumm

(Major)Farland
Harlaw

------------------------------------
Garess (Grand house)

(Major)Grandison
Morrigen
Lonmouth

(Major)Caron
Gower
Horpe

(Major)Strath
Penrose
Mertyn

-----------------------
Lodovka (Grand house)

(Major)Blacktyde
Coldwater

(Major)Sparr
Saltcliffe

(Major)Horefrost
Myre-Sharpe
----------------------
Surtova (Grand house)

(Major)Grimm
Osgrey
Tarly
Hunt

(Major)Hightower
Hewett
Merryweather
Merlyn
Oakheart
Norcross
Redwyne

Caster - you're welcome I have some other frameworks I was thinking about posting as well

JohnB - Thanks your write ups look neat I'll take the time to read up on them and see where I can mesh them in (i.e. gonna data mine it for more brain juice LOL)

GM_Solspiral - You and your write ups inspired me among the others mentioned. This is virtually a blank compared to what I have written up for my campaign, my players as I have found out recently read these boards and know my account name so I don't really want to spoil it for them, or I would post the finished product. As I have only the G.M. version as of the moment with notes and plot hooks all over them, it's not wise to tempt ones players.

Maybe when the campaign is finished and I'm doing wrap up I'll post up the full version. all 7 houses and Mivion with it's 30+ minifactions

I also rewrote the magic item economy system using inspiration from others that posted some excellent stuff here on the boards and around the interwebs.

I found this guys maps it's a heck of a nice size map lot of effort into it go over and check him out

http://hexagonal-maps.blogspot.com/2014/08/a-selfish-map.html

I have the other houses detailed out a little better but need to clean up the GM notes before posting if you guys like this one let me know and I'll post some of the other houses, I'm also trying to detail out the Mivonese houses and get a general idea of their swordlord styles

Much talk of a GoT style game not much detail on the houses like who is beholden to whom as such DM_aka_Dudemeister, GM_Solspiral, and Redcelt32 inspired most of this write up (hope it doesn't disappoint)

Some of this is copied from offical sources and rewritten to make better sense with the game I'm running as none of my players are on this message boards it should be safe enough to post

The following is GM notes not the player safe version posted on my game boards for the players to familiarize themselves with the houses and history of the land

House Rogarvia
With Sword and Flame

The House of Chorol the Conqueror, House Rogarvia united the lands of Issia and Rostland into one nation, and ruled the newly named Kingdom of Brevoy for two centuries, until every single member of the family simultaneously disappeared twelve years ago. No one knows what happened to the Rogarvias, but it has become ultimately clear that at least for the time being, they are not returning.

Heraldry: A Two headed Red Dragon, one holding a sword and one breathing fire against a quartered field of White and Gold.

House Rogarvia

House Rogarvia is hardly a noble house at all now. Since the disappearance of all of its members (or at least all of those who can trace a blood connection back to Choral the Conqueror) there power has been lost.

People: Urzen Rogarvia was the last undisputed king of Brevoy – up until his (and all his blood relatives’) disappearance ten years ago.

History: Since Choral’s final victory in the Valley of Fire, until the recent mysterious disappearance, House Rogarvia ruled Brevoy. The house built the Ruby Fortress in the city of New Stetven as its stronghold, and Urzen Rogarvia sat on the Dragonscale Throne up until 4699, when the entire family vanished overnight. The Rogarvias were well known as ruthless rulers, determined to hold Brevoy together in the Conqueror’s name by whatever means necessary. Still, while their loss was not overly mourned, the stability they represented has been. Loyalists have continued to call for investigation into the Vanishing and make much of the fact that their rule lasted precisely 200 years, but it has become increasingly clear that House Rogarvia will not return soon, if ever.

Now: There is just the rump of adopted ‘family’ members left and without the leadership of their ‘king’ they are struggling. These are mainly minor lords in New Stetven, or on the southern edges of the Gonzi Forest – the largest single group is House Shu'mier of the Stetven River.

Colonies: House Shu'mier has an interest in Fort Drelev.

Many say that a true Rogarvia heir exists somewhere, however everyone has a different story. There are at least two people claim to be illegitimate descendents of King Urzen, while others say that the heir is locked inside Starwatch waiting for the right time to return. Still others say that Duma the Sly, from the Gronzi forest, is the only legitimate heir.

Skywatch

Small City: pop 6,590
SEALED

Skywatch is an ancient site - believed to have been used for studying the sky and the stars. In the past it has been a stronghold for House Surtova, but it became a stronghold for the Aldori Swordlords. Eventually they were burnt out and a new city built as a stronghold for House Rogarvia. However of the day of 'The Vanishing' the city sealed its gates and there has been no communication with it since.

Sealed its gates, can be considered a bit of an understatement, - people have tried flying in, tunnelling in, planar travel and all sorts. Even sending fetch's and scrying spells. All have failed miserably.

New Stetven

Metropolis: Pop 32,850

New Stetven is a bustling trade city. Grain, fish, timber, and ore flow from Brevoy through New Stetven and out to the rest of the north. The food from Brevoy sustains much of the River Kingdoms, Numeria, and Mendev, where constant bandit raids and invading demonic armies make farming difficult, and most of that food passes through New Stetven. In return, exotic goods from all corners of Avistan (and beyond) flow back up the Sellen River to New Stetven. However, with the East Sellen closed south of the slough, trade is slow at the moment - and business needs to go north through Port Ice.

New Stetven earned the nickname “The City of Wooden Palaces” for the abundant use of timber to build everything from walls and houses to mansions and forts. The only great stone structures of the city are the
Ruby Fortress, the seat of power to the crown of Brevoy, and the Bulwark of Gorum, Brevoy’s greatest temple to the Lord of Iron.

Notable members: None

Sworn Houses:

Major Houses:

House Shu'mier
Motto: Dawns Good Light
Ranking: Major sworn to Rogavira
Heraldry:
Expertise:
Castle:
Lands: The Stetven River and 100 miles south this recent conflict with the now defunct House Wynter has led to the expansion of their lands.

Jokin Shu'mier

Kerenski
Motto:
Ranking: Major sworn to Rogavira
Heraldry:
Expertise:
Castle:
Lands:
many members of this house vanished devastating their power base and leaving their lands open

House Bath-Rani
Motto:
Ranking: Major sworn to Rogavira
Heraldry:
Expertise:
Castle:
Lands: North of lake Reykal south if the Gronzi forrest

Lady Nicola Bath-Rani, In truth is a conspirator extraordinaire, a perfectionist whose plans are laid years in advance, who considers every eventuality to block every possibility for failure. She excels in setting her enemies against each other while remaining above the fray, spinning conflicts between others into opportunities for House Bath-Rani to carry out public acts of largesse. She is utterly without morals, but hungers for and glories in public love and broad acclaim. She is essentially a psychopath whose glittering madness is predicated upon ensuring that her family’s good name is never sullied.

Nicola Bath-Rani has two children who survived childhood, Tanner*. Tanner and his wife Lidia were killed while rescuing people from a burning home, leaving their young son, Adric, to be raised by his grandmother. In truth, Lidia had discovered just a few of Nicola’s secrets and confronted her abut them, leaving her no choice but to have her killed, the fact that the Squire was there and was proclaimed as Tanner disheartened her however this hasn't stopped her from plotting . As always, the “tragedy” was engineered to reflect glory onto House Bath-Rani.

*This is Loydd "Tanner" Risbin he has escaped his mothers wrath and seeks to establish a power base far from her field of influence Lidia was killed in the fire and his squire. Tanner is still uncertain what game his mother is playing at with the implication as he is certain she knows he is alive.

The other is a Daughter by Lady Calia Bath-Rani she is in the process of considering whom to marry her off to as King Nicolai Sourveta seems uninterested and Nicola is convenced that the sitting Queen would have her Daughter murdered the second she made serious overtures she is looking to Jokin Shu'mier of House Shu'mier. While Lady Calia has plans of her own a schemer on par with her mother she also knows her dear brother is alive

Minor Houses:

Manning
Motto:
Ranking: Minor sworn to
Heraldry:
Expertise:
Castle:
Lands:
many members of this house vanished devastating their power base and leaving their lands open

Baron Manning was the strongest minor Baron and vying to be made Duke. He was instrumental in granting the charter to the party to settle the Stolen Lands. He currently resides in a coma after an assassination attempt, and has been usurped by his younger brother, Darren

Reyne
Motto:
Ranking: Minor sworn to
Heraldry:
Expertise:
Castle:
Lands:
many members of this house vanished devastating their power base and leaving their lands open

Brunwald
Motto:
Ranking: Minor sworn to
Heraldry:
Expertise:
Castle:
Lands:
many members of this house vanished devastating their power base and leaving their lands open

Westerling
Motto:
Ranking: Minor sworn to
Heraldry:
Expertise:
Castle:
Lands:
many members of this house vanished devastating their power base and leaving their lands open

Karamazov
Motto:
Ranking: Minor sworn to
Heraldry:
Expertise:
Castle:
Lands:
many members of this house vanished devastating their power base and leaving their lands open

Poole
Motto:
Ranking: Minor sworn to
Heraldry:
Expertise:
Castle:
Lands:
many members of this house vanished devastating their power base and leaving their lands open

Valyrion-Aelyrion
Motto:
Ranking: Minor sworn to
Heraldry:
Expertise:
Castle:
Lands:
many members of this house vanished devastating their power base and leaving their lands open

Dimitri
Motto:
Ranking: Minor sworn to
Heraldry:
Expertise:
Castle:
Lands:
many members of this house vanished devastating their power base and leaving their lands open

a magical artifact. This stone statue in the shape of a cat makes people genuinely happy when they tell secrets near it. it keeps locals returning week after week to unwittingly feed what they know into the pipeline of espionage.

Rogarvia

Houses in Rogarvia are Manning, Reyne, Brunwald, Westerling, Poole, Valyrion and Aelyrion. Manning and Reyne are major houses, Brunwald and Westerling are medium size houses, and the rest are very small.

Since he is out of the picture House Reyne is now the leading contender. allowing Lord Reyne to be named Duke of Rogarvia, spelling the end of House Manning, and likely the death of the Baron and his family.

I'm kicking off my 5th foray into Kingmaker soon we make characters tonight I've been looking at you(Redcelt)and DM_aka_Dudemeister's notes and game changes for inspiration and I think this time around is going to be amazing

Now if I can get my players to want to play something besides summoners... sigh

I assume that feats that bonus reflex saves like lightning reflexes will be denoted as "just for saving throws" or would you allow this bonus to add to initiative?

I had a PC write his back story he made a version of an elvin aasimar as going through sandpoint as a very young elf (his mid 80's) and he put into it that he had a few flings in town as an elf to young to really understand what he was doing

The gods Qualify as Demiurges

Meaning they are not Omniscience the fact that they need to see through their followers and holy places is example enough of that, and can only interact in peripheral ways.

Nor are they omnipotent the fact that they have limited domains and areas of control are also evidence of this.

That being said yes indeed they are powerful beyond the scope of mortals and have access to knowledge and powers that boggle the mortal mind.

In my take on the pathfinder world setting I set up the world on the simple basis that the gods can't interfere because of not only each other every time one directly interfered the others were allowed to, the mortals themselves need the room to grow to their potential...

and

Rovagug

Every time a god set's hands on the mortal realm there is a chance that a piece of this entity wakes up another bit of it's cage crumbles away. Easily evidenced in a fiat kinda of way by the fact that the Spawn started waking up in this era, the time Aroden was highly active on the mortal plane

Aroden being a new god ether didn't know or refused to be bound to this concordant and the other old gods got kinda worried they would have to put down the monster once again.

Aroden was the easier choice.

You think the D team is bad try an entire team of people that just powered through a vid game of Thief4 and they all want to be Garret...

Sigh

7 rogues will devastate any adventure if they build themselves to work as a team, which these guys did.

looks great I'm good with anything that makes running easier.

easy to follow and complex enough to be fun, I like it.

>.> try this on for size

Start as a monk until 2nd (master of many styles) *crane style* you can have all three feats by second level if you start as a human.

Then fighter (swordlord)... focus all your feats into that dueling sword it's really pays off at 8th level when you choose to get the prestige class swordlord

If you feel froggy maybe a dip into the duelist prestige class though your looking at what benefits you get out of it as compared to the SL prestige class they both are good it's just what flavor you want.

This combo with three ranks in acrobatics for the bonus to fighting defensively and the crane wing bonus on top of that and the repost

It get's nasty as all hell and damn difficult to hit the AC alone out classes every thing in the CR had one of my players come up with this combo by 8th level he had something like a 38AC which made him a hell of a tank because he would get in and taunt bad guys and get them to come after him and waste attacks, while he relied on his evasion from the monk class to help him get out of most of the artillery the casters were throwing into the melee.

last time I encourage my players to make things that work together... this is what they come up with.

Adamantine is an old term for Diamond; or referring to something with the hardness of diamond. It's not necessarily a metal.

I had this discussion 20 some odd years ago at an old gaming shop and an old friend you know the type the one that knows way to much to fit in any where else but at the G.M.s seat at the table

So as far as the color we always went with any that would fit diamond which can be quite a large category of colors; but all Adamant weapons had a semi transparency crystal like quality to them.

I just Introduced black powder guns into my world setting in anticipation of starting Skull & Shackles the idea of guns and cutlasses has always been a high fantasy flavor in my mind

Right away I saw the issue of the touch attack and after having read most of your post here I'm left scratching my head and wonder what the problem exactly is and I keep coming back to players that will push the rules to the extreme

I have a few of those and quickly see my game falling to bits unless I come up with a plan and talk it out with them

My idea strictly enforce the 30ft rule and make it a gunslinger only advantage or feat not just any tom, dick, or harry, can pick up a gun and turn into Clint Eastwood. It takes training and practice, Those of you that have shot a gun know what I'm talking about. Also someone picking up one of these implements put themselves at as much risk as the person they aimed at.

Second; gold isn't common in my world setting it's seen in merchant bazaars and people that have money like adventurers etc. but commoners not so much they are far more likely to have a bow or some other melee weapon so when my players run across someone that has a gun they know to watch out that individual more than likely knows how to use it to deadly effect

Third; taking a page from real world history the gun was not only the death of the sword on the battle field but armor changed dramatically to compensate

Armors are likely to become less melee coverage and more intent on covering the chest and head much like 1400 - 1600 French and Spanish armors with padding and leathers covering the legs as the thought was your getting shot at you don't stand still you move and fast.

Thinking -1 or -2 to hit or +1 or +2 bonus to ac per 5' moved this makes the monk a really good counter to the gunslinger I like the irony.

With that in mind a novice user would almost never be able to hit a rapidly moving target which fits then again there is always a nat 20

@ - Talphienne

I love this idea as one of the few empires that were able to resist the runelords they should have more flavor of their own

"Benefit: Whenever you use feint to cause an opponent to lose his Dexterity bonus, he loses that bonus until the beginning of your next turn, in addition to losing his Dexterity bonus against your next attack.

Normal: A creature you feint loses its Dexterity bonus against your next attack."

The devil is in the details here, as the feat doesn't specify a target of the dex loss it is a general dex loss until the players next action fairly simple read.

Where as the normal condition is targeted benefits only to the player that preformed the action.

This makes this feat potentially nasty but worthy of spending three feats to acquire assuming your players can take advantage of the situation.

the following is for my game feel free to take and modify it for your game granted it is the players version post your e-mails and I'll check back if you want me to send you the plot D.M. version... o and by the way remember to thank Redcelt he was the one to spark the interest into fleshing out my game to this extent

House Rogarvia
With Sword and Flame

History: The House of Chorol the Conqueror, House Rogarvia united the lands of Issia and Rostland into one nation, and ruled the newly named Kingdom of Brevoy for two centuries since Choral’s final victory in the Valley of Fire, until every single member of the family simultaneously disappeared in the winter of 4699. House Rogarvia ruled Brevoy, The house built the Ruby Fortress in the city of New Stetven as its stronghold, and Urzen Rogarvia sat on the Dragonscale Throne up until 4699, when the entire family vanished overnight.

The Rogarvias were well known as ruthless rulers, determined to hold Brevoy together in the Conqueror’s name by whatever means necessary. Still, while their loss was not overly mourned, the stability they represented has been.

Loyalists have continued to call for investigation into the Vanishing and make much of the fact that their rule lasted precisely 200 years. No one knows what happened to the Rogarvias, but it has become increasingly clear that House Rogarvia will not return soon, if ever.

Now: House Rogarvia is hardly a noble house at all now, There is just the rump of adopted ‘family’ members left and without the leadership of their ‘king’ they are struggling. Since the disappearance of all of its members (or at least all of those who can trace a blood connection back to Choral the Conqueror) there power has been lost. These are mainly minor lords in New Stetven, or on the southern edges of the Gonzi Forest – the largest single group is House Shu'mier of the Stetven River.

Many say that a true Rogarvia heir exists somewhere, however everyone has a different story. There are at least two people claim to be illegitimate descendents of King Urzen, while others say that the heir is locked inside Starwatch waiting for the right time to return. Still others say that Duma the Sly, from the Gronzi forest, is the only legitimate heir.

Notable members:

Urzen Rogarvia was the last undisputed king of Brevoy – up until his (and all his blood relatives’) disappearance.

------------------Sworn Houses: Major Houses:----------

House Shu'mier
Motto: Summer never ends
Ranking: Major sworn to Rogavira
Heraldry: The sun on a field of blue rising behind a tower on a field of green with trees in full to each side
Expertise: Secret House Aldori Style: Aldori Swashbuckler, varied each minor family has a specialty
Castle: Sumeirholt
Lands: The Stetven River and 100 miles south this recent conflict with the now defunct House Wynter has led to the expansion of lands to the mouth of the valley of fire.

Lord Jokin Shu'mier house Patriarch

The recent meteoric rise to power House Shu'mier, looks to be subsuming the remaints of House Rogavira if it continues unchecked House Shu'mier will be the next Great Brevoy House and Rogavira will be little more than a foot note in history this seems to be supported by House Surtova.

House Kerensky
Major sworn to Rogavira
Heraldry:
Expertise: Stewards
Castle:
Lands: New Stetven
Known as the stewards of New Stetven their families fortune was tied tightly with the management of the kings city and his amusement.
many members of this house vanished devastating their power base and leaving their lands to House Surtova

New Stetven - Metropolis: Pop 32,850

New Stetven is a bustling trade city. Grain, fish, timber, and ore flow from Brevoy through New Stetven and out to the rest of the north. The food from Brevoy sustains much of the River Kingdoms, Numeria, and Mendev, where constant bandit raids and invading demonic armies make farming difficult, and most of that food passes through New Stetven. In return, exotic goods from all corners of Avistan (and beyond) flow back up the Sellen River to New Stetven. However, with the East Sellen closed south of the slough, trade is slow at the moment - and business needs to go north through Port Ice.

New Stetven earned the nickname “The City of Wooden Palaces” for the abundant use of timber to build everything from walls and houses to mansions and forts. The only great stone structures of the city are the Ruby Fortress, the seat of power to the crown of Brevoy, and the Bulwark of Gorum, Brevoy’s greatest temple to the Lord of Iron.

House Bath-Rani (aka: Ban'Rathi)
Motto:
Ranking: Major sworn to Rogavira
Heraldry:
Expertise:
Castle:
Lands: North of lake Reykal south if the Gronzi forrest

Lady Nicola Bath-Rani, In truth is a perfectionist. House Bath-Rani carries out public acts of largesse. she maintains her Houses glory with public adoration and broad acclaim.

Nicola Bath-Rani has two children who survived childhood, Tanner and Calia. Tanner and his wife Lidia were killed while rescuing people from a burning home, leaving their young son, Adric, to be raised by his grandmother.

Her Daughter Lady Calia Bath-Rani is a stunning beauty to behold her qick wits and sharp toung match her statuesque frame. Nicola is in the process of considering whom to marry her off to as King Nicolai Sourveta seems uninterested and Nicola is convinced that the sitting Queen would have her Daughter murdered the second she made serious overtures she is looking to Jokin Shu'mier of House Shu'mier.

-----------------Minor Houses:--------------

House Miron
Motto:
Ranking: Minor sworn to
Heraldry:
Expertise: Trade
Castle:
Lands:
many members of this house vanished devastating their power base and leaving their lands being counted under House Shu'mier

House Isidoea
Motto:
Ranking: Minor sworn to
Heraldry:
Expertise:
Castle:
Lands:
many members of this house vanished devastating their power base and leaving their lands guarded by a single knight family with ties to House Shu'mier

House Ilari
Motto:
Ranking: Minor sworn to
Heraldry:
Expertise:
Castle:
Lands:
many members of this house vanished devastating their power base and leaving their lands only minor nobles remain being courted by House Shu'mier

House Annatar
Motto:
Ranking: Minor sworn to
Heraldry:
Expertise: Stewards
Castle:
Lands: Skywatch
the members of this house have yet to be counted so it is unknown if any remain what is known is that no one has seen them in almost 2 years

Skywatch: Small City: pop 6,590
SEALED

Skywatch is an ancient site - believed to have been used for studying the sky and the stars. In the past it has been a stronghold for House Surtova, but it became a stronghold for the Aldori Swordlords. Eventually they were burnt out and a new city built as a stronghold for House Rogarvia. However of the day of 'The Vanishing' the city sealed its gates and there has been no communication with it since.

Sealed its gates, can be considered a bit of an understatement, - people have tried flying in, tunneling in, planar travel and all sorts. Even sending fetch's and scrying spells. All have failed miserably.

House Karamazov
Motto:
Ranking: Minor sworn to
Heraldry:
Expertise:
Castle:
Lands:
many members of this house vanished devastating their power base and leaving their lands in the stewardship of House Shu'mier

House Dostoyevsky
Motto:
Ranking: Minor sworn to
Heraldry:
Expertise:
Castle:
Lands:
many members of this house vanished devastating their power base and leaving their lands under Bath-Rani

House Fyodor
Motto:
Ranking: Minor sworn to
Heraldry:
Expertise:
Castle:
Lands:
many members of this house vanished devastating their power base and leaving their lands are courted by House Shu'mier

House Dimitri
Motto:
Ranking: Minor sworn to
Heraldry:
Expertise:
Castle:
Lands:
many members of this house vanished devastating their power base and leaving their lands courted by House Shu'mier

As for his house I put my main bad guys in it snapping up abandoned minor houses and getting pledges from the other major houses of Rogarvia basically taking over quietly with the permission and support of Surtova so that way one more obstacle to Surtova rule is put down and one more future Great house to support Surtova when the time is right.

I did the opposite they saved Urzens life(not really but it looked like it at the time) I made Urzen a kind if stern ruler and with a crown of mental superiority +6 very smart, he was generous to the players and personally gave them the charter they used to chart their new holdings and when they were done he gave them the start up cash out of his own pocket as a reward for service to the crown of Brevoy.

The money showed up less than a month before he vanished, I let the players speculate on who did the deed before they realized that all of the blood line disappeared they were making plans to scout Surtova holdings for evidence of treason when they realized that no house in Brevoy could pull off the vanishing as it has become known in my game they put their plans aside.

They really liked that crusty old bastage as they put it and were willing to start a war over him... just how I want them on edge and ready to jump.

I find my players like to get attached to the oddest character types and if something happens to them then that elicits some of the most dramatic and dynamic role-playing in my group granted you can't do it to often or it looses it's edge

after all he's going to go poof anyway why not make him a good guy holding back the tide of civil war

As it turns out it needs some more tinkering my players pointed out holes in some of the logic...

by attempting to run a mac truck through it...

sigh...

with friends like these...

Okay I haven't had the time to read through all 275 post but it seems to me that your game runs differently from the way me and my gaming group does things it's not the D.M. convincing the player not to play a class or race it's the player having to ask what is acceptable in the D.M.s game no is no and the D.M.s word is always final we usually give one or two chances to present a good background story and case as to why an unusual race or class would be in the story and funny is acceptable to an extent

but

I as a G.M. have a view on how my games run I usually present my players with a set of class/race options anything deviating outside of that needs a story anything unique or unusual needs a incredible back story if I laugh or cry reading it I'll usually let it pass with the understanding that Rping comes first and this player put a lot of effort into the background then I'll give them a shot they obviously want it bad enough to do the research which means it's not a let's F*ck with
1. the story
2. the other players
3. because I don't care
4. all of the above
character at that point they have invested time and emotion into it so it becomes a serious deal not some flippant excuse to tear down a game.

I've also had player that can't rp what-so-ever gaming is just number crunching to them it's sad but they are worse trouble makers than the unusual race/class type player because they done even bother with a pretense of rping they just roll dice and add/subtract

potential mini spoiler rise of the rune lords anyone playing that doesn't want to know you've been warned I'll try to keep it as bland as possible but it is relevant and funny

The last number cruncher I had found himself in a basement in sand point in rise of the rune lords with a girl when she came onto him he locked up and the player got up from the table and walked outside and refuse to come back in until I stopped he said he would kill her if I didn't... he was my worst case of number cruncher but there are always variations

I've already taken the Anti social networks* system and turned it into something I can use. (*couldn't find his real name on his web site to give him proper credit.)

Sense it's not my work just a modified system of someone's work other than my own, I'm not going to post it. until I can properly credit and all.

I am going to give it a spin at play testing and see if it works out it seems light enough to not burden down game play but that is just an assumption at the moment.

The anti-social network has a lot of what I'm looking for and some of your other posts on Diplomacy could go hand in hand with what I had rough notes on envisioning for the Grand Diplomat.

I am currently working on the general and martial, I really liked breaking down the leadership roles into the three groups that makes things even more interesting

I have heard of the "Dynasties and Demagogues" book I've been thinking about buying it, just not sure I haven't gotten many RP products from atlas games but their card game "beer money" is a laugh a minute.

What I'm trying to accomplish is make the leadership roles worth more than just a number modifier to the kingdom that not having one position filled can really cripple them in some way that may not seem bothersome at first, until the men with the hammers and long knives come.

Granted I'm also attempting to make the system simple enough that it's not just another layer of complication to the game.

Did I mention that the game I'm running is brutal, I got no problem killing or maiming players that haven't pay attention to the details. Most of the time they do it to themselves.

I believe it was the good, mediocre, and bad spy that stuck with me as you can see by the rating system. So yes; your to blame for the 3 days of lost sleep lol it's been a strait jacket worthy week though ;)

I tried to stick with the social skill trifecta bluff, diplomacy, intimidate and equaled out it as basically the ability to get these skill checks at a distance (sigh it's the ol'hero system vet showing it's ugly head again)

I really need to take this back to the drawing board and reevaluate it's balance in the system, I'm thinking recruitment training both specialist and basic spy(skill level improvement), rewards(loyalty improvement)

maybe a skill/loyalty chart and how much upkeep the spy cost obviously the better ones are more expensive and far more of a devastating hit to the old coin purse if they get caught.

my players went with a feudal city states with a kings council, a nobles council and a court of commons. They still filled all the leadership roles though they renamed half of the but basically they preform the same function.

I've been kicking around the idea that each of the leadership roles should also come with some extra fluff power has it's privileges you know

Someone on the boards (I really can't remember who it was so if you step forward I will gladly give you your just adulation's for the original idea) came up with giving the spy master three spies and giving them information based off of where they placed these spies.

I chatted with my player that is in the spy master position and we came up with a very rough and currently barely play tested set of rules. Feel free to tear them apart and kick them around I intend on posting the expansion for each of the leadership roles given time to work them over properly

as of the current moment the mechanics are roughly present

--------------------------------------------

To make things easier on me I'm going to "give" you three spy's in the beginning. The leadership feat will help you expand that and I'm working on another feat idea just for you I'm calling Network we'll PT it soon.

Spy Skill Ranking 1 - 20 (All spies have the ability to gather useful information )

Loyalty Rank: 1 - 20 (A general take on what it takes to bribe or get information out of the spy by the opponent.)

Specialty Score(*): 1 - 20 (This is for things like assassinations or anything that falls under non information gathering.)

*relevant skill name here such as assassination, arson, or poison making.

you place them where you want to gather information or another task and I'll role the relevant skill vs. a defense stat (need to work on this one for balance) and I'll inform you of their success or failure

---------------------------------------
granted any information I need you to have to move the game forward will of course be slightly easier to find if you want the juicy dirty gossip or enemy battle plans your going to have to dig, fight, grease palms, or kill for that information.
---------------------------------------

Spy#1: LR:10 SSR:3 the barkeep is your first spy he's not the best but he's loyal (Informants: home town 2)

Spy#2: LR:8 SSR:8 Half Elf, male, Ranger/Rogue (Spec: Stealth) combination is good at getting around both city and woods without being seen. A man like that tends to get close enough to hear things he shouldn't things that interest you a great deal. (informants: local wylds 4)

spy#3: LR:10 SSR:12 Human, Female, Rogue/Spy, She is the ideal of what your looking for in a spy quick witted loyal to a fault she is at home in courtly dress as she is in rags and able to switch from a street demeanor to High court etiquette on the spot without loosing a beat she's the one who you assigned to the Brevoian courts to bring you information on what's happening at the Dragon Scale Court (Informants: Ruby Court 6)

The Idea is you can assign these people however you like. They'll use their assigned locations to gather relevant information that their respective skills sets can gather for you. don't expect hunter to be any good at gathering court rumors. you have to learn to use the people under you to their best advantage.

right now you don't have any Assassins or Specialist you'll have to train or hire these people they have some simple stats for game mechanics

Assassins - just waht you think it is they can easly be cross trained to being Mechanics

Specialist - these guys are any thing from arsonist to master rumor mongers, highly specialized in their respective fields they fill in work that an assassin or other generalist skill set would be wasted on typicaly these are Expert npc class although the possibility of character classes isn't out of line they also fill the role of fence/supplier (Tools to Poisons and every conceivable thing in between)

Lookouts - these are usually low men in the spy network just a step above informants they help and assist the other members thus give them a bonus to succeed and should the worst case happen they can be sacrificed to keep a more valuable asset alive and "in play"

Rogues - All round Generalist and while not as loyal they do tend to get the job done.

Rangers - If cities and courts were your only concern, then you wouldn't need to worry about potential enemy troop movements while a rogue can do that job the ranger is by far the better choice

Mages - not exactly the best choice for a loyal spy they are typically crotchety, touchy, arrogant and on a good day those are the positive character traits but their ability to gather information is unparalleled... don't forget hiding information as well.

Spys - to say that they are the courtly version of Rogues is a disservice to understanding what a spy is they steal things far more valuable than your coin purse, information. A nation can rise or fall on the truth of the information that a spy provides.

Informants - the lowest teir of the spy network but sadly one of the most valuable their loyalty is questionable as the information they provide at best at worst they are counterspies feeding your spies false information. Informants are a subcatagory as well very rarely will the SpyMaster deal with them directly they are usually a ranking under one of the other spies but no good SM relies on his trained people alone.

The SM's personal informants are a separate rating based off of 1/2 character level you get this number for free by taking the position of Spymaster to increase the numbers you must spend gold (Max your current level). these are reliable to a degree.

Personal informants are essentially using the knowledge local skill and a diplomacy check at a distance. each personal informant point is one role allowed to the player a month otherwise they will have to rely on their spies informants. they may also use the personal informant to spread false information, rumors, innuendos, and outright lies however the player sees fit

----------------

Sure this mad add an unneeded level of complication to the game but it looks like it will keep players engaged in the story and help them interact and even manipulate background stage events to some small degree.

Cool, I've been mutilating some ideas into a version of my own political nightmare. I'll post it when I'm done, you and Dude have been big influences on the direction I'm going with it. Maybe I can inspire you guys with something I can come up with... or at least provide you a good laugh. ;)

Spartan and Bushido, that is most certainly an interesting mix. I was looking at the way they would interact with one another as a cross between the Chinese Wu Shu boxing martial art schools and Western European Renascence era fencing schools (especially the Spanish ones) maybe some blend of eastern European mixed in to the spin for good measure

O by the way I don't mean to be pushy and all but you did indeed promise us something

"*Next up: Churches and Arcane factions"

Unless I missed it somewhere in all my evil maniacal laughter and wringing my hands together.

I'm tinkering with some names and relations. Check out redcelts game of brevoy post I got some real good idea starters there.

any of my players reading this might I say discretion is indeed the better part of valor... so is silence

I'm running a severely altered version of KM taking elements from any source I can to spice it up. Dude you are one of my heavy influences I would love to play in one of your games, but as that is unlikely I'll settle for inflicting the torments you post upon my players.

my boondoggle comes from one of my players as the baron of his kingdom he was approached by Varn in an attempt to marry her to their kingdom and join lands. Varn is not a diplomat in my world setting thus not used to keeping cards in reserve to sweeten the diplomacy pot he's a fighter through and through.

The baron of the kingdom decided 16 was to young to marry but desired the lands Varn was offering even though it came with the downside of a slow burning war with the centaurs he instead offers his brothers oldest son who is 13 and unable to marry until 16 by Brevic law (my addition was age of maturity was 16 thus all betrothals had to wait until then)

what one player found out recently because he is a historian and requested Varns family records to add to the Barons family records was that their is the slightest possibility that Holly may be the granddaughter of King Andrel Rogarvia half brother of King Urzen Surtova
who took the throne when the bachelor king died without an heir even though it cause some issues with house Rogarvia it was 40 years ago.

with this information my player decided to do exactly what I expected him to do watch the fireworks when he told the Baron the possibility of her lineage.

what my players don't suspect yet is if one historian can uncover this information then other historians will as well.

King Noleski Surtova will jump at the chance to legitimize his claim to the throne but is currently searching for solid proof that she is who his record keepers think she might be any potential doubt must be erased or to help keep his claim to the throne she must be debunked or killed.

Once this is done he with step forth and as king claim the betrothal null and void and then claim her unless my pc's do something quick while he can nullify a betrothal he can not dissolve a marriage so my players have only few options options. debunk her lineage, or marry her to someone of age and then send them into hiding, as the assassins will be coming quickly thereafter. they maybe able to avert a war. of course their is the option to fake her death... or kill her outright to prevent this. granted they could also give her over to the king in exchange for her lands and/or favors from Brevoy but I will require an alignment shift for that kind of underhanded dealing

(I'm not using names my players may be reading and sense this happened in a private scene with the baron only one player should know what happened...)

word of warning most players hate this you'll need to make him/she/it very plot centric and like Q bound to keep his word even when he is shown up and proven wrong otherwise this guy will just look like a g.m. ego play.

Gender identity is a complex issue to be sure, and the thought that magic can be used to "fix" their problem by reassigning their gender or correcting their "flaw" in their thinking/behavior and here is a valid insight to this line of thinking.

The thought of a society that can use magic to enforce it's social morays on it's people is frightening but it would happen even in lawful good societies all you have to do is introduce the punishment of magical mental behavior alteration then criminalize the behaviors you want to excise then well I leave the rest up to you guys I sure you get the picture.

I'm running a game for three different groups of people one of which two of my players are RL Drag Queens and the third guy is "normal" gay and the female players are bi(yes they have a complex strata in their social sub group that threw me completely off.) The guys explained a lot to me, they enjoy being male even though they cross dress They have a complex self identification. They literally split their personae while in drag they identify as female but most of the time they ID as male their are always exceptions to that though, they are homosexual because that are simply attracted to men and not women, although some cross-dressers are strait and view it as an art form.

My bi ladies also enjoy and firmly identify as female and describe themselves as attracted to a person on many different levels, they don't care what gender this person happens to be. I would assume BI males have a similar outlook but that is a personal opinion

I've gamed with some lesbian friends years ago and they have the same mind set as gay males for the most part they enjoy being female and are attracted to women, the she-ra man haters club is a stereo type that may have some small bases in truth but honestly if you got crap for your life style constantly you would get bent out of shape yourself from time to time.

and we all know how we as humans love to put things in boxes and define them it makes it easier to control.

There is a massive difference between transsexuals and cross-dressers (there are also drag kings just so you guys are in the loop it's not just the guys) a magical world is a trans dream come true and the belt of fem/masc would be passed around this group like a prize fighting belt it's "mainstream thinking" that identifies it as cursed... but it is all based on point of view, in fact I would dare say transgenders would on the surface cease to exist having an easy cheap and painless means to fulfill their dream.

of course this gives me an idea for a bad guy that uses the belt to hide in plain sight... heh heh heh my players are going to hate me now.

You are A genius, this is absolutely brilliant work. Seriously have you ever considered writing adventures you have a defiant talent for bringing the politics to life. My players are going to want to beat me to death after I put them through the ringers you've set up. I really look forward to more insights you wish to share.