Royalty on Golarion

[Robbin]

I'm starting a new Kitsune PC as a cavalier, Order of the Lion, and planning to make him a bit like Disney's Robin Hood.

Is there any NPC king on Golarion with a similar story to King Richard the Lionheart (away on a crusade while his brother usurps power and rules unjustly)?

I want to have the character be loyal to the true king and his subjects, but not to the illegitimate authority of the interim ruler(s).

I also plan to take the standard bearer archetype, which gives the banner feature at 1st level and saves mount for 5th level. I may skip the mount entirely for a while and take some levels in ranger (picture a badger companion named Tuck or a bear named Little John or a favored enemy that includes wolves/sheriffs).

Faction will be Andoran, and traits will add some class skills not normally allowed for cavaliers, to make use of increased DEX and CHA.

Basically a rallying figure with teamwork feats, some deception capabilities and skill with a bow. And the ability to challenge and embarrass unjust leaders/opponents.

Any help with a sovereign that fits the campaign setting and the PC concept would be appreciated. If there isn't a good analog, I could always have the PC be deluded into thinking there really is a King Richard he is fighting for, away on some crusade and unknown to everyone else (the other PCs, NPCs and the current local authorities).

[Chris O'Reilly]

Well, the old ruling family in Brevoy just disappeared and they current ruling noble family isnt 100% popular, but thats offhand so Id look into it.

A metaplot point seems to be uncovering the history of the Taldan ruling family so there may be fodder there.

Both are stretches but thats all I know.

[LazarX]

Richard the Lionhearted was one of the worst kings in English history. He left his throne to John, because he simply couldn't be bothered to rule domestically. The usurious taxes imposed by Prince John went mainly to pay his brother's ransom when Richard got himself captured by the Sultan's army. In fact during his entire rule, his main residence was in France.

The extraordinary powers invoked by John to collect those taxes were only possible because the nobles forced him to sign the Magna Carta in exchange for their cooperation. It was at that point that the rulership of Britain would transform from an absolute monarchy to the present constitutional monarchy system.

[Broken Prince]

But in fairness LazarX nor was he an anthropomorphic lion, I do not think the OP is concerned about the historical accuracy of the situation :)

I might consider Taldor, but you would need to make a few changes. Maybe you could be anti Stavian III and want his daughter Eutropia to take the throne? Stavian Info Here

[Robbin]

Just to clarify, I'm basing the PC on a fictional character.

Sorry if I touched a nerve, or if the story I like differs from generally accepted accounts of English history. Sitting hundreds of years and thousands of miles away from the last absolute monarchy in Britain, I'm inclined to prefer Walt's version of the story - even if it is a bit cavalier to do so.

You can't get behind the idea of role-playing a crusader if you let little things like the political fallout of real-world crusades get in the way. A cause and an adversary direct the actions of a fantasy hero. If you let the real world transform a clear choice of action into a gray area, the character loses some of their larger-than-life appeal. Misguided or inaccurate or not, the Robin Hood character and his adventures make a good story.

And the one collecting the high taxes will always be the likely villain in the eyes of the common taxpayer - especially where democratic rule and freedom from tyranny have been hard won.

[Robbin]

I'll give some thought to the Taldan ideas. We've played some scenarios with other characters where Stavian and Eutropia were involved, and I have some pieces of that story - although the order of succession may be sort of reversed.

I'll check out the Brevoy story line too.

Thanks!

[Reynard de' Bonaire]

A pox on the phony king of england Talor

[Broken Prince]

One of my favorite quotes is, "Begone long one." :)

[Tamec]

You could use Cheliax...
Rightful noble family deposed.
Evil Tyrant ruling the land.

[ElyasRavenwood]

Tamec has a good idea. Evil tyrant supported by devils ruling the land.

Chelliax sounds like a very good idea. It could do with some overthrowing.

[Hrothdane]

My life is happier knowing that someone had made a kitsune based on Disney's Robin Hood.

[Wicked Brew]

Check out Molthune and Nimrathas. The rangers of Nimrathas always re reminded me of Robin and his merry band.