I'm going to be running The AoA AP for my group soon. I'm currently reading through the six books of the AP and have been skimming through the posts here in the forum to get an idea of what to expect as we play through the AP. Despite only being in book 2 of my initial read through, I understand that the core concept of the AP is "Establish your Power Base in Castle Altaerein and use the Teleportation Hub to see the world."
But, I know my group. Based on our experiences with Kingmaker, and building up Stachys and Merratt in War For the Crown, I could very easily see them being just as interested in developing the surrounding countryside of Isger in and around Breachill just as much, or more, than going on the world tour by way of elfgate.
I did some searching for info on Isger. As near as I can tell the government is holding on by a thread . . . the countryside throughout the nation is lawless and over-run by monsters and bandits. Elidir is in debt to neighboring countries for their assistance in the Goblin War of two decades past . . . and that's not even considering the fact that Hedvend IV is a puppet of distant Cheliax.
With all that said, I want to get feedback and advice here in regard to my idea of prompting my players to build up Castle Altaerein as the focal point for the instigation of a new revolution. Build up a powerbase and the love from the Isgerian people in Breachill and beyond to become a political threat to Elidir. To wrestle control of the nation away from Chelish influence and put it back in the hands of the people.
Like I said, I think that this will be something that my group will be able to sink their teeth into. I know that if I dangle this option in front of them as an AP sub-plot there will be things I need to consider, the very least will be a response from Hedvend, and his Chelish Masters.
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Honestly, I believe that it would take a couple years for anyone against this goal to actually pay attention.
Despite located right between Elidir and Druma, the AP says Breachill is NOT on a major trade route and Citadel Altaerein has been infested by monster for about what, 8 years? None of the higher ups apparently cared about it since it was abandoned and I believe that if they had done nothing when a castle was being held by monsters, they would not do anything once it is recovered by humans.
Unless your players start yelling to everyone about revolution, no one would care to oppose them for many years.
Also, consiger that things are actually good in Breachill. They have a system that works for them and are quite self suficient. If a bunch of adventurers start to say they are going to "free them from Cheliax", most of the people would be afraid, knowing that a lot of fighting would come their way. The PCs would more easily be seen as tyrants than freedom fighters.
My advise would be to let your players play castle and enhance the surrounding area as they see fit. There is no reason for Elidir or Cheliax to see this as a threat and even if they do it will take many many years, certainly more years in game than the AP will take. Forcing your hand could actually feel weird and derail the campaign.
To wrestle control of the nation away from Chelish influence and put it back in the hands of the people.
Like I said, I think that this will be something that my group will be able to sink their teeth into. I know that if I dangle this option in front of them as an AP sub-plot there will be things I need to consider, the very least will be a response from Hedvend, and his Chelish Masters.
Deposing a nation's government is a sub-plot? I admire your and your players' ambition.