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I'm planning to run Kingmaker AP soon and would like to further develop the concept of the Aldori Swordlords as a political force in Brevoy.
On my game (and based on several ideas disseminated on the forums), in addition to rigorous training and a solemn oath - the Aldori Swordpact -, candidates for the Aldori Swordlords must abandon their family surname (and consequently any title or line of succession).
On one hand, this requirement makes the organization very attractive for any second son/daughter and/or low-born citizen seeking social ascension and prestige. Being an Aldori Swordlord would represent the perfect opportunity to rewrite your own story, untied from family bonds and obligations, and free from the weight - and sins - of your past surnames!
On the other hand, it creates another problem: how to resolve issues involving the assets and property owned by deceased Aldori Swordlords?
Giving some thought to it, I believe it would make the Free City of Restov a fruitful environment for barristers and devotees/clerics of Abbadar dedicated to providing legal services, most of them specializing in the resolution of real estate disputes and other complex problems.
In the same sense, wills would be extraordinarily common and appreciated legal instruments!
In the absence of any will or equivalent document, would the estate of the late Aldori Swordlord pass to the organization (which could distribute his lands, titles, and other assets as it pleases, perhaps even opening disputes involving duels between the interested parties)?
What do you think of this (or how did you solve this problem in your campaigns)? I'd like to think about these sorts of things ahead of time because I'm planning to make Brevoy, the Aldori Swordlords, political machinations, and the impending civil war a significant part of my game, and that would help make the setting richer and the organization more believable.
I'm planning to run Kingmaker AP soon and would like to further develop the concept of the Aldori Swordlords as a political force in Brevoy.
On my game (and based on several ideas disseminated on the forums), in addition to rigorous training and a solemn oath - the Aldori Swordpact -, candidates for the Aldori Swordlords must abandon their family surname (and consequently any title or line of succession).
On one hand, this requirement makes the organization very attractive for any second son/daughter and/or low-born citizen seeking social ascension and prestige. Being an Aldori Swordlord would represent the perfect opportunity to rewrite your own story, untied from family bonds and obligations, and free from the weight - and sins - of your past surnames!
On the other hand, it creates another problem: how to resolve issues involving the assets and property owned by deceased Aldori Swordlords?
This is a very indepth question, that had not crossed my mind before. But overall, I think it would be very important for the Sworlords to remain an appealing employer or faction. For royalty, Loosing one's title's might be something that could be acceptable, but loosing an/any inheritance from your original family would be harsh.
On the other hand, if the Swordlords want to increase their numbers and therefore might and position in Brevoy, they need to be able to offer something to the new recruits: this could be fame and status, but also be an estate (or other immobilia) in the SL territory.
I just wonder, how would the SL's acquire such immobilia?: is it 'just' in their current domain? or would they be able to acquire some extra holdings through new recruits .... which then is 'recycled' for the one that are truly exceptional and need to be rewarded. I'm not sure tbh.
But overall, SL Ideals are nice and all, but that will only attract a small part of the able bodied warriors.
Giving some thought to it, I believe it would make the Free City of Restov a fruitful environment for barristers and devotees/clerics of Abbadar dedicated to providing legal services, most of them specializing in the resolution of real estate disputes and other complex problems.
In the same sense, wills would be extraordinarily common and appreciated legal instruments!
Yes, that's a nice idea. Makes sense. But I wouldn't overdue it, since it will make Restov much less glorious as it is described now.
In the absence of any will or equivalent document, would the estate of the late Aldori Swordlord pass to the organization (which could distribute his lands, titles, and other assets as it pleases, perhaps even opening disputes involving duels between the interested parties)?
See above. I think this might have its limitations.
What do you think of this (or how did you solve this problem in your campaigns)? I'd like to think about these sorts of things ahead of time because I'm planning to make Brevoy, the Aldori Swordlords, political machinations, and the impending civil war a significant part of my game, and that would help make the setting richer and the organization more believable.
I don't believe my players would go very deep into this. Eventually, when i involve the PC's into a SL-plot, I'll make up some reward: an estate, title, money or otherwise. To fully develop a 'system' behind it, would be too much for me.
It is pretty cool Tal, I have been thinking of how to run the Swordlords (beyond Jamandi and her machinations).
"I'd like to think about these sorts of things ahead of time because I'm planning to make Brevoy, the Aldori Swordlords, political machinations, and the impending civil war a significant part of my game, and that would help make the setting richer and the organization more believable." I am thinking the same.
My game will take place after a failed attempt by a minor swordlord (and puppet of Jamandi) to take the Narlmarches. By sending the pcs in she sees it as getting back what was hers, securing another puppet under her influence. This gives the players a backer, makes the early parts make more sense in my mind, but also presents a choice later on whether they will always bow to mummy Aldori. Once they learn what she fully intends, and the loss of life that will come from civil war, they may turn on her (with consequences for the other swordlords and Brevoy).