Player Guide: Nobility of the Easting Reach

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Kilaana
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Player Guide: Nobility of the Easting Reach

Postby Kilaana » Mon Nov 16, 2015 8:59 pm

Introduction

You'll find a short explanation on the feudal system here, followed by most of the relevant barons for our area. This level of information about a baron can be obtained from NPCs or with a successful Knowledge: Local or Knowledge: Nobility check (DC 10).

Regarding nobility
Impiltur's society is a feudal one, where the land belongs to the king and trickles down through the Queen Regent to her Council of War Captains, to the equivalent of Dukes or Earls, to Barons, down to the heads of common households. Those who pay feudal taxes pledge their fealty to a baron of their choice within a certain radius, determined by the area's population density. The height of taxes normally changes depending on circumstance, though we use a fixed rate for PCs.

The position of baron is not officially a hereditary one in Impiltur, so spouses and children gain no special rank of their own. However, the nearest available heir is traditionally recommended as successor by the local count anyway. This means it's all the same to common folk.
There are a few exceptions, being the noble houses. They consist of large families with multiple holdings throughout the kingdom and so provide one of these counts to govern the barons. Members of a noble house are all considered noble, though most have nothing to do with rulership.

Regarding scale
The module only represents a couple of areas like Sarshel and Outentown. In reality, the fertile 30 miles between these two sport villages, thaedar and lone farms of 10-500 people which sit just 2-3 miles apart. It would make for a tediously large module with little variation if we were to include all of this, but it's important to realize they do exist. The typical baron collects taxes in and cares for some 10-20 such settlements. Where their reach overlaps that of others, they often compete for the fealty of the locals.

For areas represented in the module, the following lords are relevant:
Midrikaul: Hylgar Metiss
Outentown: Sulyim Nassour, Ashkyr Relindar and Rilwor Slywenn.
Relgar: Otsul Essldyr
Songhall: Hekril Ashraum, Ustbyr Slywenn
Thelnam: Odunt Metiss
Vlasta: Roulves Dintersan

If your character becomes a citizen of Sarshel, they may pledge to one of its war captains instead (lady Rilaunyr of Sune or the half-elven lord Silaunbrar of Torm).

Local barons
What follows is a list of the noble lords and ladies to whom your character may swear fealty. These represent the rulers within the scope of the module, though there are roughly four times as many elsewhere in Impiltur. Where they are specified as Lord or Lady, they are not part of a noble house. It is not an indication of their marital state.

Beside a name, the list is roughly divided by region and includes the baron's place of residence and one of the common rumours surrounding them to help you in your choice.

Between Thelnam and Arn's Cove
Dinon Arenbrunt of Saint Lyngfan: Plainly frustrated with his small, isolated territory. Though driven to make it all it can be, he doesn't seem to feel any attachment to it.
Uskbaum Doventh of Cardinton: Wages a personal campaign against smugglers since some of them took his people hostage in a futile but bloody bid to avoid capture.
Didray Hysunt of Dallyacre: Often found in the presence of a priest of Silvanus, who seems to have a strong influence on his life and his perceptions.
Lord Dingar Immor of Shineriver Croft: Often nervous and jumpy, he seems most at peace when tending his flower garden. A gift of rare seeds is sure to win his favour the next year.
Lord Cimmos Isslkyn of Nantmere Tor: Retribution is harsh and swift when bandits plague his lands, and he has built some imposing gallows. But one band always seems a step ahead of the guard.
Lord Eldarroun Ivlarskyr of Darlingacre: Seems fascinated by gnomish engineering. More than one guest has been trapped in a mechanized bathroom and some are lucky to be alive.
Odunt Metiss of Earlsenter: Takes pride in an unfailing loyalty towards family and friends, though a series of betrayals has left serious scars upon his soul.
Lord Rouldan Ouzoun of Litflite Manor: Thought to be a diviner, he certainly seems well informed of all which goes on in Impiltur. Even so, it has not brought him the wealth to maintain all his roads and barracks.
Lord Typad Torraun of Blackthwaite: Keeps a family of Gur on his lands who have been making ever more outrageous predictions, yet all came true so far.
Lady Ezale Warledine of Huntingisle Bridge: Generally cheerful and keen to get her hands dirty, she is unconcerned with the rest of the kingdom and locks up whenever she's faced with changes.


Coastal area from Thelnam to Dilpur
Lord Dyzmos Aisy of Lanbryde: He is always accompanied by his child, who will whisper with him but speaks to no other. To look at them you'd think that's the lord and he just a mouthpiece.
Lord Yozir Chastoun of Grenbrough: Either superstitious or devout, he seems to do nothing without waiting for an omen or consulting the gods.
Umstril Daulmos of Treadpath: Known as a skilled mage, though crass and arrogant because of it. Some appreciate the bluntness, but few care for the air of superiority.
Lord Oukril Duvash of Rowseard: Rumours say he hunted and enslaved the gargoyles now decorating his house. They may come alive at his word, or worse – upon his death.
Lady Bozche Echsyr of Lyngtun Lodge: She is ruthless in her dealings but gentle with her people. May be directly responsible for a few unpleasant accidents on her roads.
Otsul Essldyr of Lorlisden Steading: Far removed from the family's main power base, but perhaps the most conscious of etiquette in the family. It's thought to be a cry for approval.
Osmor Hysunt of Carehouse: Through several omens, scholars believe his birth was foretold over 300 years ago. But his prophesied achievements are yet ahead of him.
Lord Mervin Keld of Belascheth: A passionate gambler, his house is filled with mismatched furniture and trinkets which disappear as randomly as they arrived.
Lord Relgar Kimnir of Wesadale: Frequently suffers from bouts of amnesia and keeps a small army of scribes around to record his dealings. They are not allowed to compare notes.
Shubtin Naveric of Dalthwaite: A former adventurer, he has sworn solemn oaths to each of his companions from the time. This leads to strange behaviour on some nights of the year.
Lady Imet Rantoul of Stowside: Once an adventurer, she kept only her sword and a magnificent white suit of armour. She still fights her own battles but goes unarmoured for fear of marring the suit.
Ryvdyn Rulest of Brillley: All his tales regard his early youth, as though the years since haven't happened. Seems unable to look into a mirror without melancholia.
Lord Auvos Sandyr of Shyflet: Petitioners who wish to see the lord must meet the resident priest to discuss all the things Tyr might judge them for before being allowed in his presence.
Lord Awnrim Tashnaul of Lower Shaftetton Lodge: Orcish blood in the family has made his lands entirely unattractive to dwarven and elven races, particularly when they learn he has no tolerance for criticism.
Lord Rauriss Thendaum of Aldster: Often disguises himself as a foul drunk, penniless priest or vagabond to test the kindness of his people.
Lord Dyntim Turvil of Belasmore: He is restless, barely sleeping at night and often travelling from one village to the next, as though there can't be enough minor troubles to occupy his thoughts.
Lord Runser Yernwyr of Sutfos: He is usually efficient, but bumbles when his brother's wife is about. It's whispered he began several plots to steal her away, but has always blown them off so far.
Lord Horust Yr of Belburn: Spends most of his resources on defenses, building insanely dense walls and paying large sums to those who claim knowledge of abjuration.

Farmland from Sarshel to Outentown and Dilpur
Lord Yonden Agerrym of Rowanaton: He fills his kennels with cats instead of dogs and spends many hours trying to train them.
Eaunrad Arenbrunt of Freshmill: Rumoured to own great wealth, stored away somewhere on his estate. Seems unaware of the value of money or the challenges of the poor.
Tianaun Arenbrunt of Dorbride Crossing: Once in training as a wizard, the memory of his mentor's early demise has closed the door to further progress. Still does not receive magicians easily.
Bauder Ashraum of Upper Lhancester: Though generous and fair, it is said he retains a skilled brute and infiltrator who take care of problems charm alone can't fix.
Envir Ashraum of Godstone Mill: A methodious planner, he seeks to be prepared for all eventualities. Less concerned with matters of the present, he expects greater trouble in times to come.
Lord Achlim Banntryl of Quenover: This bookish lord is slow to make decisions or give advice, believing he should first know more about farming than his farmers and more about cooking than his cooks.
Lord Morrtryn Belzard of Mynyddchester: Little is known of this unproven lord but that his late father preached Torm's ways and he seems to have a constant itch on his back, surely due to some irritating skin condition a priest will shortly cure. He is yet to make significant changes in policy.
Lord Hyzen Cith of Lordeighton: Normally shy and timid, he comes alive when he sees fire dancing before his eyes. He may himself be a pyromancer.
Dypold Daulmos of Elvesiton: Of half-elven blood, he seems ill at ease and guarded except in the presence of others of his kind. As a result, spends much time avoiding business.
Lady Lynaw Delpim of Polenden: Has a strong and violent temper, particularly when her sister is brought up. Visitors can expect to be turned out merely for mentioning their own families.
Lord Urnhir Drak of Cardway: Perhaps out of insecurity, he is often seen asking random locals for their thoughts on how their taxes should best be spent. This has led to some unusual projects.
Lord Pyvdel Duth of Modesberry: Refuses to employ men at his estate. It's surely but a matter of time before horror stories come to light.
Lord Tekas Eimos of Worthelm: He is sworn to Eldath and strictly pacifistic, though he must know people take advantage of him for it.
Lord Iten Esstour of Somergate: Orders his guards to patrol ceaselessly. Instead of guarding his treasury or his person they're out wearing down their boots.
Lord Teder Eyskel of Knightsding Down: Once popular, he has lately spent most days recovering from long nights in questionable company and is testy when asked for anything.
Lord Iauthin Fahrbarinnusk of South Sutfeld: Cursed to speak in rhyme or song after refusing shelter to a minstrel, he seems to enjoy his condition and refuses remedies, to the great annoyance of those who work with him.
Lady Eecia Hathmir of Llynfield: She is said to have the brightest guards in the land, but rumours also say she forces them to learn forbidden lore on daemons. So far this has not been confirmed.
Turwin Hysunt of Breminster: Said to live in a haunted manor, he seems unconcerned. Some say he takes council from the ghosts of its former lords and will one day be amongst them.
Lord Delsam Kalcaul of Goodmore: He always hires travelling performers and pays them generously, even though he already has several on retainer.
Hevtin Metiss of Shafteanger: Spent years serving the guard under a false name before assuming the lordship. Well loved but not entirely respected by his former superiors and equals.
Lady Dinage Myrkim of Minceford: She seems preoccupied with her age and appearance. Some say her closed-off western tower has naught but shelves and magical rejuvenation potions within.
Lord Aledil Nalcour of Ashcester: He is known as a friend of druids, often consulting them on matters of nature – human or otherwise. Some say he uses their favour to hide something in the local woods.
Sulyim Nassour of Oldfeld: A follower of Helm, he flies into a legendary rage whenever his beliefs are questioned. His rants can last for hours, during which he is anything but vigillant.
Temden Nassour of Basilmill: Refused all suitors to date, seeming to lack any romantic or physical interests despite constant efforts from his family. Rules with equal lack of passion.
Dictor Naveric of Oakinton: Once won a jousting tournament in king Soarimbrar's honour. Though he has never competed since, he keeps good horses awaiting the new king's call for a champion.
Lady Ditina Nebarskyr of Bexisle: Short of stature, her secret for merchantile and political success seem to lie in never trusting anyone taller or wider than herself.
Povurn Olddaun of Sculhurst Manse: Said to be visited by an angel with holy directions every year, though he has always considered himself unworthy and denied her. Lately, this attitude is changing.
Lord Hurran Pryvdal of Goldwine Bridge: Every night, wailing can be heard from his bedroom, though no one is allowed to enter. Some say it's a haunting, others believe he bemoans the cost of his success.
Lord Agevir Rauzold of Stowenford: No one seems to gossip about him. As to why that is, none speculate.
Ashkyr Relindar of Drumaire Manor: Thought to have died three times, only to be revived by his father's instructions. Each glimpse of the afterlife brought him closer to gloom and despair.
Lord Disbur Rhyrmos of Highditch: Some question whether he is as well-born and educated as he pretends, but his superiors don't seem concerned.
Ecald Slywenn of Ashtopps: A member of Sarshel's gemcutter's guild before his family's rise to power, he still credits its guild leader for the capable leadership he shows today.
Rilwor Slywenn of Whitsome Bridge: Had the company of a lowborn playing companion since childhood with whom he shares all. She must surely know his deepest secrets and greatest weaknesses, but doesn't tell.
Esach Starsunder of Lyngdean: Traumatized by the demise of an older brother, he seems unable to think of death and does not consider it a possible outcome in his plans.
Thidor Starsunder of Ashside: Has had many and varied lovers, though it never results in a relationship. Those who conceive are generously compensated and then shown the door.
Rodgaum Sterroth of Deverbran: For reasons unknown, he always seems to carry a yellowish, tangerine-sized crystal orb along. It sits in a glass case between two satin pillows, thought to be heavily trapped, and does not leave his sight.
Lord Terryn Therzoum of Longcrop Bridge: He has repeatedly turned a priest of the Triad from his lands and servants have never found a shrine in his quarters.
Lord Lorwin Umech of Topding: Usually wears the same rags as his peasants. Only one of his chimneys is smoking.
Lady Sysbel Uskril of Tillyfeld: After building a nursery for orphaned animals, she has ordered the construction of another for baby monsters, raising more than a few concerns about her maternal instincts and good judgement.
Rykard Warsalanydryl of Brigtun Barrow: Though he rarely speaks of Ilmater, he lets his actions do so for him. Though not of the Adorned, less devout men quip he's been possessed by the deity.
Esenth Wellhaven of Holmwich: While a man of many virtues, he is also swift to question friendships and declare a feud if any should tarnish his perfect image within hearing.

Lands beyond Outentown
Hekril Ashraum of Whitwater Croft: Seeks to have all houses built of stone after losing most of a village to flames. Keeping his quarries busy, he often helps in construction like one driven by guilt.
Radwryl Dintersan of Highbrook: Usually cheerful and a bit clownish, few expect him to observe propriety and custom anymore. He rules with apparent naivete but all seems to work out somehow.
Roulves Dintersan of Redghyll: It is said his first love was a dwarf lass and their time together shaped many of his beliefs, though it only lasted three short years.
Ilkin Doventh of Bexshaw: Born a bastard, he has only recently learned of his family name. It seems he was eagerly embraced and quickly showed himself worthy of lordship, but much of his past is a mystery.
Lady Anlin Lerlym of Highsome: She used to live in a smuggler's village before turning her life around. Honest merchants only get the fairest of treatments, and this favour seems to repay itself.
Hylgar Metiss of Bestvale Farm: When faced with challenges, he drinks heavily and retires early, claiming it brings prophetic dreams and creative solutions. He does indeed seem to have the occasional insight.
Sudest Nassour of Shafteingdon: Cautious and guarded in his dealings, he seems to expect the worst from others. At night he sleeps lightly, or wanders his home to keep an eye on his guards.
Ossam Naveric of Palmworthy: Infatuated with the ways of old, he dresses and acts in the fashion of Imphras I and his contemporaries and pays well for artifacts of the time. It seems he'd like a return to simpler times.
Lord Lukend Ornraur of Dorarder: Some say the fine tapestries and embroidery surrounding him are of his own creation, but he credits a mysterious woman no one seems to have met.
Lord Ycver Paudrell of Aleswine: Though a gifted speaker and strategist, he has no memory for names. Constant mix-ups prove enormously confusing for his accomplices, and much of his potential goes to waste.
Lord Yerkin Rucche of Amblock: He seems bored with the challenges of lordship, generally seeming distracted and leaving much to his advisors.
Taucine Rulest of Goodmill: Had a kinship with horses ever since his first riding lesson. He greatly enjoys long and fast-paced rides and conducts his business mainly with those who can keep up.
Ustbyr Slywenn of Fulacre: Accused of great intellect and a dangerous curiosity, his family has surrounded him with sages in hopes they'll keep his thoughts concerned with harmless mysteries.
Rylos Starsunder of Somertreath: With a line of champions on his father's end and one of magi on his mother's, he never did decide whose footsteps to follow. It seems he'll disappoint both with mediocrity.
Urser Sterroth of West Inverbrough: Fanatically devoted to Lathander, and ordained as one of his priests, he is often found preaching at his thaedar. Convinced his faith is best, he pities those clinging to the Triad.
Lady Rorgha Thred of Knightham: Some say she resembles a prostitute from Dilpur. Others believe she resembles the cowled vigilante causing trouble in her lands.
Artaun Warsalanydryl of Wellaston Farm: After a crime in his youth, was convicted to two years in a hard labour camp by his father. Still weakened but emotionally hardened, he works to redeem himself.
Sumas Wellhaven of Mincenster: Seems deeply devoted to his mother, spending more time in her presence than on his own lands. It is fortunate he has the support of able assistants.
Taupard Wellhaven of Enderworthy: Although he is removed from the main cities, some suspect it's by his own design. He has cultivated too many friendships not to be scheming.
“Violence is the mark of the amateur.” ― Garrett, Thief: The Dark Project

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Re: Player Guide: Nobility of the Easting Reach

Postby Loreweaver » Mon Jan 25, 2016 7:22 pm

For those who fancy their chances at becoming nobility one day, here's a little bit more detail on the roles and requirements.

There are, roughly speaking, five layers in the chain of command.
- The royal line
- The royal family
- The high lords
- The lords
- The common people

The royal line consists of the queen-regent, the young king and one other boy. Should they all die, the current dynasty ends.
The royal family is larger, but these people have no pure lineage or right to rule. That said, the Lords of Imphras II, the council of 12 paladins effectively ruling Impiltur, are all in this category.
The high lords are the heads of noble houses. Their main role is deciding who should be lord of what, though the council can ignore their suggestions if it wants. To become a noble house, you need five or more lords in your family, must have provided at least one famous paladin within the last few generations and have some proof of a distant connection to an Impilturan royal line.
The lords, then, are divided between those who are members of a noble house and those who are not. It doesn't matter for their responsibilities but it can affect the chances of their children inheriting their position. Inheritance of nobility is not a right, but it is a custom and most people are wise enough to treat a likely heir with respect because of it. Other children are usually not so privileged.
The common people are just that. You can subdivide them into heads of households and others, or note that they have more rights than the foreigners who fall outside this chain of command, but basically they have very little say in what happens on a national level.

For most adventurers who'd like some influence, this means the first step is becoming Impilturan. Swearing fealty to a lord and paying your feudal taxes fulfills this requirement and makes them one of the common people.
To become a lord, one must catch the eye of those in power. There are many ways in which to distinguish oneself, but in the end they're looking for someone who shows loyalty to the crown, good judgement, a benevolent spirit and the ability to protect the commonfolk. There must also be an available fief, or the intention of wresting such a fief from the Impilturan wilderness.
Becoming a high lord is rather more involved. As mentioned, you need a substantial and respected family for this. It's entirely possible to marry into one, securing a connection to distant royalty or a recent paladin, but becoming head of such a family can take a while if you have to keep the number of domains at 5+.
The royal family would be both easier and harder to get into. Its members will happily marry for love, ignoring station, but it won't give their partner royal blood. It's a way to get one's children royal blood though.
Lastly, the royal line isn't looking for suitors at present and the criteria are rather more strict anyway. Even if they weren't, access to these important individuals is limited. But at some point, some lucky princess from a foreign country might work her way into this category to revitalize the line.

Focussing on lords in particular, there are a number of rules and rights to be aware of:
- A lord's domain, depending on whether it's in a central, outlying or isolated part of the kingdom, would stretch as far as the lord can see, walk or ride, respectively (within a day, at steady pace). Usually, this amounts to some 7 - 14 villages.
- Lords are required to raise taxes from each household on behalf of the king. They keep about a third of it as their income, and in addition can request up to one month of service (in whatever role needed) from each adult in their domain.
- Lords are required to provide food, work and shelter to their people upon request, if the people cannot provide for themselves.
- Lords are required to protect the rights of all in their domain, including Impilturans sworn to other lords and the basic rights of foreigners.
- Lords are allowed to use and shape their land, and to grant their people the right to do the same. Often, the latter takes the form of additional taxes or licenses.
- Lords are allowed to construct strongholds and other defensive works and to levy tolls on roads, rivers and bridges as long as they are well maintained.
- Lords are allowed to pass judgement on minor conflicts and crimes within their domain. Serious crimes must be left to a Royal Herald or other authorities, but lords are expected to detain suspects until one can be summoned.
- Lords are allowed to carry weapons and maintain armed forces up to a number appropriate to their situation. There is a limit to prevent lords from becoming too powerful or making trouble.

Because Impiltur has a standing army in the Warsword, lords have no immediate military obligations. Coupled with their limited legal permissions and a lack of hereditary rights, this means their main job is collecting taxes and then spending these on the safety and well-being of the people. Their symbolic function however is to make sure everyone feels connected to the king through their oath of fealty, strengthening the unity of the kingdom.


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