Ghearis
11-01-2007, 08:49 AM
I would like to find out if there is any interest in an idea that I have generating for a game that takes place a few years after where the BR timeline leaves off in the published sourcebooks. I would enjoy any and all feedback and especially any interest you might have in such a game. A synopsis of the idea as follows:
Preface/Introduction to Events
The Lord High Chamberlain Caleidhe Dosiere who has maintained the highest ranking position in all of the land on matters of politics and ascension to the throne for all of the long years of his life... has turned up missing. Some claim that he has passed unexpectedly - covered up by trusted friends and allies - without an heir to his position. This theory, of course, renders the position of Lord High Chamberlain and all of it's authority moot in the current political state of affairs. Others claim foul doings, kidnapping - imprisonment... attempts to provoke a war.
Speculation being as it may, the Council of Twelve is brought together in urgent meeting at the Imperial City of Anuire. The discussion became heated as it moved from speculations on the mysterious disappearance to matters of the throne. The usual claims were made and without the diplomatic authority of the Chamberlain preceding, long standing rivalries dominated the bickering with furious vigor.
Of all the rivalries brought to near bloodthirsty levels, the most heated of them all came between the Prince of Avanil and Archduke of Bouruine. The peace treaty signed years ago is dissolved through <i>writ of claim</i> which stated that should either lord be advantaged to stake their claim on the throne without neutral authority present (Lord High Chamberlain), the bindings signed therein would no longer be acknowledged under Anuirean law. Thusly, the two most prominent noble lines in all of Anuire declared war upon each other.
The next year saw boundaries shifting, territories falling under enemy claim, alliances drawn up through both desperation and necesity and the effects of long-term full-scale warfare taking full effect.
New Boundaries, New Allies, New Enemies: The Factions
During the recent course of warfare and struggle for power within the boundaries of Anuire, the political lay of the land has taken drastic change. Alliances are formed, armies clash and yet the most powerful of them all only watches.
1. The Southern Alliance: Roesone, Medoere, Ilien, Aerenwe
Immediately following the adjournment of the Council, Heirl Diem tried to quietly assuage Prince Avan into lending him support for his plans to conquer both Ilien and Medeore, promising the Prince aid in his campaign against Boeruine in return. The Black Baroness caught wind of this potential arrangement and warned the Prince through her own agents that if he agreed to such a thing, she would ally herself to Gavin Tael of Ghoere and allow his troops use of not only her own realm, but Medeore and Ilien... and all of their sources. Fortunately the Prince did not call her bluff. As things sit, the southern alliance no longer has need to fear Diemed, but Ghoere is a far worse threat than Diemed ever was.
2. The Archduke: Boeruine (expanded by 6 provinces), Talinie
Aeric Boeruine seemed way to prepared for all out war. His campaign began swift and fierce, expanding his realm into the Five Peaks, part of Tuornen and deep into Taeghas before being met and held in check finally by Avan's forces in the bloodiest battle of the war effort to date. The Archduke was prepared to advance on Talinie as well but struck a deal with the Thane instead, allowing her both law and temple holdings in newly acquired lands amongst the Five Peaks in exchange for her recognition of his claim to throne and support in the war. With the Thane covering his flank and a stalemate reached with Avan to the south, he focuses on destroying the proverbial thorn in his side once and for all... the Manslayer himself.
3. The Might of Ghoere: Ghoere, Alamie, Tuornen, Osoerde
Gavin Tael of Ghoere also appeared all too eager and prepared for the breakdown of order throughout Anuire. His conniving and incredible strategem allowed him to take both Osoerde and Alamie as vassals to his cause assisting Osoerde with quelling it's internal rebellion and Alamie with overpowering and conquering Tuornen. He now challenges Boeruine and Avan on the pursuit of the throne. Fully content to let those two contenders duke it out to the finish, however, his sights are set fully on Roesone and it's paltry alliance.
4. The Prince's Alliance: Avanil, Taeghas, Brosengae, Diemed
Prince Avan was caught off guard by the immediate surge of Boeruine's forces and Ghoere's schemings. Their aggressive tactics served a suitable trump to his well served nature for diplomacy. His hand was forced to commit a significant portion of his armies to the aid of Taeghas, his close friend and ally and these forces remain tied up in keeping the Archduke's forces at bay. Siding with Roesone over Diemed was a matter of damage control. He simply couldn't risk letting Roesone open itself up to Ghoere and he was no fool to be played in Diemed's narrow minded goal of becoming the nation it once was. He felt his best move was to simply take Diemed and replace it's rule with one of his lieutenants. Though this left him in no way able to support Tuornen, thus losing any hope of it's favor to Ghoere's machinations, he finds himself in a much better position to enable further diplomacy with the realms of the Southern alliance.
5. The Guilder Network: Cariele, Endier, various guild regencies and mercenaries.
Mheallie Bireon has conspired her way into a notable seat of power through crafty scheming and networking skills as one of the most proficient guilders and smartest business minds in all of Anuire. Her network of spies, assassins and mercenaries is unrivalled and during the early stages of the war, she put her power on display by having the highly reputed Guilder Kalien of Endier assassinated, then taking control of his own network to add to her own. Not to mention, taking control of Endier and all of it's valuable trade routes as an extension to her realm's. In terms of actual land property, provinces, and military this is a small and vulnerable alliance but the slippery Bireon holds a vicelike grip on the economy and trade that takes place all throughout Anuire and her network is to be feared. It's even said she is responsible for the disappearance of the Lord High Chamberlain. Further rumors indicate that Gavin Tael might even be attempting another one of his "arrangements" with her to benefit both his designs and her own.
6. The Elven Alliance: Tuarhieval, Dhoesone
he elves have always proven the craftiest and most cunning strategists in the matters of human politics. Out of 5 realms on their border, only one (Dhoesone, by relation) remains a friend while two other combined are significantly the most powerful force of evil in all the realm. The Gorgon's lands, in part with his vassals in Markazor and that's not even considering his other vassal, Mur-Kilad right beside. The elven lands are regarded as impenetrable but they must focus so heavily on defense that their threat is almost negligible. Only Dhoesone has the resources and ability to marshall force but they are so far removed as to be considered moot to the entire war effort.
7. The Hunter's Alliance: Mhoried, Elinie, Sielwode, Coeranys
Guerilla warfare is no better defined than by these hardy folk. Only Elinie remains as the most aggressive of the bunch, giving Ghoere all they can muster on their border with them. The Mhor is more pacifist, as is the Duchess Cariele of Coeranys and her close friend the Emerald Queen Isaelie. This group prefers to just wait out the war and survive at all costs. They will likely not recognize any regent who claims the throne through succession but Elinie has promised support from Khinasi influence and both the Mhor and Cariele have connections in Rjurik and Brechtur respectively if it comes down to taking the war beyond the borders of empire alone.
8. The Gorgon's Alliance: The Gorgon Crown, Mur-Kilad, Markazor, Thurazor
This is the most feared alliance for this monstrous lot will stop at nothing for ultimate power in the name of their lord but they have been quiet since the events of the doomed Council meeting which brooked the war. They continuously harass the elves of Tuarhieval as they have always done but their forces seem to be brooding a breath away from being unleashed. Recent rumors indicate that Thurazor has been attempting to unite various scattered tribes throughout the remainder of The Five Peaks under the Gorgon's banner.
Enter the Players/ Making it Playable
1. Regency : I'm not entirely convinced that I want to use regency in this game scenario. I think it would be much more enjoyable to have players enter as lieutenants, commanders, agents of espionage, high level mercenaries or specialists in a field, what have you and then be run through scenarios. If I did involve regency, I would likely want more DMs to help field the scenario.
2. Factions : With small interest, I would want to keep the game centrally around one chosen faction. A group of mercenaries working under the influence of Ghoere as a player group for example... or loyalists to Avan, etc... With high interest, perhaps with a sidebar of Co-DMs, maybe regency among many factions, but ultimately a choice among factions and a proper structure from there to keep things rolling without spreading everyone out too thinly.
3. Starting level and blood scions : In this sort of setting, I am considering high levels, starting at 10 as a base. I am of the notion to include scions and perhaps even ersheglien
Preface/Introduction to Events
The Lord High Chamberlain Caleidhe Dosiere who has maintained the highest ranking position in all of the land on matters of politics and ascension to the throne for all of the long years of his life... has turned up missing. Some claim that he has passed unexpectedly - covered up by trusted friends and allies - without an heir to his position. This theory, of course, renders the position of Lord High Chamberlain and all of it's authority moot in the current political state of affairs. Others claim foul doings, kidnapping - imprisonment... attempts to provoke a war.
Speculation being as it may, the Council of Twelve is brought together in urgent meeting at the Imperial City of Anuire. The discussion became heated as it moved from speculations on the mysterious disappearance to matters of the throne. The usual claims were made and without the diplomatic authority of the Chamberlain preceding, long standing rivalries dominated the bickering with furious vigor.
Of all the rivalries brought to near bloodthirsty levels, the most heated of them all came between the Prince of Avanil and Archduke of Bouruine. The peace treaty signed years ago is dissolved through <i>writ of claim</i> which stated that should either lord be advantaged to stake their claim on the throne without neutral authority present (Lord High Chamberlain), the bindings signed therein would no longer be acknowledged under Anuirean law. Thusly, the two most prominent noble lines in all of Anuire declared war upon each other.
The next year saw boundaries shifting, territories falling under enemy claim, alliances drawn up through both desperation and necesity and the effects of long-term full-scale warfare taking full effect.
New Boundaries, New Allies, New Enemies: The Factions
During the recent course of warfare and struggle for power within the boundaries of Anuire, the political lay of the land has taken drastic change. Alliances are formed, armies clash and yet the most powerful of them all only watches.
1. The Southern Alliance: Roesone, Medoere, Ilien, Aerenwe
Immediately following the adjournment of the Council, Heirl Diem tried to quietly assuage Prince Avan into lending him support for his plans to conquer both Ilien and Medeore, promising the Prince aid in his campaign against Boeruine in return. The Black Baroness caught wind of this potential arrangement and warned the Prince through her own agents that if he agreed to such a thing, she would ally herself to Gavin Tael of Ghoere and allow his troops use of not only her own realm, but Medeore and Ilien... and all of their sources. Fortunately the Prince did not call her bluff. As things sit, the southern alliance no longer has need to fear Diemed, but Ghoere is a far worse threat than Diemed ever was.
2. The Archduke: Boeruine (expanded by 6 provinces), Talinie
Aeric Boeruine seemed way to prepared for all out war. His campaign began swift and fierce, expanding his realm into the Five Peaks, part of Tuornen and deep into Taeghas before being met and held in check finally by Avan's forces in the bloodiest battle of the war effort to date. The Archduke was prepared to advance on Talinie as well but struck a deal with the Thane instead, allowing her both law and temple holdings in newly acquired lands amongst the Five Peaks in exchange for her recognition of his claim to throne and support in the war. With the Thane covering his flank and a stalemate reached with Avan to the south, he focuses on destroying the proverbial thorn in his side once and for all... the Manslayer himself.
3. The Might of Ghoere: Ghoere, Alamie, Tuornen, Osoerde
Gavin Tael of Ghoere also appeared all too eager and prepared for the breakdown of order throughout Anuire. His conniving and incredible strategem allowed him to take both Osoerde and Alamie as vassals to his cause assisting Osoerde with quelling it's internal rebellion and Alamie with overpowering and conquering Tuornen. He now challenges Boeruine and Avan on the pursuit of the throne. Fully content to let those two contenders duke it out to the finish, however, his sights are set fully on Roesone and it's paltry alliance.
4. The Prince's Alliance: Avanil, Taeghas, Brosengae, Diemed
Prince Avan was caught off guard by the immediate surge of Boeruine's forces and Ghoere's schemings. Their aggressive tactics served a suitable trump to his well served nature for diplomacy. His hand was forced to commit a significant portion of his armies to the aid of Taeghas, his close friend and ally and these forces remain tied up in keeping the Archduke's forces at bay. Siding with Roesone over Diemed was a matter of damage control. He simply couldn't risk letting Roesone open itself up to Ghoere and he was no fool to be played in Diemed's narrow minded goal of becoming the nation it once was. He felt his best move was to simply take Diemed and replace it's rule with one of his lieutenants. Though this left him in no way able to support Tuornen, thus losing any hope of it's favor to Ghoere's machinations, he finds himself in a much better position to enable further diplomacy with the realms of the Southern alliance.
5. The Guilder Network: Cariele, Endier, various guild regencies and mercenaries.
Mheallie Bireon has conspired her way into a notable seat of power through crafty scheming and networking skills as one of the most proficient guilders and smartest business minds in all of Anuire. Her network of spies, assassins and mercenaries is unrivalled and during the early stages of the war, she put her power on display by having the highly reputed Guilder Kalien of Endier assassinated, then taking control of his own network to add to her own. Not to mention, taking control of Endier and all of it's valuable trade routes as an extension to her realm's. In terms of actual land property, provinces, and military this is a small and vulnerable alliance but the slippery Bireon holds a vicelike grip on the economy and trade that takes place all throughout Anuire and her network is to be feared. It's even said she is responsible for the disappearance of the Lord High Chamberlain. Further rumors indicate that Gavin Tael might even be attempting another one of his "arrangements" with her to benefit both his designs and her own.
6. The Elven Alliance: Tuarhieval, Dhoesone
he elves have always proven the craftiest and most cunning strategists in the matters of human politics. Out of 5 realms on their border, only one (Dhoesone, by relation) remains a friend while two other combined are significantly the most powerful force of evil in all the realm. The Gorgon's lands, in part with his vassals in Markazor and that's not even considering his other vassal, Mur-Kilad right beside. The elven lands are regarded as impenetrable but they must focus so heavily on defense that their threat is almost negligible. Only Dhoesone has the resources and ability to marshall force but they are so far removed as to be considered moot to the entire war effort.
7. The Hunter's Alliance: Mhoried, Elinie, Sielwode, Coeranys
Guerilla warfare is no better defined than by these hardy folk. Only Elinie remains as the most aggressive of the bunch, giving Ghoere all they can muster on their border with them. The Mhor is more pacifist, as is the Duchess Cariele of Coeranys and her close friend the Emerald Queen Isaelie. This group prefers to just wait out the war and survive at all costs. They will likely not recognize any regent who claims the throne through succession but Elinie has promised support from Khinasi influence and both the Mhor and Cariele have connections in Rjurik and Brechtur respectively if it comes down to taking the war beyond the borders of empire alone.
8. The Gorgon's Alliance: The Gorgon Crown, Mur-Kilad, Markazor, Thurazor
This is the most feared alliance for this monstrous lot will stop at nothing for ultimate power in the name of their lord but they have been quiet since the events of the doomed Council meeting which brooked the war. They continuously harass the elves of Tuarhieval as they have always done but their forces seem to be brooding a breath away from being unleashed. Recent rumors indicate that Thurazor has been attempting to unite various scattered tribes throughout the remainder of The Five Peaks under the Gorgon's banner.
Enter the Players/ Making it Playable
1. Regency : I'm not entirely convinced that I want to use regency in this game scenario. I think it would be much more enjoyable to have players enter as lieutenants, commanders, agents of espionage, high level mercenaries or specialists in a field, what have you and then be run through scenarios. If I did involve regency, I would likely want more DMs to help field the scenario.
2. Factions : With small interest, I would want to keep the game centrally around one chosen faction. A group of mercenaries working under the influence of Ghoere as a player group for example... or loyalists to Avan, etc... With high interest, perhaps with a sidebar of Co-DMs, maybe regency among many factions, but ultimately a choice among factions and a proper structure from there to keep things rolling without spreading everyone out too thinly.
3. Starting level and blood scions : In this sort of setting, I am considering high levels, starting at 10 as a base. I am of the notion to include scions and perhaps even ersheglien