Recently I have been thinking of more sandbox-style adventure hooks, the type where adventurers could take the reins and are ‘in charge’, instead of being ordered about by some NPCs or such…so let start with mankind’s favourite – war!
Skirmishes between fiefs are nothing unusually; but when fiefs take up arm against a chartered town, it is something else all together. The king of the feudal realm grants charter to towns, making them free land, leading to the rise of the merchant class. However, with the authority of the king weakening, the feudal lords are taking matters into their own hand. Westerhaust, a trading port boasting of more than population of 5,000, has been an eyesore in the eyes of the feudal lords. The land is fertile, it sits on a vital strategic location and it has grown rich from trade.
- The PC are based in Westerhaust and depending on their deeds, may be sought by the town council to seek aid from allies, or even to formulate a plan to beat off the invasion! What would the PC do? Will they seek aid from old allies, persuade other feudal lords to aid the town or even assassinate the leader of the feudal alliance? Is it possible to restore power to the king, or open his eyes to the dire consequences of his lord’s actions?
- When opportunity knocks, one may ignore it. When it takes the form of a battering ram, who could resist it? The PC could be opportunist, being double-spies, mercenaries or even lead an army of their own! In the upcoming battle, chaos will reign, and the PCs may be able to seize a castle here or some riches here. The lords would resort to any tricks to bring the town down, the town would do anything to secure their lot – why not take the opportunity to make some gain off it?
- Despite the united front the feudal lords take against Westerhaust, infighting is rampant within. The PCs’ liege lord, if they have one, was found murdered, presumably by an assassin under the orders of Westerhaust. The liege lord, leaving no son and with the PCs being his greatest champions, were suggested to be appointed as fielder commanders. If the PCs are not the vassals of that liege lord, his successors would approach him, voicing doubts about the alliance, and that there is a ulterior motive behind the gathering of so many feudal lords. Is Westerhaust involved in the ploy somehow? Just what is the conspiracy?
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