Greetings!
Well, I did up some extensive background on a branch of an important noble family in one of my campaigns. One of the characters is a nobleman and a paladin--Dormin. Noble families and politics can become pretty important, and the group loves roleplaying and crazy levels of detail. They interact with the various family members, friends of the family, and so on, at every opportunity. They like to go to parties and socialize, and do all the social interaction, developing relationships, investigating politics, and who is sleeping with whom, all this kind of thing. As an extension of this kind of thing, I'm often grilled on, "Who's Lord so and so's sister? Lets go and find her and have a chat with her about the stuff these other nobles are planning concerning her younger brother!" It doesn't usually start off so abrubtly, but they start laying the foundation to all of these kinds of familial and social networks early on. So, it gives me extra levels of prep work for certain. The group is a private group--and definitely not part of the whole "Adventurer's League" nonsense.
So, Dormin's an important young nobleman. I provided the rest of the mini-novel for any of you my friends that are interested in the family relationships, and importantly, the contextual details. The character history, lineage, reputation, finances, all of that provides the context as a backdrop for my particular problem. How exactly and with what particular details have a huge impact on many things, that can impact the character Dormin, and secondarily, the whole rest of the group.
Dormin's father, Lord Galbar, is theoretically the heir to the family throne. Lord Galbar has an identicle twin brother, Lord Vladimir. Now you no doubt see the scope of the huge problem facing me. It has numerous story arcs and family and dynastic tentacles. The two young nobles--both are 29 years old in DR 1460, when their powerful, wealthy, and prominent parents officially and formally retire. In so much as nobles ever really "retire"--LOL!--but, lets just run with the idea that their parents are now 54 and 60 years old, respectively, immensely wealthy and happy--but getting on in age, and lets also remember, ruling can be a drag, too. So, they want to retire and just relax and not have to worry about the noble realm, hordes of citizens, political drama, and constant financial concerns.
Which son inherits the throne of power? Furthermore, what do you do with the other twin, regardless of whom you decree is your successor? What happens after you retire, you've appointed your successor--ok, now what do you, the successor and reigning Lord do? What does the noble lord and twin brother do? What does the non-throne inheriting brother get in the bargain? Considering, he would certainly have some legal and honourable claim and justification to rule, just as much as the twin brother. AAAGGGHHH. This is what I get for using those damned tables in the PC Background Tables of Xanathar's Guide. LOL.
A bit more context--the environment is a harsh blasted frontier wilderness--like the western edge of Siberia and the Central Asian steppes. The overall miliue is Dark Ages/Medieval Slavic. On the edge of a savage wilderness, with monsters and primitive races out there, savage steppes to the south, and a rough, glitzy city--Yevgava--at the junction of two large rivers. The city is flowing in wealth--kind of like a frontier snapshot of a medieval version of Denver during the 1860's or 1870's. It's medieval--but it is the major trade hub between the human realm to the west and south--and an ancient elven kingdom to the north east. Barbarian tribes of humans as well as non-humans are everywhere--sometimes fighting and warring against the humans, sometimes trading and such, as well as mixing and interbreeding. Then, there's a huge fur trade going on. Then, the city of Yevgava is also a major trading center for processing savage, humanoid slaves through the markets, and sending them by caravan and ship down the river and deeper into the human lands. Then, there's also mining--gold and silver and iron from groups of hills to the north, the north-west, and the south-east.
In addition, the noble family has a history of being pretty righteous and noble. Both Lord Galbar and Lord Vladimir are Rusaava Humans, and their both Lawful Good Paladins, and both serve the same god, the God Dharyaan. Dharyaanism is a monotheistic religion of the area--but of course, since this is a dark and brutal medieval age, there's lots of human barbarian tribes that are pagans, and lots of humanoids and non-humans that embrace pagan religions. The Church of Dharyaan--just like the other tribes and peoples of the region--go through different cycling phases of "lets tolerate the strange foreigners and cooperate, because we have this crazy brutal environment with lots of powerful enemies" and the other cycle of "Forget the foreigners. They need to join our culture and our religion, or die." Or "To hell with the foreigners and their evil, foreign religion. We need to make sure our tribe and culture is purified, and we aren't tainted by the evil customs of the foreign peoples" and so on, about every 10 to 20 years, one side or the other gets on one of these kinds of cycles. So, there's that. I would appreciate your insights and commentary my friends!
On a historical note--I can't recall a situation where *twins* were involved in an noble inheritance. Siblings of different ages, certainly--even fairly close in age, and whether it is sisters or brothers--it doesn't usually end well. LOL. Usually, lots of siblings get slaughtered, poisoned or tortured to death, so that the strongest wins and gets all the goodies. There have been, from what I've seen--a few cases of sibling harmony, loyalty and devotion--but honestly, it seems to be a distinctly minority occurence. Having said that, considering the family in question having a legacy of actual love and devotion, and the brothers in question are both Paladins and Lawful Good, with some sense of religious devotion and a reasonable family loyalty--the quandary thus presents itself.
I'm looking forward to your insights and commentary, my friends!
Semper Fidelis,
SHARK
Dormin's Extended Family
Dormin's Paternal Grandparents (Galbar's Father and Mother)
Dormin's Paternal Grandparents are detailed below:
Lord Naum Ardomovich Zhorlev was a powerful nobleman, and a revered paladin of Dharyaan. Lord Naum Zhorlev led many relentless campaigns against hordes of evil monsters, witches and vampires. Lord Naum married a commoner, Varvara Georgiyovna Omeskaya. Lord Naum's choice in marrying a commoner created some considerable political scandal, as most all of the noble elite disapproved of such a union. Still, Lord Naum's great contributions in leading troops all along the northern frontiers had made him greatly respected, and beloved by both the common people and the Church of Dharyaan. Baron Vadya Sadenovich Rhubov, lord of the Barony of Madenya, relented and gave his blessing and approval to Lord Naum's marriage to the commoner, Varvara Georgiyovna Omeskaya. Of course, gossips and courtiers at the Baron's court circulated the commentary that the Baron Vadya had approved of the marriage because the common woman, and bride of Lord Naum, was not an ordinary common woman--but a respected artisan of silver and jewels, and was known to be formidably wealthy. No doubt, Lord Naum and his wealthy commoner wife Varvara would make some considerable financial offerings to the good Baron.
However, as the Barony of Madenya was a frontier land, and still considered vulgar and largely uncivilized, such a precedent was not unheard of, even in recent times. Various barbarian tribes were always living close by, and interacting with many of the barony's nobles and military officials--in both an official and domestic capacity. Prominent and important commoners were also intricately involved in all of the political and financial centers of the barony. As much as many of the ambitious and often preening nobility were striving to gain ever more prominence and recognition from more established noble families in the more civilized regions of the kingdom, the fact remained that the Barony of Madenya was on the frontier, and possessed a harsher, more rugged ethic and sensibility than peoples in more civilized and refined lands.
Soon, Lord Naum became so wealthy and powerful, that he could afford to sponsor several extraordinary projects, which endure into the present day. Naum built the fortress of Ardomin, in honor of his noble father. Naum followed this enormous project with establishing yet another powerful fortress, the citadel of Omeska, in honor of his beautiful and industrious wife. Both of these strong fortresses strengthened Lord Naum's lands, and attracted many skilled and valiant warriors to his banners. In addition, these two strongholds provided such great protection that many new immigrants flocked to Lord Naum's lands to settle--including many artisans and wealthy merchants, which continued to contribute even more wealth to Lord Naum's coffers.
Naum then proceeded to replace the old wooden bridges that spanned the Rossonyev and Aldanthe Rivers within the city with entirely new bridges of stone, with inlays, flourishes and decorations of metal and glass. The bridge over the Rossonyev River is known as the Raineva Bridge, in honor of Naum's mother, Raineva. The bridge spanning the Aldanthe River is known as the Dovanya Bridge, in honor of Naum's eldest daughter. Each of the great bridges featured extensive gates--both for the bridges themselves, as well as amazingly designed river-gates, which when opened, allowed barges and ships to cross beneath the great bridges. Naum also had each bridge built with strong, fortified towers and bastions at each end.
Lord Naum gave both of the bridges to the baron and noble lord of the Barony of Madenya, Vadya Rhubov. The bridges together honoured Baron Vadya Rhubov deeply--and also made an enormous financial contribution to his own coffers, as the Baron gained taxes and profits from every toll taken at both of the magnificent bridges--both from land travel, and from all barges and ships crossing under the bridges. Politically, the bridges also added to Baron Vadya's prestige, as all visiting nobles and their entourages all wanted to see the Baron's majestic bridges that graced his largest city of Yevgava.
Lord Naum Ardomovich Zhorlev was elevated in noble rank to the special position of Warlord of the Armies, where all noble lords of the Barony of Madenya were beneath him, and Lord Naum was put in command of the Baron's armies. Lord Naum was also given the title of "Lord Guardian of the Eastern Marches" which, while largely a ceremonial title with some modest political prominence--the title and authority given unto him gave him free reign over vast lands throughout the eastern marches, and furthermore allowed him to economically organize and rule the area as he saw fit. Lord Guardian Naum Ardomovich Zhorlev was now not merely politically the most prominent and powerful noble lord in the whole barony, next to the Baron himself, Lord Guardian Naum was also the wealthiest noble lord, and also had personal command of the largest armies.
Varvara Georgiyovna Omeskaya was a very wealthy artisan, and a highly skilled silversmith. Varvara was renowned for her beautiful artistry in jewelry, especially with silver, ivory and amber. While not as publicly celebrated as her husband, Lord Naum, Varvara was instrumental in not only bringing great wealth into the family, but expanding the wealth for the family's future, as well as contributing to the great financial growth of the city of Yevgava. Varvara Omeskaya was able to reorganize the city's various smithing guilds, and also to establish the Madenya Counting House, and the Madenya University, with specialized academies for the study of art, mining, metallurgy and engineering. Together, Naum and Varvara not only ensured vast wealth for the family's future, but also contributed to forging a strong educational and professional foundation for the city of Yevgava, and for the Barony of Madenya.
Lord Ivan Naumovich Zhorlev had some very high expectations to live up to. Ivan grew to manhood in a time of great change, wealth, and opportunity. Lord Ivan became a celebrated knight, serving as a paladin like his father and grandfather before him. Lord Ivan led knights in constant struggles with the evil monsters of the frontier, and supported the organization and professionalization of the city's militia and watch forces, as well as urban fire brigades. Eventually, they were to develop into the Madenya Fire Service, and the Madenya Police Regiment. The Madenya Fire Service gradually established a professional Fire Service Academy, and Fire Service Lodges not just within the city of Yevgava, but throughout the towns and villages of the entire barony.
In a similar manner, the Madenya Police Regiment established a finely built and equipped headquarters in the city of Yevgava, and set up affiliated Madenya Police Regiment offices throughout the region. The Madenya Police Academy was established on the southern outskirts of the city of Yevgava. Lord Ivan had certainly furnished his family name with a strong record of honor, valour, and a dedication to firmly establishing the ideals and enduring power of law and order within the city of Yevgava, and the Barony of Madenya as a whole.
Lord Ivan was revered within his own lands, though also rightfully celebrated and respected throughout the Barony of Madenya. While Lord Ivan's military and civic accomplishments were deeply honoured and very popular throughout the land, with nobles, merchants and commoners alike, the noble lord was also pridefully celebrated with gentle humour about his young, beautiful wife. Early on in his youth, Lord Ivan had married the young barbarian woman, Mila Kabnova, whom he had met on his campaigns and journeys into the northern wilderness. The young Mila was six years younger than Lord Ivan, and quite beautiful. Most remarkably, the young barbarian woman was seven feet tall, and towered over nearly everyone in the city. Lady Mila, as she became known, was highly regarded and cherished for her warm and embracing demeanor.
Perhaps unexpectedly, Mila was always known for her friendly and generous nature, and her fierce empathy and passion for the common people. Lady Mila was a noblewoman now, though everyone knew that her heart and soul was with the people. Mila's father, Nikolai Kabnov, had been a fierce and valiant warrior, serving as a humble soldier in the Vorsovna Army along the northern frontier. Mila's mother was a barbarian woman, known as Lyuba "Wolf Killer" of the Bogera Tribe. Lyuba was a strong, courageous warrior, always devoted to the pride and security of her tribe. Mila's parents--Nikolai and Lyuba--spent the winters in Voslava, a fortified town on the western banks of the Rossonyev River, some 80 miles to the north of the nearest civilized settlement, the city of Yevgava. The rest of the year, the family spent living with Lyuba's family and tribe in the wilderness, some 80 miles further north of Voslava, along the Rossonyev River.
Mila had grown up most of the time living with her barbarian people in the Saraghev wilderness to the north of the town of Voslava. Despite Mila's often comical appearance and outlandish manner of dress, she remained deeply revered by all of the people. Though the people knew that Mila had come from a pagan, barbarian culture, everyone admired and cherished her for her devotion to Dharyaan, and for her generosity towards the church of Dharyaan, and to the poor and impoverished people of the land. Lady Mila endured as an inspiration for all the people.
Paternal Grandfather (Galbar's Father)
Ivan Naumovich Zhorlev (M, Rusaava Human); Born: DR 1400; Alignment: Lawful Good; Occupation: Noble/Adventurer (Paladin); Lord Ivan Zhorlev was 30 years old when he married the young barbarian girl, Mila. At the time of their wedding, Mila was 24 years old. Relations: Friendly to Galbar. Status: Lord Ivan formally retired from rule at the age of 60, in DR 1460. Deceased. Current Age: Deceased at the age of 72 years old, in DR 1472.
Paternal Grandmother (Galbar's Mother)
Mila Nikolaievna Kabnova (Zhorleva) (F, Rusaava Human); Born: DR 1406; Alignment: Neutral Good; When Mila married Ivan Zhorlev, she agreed to come and live in the sprawling city of Yevgava. Mila was 24 years old when she married Lord Ivan Zhorlev. Occupation: Outlander/Adventurer (Barbarian); Relations: Friendly to Galbar. Status: Lady Mila formally retired at the age of 54 in the year DR 1460, to be with her retiring husband, Lord Ivan. Deceased. Current Age: Deceased at the age of 80 years old, in DR 1486.
Dormin's Paternal Aunts and Uncles (Galbar's Siblings)
Dormin's father, Galbar, has one twin brother, and two younger brothers and two younger sisters amongst his siblings. Galbar's brothers and sisters are briefly detailed in the following section. Dormin, the son of Galbar, is related to the following paternal aunts and uncles. Of course, the children that have ensued from Dormin's aunts and uncles are all relatives of his, being his paternal cousins.
Galbar Ivanovich Zhorlev (Dormin's Father) (M, Rusaava Human); Born: DR 1431; Alignment: Lawful Good; Mila gave birth to Galbar and Vladimir together at the age of 25. Galbar is the twin brother to Vladimir. Galbar is married, and has six children. Occupation: Noble/Adventurer (Paladin); Relations: Friendly to Dormin. Status: Alive and quite successful. Current Age: In the year of DR 1460, when both of his parents formally retired from rule, Lord Galbar is 29 years old. In DR 1491, Galbar will be 60 years old.
Vladimir Ivanovich Zhorlev (M, Rusaava Human); Born: DR 1431; Alignment: Lawful Good; Mila gave birth to Vladimir and Galbar together at the age of 25. Vladimir is the twin brother to Galbar. Vladimir is married, and has eight children. Occupation: Noble/Adventurer (Paladin); Relations: Friendly to Galbar. Status: Alive and quite successful. Current Age: In the year of DR 1460, when both of his parents formally retired from rule, Lord Vladimir is 29 years old. In DR 1491, Lord Vladimir will be 60 years old.
Irinei Ivanovich Zhorlev (M, Rusaava Human); Born: DR 1432; Alignment: Lawful Good; Mila gave birth to Irinei at the age of 26. Irinei is Galbar's and Vladimir's younger brother by one year. Irinei is married, and has ten children. Occupation: Noble/Adventurer (Cleric); Relations: Friendly to Galbar. Status: Alive and quite successful. Current Age: In the year of DR 1460, when both of his parents formally retired from rule, Lord Irinei is 28 years old. In DR 1491, Lord Irinei will be 59 years old.
Malkar Ivanovich Zhorlev (M, Rusaava Human); Born: DR 1435; Alignment: Lawful Neutral; Mila gave birth to Malkar at the age of 29. Malkar is Galbar's and Vladimir's younger brother by four years. Malkar is married, and has four children. Occupation: Noble/Adventurer (Fighter); Relations: Friendly to Galbar. Status: Alive and quite successful. Current Age: In the year of DR 1460, when both of his parents formally retired from rule, Lord Malkar is 25 years old. In DR 1491, Lord Malkar will be 56 years old.
Vonda Ivanovna Zhorleva (F, Rusaava Human); Born: DR 1436; Alignment: Lawful Neutral; Mila gave birth to Vonda at the age of 30. Vonda is Galbar's and Vladimir's younger sister by five years. Vonda is married, and has four children. Occupation: Noble/Adventurer (Wizard); Relations: Friendly to Galbar. Status: Alive and well. Current Age: In the year of DR 1460, when both of her parents formally retired from rule, Lady Vonda is 24 years old. In DR 1491, Lady Vonda will be 55 years old.
Selina Ivanovna Zhorleva (F, Rusaava Human); Born: DR 1440; Alignment: Neutral Good; Mila gave birth to Selina at the age of 34. Selina is Galbar's and Vladimir's younger sister by nine years. Selina is married, and has eight children. Occupation: Noble/Adventurer (Rogue); Relations: Friendly to Galbar. Status: Alive and well. Current Age: In the year of DR 1460, when both of her parents formally retired from rule, Lady Selina is 20 years old. In DR 1491, Lady Selina will be 51 years old.