The Heir Apparent [4e]

I thought I'd indulge myself with a thread about our home game. It's meant to go through levels 1 to 10, pitting the PCs in a game of cat and mouse against a scheming Prince. We're just getting started (2 games in), and I'd like your insight and advice about the campaign plot. And also about ways to tie the PCs more tightly to the story.

Now and then I'll post updates about how the campaign is going, adventure design notes, and things I learn about running a game for 7 players.

_________________________________________________

Here is the backstory for our campaign...

An arrogant and sinister Crown Prince, the next in line for the throne, learns his dying father prefers his younger brother for succession. While it is a breach of tradition, the king is within his rights to declare any family member his heir. However, the younger brother doesn't realize this - he is away on the western border of the kingdom facing foreign crusaders and has no stomach for politics. Thus, the Crown Prince conspires to seize the throne, winning many of the redcoats (soldiers of the King) to his side. The King's authority is all but undermined as he loses his health, and the Crown Prince is doing all sorts of mischief by the time the campaign begins.

That's where the PCs come in. The Crown Prince has a major weakness - he had an affair with a woman of a rival noble house and she had his son (Arslein) who was hidden with a kindly witch far from the Crown Prince's eyes. Once she had evaded the redcoats and bounty hunters seeking her, the noble woman planned to return to her son and prepare him to usurp his wicked father's throne. Of course, things didn't play out quite as anticipated, and the witch used magic to conceal the boy, wanting him to have a "normal life" far from the thrones and intrigues of kings.

So, the heir (the Crown Prince) is a parent.

_________________________________________________

We've played our first 2 sessions, and the party reached 2nd level. We joked that the party would call themselves the "Orphans Seven" because almost every character lost their parents at some point.

Here are the PCs in brief...

Miri (female human, barbarian) A barbarian from the plains of Nic'Epona, Miri reveres the horse goddess Epona (who her people consider to be their mother) and is a terror on horseback. Her tribe is being persecuted by the redcoats, their language & religion forbidden and many forced to serve as indentured servants to military units or worse.

Gliek (male gnome, artificer) A tinker gnome, Gliek is obsessed with alchemy, magical gadgets, and especially the crossbow - a weapon of the peasant class which he seeks to perfect (and claims gnomes created). Gliek's parents, ardent supporters of the King, were among those "disappeared" as the Crown Prince undermined the King's power.

Selena Elrunaa (female eladrin, swordmage) Heir to an eladrin citadel, Selena is conflicted by two motives: First, she is sworn to defend magic-users from human ignorance, scheming nobles, and the evil archmages. Second, she seeks revenge on her mother's apprentice who betrayed her parents to the Crown Prince. Currently she believes her parents are dead, but that might not be the whole truth.

Micare (male human, invoker) A man of faith and learning, Micare is something of a supernatural detective, protecting the people from the dangers of witchcraft and other arcane horrors. While independent, he begins in the employ of the Lord Warden Markelhay who he has helped solve many troubling mysteries.

Fayne (female shifter (razorclaw), rogue) A feral thief, Fayne lost her parents to human persecution and she and her brother were "raised" by a vicious cutthroat who used them to fatten his pockets. After a job they did that was tied to the Crown Prince, her cutthroat mentor had her brother murdered. Now Fayne seeks revenge and to honor her brother's memory.

Gwaednerth (male shifter (longtooth), paladin) A bloodthirsty yet enlightened bounty hunter, Gwaednerth was raised by a paladin order devoted to the Sun King - given up by his family in an honorable sacrifice. However, the paladin's keep was sacked by mercenaries and trolls - Gwaednerth was among the few survivors and he went on to wage his personal crusade against injustice.

Wes Evenhand (male gnome, bard) An eloquent hymnist in the Celestine Temple, Wes lost his family to orcish marauders and was raised by a retired human adventurer who instilled in him a thirst for truth and justice. He was recently accepted as an initiate in the paladin order, a fact he takes great pride in, and he seeks to prove his swordarm equal to the larger folk.

Funny pun. I've had that orphan party before.

Eosin the Red said:

Funny pun. I've had that orphan party before.

Click to expand...

What can I say? I have a thing for punny names...the first adventure was called "To Heir is Human", and the next is the "Executioner's Tax".

___________________________________________

A bit about the world...

Even though I'm using Nentir Vale as a starting point, the story centers on my homebrew kingdom of Galeay, a divided land of feudal lords and ancient magic. Once Galeay was controlled by Witch Queens but their power waned with the advance of the human empire from the east...it's spies helped to foment division among the lords of Galeay and the kingdom was easily conquered. Galeay was a vassal kingdom of the empire for 500 years until a century ago when King Adenrohd united the kingdom and rebelled against the emperor and helped topple the empire. Over the last 100 years, no longer united by a common purpose, the lords of Galeay have grown divided and plot against one another...and for the throne.

It's a human-dominated kingdom where elves are scrappy rebels fighting tyrannical dukes, shifters are beaten and driven from town by angry mobs, dwarven laborers drown their sorrows at the tavern alongside halfling river smugglers. Witches and wizards have been persecuted as well, by lords seeking to control their power, ignorant mobs afraid of magic, and tyrannical witch-finders.

The story so far...

PCs are asked by the Lord Warden Markelhay to investigate a drowned redcoat - one of the king's soldiers sent to find the Crown Prince's son - washed up along the docks. Determining that he was killed by his fellows, they face a group of redcoats and rescue a boy named Arslein. After interrogating the redcoat captain Cadeyrn they learn that there is a faction within the redcoats that has sworn allegiance to the Crown Prince, and that captain Cadeyrn is a loyalist to the king. When the boy gets a premonition that his "mother", the witch caretaker Morae, is in trouble they go to the Witchlight Fens. Braseis, a redcoat commander loyal to the Crown Prince narrowly beats them to the witch's cottage and a battle breaks out, with the PCs winning the day and routing the redcoats. Of course, it turns out that Arslein is the Crown Prince's son...

The PCs are in a dangerous position, having killed a large number of redcoats. The Lord Warden can't protect them without causing major fallout with the king. Cadeyrn (who assumed command of the remaining redcoats) warns them that more will come looking for the boy; he also advises them that a sleazy rogue who worked with Braseis has fled south (this is Fayne's mentor-nemesis). The witch Morae knows of a druid sanctuary to the south which she believes will hide the boy heir. The boy asks them if they will protect him and be his knights.

Assuming the PCs don't do something unexpected like try to ransom the boy or ride to the Crown Prince's palace in disguise, they head south. En route the PCs become heroes for an over-taxed and down-trodden town, witnessing the evil of the Crown Prince's magistrate at the edges of the kingdom, and gaining some clues about the Crown Prince's machinations at home. The adventure will have something of a western vibe, with a band of vile henchmen haranguing the PCs until the showdown.

As I was starting to read the first couple sentences, I was under the impression one (or all) of the PCs would end up being the heir(s). But that was just me reading way too much in to the title...

But, yeah, nice stuff.

Quickleaf said:

(snip)And also about ways to tie the PCs more tightly to the story.

Click to expand...

Several of them already have some ties built in their background, so maybe find some way to bring it current --

For example ...

For Wes -- during one of the dealings with the Crown Prince's plans, they learn that the Crown Prince has used orcish mercs in the past to simply wipe out areas/people who were in his way/a threat/etc

For Miri -- maybe this "witch" is originally from this same barbarian tribe. The Crown Prince's seers had simply informed him that the child is being protected by "A witch from the Nic'Epona plain's tribe." (the seer of course not being able to tell that the witch had already left the tribe to go in to hiding with the child). Thus, the Crown Prince had sent his troops to harass the tribe (secretly in hopes of finding the witch or child, or at least scare the witch out of hiding if she was near by). These types of facts may not come out for a long time (if ever) but it would build a possible connection that may come out later -- basically explaining that there was more to the raids on the tribe beyond simple 'conquering' of those people.


But, background tie-ins to present aside, the majority of the party has an interest in arcane things... That is just begging for some sort of master arcanist or arcane artifact type plot. So, maybe just toss a "find the artifact" (or rescue the master wizard) type thing as a side-plot.


(anyway, just my late night rambles).

fba827 said:

As I was starting to read the first couple sentences, I was under the impression one (or all) of the PCs would end up being the heir(s). But that was just me reading way too much in to the title...

Click to expand...

I didn't rule it out, but none of the players showed an interest in playing a human noble. I decided to go for more of a "brave heroes make sacrifices to protect the young heir" feel, to let them shape this young mind and really show off that they are HEROES.

For Wes -- during one of the dealings with the Crown Prince's plans, they learn that the Crown Prince has used orcish mercs in the past to simply wipe out areas/people who were in his way/a threat/etc

Click to expand...

Yeah, that could work really well. I dropped a clue already that the Crown Prince, while defending the northern border from marauding orcs, ordered his unit to guard a scarcely used pass due to "intelligence" he received. A small number of soldiers broke rank to defend the main pass, but the orcs overwhelmed them and went on a rampage.

For Miri -- maybe this "witch" is originally from this same barbarian tribe. The Crown Prince's seers had simply informed him that the child is being protected by "A witch from the Nic'Epona plain's tribe." (the seer of course not being able to tell that the witch had already left the tribe to go in to hiding with the child). Thus, the Crown Prince had sent his troops to harass the tribe (secretly in hopes of finding the witch or child, or at least scare the witch out of hiding if she was near by). These types of facts may not come out for a long time (if ever) but it would build a possible connection that may come out later -- basically explaining that there was more to the raids on the tribe beyond simple 'conquering' of those people.

Click to expand...

Ooo, I like! It'll take some tweaking but that's totally cool. Thanks fba827!

But, background tie-ins to present aside, the majority of the party has an interest in arcane things... That is just begging for some sort of master arcanist or arcane artifact type plot. So, maybe just toss a "find the artifact" (or rescue the master wizard) type thing as a side-plot.

Click to expand...

Good point... I do have the apprentice-nemesis of Selena involved (a wicked eladrin enchantress/illusionist with enslaved fey), but I'm saving that for higher levels.
I dig the rescue the wizard angle...I was thinking of a kindly philosopher-mage getting locked up by the Crown Prince for teaching a proletariat doctrine, and the PCs could use a special ritual only he knows.
Hmm...maybe there could be a magic throne involved at some point, something the PCs need to prevent from falling into the Crown Prince's hands.

Preparing for the next adventure and I think a magical mcguffin is in order...

Executioner's Tax
PCs journey south to deliver the boy heir Arslein to druids for sanctuary. En route they arrive at Three Rivers region, only to find their contact hanging in the gallows for tax resistance. People of the region suffer under the oppressive taxes and assorted wickedness of the magistrate Oskell Velimna, and it's up to the PCs to investigate and topple the magistrate. Incidentally, the magistrate is beholding to the Crown Prince for his position and is organizing a deal with an ambassador from Suleistarn... one "witching" child per year in exchange for magical mcguffin of interest to the Prince.

THREE RIVERS
A large trading town at the confluence of the Rivers Nentir, Mercy, and Epona, bordering the magocratic Suleistarn.
Population: 1,950; roughly 1,200 live in the farmlands that are scattered throughout the region. Humans are dominant, with gnomes enjoying an advantaged position, while dwarves and halflings are down-trodden, and elves extremely unwelcome & regarded as savage rebels and thieves.
Government: Magistrate Oskell Velimna controls the executive and judicial aspects of government, aided by a cadre of vile henchmen. He is responsible for gathering taxes for the king, and protecting the people from elven rebels and monsters. He also offers families with "witching" children protection from the witch-finders of Suleistarn...at a price.
Defense: A posse of six villains serves the magistrate: his half-orc bodyguard Xovaln, the ruthless sheriff Pereghas, the cocky spellslinger Keldan, the tieflings Ivanos & Kasandra, and recently the rogue knife-fighter Victor. The sheriff oversees the guard, 75 fighting men who mostly ensure that taxes are paid and the flow of trade is uninterrupted.
Inns: Inn at Three Rivers (converted mill at rivers' confluence run by the gnome Nobwick), Wyn's Respite (connected to Flint & Whisker)
Taverns: Sojourner Plough (rowdy peasant alehouse), Flint & Whisker (halfling ciderer along river), The Bitter Draught (house of ill repute to get a shady loan...or a dagger in the back)
Temples: Temple of the Moon Queen (where many a parent has prayed for protection of their "witching" child), Temple of the Sun King, Celestine Temple

___________________________________________________

Also, I did a little sketch of a Galeatian peasant family...helps me get a feel for the setting better to visualize what everyday people look like at work.

As the PCs adventure, I am creating a narrative about the Prince's schemes in the background. To get a better understanding of the steps he'll take to secure the throne, I came up with 5 principles for how to become king...

The 5 Rights of Galeatian Kingship

1. Right of Bequest
Whosoever is named heir by the previous king (and shall prove they are not sterile) has right to the throne.

2. Right of Birth
Whosoever is the closest male blood relation to the King has right to the throne.

3. Right of Ballot
Whosoever has support of the majority of dale lords and temple officiates, as recognized by the Chancellor, has right to the throne.

4. Right of Beneficence
Whosever is chosen by the Kingmaker upon completion of the King's Test has right to the throne.

5. Right of Battle
Whosoever defeats in honorable combat a terrible adversary to the kingdom has right to the throne.

Your five "Rights of Kingship" seem to me to be a good way to guarantee a battle for the throne every generation. There must be one clear method by which the KING or his council can clearly say "This is the Heir".

For example, you keep calling the eldest prince the "Crown Prince", but that title would only be his if the King had publicly acknowledged him the heir. Maybe he did that when they prince was a baby, or somesuch, but if the inheritance is in doubt, then maybe the king should "recall" the title?

Why is the king so weak? What has happened to him or what factors play into that? Why is the second son so adamant about remaining out of the way? What fear or need is driving him? And why would the PCs choose an untested, illegitimate son of an evil man to be the next king, over the second (war-hero?) son of the (supposedly) good King who now rules?

And where are the powerful women of this kingdom? I know that the young boy's mother fled to draw off the Prince's men, but where is she now? Where is the Queen? Does the Crown Prince have a wife? Does the Second Son? Is there a sister in the picture anywhere?

Just a few questions, with no particular answers.

Gilladian said:

Your five "Rights of Kingship" seem to me to be a good way to guarantee a battle for the throne every generation. There must be one clear method by which the KING or his council can clearly say "This is the Heir".

Click to expand...

They're ordered in number of most important to least, and usually they all line up (i.e. the king names his eldest son heir with the support of the lords & kingmaker).

For example, you keep calling the eldest prince the "Crown Prince", but that title would only be his if the King had publicly acknowledged him the heir. Maybe he did that when they prince was a baby, or somesuch, but if the inheritance is in doubt, then maybe the king should "recall" the title?

Click to expand...

True. Technically he is just the eldest prince (who is historically named crown prince). The title is more self-styled; though he hasn't been named heir, he assumes it is his right as eldest son and insists his subjects call him "Crown Prince."

Why is the king so weak? What has happened to him or what factors play into that?

Click to expand...

Age and disease, in part, but he is also the victim of an enfeebling ritual orchestrated by an accomplice of the eldest son... it is because of this ritual that it is so hard for the king to make decisions and why he won't name a son heir.

Why is the second son so adamant about remaining out of the way? What fear or need is driving him?

Click to expand...

Prince Tuirean is on the western frontier fighting off holy warriors of a neighboring theocracy over a disputed region. He has also fallen in love with the enemy commander-princess. He despises politics, and eschews his responsibilities in favor of hunting, fishing, etc.

And why would the PCs choose an untested, illegitimate son of an evil man to be the next king, over the second (war-hero?) son of the (supposedly) good King who now rules?

Click to expand...

I'm not sure... For the first couple adventures the PCs are protecting the boy, and there are hints of his leadership potential. When they meet Prince Tuirean, they can convince him to take the throne. During the course of the story I was thinking of something happening to Tuirean so that he declares the boy his successor/replacement... Or maybe Tuirean's marriage to the foreign commander-princess would jeopardize the kingdom because according to her theocracy's beliefs, she would have political control over the kingdom because of the marriage?

And where are the powerful women of this kingdom? I know that the young boy's mother fled to draw off the Prince's men, but where is she now?

Click to expand...

Celonwy Evhendin (the boy's mother) is in the contested region I mentioned, attempting to help refugees & other innocents...she is being blackmailed by her wicked uncle Baron Lorgan who has his own plans for the throne.

Where is the Queen?

Click to expand...

Queen Raelia is the King's second (and younger) wife, and she cheats on the King with Baron Lorgan. The Baron thinks she truly favors him, when in fact she uses him to gather opposition...so that it can be eliminated. She hopes Tuirean (her son) becomes king, because it will give her power behind the throne.

Does the Crown Prince have a wife? Does the Second Son?

Click to expand...

Both are unmarried.

Is there a sister in the picture anywhere?

Click to expand...

Yes, Princess Merisende is the third and youngest child of the King, a woman of deep faith and deep passions. She is also cursed as a strigha, a type of shapeshifting vampire. To prevent the curse from consuming her she was entrusted to a religious order.

Just a few questions, with no particular answers.

Click to expand...

Thanks for all the great questions Gilladian!