This is for a Pathfinder campaign, but I guess it could apply to any edition of D&D or any fantasy RPG.
The Duke has just been killed, and he died without a direct heir. His younger brother, the next in line, has gone missing and the younger brother's bastard son is a suspect in the Duke's murder.
If a noble dies without heir, how is medieval succession handled? Would the king appoint a new duke to take over? Would the closest duke (or dukes) gain the killed duke's territory? (That might make the nearest duke a suspect, though, right?) Would some local barons be upgraded to Duke (or whatever medieval title is one below Duke) ? Though, that might also make them suspects as well.
Thanks
The Duke has just been killed, and he died without a direct heir. His younger brother, the next in line, has gone missing and the younger brother's bastard son is a suspect in the Duke's murder.
If a noble dies without heir, how is medieval succession handled? Would the king appoint a new duke to take over? Would the closest duke (or dukes) gain the killed duke's territory? (That might make the nearest duke a suspect, though, right?) Would some local barons be upgraded to Duke (or whatever medieval title is one below Duke) ? Though, that might also make them suspects as well.
Thanks