This scenario was a heavily modified version of @degroove’s Casus Belli at Mount Kellen. I altered it to be more suitable for my group and they went off-piste as usual anyway. I recommend checking it out if you are looking for a scenario or inspiration.
On arrival back from Wallach IX Lady Kirsten found a ‘request’ awaiting her from Count Pelias Corrino. He requested a favour from her, Some of the Minor Houses on an Imperial fiefs he handled were having a dispute and he required someone to resolve it for him.
Soren swiftly realised that this explanation was merely a front, Pelias could just make a decision and it would be obeyed. By requesting a favour, however, Pelias could then act to support House Sindri and be seen to be repaying it. While making House Sindri indebted to him for his action. Convoluted, but part of the dance of the Landsraad.
The dispute was regarding a rich mining site that had been revealed by a landslip on Lemnos. The landslip had altered the topography of the area and raised questions over whose territory the site was in, House Safr (If the border ran along the, now changed ridge), or House Kira (If it was along the original position of the ridge). Poor wording on a ancient treaty being to blame as it merely stated the border was along the ridge. Tension between the two Houses was high and Lady Kirsten was requested to meet with the two sides and resolve matters.
On arrival to Kellenburg, Pelias’ estate on the planet (modelled after Neuschwanstein Castle because that is just Pelias), they were introduced to the Steward of the estate and immediately set off to investigate the mining site. Coming up with several points for use in the later negotiations (Other landslips that could change borders, intentional altering of the landscape, that House Safr had numerous troops in the area).
They also got the measure of the two Houses, Safr being brutal, militaristic, but also very direct. Kira being weaker, but more manipulative and with a powerful propaganda machine.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/01-neuschwanstein-castle-bavaria-NEUSCHWANSTEIN0417-273a040698f24fc1ac22e717bb3f1f0c.jpg){kind=link}
That evening they received Landgrave Kahn Safr & Na-Heir Lady Uliana Kira (as well as her older sister Lady Zoya). Defusing the initial hostilities between the two Houses during dinner they began circulating amongst them afterwards. With Ash & Natha running distractions they were able to talk with all three of the nobles separately. Working out that Landgrave Safr was in a position to seize the mining site and was perfectly willing to risk the conflict, Lady Uliana’s position at home was not entirely stable & she was at risk of losing her position as Heir and that Lady Zoya would be perfectly happy if her sister failed as she would be most likely to take over as Heir.
((This is where my players swerved from the planned adventure))
Realising that there was a significant risk of a small war breaking out and that no matter how they chose to divide the claim someone would be unhappy they chose to focus on what would bring House Sindri the greatest benefits.
Using Lady Kirsten’s Subtle Words & Soren’s Binding Promise Talents they persuaded Landgrave Safr that House Sindri would rule in his favour during negotiations the following day as long as he kept matters calm at the mining site and Lady Zoya that she might want to take actions this evening to secure her position as the following day would prove unfortunate for her sister. Lady Uliana was kept in the dark as to all these manoeuvrings.
As promised the following day after negotiations, Lady Kirsten ruled that the mining site belonged to House Safr due to the reading of the treaty, though the border was to be properly surveyed to resolve any future issues. Lady Uliana objected, but undermined by her own sister and finding that she was behind the curve in persuading her own people she was forced to concede. How long she will remain Na-Heir now seriously in doubt.
House Safr was very pleased with the negotiations and took House Sindri up on an offer of supplying mining expertise, on generous terms…
House Kira was not so pleased, but with the Heir changing soon their attitude would also likely change. Or if nothing else the players now had some very powerful blackmail material.
Count Pelias was happy with the problem resolved and that he was now in a position to act as he wanted.
The Steward was less pleased, having hoped to sabotage negotiations to improve her position, but caught off guard by how fast House Sindri had stitched matters up before negotiations even formally began.
I had not expected the players to work to their own advantage and stitch things up so early. By doing so they:
- Stopped Zoya attempting to assassinate her sister and blame House Safr.
- Caused House Safr to stand down from seizing the mining site outright.
- Undermined Lady Uliana’s position and, by letting Zoya know beforehand, leaving her isolated in her own House.
- Arranged matters so both Houses owed them favours.
It probably shortened the adventure, but felt very Dune again…