One of my players is vassal knight of Cholderton, meaning that he's on the front lines of Roderick's struggle with Sir Blains. Can players or Greg elaborate further on how/why these things happen? Why doesn't Roderick go to Uther or Ulfius? Why does Ulfius turn a blind eye? What are the larger politics that allow these little needling raids to go on? What options do my players have to deal with Blains more decisively...particularly once the anarchy period rolls around?

One of my players is vassal knight of Cholderton, meaning that he's on the front lines of Roderick's struggle with Sir Blains. Can players or Greg elaborate further on how/why these things happen? Why doesn't Roderick go to Uther or Ulfius? Why does Ulfius turn a blind eye? What are the larger politics that allow these little needling raids to go on? What options do my players have to deal with Blains more decisively...particularly once the anarchy period rolls around?


IMG: Raids are kept to a minimum, although I assume that during the anarchy phase they may increase (we are not there yet). The biggest reason things happen is power. Both sides try to solidify their hold on the region. In my game that reflects mostly in trying to gain the loyalty of the vassals, by flattery, bribery or maybe even threatening, and the occasional raid.

Why these things happen? Power. those who control the manors control the region and gains power.
Why doesn't Roderick go to Uther or Ulfius? For the most part I think to show that he can handle it himself. If he would go running to Ulfius he would accept that the duke is superior to him. Pride probably prevents that from happening.
Why does Ulfius turn a blind eye? As said above. Power. As long as Roderick is dealing with an underling he will not bother him.
What if the raids go on? The area remains behind in the development and will not become a rich place. It may also prevent from getting an alliance between Silchester and Salisbury during the anarchy phase.
What options to deal decisive? If Blains gets out of the picture it may open a possible peace, but it will be difficult as the vassals in the region probably also hate their neighbors. Of course doing something for Ulfius may also give them the opportunity to have him reign in his vassal. But I do not think there will be a true lasting peace. (From a GM perspective this conflict gives too much opportunity of roleplay to have it thrown away easily. ;))

One of my players is vassal knight of Cholderton, meaning that he's on the front lines of Roderick's struggle with Sir Blains. Can players or Greg elaborate further on how/why these things happen? Why doesn't Roderick go to Uther or Ulfius? Why does Ulfius turn a blind eye? What are the larger politics that allow these little needling raids to go on? What options do my players have to deal with Blains more decisively

Here is a quote that I pulled from the in-progress Book of Warlords. I think it will answer you.
Feuds
Every warlord is aggressive, though some are more so than others. They live to fight and fight to live. It is almost inevitable that they fight each other.
Baronial feuds are frowned upon, but King Uther knows it is impossible to forbid them. Instead he takes a practical view of the inevitability and looks upon it as a natural way for his men to determine a hierarchy among themselves. When conflict breaks out he allows it to continue for a while. Royal ministers may visit to remind the warlords that they owe service to the king, so that they may restrain themselves to not ruin their obligations.
At some point one of the lords will go to the king to complain of the war that the other is waging. This is not always the loser. The king may declare that the war be ended and that any holdings which have changed sides will remain under the command of whomever holds them at the time of his declaration. Thus winners may go when they are ahead, to enlarge their territories.
King Uther almost always levies a penalty upon the combatants. As with all royal acts, the amount levied depends upon his feelings and relationship with the lords.


...particularly once the anarchy period rolls around?

Without a king there is no restraint upon the warlords.

Great answers, both. Thanks so much for the responses! This gives me something that I can give the players to think about...and for me to think about as well. I'm developing a significant side plot leading up to the Anarchy Period that features Sir Blains staking a claim to the Countess.