During the 90s I got the notion that nunneries were a kind of dumpling place for surplous women. I have transfered that notion to my player, who, cynically have gotten away with just getting rid of the daughters that they didn't want to give a dowry in the first convent they could find.

The problem is, that this is not true. Nunneries were few and small; getting a women into one was hard and prestigous, and required, if I understand it correctely, a substantial donation. (Soruces: a Swedish thesis in history I picked up the other year and this (http://www.lordsandladies.org/medieval-nuns.htm) website).

I have two questions.

1) Am I right?

2) If so, what does this entail for KAP? What should the "cost" of getting a women into a nunnery be? Rougly what the dowry would be? More? Even land, perhaps? And should the father and/or mother get some modest Glory too? I think, at least, that if one uses Gregs rules for Lady's's Glory (http://www.gspendragon.com/ladyglory.html), that the mother should get some Glory (say 50) for each daugter that becomes a nun.

I think the customary was to donate the girl's future dowry to the nunnery. Some nunneries were more prestigious, and would require a larger donation. That should stop your players from abusing the system.

Thanks, Morien. Sometimes you help me see the obvious ;)

Any other imput?

By putting their daughters into nunneries they miss out on the quite essential alliance-building method of the middle ages: marrying your daughter off to someone you wished to ally with. Once the players see the son-in-laws as allies to be counted on, they will see the daughters much less of a waste and much more as an investment. :)

By putting their daughters into nunneries they miss out on the quite essential alliance-building method of the middle ages: marrying your daughter off to someone you wished to ally with. Once the players see the son-in-laws as allies to be counted on, they will see the daughters much less of a waste and much more as an investment. :)


I agree. Having thought a bit on this subject, I would not give the father any Glory for putting a daughter into a nunnery. It does not line up very well with the Glory-awards for knights. I would, however, give some checks. Pious and/or Love (God) would be appropriate I think (and encourage truly religions PKs to actually make a daugher or two into nuns). And depending on the view the poor girl takes, Cruel or Love (familiy) might also be earned.

Sounds good to me. :)