I have a question about a situation in my campaign...

Sir Ingram was a NPK, an officer of a baron. He held a single manor as a gift for his lifetime. He died in battle, leaving behind a wife, two sons who are squires and a daughter who is a handmaid at the baron's court (and the amour of one of my PKs,). Now, because his manor was held as a gift, it reverts to the baron upon his death... my question is: what, if any, obligations does the baron (who is exceptionally Just) have toward Sir Ingram's family? Does his widow get the widow's portion of the manor for her lifetime? Is the baron expected to provide the means to knight the eldest son? Is he expected to provide a dowry for the daughter?

Thanks

Is the Baron exceptionally Generous and/or Loyalty (Vassals), too? If he is, then yes, I could see him supporting the Widow and even scrounge up something for the sons and the daughter. However, in principle, taking care of the children would have been Sir Ingram's job: he should have been making sure that there is enough treasure to see to his children properly equipped and/or married. The eldest son should be inheriting Sir Ingram's equipment and horses, after which he is the head of the family and can see to his other siblings' future.

Given that Sir Ingram was obviously well-thought of by the Baron (or he wouldn't have become an officer with a gift in the first place), I could see the Baron taking more of an interest. I mean, not even dowry needs to be all that huge: it is enough that the Baron would hint at one of his vassal knights (especially one who has already been married once before and has heirs) that this handmaid would make an excellent wife and a mother to his children. The knighting isn't that costly either, since the equipment is already there. But would be be REQUIRED to do it? Not in my opinion. IMHO and all that.

I would say that the Baron is required to do nothing. But he can choose to help the family. But it could be that sir Ingram is related to a powerful family and that would make the Baron more amiable to help out. That is if the family wishes to step in. Of course the PKs could also step in, and if they hold enough cloud with the Baron it could help.

It would probably create loyal servants if the eldest son is knighted and made a household knight.

Depending on the PKs standing with the Baron, the fate of the daughter could be interesting. For example the Baron could have a small deal in the works where she will be married to another knight. This could create complications as a PK has an amour for her and may wish to marry her instead.

Thanks guys. That's about what I thought and certainly has a lot of potential for stories as the PKs get inevitably involved.