I would appreciate some ideas concerning the latest turn of events in my campaign...

In the culmination of years of play Sir Henry, the baron's eldest son and heir, has eloped with the baron's ward, the adventurous Lady Rosamund (a player lady). The two decided to be married by Lady Rosamund's confessor at the conclusion of our latest adventure. The baron has not approved this match. He was, in fact, in the process of negotiating a marriage between his son and the younger daughter of one of his neighbors and also was planning to marry Lady Rosamund off to one of his senior household knights - largely in an effort to prevent exactly what has happened.

Naturally, the baron will be very angry but what can he actually do? The deed is done. The marriage has been witnessed, blessed and consummated (perhaps not strictly in that order, but still the basic forms have been met). Henry is his heir.

I'm thinking that, at least for now, the couple will not be welcome at the baron's court. They have made potential enemies in the neighboring baron and with a household knight. Otherwise, I'm not sure.

Is there anything I'm not considering here?

Quick question:
Are there any younger brothers of Sir Henry, who could take his place as the heir if the father (the Baron) disowns Sir Henry? He can disinherit his own son, if he is really pissed off, and marry the 2nd eldest (and his new heir) to his neighbor's daughter.

Sir Henry does have two younger brothers, one recently knighted and one, much younger, in training with the clergy.

Edit: I should also add, one advantage our young lovers have is that while the baron is staunchly opposed to their union, the baroness is on their side. She may be able to temper the worst of her husband's wrath.

Quick question:
Are there any younger brothers of Sir Henry, who could take his place as the heir if the father (the Baron) disowns Sir Henry? He can disinherit his own son, if he is really pissed off, and marry the 2nd eldest (and his new heir) to his neighbor's daughter.

A lighter version of this might be to either will the larger portion of his land to the younger knight brother, marry him to the neighbor, and therefore make the "favored" son inherit the lion's share of the family land. If he's financially stable, the baron might grant the land directly to his middle son, or gift it in preparation for a later grant.

Much of it depends on the baron's traits: Reckless, Vengeful, Forgiving, Love(family). If he veers toward the former he's more likely to create a situation that perpetuates conflict in his family, even if his wife prevails and brings the son back into nominal acceptance again.

--Khanwulf

Are both the heir and the PK in the Baron's service? If so he can show his displeasure by sending them apart from each other on his business. A promotion to office is one way to handle it.

Baron - in a fit of fury: "I shall not have my will and honor ignored - by my oaths which hold these lands and my honor which you have ruined - you are no son of mine! Your brother *bob* shall inherit these lands!" Then have him draw his dagger and cut his hand - making this into a blood oath.

*Then* - after he (the baron) has cooled down - oh no - what can he do?

Actions have consequences - both for the Oldest son, the PK Lady, and the Baron.

The short term problem:
- The Baron will want to punish them both. He can disown sir Henry if he is angry, but this is probably tempered by the Baroenss. He may wish that the boy show his loyalty to him. For the lady it depends a bit on her family and background. Since he wishes to marry her of to a household knight I assume she is not part of a wealthy family. So he needs to find some way to punish her. Maybe a year in a nunnery will remove that wild streak of hers?
- If the Baron has a Love(Wife) passion he may be swayed a lot. But that depends on his Proud/ Vengeful trait as well.
- Interesting question is what the King thinks of all of this. Is he a party that can help either side safe face?

The long term problem:
Whatever they do there are a few people not happy with the action:
- The Neighbour may take it as an afront. If the marriage was part of trying to forge a bond or to create peace between them. This may now be off the table and even push the neighbour in the enemy camp. This may result in raids or other political trouble.
- The Baron has lost face and this may reduce his standing at the King's court. Rivals may see this as way to increase their power.
- Since the household knight does not get his price he may try to convince the Baron not to trust sir Henry and he may try to drive a wedge between the Baron and Sir Henry. an interesting question comes if sir Henry remains heir and takes over. The household knight is now without an employer and is sir Henry willing to take him on?
- And what about the household knights family? If he belongs to a powerful family they may see this as an insult to them as well.
- When the second son is allowed to take over it may split the family. this of course depends on whether sir Henry accepts this. But of course one generation later the trouble may reemerge, when their sons come of age.

Thanks.

Decided not to disinherit Sir Henry, simply because I don't want to. :)

I like Cornelius's idea of making Sir Henry do something to show his loyalty... good story potential there for the PKs to help Sir Henry in whatever quest his father sets for him to do so.

Thinking about punishing Rosamund... well, she just spent half a year in a nunnery which clearly didn't help (though general assent holds she clearly mellowed somewhat, as the nunnery had not burned down during her time there). At the very least, I'm thinking that because they married without permission, the Baron will deny them her income (she's an heiress), at least until such time as Sir Henry completes his quest to prove his loyalty.

I'm thinking said quest should involve doing favors for the neighboring family, in an effort to mend fences... which leaves a jilted household knight to be dealt with.

Could have the PK swear upon his "honor" that he will search for a bride that would be worthy for this jilted household knight and set a deadline (two years hence) and you may not tarry with your wife until you have completed this task.

Oaths and debts are always goo fodder for adventure so this looks like a fun outcome.