I've always felt that D&D domain management--the gameplay that occurs once PCs reach name level and have fortresses and henchmen of their own--is full of untapped potential. Despite some really good ideas being put out there, I don't know of any system that works quite like I want it to.
Here's the kind of thing I want.
The Players
Archmage Firand - dwells in a newly-acquired tower perched over the wild Eastern Forest, where he busily gathers arcane power in anticipation of coming conflicts.Lady Jezeel - administers a small barony near the border where she and her knights rule the people with an iron fist.
Guild Master Bulgus - head of the esteemed Silver Thread Coster, a merchant's guild boasting a small-but-growing fleet of caravans that supplies frontier outposts.
Example Play
DM: The harvests are all taken in, and the weather is rapidly growing colder. And with that, it's time to see what you all brought in last season. Hmm... let's see here... Jezeel, your estates and taxes bring in 3 gold bars when all is said and done. Firand, you successfully gathered 2 vis from the lands around your tower. And Bulgus... yikes, you only get one gold bar this season after costs. Your right-hand man, Alladris, sadly explains that recent bandit activity along the King's Way has had a severe effect on the bottom line.Bulgus: I eye him and tell him to redouble the guards. And keep me posted on developments.
DM: Alladris bows slightly and acquiesces. [To all:] Okay, it's the first week in November. The next event we have going on here is your scouting party, Jezeel, which is scheduled to return in the next week or so. And then we have the harvest festival later this month. Any actions people want to engage in during this time?
Firand: Yeah; with that Vis I should have enough to cast Eyes of the God-King at the center of the kingdom during the harvest festival. Do I need to do anything else to prepare for that?
