Windrunner

Starting Missions

At the beginning of the campaign, the GM will show to the Windrunners that in fact, their missions are given by noblemen by the clerics who are corrupted, and are very far from the original nobleness of the "divine mission" which is to find the "Heart of the World".  Commonly, they'll have to carry Noblemen or goods from a town to another. After three scenarios, if your Players don't react, have they find an information about the Heart of the World. and about the mission of Windrunners which is to save mankind.

The Nobility

Brief Background

After the near destruction of the world, the Earth and almost France was assaulted bu hords of looters. Many people tried to gather the remaining survivors to struggle against the looters. In the year 50, all the looters had been arrested or killed. Those who allow the victory received a title of nobility and were attributed leonine rights.  Quickly, the Nobility failed in debauchery, lewdness and luxury and loses it's federalist vocation. When Players begin to play, Nobility is depreciated and inner wars oppose various dynasties to control the realm of Frasse. Here's a brief background of "Roys de Frasse" (kings) :

        _ 50 - 77 :    Alberic Ier (Alberic the First), a.k.a. "The Suffering from Ringworms", who created the Realm of Frasse

        _ 77 - 91 :    Barnard Ier (Barnard the First), a.k.a. "The Stammerer", who led the Hills War against the Realm of Hispan

        _91 - 116 :   Lovis Ier (Lovis the First), a.k.a. "The Mistrustful", who have all other Archdukes murdered to avoid a coup d'état

        _117 - 121 : Albéric II, a.k.a. "The Prompt", killed after trying to promulgate laws for commons to the detriment of the Nobles.

        _121 - 139 : Lovis II, a.k.a. "The Snarling", beheaded all the Nobles or commons who criticized his government.

        _139 - 157 : Lovis III, a.k.a. "The Generous", reduced the taxes paid by commons.

        _157 - 166 : Barnard II, a.k.a. "The Pious", who reformed all the clerical laws and granted special rights to the Windrunners and their families.

        _166 - ??? : Lovis IV, a.k.a. "The Indolent", who does nothing. Players are under his reign.

Functioning

Nobility is a patrimoniale responsibility, which means that it is hereditary. If some peoples were ennobled between year 50 and year 100, this habit is obsolete in 171, because noblemen don't want to ennoble somebody who will become a rival. Notice that Noblewoman is a honorific title. They have no right connected to this status, except for courtesy and a monthly annuity paid by the crown.

The Noblemen are separated in several castes. They are presented here in decreasing order (from the more influent to the less influent). Don't forget that Noblemen lead a territory but they only own a few part of it.

Roy (or the King)

Le Roy is the highest title among the Frassian Nobility. He is elected among the Archdukes until he dies. Le Roy commissions the Windrunners for their missions. He has the power to destitute any Nobleman but no Roy dare to destitute an Archduke or even a Duke.

Prince

The Prince is the Roy's son and is supposed to succeed him after his death. Because the number of Prince's murders increased dangerously lead to the suppression of this title of Nobility in the year 97. In 171, Princes have no rights nor powers.

Archiduke

The real pecuniary and political powers belong to the Archdukes. They  command all the Dukes from their Archdukedom and perceive taxes. They can decide who live or die on their territory, even for Noblemen although the right to sentence a Noble to death was never applied since the reign of Lovis Ier. They can raise an army, recruit anyone they want and can ennoble whoever they want. In case of inner quarrels, they can organize a tournament between the opposing forces. In order to dispose of quarrels with another Archduke or between two Noblemen from different Archdukedoms, they can organize a tournament with the agreement of the concerned Archduke. There are five Archdukedoms and one of them is the King. An archduke can commission a Windrunner.

Duke

The Dukes have almost the same rights and powers than an Archduke. They can perceive taxes and can decide who live or die. They can't raise an army without warning their Archduke. They can't engage another Duke wthout the agreement of the concerned Archduke(s). Most of  quarrels are solved in bloody tournaments which delight the other Noblemen. However, the Archdukes dislike Tournaments and avoid them, because it involves the renewal of the Nobility and multiplies the risks of treason. Archdukedoms are divided in three, four or five Dukedoms.

COunt (or Earl)

The Counts can perceive taxes and decide if a  commoner or an inderior Nobleman lives or dies. They have no more power. Their numerous quarrels are solved by tournaments organized by the Archduke(s). Dukedoms are divided from three to eight Counties.

Baron

The Barons can perceive taxes and decide if a  commoner or an inderior Nobleman lives or dies. They have no more power. Their numerous quarrels are solved by tournaments organized by the Archduke(s). Counties are divided in three or four Baronies.

Knight

Nobleman without territory, Knights roam on Frasse to gain reputation. They defend the interests of the Roy. They can decide if a commoner lives or dies. They can choose to earn an annuity from a Nobleman of superior rank, but then must obey to him.

ecuyer (or Rider)

Young man dedicated to become Knight. Generally, it's the Knight's son. Ecuyers have no powers nor rights.

Relationship between Nobility and Windrunners

Here is a very interesting topic for the Windrunners : The Roy is the only Nobleman who can sentence them to death and it never happened, because the legend says that anyone who would sentence a Windrunner to death dies before one week. The Roy and the Archdukes are the only Noblemen who can commission them, and they have the obligation to accept, but then, the Archduke or the Roy must pay him an annuity until the Windrunner dies, must protect them if they sollicitate him, and must feed and lodge them, even if one of these conditions implies that the Nobleman dies.

The Archdukes will try to use them but they never force them to do it (because of his own obligations), except if this Archduke appreciate them. If not, he will only pay them for a single mission : it's why Windrunners are often considered as mercenaries. A Windrunner can insult a Nobleman and he will have no sanctions. If he kills a Nobleman he may be sentenced to death but it won't happen (If this case occurs in your campaign, show that the Roy is a coward toward Windrunners. He will sentence to jail but not to death.)

A fortiori, the Aircarft of the Windrunner is fundamental. A Nobleman never seize it. However, he may order to sabotage it. Windrunners may fight against other Windrunners because of divergent interests.

Other questions? Send us an e-mail!