THE CASTLE GUIDE
RULE SUPPLEMENT
ADVANCED DUNGEONS & DRAGONS
CHAPTER 1 : THE FEUDAL SETTING
Members of the Court
Any good noble will surround him/herself with advisors. Each of these men (or women) will be an expert in areas which the king may not be knowledgeable about. By consulting them when he is forced to make a decision in some area, the lord can render a fair and competent ruling.
Because of the modular nature of feudal governments, each of these offices is likely to be repeated at different levels of the government. For example, the local baron is certain to have his own seneschal, as does the count he reports to and the king above them both. Some position, such as the Lord High Wizard, will not be found in most estates due to the expense of maintaining such an advisor.
Lord High Chamberlain
Of all the positions in a lord's court, none is more trusted or important to the daily activity of the estate than that of the Lord High Chamberlain. In modern terms, the chamberlain is the lord's right-hand man. He controls all access to the Lord and can act on his behalf in any instance. Orders which are issued by the Lord High Chamberlain are assumed to come directly from the lord and must be obeyed without question.
A number of individuals will report to the Lord High Chamberlain. It is his job to coordinate reports from numerous lesser officials and present his lord with the information needed to make wise decisions. The Chamberlain enjoys the absolute trust of his monarch and can act in his behalf on any matter. In many cases where an audience has been requested with the lord, the chamberlain will be able to resolve matters without having to "trouble his royal highness."
Lord High Chancellor
The Lord High Chancellor is entrusted with the day-to-day operations of the government. He is the absolute head of the civil service, answerable only to the lord himself. The only exception to this would be in cases where his actions might have to be cleared with the Lord High Chamberlain. The relationship between these 2 officials is close, if not always cordial.
Nearly every member of the lesser bureaucracy is under the direction of the Lord High Chancellor. His people organize tax collections, internal political relationships, and the posting and distribution of all royal decrees and proclamations.
Lord High Justice
The Lord High Justice is in charge of all aspects of the legal system. It is his responsibility to see to it that laws are enforced and that criminals are hunted down and detained. He oversees the actions of the local judges, all of whom answer to him, and the town militia.
Among the people who report directly to the Lord High Justice are the High Sheriff (who heads the town watch), the High Prosecutor (who handles the prosecution of criminals), and the High Forester (who oversees the lord's woodlands and prevents poaching).
Lord High Marshal
The Lord High Marshal is responsible for the military affairs of the kingdom. He commands the lord's armies in the field and oversees the training, organization, and deployment of troops. In times of war, he is often given broad authority to act in the lord's name.
Reporting directly to the Lord High Marshal are the various military commanders of the realm. These include the leaders of the standing army, officers responsible for recruitment and training, and those charged with maintaining fortifications and military supplies.
In addition to directing military operations, the Lord High Marshal advises the lord on matters of defense, strategy, and foreign threats. He is expected to remain constantly informed about the strength and disposition of neighboring forces.
Lord High Inquisitor
The Lord High Inquisitor is responsible for protecting the realm from internal threats. While the Lord High Justice concerns himself with common criminals, the Inquisitor seeks out traitors, spies, conspirators, and enemies of the crown.
A network of agents, informers, and investigators reports to the Lord High Inquisitor. Through these channels, he gathers information regarding plots against the government and activities which might endanger the stability of the realm.
The powers granted to the Lord High Inquisitor are often extensive and controversial. In many kingdoms, he may authorize investigations, arrests, and interrogations in cases involving treason or threats to national security.
Because his duties frequently require secrecy, many citizens fear the office of the Lord High Inquisitor. Even loyal subjects may become uneasy when his agents begin asking questions.
Lord High Wizard
The Lord High Wizard serves as the ruler's chief advisor in matters arcane. In realms where magic is common, this position may be among the most powerful in the court. In lands where magic is rare, however, the office may not exist at all.
The Lord High Wizard is responsible for monitoring magical activities within the realm and advising the ruler on supernatural threats. He oversees court magicians, royal alchemists, sages, astrologers, and other practitioners of the mystical arts.
In addition to his advisory duties, the Lord High Wizard often conducts magical research on behalf of the crown. He may be called upon to identify magical items, counter enemy spells, communicate with distant allies, or investigate strange phenomena.
Because knowledge is power, the Lord High Wizard is frequently 1 of the most influential members of the court. Wise rulers value such counsel highly, while foolish rulers may find themselves manipulated by those who possess secrets beyond ordinary understanding.
Lord High Chaplain
The Lord High Chaplain is the highest religious authority in the ruler's court. He acts as advisor on spiritual matters and serves as a bridge between the government and the established church.
The Lord High Chaplain oversees the activities of the realm's clergy and ensures that religious observances are properly maintained. He may preside over important ceremonies such as coronations, royal weddings, funerals, and public celebrations.
In many kingdoms, the Lord High Chaplain also serves as a moral advisor to the ruler. His duty is to remind the monarch of religious obligations and ethical responsibilities. A wise ruler will listen carefully to such counsel, though not all do.
The influence of the Lord High Chaplain varies greatly from realm to realm. In some lands, the church and crown exist as equal powers. In others, the religious establishment may dominate political affairs or be entirely subordinate to the ruler's authority.
Since religion often plays a major role in the lives of common people, the Lord High Chaplain can become one of the most politically important figures in the kingdom. His support may strengthen a ruler's legitimacy, while his opposition can undermine public confidence in the throne.
