Every generation or two sees an epic story of fairy tale love - IMPH we have Marak and Nerelin. This post has nothing to do with that specifically, though it does inform my treatment of Marak, his fortunes, Prince Balesir, and the future of the Chybisan throne. This post is all about Nerelin's dowry and how Verlid sees the quality and potential of Marak, and if he has all but written of Balesir as the future King.

It is reasonable to expect part of Nerelin's dowry to be land, and this almost certainly would be in Onden or Burzyn. Such a dowry would be a seed for the new couple, insure Nerelin and her children's security in the case of Marak's death, and provide an incentive for her spouse. Given that much of Chybisa's land is sub-infeudated that not so much as a full knight's fee remains in one barony, and that Semadin is not a baronial clan, I find it likely that the dowry would include two modest manors (possibly even three, though not something I envision) in different fiefs, and that at least one if not all of these had been set aside during Nerelin's childhood before the couple even met. Thus, while the current environment might lead Verlid away from bestowing land in Onden it would have already been a done deal. So the question is: where might Verlid have found suitable locations? My understanding leads me to believe it would best be culled from land he controlled directly through a bailiff or constable as opposed to putting pressure on a vassal to set aside a manor. In Onden this would be a manor controlled by Prince Balesir as constable (problematic if Balesir sees Semadin's heirs as a threat), or either Andgan or Terane which be controlled by bailiffs. In Burzyn, this would be from Sir Barain or in Hieath (controlled by a unnamed bailiff).

I expect Verlid has made the decision that should Prince Balesir become more incapacitated the Barony of Onden itself will pass to Semadin (though Balesir could suffer with syphilis for 20 years or more). It should be obvious to all observers that Marak's issue will be in line for the throne, even if Prince Balesir's condition is not widely known. For even if Verlid is willing to chance congential syphilis of Balesir's progeny (which must be known on Harn, assuming the disease operates the same as on Earth), and Prince Balesir doesn't up and die (though he could linger for 20 years or more), and even if a suitable match could be lined up in 720, Verlid must view a direct, legitimate descendant through his son as chancy. Marak, or at least his heirs, must seem a suitable alternative to Verlid and the succession council (who have no doubt begun speculating, as is their job really).

I'm going with Onden itself and Hieath. This would give Marak two or maybe three manors, which would qualify him as a minor baron in Kaldor, with the real potential to become a land-holding baron. Regrettably, I don't have HarnManor which might help me decide if these are suitable locations. Does this seem reasonable or are there better choices?

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Cheers, Konnel
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It sounds alright to me. Land is the thing, really, as it gives potential income and influence, and mercantilism is only beginning to become truly influential. For my part I tend to just grab a manor or two off the fanon stuff here and just declare them to be wherever I choose. Harnmanor is useful but not truly essential as long as you do that.