If characters make controversial decisions about the future of England, a majority of the military force will need to support it or risk another civil war.
There is no mechanical tactical military game in this larp. Military forces are another political lever and subject to negotiations, alliances and betrayals like everything else. People are welcome to make up plans or threats using their general geographical position and type of their forces that follow them.
- England does not have a standing professional army
- Specific nobles can raise their own large armies in a matter of weeks
- These nobles also have a small core of guards, knights and attendants that they can call on in an emergency
- All these troops are loyal to the noble personally, not the King or country
England does not have a permanent army paid by the state. Instead, troops are raised as a militia when needed by senior nobles on behalf of the King. The other side of this obligation is that the King must maintain the loyalty of these nobles, as they are well placed to support a civil war.
In this context a military leader is not a captain of small unit tactics, or even a great general. They are the nobles who can raise armies or navies and command their ultimate feudal loyalty.
Responsibilities at the event
- Decide who to support, or if you’d prefer Civil War.
- Pledge the support of their troops publicly.
Military leaders have no formal meetings. They need to pledge their support to an heir publicly near the end of the game when it seems dramatically appropriate. They can change their mind by pledging their support to somebody else later. This is probably embarrassing to do, but better than backing the wrong candidate.
Characters who command large military support
Henry Howard
Thomas Howard
John Dudley
Edward Seymour
William Parr
Margaret Douglas (via her link to the Scottish throne)
Seizing control of court with a small military force
Some characters may also have a small core of professional soldiers, knights and household guards nearby. They could use these soldiers to briefly seize control of a room at court and compel characters to hand over items or sign or destroy documents. This would probably be a very reckless thing to do, but perhaps it could be worth it in a desperate situation.
Characters with small military forces nearby
These are not necessarily the same as the characters who have large military forces. There are not many people with this ability.
They know who they are.
Reginae Regis - The Six Wives of Henry VIII 