NPC Noble Activity

Initially my plan was to just leave the NPC counties as raiding targets, however now that I know there are only 5, it is not unreasonable to play them myself, though with some restrictions. What is the role you see these characters having?

If the more advanced are chosen, then I will develop them as characters as the game goes on, and their personalities will evolve as play progresses.

NOTE; They will NEVER vote in the Eastern Council meetings, those are waters I do not wish to muddy with in-game influence. NPC Nobles will always be raiding targets also.

I'd like them to raid and build, but not engage in politics. Mainly just because they have no council vote and won't be afflicted by prestige losses (I assume).

I'd propose a different path for them.

Instead of being legitimate Counts like the PCs, make them renegades. That explains why they aren't partaking in the politics. It also allows us to directly claim those lands once we get to the conquering stage. And it helps for any new players coming in to explain their replacement of those NPCs. Rolling dice to see if/where they raid is my preference, although I think you should also keep some discretion on choosing targets or holding back. Raiding the richest hex while the army is away is reasonable while attacking the strongest force is less so.

Keeping one or two for yourself (even in the limited NPC aspect) is perfectly acceptable to me. In particular, hex 20. It's simply... well, it's the highest total of combined wealth and manpower. Plus it has the significance of holding the only major goldmine in Pendor.

Seeing as I now have a 'Martial and Born to Command' NPC as neighbor...letting them raid makes it a lot more interesting.

Dead heat, great! Moar votes!

If only the elections were half as exciting as this.

I ended up going with raiding but no diplomatic deals... although I don't strictly mean that.

I think you, as GM, should use your discretion on their diplomatic activities. They generally should not engage in the politics of the steppe, but should be free to join an alliance or launch an attack, etc. Offering tribute is not out of the question, nor is submitting to vassalage in the face of a conquering army.

Ok, the poll is closed.

NPC's will take limited diplomatic action, but will otherwise behave like a player.

This means that they will use / create mercenaries, can accept or pay tribute, and can take part in non-agression pacts. They will not, however engage in alliances of any sort (with the possible exception of mutual defence depending on situation). They will never join any coalitions.