Diplomacy: wards, squires & court members

[h3]
In today's news, the Game Designer Antti will explain the vision behind the diplomacy in Great Houses of Calderia, especially being wards, squires, or court members.[/h3]

A savvy ruler knows that sometimes the best diplomacy comes not from words, but from actions. As you navigate the intricate world of alliances and rivalries in the game, one powerful tool at your disposal is the ability to send members of your family as wards, squires, or court members to other rulers as a sign of goodwill.

When a child reaches the age of 5, they are eligible to become a ward. This is a common practice where a young noble is placed under the protection and supervision of a guardian from another fiefdom. The ward will live with their guardian and receive training in various areas, such as literature, etiquette, economic skills, fighting, horsemanship, and courtly manners. Although it may seem harsh to be parted from your child, it is also a tradition expected of all noble families. After all, what better way is there to signify and seal a bond of trust between two families than by giving your own child into their care?



When a child is born in the game, they have a chance to have their skills increased every year until they reach the age of 20. This chance is determined by the child's parents, but if the child becomes a ward, the skills of the guardian are also added to the chance pool. This makes wardship a very beneficial gameplay mechanic. Wards will also write letters home, providing valuable information and acting as "little spies" for your family. Additionally, wardship grants a huge bonus to the diplomatic relations between the two families.

At the age of 10, a ward's time with their guardian ends. However, at this point, they are old enough to become squires. Squireship functions similarly to wardship, but instead of learning a wide range of skills, squires focus on training to become knights. They will serve under another noble as an apprentice, learning the skills and techniques of knighthood. Squires are responsible for caring for their noble's armor and weapons and attending to their horses. The same rules apply as with wards, but only the squire's military skill has an increased chance of improvement.



Finally, we have court members. These are adult members of your family who have been invited to join another family's court. Being a court member involves attending court functions and events, and potentially serving the ruler in some capacity. This grants a significant bonus to intrigue and information. However, it also means accepting that there may be a spy in your midst.



Overall, sending a member of your family to another ruler is a serious and meaningful gesture, but it can have long-term consequences if the relationship sours. Choose wisely and use this tool with caution.

Join our Discord to get involved in the development of Great Houses of Calderia: https://discord.gg/vsxD6n8P8J

- Great Houses of Calderia Team -