Noble Relations

The following rules are designed to model the complex familial relationships of Mina Barovonna to the various noble houses of the County of Barovia.
Whenever Mina meets a new Noble House, she must decide how closely she would like to be related to that House. She then performs a Society Check vs her Level DC, modified by the power of the House. The result of her Check will determine how close to her desires she is related to them.

Levels of Relationship

There are four levels of relationship a Noble House can be from a given individual:

1. No Relation,
2. Distantly Related (3rd or more cousins, close enough to be hosted, but not really "family"),
3. Dynastically Related (2nd cousins, "marriage/alliance fodder," inter-dynastic marriages for "pure" bloodlines),
4. Familiarly Related (1st cousins, "part of the family," cosanguinious/incestuous marriage).

House Power

There are four levels of power a Noble House can have:

1. Knightly House (Lvl DC –2): An extremely small Noble House, whose power is dependant on a larger House giving them legitemacy in exchange for military or courtly service. Most such Nobles are non-free. (Example: House Polensky)
2. Minor House (Lvl DC): A small Noble House, with minimal holdings, who often serve as courtiers and advisors to Major Houses. (Example: House Macek)
3. Major House (Lvl DC +2): A larger Noble House, with significant holdings, who often serve as the leaders of settlements or larger organisations. (Example: House Vallakovich)
4. Royal House (Lvl DC +5): A huge Noble House, whose prestige descends from direct Royal lineage. (Example: House von Zarovich)

Society Check Results

The following are the four potential results of the Society Check:

• Critical Success. You are related as closely as you chose, though you may further define said relationship as you wish.
• Success. You are related as closely as you chose.
• Failure. You are related one step closer or further away than you chose, GM's choice.
• Critical Failure. You are related two steps closer or further away than you chose, GM's choice.