Disclaimer. I am aware that we have been told that the current system of armies can not be adjusted, that will not keep me from sharing this Idea. I believe that time provides solutions and we live in a world of infinite improbabilities.
I suggest a change to the army system which allows individual characters to purchase personal troops. But first, we have to talk about something else, CP. I have heard people refer to these as cabal points, cabal power, ext. However, I propose we call them conquest points. Why? Because that is what we get them for and use them for. As characters we can already earn these CP without belonging to a cabal through certain quests. Mental note.
In the real world people are not always devoted to a religious cause, often people prove to only truly be vested in themselves. In the real world we often see rebellion, revolutionary thinking, and uprising of the impoverished. In Aabahran we may see the occasional hostile overthrow, and we certainly visit regularly death and destruction. But the individual seems to become lost to the greater numbers, characters created with the sole intent of joining this group or that for greater power. Individuality becomes blurred.
Where is the revolutionary? Where are the free thinkers and visionaries? Players why have you not purchased a private army and enslaved Aabahran? Because we have not yet given you the opportunity. If we develop more ways to earn CP as characters unaffiliated with any clan or cabal, we could then create the proper uses for these conquest points. What kind of uses? Where and how would you use them? Why would you use them? Just imagine.
Your a dark knight atheist bent on world domination. You have heard of the incredible powers available to those willing to sell themselves into despairs slavery. Your wonder if you need the aid of any group to acquire such power, they have acquired it so it must be out there. You decide instead you will find it or take it. You begin to hunt those flying the flags and with each victory your conquest coffers grow.
You visit the mercenary block deciding its time to make your mark on Aabahran. When you arrive you say troops and find that your conquest points are drained completely. The mercenary vendors will proclaim your order was received and payment is due. You will be granted one skill (leadership) and access to private troops. Armies of Aabahran despise private troops, mercenary troops must control the area to pass through it. When private troops conquer an entire piece of the map, the word is sent out that "Character" has taken this from them.
To the victor goes the spoils, with the control of Aabahrans soil, your conqueror also gains control of some of Aabahrans power. For every area held by an individual, you would gain power. With only one area owned, one power is selected, with five areas owned the character acquires a second power, a third at ten. These powers are nullified and lost if your character loses his lands. Your character is the living standard for his followers, they will fight with far less vigor if the conqueror is dead.
The powers would be selectable secrets stolen from other cabals in Aabahran, and while troops move directly out of town the Tribunal charges a fee of conquest points for troops passing through. The fee can be avoided by sending a raid against the city instead, the cost would be the same, time and roleplay being the diference maker. Eventually, you will conquer the world or be remembered for trying, and I look forward to seeing you try, one day, maybe, in this reality or another.
