Birthright Rulebook, Campaign Setting Boxed Set

pages 30 & 31 (on Regency), CAPS added for emphasis, [comments in brackets],
//italics represented by slashes//:

- --BEGIN SECTION--

While many scions and awsheghlien wander Cerilia with noble heritages and
potent blood abilities, their powers have little significance without a domain
to control. Blooded characters who control kingdoms are blessed with a
MYSTICAL CONNECTION TO THE LAND--a RIGHT TO RULE that infuses them with
supernatural powers, responsibilities, and benefits.

No one knows how this bond between ruler and domain occurs, but some scholars
believe it is connected to the powers of confidence and belief--in effect, the
power of the ruler is derived from the fealty of his subjects. Something in
the SEMI-DIVINE BLOOD of a noble scion responds to the allegiance of his
followers in the same way that a true deity gains strength from worshippers.
[Not my lonely idea after all...] Kings and nobles aren't the only rulers
blessed with this mystical ability. Charismatic priests derive the same kind
of power from the confidence of their congregations. Merchant-princes and
guildmasters enjoy the same confidence of those who work for them or pay them
tribute. Even wizards gain power from the respect of the masses.

[Perhaps the only weakness, as Source holdings are negatively affected my "the
masses, but remember that they gain RP from ruling provinces too.]

Because every ruler and every domain is unique, the people of Cerilia refer to
these individuals as regents. In this sense of the word, they're stewards of
power who hold both the trust of the people and responsibility for the land.
The MYSTIC POWER that regents derive from their stewardship is known as divine
right, karma, or nobility--but it's most commonly and correctly call
//REGENCY.//

In game terms, regency is measured by a Regency Points (RP) score, just like
hit points and bloodline score. Not all blooded characters gain a Regency
Point score--//only regents amass a Regency Point score!// Scions who choose
not to rule domains NEVER gain Regency Points, nor do character WITHOUT A
DIVINE BLOODLINE.

A ruler's Regency Points can be used to increase the power of his bloodline
possibly gaining new blood abilities) or to increase the success of ruling his
domain (described in Part II).


- --END SECTION--

With all due respect and deference, Carrie must not have read this.
Understandable, since apparently so many others on this list haven't read it
either... There are no ambiguous statements here, no American presidential
examples, no political capital, no special favors.

The simple fact that this whole excerpt is right next to the tighmaevril
description and the rules on usurpation (bloodtheft), two very hotly discussed
and very important things in many peoples' games, amazes me. Not the
placement, but that it seems like this is such a big secret.

Now... if we can get on to other issues?

Tim