The easiness of having multiple identities?

[Senshi]

I'm just wondering.. is it possible for a person, namely human, to have different identities.
For example, would it be possible for a person to be known as an extravagant wine dealer in King's Shrenk's lands while being a respected tradesman in Duke Stronghelm's lands.

From what I know of Middle-ages, keeping record of inhabitants was rather lacking and as there probably wouldn't be too many people wandering between these lands, I think it would be fairly easy to have multiple identities and not getting caught for it.

I also read from somewhere here that it would be fairly difficult to move from King Shrenk's lands to those of Duke Stronghelm's and vica versa. Would this be easier if you had multiple contacts in both lands?

(I hope my question makes sense, I've had way too little sleep at the moment. Just look at the tittle if my ramblings don't make any sense *smiles)

[Valalerin]

If someone had sufficient income to do so then they, in theory, could be known as different people in different lands. But local suspicion could become a problem (vanishing for a few months without explanation before reappearing) and it would be fairly unprofitable to travel like that, not to mention the difficulty.

In order to travel in such a way the person in question would need their own boat and crew - The whole crew would also be sworn to secrecy. Also, Deity's Grip does not allow people not bearing the insignia of the Duke into the town, so that method is out of the question.

Essentially, it would only be possible with a crew who would do the same thing.

[Zachariah]

I guess that's why it's useful in some cases to not be allied to either, you make more money that way. Then again, dealing a double life would help reputation-wise, help get you respected on either side, learn things, know things, sell things and all that. But if you're found out... well, yeah. Then where do you go?

[Valalerin]

If you're found out both sides would want you for treason, so you'd be pretty screwed really.

[Senshi]

Yeah, I figured you'd have to have a nice source of income to pull it off but my character has that part covered.

About the fact that you would need your own crew, how expensive/rare is it to have your own crew? While money would not be a problem, my character would rather avoid attention.


Oh, and just to be sure... if you were a family member in some rich family under King Shrenk's rule and you'd decide to run off for an life of adventure and all that, I take it that your father/other relative would not take you back with open arms, where you to return?

[Valalerin]

The King has no relations, he has no wife, siblings and his parents are dead. His cousins he had assassinated a long time ago to prevent any threat to his reign, relation to the King is impossible.
However I do have an open spot for a Baron... But a Baron couldn't pull it off. What source of income where you thinking of?

[Zachariah]

I guess... live with the ogres?

[Valalerin]

The pirates of Volarna are often tradesmen who travel between both Duke Stronghelm's lands and King Shrenk's lands, I suppose you could be one of those. They do not mention where their goods are from ever, that would put them in danger.

You could easily be a pirate from Volarna.

[Zachariah]

That works, but I like the ogre idea better.

[Valalerin]

Ogres would rip him apart for food and fun.

[Senshi]

Well, it didn't even cross my mind to be related to a King or such, to be honest.
Was thinking of a some random rich noble, a Baron at best.
But you say it wouldn't be enough?
I mean, naturally my character would also have other sources of income, depending on his current identity.
But just how rich would you have to be to pull it off?

[Valalerin]

Rich enough to own your own boat and pay your own crew who are sworn to secrecy. Pirates needn't be sworn to secrecy as they're pirates, but anyone who is a legal resident of the King's or Duke's lands is forbidden by Law to trade with the enemy so their income would have to be... Luxurious.

[Senshi]

On the other hand, that spawned a new idea in my head.

Is there any kind of concept of a honour in the ranks of the pirates? Or more precisely, is there any way of controlling a crew made of pirates?
Cause that would be a cheaper alternative.

Naturally I take it that, with some preparations, decent people wouldn't be able to recognize pirates from regular sailors.

[Valalerin]

Pirates with honour? Surely you jest

I'm afraid pirates are bound to their captain only by the gold he pours down their gullets, insufficient funds (Hello Westwood...) and you can expect a mutiny.

[Zachariah]

....and at that point you're just kind of hopping on teh failboat, eh?