Congrats on reaching 500+ posts.
Now, you are a King/Master (see: MASTER'S SET, for BECMI).
At 1000+, you become an Immortal.
1. You can choose a realm, over in the World of Presposia.
2. On Aerth, you already have Duke Robert ruling over 6 cantons in E. Helvetia.
Since you expressed that you want Gygax to remain as King, you can ascend to the throne in another region, either through conquest or marriage (with regards to the latter, I do remember that your avatar/character Robert has no intent of getting married, any time soon).
Your neighboring realms are:
* Germania (N) (Foe)
* Lombardy (E) (Friend)
* Savoy (S) (Foe)
* Burgundy (W) (Foe) (Ruled by Charlemagne).
Note that you are surrounded on three sides by foes.
The population is 1,250,000, with a total of 21 cantons.
Does anyone have an idea for a simple system of playing out War and/or Diplomacy?
I was thinking of using the rules in the RULES COMPENDIUM, but not every one has access to that book.
As well, any idea for the size of the armed forces of a typical realm of Aerth, as a percentage of the total population?
Note that Helvetia might be an exception, as all able-bodied men are required to do some military service.
See
here for more on Helvetia.
As well, you can choose or design a royal coat of arms, as well as levy taxation on the plebes.
Your servant,
Prespos the Court Official