Before any character is rolled, the table works together to create their noble house. This is the single most important step in SIFRP. The house is a collective character, and its rise or fall is the central arc of the campaign.
This process binds the players together. If the House falls, they all lose. It creates immediate stakes: you aren't just looting a dungeon; you are protecting your family’s legacy, paying off debts to the Iron Bank, or trying to secure a marriage alliance to replenish your coffers. It is the single best mechanic in the industry for fostering party cohesion.
Unlike Dungeons & Dragons, which focuses heavily on tactical combat and magical progression, SIFRP is a "d6" system built on intrigue, social status, and mass warfare.
A single longsword hit can kill a competent knight. Armor reduces damage (providing "Armor Rating"), but a well-placed dagger in the neck kills a king. Encourage players to surrender, retreat, or talk their way out. Winning a fight means surviving.
Benefits are special traits chosen during character creation that provide unique advantages.