How to make a game of political intrigue?
I'm preparing a campaign with a strong element of politics.
I have seen all 3 videos that Matt Colville has on the subject (several times each, in fact). This is what I have so far:
>
>There are 18 realms in the continent (not every realm has to come in play), realms have built alliances according with their interests (In truth, these alliances or factions will be the protagonists of the intrigue more than the realms themselves).
>one very powerful and influential Archmage (the chessmaster) will just disappear, so that he can't influence the events.
>Some factions will ally with each other (despite normally being enemies) against certain individual realms to make a coup.
A secret organization will take down several kings (and some of their heirs) guaranteeing chaos and leaderlessness.
Chaos will erupt and it will lead to war.
In the middle of all of this, the players will be doing quest for some seemingly harmless guy. While hearing of all of these events.
At some point, they will find themselves "rescuing" a kid who turns out to be the missing heir to one of the kingdoms. at that point, I hope they will understand that they are in the center of the whole conspiracy, and become more engaged with the whole plot.
>At that point, they will be able to chose the path to follow. Either keep the kid or turn him over, investigate the disappearance of the Archmage or go for the shady questgiver, or to side with one of the kingdoms or one of the claimants to the throne, or whatever they would like to do at that moment.
Please, give me your opinions and advice; as well as any resources that you think it could come handy.
Edit: formatting