I thought it might be fun to have an additional NPC in town; the colonial surveyor. Essentially his role would be to show who are the greatest landowners on providence (as measured by total personal claim sizes). I'd think to be included you would need to register as a landowner. This would incur the following costs and benefits:
- Pay a fee of 100 silver once off to register
- Have your overall tax bill reduced by the amount you pay on land tax every week (any and all transactions) up to a maximum of zero tax.
- Your name up in lights on the top 10 or 20 list with all the scrutiny that brings.
- If you make it to top spot you get a land magnates neck chain to show that you are the daddy (maybe this could add +100 affluence or something), but only one per account.
- This could be a precursor to another mechanic, voting, where only registered landowners are allowed to vote (no idea on what yet though, maybe just cosmetic things to start in the form of events)
In addition, a new surveyor shop kit could be made available, with items like iron measuring chains, steel-tipped pens or brass-bound compasses. Maybe a slottable item, an inspirational and something with a more practical use.
I think these could definitely add to the flavour of the game.