Theft or Claim Jumping

In regions which are only partially explored or which have been claimed by a rival government, it is possible to “claim jump.” In short, a force moves in, makes their claim, and establishes a keep or village of some type as quickly as possible. They then attempt to hold the land, often asserting “squatter’s rights” and fighting off attempts by others to reclaim their rightful territory.

Another possibility is the theft of land. Although it is obviously not possible to actually grab the land and run with it, there are many dishonest means by which ownership can be had. For example, a land owner could be forced into betting his land in a dishonest card game. When the last hand is dealt, he has lost. Falsified bills of sale or wills are another possibility. As a rule, only those of evil alignment will use such means to acquire land.