To stay in the game you must get a wife and have children. The sons, or at least the eldest surviving one, will succeed you. The others will become members of your fellowship. Daughters will be married off to other players, costing you a hefty dowry. This, however, will create a family tie that provides you with a mutual self-defense treaty. While not necessarily a sure thing, family ties have a high probability of working out in your favor. The probability increases if the daughter has children, especially boys and survives.