Players are represented by the current eldest male of their family. When this character dies, the next oldest male heir becomes the PC. Your wife may also inherit, or, if you are English, your daughter. If you have no heirs, you are out of the game and must come back in as a new player. You are assigned fief at random just like any other new player. Thus you must get a wife and have plenty of sons. Sexist, yes, but this is the 14th century. Each family is given a historical name. The basic idea behind the game is for each player to increase the power and prestige of their "house."