@Nemaisare: Yes, you shouldn't consider this role, for a few reasons. One, OOCly, it's gives an unfair claim to the throne since usually immediate family is given the right. Candidly though, if the mother did not want to rule, then this first point would be moot (as is the case with Shradinger's upcoming character). Two, ICly, having immediate family wouldn't have created such a large power vacuuum with the Lord and Lady's deaths. Again though, if for whatever reason the immediate family didn't or couldn't rule, then this would also be pointless. But finally, considering Lord Bayard was in his 40s, his mother would be in her early 60s (at the earliest). She would be by death's door, considering life expectancy is around 50-60 in the realm. :P 

So in all honesty you could play her if:
- She didn't want to or couldn't rule.
- You want to play a character who is basically already dead.

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@Schradinger: I'll open up this scrying magic to public discussion. :)