[Jack Simth]

True, maybe three schemers would cause a bit of a problem.

All right, how's this sound:

The psi is the Baron's sister, and feels that she rightly deserves the position. However, if she just takes it, the people above the baron will bring their recources to bear against her, which she wouldn't be able to stand against (they would hire the psionics guild, if need be). However, if she proves to them that the Baron isn't fit, they may interceed in her favor. To do this, she needs to be careful not to leave too terribly much in the way of traces - no long-term direct control on major players, no hiring of mercenaries, et cetera (Same as before), and is unaware of or uninterested in the ring.

The ring feud is unrelated, and is simply caused by John being sore at Arthur about something, which has now been tempered by time and events - perhaps it is jealosy, as Arthur was always the better mage; or John has recently realized he can't do anything with the ring, and is thus willing to part with it; or, perhaps, he wants to see what happens if/when Aurther tries to probe it (having tried it himself, and not fared too well).

Ring-side motivations will probably need to wait for Krsqk's input, as they most directly involve his character.