I had thought about adding a spy system to the game. Factions and lords send their own agents to gather information and such. The player can send companion that specialize in roguery to spy on enemy factions at different towns. Upon sending your companion, you can assign a goal for the companion to accomplish, such as information gathering, sowing discord between the faction lords and ladies, stoking the fires of rebellion, poisoning the town they are working from and garner support with notables (if you are at peace) to increase rep with the player.