Halfcrown

Both of those options sound good. I'm not familiar with Patrick Hodges but am game to try (did the group decide on  Wielders of Arantha: Pawns?).

I've also read Gene Wolfe's Book of the New Sun series and would be interested to try others. (fun fact: Wolfe helped design the machine that made Pringles Potato Chips)

Please add me

Riverland forever  I love the aesthetics, plus it's less overwhelming to plan than the Standard. 

(but I play a lot with Standard too and have been thinking of trying Forest or Hill-Top)