<<set $poor to true>>You are the daughter of the High Chieftain of Poivre, an impoverished colony with significant inequality between the Vitagni administration and the Poivritine locals. Marriage to the Emperor could signal a relationship of greater respect between colonists and colonised. As a result, you are the perfect choice for a harmonious, politically beneficial marriage. \n\n[[Journey to the Palace|journey]]
Finally, you meet the King. You haven’t really spoken to him since you were about three and he was fifteen. Before he opens his mouth, what do you think of him?\n\n[ ] He… seems pleasant enough? I hope he’s nice.\n[ ] I hate him. I hate this situation. I feel so helpless. \n[ ] My opinion is irrelevant. I do what I must for the Empire. \n\nIF POIVRITINE:\n[ ] He’s responsible for my people’s oppression. But I have to be nice for their sake.\n\n[[Listen to the King's speech|speech]]\n\n
<<set $character to "policywonk">>\n\n"I study statecraft, religion, philosophy and culture. I enjoy rhetoric and debate, as much for itself as to support my role as the future Queen." \n\nThe Lady seems quite interested, and asks if you have [[other interests|meetlady2]].
You enter the Carnelian Palace. It is exactly as befits the centre of an Empire. [AUTHOR NOTE: I have never seen a goddamned palace so description will have to come later.]\n\nHow do you feel? \n\n[ ] Elated, excited, pleased\n[ ] Overwhelmed, intimidated\n[ ] Furious that so much wealth is hoarded\n\n\n[[Meet the Pope|pope]]\n[AUTHOR NOTE: Think of a different name for pope]\n\n
<<set $character to "literati">>\n\n"I am a reasonable enough poet, and enjoy painting and needlework. If I may say so myself, I have a lovely voice, or at least, people say they enjoy my singing." \n\nThe Lady seems quite interested, and asks if you have [[other interests|meetlady2]].
<<set $local to true>>You are the first daughter of a local viscount who, although not overly important in the grand scheme of things, is both owed a favour by the ruling family, and is not dangerous enough to threaten the ruling family. As a result, you are the perfect choice for a harmonious, politically beneficial marriage. \n\n[[Journey to the Palace|journey]]
Finally, the King speaks. “It is my very great honour to welcome the Princess Estheria. May our union IF COLONIST seal the relationship between Alvitagn and the Colonies IF LOCAL reflect the enduring greatness of Alvitagn.” \n\nYour name is not Estheria. The Vizier leans to the King’s ear and whispers information to that effect. The King sags visibly. \n\n[ ] Be gracious\n[ ] Be funny\n[ ] Be vicious\n\n[The King reacts to your response, with gratitude or embarrassment]\n\nThe King gives further speechifying, then the party breaks up and you are taken to your quarters by the Lady in Waiting. \n\n[[Settle in|quarters]]
You are introduced to the Pope, who offers a Blessing to you personally. You, not your marriage, not you AND the King, just you. \n\n[ ] Gracefully accept\n[ ] Politely refuse\n[ ] Rudely refuse\n\nThese variables are about your overall personality and your relationship with religion generally and the Pope specifically - not directly related to your background\n\n[[Meet the General|general]]
You are introduced to a girl your own age, dressed in the finest Vitagni fashions. She is excited to meet you, and asks about your interests. \n\n[[I study religion, philosophy and politics|policywonk]]\n[[I fence, box and ride|martialartist]]\n[[I write, sing and paint|literati]]\n
You are introduced to the General, who doesn’t talk to you directly. What is your feeling on militarism?\n\n[ ] I have a responsibility to defend my people\n[ ] It’s important to project power and use it when necessary\n[ ] I hate it and want nothing to do with it\n\n[[Meet the Vizier|vizier]]\n
A gaudily dressed individual greets you. This is the Vizier. \n\nHe inquires as to your personal style of dealing with others.\n\n[ ] All who come before me must acknowledge my greatness\n[ ] I serve my people\n[ ] I listen and learn\n\n\nHe gives you an overview of the history and politics of the Empire.\n\n[ ] Politely point out that you already know this stuff\n[ ] Listen with interest\n[ ] Interrupt “that’s not true!”\n\nThese variables establish your personality and score points towards actions in endgame \n\n[[Meet your husband-to-be|king]]
!!!Epic Princess Drama!!!\n!!A Game Without A Title!!\n\nby Barbara Kerr\n\n[[Once upon a time...|beginning]]
You arrive at the Carnelian Palace in a convoy of sumptuous coaches, with your retinue behind you. \n\nIt has been a \n\n[ ] short, pleasant\n[ ] lengthy, but comfortable\n[ ] long, arduous \n\njourney.\n\nAt this time, your identity does not change the action. Later, it will add points to variables affecting your ability to make choices.\n\n[[Meet your Lady In Waiting|meetlady]]
"How fascinating!" says The Lady. "And is that all you do?"\n<<if $character is "martialartist">>[["I also like religion, philosophy and politics."|enterpalace][$interest2 = "politics"]]\n[["I also like arts and crafts."|enterpalace][$interest2 = "arts"]]<<endif>><<if $character is "policywonk">>\n[["I also like sports and games."|enterpalace][$interest2 = "sports"]]\n[["I also like arts and crafts."|enterpalace][$interest2 = "arts"]]<<endif>><<if $character is "literati">>\n[["I also like sports and games."|enterpalace][$interest2 = "arts"]]\n[["I also like religion, philosophy and politics."|enterpalace][$interest2 = "politics"]]<<endif>>\n[["That is all. It fills my time."|enterpalace]]\n
<<set $rich to true>>You are the eldest daughter of the Margrave of the colony of Ubega, a military governor who protects Vitagni interests both internally and externally. As a result, you are the perfect choice for a harmonious, politically beneficial marriage. \n\n[[Journey to the Palace|journey]]
Epic Princess Drama
Barbara Kerr
<<set $character to "martialartist">>\n\n"I ride horses, hunt with falcon and with bow and arrow, play football and golf, and both box and wrestle. So far, no man has beaten me." \n\nThe Lady seems quite interested, and asks if you have [[other interests|meetlady2]].
You go to your quarters.\n\nThis is a chance to get to know the Lady in Waiting, who is a potential love interest. You can also ask her about the King and other characters. \n\nYou can totally flirt with the LiW without consequence here, but it will stand you in good stead if you want to romance her later\n\n[[return to beginning|beginning]]
Since you were two years old, you have been betrothed to the Prince of Alvitagn, heir to the Vitagni Empire. You are now of age and you are being taken to the capital of Alvitagn to be prepared for your wedding. \n\nBut who are you? \n\na) a [[minor viscountess|local]] of Alvitagn - lowly, but a native speaker of Vitagni and familiar with its customs and culture. + ARTS\n\nb) a [[margrave's daughter|rich]] from Ubega, the wealthiest of the Vitagni colonies. You have divided your time between Alvitagn and Ubega, speak both languages flawlessly, and are good with horses. + MILITARY\n\nc) a [[chief's daughter|poor]] from Poivre, one of the weakest colonies in the Empire. The Poivreti have fought hard to maintain their traditions and culture, but have been sidelined by the tornado of Vitagni administration and commerce. + POLITICS