You host a salon in The Queen's Hall, entertaining a diverse group of luminaries from all over the empire. How do you proceed? \n\n[[Get to know everyone by name, make sparkling conversation, and come out of it with several very useful contacts.|charitySQ][$diplomacy += 3]]\n\n[[Make a quick embarrassed speech to welcome everyone then sit in a corner, speaking only when spoken to.|charitySQ]]\n\n[[Treat everyone with the utmost courtesy, but get stuck in a conversation about wool processing with a lecturer from the Agricultural College. Fascinating! |charitySQ][$diplomacy += 1]]\n\n

\nThat evening, after all the ceremonies are complete and the Royal Household goes to bed, there is a march on the palace. \n\nWhat happens to you now? Will anyone defend you? Or will you defend yourself? \n\nEPILOGUE\n\n<<if ($military > $diplomacy) and ($military > $arts)>>\nYour superior strength crushes the opposition. Your guards murder the protestors like so many ants. There is so much blood on the palace grounds that a magnificent garden blooms, and you leave it there as a warning to others. \n<<else if ($diplomacy > $military) and ($attitude gte 5)>>\nYour political savvy and economic relief ensures that the march is relatively small and disorganised. The protestors stand around shouting for a while, then get tired and go home. \nThere are sporadic follow-up marches, but most people ignore them. Ultimately, they are treated as an amusing novelty. \n<<else if ($diplomacy > $military) and ($attitude lte 4)>>\nA decent sized crowd of people gather under the royal balcony. You can't quite make out what they're chanting, but it's very loud. \nFortunately, Lord Erinmain and his soldiers are guests in the palace. In concert with your own military detail, they kettle the protestors and escort away the main influencers. This leaves the crowd confused and enervated, and they chant for a bit longer then disperse. They'll be back, but for now, you have peace. \n<<else if ($arts > $military) and ($arts > diplomacy) and ($attitude gte 5)>>\nA crowd gathers, demanding that the Royal Family step down and make way for an elected parliament. You step onto the balcony hoping to reason with them, but get pelted with fruit and vegetables. \nThe crowd storms the palace, far too many for the guards to resist. Fortunately, the leaders order that you should be unharmed - you and the King are kept in your room for what feels like forever, permitted food and ablution facilities, but prisoners for all that. \nEventually, the people appoint the leaders to represent them - including several nobles you thought you could trust - and advise that you should leave the country. You elect to move to the Felidais Islands, a traditional residence for the Royal Family, but remote enough to be safe from assassins. You live out your days as a respectable noble couple of no real power, with some loyal staff and some aquacultural property, and die in your own bed at a decent age.\n<<endif>>\n\n\n\nYOU SCORED: \n\n<<print $military>> Military Prowess\n<<print $arts>> Arts and Aesthetics\n<<print $diplomacy>> Diplomacy and Political Savvy\n\nYou scored <<print $attitude>> for "attitude". This might be replaced with a "popularity" variable, or I might keep it in case you can somehow be a popular bitch. \n\n<<if $queer == 1>>You told us you were a big ol' queer, but we haven't given you a lady love just yet. We're totally working on it!<<endif>>\n\n[[Try again|Start]]\n\n\n\n\n\nThis is where the conclusion should be. \n\nHigh Military, High Popularity: Survive uprising with the option of a full military crackdown\nHigh Arts, High Popularity: Crown is overthrown, but you are able to become a respectable private citizen\nHigh Political, High Popularity: You can persuade the mob to your side\nHigh Military, Low popularity: Your only option is a full military crackdown, and if Political scores are also low you may not survive\nHigh Arts, Low popularity: Off with her head!\nLow Political, Low popularity: Very very off with her head!\n\n\nHigh Mil, Low Pol, Low Art – the Generalissima\nHigh Mil, High Pol, Low Art – the Ruler\nLow Mil, High Pol, Low Art – the Schemer\nLow Mil, Low Pol, High Art – the Romantic\nLow Mil, High Pol, High Art – the Philosopher\n\n\n \nHigh Military, High Political, High Arts – should a player be able to do this?\nWhat happens if a player gets intermediate scores in all things?\n \n\n\n\n

Your religious leader has advised that, for the benefit of your soul and the prestige of the royal family, you should visit the Abbey of the Starving Waifs to assist in feeding the poor. What do you do? \n\n[[Take a full parade of courtiers and your richest finery. It will be so exciting for the poor to meet their Queen! (and, ok, an armed retinue can’t hurt)|empireSQ][$military +=1]]\n[[Dress nicely, but don’t tell the staff or the waifs who you are. They know you’re a noble, but there’s no reason to rub it in their face. |empireSQ][$diplomacy +=1]]\n[[Don’t visit at all. Make a donation from the royal coffers, that should keep them happy. |empireSQ][$attitude -=1]]

It’s coming up to The Day of the Gods, the Empire’s biggest holiday, where people from all countries and cultures in the Empire make offerings to their various gods and give gifts to their parents, teachers, employers and the Royal Family. How will you celebrate? \n\n[[Discreetly, staying in the palace with carefully vetted noble visitors.|revolution][$attitude += 1]]\n[[Subtly, making a quick appearance in public and accepting gifts from adorable children.|revolution][$attitude += 1]]\n[[Pompously and publicly! I love presents, even crap ones! |revolution][$attitude += 1]]\n[[Openly, with swift humiliation for people whose presents displease me.|revolution][$attitude += 1]]

What are you doing to ensure the security and prosperity of the Empire? \n\n[[Establishing trade routes within and outside of the Empire. |relaxSQ][$diplomacy +=1]]\n[[Endow schools, ensuring that everyone up to the age of majority can at least read and write. |relaxSQ][$arts +=1]]\n[[Increase the draft and project military might at home and abroad. |relaxSQ][$military +=1]]\n[[Put up statues of yourself EVERYWHERE.|relaxSQ][$attitude -=1]]

An important noble disagrees with one of your nation-building ambitions. Your husband likes and trusts him, but you know he’s straight-up wrong. What do you do? \n\n[[Make your case to the whole court, marshaling facts and figures til they can’t help be convinced.|crimsoncrows1][$diplomacy += 1]]\n[[Plant seeds of doubt in your husband’s mind about the noble’s reliability and loyalty. If he was REALLY your loyal ally, would he try to steer you wrong? |crimsoncrows1][$diplomacy += 2]]\n[[Have him removed. Give him an ambassadorship to the furthest ally you have.|crimsoncrows1][$attitude += 0]]\n[[Have him “removed”. Make it look like an accident. |crimsoncrows1][$attitude -= 1]]

How do you confront the Crimson Crows? \n\n<<if visited("babies")>>\n\n[[I sympathise with their unhappiness about the treatment of poor colonists. I’ll hire some of their leaders into roles where they can support empowerment of the Pov.|judgement1][$attitude += 2]]\n[[I investigate them carefully, and when I know there’s a strong case against a person, I have them locked up. Executed, if they’re guilty of higher offenses. |judgement1][$attitude += 1]]\n[[I make them disappear - either the guilty party, or their loved ones. I’m clever like that. |judgement1][$attitude -= 2]]\n<<else>>\n[[I sympathise with their unhappiness about the treatment of poor colonists. I’ll hire some of their leaders into roles where they can support empowerment of the Pov.|charitySQ][$attitude += 2]]\n[[I investigate them carefully, and when I know there’s a strong case against a person, I have them locked up. Executed, if they’re guilty of higher offenses. |charitySQ][$attitude += 1]]\n[[I make them disappear - either the guilty party, or their loved ones. I’m clever like that. |charitySQ][$attitude -= 2]]\n<<endif>>

EPIC PRINCESS GAME\n\nby Barbara Kerr\n\n[[Once upon a time, in a land far, far away...|once]]

Evidence is flowing in about the identity and demands of the assassins. They call themselves the Crimson Crows, after the national bird of your poorest colony, and they seek independence for the colonies - all of the colonies - and the overthrow of the royal family. How do you feel about their demands? \n\n[[These insolent bastards should be grateful they were invaded by us instead of the Iron Horde. I’ll slay all of them and protect the Empire. |crimsoncrows2][$attitude -= 3]]\n[[I don’t give a shit about their demands. They threaten me and my loved ones.|crimsoncrows2][$attitude -= 2]]\n[[Independence for the colonies is a fine ambition. Slaying the King, not so much.|crimsoncrows2][$attitude += 1]]

You're the Queen - surely you are entitled to *some* diversion. \n\n[[Hunting and falconry with the highest ranking nobles of the Empire.|babies][$diplomacy +=1]] \n[[Form a sewing circle to create a tapestry in honour of the late King, composed of women from various levels of society. |babies][$arts +=1; $diplomacy +=1]] \n[[Reading - fiction, non-fiction, poetry, religious tomes, literature, trash.|babies][$arts +=1]] \n[[Sailing between the Empire’s islands, making yourself known to the colonists and the natives and battling the odd pirate.|babies][$diplomacy +=1; $military +=1]]

Are you religious?\n\n[[Devoutly. I make sacrifices to the gods and observe holy days and expect others to do the same.|militarism][$devotion += 2]]\n[[Casually. I believe in powers beyond our understanding, and observe the holy days.|militarism][$devotion += 1]]\n[[No. But without religion the commoners get out of control, so I observe as an example. |militarism][$devotion += 0]]

Time to make babies! \n\n<<if visited("crimsoncrows1")>>\n[[Enthusiastically - your husband is handsome and kind and aside from the whole Empire-building thing, you really enjoy banging him against the castle’s solid rock walls.|judgement1][$attitude += 2]]\n[[Dutifully. Close your eyes, grit your teeth and open your legs - all for the Empire!|judgement1][$attitude += 1]]\n[[Quickly. After you’re done, you sneak out to the quarters of your Lady in Waiting for some real lovin’. |judgement1][$attitude += 1]]\n<<else>>\n[[Enthusiastically - your husband is handsome and kind and aside from the whole Empire-building thing, you really enjoy banging him against the castle’s solid rock walls.|crimsoncrows1][$attitude += 2]]\n[[Dutifully. Close your eyes, grit your teeth and open your legs - all for the Empire!|crimsoncrows1][$attitude += 1]]\n[[Quickly. After you’re done, you sneak out to the quarters of your Lady in Waiting for some real lovin’. |crimsoncrows1][$attitude += 1]]\n<<endif>>

Epic Princess Game!

The nobles discuss imports, exports, domestic product, “vagrancy”. You: \n\n[[Watch silently, speaking only to back up The King.|alliances1][$diplomacy += 1]]\n[[Speak openly about matters you are concerned about.|alliances1][$diplomacy += 3]]

What do you like doing? \n\n[[Oh you know, the usual - dancing, sewing, painting|religion][$arts += 1]]\n[[Oh you know, the usual - horseriding, fencing, falconry|religion][$military += 1]]\n[[Oh you know, the usual - reading, conversing, politics|religion][$diplomacy += 1]]\n\n\n

You throw a ball to meet the most important people in the Empire. You have to talk to everyone, but who do you actually *like*? \n\n[[The jousting champion from your palace|getstarted][$military += 1]]\n[[The opera singer from the rich colony|getstarted][$arts += 1]]\n[[The National Librarian from the poor colony|getstarted][$diplomacy += 1]]\n[[The 7 year old daughter of the Head Chef|getstarted]]

On your wedding night, your husband begs off consummating the marriage, what with all the murders and stuff. \n\n[[I’m sad - I want to comfort him. But I respect his wishes.|funerals][$attitude += 2]]\n[[I'm relieved, as I vastly prefer the company of women. |funerals][$queer += 1]]\n[[I’m disgusted. He's a lily-livered coward.|funerals][$attitude -= 2]]\n

How do you feel about the Armed Forces?\n\n[[Support the Troops!|assassins][$military += 2]]\n[[A tool, no more or less|assassins][$military += 1]]\n[[Ugh, war. How horrible.|assassins][$military -= 2]]

The funerals have been held and you are now Queen. How do you respond to the assassins? \n\n[[A careful investigation with the utmost probity. International observers are sought to keep the process objective.|debut][$attitude += 2]]\n[[A local investigation conducted loudly and publicly. Anyone found guilty will be hanged in the city square.|debut][$attitude -= 1]]\n[[Collective punishment. Everyone who even knew these turds are getting their heads put on pikes. |debut][$attitude -= 2]]

Your husband invites you to a meeting of nobles about the kingdom’s economic situation. Alternatively, you could go and host a salon for their consorts with a guest list of the Empire’s finest artists and philosophers. \n\n[[I’m going to the meeting. I want to support my husband.|meeting][$consort += 1]]\n[[I’m going to the salon. It sounds so much fun!|salon][$consort += 1]]\n[[I’m going to the meeting. I have opinions about the economy.|meeting][$diplomacy += 1]]\n[[I’m going to the salon. The King and I will work best by splitting our expertise.|salon][$diplomacy += 1]]

On the eve of your marriage, assassins attack the throne room, murdering the current King and his heir, your husband’s only older brother. How do you protect yourself?\n\n[[I rely on the guards for protection|firstnight]]\n[[I grab a sword and start hacking|firstnight][$military += 2]]\n[[I hide brilliantly and escape|firstnight]]

It’s time for you to formally meet your public! What’s the best way to do this? \n\n[[A grand parade with full military colours to show our might!|ball][$military += 1]]\n[[An arts and music festival with gay apparel to show our spirit!|ball][$arts += 1]]\n[[Don’t make an appearance right now. It’s way too dangerous.|ball][$diplomacy += 1]]

A farmer approaches the throne and shyly explains that she would like to send her eldest son to the Agricultural College, but will need to be compensated for losing a worker. How do you respond? \n\n[[That’s her problem. If you can’t find the time to study you’ll just have to learn by trial and error.|judgement2][$attitude -= 3]]\n[[Compensate the boy a nominal sum to cover living expenses while he studies.|judgement2][$attitude += 1]]\n[[Arrange to send workers to the farm to cover for his absence.|judgement2][$attitude += 2]]\n\n

An apprentice and Master approach the throne. The apprentice wants to be released from her contract on grounds of cruelty, and shows you bruises and scars on her neck and body. The Master argues that she had to beat the girl as she would just not do her job. \n\n[[Release the apprentice, but don’t punish the master.|dayofthegods][$attitude += 1]]\n[[Release the apprentice but have the master whipped.|dayofthegods][$attitude -= 2]]\n[[Release the apprentice and fine the master a month’s income.|dayofthegods][$attitude -= 1]]\n[[Refuse the apprentice and have her whipped by your own guards.|dayofthegods][$attitude -= 3]]

Barbara Kerr\n

You are a minor noble of no great fame, promised to a prince of the Empire at the age of merely three. Now, it is time for you to fulfil your destiny by marrying and becoming Princess of Alvitagn. How do you feel? \n\n\n[[Romantic!|interests][$attitude += 1]]\n[[Accepting|interests][$attitude += 0]]\n[[Resistant|interests][$attitude -= 1]]