Scheming Princess Quest

[Pipeman]

A tendency to train women for military roles is not one of Caelis' virtues listed. Rather, that seems to happen in the Highlands and isn't discussed elsewhere. The cultured, technologically/magically advanced Caelis would be, if anything, given strict gender roles, adverse to women in the army particularly because military affairs are less essential. The lower the odds that we'll actually need to play a role in war because everyone else is dead or we have people trying to attack our castle, the lower the odds that warfare training is available.

The assumption that liberal+Overbearing=military is somewhat odd. Especially for a vote of favoring neither of us.

Liberal is also going to be a vote that's more open to a female monarch, even if neither pushes him into the useful role of a third faction rather than a backer in either ours or the prince's.

In general, any country's traditionalist background, particularly with overbearing, is going to require us to spend time on things like dance, embroidery, etc, the things described as core to traditional values in the options, even if they also let us pursue non-feminine arts such as some self-defense.

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My point is that training for military roles is not really a good way to spend our time anyways and by choosing Hands-off as opposed to spending those points on Liberal we could focus on those lessons acceptable for females that we decide are actually useful, enough of which there are to fill our schedule.
A military role is neither going to get us any advantages in status in a society like this, nor going to give us control over a significant amount of the nations combat potential which largely tied up in its mage population.

And the GM quite clearly stated that the combination of Liberal and Overbearing is going to lead to schedule seen by others as more than a bit weird for a girl and that is clearly coloured by the regent's own preconceptions.
This is not going to result in us getting the optimal education for a ruler or even something particularly useful to gain support in this nation.
It's going to lead to our uncle not being of the opinion that what we're supposed to do is learn all that weird girly stuff, but still being somewhat somewhat unsure what to do with us and determined to decide our schedule himself.
Given that he is the second son that is traditionally trained for military matters, he will default towards what he himself was taught combined with a few things that he thinks might somewhat be sensible and hope it's a reasoable fit for a second sibling of the other gender.

Sure, Liberal gives us more options to choose from, but Overbearing leads to him choosing those options for us and, given his own skillset and experiences, those are unlikely to be all that helpful with taking over a nation consisting mostly of studious but powerful mages.
Not to mention that a deficit in girly stuff does in fact lead to a loss of status, because people are expecting us to actually be good with that stuff.

Meanwhile Traditionalist but Hands-off give us the option to pump as much magic as we want, learning enough courtly behavior, music, dance, and theology not to embarrass ourselves constantly, while spending whatever time is left over can be spent on either other useful stuff available to women for training or advancing our agenda, because there isn't a clueless uncle insisting we need to learn how to swing a chunk of metal around for an hour a day.

 

[Xicree]

Meh, there's a very easy way to get power... Azula quest route...


Marry the Prince

 

[Bobs Beard]

Meh, there's a very easy way to get power... Azula quest route...


Marry the Prince

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You laugh, but that was a functional solution to issues like this in real life politics - how do you think that all the old noble families go so intermarried and things like Hapsburg jaws and such manifested?

Depending on the time frame and country, marrying one's own brother as a royal would range from merely 'kinda wierd' to 'meh' - no pitchforks to be seen.

Turns out, generally people are more okay with strange marriages than being dragged into big wars that could have been avoided by said marriages.

So Guile can you give us a sense of what the princess knows about the historical norms of intermarriage?

 

[redaeth]

It depends on what the secret is. If its demonology its just asking to get us sacrificed to hell or some such. If its homosexuality then we can both have lovers on the side and any features that pop up can be explained away though a combination of MAGIC! and inbreeding.

 

[Guile]

So Guile can you give us a sense of what the princess knows about the historical norms of intermarriage?

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It happens, sure, though nobody in your family has in at least the 80 years you've been in charge of the kingdom. It was always more valuable to spend extra children to pacify the other nobles and tie them more tightly to the royal family, or as part of a ploy to snap up foreign land and riches.

 

[Xicree]

After considering a bit... I've decided that the best choice combo for being able to manipulate dear brother with the allure of sex and the prospect of marriage for the good of the kingdom... I've put together my own vote from which we can direct this.


Though warning... I'm banking on 'Nature magic' having within it some abilities which deal with more carnal things. Ie sex appeal. In the mean time everything else to set us up as either well regarded or at least neutrally regarded by dearest brother, while making it look more advantageous for us to join hands (female deity, riches, and separate lands of our own). All the things which would make us a rival who could be a thorn in his side if rejected, while being a Boon to him if he accepts our advances. Also the 'lesser title' also grants us historical president for such an approach. Or rather i should say historical president with present and still felt consequences.





[X] Baruna [20] – The jewel of civilization. Baruna is a rich coastal nation at the heart of the world's trade network. That gold flows into the coffers of the king. The nation is protected by hired mercenaries, both the king's and retainers hired by the noble houses, and its navy is the greatest in the world. Everything has a price here, and making the right deals could see you on the throne. Just remember that the Barunese always extract what they are owed…
(Nature and Clairvoyance magic are disliked in Baruna, while Alchemy and Enchanting costs are at half price)



[X] Auspicious Birth [0] – You and your brother were born under auspicious stars. People believe you are both destined for greatness. Your abilities will be better acknowledged, but your brother's claim will also be considered more legitimate.

[X] Female Diety [10] – Your religion's god is personified as a woman. This will naturally make a female monarch easier to accept, and ensures your talents are not overlooked or belittled due to your gender.

[X] Lesser Title [20] – The noble inheritance laws of your kingdom are complex, and your family's standing in them is equally difficult for any but a specialist to understand after many generations of marrying back into your own nobility. One of their effects is that even at your young age, you have already inherited a small barony, and hold it in your own right. Its resources are modest, but you are the sole ruler of its lands by law, answering only to the crown.

[X] Heirloom Treasures [20] – Though your line is relatively young, your parents possessed a wide variety of potent magical items acquired through conquest, diplomacy and inheritance. The purpose and power of some of these artifacts even they did not fully understand. Each has its own strengths and legend, well-known enough to be recognized with some research. They are to be used only by the royal family or designated champions, and represent an exceptional amount of social capital and practical power. Actually gaining control of this windfall will be difficult.


[X] Assassination [0] – Unfortunately, no king can be beloved by everyone. They fell to an assassin's arrow one year ago now, leaving the kingdom in the hands of your capable but unimaginative uncle. This tragedy has resulted in an upswelling of support among the lower classes, but it was never proven who had hired the man that slew them, and the murderer was never brought to justice…


[X] The Prince [-20] – Your uncle has often wished for a son of his own to carry on his legacy. He sees the best in your brother, and pays no mind to the flaws.

[X] Liberal [10] – A more liberal Regent will allow you to undertake any training, even those not generally open to a woman. These range from the war-like to the magical to the merely unusual.

[X] Hands-off [10] – Your uncle's training was martial rather than political. His focus is pointed outwards, his gaze set upon foreign powers that might seek to take your kingdom from you in this time of upheaval. Affairs of state have suffered somewhat, but at least your study time is largely your own.

 

[Guile]

I'm afraid there isn't, strictly speaking, 'carnal magic'. Demonology has a subcomponent of mental puppetry, Nature focuses on the command of the natural world (which humans do not fall under)... I suppose you might find something in the portfolios of the Old Gods if you try hard enough.

Seduction is more a matter of skill (and good genetics).

 

[Xicree]

I'm afraid there isn't, strictly speaking, 'carnal magic'. Demonology has a subcomponent of mental puppetry, Nature focuses on the command of the natural world (which humans do not fall under)... I suppose you might find something in the portfolios of the Old Gods if you try hard enough.

Seduction is more a matter of skill (and good genetics).

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Heh, Choices still stand even with that. Sounds pretty good to me.

 

[redaeth]

How much longer are you going to hold this part of the vote open Guile?

 

[Guile]

How much longer are you going to hold this part of the vote open Guile?

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6-9 hours.

 

[Guile]

Winning Plan: [X] Plan Dreadis

Spoiler

[X] Caelis Valera [20]
Advantages
[X] Auspicious Birth [0]
[X] Female Deity [10]
[X] Lesser Title [20]
[X] Royal Retainers [10]
Parents' Death
[X] Terrible Accident [0]
Regent's Disposition
[X] Neither [-10]
[X] Liberal [10]
[X] Overbearing [0]

Your younger years were pleasant enough, and you wanted for nothing. You and your brother had been born under a lucky sign, and your births were celebrated across the kingdom. The astrologers and clairvoyants agreed that yours would be a great and prosperous rule. You lived your life in the sun, and the kingdom flourished. Caelis Valera seemed to you to be the greatest kingdom in the world. You lived in a wonder crafted during a previous age; three of the world's Five Great Colleges rest on Valeran soil, and scholars and mages flocked to the City of Magic to unravel the secrets of the world and its wonders. Magic itself was easy and plentiful and always around you, breathing joy into life. Tragedy was an abstract, something that happened to other people; you were not heartless, merely… young, and a little selfish.

It seemed like it would last forever.

Until your mother's death tore the heart out of your universe, and you saw that life was not all sweetness and light. That there was darkness hiding beneath the gilding, even in the royal palace. You were inconsolable for some time, and your uncle and even your brother grieved in their own way. It was a dark year for the kingdom as a whole, for your mother's passing had broken something in your father. Once so tall and undefeatable and happy, the Mage-King of Caelis Valera took to his bed more and more, leaving the work of running the kingdom to your uncle. No feat of magic or expensive alchemy could rouse him, nothing you or your brother accomplished could sway his heart. It was as painful as your mother's death in some ways, acknowledging that your father wasn't strong enough to live for you without her.

In the end, he turned his great powers inward. The last months of his life were spent in fantasy. Illusions of your mother walked the halls, so real and lifelike you could almost forget what it was when you talked to one, or received a hug that smelled of her favorite lavender perfume, that felt so warm and safe and just right. But it wasn't, and it never would be again.

Your father died on a misty morning, simply refusing to wake again. Your uncle took over running the kingdom in title as well as truth. Your brother moved on, composed and cold. You did, too. You had mourned your mother once, and your father had not truly been with you for an entire year. Just a weak, sad person with his face, that answered to his name if one were lucky.

Now the joys of childhood and the grief of the last year of mourning must be put aside. Your brother stands to inherit the kingdom, as is the right of the first-born.

You would not allow it. Why?

Prince's Secret –
Direst Cruelty [0] – He hid it well, but you have seen what he does to the palace pets now buried in the royal forest. Perhaps he enjoys it, or perhaps he's just curious, but the truth is this: your brother is an unrepentant kitten murderer.
Playboy [10] – He secures his popularity in the oldest way. This is fine, but he has made promises to the matriarchs and daughters of several noble families. At the same time. It is blackmail, but dare you use it? Such a thing would tear the kingdom apart.
Mark of the (Old) Gods [10] – Your brother's flesh has been marked. Though it is innocuous enough when covered by clothes, you know the mark of the Old Gods your family used to worship. Even fifty years ago, such a mark would have ensured his kingship as the child chosen by the gods. In modern times however, it is almost a certainty that the New Church will not cast its support upon a heathen.
Power At Any Cost [20] – Your brother has made pacts with dark powers, and such deals are never free. You cannot hand your kingdom over to one of the Demon Princes!
Buggered [-10] – While not enough to see him removed from power, his fondness for his same gender is a weakness that would cast aspersions on his ability to produce heirs. Can you allow the king of the kingdom to be such a deviant?

Though if you are honest, he might be a decent king despite that, for he is talented as well as degenerate. Your determination to see him fall from power is rooted in a more personal reason. He has let hints slip as to his own plans, and you care for them not at all.

Your Eventual Fate –
Married Off [0] – Your brother has promised you to a libertine older man - a local noble - the moment you are both of age in return for certain favors now.
Convent [0] – Kept out of the public eye, safely enclosed in a nunnery. Kept away from all danger and political power. It's not such a bad life. You'll get to catch up on your reading.
Kept Close [10] – Your brother will not allow any man to have you. You will still have a chance to succeed even once your brother has assumed the crown, though the stakes will be greater and the odds of your success far worse.
'Terrible Accident' [-10] – You know too much, and he suspects your own ambitions. You will need to die.

Princess's Disposition – Your line is one of kings and heroes, and your generation is proof of this. Both you and your brother are extremely intelligent, and unusually talented. To further bulk out our princess's character, you can choose any of the below Blessings or Curses which affect our princess physically or mentally. Blessings cost 20 Fate, while Curses give you 10 or 20 points for use in other categories. Likewise, you can grant your brother great talents in exchange for additional fate for your own use. Some of these traits will take some growing into; a Beautiful or Handsome trait might initially reveal itself through incredibly pinchable cheeks, for example.

Due to the nature of your bond, your twin will receive a half measure of any Blessing you gain, and vice versa. If our princess is Beautiful, then the Prince will be more attractive than the norm. If the Prince's Blood Knight Blessing is chosen, our princess will find herself with a talent for the sword – but not to the extent of the other.

Choose wisely.

People's Princess [20] – You are beloved by your people. Your charity and kindness is legendary among the poor and working class, and on feast days people gather and crowd for a mere glimpse of you. Be wary of disappointing your adoring public.
Charming [20] – You can bring a smile to almost any face. You are never without friends.
Beautiful [20] – You are the jewel of the kingdom. Your suitors are without number. Men weep at the thought of your eventual marriage, and when it comes, your bride price will be astronomical.
Mature [20] – Serene and unshakeable, you inspire confidence in your abilities. People will come to rely on you.
Inspiring [20] – You are a born leader and a stunning orator. Something about you inspires men and women to follow you.
Plain [-10] – Beauty is a useful crutch; without it, you must rely on talent. Shallow people will not see all you have to offer.
Childish [-10] – You are cute and energetic, but not thought particularly reliable.
Dull [-10] – You lack the talent to sway people verbally; you will need to lead with actions rather than words.
Impassioned [-10] – It is more difficult for you to play the long game, and your moments of triumph show on your face.
Abrasive [-20] – You rub people the wrong way. People will only help you if you have something significant to offer in return.

Prince's Disposition
Dark Charisma [-20] – Your brother is gifted with words, and can sway people to his side almost without effort. Even those that see his true self might be brought around in time, and people do not wish to believe the worst in him.
Handsome [-20] – Your brother has never had trouble inviting people into his circle or his bed.
Blood Knight [-20] – Your brother has a great talent for the sword, and is a fan of honor duels. Those that slight him may find themselves trapped into public blood duels and cut down without mercy.
Magical Prodigy [-20] – There is talent for magic in the bloodline, and its expression is particularly strong in your brother. Your brother gains some skill in two paths of magic at random.
Long Live the King [-30] – Your brother's talent for politics has blossomed, and a number of noble houses have fallen under his banner. The coronation upon his eighteenth birthday is almost a formality at this point, barring a revolution or coup.


The lion's share of character creation is over, but we're not done quite yet. After this is what classes to take for your first year controlling our princess. But that's later. For now, please vote!

[ ] The dark and terrible secret?
[ ] Your fate in case of failure?
[ ] A blessing or a curse?

 

[redaeth]

Guile Dreadis plan won then? 40 points left to spend?

 

[Guile]

Guile Dreadis plan won then? 40 points left to spend?

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Yeah. Sorry about that. I'll post it up at the top of the update.

 

[redaeth]

[X] The dark and terrible secret?
-[X] Buggered [-10]

[X] Your fate in case of failure?
-[X] Kept Close [10]

[X] A blessing or a curse?
-[X] Charming [20]
-[X] Inspiring [20]
-[X] Mature [20]
-[X] Beautiful [20]

[X] Prince's Disposition
-[X] Blood Knight [-20]
-[X] Handsome [-20]

 

[Xicree]

[X] Buggered [-10] – While not enough to see him removed from power, his fondness for his same gender is a weakness that would cast aspersions on his ability to produce heirs. Can you allow the king of the kingdom to be such a deviant?
[X] Kept Close [10] – Your brother will not allow any man to have you. You will still have a chance to succeed even once your brother has assumed the crown, though the stakes will be greater and the odds of your success far worse.



[X] People's Princess [20] – You are beloved by your people. Your charity and kindness is legendary among the poor and working class, and on feast days people gather and crowd for a mere glimpse of you. Be wary of disappointing your adoring public.
[X] Charming [20] – You can bring a smile to almost any face. You are never without friends.
[X] Beautiful [20] – You are the jewel of the kingdom. Your suitors are without number. Men weep at the thought of your eventual marriage, and when it comes, your bride price will be astronomical.
[X] Mature [20] – Serene and unshakeable, you inspire confidence in your abilities. People will come to rely on you.
[X] Inspiring [20] – You are a born leader and a stunning orator. Something about you inspires men and women to follow you.



[X] Blood Knight [-20] – Your brother has a great talent for the sword, and is a fan of honor duels. Those that slight him may find themselves trapped into public blood duels and cut down without mercy.
[X] Magical Prodigy [-20] – There is talent for magic in the bloodline, and its expression is particularly strong in your brother. Your brother gains some skill in two paths of magic at random.
[X] Long Live the King [-30] – Your brother's talent for politics has blossomed, and a number of noble houses have fallen under his banner. The coronation upon his eighteenth birthday is almost a formality at this point, barring a revolution or coup.

 

[Dreadis]

[X] Plan D

[X] Mark of the (Old) Gods [10]

Combined with femaile deity this will be helpful.

[X] 'Terrible Accident' [-10]

Lets not get ourselves married off and maybe end up giving the kingdom to an outsider that we have no choice over. If we have a choice about our marrage we can get someone easily controlled.


[X] Beautiful [20]
[X] Mature [20]
[X] Inspiring [20]


[X] Blood Knight [-20]
[X] Long Live the King [-30]

This will leave us with 30 extra points for the last round

 

[redaeth]

Isn't choosing a social build then giving him Long Live the King shooting ourselves in the foot?

Also Mark of the Old Gods is going to be less useful here. The New Church doesn't have much sway here unless we open our borders to their priests.

Which is probably a bad idea.

 

[Darkened]

Going a bit out of order here to show logic.

Your Eventual Fate
[!] Accident
[X] Kept Close

Prince's Charisma:
[X] Handsome
[X] Blood Knight
[X] Magical Prodigy

Blood Knight lets him be awesome with a sword, but murdering people in duels causes him problems in the long term, alienating his friends and allies. Terrible Accident is something we can use against him, while the others ultimately aren't it would seem. Sure it's the most conclusive end, but it's game over either way, and this way, we yoink another ten points and get ammo to use in our cause against him. Confirmed on IRC that we benefit from magical prodigy too, or rather, half the benefits, same for blood knight. Very bad idea to do this with ultimate power, so I'm ditching thoughts of demonology as his secret.

Long Live the King is a must avoid, it's basically giving up at chargen for a few extra points.


This leaves us 110 points. Assuming we want an actionable secret, that leaves Playboy, Demonology and old gods. Of these, old gods seems to indicate divine favor, which is a pretty big benefit for alienating a group of unknown power in an 'advanced' country. Playboy is more promising, particularly if we build social.

Now, we've been told allies are the most important thing. Traits that get allies are therefore best.

[X] Charming [20]
[X] Beautiful [20]
[X] Mature [20]

Gives us a very strong set for playing off other nobles. We want to maximize that gap, so that suggests we give him playboy for 10, saving us 40 for classes.

[X] Playboy

At this point I realize that our prince is a philanderer with a beautiful sister and the most squicky way to hit that into a problem is incest issues.

So accident swaps to kept close, costing us 10 and leaving us with 20 to spend. Since we chose liberal beforehand, and the cost of no points is that the regent gets to pick our classes, I'll toss the last 20 and add

[X] Inspiring


Giving us the maxed social set, while hitting our brother with blood knight and playboy.
Thoughts?

Edit: Wouldn't be adverse to dropping inspiring and handsome from the list, getting the same number of points, but leave him a combat specced prince pursuing a seduction strategy without the core skill for it, while giving us the maximum ability to push him there.

 

[Bobs Beard]

Mark of the (Old) Gods [10] – Your brother's flesh has been marked. Though it is innocuous enough when covered by clothes, you know the mark of the Old Gods your family used to worship. Even fifty years ago, such a mark would have ensured his kingship as the child chosen by the gods. In modern times however, it is almost a certainty that the New Church will not cast its support upon a heathen.

Click to shrink...

So, as a sorta-beta, sorta-idea-spitballer for mister Guile-pants krazy kwests, I'd like to go ahead and clearly notate to everyone...

That this is the 'eldritch tentacles' option - for the Prince and the Princess given Auspicious Birth which we picked.

So if anyone wants to be a tentacle princess, this is a rather pertinent option to consider, what with how it is exactly, precisely that.

 

[redaeth]

It only specifies it effects the Prince though. Since its supposed to be his dark secret. Not both of our.

 

[Wutnhammer]

Buggered [-10]
'Terrible Accident' [-10]
Plain [-10]
Childish [-10]
Dull [-10]
Impassioned [-10]
Abrasive [-20]
Dark Charisma [-20]
Handsome [-20]
Blood Knight [-20]
Magical Prodigy [-20]
Long Live the King [-30]

Disappointed in all of you spending those precious points.

 

[Darkened]

It only specifies it effects the Prince though. Since its supposed to be his dark secret. Not both of our.

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Apparently there's a certain degree of crossover here, given the whole magic special twin thing.

 

[Bobs Beard]

[X]-Wutnhammer

Sure sure I like the idea of tentacle wars, the royal games... but the idea of having ALL THE POINTS is just plain hilarious.

It only specifies it effects the Prince though. Since its supposed to be his dark secret. Not both of our.

Click to shrink...

That doesn't matter.

Mark of the(Old) Gods involves eldritch things in the plot - and the players are already marked by stars from a prior choice.

Consider: do you think being born under auspicious stars in an eldritch compliant setting might behoove expressing said eldritch-ness?

 

[Dreadis]

[X] Plan Darkened

Much better thought out then my plan

 

[redaeth]

Hmm, I wonder if that means our own soul is consigned to demons if we pick that option too.

 

[redaeth]

[X] Blood Knight
[X] Magical Prodigy

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I really don't want to give him both Blood Knight and Magical Prodigy. We're going to have to pick a path to walk and we are going to want to pick the opposite of his own strength.

We have three options. Four if you count giving up and joining him, but that kinda defeats the purpose of the quest.

1) Lead a revolt
2) Depose of him personally
3) Lead a coup
4) Capitulate

Notice something about all our own advantages and disadvantages? They are all social and because of the twin bond he will get a watered down version of them. He being heir means people will naturally see him as leader. And the more social pluses we pile on him the bigger his support will grow.

Which is why I favor 2 over all others. And to do two we have to be his superior in one option or another. And since this is Caelis Valera I choose magic. Oh we can still martial support from the nobels, peasantry and military, but his base is simply bigger. So It is the princess who must strike the final blow.

 

[Darkened]

2 isn't really an option though.

I mean, sure we may be able to kill him, but going and murdering our brother in single combat won't win us a country. If we don't have the coup or the revolt, killing him will just get us the ax and any number of power-hungry nobles fighting for the throne. In other words, 2 requires 1 or 3 anyway.

Now, instead of a personal combat type thing, 2 might read

"Terrible Accident" which would be a perfectly valid option IF we have enough popularity to stay in power as the obvious only successor. However doing that would be more about subltey and cleverness rather than swording.

Ultimately being the best at stabbing things in a game where no one gets to fight directly is only of tertiary importance. It might help one side fight off one particular kind of assassins, but that's not really a 'win'.

Ultimately we're rulers and rulers are all about leadership. We can do this through cunning or through charisma, but being the best at swording is ultimately a chump's game in this kind of struggle.


And again, my vote is contingent on a few things:

1. As decent as he is socially, we'll be better because we get to set that now and we have more advantages while he's mostly dealing with watered down versions of ours.
2. Playboy is an ultimately social strategy. Picking this as his secret has his allies coming mostly in one form which can easily be taken from him via abusing the secret that we begin play knowing.
3. Blood Knight hits him hard and alienates a lot of people in the long run since killing your detractors in duels is ultimately a great way to get a lot of detractors you never hear about.
4. Magical prodigy requires intellectual study to come out useful. It will help, but ultimately has him less inclined to pursue a social course, despite the fact that playboy necessitates a carefully balanced web of social interactions.
5. We've stacked on every personal contact social bonus and know about his secrets to expose.
6. Likewise, playboy +him being handsome +us being beautiful maxes out our appearance. Kept close ensures he'll be very interested and we can push this into an excuse to get saved, or to win by default if we're losing.


Ensuring 7

7. Whatever web he builds will be large but fragile because his own traits are going to hinder those very connections he needs to win. At the same time our superior social traits will enable us to crash his web around him while giving us the fallback strategy to just marry him while blackmailing him with it.

 

[redaeth]

Which is why I'm perfectly fine with him having Blood Knight. It moves him away from the speciality of the kingdom we chose, it pisses off potential allies and it leaves the magical side of things open to us.

It's giving him both that I have a problem with.

 

[Darkened]

Which is why I'm perfectly fine with him having Blood Knight. It moves him away from the speciality of the kingdom we chose, it pisses off potential allies and it leaves the magical side of things open to us.

It's giving him both that I have a problem with.

Click to shrink...

Magic is another pull factor that has him away from the social game.

He either wastes the talent building social (In which case our social advantage ensure he still loses) or goes magic which loses to our social build. It's also going to be random schools, so there's a chance he might get something that's not very useful for princeing.

 

[Cassiemouse]

Plan Tomboy Princess, go!

[X] Power At Any Cost [20] – Your brother has made pacts with dark powers, and such deals are never free. You cannot hand your kingdom over to one of the Demon Princes!

[X] 'Terrible Accident' [-10] – You know too much, and he suspects your own ambitions. You will need to die.

[X] People's Princess [20] – You are beloved by your people. Your charity and kindness is legendary among the poor and working class, and on feast days people gather and crowd for a mere glimpse of you. Be wary of disappointing your adoring public.
[X] Beautiful [20] – You are the jewel of the kingdom. Your suitors are without number. Men weep at the thought of your eventual marriage, and when it comes, your bride price will be astronomical.
[X] Impassioned [-10] – It is more difficult for you to play the long game, and your moments of triumph show on your face.
[X] Abrasive [-20] – You rub people the wrong way. People will only help you if you have something significant to offer in return.

[X] Blood Knight [-20] – Your brother has a great talent for the sword, and is a fan of honor duels. Those that slight him may find themselves trapped into public blood duels and cut down without mercy.
[X] Magical Prodigy [-20] – There is talent for magic in the bloodline, and its expression is particularly strong in your brother. Your brother gains some skill in two paths of magic at random.
[X] Long Live the King [-30] – Your brother's talent for politics has blossomed, and a number of noble houses have fallen under his banner. The coronation upon his eighteenth birthday is almost a formality at this point, barring a revolution or coup.

[X] The dark and terrible secret?