Error 47: Long Live the Queen!

[Phry]

Sneak out!

[Threash]

The poor girl is doomed, might as well have some fun.  Sneak out it is. 

[rk47]

Julianna's Quarters



It's too late to back down now.
Okay... here I go... Illuminate!

Wo-whoa~!

That's IT?!

Wow.
The Priestess here is a friend of mine. I will come to your lessons in the faith and train you to use your powers.
 
Week 14


You seem exceptionally bright today, Princess.
Everything's coming together, I'm a Lumen now. And I carried out most of my duties well, too. It's like a great burden is lifted off my shoulders.
Fu~ I suppose so. Come, we must prepare for this week classes. Here is the weekly paper.

Hm. Why would they gather all the sick in one place? Wouldn't that make them even more sick?
I...I don't know, Milady. I have no life. I can't get sick.
Should I spend time studying medicine more? I'm sure they'll visit us soon to ask for funding.
It is your decision. Here's the list of classes you can take. Including the Lumen classes that the Priestess has arranged for you.

[Trippy]

Uh, History - Novan

[Threash]

Running and running

[Paelos]

Bitch better get some knowledge about poisons. There's vipers and people dying going around.

Poisons-Poisons.

[rk47]

Looks like you're dead set in making your Kingdom economically prosperous, Your Majesty?
A general might do well during conflict, but during peacetime what we need is a sound business acumen.
That is assuming that you have enough resources to prevent outbreak of war, yes. Let us return to the castle.
Oh, look it's...an owl?

Princess, do you know something?
Maybe, I'm not sure. Whatever it is, it's not a good omen.
So..how about that military training, eh?
Don't be so smug. It's probably nothing.
Hmm, your father is waiting for you at the gates.
How unusual.
Court business, most probably.

I shall meet her right away.


The woman explains very carefully on the plans to build the hospital, as well as the required manpower and materials to achieve it. Unfortunately, Elodie and the rest of the Court is unable to grasp the benefits of the healer's plans.


I'm sorry, we are not interested.

Weekend arrives...



What shall the Princess do?

Play with Toys
+1 Yielding
+1 Lonely
+1 Cheerful

Sneak out
+2 Willful
+1 Lonely

Visit Dungeon
+1 Willful
+1 Angry

Visit Tomb
+1 Depressed
+1 Afraid

Explore Castle
+1 Lonely
+1 Afraid

Attend Court
+2 Yielding
+1 Depressed
+1 Pressured

Attend Service
-1 Cheerful

[Threash]

Sneak out

[Seraphim]

Do her duty and Attend Court.

[rk47]

(Mom, I just want you to know that I'm trying my best to be a good Queen, just like you.)
(Dear God, please let her engagement be a sham.)

Week 15 - Another big day approaches
How are you feeling today, Princess?

I feel great!
That's good to hear. Things are about to get brighter still, Your Highness!
Oh, why is that?
You forgot? The Festival of the Good Lady is coming! Take a look!

I can't wait to see you in a wonderful dancing gown~ fu fu fu.
A..a...I never even took dancing classes.
There's still time you know? Uguu~


Might as well combine two votes into one:
Classes and Weekend Activity

The weekend activities remain the same:
Play with Toys
+1 Yielding
+1 Lonely
+1 Cheerful

Sneak out
+2 Willful
+1 Lonely

Visit Dungeon
+1 Willful
+1 Angry

Visit Tomb
+1 Depressed
+1 Afraid

Explore Castle
+1 Lonely
+1 Afraid

Attend Court
+2 Yielding
+1 Depressed
+1 Pressured

Attend Service
-1 Cheerful

[Paelos]

Dungeons

Manners, Public Speaking.

[rk47]

It might be a little bit late to start learning, but it's better than never.
If you say so. Shall we proceed then?


That was really tiring.
Well, those were just the basics. We still have another week to prepare for the festival.
Yeah, let's return to the castle.
 
Later, at the castle...

There will be a public celebrations for the commoners, followed by a grand gala for the nobility.
Where do I fit in this?
As Queen, you would be expected to lead the procession and take part in the ceremonial planting, possibly give a speech afterwards.
That sounds a lot to do.
Well, since you are not yet crowned, it is not required, and it may not be safe to expose you to the public.
What do you mean, not safe?
Outside of the castle, you are less protected. If anyone means you harm...
Don't worry, Your Majesty, I am here to protect her.
Think on it now, decide later. There is a letter for you as well.
Hmm. (It's from Briony! I went to school with her, but she's a couple years older than me. Her mother is the Duchess of Mead. She's complaining that her mother still won't let her come home for the holidays. She's bored and looking for an adventure. Well, I don't have any to suggest to her!)
Anything of importance, Princess?
Ah..not much. Just a letter from a friend...
What kind of 'friend'?
..Why are you so curious?
Hmph. It's alright if you don't want to tell me.
 
As agreed, Elodie spends the weekend...in the dungeon.
Remind me why we're going down here again.
I just... need an inspiration for my speech next week.
By looking at a bunch of convicts and captives? What?

 
Next week arrives...

Rise and shine, it's the big week!
Ah... I don't think I'm ready yet...
Time to continue your classes?

Umm... I don't think my heart's in it...
Well.. there's still time to change your mind. Anyways, your father still wants an answer regarding the Festival of the Good Lady.
Umm...remind me again what it is?
You can choose to lead the parade. Or do that AND give a speech. Or stay home, where it's safe.
Father did say things might get dangerous outside the castle...
Princess, have a little bit of faith in me.
I do. But I'll think about it some more.
 
Vote on:
-Classes
-Parade Participation:
    A. Lead the Parade.
    B. Lead the Parade & Give a Speech.
    C. Do not go.

[Threash]

Elegence + elegance, lead the parade and give a speech.

[Paelos]

Public Speaking, Foreign Intel

Lead the parade and speak.

You're going to die. Hope all the magical Lumen was worth it other forum!

[Seraphim]

Public Speaking, Sense Magic.
Lead the parade and give a speech.

[Mosesandstick]

Whatever and whatever. Speech!

[Trippy]

Do the top level category bonuses in classes get applied to class adjustment value or does the class adjustment value already reflect the top level bonus.

E.g. for History - Novan is the modifier -2.0 or -1.809?

[rk47]

I think I'm ready for my magic classes.
As you wish.


Yay, I did it!
Lights that can cut targets huh? Too much power for a 14-year old, if you ask me.
I can protect myself now!
Settle down, Princess. It's almost time for the parade..

If you have any concerns about your safety, please, stay here.
How can I not make a public appearance?
The people will recover from disappointment; if we lose you, there is no recovery.


Fu~fu~ Well spoken, Princess.
My little girl.
I've prepared your best gown for the occasion. Do not forget the golden scepter that you have to carry with you.
Ah, the scepter's even taller than me. Will I be carrying a sword to defend myself?
It would not be appropriate. Besides, you have no basic training with it. Just walk slowly through the town with your attendants. I'll be watching with my security detachment if anything goes wrong.
Ok.
Be safe.
 
As the procession walks through the town, everyone commented how 'cute' the Princess looks, wielding an oversized scepter and tripping over her gown. Clearly, it is not the intended effect.
 
Test: Decoration - Failed
Test: Elegance - Failed
 
 
Uguu~ she's so cute. Wait. Must focus on safety. Scan the crowds...
 
After the blessings are read by the Priestesses, the Princess finally holds up her hands and call for silence so she can speak.
 

We are here today to celebrate the gifts of the Good Lady, the promise of fertility and new birth.
Decline always comes, but Decline is followed by Incline. Each of us faces hardships, but we grow back stronger than ever.
Now is the time for new beginnings, and for my beginning as your Queen.
That was beautiful.
 

 
Her words are met with great applause.
 
Weekend arrives...
 
Ahh, that was so scary. I thought my heart almost burst!
You did exceptionally well during the speeches, My Queen!
Oh, don't call me that.
Did you not say that you are our new Queen in your final line? Fu fu~
Eh, yeah. That was a spur of the moment.
Don't forget about the grand ball next week...
Oh dear! I don't even-
Plan your weekend first, my dear. Then proceed with the next week choice of classes.
 
You have two votes:
 
This weekend's activities :
Play with Toys
+1 Yielding
+1 Lonely
+1 Cheerful

Sneak out
+2 Willful
+1 Lonely

Visit Dungeon
+1 Willful
+1 Angry

Visit Tomb
+1 Depressed
+1 Afraid

Explore Castle
+1 Lonely
+1 Afraid

Attend Court
+2 Yielding
+1 Depressed
+1 Pressured

Attend Service
-1 Cheerful
 
And next week's Morning & Evening Classes
Voting closes in 10 hours

[rk47]

Attending the weekend service calms the Princess' emotions a bit.
 
- 1 Cheerful
 
 
The Big Week arrives...
I think I should just learn more magic. I don't think I'll make a mark during the grand ball.
While I do agree that it is too late for you to dazzle the guests, I feel it is prudent for Your Highness to familiarize yourself with the visitors.
What do you mean?
A little bit of foreknowledge of these visitors may make it easier to ascertain their motives.
That sounds wise. Very well.

So that bastard is 26 years old...

I've learned whatever I can in such a short notice. I hope it's enough.
Come, let's not be late for the party.

All the nobles in the domain are here to see you - to see their queen.
!
You'll be fine. Come, let's get Your Highness prepared.
 
Much later...
As Elodie makes her entrance to the grand ball, the rich and powerful pause in their activities to gaze upon her, the ruler of them all.
 
(I'm scared..)
(Go.)

 
After a moment, Elodie forced herself to carry on, but surely all of them have seen her hesitate.
 
+1 Afraid
+1 Pressured
 
King Joslyn, her father awaits her at the bottom of the stairs and offers his arm.
 
The first dance is for us.
 
He guides her gently around the dance floor, never rushing. His daughter appeared to enjoy it, but the look in his eyes is so sad.
 
His Majesty still remembers the Queen...
 
And finally, it is over.
 
After this, you must choose your own partner. There are a number of men who hope to catch your eye.
Ah? Excuse me?
The Duke of Kigal alone has brought three eligible sons, all near your age.
But I'm already betrothed to the Duke of Sedna!
Fuck him. That does not bar you from dancing.

(What should I do?)

[Threash]

Refuse.

[Paelos]

Refuse.

[rk47]

:(
Very well.
 
Between the dances, there is time for guests to mingle, chat and sample tiny bites of exquisite food.
Elodie interacts comfortably with her peers, leaving a wise word in every ear.
 
Test: Court Manners + Flattery > Success
 
During a lull in the music, Banion, the duke of Maree, taps an elegant fingernail against a wineglass, letting the clear note ring out throughout the room.
 
If I might have your attention? I believe we should offer our compliments to our lovely hostess. Her words of wisdom guide us through our difficulties.
 
Everyone applauds politely.
 
As the gala continues, Elodie takes the opportunity to observe nobles that she rarely sees.
There's Gwenelle, for instance - the Young Lady of Sudbury, only months older than her and due to finally inherit control of her duchy soon.
 
Or Adele, the youngest daughter of the Duchess of Lillah and a fierce sportswoman. She was a few years ahead of you at school and the absolute terror of the ballfields.
 
No Briony - she had said her parents were leaving her stuck at school this season. Her parents are here, dancing together - the Duke-Consort clutching his Duchess possessively tight.
 
Strange that there's no sign of Elodie's cousins, though. Shouldn't they be here? Her aunt and uncle are here, of course. It would be scandalous if they hadn't come, Merva being so close by.
 
Everything went so smoothly, despite the rough starts. Mmmm. Are you enjoying the night, Princess?
Yes, I am.
May I have the last dance?
No. :P
Ah, a dagger to my heart.

 
It's weekend!
 
What shall the Princess do?
 
Visit Treasury
+1 Willful

Play with Toys
+1 Yielding
+1 Lonely
+1 Cheerful

Sneak out
+2 Willful
+1 Lonely

Visit Dungeon
+1 Willful
+1 Angry

Visit Tomb
+1 Depressed
+1 Afraid

Explore Castle
+1 Lonely
+1 Afraid

Attend Court
+2 Yielding
+1 Depressed
+1 Pressured

Attend Service
-1 Cheerful

[rk47]

Later, that weekend...
 
Mother, dad misses you very much. And I miss you too.
I'm sure she's happy at how capable her daughter is growing up to be...
Please look after dad from the heavens, okay?

 
Week 18
 

I'm glad that gala is over with. Now I can focus on my magical training.
If that is your wish, Princess. Choose your classes for this week, then.

 
Vote for Morning & Evening classes.

[Azuredream]

Resist Magic x2.

[Seraphim]

Resist Magic and more Resist Magic.

[rk47]

And so the training continues...
 


So how did she do, George?
I think her midichlorian count is off the charts, man!
Really? Is that good or bad?
Maybe it's a genetic thing, passed down from her mother. Dude, imagine if she has twins!
George, let's not think too far ahead.
What are you two talking about?
Oh, nothing of importance. Come, let's return to the castle, Princess.
 
Later at the Castle...
 
I think I should tell dad about my magical prowess...
That's not a good idea at this moment, Princess.
I know, but... I want to show him that I'm capable enough on my own.
I have no reason to believe he thinks otherwise.
Maybe, you're right... but I still want to see him.  I just want to talk to him. Now.
 
Elodie dashes off all the sudden!
 
Elodie, wait!
 
She moves with such enthusiasm that she doesn't realize her father isn't alone...
 

! Who-who's that?
I believe that is Countess Sirin. She's.. err...not a member of your circles - she's a bit more than a decade your senior, far too old to have ever been your friend.
Why does she has dad's arm in her grasp?!
Uh... I believe it's what adults call... 'socializing'? Would you like to try it with me, Princess?
How dare she make a move on my father?!
Princess, please calm down...!
No! I'm going to-

[rk47]

Stand aside, servant. I'll take care of this harlot!
As you wish.

I suppose you have an eye for valuable prizes, don't you?
 
Sirin looks at the little girl curiously, unsure how to respond to this unexpected 'praise'.
 
Ready to leap in and snatch them the instant they become available, to keep them out of anyone else's hands?
Warning: Room temperature has dropped. Recommend we light a fire.

Bye!
 
+1 Cheerful
 
I'm glad that went as planned, Your Highness, but your father...
Father, why?
This is the path that you have set us on.
What do you mean?
Your acts have made everyone think about preparations for the future. Caloris needs an heir.
My brother, your uncle Armand, is looking for a wife as well. One of us, at least, must produce more children.
But... Mother...
Nothing can ever replace your mother. But we all have to carry out our duties, even ones we do not like.
...
 
+1 Depressed
 
His Majesty, isn't wrong, Princess. The future of the kingdom... relies on its king's heirs...
You should be careful how you deal with people like Sirin. You need the goodwill of your nobles as well as your commoners.
There hasn't been any problem so far.
As Queen, you must be aware of everything around you.
 
Test: Intrigue > Success
 
Isn't that what I have agents for?
And she has me, as well.
Yes, but you must give them direction. What is your greatest concern?

[Seraphim]

Surely the Commons love their Queen to be, the Nobility on the other hand can never be trusted...

[Paelos]

Certainly you have to watch the nobles.

[rk47]

My people love me. And these so-called assassins must have been sent by someone of higher station. Therefore I need to know what the other nobles are up to, and whether anyone is plotting behind my back. Servant?
Without fail, Milady.
As you wish.
 
Weekend arrives...
 
Milady?
I am ready. Brief me.
As you command. I shall brief you on each of the nobles, in order of appearances since the good Queen's passing. Here are the dossiers...


 
Elodie, Crown Princess of Nova

Age 14 Betrothed to Talarist
Father: Joslyn, King-Dowager of Nova / Duke of Caloris
Mother: Fidelia, Queen of Nova (Deceased)
Paternal Uncle: Armand, Duke of Mazomba
Maternal Uncle: Laurent, Duke of Merva
Lumen
 
Joslyn, King-Dowager of Nova / Duke of Caloris

Age 33
Wife: Fidelia, Queen of Nova (Deceased)
Brother: Armand, Duke of Mazomba
Daughter: Elodie, age 14
Threat Level: Green
 
Recently seen in the company of Sirin, Countess of Miranda and Callisto. Worries of succession and his daughter's safety.

Laurent, Duke of Merva

Age 33
Sister: Fidelia, Queen of Nova (Deceased)
Wife: Lucille, Countess of Nix
Daughter: Charlotte, Lady Merva, age 13
Son: Emry, age 9
Daughter: Zahra, age 7
Threat Level: Yellow?
 
Elodie's uncle, and second-in-line to the throne of Nova.
 
Lucille, Countess of Nix, Duchess-Consort of Merva

Age 36
Husband: Laurent, Duke of Merva
Daughter: Charlotte, Lady Merva, age 13
Son: Emry, age 9
Daughter: Zahra, age 7
Threat Level: Yellow?
 
Elodie's aunt. Expresses outrage when her daughter, Charlotte was bitten by a milk viper while playing with Elodie. No other notable activities. Her visit coincides with 'Milk Viper' incident. Elodie may have been the intended target. The Milk Viper is not native to our region.
 
Charlotte, Heir to the Duchy of Merva

Age 13
Mother: Lucille, Countess of Nix
Father: Laurent, Duke of Merva
Sister: Zahra
Brother: Emry
Threat Level: Green
 
Elodie's cousin, and third-in-line to the throne of Nova. No news of her activities after being the victim of the milk viper's bite. Current status: Unknown.
 
Julianna, Duchess of Ursul

Age 34 Single
Father: Paulus, Duke of Ursul (Deceased)
Brother: Ignatius, Duke-Consort of Mead
Threat Level: Green
Lumen
 
Assisted Elodie's initial magic training, sets her upon the path of Lumen. Current whereabouts unknown. No known activity of late.
 
Banion, Duke of Maree

Age 31 Single
Sister: Brin, Duchess of Hellas
Brother: Bennett, Earl-Consort of Dis
Single
Threat Level: Green?
 
Seems to be an influential man in the circle of nobles. Requested the Crown Princess' aid in resolving the Ixion territory dispute. Seems to be satisfied with the negotiation's outcome and supportive of the Crown Princess during the Royal Gala.
 
Brin, Duchess of Hellas

Age 33 Single
Brother: Banion, Duke of Maree
Brother: Bennett, Earl-Consort of Dis
Threat Level: Green?
 
Minor appearance during Ixion negotiations. Has no notable activities of late.
 
Talarist, Duke of Sedna

Age 26 Betrothed to Elodie
Brother: Signuel
Threat Level: Yellow
 
A noble from the domain of Talasse, southeast of Nova. Sends a token of proposal to the Crown Princess which she tactlessly accepted despite the objection of her father. He promises aid whenever he is called upon by the Crown Princess.
 
Kevan, Earl of Io

Age 33
Mother: Arisse, Duchess of Lillah
Father: Nalin, Duke of Mead (Deceased)
Sister: Corisande, Duchess of Mead
Sister: Charmion, Duchess-Consort of Kigal
Has several younger half-siblings.
Theat Level: Green
 
Kevan recently approached the Crown Princess for a royal verdict. Her sister was nearly a victim of an assassination attempt by poisoning. Fortunately, the assassin was caught before she carried out the act. Despite calls for execution by the Earl, the Crown Princess decides to avoid bloodshed and imprisoned the accused instead. It seem the Earl isn't angered by this outcome.

Sirin, Countess of Miranda and Callisto

Age 25 Single
Threat Level: Yellow
 
Was caught by the Crown Princess 'accompanying' Joslyn, the King-Dowager of Nova. She may have been verbally humiliated by the Crown Princess, retribution may be forthcoming. 9 out of 10. Will Bang.

Uwahhh, that's a lot of people to keep track of!
Indeed, I will keep Your Highness updated should there be any new information.
Thank you.
Now, what shall we do for this weekend?

 
The weekend activities remain the same:
Visit Treasury
+1 Willful

Play with Toys
+1 Yielding
+1 Lonely
+1 Cheerful
 
Sneak out
+2 Willful
+1 Lonely
 
Visit Dungeon
+1 Willful
+1 Angry
 
Visit Tomb
+1 Depressed
+1 Afraid
 
Explore Castle
+1 Lonely
+1 Afraid
 
Attend Court
+2 Yielding
+1 Depressed
+1 Pressured
 
Attend Service
-1 Cheerful

[Paelos]

What is the point of mood? I'm wondering how it plays into the game so I can figure out what to pick.

Also, the Merva people are shady as fuck. Best keep your eye on them.

[rk47]

They affect skill gains from classes. At the moment Willful boosts Intrigue, Magic, and few other picks I might forgot to mention.
I don't have current mood reading. But she's probably at +5 (MAX) Willful.
No amount of point change will change the prevailing mood at this point IMO but keep in mind of her other moods that might usurp it when we want to swap classes.
If two emotions are at the same value, the first one to hit that value will be the prevailing mood.

[Threash]

Let's attend court then.

[rk47]

Elodie spends her weekend attending the court.

Week 19


Ready for this week's classes?
No problem.
Very well.


Vote for classes

Oh, before you go... Your father wishes to see you.

The majority of the money we receive is already spoken for, but there is always some room for discretion.
Oh, I think the Princess is *more* than qualified to handle this herself!

So what do you think, Elodie? Shall we raise the taxes? Or keep them as it is?


Vote for Tax Rate

[lamaros]

Raise them.