Hark!
It is a perilous time in Oulde Heathburne Kingdom! Glorious King Petrad II has ruled wisely and justly over our people for 30 years. But he now lies stricken in bed with a progressing ailment. His chief adviser, Falcha, a man often whispered to be the true power behind the throne, died of old age only a fortnight ago.
Though Petrad’s eldest son is heir apparent, many at court murmur that he, a dimwitted drunkard quick to anger, is not suited to the task. Others with a questionable claim to the throne, and the land, wealth, or soldiers to back it up, are quietly making preparations and seeking allies. Though none dare make too obvious a move–not until the time is ripe.
Meanwhile, a truce that Petrad forged at sword-point with the Kingdom of Albria is fraying, as reports of torched border watch towers attest. The Albrians may be testing Petrad’s resolve, knowing he lies infirm.
To the south and west, travelers are reporting raids by misshapen beastmen, their wolves and goblin servants. And beyond the caves and swamps they call home, even more unknown horrors may threaten if the kingdom collapses into anarchy.
You are in the royal court, either visiting on business, or you are a courtier who spends most of your time there.
Some possible characters you could be:
-a nobleman or woman with an extensive fiefdom
-an upstart knight come to press your claim to land or woo a noble lady in court
-an emissary from a foreign court
-a favored courtesan who can whisper into the ears of the powerful
-a cleric serving the church
-a court wizard who can conjure up small cantrips and has access to the royal library and its myriad secrets
-a merchant or businessman/woman come to trade or seek favors from the king
-a treasury official with access to the royal seal and royal coin
-a fleeing survivor of a failed crusade come to tell your tale to the court
-a court jester able to entertain anyone and overhear a great deal
-an adventurer seeking a promise of funding in your expeditions for talismans in one of the ancient crypts that dot the countryside
-anything else that would make sense. Feel free to ask any questions about character ideas.
Whoever you are, you understand that the uncertainty about to consume the court presents a unique opportunity to increase your station and gain more power. If you play your cards right, you could possibly even become the new power behind the throne.
But you also understand that everyone else in court is realizing the same thing. And though everyone is politely avoiding the elephant in the room, the tension is thick. Fail to press your advantage and you may lose all your lands, coin and offices as a newly made duke hands them off to his protege. But press too hard, and you may rise up too far, too fast–and make the wrong person jealous. One wrong step in this struggle for power could end on the headsmen’s block. Let the game begin.
Hosted and narrated by:
Marc B. (marcu)
Started 08/05/17.
Scenes played: 3
License: Community License
18+
