Welcome to The Kingdom! This is the first game I've ever made, so forgive me for any mistakes you might (will) come across!
In this story you'll play as TBD, a noble whose father is set to marry them off to secure an alliance in the event of war. In this diplomatically tense land, no choice is without consequence.
How will you shape your destiny? Will you submit to the whims of your new spouse and serve their country, or plot to undermine them and claim power for yourself?
But first thing's first...
You are the second-born child of King Dionys. Your older brother, Prince Ardwin, will someday claim the throne. You, meanwhile, are of the utmost political value as a single adult...
//Prince//
//[[Princess ->What is your name?]]//As $royalType $playerName, your job has been to maintain order in the capitol and give a more gentle face to the noble family.
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<img src="https://thekingdom.neocities.org/protagExample.jpeg">
You currently find yourself on one such mission, overseeing the distribution of clean water to a large village near the capitol.
The day continues peacefully, and villagers are quick to thank you for your generosity. But peace never lasts.
"Your grace," begins Sir NAME TBD, a trusted advisor and defender of your father, "this commoner was caught stealing grain from the guards' supply."
Guards bring in a frail man, cuffed and chained at the wrists and ankles. Upon seeing you he drops to his hands and knees and weeps, begging forgiveness.
//[["It's alright. Please stand"]]//
//[["Enough with the act. On your feet, filth."]]//You have a ''kind'' reputation.
The man wipes the tears from his eyes and stands.
"Forgive me, your grace," he repeats. "My son has fallen ill. He needs water, but he is not well enough to come to town."
Your trusted Knight interjects. "You were told no extra rations to take home. You could have asked a guard to help, but you resorted to theft. Your grace," the Knight turns to you, "I ask that you sentence this man to the appropriate 30 days hard labor. He admits to the crime."
"Please, your grace, who will support my wife and son? I beg your forgiveness," the poor man pleads.
If you let him walk, it may send the wrong message to other criminals. If you sentence the man, his innocent family will likely suffer.
[[Sentence the man]] "30 days hard labor. I'm sorry, but you knew the risks. Stealing water keeps it out of another family's mouths."
[[Forgive the man]] "KNIGHT TBD, send an escort with this man to his family. I will not punish a man for having a sick child.""You heard the Princess," bellows your protector.
The guards take him away as he continues his protests. While his cause is just, theft puts himself and the guards in danger. What if the water valve he didn't know how to operate broke? He'd be putting many lives at risk.
You are known as ''strict'' and command a ''calculating'' presence.
[[Continue overseeing the distribution]]"Thank you, your grace. Thank you, thank you, thank you," he continues to sob as his chains come off. He exits the camp with a low ranking guard member.
You are known as ''warm'' and command a ''maternal'' presence.
[[Continue overseeing the distribution]] You have a ''mean'' reputation.
The man wipes the tears from his eyes and stands.
"Forgive me, your grace," he repeats. "My son has fallen ill. He needs water, but he is not well enough to come to town."
Your trusted Knight interjects. "You were told no extra rations to take home. You could have asked a guard to help, but you resorted to theft. Your grace," the Knight turns to you, "I ask that you sentence this man to the appropriate 30 days hard labor. He admits to the crime."
"Please, your grace, who will support my wife and son? I beg your forgiveness," the poor man pleads.
If you let him walk, it may send the wrong message to other criminals. If you sentence the man, his innocent family will likely suffer.
[[Sentence the man]] "30 days hard labor. Your family will learn to fend for themselves. They'd better get used to it."
[[Forgive the man]] "KNIGHT TBD, send an escort with this man to his family. I will not punish a man for having a sick child. If he tries anything, kill him."The day continues with no incident. The people are thrilled to be given clean water, especially in this time of drought.
A courier delivers news that your father, the King, requests your immediate return to the castle.
With work soon to wrap up anyway, KNIGHT TBD nods, collects several of the highest ranking guard, and begin the walk back to the castle.
[[Castle grounds]]Upon entering the castle grounds , the commotion is obvious. The typically serene courtyard is littered with wagons and boxes. Unfamiliar faces race about the grounds. Each one takes notice of you before continuing their journey.
And soon you piece together what is happening before the building doors even open. Tents lined with banners litter the grounds. Only these banners aren't yours.
First, you spot the white tiger on a black background. House Vikaryon. Rulers of the jungles to the east.
Second, the black diving falcon on a navy blue background. House Tarman, Rulers of the mountainous north.
Third is the white shark tooth on a sky blue background. House Samarill, whose western island kingdom is fertile fishing ground.
Finally, and much to your surprise, the red snake on a black background. House Vicsion, the kingdon of the southern lands, ominously displays their banners in total silence while commotion surrounds every other tent.
-
"$royalType," a familiar looking face greets you. Sam, a court scholar and advisor to your brother, smiles and bows. "Forgive the late notice. Your father thought it best I brief you on the diplomatic situation before he speak to you. Any kingdom you'd like to hear about first?"
//[[House Vikaryon]]//"House Vikaryon, of course," Sam replies in an almost pleasant tone.
"Long standing allies of your father, and this autumn has been no different. Their warriors are fierce, but oddly kind. Unlike the barbarians between borders, their fighting prowess isn't their entire identity. Ah, but you know that of course."
"Things are quite stable between us, but not between them and the island kingdom. Barbarians carrying weapons with the shark tooth sigil have recently attacked Vikaryon strongholds. House Samarill claims the weapons were stolen, but no one really believes that. Our country sits between the two, so naturally that puts us in a predicament."
//[[House Tarman]]//"Well, that's an interesting one. They've recently been letting some trade deals expire. That may be nothing, but if you ask me that's a worrying sign. We have no news indicating they've expanded routes with the east or west. This can only mean two things."
"One, they've become more self sufficient. Entirely possible as they've always been rather secretive about their production capability."
"Two, they've replaced those trade deals with deals to House Viscion. Personally I hope that's not true. And logistically I'm not sure how it would even work. But it would explain a few things."
He looks at you nervously.
"Erm, maybe best not start rumors."
//[[House Samarill]]//His expression sours.
"If you ask me, we'd all be better off without House Samarill. Terribly backwards folk, the lot of them. You'd think people who never experience winter might be a bit more cheery. You'd be wrong. Credit your father keeping strong ties with them. For now, anyway."
"Far as recent news, I'm not aware of any outside their dispute with our friends to the east. A few of their ships were found wrecked on southern coastlines, which gives their defense validity. But why would barbarians travel from the southwest coasts to the eastern jungles? Even for barbarians that doesn't make sense. Which leaves us with..."
//[[House Viscion]]//Sam gulps.
"Which leaves us with House Viscion. They've ignored any attempt of diplomacy with us for thirty years. Yet they answer this call. Why?"
"In my opinion, something isn't adding up. Samarill supplies getting into the hands of eastern barbarians makes a lot more sense if you believe the southern kingdom aided their transport. But for what purpose?"
"The southern kingdom ignores the rest of us for decades. Barely any trading. Almost no immigration either way, despite no country outright forbidding it. It would be a bit strange for them to suddenly forge alliances with the north and west, while passively damaging the east. All while leaving us, the central kingdom, pretty much untouched. Neither attacked nor courted. Until today."
His eyes dart back and forth as if he suddenly realized he's talking out loud.
"Ah, but your father will tell you more about that. Speaking of, shall we visit //[[The King]]//?As Sam guides you to the throne room, the doors burst open and droves of foreign diplomats pour out. While they all glance at you, they make no effort to impede your movement.
The last of them exit the throne room just as you enter, and the doors close behind you.
As usual it takes an awkward amount of time to reach the throne, where your father sits. He rises to greet you, his smile beaming.
"My beautiful daugther, how I've waited for this day."
[["Father, what's going on?" you reply]]"Ah, right. Sam? Please" he gestures toward the rear door near the throne, and Sam quickly bows and exits, leaving you and your father alone.
"My precious girl, surely you must be aware of current tensions. Each day it's getting harder to tell who are allies and who are foes. Now, I presume you can guess why our nation has such strong defenses."
You reply, "of course. Being surrounded by other kingdoms, should conflict arise between any of them we'd be caught in the middle."
He smiles, "Exactly. You really have a keen eye for politics. You take after your late mother in that regard."
"Speaking of, you must realize that walls and guards aren't the only way to keep your people safe." He takes a deep breath.
"There are other ways of forging alliances. And that is why the time has come for you to marry."
//[["I understand, father."]]//"I don't live under a rock," you add. You glance around, noticing the marble all around you. "Well, you know what I mean."
"I've known this was coming. But what I'm not sure of is who you've chosen for my husband," you tell your father.
He takes another deep breath.
"I haven't." he raises a hand to silence you. "I know, that is my duty. As it was my father's. And while I loved your mother very much, others have not been so lucky. And I will not be the one to rule over the lands and people brought together by this alliance. That is why you will decide."
You reply. "That explains the diplomats. //[[But why not tell me?]]//""Well that's simple really. I instructed our dear Sam to inform you of the changes to trade routes in the noth. I'm guessing he went into a tangent on all news regarding every nation?"
You chuckle.
"I thought so. Everyone has opinions on these nations. On these people. But every day is a new day. We are not the countries our fathers made. Had I told you the situation weeks ago, you would have surely researched every possible avenue and drawn your own conclusions before meeting any of our guests. But this is no ordinary marriage proposal."
He continues. "You see, my darling, it is exceedingly rare that all five nations have nobles in the ruling family seeking marriage at the same time. Our, erm, friends," he clears his throat, "to the south completely ignored us when my generation were eligible. You have a rare opportunity to forge a new alliance at a time when it matters most. I won't sugarcoat it, Princess."
"We are on the brink of war."
[[continue ->PrincessProposalPlans]](set: $royalType to "Princess") You are known throughout your lands as $royalType...
(set: $playerName to (prompt: "What is your name?", "Aera"))
$playerName
[[continue ->PrincessStart]] "Sleep well tonight, darling. Tomorrow, hear each suitor's proposal and deliberate carefully. Afterward, you may consult me but the final decision is up to you."
He hugs you on his way out.
Dinner this evening is a small affair as the final foreign delegates enter the capitol. Following the advice of your father, you head to your chambers early. After your handmaids exit, there's a knock at the door.
Knowing your guards would never let an unwanted guest reach your chambers, you [[answer it -> Gift opening]]When you open the door, Sam is there to greet you.
"Forgive me to bother you so late, $royalType, but you have gifts from your suitors. Given the nature of things, I felt it best to deliver these before tomorrow's meetings."
He raises his hands to show you three small boxes, each bearing sigils of suitors from houses Vikaryon, Tarman, and Samarill.
//[[Accept the gifts]]//
//[[Reject the gifts]]//Curiosity gets the better of you. You accept the boxes and bid Sam a good night.
Placing them on your fireside table you carefully examine each box. There's nothing remarkable or unusual about any of them, so you may as well open each.
[[Open the gift from house Samarill -> Samarill gift]]
[[Open the gift from house Vikaryon -> Vikaryon gift]]
[[Open the gift from house Tarman -> Tarman gift]]You raise a hand to stop him from handing you the gifts.
"I'm sorry," you tell your trusted friend, "I see only three gifts here. It would not be appropriate or wise to accept gifts before I've had a chance to hear from all four suitors. I shall hear each of their proposals on an even playing field tomorrow."
Sam lowers his head. "Of course, $royalType. A very wise decision. Sleep well."You start with the box from house Samarill.
The thought of spending your life in their culture is fairly unappealing. A patriarchal society, the western islands may treat you well as a princess, but could you stomach seeing the way commen women are treated? The laws don't dictate women be treated as second class, their culture tends to.
Then again, why couldn't you be the spark for change? Would you sleep any better knowing you chose to be pampered in a different country while nothing in the island changes?
For now, opening this gift is the first step, so you unravel its ribbon and peer into the box.
Jewelry. Anyone could have guessed as much. But the type of jewelry is quite the surprise.
An onyx bracelet with saphhire jewels. Odd. The saphhire makes perfect sense for the islands. But onyx? Onyx is only found deep into the south.
You slip the bracelet on. The onyx is rather smooth and feels quite nice on your wrist. But you can't help but wonder how house Samarill acquired it.
[[Open the next box ->Samarill2nd]]House Vikaryon has always had a strong relationship with your father. Culturally your two nations are quite similar, so a life in the eastern kingdom would be the easiest transition for you personally.
Then again, something dangerous appears to be brewing between them and the mysterious southern kingdom. Would marrying their prince drag your home into a war? And what if house Vikaryon had the noble cause in such a conflict?
You decide the open the box. Jewelry. Anyone could have guessed as much. But the type of jewelry is quite the surprise.
Inside is a ruby bracelet. But the gem, while gorgeous, is not what catches your eye. The band is made of onyx, a substance only found in the southern kingdom of house Viscion.
But how? There is no feasible way these houses have opened trade routes. This matter will have to be investigated when the time comes.
For now, you slip the bracelet on your wrist. The onyx material is silky smooth and has a certain dark beauty. You almost forget about the ruby that is its centerpiece.
Open the [[next gift->Vikaryon2nd]]House Tarman. Rather jovial folks. You quite enjoyed their company when they last visited. Surprising, considering they're very careful diplomats.
As Sam mentioned earlier, very little is known about their farmlands and industry. Even ancestors of yours who married off to the mountain rulers did not divulge Northern secrets.
But there's one secret you're about to find out. You pull the ribbon and open the small box. Inside is a beautiful emerald necklace. But what catches your eye isn't the gem; it's the onyx circlets that make up the chain. Besides the ludicrous expense this must have incurred, onyx is incredibly rare. It it exclusively mined in the southern kingdom of house Viscion.
You close the necklace around your neck. The emerald settles delicately between your breasts. There's something beautiful about the way the onyx contrasts your pale skin. But that onyx brings up more questions.
Was Sam right? Are your nothern neighbors opening up a bridge to the south? It may, then, be wise for you to wed their prince and ensure a strong three-nation alliance.
[[But what would that mean for your allies to the east?->Tarman2nd]]House Tarman. Rather jovial folks. You quite enjoyed their company when they last visited. Surprising, considering they're very careful diplomats.
As Sam mentioned earlier, very little is known about their farmlands and industry. Even ancestors of yours who married off to the mountain rulers did not divulge Northern secrets.
But there's one secret you're about to find out. You pull the ribbon and open the small box. Inside is a beautiful emerald necklace. But what catches your eye isn't the gem; it's the onyx circlets that make up the chain.
You close the necklace around your neck. The emerald settles delicately between your breasts. There's something beautiful about the way the onyx contrasts your pale skin. But it makes you ask more questions.
Was Sam right? Are your nothern neighbors opening up a bridge to the south? It may, then, be wise for you to wed their prince and ensure a strong three-nation alliance.
[[But what would that mean for your allies to the east?->Samarill3rd]]House Vikaryon has always had a strong relationship with your father. Culturally your two nations are quite similar, so a life in the eastern kingdom would be the easiest transition for you personally.
Then again, something dangerous appears to be brewing between them and the mysterious southern kingdom. Would marrying their prince drag your home into a war? And what if house Vikaryon had the noble cause in such a conflict?
You decide the open the box. Inside is a ruby bracelet. But the gem, while gorgeous, is not what catches your eye. Sure enough the band is made of onyx, a substance only found in the southern kingdom of house Viscion.
But how? There is no feasible way these houses have opened trade routes. This matter will have to be investigated when the time comes.
For now, you slip the bracelet on your other wrist. The onyx material is silky smooth and has a certain dark beauty. You almost forget about the ruby that is its centerpiece.House Vikaryon has always had a strong relationship with your father. Culturally your two nations are quite similar, so a life in the eastern kingdom would be the easiest transition for you personally.
Then again, something dangerous appears to be brewing between them and the mysterious southern kingdom. Would marrying their prince drag your home into a war? And what if house Vikaryon had the noble cause in such a conflict?
You decide the open the box. Inside is a ruby bracelet. But the gem, while gorgeous, is not what catches your eye. The band is also made of onyx, a substance only found in the southern kingdom of house Viscion.
But how? There is no feasible way these houses have opened trade routes. This matter will have to be investigated when the time comes.
For now, you slip the bracelet on your wrist. The onyx material is silky smooth and has a certain dark beauty. You almost forget about the ruby that is its centerpiece.
It's time to open the [[final gift->Tarman3rd]]You start with the box from house Samarill.
The thought of spending your life in their culture is fairly unappealing. A patriarchal society, the western islands may treat you well as a princess, but could you stomach seeing the way commen women are treated? The laws don't dictate women be treated as second class, their culture tends to.
Then again, why couldn't you be the spark for change? Would you sleep any better knowing you chose to be pampered in a different country while nothing in the island changes?
For now, opening this gift is the first step, so you unravel its ribbon and peer into the box.
Jewelry. Anyone could have guessed as much. But the type of jewelry is quite the surprise.
An onyx bracelet with saphhire jewels. Odd. The saphhire makes perfect sense for the islands. But again onyx finds its way into the jewelry.
You slip the bracelet on. The onyx is rather smooth and feels quite nice on your wrist.You start with the box from house Samarill.
The thought of spending your life in their culture is fairly unappealing. A patriarchal society, the western islands may treat you well as a princess, but could you stomach seeing the way commen women are treated? The laws don't dictate women be treated as second class, their culture tends to.
Then again, why couldn't you be the spark for change? Would you sleep any better knowing you chose to be pampered in a different country while nothing in the island changes?
For now, opening this gift is the first step, so you unravel its ribbon and peer into the box.
An onyx bracelet with saphhire jewels. Odd. The saphhire makes perfect sense for the islands. But onyx? This material exclusively found in the south is again forged in your gift.
You slip the bracelet on. The onyx is rather smooth and feels quite nice on your wrist. But you can't help but wonder how house Samarill acquired it.
Open the [[final gift->Vikaryon3rd]]House Tarman. Rather jovial folks. You quite enjoyed their company when they last visited. Surprising, considering they're very careful diplomats.
As Sam mentioned earlier, very little is known about their farmlands and industry. Even ancestors of yours who married off to the mountain rulers did not divulge Northern secrets.
But there's one secret you're about to find out. You pull the ribbon and open the small box. Inside is a beautiful emerald necklace. But what catches your eye isn't the gem; it's the onyx circlets that make up the chain.
You close the necklace around your neck. The emerald settles delicately between your breasts. There's something beautiful about the way the onyx contrasts your pale skin. But it makes you ask more questions.
Was Sam right? Are your nothern neighbors opening up a bridge to the south? It may, then, be wise for you to wed their prince and ensure a strong three-nation alliance.