Politics

Politics, Conflict, and Where We Are Going From Here
As has been mentioned elsewhere in this wiki, Kushiel’s Debut is based on the novels from the Kushiel’s Legacy (and Naamah’s Kiss) Trilogies by Jacqueline Carey. These books are high fantasy stories that were filled with court drama, political maneuvering, backstabbing, betrayal, alternative religion, magic, and romance. This is what we strive to create in our game; a setting where historical elements, political and court intrigues, and larger interactions with the fantasy aspects of the world and setting can be interwoven to create a fun and immersive experience for our players. More information about the theme and setting of our game can be found in different sections of the wiki. Check out all of the pages under Setting to learn about theme, and the Rules section to learn about game mechanics. This page is to explain how to get involved in political rp, since this can be something that people are unused to and we have gotten a number of questions on it in the past. As a staff, we are here to support many different types of roleplay here on KD. We like to see players engage in plots that have engaging storylines with lots of rich background, and we love it when they are not afraid to create controversy and conflict. (Player(s) vs Player(s) plots). We will continue to support plots that engage these kinds of stories, and reward players when they are kept entirely IC so that everyone continues to have fun! However, we also understand some players prefer storylines where they are working together as a team, or as a team against NPCs (Player(s) vs Staff/World) plots. We are committed to making sure that the game has a healthy amount of both integrated, or that current plots have aspects of each so there are a variety of ways to engage. That doesn’t mean we can guarantee everyone a conflict- or consequence-free experience, but the world of Kushiel's Debut does have different ways to get involved in story. If you aren’t sure where to get started, look here or ask!

IC Political Landscape
The setting of Kushiel’s Debut is Terre d’Ange, a historical fantasy France from roughly the 1200’s, though matching it up with a time we know in terms of technology and culture is difficult. It is a monarchy, which means that the ways that characters influence the political climate occur within that context. The King or Queen rules the nation, and anyone with influence over the monarch has influence over the country. Parliament exists to advise the monarch and vote on important issues, and the Ducal Council can be called, either consisting of the Sovereign Ducs and Duchesses or the Sovereign and Provincial Ducs and Duchesses depending. Royal court, while still quite formal, is less structured than these other bodies. It is a place to come and be noticed by the ruling monarch and others in attendance, present petitions to the ruler of the realm, and mingle with other peers of the realm. d'Angeline politics being what they are, alliances and romantic affairs both have been forged, tested, and broken on this stage in the past.

Politics in Play
Here are some examples of ways to get involved in political and court intrigue rp:
 * PvP:
 * Work alone, or with your family, to bring down the House of your rivals! There are several Houses among our noble families with longstanding enemies, and trying to undermine their goals at every turn is good times. Spy on each other, spread rumors, use the political arena and the social life of court to gain advantage!
 * Join Les Enfants du Sang Pur. Shroud your work in a secrecy as you attempt to manipulate the nation into preserving the pure blood of the angels at any cost.
 * Root out Les Enfants du Sang Pur! Who are they? How powerful are they? These beliefs are wrong and this must be stopped!
 * Be an ambassador! Serve the causes of your nation vehemently, even (especially!) if that makes you a few enemies along the way.
 * How about a coup? Perhaps your Duc or Duchesse isn’t doing so well and you are just the man or woman for the job? While technically this sort of thing is inherited, you could always get creative! A handful of allies, a solid plan…anything can happen!
 * Are you a courtesan? You’re not the kind that would meddle in noble politics are you? Pass things you heard on the Mont from one noble House onto another for social or political gain? Naughty!
 * Are you a courtesan? The Houses on Mont Nuit can be extremely competitive. Form a rivalry with another House or another individual. Make your House the richest and most popular, and be the most in-demand courtesan within its walls.
 * PvW:
 * Work alone, or with your family, to expand the reach of your family. Arrange alliances with other d’Angeline houses or trade agreements with foreign nations.
 * Work to impress others around you in order to obtain a court position with political influence. Is the one you want occupied? PvP then!
 * Be an ambassador! But a nice one! Work hard to ensure that relations between your nation and Terre d’Ange are peaceful, try to make everyone happy!
 * Are you a courtesan? The kind who studied politics so she could give unbiased advice to her patrons, lend a soothing ear, guide them to make the right choices for the good of Terre d’Ange. Right? Whew.