The Great Game

**The Great Game**, or simply **The Game**, is the term applied to the politics and machinations of the nobles and rulers of Maudet. Politics in Maudet is an incredibly complicated "game" or "dance" of intrigue, seduction, ambition and scandal, an approach to politics, high culture and morality that is quintessentially Maudesian. The political and familial infighting that characterizes the Game is as common as donning masks in public: indeed, this habit is also an intrinsic part of the Game in its most obvious form.

## Background

Among the Maudesian nobility, status and appearance are set above all things. Maudesian culture is renowned for its infighting, with every family engaging on some level in what’s known as the Great Game.

The Game's purpose is one-upmanship of rival aristocrats, often accomplished through elite proxies called bards. In order to rise in the decadent Maudesian society, and among the bloated upper class, much is permitted. The rule of the Game is simply this: all is accepted as long as the player is not caught, up to and including murder. Paradoxically, however, though direct culpability is undesirable, credit and recognition are demanded. Indeed, an individual known as a skilled player is granted discreet respect among their peers. Due to this tension, the Game is a losing proposition for the uninitiated, and it is said that more blood is spilled in the Game than in any war in Maudet.

The lower classes are believed by the nations beyond Maudet to resent the Game that ostensibly keeps them demeaned. However, most peasants desire to ascend as well, and the vain hope of accruing a generous patron, or sufficient funds to gain a title in the Council of Heralds, makes them surprisingly accepting of the Game's excesses. Maudet is much less of a meritocracy than it appears, however, and the Game frequently sorts the wheat of Maudesian society from the chaff.

Also surprising is the presence of the Ministry in the Game. Though normally considered above the Game, the templars and priesthood of Maudet frequently participate in it.

The Maudesian nobility is prone to wearing very elaborate masks in public. These masks are hereditary, and identify one's family almost as uniquely as the heraldry on a crest: a family might be associated with a lion crest, and matching lion masks will identify them in public. Retainers and servants wear a simpler form of a family's mask. Family symbols are well known among the Maudesian public, and anyone attempting to wear a mask that doesn't belong to their house runs the risk of a quick death if discovered.

Wearing makeup is another popular tradition for both men and women in Maudet. Even chevaliers may wear cosmetics. There is both masculine and feminine makeup, although outsiders may have trouble telling the difference. Makeup can be a strong indicator of social standing. The quality and rarity of one's makeup, uncommon hues and consistencies are prized, speak volumes of one's status.

## History

The Game was originated in spirit by Jesavi, known as the "Mother of Maudet" and gothi of the Lyriane tribe of Maudet. She was wife to two of the sons of Thetsoll and Sibylla, and manipulated both to protect her people from Drahanim cultural intrusions.

When Emperor Caecilius Volantus I first established the Maudesian Empire, the local nobility possessed an intricate system of titles. Concerned with the civil instability caused by their often brutal struggle for nobility ranks, Volantus abolished all titles except Emperor, Lord, and Lady. Far from ending the game, however, his actions instead shifted its focus to obtaining tokens of prestige, such as patronages and familial ties. This encouraged the rise of the social infighting that is the *raison d'être* of the Game.

Prior to her death in **9A23**, the biggest prize in the Game was the favor of Lady Mallette. She was said to be late Emperor Maxence's mistress, and the shadow ruler of Maudet who assassinated Maxence and, allegedly, enthroned his niece Aurianne.

## Methods

Music, masks, cosmetics, and dancing are cornerstones of Maudesian noble society, so the sprawling masquerade balls naturally become battlefields of the game. Both allies and enemies are traditionally invited to such events, which gave rise to the institute of the Bards: traveling musicians also trained in espionage, larceny, and assassination. Matching wits with them is one of the Game's major thrills, and the nobles welcome bards with open arms even when suspecting ill will. Control of these agents is an important part of the Game. According to some, every word, gesture, and facial expression is measured, and evaluated, for strength and weakness. In addition if you do not play the Game well, then your enemies will make your allies and yourself look like villains. Also, leaving evidence for someone else to find is a very bad idea if you are playing to win. In the end, the Game is never truly over.

### Assassination

While little is known about it by the common man, the House of Quietude is an assassins' organisation working strictly for the nobility of the Maudesian Empire, eliminating troublesome competition.

## Bards

*Main article: Bard*
Bards are proxies, provocateurs, or *auteur* agents of wealthy patrons in the Game, enacting their will through spying, bribes, seduction, and sometimes even assassinations. These men and women are elite players of the Game, serving as minstrels or actors under learned bardmasters, and frequently using others as pawns in their work. Indeed, this attitude infects the lives of the bards themselves, and they may sometimes become victims of fellow professionals if they are seen as losing their edge.

Bards may serve anyone, at any time: mage or priest, king or noble. Indeed, their attendance is expected in the presence of power players, and at pivotal moments, whomever and wherever they are. This attendance, rather than a source of anxiety for their targets, is welcomed as dangerously exciting.