Welcome to the Program

[airlockedmods]

Good Morning, Champions. In the interest of maintaining healthy sleep patterns, a day/night cycle is in effect. Your presence is expected in the cafeteria in exactly one hour.

[The voice comes through not a large speaker, but through the device that's attached to each Champion's arm. Further investigation of the features of the device will reveal a list of profiles, a mini-map, and a list of rules. The hallways are shiny white and silver, with running lights along the floor and lights on the ceiling, and at the junction of the hallways is a sign with a knife and fork icon and an arrow pointing down the hall.

Welcome to the Excellence Program, Champions. Time to get to know your teammates.]

Comments

[playthedamncard]

Sounds like the sort of friends and power a princess would want on her side.

[keepmeinyourheart]

I was no longer a princess by the time these powers were given to me.

[playthedamncard]

Were you ousted?

[keepmeinyourheart]

... We were conquered by a neighboring kingdom.

[playthedamncard]

Perhaps you're afforded powers to reclaim your future throne.

[keepmeinyourheart]

Then I would reclaim it for my brother. He is the elder. I am to wed a future king of another kingdom.

[playthedamncard]

Would your brother be fit to rule?

[keepmeinyourheart]

Yes, and I would let no other try to lay claim to it while he lives.

[playthedamncard]

[Loyal siblings, that's a plus.] It does strike me as an archaic way to rule. We've some monarchies left, though arranged marriages are increasingly less common, but most of them are just figureheads.

[keepmeinyourheart]

Then why still call them monarchies if they are merely ceremonial?

[playthedamncard]

In some countries, they're still less ceremonial than others. And some have power-hungry dictatorships in place. But we've royal families that take up the mantles of kings, queens, emperors and empresses. They still have influence and power, but tempered dramatically by parliaments and prime ministers, or other forms of democratically or otherwise publicly elected non-royal officials.

[keepmeinyourheart]

I see... My people have some autonomy since I am the Oracle, but in the end it is the Emperor Iedolas Aldercapt is in charge of everything. He and Chancellor Ardyn Izunia... they are not good men.

[playthedamncard]

No, generally speaking from history, those conquered by other countries do not see the liberation and freedom the conqueror suggests it is. Being one that communicates with the gods, you're granted special rights and privileges?

[keepmeinyourheart]

I agree. [She nods at that.] I am allowed to see all those who come to me for healing. They are allowed to come to Tenebrae so I may help them. I have also been allowed to retain my family's home as my residence.