Age of Intrigue: England's Restoration

~An Alternative History of England's Restoration~

Setting:
"Ages Come and Go, but Intrigue is Ever in Vogue"
Age of Intrigue is a game of maintaining appearances in the Palatial setting of Whitehall London, 1676, while just beneath the surface raw ambition works a rare frenzy in the ongoing struggle for royal favour, wealth and success.

The Spring Season:
"Age Of Intrigue; how beguiling is thy corruption"
The queen has died, and Charles II enjoys a parade of Princesses; prospective brides. His many Mistresses wait patiently for them to leave, while the rest of court jostle behind favoured candidates. Who will be the queen maker? One daring Lord has gone so far as to suggest a raffle...

The Lords:
"Where Virtue masks Vice"
With immaculate grace gents might bow to the passing ladies, primping a cravat with well manicured hand, then to sniff at a fragrant pot-pourri. Yet their true natures are not so difficult to uncover; is there a single man at court who does not harbour some dark secret. Bribery and corruption are popular rungs upon the ladder of success, though it is not threats of legal proceedings that quails purse strings. If one is born well, the law cannot touch you. Yet one would avoid at any costs being drawn and quartered by societies matrons.

The Ladies:
"Upon cascades of silk the sultry sirens call me to my all too willing demise."
In this seemingly 'man's world', the weaker sex wield a subtler power; how many a mans soul has been claimed by the coy batting of lashes? Upon a delicate sigh a bosom heaves, and empires crumble.

The Alliances:
"Deceive the rich and powerful if you will, but don't insult them."
Life is a game; who shall be your allies? Would you chose the romantic headed royalists, or Whigs with their pragmatic visions for the Future? Catholics are a tight group. While one has the most opportunity within the Anglican faith. Befriend the grateful underdog and let them assist your assent? Or be sycophant to those who have already arrived, in hopes that they might throw morsels your way?

The Themes:
politics, society, intrigue, swashbuckling, arts, horror, mystery, romance and science, hedonism, ambition.

Board:
AoI Wiki:
Age Limit: 18+