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[seaboards]

TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE

There have been a lot of riftfarers arriving lately. It seems like there have been more arriving than usual. So many different kinds of people from different kinds of worlds with stories to tell and experiences to give.

A little game has appeared on the shellphone network in hopes of getting to know just a little more about these otherworlders. You might find it on your shellphone as you’re scrolling through one day.

Tell the world two truths and one lie about yourself. And let others try and decipher which of the three is your lie. If they can guess right, perhaps you’ve been able to make a new acquaintance. Or in the least learn more about someone from another walk of life.

Comments

text; un: haveaflare

[haveaflare]

A strange diversion, but possibly amusing. Alright, then!

1. I was not born a prince.
2. Before arriving here, I had never sailed.
3. There are several bardic songs about me.

[beshackled]

What is a prince, and what does it mean to be born one, or not to be born one?

[haveaflare]

A prince is the son of a nation's ruler, if that nation is ruled by a king or Emperor rather than a council. King's thrones are inherited by blood alone. For example, your father, if he ruled a nation as its king, would leave his leadership to you, his prince and heir, when he passed.

My father was elected Emperor, and thus I was not born a prince, became one upon his ascention to the throne of Sanbreque.

[beshackled]

'Tis strange to think that a position and responsibilities might be inherited by bloodline alone.

The Convocation of Fourteen are the heads of our government in Amaurot, each nominated to their positions based on ability and expertise with consideration made towards temperament, with the nominated individual free to accept or decline. When they step down, another is nominated to take their place.

A council, in other words. A number of the offices also have a set of direct subordinates to support them, though most daily concerns for the populace are overseen by the bureaus.

[haveaflare]

The Dhalmekian Republic is run in a similar fashion, though I believe their council positions are voted upon by the populous.

In my own homeland, it is both. The Council of Cardinals nominates and elects a new Emperor, should the previous pass without an heir.

[beshackled]

Does a prince have duties to fulfill as well?

[haveaflare]

They vary by nation. My own duties include commanding our armies.

text | un: astudyinviolet

[astudyinviolet]

Is the second a lie? You seemed capable on the ship when we had met, and both one and three could explain the other.

[haveaflare]

Correct, though I have not sailed as much as I would like, I did before coming here, though "one" did not lend to it.

[astudyinviolet]

"One"? Do you mean becoming a prince did not lend towards your desire to sail more?

[haveaflare]

It did not lend to my ability to do so. I was enrolled in a military academy, I learned tactics and strategy, I was knighted, I became a commander. I fought in terrestrial wars. I sailed, but not often.

[astudyinviolet]

That does follow. Your responsibilities sent you elsewhere.

What of now? Are you intending to or already have joined a crew?

[haveaflare]

I have joined Cid and Benedikta's crew, yes. It is comprised primarily of those from my own star. We share everal goals and it seemed most prudent.

Have you?

text; un: paradisaea

[empyrean_mirror]

I'm pretty sure it's 1.

If I ask nicely, can you recount the songs?

[haveaflare]

It is not. In fact, I did not become a prince until my father was elected Emperor shortly before my seventh Nameday.

Must I?

[empyrean_mirror]

...Well, Teyvat hasn't had kings in centuries, so maybe my knowledge is a bit outdated, but I'd always thought those were hereditary positions, not elected?

And why not? It can't be any more embarrassing than my own nickname.

[haveaflare]

It is and it is not. When the Holy Emperor passes without and heir, the Council of Cardinals elects another from worthy noble houses, belief dictating they are capable of embodying the will of the goddess Greagor.

As my father had sired the Dominant of Bahamut, he won unanimously. Upon his death, had he not abdicated the throne to my younger brother, I would have taken the mantle. If I had passed without an heir, the process would repeat. Forgive the complicated political environment of my homeland.

And just what is your nickname?

[empyrean_mirror]

It's not that complicated, but it sounds rife for potential abuses. Then again, much could be said of any political system...

...Ah, fair's fair. It's the Light of the Kshahrewar.

[haveaflare]

Many in the clergy and in the leadership of Sanbreque are devout followers of Greagor, but, no. Not all, you're correct.

What is Kshahrewar?

[ohwowzers]

Wait, you're a prince?

[haveaflare]

I am. Prince Dion of House Lesage of the Holy Empire of Sanbreque. Please, though, call me Dion.

[ohwowzers]

I didn't know you were a prince! I just thought you were a fancy guy!

Wait, is that disrespectful? I'm sorry, I've never spoken to a prince before.

[haveaflare]

Only if it was intended disrespectfully, which I do not believe.

And while I may be a prince on my own star, I am only, as you say, a "fancy guy" here, so think nothing of it.

[ohwowzers]

Wowzers! You know for a prince, you're actually a really nice guy! I think I'd rather think of you like that instead of just a fancy guy.

Wait, then if you're born a prince, wouldn't 1 be a lie?

[haveaflare]

For a prince? That could also be disrespectful, if meant in such a way.

Some princes are born, but that is not the way of Sanbreque. Our Emperors are elected by the Council of Cardinals, should his predecessor pass without naming an heir. My father was elected when I was seven summers.