The Great Game

The Great Game is the term used to describe the politics and intrigue of the noble and ruling classes of Vintia and Vaniza, and the Corgomuran Free Cities to a certain extent. The Great Game is characterized by cutthroat politics, often in a literal sense.

Execution

Each play can take from mere moments to decades, as goals change and powers flux. To succeed, a player must gain the upper hand over their rivals. This is done by forming alliances with the correct people and by hiring spies, minstrels, courtesans, wizards, and even clerics.
Music, masks, cosmetics, and dancing are key parts of Vintian and Vanizan society, and masquerade balls naturally become battlefields of the game. Both allies and enemies are traditionally invited to such events, which gave rise to several institutes that train and prepare traveling performers in espionage, larceny, and assassination, in addition to the performing arts.
Matching wits with these performers, simply referred to as bards by players, is one of the Game's biggest thrills, and nobles usually welcome bards with open arms even when suspecting ill will. Control of these agents is a vital part of the game. Every word, gesture, and facial expression is measured and evaluated for strength and weakness. It is often said that the game is like a card game played to the death.
Players who do not play the Game well, or reveal their cards to their enemies, might prompt their enemies into painting them and their allies as villains. Additionally, finding evidence of someone else wrongdoing might give a player a new angle of leverage and extend their circle of influence. The Game is never truly over, and continues as long as power exists

Participants

Most players of the Game are of noble descent, and have goals related to their status and their power. Other notable players affect the balance of power and the movement of the game, such as socialites, merchants, or entire organizations like the CAG could be swayed to the side of a particular player, or play themselves.

Observance

To the common people, the game makes very little sense and they care little for it. Some scholars and more educated folks understand the implications of the game on trade, borders and alliances and would pay attention to the moves of the game to predict where and when they can profit as a "side effect". Those who practice such endeavors do so while taking extreme care not to be considered players themselves.

Primary Related Location

Gomuri Expanse

Important Locations

• Vaniza
• Vintia

Related Organizations

• Corgomuran Free Cities

Related Ethnicities

• Gomuri