Dear nobles,
We’ve already written a few times about ruling subjects, over whom the player-controlled nobleman has great power. However, it should be noted that he’s just one of hundreds of landowners, and there are also much more powerful aristocrats. So today will be about how to deal with the upper classes.
So, what’s helpful in diplomacy? Certainly, text interpretation skills, a young, pretty, and polite daughter, a good cook, capons and partridges, some monkeys, as well as hemlock or arsenic, just in case.
Letters
Let's start with the first thing listed. There are two primary methods of communication with other nobles in Noble's Life. The rarer one is a visit from the representative of such a noble or, on a special occasion, from the noble himself. The former can be heard by the player in the audience room (we've written about this mechanic in Dev Diary #4 - Peasants and Villages), the latter is similar, although in this case, there’s a possibility for a private conversation or a ball (more on that later).
However, this is the first method. The second, much more frequent, is communication through letters.
Screen showing letters writing mode. After reading the content of the message, the player selects one of the available options, which then turns into a reply sent to the recipient. That’s the basis of this mechanic, the development of which we’ll talk about in the future.
The letters can be about all sorts of things: requests for help, usually of a greater importance than the pleas of our subjects, warnings, land trade, offers of cooperation of various kinds, including matrimonial offers (our nobleman will have a family, which will be applicable to the game mechanics). Often, some matters require a longer exchange of letters, though balancing between not alienating the noble and being deceived by them in the process may be tricky. Of course, it's also useful to get to know the noble with whom the player is writing in order to determine, for example, whether it's worth it to play slightly unavailable or to not beat around the bush ;)
Often, some matters require a longer exchange of letters, though balancing between not alienating the noble and being deceived by them in the process may be tricky.
Gifts
Additionally, if the player character manages to acquire (e.g., buy from the merchants we wrote about in Dev Diary #5 - Visitors) or produce (by the hands of subjects) something valuable and impressive, he may consider using it as a gift.
Concept art showing examples of gifts that the player character can give to another aristocrat. It is inspired by gifts that, according to history, nobles actually gave to each other.
Again, discernment may be necessary, because one ruler will be delighted with a new book for his collection, while the other... Well, he could prefer a hunting greyhound or some fancy sweets.
A popular but expensive gift might also be... a monkey. These animals were favored by the aristocracy, even despite criticism from some of the clergy, and were considered a status symbol. On the other hand, we have many sources describing how dangerous it could be to keep a monkey as a pet.
A well-chosen gift can help calm an angry ally, convince an offended noble to us, or be a proof of great influence or wealth.
Of course, the player character will be able to receive gifts as well.
There will be an option to send gifts as an addition to the letter to strengthen its effect. Sometimes, however, it might be just as good or even better to give it to the recipient personally. However, in order to do this they’d have to come to visit.
Balls
When another noble decides to visit the player character's estate, they can be offered a guest room or could be even heard as a supplicant during the audience, but this may be badly received. Hence, it is a good idea to welcome him with a ball. Especially if the purpose of the meeting is the signing of an alliance, a marriage contract or some significant transaction.
Such an event requires proper preparation, luxurious liquors and other delicacies, maybe an artist to take care of the musical setting. A good chef can also help, as can appropriate decor. So this is something that can be a considerable drain on finances, but can also greatly enhance the effect of negotiations (or worsen it, if the noble skimps).
A party can be a way to get rid of a thorn in a noble's side. Note, however, that fatal poisoning of a guest during a ball may result in our noble not receiving the title of host of the year. What's worse, he may even face serious repercussions from the family of the deceased. But, you know, that wasn't us, it was those wicked Englishmen/heretics/another noble with whom the victim also had a quarrel! However, in order to make such a drastic move, you need to get the right specific beforehand, or have it prepared, if there is an alchemist at our disposal.
We'll return to diplomacy for sure, because this is just the first outline of some of the options, but that's enough for now. As we announced before, this is the last Dev Diary for this year. During the holidays our whole team is going to recuperate, and then return to the project with even more energy.
In 2022 we’re planning to continue reports of what’s happening with the game in the form of Dev Diaries, but since the build is going on intensively, we will also be showing the first gameplays! And we’re considering a few more surprises ^^
We would like to thank everyone who follows our project, speaks on forums, socials or Discord. Every comment, conversation or remark motivates us a lot to continue our work.
And finally we would like to wish everyone Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!