You are a minor noble in the hierarchy of the Empire. You have some lands and some titles and you live comfortably on a big estate in the countryside. You are respected in your community and the commoners In the area consider you to be a person of honor.
However, in the grand hierarchy of the Empire, you’re a small player. You have no influence at court where the big decisions are made (in fact, you never go to the capital except occasionally) and if push comes to shove, you can’t even put together a proper army. Your province is small and on the remote side of things.
One day, after a power shuffle in the capital, you are given a rare opportunity to move to the royal court and hold a medium level ministerial position. Although it’s not yet at the very top, there are opportunities here to amass power and profit and possibly even command the ear of the Emperor.
However, you have heard about the capital. Being the center of power, the royal court Is notorious for being a place of politics, backstabbing, deal-making, intrigue, and sometimes lethal falls from power. One of your uncles in the past was invited to the capital for such a job... when things suddenly went south and he was standing in the wrong camp, he was executed... and that was only five years ago.
The current emperor is strong and skillful with lots of allies. However, he can also be moody and rapidly order people executed on false charges. There’s several camps and cliques of powerful nobles who consistently plot and play the line.
Do you accept the offer and travel to the capital to play a high stakes game of politics?
Or is it a better fit for your personality to stay in the province where things are more simple/familiar and safe?
Do you want to expand your power and influence? Do you want to try and shape national policy for the greater good/the good of your house? Or are you content?
Please choose and justify.
