I would never consider Consentia a “Cato” (I wouldn’t wish this even to my worst enemies) . Hers is a personality that can’t be classified as 1:1 to a historical character. Rather, as most characers in-game, is a composite of the author’s own originality and the historical sources they chose to draw inspiration from.
My use of that Cicero quote (besides me loving to use it whenever) was to highlight what I believe to be a nostalgia that Consentia possesess for a period she didn’t experience. Just like in our times, you have people that yearn for a period that they didn’t live in. They read and hear about it as being some kind of golden age, when all was good and definitely better than today. But, as is often the case, it was either similar or worse in condition. In my opinion, Consentia has the same belief.
I believe that the people of Kyro, and Iudia overall, don’t give a single damn if it’s a republic or an empire that rules over them. As you very well pointed out, the masses don’t care about the particular details of the political structure as long as their grievances are taken into account and handled. All they want to know is “Will I have food on the table tonight?”. If the Senate can help them have their bellies full, then they will follow them. If Julia gets them food instead, they will follow her.
Philosophers and politicians can debate about virtue, morals and whatnot, but the people don’t have time for that stuff. They want to not starve, or be killed, or just suffer in general. Who provides food and security is the one they will support. It seems clear to me that the politically-savvy Consentia understands this —that’s why she made an alliance with Ceto in the first place.
Now that’s a great analogy. I would give an award if I could.
This is broadly accurate, Julia’s reputation among the commons is definitely more feared than loved. She makes an effort to project an image of a “harsh justice,” as in fair but merciless to those who run afoul of the Empire. It’s one reason (other than her prickly, fragile sense of pride) that she goes to extreme lengths to avoid seeming weak - if her image of a strong, harsh leader falters, so does her command of the Empire.
Oh, I really love this concept. This is based on one of the most fascinating time periods, imo - and the feeling of an empire in decline was pulled off wonderfully!! Though I found the order of the early decisions a bit peculiar - making story decisions while not knowing what my character is called or is meant to look like was rather odd.
When Consentia ask why you tell julia to give the holy fire to the auxiliaris one of the test is warfare 1 which is something any character have no mater the stats you chose, i don’t now if that is an error
Thank you! As for why those choices are spaced further out, I thought it would feel more natural if I weaved them into where they first become relevant for the narrative. (such as writing your name down or looking at your reflection)
Just took a look at that in the code, that’s a mistake. I’ll have it fixed it by the next update.
I think there’s a sort of logic in it. Your decisions about governance — fiscal policy, the role of the military in domestic policing, and your opinions on the Church — are not dependent on your hair color, height, or even what gender you’re attracted to. So it doesn’t really matter what your character looks like at that point.
As for why the decision to have story before character description was made? I can only assume it’s because the narrative starts in medias res during a time when we are making these decisions. Personally, I think that’s a good way to start the narrative, and then fill in our backstory in the flashback scenes.
Plus, the only time your appearance and such matter is if you pick the choices that make you Augusta’s real father, and I think choosing your appearance after that part is for the best.
In most IFs I’ve seen, your hair colour, eye colour, height, etc. don’t unlock or prevent choices or have any other mechanical effect. If you were to decide on those things for your character right at the beginning, you assumed that they were purely for flavour, and you happened to pick an appearance that differed drastically from Titus and Julia’s, then either you are not Augusta’s father or Augusta looks suspiciously unlike either of her parents and the rumours of illegitimacy get a head start. You wouldn’t be able to have Augusta be your daughter but look similar enough to her parents that no-one (who people would listen to) suspects a thing, and you would have no idea that you were locked out of this outcome until well too late.
By deciding on appearance after that, you knowingly get to decide whether to look similar to Titus and Julia so people are less suspicious of Augusta’s heritage. Or, if Augusta isn’t your daughter, then it doesn’t matter anyway, but you get to decide that it doesn’t matter anyway.
so i playes this game multiple times and sth got stuck in my mind so what does level 10 in skills represent (i edited the stats 1 time to see their limits) i know their descriptions but in the game like there was a skill check for economy? i am not sure of its name but the one with money where i had tp have 5 in it and it was said that i am a genius and unmatched by anyone so if that is only lvl 5 what does 10 do?
I meant that to be a bit like the Prefect tooting their own horn, but I’ll edit that dialogue to be more modest for clarity.
For stat rank, as the crises and threats deepen throughout the story, there will be higher skill checks to deal with, though a lower score does not necessarily lock you out of the outcome, but will often let you succeed at a narrative cost or cost to another stat. While a higher stat may allow you to succeed at no cost.
Enjoyed throughly the WIP, played the old veteran that just had to fall in love with the bloodthirsty Empress, the amount of options, decisions and overall worldbuilding is truly impressive a good original interpretation of Roman Times with a genderbent angle.
Main objective for my first playthrough shall be keep the daughter in the throne, hopefully not doing too much evil under the Empress cause my guy suffers fro the Jaime Lannister syndrome, become stinking rich and be best pals with the in exile Prince.
Just finished the last update as a male former Watch. I opted to improve skills instead of tutoring and instead of handling a crisis, but otherwise went duty first.
Finally got around to playing the update, and it did NOT disappoint! The wedding scene was great, You did an amazing job! I can finally die(in-game, of course)
Summary
did some code-diving aswell and shouldn’t
*label coin_legate
“I did. How is that you came to be a treasurer? I can’t say I’ve ever considered coin-counting as a career.” He chuckles.
*choice
be
“I did. How is it that you came to be a treasurer? I can’t say I’ve ever considered coin-counting as a career.” He chuckles.
I saw you did this for the others so I would assume so and in terms of typos etc I didn’t see anything else? maybe my eyes glossed over it
My God I can’t believe I didn’t realise sooner why I liked so much this path in Shattered Eagle. It reminds me so much of the Dishonored games’ plot! Emily Kaldwin is her name
Being the Empresses’ lover? Check
Being the Heir’s rumored-to-be-but-unproven father? Check
Being the mentor who will determine the path she takes once she ascends to the throne? Check
Being a potentially badass Lord Protector/Gray Eminence who will protect his daughter from her enemies? CHECK
The daughter can grow up to become an absolute badass, being remembered by the history books as one of the greatest rulers in the Empire’s history? CHECK CHECK CHECK
My disappointment Is immeasurable and my day is ruined.
Absolutely unrelated question, but was there a Iudian Kingdom period that preceded the Republic one? We all know about good-old Romulus and the wolf and the superb Tarquinius Superbus. Is there a founding myth for the city of Kyro ala Rome?
Emily Kaldwin is her name