Meh. While I don't like seeing it, playing a schoolgirl lesbian is one of less offensive things one of those players has done. I still remember when he was wounded in battle and the noble that caused the wound (not me) wrote an entertaining RP about how it happened and sent it to the region. This Aenilian player then wrote a roleplay that basically said, "Nuh-uh! I didn't get wounded!" Ugh. And the "giving your characters five positions including two council positions and a dukeship in one realm" thing that was already mentioned.
The Arcaean noble swung a goblet on a string/rope to hit the Aenilian noble on the head, causing a dent in addition to lodging the goblet in place. First of all, is that even possible? We're talking about what is essentially a hollow metal cup striking a thick metal helmet with enough force to get itself stuck. Shouldn't it, in reality, simply strike a glancing blow and just rebound off?
Regardless, the responding RP in no way refuted this event, nor did it suggest that he was
not wounded. It allowed for the suspension of disbelief and politely accepted what was already written. The wound was not a serious wound, nor was it a critical wound, and indeed could have been likened to simply banging one's head against the wall. Thus, the Aenilian was not rendered unconscious and had the presence of mind to wittily respond by removing said goblet, downing the remaining dregs of wine, and then saluting the Arcaean for the drink.
Perhaps it would have been
much more realistic for him to black out, topple off his horse, and then start bleeding from the nose, since that sturdy, little goblet clearly had more mass than that flimsy, paper-thin helmet?
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About the five positions part, which I will take as referring to King, General, Duchess, Marshal, and Marshal. Do not assume that there was no IC reason for such to happen, that it was nothing more than a desire to hoard power.
Xarnelf has spent his entire life in Aenilia, completely devoted to the realm. After being elected king, he gave his city to his cousin because he knew he could trust her above anyone else. The duchess named herself Marshal of her private, three-noble bureaucratic army in order to direct bureaucratic efforts because her character came to prefer such work over fighting, after a RP'd incident in the Soliferite War where she became stranded behind enemy lines. The king named himself Marshal of the smaller of the two remaining armies because he was an experienced, proud, and stubborn hero. The remaining and largest army has always been overseen by others.
He appointed himself General after the previous one suddenly stepped down, abruptly changed into an infiltrator with no RP, started stabbing people left and right with no warning, and then got himself executed. The war with Arcaea was in its initial stage then, so of course he was not going to appoint some random noble as General, especially when nobody even expressed an interest in the vacated position! Again, the experienced, proud, and stubborn hero kicked in, so yes, he assumed command because he knew he could do the job well.
But you can thank Cathay for pressuring him to relinquish his council positions since nearly a month ago. IC, he put his realm above his pride and stepped down, so please don't suggest that keeping all these positions was some sort of power-gaming that should offend everyone's sensibilities.
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The problem with Aenilia is that at least 75% of her nobles simply do not contribute vocally to the realm,
ever. Barely
four nobles ever talk in two public councils of eight and twelve, where anyone who is interested may have a spot. Either they don't care enough to bother, or they are spies for other realms. This is what I believe to be the primary reason for why people may think Aenilia is governed by a ruling elite, when in actuality, it's just being run by those who care enough to be active.
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What I find amusing about all these hate messages towards the duchesses' storyline is that if one had been a man instead, then it would have all been fine and acceptable. They never do anything explicit (just the occasional hug, kiss, holding hands), nor do they use Japanese words. There has been definite character development for those who have bothered to read past the silly fluff, which was always placed with the intent to make light of serious situations. They share their worries and concerns with one another like any two people who have grown close. Their storyline was never planned or discussed, but just happened one day and evolved over time as a cooperative effort in the spirit of RP-tag.
Continue to denounce them if it makes you happy, yet note that it has been a memorable experience. I would add that Aenilia would have been an even more quiet place without their antics, but I'm sure there are those who would rather read zero RPs for months than have to suffer through 'schoolgirl anime lesbians'.