- Location
- Europa, Jupiter Orbit
Why do we the players want Mandred to be Emperor? Various reasons come to mind, like the interesting story that might result, the epic shakeup if it works out or the perks of being the Emperor's godmother.
Why does Mathilde want it? Reasons like rote loyalty to her godson or to her god. And selfish reasons of access to political power with which to change the world for the better (as she sees it) come to mind. But maybe she doesn't care that much to see him on the throne. As mentioned, an openly Wizard EC might further her interests much more. And simultaneously bring her personally closer to her godson. And it allows for Roswita to become Empress instead, which combined with a Wizard EC might be even better for her. Both because the adult Roswita has already proven herself worthy and likeable and because of all the potential perks and connections for all those many people Mathilde likes that would benefit from it, including herself.
But Heidi didn't come to Mathilde to ask her what would be most convenient for her personally. She came to ask what Mathilde thinks is best for Mandred and/or how much she should trust and have faith in their mutual patron god and/or how much Heidi can continue her plots without becoming a bad mother. How much we are motivated by a fair and impartial assessment if what's best for Mandred and Heidi and how much we allow self-interest (be it player self interest or IC simulated self-interest) to play a role is our own free choice.
Whether becoming Emperor would make Mandred happier than not becoming Emperor is impossible to tell. Among the living only Luitpold has any insight at all into that. And apparently right now he still thinks thag grooming his son for the role is a good idea. But whether that's based on an honest assessment of pros and cons for his son's future quality of life is anyone's guess.
Emperors have more privilege than ECs, even if it also comes with more duties.
And losing everything as a Ranaldite Priest is a risk, not a certainty. Just like fatally miscasting as a Wizard is a risk. Just like discarding the dampeners and being tempted into Dhar-poisoning or worse is a risk.
Pretty sure that that's still a secret and that Luitpold has had whatever the typical (probably Sigmarite) baptism ritual is for an Imperial Holswig-Schliestein heir. Whether that ritual comes with its own godparent equivalent I have no idea.
@Boney Does Mathilde know if Mandred has a second "official" godparent?
We know that Ranald is not just the patron god of Robin Hood style criminality. Nor only of definitely righteous revolution. Nor specifically of con artists with a heart of gold.
There's two gossip streams. The social gossip that is used to get an in with other courtiers it is "shared" with, manipulate the dumber ones, keep up appearances of propriety, and play subtle social dominance games. And the gossip of political realism up to life and death questions that the smart share with either their closest allies or the highest bidder, but that doesn't get talked about around the coffee table. Some courtiers confuse the two. Other courtiers benefit from that and thus encourage it.
