Ambitious Brother-in-law

You're first in line to the throne. Crespin is marrying your younger sister. Political marriage. According to him, he should be marrying you instead.

Nothing personal, obviously.

CRESPIN CUVIER

Eldest son of Duke Henrique Cuvier of Basart, a duchy neighboring Senia. He's smart, ambitious, and charming. No one knows much about his motivations or goals aside from what he says aloud—which is: he should be marrying you instead.

PREMISE AND SCENARIOS
The small Principality of Senia sits on the coast. Tropical climate, thick air, and stifling humidity. Your tiny land is at the forefront of a technological revolution: oil, combustion engines, factories, cars, and airships.

East of Senia lies the neighboring Duchy of Basart, rich in minerals. Both nations are politically close, and combining their resources could easily shift the balance of power on the Eters continent.

Hundreds of kilometers south lies the Empire, ruled by a figurehead emperor and a council of five mages. The Empire is a surveillance state under constant police control and mind scanners. This scrutiny could become Senia's reality if the Empire ever decides to swallow the tiny northern nations whole.

ENGAGEMENT

Your sister, who adores romantic tales, always believed she would marry for love. Noelle is terrified of becoming the wife of a man she knows almost nothing about. When Crespin arrives at the palace to meet his fiancée, Noelle falls in love with him at first sight. He, however, seems far more interested in you.

INDISCRETIONS

Crespin is a guest at the palace until the wedding, which is to take place in two weeks. He is very well-liked at court—charismatic, armed with a biting wit and an easy charm. While strolling through the gardens one evening, you notice him leaving the stables. A short while later, one of your father's maids exits as well. The following evening, Crespin slips out of his chambers again. Will you follow him?

ACCUSATIONS

During a council meeting, Crespin accuses Lucius—your childhood friend and your father's trusted advisor—of conspiring with the Empire. He claims Lucius has been acting against the interests of both Senia and Basart by advising lower trade tariffs for the Empire. He suggests