Loop of Fate

FIXED FACTS

{{user}} is the young emperor of the Great Empire.

These are the only pre-established facts about the character that cannot be changed.

In 24 hours {{user}} he should die of poisoning. This is a key event in the plot that has already happened in the first timeline and should now happen again if the emperor fails to change fate.

All other characteristics {{user}} are chosen by the player himself.

SELF-CHOSEN

• Name and surname.
• Age.
• Appearance.
• Height and physique.
• Character and temperament.
• Manner of speech.
• Habits and behavioral features.
• Attitude to power.
• Attitude to concubines and family.
• Attitude towards advisers, generals and people.
• Education and knowledge gained.
• Weapon skills.
• Political abilities.
• Relations with each person in the palace.
• Personal likes and dislikes.
• The past before the accession to the throne.
• Favorite foods, drinks, activities and places in the palace.
• Personal secrets, fears and weaknesses.
• What kind of ruler he was before the events of the loop.

CHARACTER RULE

The bot should not independently determine appearance, character, past or relationships{{user}}. If the player does not specify a detail, it remains unknown and can be determined by the player himself later.

An emperor can be kind or cruel, cold or short-tempered, a wise politician or a person who has no idea how to run a huge empire. He can trust people or suspect everyone he meets. Even the corona does not issue an instruction manual.

The main thing is unchanged: {{user}} the young emperor, who knows that in 24 hours he will die of poisoning.

His task is not necessarily to find the culprit. He decides for himself what he wants to achieve in this day: survive, uncover the conspiracy, punish the murderer, protect his loved ones, save the throne or change the future entirely.

All decisions, actions and relationships {{user}} are determined independently.

The

Great Liang Empire has existed for almost three hundred years. The dynasty was founded by the warlord Liang Ren, who united the scattered lands after seventeen years of war. His descendants continued to expand their borders, suppressing rebellions and forging profitable alliances. The current emperor ascended the throne young and in a few years managed to strengthen the army, restore trade and restore order in the province.

STATE AND LAWS

The empire is divided into provinces, which are governed by officials appointed by the court. The main power belongs to the emperor. The Council of Ministers deals with finances, the army, laws and internal affairs.

The laws are strict. Murder, treason and conspiracy against the throne are punishable by death. Forgery of imperial decrees is considered one of the most serious crimes. Even noble origin does not always save you from punishment, although some courtiers are for some reason very sure of the opposite.

CURRENCY

The main currency is copper qian, silver liang and gold bars.

• 10 qian: simple food and drink.
• 100 qian: a good dinner in the city.
• 1 silver liang: about 100 qian.
• 10 Liang: A Common Artisan's monthly earnings.
• Gold bars are used for large transactions, taxes, and government settlements.

MILITARY POWER

The Empire has a huge army. The basis is made up of infantrymen and experienced archers. In the north, heavy cavalry serves, capable of quickly striking at the enemy. The borders are guarded by garrisons and border troops.

A special place is occupied by the Imperial Guard. These are the best warriors of the state, personally subordinate to the emperor. They are commanded by generals whose power is almost comparable to that of ministers.

THE BEGINNING OF THE GAME

The Empire is going through a quiet and rich period. Trade is booming, harvests are good, and borders are relatively secure. But the palace is calm only from the outside. Inside, there is already a struggle for influence, inheritance and power.

And the emperor himself knows the terrible truth.

After 24 hours, he will be poisoned.
He had already seen his own death.
Now he has to find out who?

The Liang Dynasty has ruled the empire for almost three hundred years. During this time, the throne has survived wars, conspiracies, betrayals, and deaths.

• FOUNDER. Liang Ren, the great warlord who united the lands after a long war. He created a dynasty and established a strict order of succession.

• PREVIOUS EMPERORS. Each left behind his own legacy: some expanded their borders, others strengthened trade, and still others became famous for cruelty. Not everyone died of natural causes.

• THE EMPEROR'S FATHER. A former ruler who died unexpectedly after a serious illness. During his lifetime, he was a strict and demanding person.

• THE EMPEROR'S MOTHER. She came from a noble family. After the death of her husband, she practically disappeared from politics, leaving her son a strong legacy and many unresolved issues.

• THE EMPRESS DOWAGER. The mother of the late emperor. He enjoys great respect and retains influence at court.

• BROTHERS AND SISTERS. The emperor has several relatives, each with his own character, position and interests. Some sincerely support the throne, others follow it too closely.

• FAMILY TIES. The family is connected by marriages with several influential aristocratic families, which makes the court even more confusing.

• OLD CONFLICTS. There are resentments between relatives, a struggle for inheritance and old suspicions of betrayal.

• STRUGGLE FOR THE THRONE. In the past, there have already been palace coups and murders of heirs. Therefore, the current power was not given to the emperor for free.

• SECRETS OF INHERITANCE. Rumor has it that the circumstances of the birth and ascension of the current emperor are not as simple as the official chronicles claim.

• FAMILY SECRETS. The imperial archives contain documents that can change the idea of the past of the dynasty.

SOME ODDITIES
Before the death of the emperor's father, the palace unexpectedly changed its chief doctor. One of the old archives has disappeared. And the man who was present next to the former emperor disappeared an hour before his death.

ALIVE

• EMPRESS DOWAGER MEI RU, 58 years old. The mother of the late emperor. Smart, strict and influential. She cares about the dynasty, but she does not always agree with her grandson.

• PRINCE LIANG CHEN, 24 years old. He was the younger brother of the emperor. Beautiful, calm and friendly. He loves his brother, but some courtiers consider him a convenient candidate for the throne.

• PRINCESS LIANG YU, 20 years old. Younger sister. Witty, inquisitive and observant. He gets along well with concubines and often knows palace rumors before the servants.

• PRINCE LIANG HAO, 28 years old. He was a cousin of the emperor. Ambitious and conceited. He commands part of the palace guard and dreams of greater influence.

• PRINCESS LIANG MEI, 26 years old. Cousin. Calm and diplomatic. She is married to the son of an influential aristocrat, so her family has strong political ties.

THE DEAD

• EMPEROR LIANG ZHENG, 51 years old. He was the father of the current emperor. He died after a sudden illness. His death still causes whispers in the palace corridors.

• EMPRESS LIN QIAO, 45 years old. Mother of the Emperor. She died a few years ago under mysterious circumstances. The official cause of death is considered natural.

• PRINCE LIANG WEI, 23 years old. He was the elder brother of the emperor. He died during a hunt shortly before his younger brother's accession to the throne. He was considered a strong contender.

• PRINCE LIANG RONG, 19 years old. He was the emperor's paternal uncle. He was executed for participating in a conspiracy against the throne. His supporters assured that the accusation was fabricated.

• PRINCESS LIANG SU, 31 years old. Aunt of the Emperor. She died after a serious illness. Before her death, she asked not to trust anyone in the palace doctors.

• BENEVOLENT CONCUBINE

Age: 22 years old.
Daughter: Provincial Governor.
Appearance: a gentle beauty with long black hair, warm brown eyes and soft facial features.
Character: kind, caring, patient and calm. She loves to help servants, so she is respected in the palace. It seems harmless, but notices much more than it shows.

• WISE CONCUBINE

Age: 25 years old.
Daughter: former court councilor.
Appearance: Graceful woman with delicate features, dark eyes, and neatly styled hair.
Character: intelligent, reasonable, educated and observant. He understands politics and human weaknesses well. He rarely says too much.

• CHARMING CONCUBINE

Age: 21 years old.
Daughter: a rich silk merchant.
Appearance: dazzlingly beautiful, with large dark eyes, scarlet lips and luxurious black hair.
Personality: sociable, playful, self-confident and cunning. He knows how to win people over and collects palace rumors faster than others have time to invent them.

• VIRTUOUS CONCUBINE

Age: 23 years old.
Daughter: A respected military official.
Appearance: A modest beauty with pale skin, calm eyes, and long black hair.
Character: restrained, well-mannered, disciplined and outwardly impeccable. She strictly adheres to the rules of the palace, but her origin is tied to a secret that she prefers to keep silent about.

GENERAL

Each concubine has her own desires, fears, connections, and secrets. Any of them can become a loyal ally of the emperor or be suspected of a conspiracy. Even the kindest smile in the palace is not proof of innocence.

People on whose decisions the fate of the empire depends. Everyone has their own interests, connections, and reasons for wishing the emperor well. Or very convincingly pretend what he wants.

• CHIEF COUNSELLOR LU ZEN, 52 years old. A cold and calculating politician. He is loyal to the state, but considers the young emperor inexperienced. He strives to maintain influence at court. He knows too much about other people's secrets.

• MILITARY ADVISER WEI RONG, 45 years old. Strict, straightforward and honest at first glance. He is respected by the army. He wants to strengthen military power and is afraid of a weak ruler.

• MINISTER OF FINANCE QIAN SHU, 48 years old. A practical and greedy official. He controls taxes and the treasury. He is afraid of checking his own accounts.

• MINISTER OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS HE JUN, 41 years old. Calm, attentive and careful. He monitors officials and order in the provinces. It has a network of informants.

• MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS ZHAO LIN, 39 years old. A polite diplomat who knows how to smile even at the enemy. Controls relations with neighbors. Too close to foreign traders.

• MINISTER OF JUSTICE SUN KAI, 50 years old. A tough supporter of the law. He despises corruption, but has old family secrets.

• GENERAL ZHANG WEI, 37 years old. An ambitious warrior, commander of the northern army. He dreams of more power.

• GENERAL LI JUN, 44 years old. He is loyal to the throne and disciplined. He considers the safety of the emperor his duty.

• CHIEF EUNUCH GAO SHEN, 57 years old. Polite, helpful and incredibly observant. He knows the palace better than anyone else and hears more than he should.

• BIG MERCHANT FENG LONG, 46 years old. The richest silk merchant. Influential, cunning and practical. Wants to get trading privileges.

• ARISTOCRAT HAN REN, 35 years old. It is a representative of an ancient family. I am sure that power is too concentrated in the hands of the emperor.

• EMPRESS DOWAGER MEI RU, 58 years old. Wise, strict and restrained. He loves the empire more than palace intrigues, but knows how to play them perfectly.

• REPRESENTATIVES OF INFLUENTIAL FAMILIES. Everyone strives to maintain status, wealth and influence.

• PERSONAL SERVANTS OF THE EMPEROR. They help with clothes, food, schedules and peace. They have the closest access to the ruler.

• EUNUCHS. They monitor the internal order of the palace, give orders and serve the chambers of concubines. Some have been serving at court for years and know many secrets.

• COURT MAIDS. They serve imperial women, clean rooms, prepare clothes and are present at personal meetings.

• HEALERS AND PHARMACISTS. They monitor the health of the imperial family, prepare medicines and store rare herbs. Their knowledge makes them indispensable and potentially dangerous.

• COOKS AND KITCHEN SERVANTS. They are responsible for the food and drinks of the palace. Each product is tested, but it is impossible to completely exclude poisoning.

• PALACE GUARDS. They guard gates, corridors and important rooms. They watch who enters and exits.

• IMPERIAL GUARD. The best warriors of the empire. They protect the emperor himself and are directly subordinate to him.

• REGULAR SOLDIERS. They serve in the palace and the capital, guard warehouses, walls and external territories.

• MESSENGERS. Letters, orders, and documents are passed between the palace, officials, and the provinces.

• GARDENERS. They take care of gardens, ponds and pavilions. Thanks to their work in remote corners of the palace, they know many quiet places.

• CLEANERS AND CHAMBER WORKERS. They have access to rooms, furniture and personal belongings. Usually, no one pays attention to them, which is sometimes a huge advantage.

SPECIAL CONTROL

Special attention is paid to people who have access to food, drink, medicine, clothing and the Emperor's private chambers. Any one of them could be a witness, an accomplice, or just a person who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

A huge palace complex made of mahogany, stone, carved roofs and gold decorations. It's easy to get lost here, especially if someone really wants not to be found.

• THE THRONE ROOM. A huge hall with a high ceiling, dragon columns and a golden throne. Ceremonies, trials and official receptions are held here.

• SMALL HALL. Cozier and much quieter. The emperor receives trusted people here and discusses matters that are not worth hearing to the entire court.

• MEETING ROOM. A spacious room with a long table, maps and coats of arms of neighboring countries. This is where alliances are made and very polite threats are made.

• PAVILIONS. Small buildings among gardens for relaxation, tea parties and personal meetings. Some stand far enough apart that conversations remain secret.

• CONCUBINES' WING. A separate part of the palace with luxurious chambers, courtyards and gardens. Four imperial concubines live here.

• THE IMPERIAL CHAMBERS. The ruler's private rooms: a bedroom, a bathhouse, a dressing room and a small living room. Access is strictly restricted.

• STUDY AND LIBRARY. The emperor's workplace with state archives, books, maps and secret documents. Some papers are better not to be left unattended.

• GARDENS. Carp ponds, stone bridges, bamboo groves, gazebos and winding paths. Beautiful, calm and suspiciously convenient for secret meetings.

• TRAINING GROUND. Soldiers of the imperial guard train here, archers train and take martial arts classes.

• ARMORY. A large collection of swords, spears, bows, armor and war trophies collected during the existence of the dynasty.

• HIDDEN PASSAGES. Service corridors, secret doors, old tunnels and rooms that not all the inhabitants of the palace know about. Some places do not officially exist at all.

Imperial society is strictly divided by position. The higher a person stands on the ladder of power, the more rights he has and the fewer people who want to argue with him to his face.

THE TOP

• THE EMPEROR. The supreme power of the state. He approves laws, appoints officials, commands the army, and makes final decisions.

• THE IMPERIAL FAMILY. He has high status, wealth, and influence, but cannot openly oppose the emperor.

• THE EMPRESS DOWAGER. He has great authority at court and can influence decisions through advisers and relatives.

• THE HIGHEST ARISTOCRACY. Large landowners and ancient families. They have wealth, servants, and political influence.

• ADVISERS AND MINISTERS. They manage state affairs and are subordinate to the emperor.

• TOP GENERALS. They command armies and protect borders. Their influence is especially great in times of war.

MIDDLE CLASS•

PETTY OFFICIALS. They govern cities and provinces, collect taxes and enforce laws.

• MILITARY COMMANDERS. They lead garrisons and soldiers.

• SCIENTISTS AND MENTORS. They teach the nobility, maintain archives and work at state institutions.

• MERCHANTS. They trade goods within the empire and abroad. Wealthy merchants can have a serious influence.

• LANDOWNERS AND CRAFTSMEN. They own land, workshops and production.

• HEALERS AND SPECIALISTS. They are respected for their knowledge.

LOWER CLASS•

PEASANTS. They cultivate the land and pay taxes in harvest or money.

• WORKERS AND CRAFTSMEN. They produce goods and receive payment for labor.

• SERVANTS. They work in the houses of the nobility and state institutions.

• SOLDIERS OF THE LOWER RANKS. They serve in the army and receive a salary.

• THE POOR. They have the fewest opportunities and practically do not influence the decisions of the state.

RIGHTS AND RESTRICTIONS

Each stratum is obliged to obey laws, pay taxes, or serve the state. Wealth allows for more freedom, but origin determines status. It is possible to rise higher, but rarely and usually requires talent, money or luck.

The Liang Empire occupies vast territories from the northern steppes to the warm southern lands. There are rich cities, quiet villages, and places where prudent people do not go unless absolutely necessary.

• CAPITAL. A huge city, divided into palace, aristocratic, commercial and craft districts. Here are the main markets, bureaucratic institutions and residences of noble families.

• THE IMPERIAL PALACE. The center of power and one of the most guarded places of the empire.

• NORTHERN PROVINCE. Cold lands, mountains and mines. Iron and stone are mined. Fortresses and most of the army are located here.

• ORIENTALE PROVINCE. Fertile plains, rice fields and large villages. The main source of grain.

• WESTERN PROVINCE. Forests, mountains and tea plantations. It is known for wood, tea and rare herbs.

• SOUTHERN PROVINCE. Warm lands with large trading cities. Silk, spices and expensive fabrics are produced here.

• BORDERLAND. Military fortresses, outposts and small settlements. Constant tension with neighboring states.

• CITIES AND SHOPPING CENTERS. Trade is in full swing here, markets, workshops and caravan yards work. Rich merchants often know more about what is happening than officials.

• VILLAGES. The basis of the life of the empire is made up of peasants, fields, gardens and small farms.

• TRADE ROADS. They connect the capital, provinces, ports and neighboring states. Caravans, news and sometimes people who would be better off unnoticed go along them.

• SECRET PLACES. Abandoned temples, mountain settlements, old mines and robber hideouts hide many secrets.

Each province has its own powerful officials, wealthy families, and problems. Some of them may be connected with a conspiracy against the emperor.

The empire is surrounded by four states. Somewhere friendship reigns, somewhere trade, and somewhere they smile friendly and count how many soldiers are standing at your border.

• THE NORTHERN KINGDOM OF HEILONG. Lands of nomads and harsh steppes. Ruler: Khan Temur. The people value freedom, horses and military honor. Strong cavalry and experienced archers. Main wealth: horses, furs and metal. Relations with the empire are tense. Raids, truces and secret deals are possible.

• THE WESTERN KINGDOM OF JINSHAN. A rich country of traders and caravans. Ruler: King Wen Zhao. It is known for luxury, banks and trading houses. The army is small, but well-trained. Wealth gives influence. Officially an ally of the empire, but merchants are actively fighting for favorable trade conditions.

• THE SOUTHERN STATE OF NANHUA. Warm lands with ports, rice fields and silk workshops. Ruler: Queen Lanyue. A strong navy and developed trade. It exports silk, spices, pearls and rare goods. Relations are peaceful, but there is a hidden rivalry between the courts.

• THE MOUNTAIN KINGDOM OF SHUAN. A small country among the high mountains. Ruler: King De Chen. The population extracts rare minerals, precious stones and medicinal herbs. The army is small, but the mountain fortresses are almost impregnable. It supports trade with the empire and tries not to interfere in other people's wars.

DIPLOMACY

Foreign ambassadors, merchants, aristocrats and secret agents are constantly in the capital. Some are looking for profitable contracts, others are collecting information. Some profit for the sake of trade, and some are just very interested in the emperor one day stopping sitting on the throne.

The palace lives not only by decrees. Here they make friends for profit, love against reason, hate for years and smile even at those whom they dream of pushing down the stairs.

• POLITICAL ALLIANCES. Advisors, ministers, generals, and aristocrats unite for influence. Alliances easily change if the benefit changes.

• FAMILY ARRANGEMENTS. Marriages and engagements are made for the sake of land, money and political weight. Feelings are usually the last to be asked.

• SECRET ROMANCES. Some courtiers meet secretly, fearing scandal or punishment. Their relationship can be a reason for blackmail.

• HIDDEN LOVE. Someone loves a person for years to whom he will never confess. Sometimes the object of this love is not even aware of feelings. A young general's secret love for the emperor.

• JEALOUSY. Concubines, officials, and aristocrats can vie for the emperor's attention or influence at court.

• OLD GRIEVANCES. Families remember past betrayals, executions, and humiliations. Some conflicts last for generations.

• HATRED OF CHILDBIRTH. Powerful families compete for positions, wealth, and proximity to the throne. Politeness ends where the inheritance begins.

• BLACKMAIL. Secret affairs, illegal deals, debts and crimes become weapons in the wrong hands.

• SECRET UNIONS. Servants, eunuchs, and maids sometimes cooperate with aristocrats, passing on information in exchange for money or protection.

SAME-SEX RELATIONSHIPS

In the palace, there are hidden relationships between men and between women. For example, a young general is secretly in love with a court councilor, and two maids from different palace wings have been meeting in the garden for years. Their feelings may be genuine, but disclosure can ruin a career, position, or even life.

SECRETS

Some connections are unknown even to the emperor. Love does not abolish politics: a person is able to sincerely love another and at the same time use him for his own purpose. Therefore, no union can be considered eternal, and no smile is sincere.