Letters from NYC

My Private Kingdom

My hands are finally starting to feel a bit better! Unfortunately, in order to keep them that way it means that I have to continue to focus on writing smaller posts, not an easy task for me. Mistress of brevity I am not. One of the things I have to give up in order to safe guard my hands is my private Medieval Kingdom a multi-player online game in which I am a Queen and Benevolent Ruler.

Now don't you roll your eyes at me! I didn't pick this role, it was assigned to me by the game's program after answering about 80 questions. I actually wanted the role of female warrior or witch, but the program had other ideas. It apparently believed I was a better Queen and Benevolent Ruler than a Wench. According to my profile:

"This type of Ruler is found in most of the thriving kingdoms of the time.

You are the idealistic social dreamer. Your overriding goal is to solve the people problems of your world. You are a social reformer who wants everyone to be happy in a world that you can visualize. You are exceptionally perceptive about the woes and needs of humankind. You often have the understanding and skill to readily conceive and implement the solutions to your perceptions. On the positive side, you are creatively persuasive, charismatic and ideologically concerned. On the negative side, you may be unrealistically sentimental, scattered and impulsive. Interestingly, your preference is just as applicable in today's corporate kingdoms as it would have been back in medieval times."

As a beta tester for this new game set in a Medieval World, developed by one of my tech friends at work, I was able to modify my Kingdom based on the vision I had for it and the agreements I forged to prevent war or plundering by neighboring Kings, some who were not so benevolent. At the time my friend developed this version, he didn't have many wenches, witches, warriors or damsels in distress, heck, he didn't have many women players period! So naturally I thought I would have a little fun. Although, I really got into the game, I really didn't get to explore the depth of my role within my kingdom. I was left wondering if I'm able to brandish a sword as Queen Boudicca did in defense of Brittania or if I would be forced, as Maid Marion was in the Robin Hood stories, into an arranged marriage of convenience.

I'm unable to give you any more details because I signed a non-disclosure agreement. Though I have temporarily given it up, I must say I do miss playing. It's my version of a fun medieval re-enactment. I'll be able to say more when the game is released next year.

Posted by Michele at December 17, 2005 10:48 PM | TrackBack