>>6022726>>6022850>>6022862>>6022873>>6023015>>6023323"What do you think?" you consult Lana for her insights on making the event more impactful, recognizing her sharp intelligence and proven loyalty to you.
"The common people love spectacles, your radiance," the green-eyed concubine replies from her place at your feet, mirroring her position under Suial. The old tyrant saw her as a mere ornament, flaunting her scantily clad beauty to assert his power, wealth, and sexual virility before the court. But you have a different reason for having her by your side. Lana is clever and perceptive, always keenly observing and listening, even during Suial's reign. "Blood sports in the arena distract them from the kingdom's inequalities and injustices, making them more compliant. By executing the conspirators in the arena, you will demonstrate your strength to the commoners, affirm your divine right to rule through conquest, and deter future rebels."
"Your thinking aligns with mine," you nod in appreciation. Though born a peasant, Lana's cunning surpasses that of many seasoned courtiers. "But even then, some will still see me as an illegitimate ruler, clinging to the belief that the old tyrant was divine. Do you have any suggestions on how to make the event even more impactful?"
Lana glances at the portly high priest and responds, "Incorporating traditional religious ceremonies will enhance the event's significance and align it with our cultural practices. But I presume you are already aware of that, your radiance; you wouldn't have summoned the high priest of Polemos otherwise."
"Indeed," you agree. "Suial and his ancestors wielded religion and the myth of divine blood to manipulate the masses. By establishing myself as the rightful ruler anointed by Polemos, I can exorcise the old tyrant's lingering influence. But I'm unsure if the words of a hollow priest will suffice to break Suial's hold on the kingdom."
"It will be enough, your radiance," Lana counters. "The common people 'want' to believe in the gods. They would rather see you as the divinely blessed ruler than believe in a prophecy that foretells the kingdom's collapse with Sumdaq's line ending. Hope is stronger than fear, your radiance. It's what sustains commoners like me through unspeakable humiliations and indignities."
"Did you attend any of the previous gladiatorial tournaments at the arena?" you ask, curious.
"I have, your radiance," Lana responds quietly. "The old king liked to be orally pleasured while he watched men fight to the death."
"I see," you grimace. The more you learn about the old tyrant, the more your disgust for him grows. You're truly glad you share none of his blood and that his monstrous lineage has ended with him.
> Ask Lana if any non-lethal spectacles or events are popular in the arena.> Seek her insights on what elements of the tournaments most excite the audience.> Inquire if there were any specific religious rituals or ceremonies held before the games. 