Princess World: Frontier Kingdoms

by BJK White
v0.8
Formal Introductions..........................................2 Know Your Neighbours...................................33 Assessing Factors..............................................62 Princess Magic..................................................81
Crowns In The Dark..........................................2 Relations............................................................33 Putting It All Together.....................................63 Aftermath..........................................................82
This Is The World And The World Is Princess...4 Relations Clocks...............................................33 Lead A Group Action.......................................63 Rewards Earned................................................82
Frontier Kingdom Life.......................................5 Kingdom Improvements..................................34 Set Up Actions..................................................64 Chaos Grows.....................................................83
Princess Games...................................................6 Kingdom Boons................................................34 Protect That Smile............................................64 Complications...................................................84
Royal Developments..........................................7 Subjects..............................................................40 Escalating Or Trading Position For Effect.....64 Complication Roll Table..................................84
Princess Character Creation...............................8 Commanding & Leading Subjects...........41 Channelling Wild Magic..................................65 Free Time...........................................................88
What Measure Is A Princess..............................8 War Is Not Healthy For Princesses And Other Chaos................................................................. 65 Calm The Wilds................................................88
Aspect Flexibility..............................................10 Living Things....................................................44 Elemental Explosions.......................................65 Training.............................................................88
Princess Speciality............................................10 Kingdom Reputations......................................44 Chaos Sets The Stage........................................66 Borrow Something Special..............................88
Princess Speciality Bonus................................11 Borders And Shields.........................................45 Wild Magic Surge Examples.....................67 Indulge Indulgence...........................................89
Changing Specialities.......................................11 Claiming New Land.........................................45 Harm And Consequence...................................68 Reach Out..........................................................90
Standard Princess Abilities..............................12 Kingdom Tier Advancement...........................46 The Heart Of A Princess..................................68 Improving Relations..................................90
List Of Special Abilities....................................13 Factions.............................................................47 Consequences...................................................68 Requesting Financial Support..................91
Custom Special Abilities..................................17 Faction & Big Picture Clocks..........................47 Pushing Yourself...............................................69 Recover..............................................................92
Princess Titles...................................................17 Faction Keyword Suggestions.........................48 Weight............................................................... 69 Take A Break.....................................................92
Princess Pronouns............................................17 Playing The Game.............................................53 Heart Scars........................................................70 Long Term Projects..........................................93
Appearance.......................................................17 Dice Basics & Escalation..................................53 Retirement.........................................................72 Reports........................................................93
Indulgences.......................................................18 Rolling The Dice: d6s.......................................53 Heart Scars In Play...........................................73 Investigate.........................................................94
Treasure & Items...............................................19 Rolling Dice Other Than d6s..........................54 Resistance Rolls................................................74 Winding Down..................................................95
Buying Luck...............................................19 Progress Clocks................................................55 Magic Shields....................................................75 Downtime Discussions....................................95
Legacy Princesses.............................................20 Types Of Dice Rolls..........................................56 Death.................................................................75 Beliefs................................................................ 96
Transferring From Princess Academy............21 Action Rolls................................................56 Kingdom Affairs...............................................76 Conversation Prompts (1d100).......................97
Magical Princessism & Aspects In Play............22 Free Time Rolls..........................................56 Planning & Engagement..................................76 Ending The Session...........................................99
Kingdom Creation & Growth...........................30 Fortune Rolls..............................................56 Choose Your Approach....................................76 Princess Advancement....................................100
Patron Faction..................................................30 Resistance Rolls..........................................56 Engagement Approaches In Detail.................77 Kingdom Advancement..................................101
Kingdom Focus................................................31 Action Rolls.......................................................57 The Engagement Roll.......................................78 Appendix A: Session Progression...................102
Kingdom Terrain & Castle..............................31 Play It Out.........................................................61 Flashbacks.........................................................79 Appendix B: Random Tables...........................103
Kingdom Attributes.........................................32 Effect.................................................................. 61 Prep Points........................................................80 Appendix C: Quick Reference & Glossary......109
 Formal Introductions
Princess World: Frontier Kingdoms is a tabletop roleplaying game intended of life that is suddenly absolutely not slice of life but then has to go back to
for a group of 2 - 5 players. It's a sequel (of sorts) to Princess Academy being slice of life again). Sessions in Frontier Kingdoms tend to naturally tilt
Adventures, although you don't need to be familiar with that game to enjoy towards becoming happy messes of melodrama, your princesses forming deep
this one. friendships and bitter rivalries, bearing great hardships and heavy
The tone is fluffy but weighty, like a lead marshmallow. In Princess World responsibilities, experiencing joyful highs and shattering lows. Their trials are
magic is everywhere and princesses wield great power with relative ease, but both personal and epic, literally shaping the world. For better or for worse.
people are still people and feelings are still feelings. Actions have
Crowns In The Dark
consequences, entropy must constantly be fought, and even if the power of
Princess World: Frontier Kingdoms is based on Blades in the Dark (found at
friendship is a quantifiable force it won't necessarily conquer all. If you're
http://www.bladesinthedark.com/), product of One Seven Design, developed
excited by the idea of characters exchanging barbed pleasantries at a party
and authored by John Harper, and licensed for our use under the Creative
one moment and facing down enormous monsters in a shower of heart-
Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license
shaped sparkles the next, this might just be the game for you.
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/). Thanks also to D. Vincent
Part of my reason for working on this game was that it's difficult to find
Baker for Apocalypse World and Avery Alder for Monsterhearts.
anything Forged in the Dark that isn't, well, very very grim. Don't get me
Inspiration for this game came from a wide variety of sources, but I'd like to
wrong, I love a bit of grimdark despairpunk, but I also like more hopeful and
credit the magical girl genre generally and in particular PreCure,
optimistic settings. Games about building things that maybe won't just
Revolutionary Girl Utena, and Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica. Other
collapse, in a setting that has sunny days and rainbows above all the hardship
influences include the Atelier games by Gust and the Danganronpa games
and tears down below. Also I just love princesses (and magical girls and slice
by Spike Chunsoft, as well as Steven Universe and Adventure Time.
 Everything Changes
There are a lot of differences between this game and Blades in the Dark. I
know it's surprising, that a game about scoundrels doing crimes in a haunted
fantasy-industrial city and a game about demigod-avatar princesses balancing
tea parties and giant monster attacks could be quite a bit different, but there
you go.
One important change is that there are no playbooks or skins. Your princess
is defined by her speciality, by her abilities, and by her aspects. It didn't seem
worthwhile to create a bunch of different sorts of princesses when the rules
already support any manner of princess you might like to play. To put it
another way, everyone's a princess in this game, so you all use the universal
playbook, 'Princess'.
Another change is that princesses are pretty powerful, as player characters.
They'll often have a lot more options when dealing with a situation and will
generally be rolling more dice than in a Blades game. Princess World doesn't
have quite the same mood of trapped desperation that Dostvol does. The
player characters aren't scoundrels hustling just to get by, they're magical
princesses charged with noble responsibility. So they're powerful and they
have a little more agency, but on the other hand they've got a kingdom to
think about. They have parties to attend, factions to appease, subjects to look
after, borders to expand and defend and strengthen. There's too much to do,
not enough space, everything keeps breaking, and everyone expects too
much.
Still, even those seemingly manageable moment to moment rolls shouldn't
get too comfortable. Hence another big change, the escalation rule. Rolling
d6s means doing things in a normal sort of way. Functional, efficient, getting
the job done. But maybe you want to show off a bit, add some pizazz, put a
little spin on it. Maybe you want to swap those five d6s for five d8s. Or d10s,
or d12s, or heck with it. I'm feeling lucky. Let's go d20.
Part of the decision to implement this rule was a way to represent princess
flamboyance—not just doing something, but doing it in an over the top and
sparkly way. Greater risk and greater spectacle. Part of it was because I
wanted an opportunity to bust out the d12s once in a while. In any case it's a
pretty big break from the pure core of Blades (those precious blessed ever-
elusive 6s), and while I recognise that it might not work for some people I
feel that it can really add to the drama, as well as give players more options
and more agency in action rolls. Being told by the GM that there's nothing
you can do to even scratch this enormous monster, but then being able to say
"What if I escalate to d20?" carries with it a certain feeling of power and of
weight that feels very princess. Maybe the situation really is impossible. But
then again, maybe you'll roll a 20.
There are other changes too, because a lot of rules for scoundrels don't work
or aren't necessary for princesses, but I think I've covered the big ones here.
 This Is The World And The World Is Princess
The known kingdoms are relatively small, an island of order amidst an ocean of chaotic wild energy. Princesses are those who through
legacy, effort or accident can channel this energy. They're part magical girl and part demigod-avatar and part regular teenager in way
over their head.

You're one of them. You recently graduated Princess Academy and for whatever reason someone gave you responsibility for a frontier
kingdom, a tiny bubble of stabilised chaos at the very edge of the known kingdoms, surrounded by temperamental shields, pressed
right up against the shifting wild lands with all of its monsters and elementals and raw magic and absolute uncertainty.

This burgeoning frontier kingdom is yours, princess. Yours to build into something stable and lasting. Yours to defend against the
dangers of this strange and wondrous world. Yours to prove worthy of ... or yours to fail.

Lucky you?

~4~
Frontier Kingdom Life
There are four aspects of frontier princessing that remain constant: have groups with opposing ideals come stomping into their kingdom with
 There's too much to do. official permission to be there and lists of demands. Give them challenges

 There's not enough space. that suit their strengths, but don't be afraid to hit 'em where they're weakest.
Force them to get creative about dealing with problems outside of their
 Everyone expects too much.
collective skillset. Present opportunities for them to exercise that legendary
 Everything keeps breaking.
princess flexibility.
The life of a princess is one of responsibility. You are responsible for your
In many ways the Princess World mood is feeling like you're just starting to
kingdom; it lives or dies by your actions. You are responsible to your patron;
get on top of things before being blindsided by a problem and all looking at
they put you here and they expect results. You are responsible for your
each other like, how in the world are we going to deal with THIS?
subjects; the people trust their princess to protect them and rule them fairly.
And then rolling up your collective sleeves and pouring some fresh tea and
You are responsible for your speciality; to embody its spirit and present a
attending to the business of getting things very thoroughly sorted out.
shining example. You are responsible to your fellow frontier princesses; it's
not like anyone else is looking out for them. Perhaps more than anything you Because you're a frontier princess.

are responsible for yourself; a princess's heart is strong but heavy, and so You don't sit around complaining.

easily scarred. Well, you do for a while.

It's up to the GM to keep the princesses a little overwhelmed, but also to But then you go out.
find the balance between fun tension and actual stress. You don't have to be And you get.
constantly checking off those four aspects, so that the princesses always have Things.
too much to deal with AND no space for improvements AND five factions Done.
clamouring for attention AND their border shields are in constant risk of
failing. At the same time you shouldn't let them get comfortable. If they're
doing fine managing their border and dealing with wild lands nonsense then
hit them with an extremely important party invitation. If they're balancing all
their social obligations have a wild surge start building near their borders, or

~5~
Princess Games
Playing a princess is so much fun. For one, there are so many different types.
Not just in terms of their speciality, but their character and attitude and just
their whole approach to being a princess. You can play it imperious or as a
down-to-earth people's princess, as a tough sensible individual who can't be
bothered with all the princess trappings and who just wants to get the job
done, or as a starry-eyed idealist in love with the romance of it all. You could
be a laconic stoic princess, silently bearing the weight of all of her
responsibilities, determined never to let her inner turmoil show to those who
are relying on her. Or you could be a bouncy happy princess who wears her
heart on her sleeve and bursts into tears over every elemental she cheerfully
destroys. So many princesses! So much potential! Oh, it'd melt your face with
the possibilities.
One thing to keep in mind is that you don't need to roleplay everything. It's
fine to just say "I do x like y and I'm feeling z." Lots of people aren't
comfortable expressing a lot of emotion or have trouble articulating exactly
what their character is saying. Often you're playing someone who can do
things you can't, and that's kind of the whole point.
~6~
Don't be afraid to let your character (and the dice) do the heavy lifting for
you. Of course it can be fun to get into your character's head and play out a
little scene (based on a good roll) where you convince the guard that of
COURSE you're meant to be here, but it's equally fine to let the dice do the
talking and say, "I do a great job getting the guard off my case, and I'm pretty
happy about it." As the GM you can do a lot with a player who's more
comfortable with this 'tell, don't show' style of RP. You can ask questions
like, "Do you show your happiness in any particular way?" and often that'll
lead to, y'know, just little cute character moments that really do add a lot to
the game, even if the player isn't playing everything out. Anyway, that's just a
thing I think about quite often. There's so much room in RPGs, for all types
of players. Just like there's so much room in Princess World, for all types of
princesses. Metaphorically, at least.
Royal Developments
There are a couple of ways to get into this game. You could build your You can always expand and modify or even retcon character relationships and
kingdom together with your fellow players and the GM, then create their past lives during play, but it's fantastic to have some early discussion
characters to fit the kingdom, or you could make your characters together about where you're all coming from and what your goals are and the places
then build a kingdom to fit them, or you could jump around from one thing you expect this to go. One thing's for sure; this story is going to be so much
to the other until you've got everything sorted out and slotted together. cooler and weirder and more interesting and surprising and fun than one you
However you do things you should do them together, as a group. The could make alone.
relationships between the princesses and their kingdom, and with each other, So come on, princess. Let's get started.
will help establish the tone of your game and suggest a direction for the
sessions ahead. The history you all share is important too. Are you just
meeting now, or do you have a past? Did you attend Princess Academy
together? Were you in the same class? Are you friends, siblings, rivals? Did
any of you expect to end up in a frontier kingdom, or did you have different
ideals, different goals? Is this a stepping stone to greater things? Do any of
you actually want to be here?

~7~
 Princess Character Creation
What Measure Is A Princess
Princesses have four core traits: Fitness, Wit, Charm and Whimsy. These
traits are defined by the four aspects beneath each. If a princess has three
points of Sporty and one of Sneaky she'll have a Fitness of two, because two
of the Fitness aspects have points invested in them. The more well-rounded
your princess is with a particular set of aspects, the better their core trait
rating.
Each aspect has a rating from 0 to 4, which tells you how many dice to roll
when performing a related action. (If a princess has no points in an aspect
she rolls two dice and takes the lowest.) At creation princesses have seven
points to split among their aspects, although to begin with they can't have
move than two points in a single aspect. Later they can use XP to improve
their aspects up to a maximum of three points, or four if the appropriate
Mastery improvement has been purchased for their kingdom.
You choose which aspect to use in an action by describing what your
character does. Actions that are poorly suited to the situation may be less
effective and put the character in more danger, but they can still be
attempted.
~8~
You're free to describe how your character performs an action based on their
personality and style. Maybe your princess is good at Bossy because she's big
and tough, or covered in weapons, or she has an air of authority and
competence, or maybe she's just really good at shouting at people.
Princesses all have a speciality. This is what they are the princess of. Moon
Princess, Fire Princess, Bagel Princess, Stabby Princess, Pocket Princess (she
can guess what's in any pocket!), it could be pretty much anything.
Whenever a princess uses her speciality as part of an action roll, add +1d.
Princesses also have special abilities. Two of them to start with. These are
things like Healer, which lets you help others recover from harm, or I Put
Pockets In My Dress, which gives you extra prep points, or I Was Here The
Whole Time, which lets you leap out from hiding to join any scene that
didn't previously feature you. Some abilities are a lot more whimsical than
others. More abilities can be earned later, through XP.
 Core Traits & Aspects

Fitness Wit
Sporty Nosy
running, jumping, climbing noticing things, figuring out someone's biz
Tough Bookworm
fighting, enduring, wrecking stuff studying, performing research, remembering odd facts
Graceful Sensible
fine manipulation, dexterous movement, calming things down, making sound choices,
elegant motion talking sense
Sneaky Tinker
unseen action, stealthy movement inventing, fixing, improving

Charm Whimsy
Chatty Artsy
making friends, warming hearts, honest charm creative endeavours, critical judgement
Stylish Earthy
catching eyes, winning hearts, pulling off that look grounded actions, gardening, a friend to nature
Foxy Airy
subtle persuasion, cunning words, an air of mystery floaty thoughts, strange judgement, random action
Bossy Weird
demanding results, commanding respect chaotic affinity, wild energy, general oddness

~9~
Aspect Flexibility
Princesses have many aspects, and a lot of ways to approach any given
situation. For example, if your princess wanted to dance she could roll
Stylish, Graceful, Sporty, or maybe Airy or even Weird. On the other hand
she probably wouldn't roll Tinker or Bossy unless she could think of a really
good reason those aspects would apply. Sometimes a situation might be best
suited to a specific aspect, but another could be used in a pinch. In these
cases you'll often be rolling with reduced effect due to the less than ideal
aspect. For example, if a princess is trying to move through an area without
alerting nearby monsters then Sneaky would be ideal, but she could also roll
using Sporty or Graceful or Airy with reduced effect.
Variably Unique
It's up to the GM whether or not specialities are unique. I play that only
one princess in the world can have a particular speciality, but very similar
specialities might exist. It's fine to have a Baking Princess, Sweets
Princess, Patisserie Princess, Donut Princess, Cake Princess and so on in
the same world, but you can't have two Baking Princesses at once. On
the other hand you can definitely have Baking Princesses who have
come before, making you the latest in a long line who have taken up the
whisk and gone out to show everybody the greatness of baking.
~10~
Princess Speciality
Princesses don't get trusted with a frontier kingdom without first graduating
Princess Academy, which means they're highly skilled and powerful
individuals in their own right. You can detect magic, create shields of
protection, summon and control elements such as fire, earth, air, water,
darkness, light and so forth, call forth pocket dimensions to hold your stuff,
create illusions or magical fireworks to serve as entertainment or distractions,
and quite a bit more.
Perhaps most importantly, you're not just a generic magical princess. You are
a princess of something. There are all sorts of princesses in this world,
Dancing Princesses, Scientist Princesses, Tiny Princesses, Sword Princesses,
List Princesses, Spooky Princesses, Sparkly Princesses, just so many kinds. A
princess's speciality represents not just what the princess is good at, but also
what she exemplifies. For example, a Tiny Princess isn't just (or even
necessarily) small, she is an avatar of tininess. She stands for everything that
makes being tiny special and interesting and great.
Princess Speciality Bonus
Any time you use your princess's speciality to help with a roll, add a +1d
bonus. This includes times when you're commanding something related to
your speciality, remembering facts related to your speciality, talking to
someone about your speciality, using a tool associated with your speciality,
and so on. For example, if a Baking Princess is commanding her gingerbread
warriors in battle, that's a +1d bonus. If she's making biscuits, +1d. If she's at
a party and manages to work the quality of the cakes being served into the
conversation, +1d.
The first time you use your speciality as part of an action roll in a session,
mark Heart XP.
At the end of every session, if the princess exemplified their speciality, they
gain a bonus experience point. If they did this multiple times or in a
particularly striking fashion, they get two bonus XP. This isn't just using their
speciality to get bonuses, but showing why their speciality is great or having a
dramatic moment centred around it. For example, a Science Princess
overcame an obstacle through research and application, a Potato Princess
solved a big problem with the judicious application of potatoes, a Giant
Princess gave a practical demonstration of why it's very useful to have an
amazing giant woman around.
~11~
Changing Specialities
It is not at all common for a princess to change her speciality. After all, this
has been her focus for as long as she can remember. It's the thing she cares
about the most in the world, the thing she's best at, the thing she exemplifies
and embodies. Abandoning that isn't a small thing. But, it might be that the
princess's viewpoint changes as a result of her frontier life. Maybe something
happened. Maybe she lost that spark of passion. So, yes, it is possible for a
princess to change her speciality, but only as a very dramatic and heavy thing.
If a player wants to change their princess's speciality they should work with
the GM to incorporate the change into play. Show how they're disillusioned
with their current speciality, maybe have them apply for special permission to
change and have it involve a quest and/or ceremony—or make it a
spectacularly dramatic moment out in the wild lands, where the princess
sheds her old speciality and bursts into her new one.
The aftermath of changing speciality must be felt, too. At the least, the
princess should expect a heavy assault of aside glances and pointed gossip at
the next party she attends.
If a princess is retiring due to reaching her heart scar limit, she may change
her speciality so that a legacy character may carry on in her place. It's still a
pretty heavy thing but everyone will kind of understand.
Standard Princess Abilities
Princess Weapon
All princesses have a special weapon that they can summon and dismiss at
will. When using this weapon the princess rolls with increased effect.
Depending on what she's fighting the princess might also have potency. (For
example, a fire sword against an ice elemental, a light bow against a shadow
enemy, an enormous hammer against a skeleton.) If the weapon is lost or
destroyed then the princess may start a long term project to create a new
weapon, with the cost and length determined by the GM (one or two
Treasure and around four to six ticks seems fair, but it's up to you). Once this
project is completed the princess must spend a free time action bonding with
her new weapon before she can summon and dismiss it at will.
Princess Bonding
Princesses have an instinctual bond with animals of all kinds. Sometimes
even monsters. With agreement between player and GM, the princess may
begin the game bonded to a pet or mount. They may summon or dismiss this
companion just like their princess weapon, although of course it's still a living
creature with its own instincts and priorities. Mechanical bonuses given by
the pet or mount are at the GM's discretion. Additionally, princesses may
attempt to calm or tame animals with an action roll.
~12~
Princess Burst
This is a move that can only be used when in a desperate position. The
princess summons all of her determination and heart and lets it out in a
massive burst. It costs four Weight but cannot push the princess over their
limit, so they must have at least five free Weight to use this. Roll this action
with four dice, regardless of the aspect used, and either increase effect or
improve position (player's choice). After using the princess burst add
'drained' as a level one harm. If the princess is already drained, add
'exhausted' as a level two harm. If the princess is already exhausted she
cannot use a princess burst. Harm gained from using a princess burst cannot
be resisted.
Princess Magic
Basic magical training is part of a princess's education, and they are
essentially walking magic batteries, conduits and magnets. Just how much
magic a princess can use is up to the GM and players to define, as are the
limits of magic. It's all down to the tone of your game, whether it's a
cartoonish over the top colourful spectacular of exploding cupcakes and
rainbow bridges, a more grounded depiction of magic where everything has
weight and the consequences are real, or anywhere in between. Princesses are
inherently, inescapably magical, but what that means and how far that goes
in your story is up to you. For some examples of how magic can be used in
game, see the Princess Magic section (pg 81).
 List Of Special Abilities
Every princess begins with two special abilities, and may gain more later via XP. Some examples:
Healer: You may aid in a Recover action, to others or yourself. Everyone in
your kingdom (including you) gets +1d to all healing treatment rolls.
Always Be Noting: Every free time phase, without using an action, you may
fill in up to two segments on long term projects that involve research or
writing (including reports).
Constantly Tinkering: Every free time phase, without using an action, you
may fill in up to two segments on long term projects that involve fixing,
improving, or creating something. This includes border shields.
Never Not Networking: Every free time phase, without using an action, you
may fill in up to two segments on long term projects that involve improving
relations with a group, or add one tick to a relations clock.
Merchant Heart: At the end of each free time phase you may add 1 Treasure
to the kingdom's vault. Gain +1d on all rolls involving trade or negotiation,
including the Reach Out and Borrow Something Special free time actions.
Fairy Companion: You have a fairy who loyally accompanies you, offering
advice and helping when she can. If your fairy helps with a roll, gain +1d. If
the GM agrees then your fairy may make a set up action, rolling 1d. Fairies
are tiny and relatively fragile. If hurt (level one harm or greater) they will
poof into a perfect fairy gem. It takes a free time action to restore the fairy to
her normal form. Princesses may Protect That Smile on behalf of a fairy.
Faction Connection: Name a faction. Gain +1d and increased effect when
dealing with that faction. If relations with this faction are at +3 during the
advancement phase, mark one bonus XP for either yourself or your kingdom.
You may take this ability once for each faction.
Chaos Battler: When making action rolls against elementals or other
creatures formed of wild magic, you gain +1d and have potency. When
channelling wild magic add increased effect to your action.
Wild At Heart: You have an instinctive affinity for wild magic. When
channelling wild magic add +1d to the roll. This bonus dice doesn't count as
a wild magic dice, and the number of wild magic dice you use is halved for
the purposes of calculating Chaos. Increase effect whenever you attempt to
reduce Chaos caused by the destruction of an elemental, and when you Calm
The Wilds as a free time action.
Creative Coordination: When you lead a group action, if at least two
participants roll a full success you may take that as a critical success.
Royal Inspiration: When you lead or command your subjects they gain +1
quality. When you resist harm on their behalf add +1d to the roll.
I Added Pockets To My Dress: Gain +2 prep points.
Back Into Action: Permanently fill in one segment of your healing clock (so
you only need to fill in three to recover a harm). Add +1d to Recover actions
on yourself. It only costs 1 Weight for you to act while twonked.

~13~
Athletic Adventurer: Add increased effect to all rolls made using Sporty, and
gain an extra Fitness XP whenever you train Fitness.
Insightfully Inquisitive: Add increased effect to all rolls made using Nosy,
and add +1d to all Gather Information and Investigation rolls.
Style Savvy: Add increased effect to all rolls made using Stylish, and add +1
to the quality of parties you help prepare.
Crafty Creator: Add increased effect to all rolls made using Artsy. For you
Artsy is always an appropriate aspect to use when working on a long term
project.
Gadget Girl: When using tools or magic tools to deal with barriers, traps, or
other obstacles (mundane or magical), ignore the Tier.
Chaos Witch: While in the wild lands or a frontier kingdom, you may add
dice and effect to an action you take by increasing your kingdom's Chaos, on
a one-to-one basis. For example, if you raise Chaos by two then you add two
dice and two levels of effect to your action.
Close To The Sun: While in the wild lands or a frontier kingdom, you may
mark one Weight to roll an action using your kingdom's Chaos instead of an
aspect. On a failure, as an additional consequence, double the kingdom's
current Chaos. On a partial success, as an additional consequence, add one to
the kingdom's current Chaos.
Jolly Cooperative: You gain an extra +1d when helped, and don't spend
Weight to help another princess.
Efficiency Expert: You may give yourself or another princess an extra action
during every free time phase.
~14~
According To My Calculations: You may always use Bookworm for a set up
action, either in the moment or as a flashback (with a cost of one weight).
On a partial success, improve position or increase effect. On a full success,
improve position and increase effect. On a critical success, improve position,
increase effect, and also increase the result level of actions affected by the set
up by one (so a miss becomes a partial success, a partial success becomes a
full success, and a full success becomes a critical success).
I Was Here The Whole Time: When you spring out of hiding to perform an
action add +1d to the roll. Additionally, you may add yourself to any scene
not involving you by having a flashback to hiding yourself somewhere. This
costs no Weight, and no roll is required.
So Impulsive: When taking a desperate action you get +1d to your roll if you
also take -1d to any resistance rolls against consequences from that action.
Strong Heart, Easily Scarred: Whenever you mark Weight, mark one
additional Weight. Double the effect of pushing yourself (+2d or +2 effect),
and add +1d to all resistance rolls.
Social Chameleon: You're adept at fitting in, no matter your surroundings or
company. When making social rolls with any group that has a neutral (0) or
better relationship with your kingdom, ignore their Tier.
Happy Hobbyist: When indulging you may pick which dice result to use to
reduce Weight. For example, if you rolled a 2 and a 5 you could choose to
reduce your Weight by either 2 or 5. Mark XP in your indulgence's core trait
whenever you spend a free time action indulging.
Mine's Bigger: Your princess weapon is unusually powerful. Add +1d when
using it in an action roll. If you escalate the roll add an additional level of
effect.
Just As I Planned: When you fail an action roll, you may pay two Weight to
also have the same result as a full success. If you do this, explain how this was
all exactly how you intended things to go right from the start. Note that you
also suffer the consequences from the fail result (unless you resist them). You
just get the full success in addition to that.
The Bigger They Are: When making an action roll involving a higher Tier
threat, or a monster or elemental that is more than twice your size, add +1d
and increased effect.
In The Name Of The Moon: You have the ability to transform and gain
power, but it comes with a few strings. It costs one Weight to transform. The
transformation sequence takes around ten to twenty seconds to complete and
is very flashy and obvious. Any notion of stealth is completely out of the
question, and you can neither take any other action or be harmed while
performing your transformation sequence. Once transformed you add +2d to
all action rolls, but must escalate them at least once. Taking any harm will
force you out of your transformed state, with an additional cost of one
Weight. If you aren't forced back to your usual form then you don't have to
pay any extra Weight. The transformation lasts for around ten minutes, or
until the end of the scene, whichever comes first.
~15~
This Isn't Even My Final Form: You may only take this ability if you already
have In The Name Of The Moon. You have an even MORE powerful form
that your first stage transformation, but it has a few conditions. First, you
must already be in your first transformation. Second, you must be in a
desperate position in order to summon the strength of emotion required to
enter this second stage. Third, it takes around ten to twenty seconds to enter
the second stage and it's even flashier and more obvious than your first stage
transformation. Once in your second stage form all action rolls gain +4d and
have increased effect, but you must escalate at least once. All core traits are
considered to be one higher for the purpose of resistance. Your second stage
lasts either ten minutes or until the end of the scene (whichever comes first),
but failing an action roll will break you out of it instantly, back to your
regular princess self. Upon leaving your second stage mark one Weight and
gain the level 1 harm 'drained'. If you were already drained, instead mark the
level 2 harm 'exhausted'. If you were already exhausted then erase all Weight
and immediately gain a heart scar. These consequences cannot be resisted or
negated.
My Very Best Friend: Name another princess. When you help that princess
in an action or Protect That Smile on their behalf, either give them +1d or
gain +1d, and mark XP in the relevant trait. If the princess you named takes a
heart scar, mark two Weight and two Heart XP. If the princess you named
retires due to heart scarring or dies, mark eight Heart XP and four Weight.
My Heart Is My Shield: You may negate harm by marking two Weight for
each level of harm you would have suffered. Negating a level 1 harm costs
two Weight, level 2 four Weight, and level 3 six Weight. When you do this,
mark Heart XP equal to the level of harm negated.
Princess Powerful: +1d when rolling Fitness to resist consequences. It only
costs you one Weight to push yourself when using a Fitness aspect.
Socially Invulnerable: +1d when rolling Charm to resist consequences. It
only costs you one Weight to push yourself when using a Charm aspect.
Sharp Spirit: +1d when rolling Wit to resist consequences. It only costs you
one Weight to push yourself when using a Wit aspect.
Strong With The Odd: +1d when rolling Whimsy to resist consequences. It
only costs you one Weight to push yourself when using a Whimsy aspect.
One Princess Army: Scale is never a negative factor for you.
Proper Preparation: +1d when performing a set up action. Anyone benefiting
from your set up actions gains +1d, in addition to the usual improved
position or increased effect.
How Dare You: When one of your friends suffers harm, you gain +1d and
increased effect on all action rolls against whatever harmed them until the
end of the session.
Especially Special: Increase the bonus for using your speciality in a roll to
+2d.
~16~
Princesses, Assemble: When you lead a group action, every princess taking
part in the action (including you) gains +1d. In addition, Weight from
escalated failures is reduced by one. (So escalating once carries no Weight for
failures rolled, escalating twice carries one Weight for failures rolled, and so
forth.)
Call Your Attacks: When you confidently call out your action with an
appropriate phrase, gain either +1d, increased effect, or both, at the GM's
discretion. Note that this can apply to any action, not just attacks. Although
it's probably not a good idea to use it when you're trying to be stealthy.
Unflinching: You ignore the penalty from a single level one and a single level
two harm. You can mark one Weight to ignore all penalties from harm,
including being twonked, for a single action.
Unruffled: During a kingdom affair, when in a controlled position your
action rolls gain increased effect. You may push yourself (mark two Weight)
to improve your position by one level (from desperate to risky, or risky to
controlled).
Guardian: When you Protect That Smile, gain +1d to your resistance roll
and clear one Weight.
Critical Eye: When you make an action roll against a weakness or
vulnerability, or when acting with potency against a threat, gain +1d or
increased effect, or both, at the GM's discretion. Also add an extra +1d to
engagement rolls when exploiting a weakness or vulnerability.
Custom Special Abilities
Your princess can take a custom special ability, if approved by the GM.
Custom abilities take up an ability slot as normal, and can be gained through
Heart XP just like the above abilities. If the player and GM can agree, your
princess's special abilities can be just about anything, although overpowered
abilities don't tend to be as much fun as they might initially seem. You can
give your special abilities names, if you want, or just write down what they
do.
Princess Titles
A princess's official title is her full name coupled with her speciality. For
example, "Luna Bright, Moon Princess" or "Science Princess, Miya Heart" or
"Princess of Science, Miya Heart" or "Luna Bright, Princess of the Moon".
This is how she should introduce herself (or be introduced) at formal events.
Princess Pronouns
Although 'she' and 'her' are used in this game to refer to princesses, please
note that princesses may be girls, boys, both, neither, or anything in between.
Your princess can look however you want and refer to themself however you
please.
~17~
Appearance
Princesses can look like anything and dress how they like. Some suggestions:
Hair: Big and bouncy, spiky, long, fluffy, messy, perfectly braided, ponytail,
twintails, sidetail, bob, engulfing, shaved, ridiculous
Hair Colour: Blue, brown, blonde, rainbow, sky, red, black, white, glittery,
candy-striped
Eyes: Big, small, squinted, mean, kind, curious, wide, cunning, trusting, angry,
sad, bright
Eye Colour: Brown, blue, hazel, amber, black, red, purple, ocean, galaxy,
storm, moonlight
General Appearance: Tall and skinny, big and muscley, little and cute, fluffy
and floaty, chirpy and small, bouncy and chubby, petite but buff
Outfit: Dress and gloves, overalls and cap, pirate coat and hat, t-shirt and
skirt, cat costume, dragonskin jacket and pointy shoes, princess hat and
gown, full plate armour, flower shirt and shorts
Feel free to describe as much or as little of your princess as you please. Draw
a picture of her if you like.
Indulgences
Every princess has some little interest that's not entirely necessary. Maybe
she loves baking, or gardening, or collecting unusual weapons. This goes
beyond a simple hobby. This is the princess's indulgence, the one thing that's
just for her amidst a life of responsibility and thinking of others. It's through
this indulgence that the princess can relax, unwind, and heal her heart.
However, a balance must be maintained. Overindulging has consequences.
When choosing an indulgence, agree with the GM which core trait it uses.
For example, gardening could use Whimsy, baking might use Charm,
running might use Fitness, reading might use Wit.
Indulgences can only be indulged during free time by using a free time
action. By spending a free time action the princess may roll a number of dice
equal to the core trait associated with the indulgence, and subtract the
highest result from their accumulated Weight. This is always a d6 roll and
cannot be escalated.
Example: Stella loves stargazing. After a typically stressful day spent dealing with
frontier kingdom nonsense she decides to indulge in a little astronomy to unwind.
Stargazing is related to Wit and Stella has points in both Bookworm and Tinker,
so Stella rolls 2d6 and gets a 1 and a 5. She clears five Weight.
~18~
If an indulgence is not indulged during a free time period, mark one Weight.
The princess is working too hard without relief and it's having an effect on
her. If the princess has multiple indulgences, only one must be indulged in
order to avoid marking Weight.
If the result of an indulgence action clears more Weight than the princess has
accumulated then she has fallen into obsession. See the Indulge Indulgence
free time action (pg 89) for details.
Some example indulgences:
Baking, gardening, astronomy, reading, riding, collecting, tea making, pottery,
sewing, engraving, hiking, writing, knitting, skateboarding, juggling, dancing,
hunting, journalling, running, embroidery, quilling, painting, magic tricks
(the mundane kind), birdwatching, body building/exercise, scrapbooking,
fishing, sports, playing a musical instrument, music appreciation, beekeeping,
jigsaw puzzles, insect raising, spelunking, carpentry, candlemaking, sculpture,
doll making, modelmaking, miniature painting, jewellery making, origami,
listmaking, soapmaking, game design
Note that although indulgences can be social activities, the action of
indulging in them is primarily a solitary 'me time' activity for the princess.
So if the indulgence is a team sport like baseball, the indulging princess
would mostly be practising by herself or researching new techniques, not just
playing baseball with others.
Treasure & Items Buying Luck
Each princess begins with one point of Treasure, and the sorts of basic items
you might expect to bring along to a fresh frontier kingdom. Hairbrushes, Once per session, one Treasure can be spent to reroll one dice. That's once

clothes, mirrors, probably a travel chest or suitcase, snacks, books, tools per session for the group, not for each princess individually. The

related to the princess's speciality and indulgence, useful bits of string, towels, concentrated luck in fortunes is powerful, but fickle. It doesn't do to rely

and so on. If a princess needs something in particular then she can use a free on it too much.

time action to Borrow Something Special or start a project to buy or make it. Note that this might also necessitate the spending of a prep point, to have
While on an affair prep points can be spent for the princess to just happen to the Treasure in the first place.
have something relevant to the task at hand. Of course, they have to own the
item to begin with. If it's particularly rare or unusual or powerful, or just not
something the princess would possess, then the GM can rule that they don't
have it, or that they have to use a flashback to explain how they got it.
Treasure is an abstract measure of valuable items and the coin of the known
lands; copper, silver and gold fortunes. In Princess World: Academy
Adventures terms, one Treasure represents items and coins equal to about ten
gold fortunes. Treasure is mostly used to buy more free time actions, to fund
projects, and as part of the cost of upgrading the kingdom's Tier.
Princesses may have up to four personal Treasure. Anything more than that
must be kept in the kingdom's vault. At the end of a session, if a kingdom
has more than its vault can hold (eight without improvement) then all excess
Treasure is lost.

~19~
Legacy Princesses
If a princess retires (or dies) and a new character needs to be created, the
legacy rule may be invoked. This rule is intended to let players continue
playing a similar sort of princess even with a new character. Create your new
princess using the standard rules, but with the following modifications:
 The new character must have the same (or very similar) speciality as the
leaving princess. Legacy princesses are taking on the leaving princess's
kingdom, responsibilities, and in some way her legend.
 The player may choose one ability to be passed down to the new
princess. This does not count as one of the two starting abilities.
 The new character's aspects have a starting limit equivalent to the
leaving princess's aspects. For example, if the leaving princess had 3 Tough
then the new princess may spend three of her beginning aspect points to
raise her Tough to 3, ignoring the usual 'max 2' limit.
 The GM may optionally choose a scar to be passed down to the new
princess. This counts towards the scar limit.

~20~
Transferring From Princess Academy
If a princess has risen through the grades at Princess Academy and come out
of it a fully trained and qualified True Princess, she's likely to be pretty
powerful. That is, by the standards of an academy-level princess. In Princess
World: Frontier Kingdoms both the scale of threats and the danger they pose
is an order of magnitude more than that faced by academy students.
Therefore, if you are bringing a graduating princess into the world of frontier
kingdoms the following rules can be followed.
 The princess allocates seven aspect points as per a normal starting
character. Their previous core traits of Fitness, Wit, Charm and Whimsy
were their academy-level characteristics, and now they're entering a new
world. However, with the GM's agreement you may ignore the normal two
point limit for starting aspects, increasing one or more aspects to three or
even four.
 Fortunes are exchanged for Treasure at the rate of ten gold fortunes to a
Treasure. Remember that it costs a prep point to bring a Treasure along on
an affair, and that a frontier kingdom's basic unimproved vault can hold a
maximum of eight Treasure.
 If the princess mastered a hobby (brought it up to +4) they gain +1d and
improved effect when using that hobby as part of an action. Also note it as
an additional indulgence.
~21~
 All previous abilities are considered academy-level. Put a circle next to
them. If an academy-level ability is used, it is considered to have no effect
against a standard threat. The roll will have to be escalated, position will
have to be traded for effect, or something else must be done just to bring it
up to limited. You can use an ability slot (either one of the starting two, or
one earned via Heart XP) to fill in a circle, in which case the ability will
have full effect and be on equal footing with other frontier-level abilities.
 All items are also considered academy-level (with the exception of the
princess's weapon). Put a circle next to them. The rules for academy-level
items are alike to those for academy-level abilities; considered to have no
effect against a standard threat. Princesses may begin long term projects in
order to bring items up to frontier-level. The cost and time, as well as
special resources required, are at the GM's discretion. Note that using an
item during an affair will cost a prep point.
 Pets, mounts and other companions may be brought along, but they will
have no mechanical effect unless the GM rules otherwise. Long term
projects might be used to bring them up to frontier-level at the GM's
discretion.
Incidentally, should a frontier princess ever run into an academy-level threat,
they should roll most actions from a controlled position with great (or
higher) effect. This is kid's stuff to them, after all.
 Magical Princessism & Aspects In Play
The most important thing to remember, in this game, is that you're a magical princess. Not only that, but you're a princess of something.
If you can figure out a way to use your speciality as part of an action you get +1d to the roll, which might save you if you're in the
dreaded roll-two-take-the-lowest situation.

The second most important thing to remember, in this game, is that you're a magical princess, and not just any magical princess, a
graduate of Princess Academy judged worthy to guide and rule over a frontier kingdom. You have access to amazing powers and can do
things that non-princesses can only dream of. A princess using Sporty isn't just running and jumping like a common fool, she's zipping
around leaving star-shaped sparkles in her wake, dashing along walls and leaping into the sky before pirouetting into a perfect spin
kick that slams a dislodged rock right into a monster's face. Well, if she gets that six. The thing to remember is that you're not just
some person. You might get hit hard by the world, but you can hit back harder. And if the worst comes to the worst? You limp back to
your castle, you mark a little Weight, maybe you get a new heart scar or have to spend a while recovering. You're tough. You can carry
that weight, you can handle a few scars, and you certainly heal up quickly.

You're a princess.

You can do anything.

So go do it, princess.

~22~
Sporty
Running, jumping, climbing, kicking a can into a bin, whacking a ball with a
stick. Sporty actions are used when it's all about speed, athletic movement,
and hand-eye coordination. You're dodging between falling rocks, you're
leaping over a wide gap, you're distracting everyone at a party by
demonstrating your keep up skills.
Sporty is a fairly narrow aspect, although princesses do tend to do a lot of
basic running and jumping as well as dodging and climbing, and there's often
more than a little whacking things with sticks and throwing stuff at other
stuff, too. Sporty can be used for fighty actions, but be sure to explain why
you're using it instead of Tough or Graceful. It can occasionally be used for
social actions, as long as the conversation is about sports.
Tough
Fighting, enduring, wrecking stuff. Tough actions are used when it's about
brute strength or raw endurance. You're fighting something using strength
more than skill, you're powering through a crowd of minor elementals to get
to the biggest one, you're gritting your teeth and putting up with some silly
little princess's nonsense without punching her pigtails off.
Tough, like Sporty, is a narrow but useful aspect. With some creativity it can
be stretched to situations that aren't just about hitting stuff or being okay
about getting hit, but often another aspect would be more suitable. On the
other hand it can be a lot of fun justifying why your princess is simply
Toughing through every obstacle she comes across, and aren't we all here to
have fun?
Graceful
Fine manipulation, dexterous movement, elegant motion. Graceful actions
are used when a situation requires a little finesse, a little care, a little
attention. You're picking a lock, you're guiding an airship through a canyon,
you're baiting a crowd of monsters into getting tangled together and
bumping heads.
Graceful arguably has more general application than Tough or Sporty, but it
also requires more justification. You can't just say "I gracefully fight the
monster"—well I mean you CAN, but you could also be the type of Graceful
princess who leaps across tables and swings from chandeliers, always looking
for those cunning edges and thoroughly exploiting every opportunity. Or
maybe you're the type to swish through every situation, so confident and
elegant that nothing dares disturb your perfect hair. There's some crossover
between Graceful and Stylish, but keep in mind that Graceful is a Fitness
aspect and Stylish is Charm. Graceful is most suitable when it's about how
you're moving and the deftness of your actions. Stylish is more suitable when
it's about how you're getting attention and why people can't take their eyes
off you.

~23~
Sneaky Bookworm
Unseen action, stealthy movement. Sneaky actions are used when you want Studying, performing research, remembering odd facts. Bookworm actions
to do something without anyone noticing. You're creeping behind an are used when knowledge is required. You're studying elementals to work out
enormous elemental, you're signalling to your companions without anyone at why they're so interested in pies, you're figuring out what this weird magic
the party realising, you're blowing your nose without being seen. teapot does, you're trying to remember the history of this mansion.
Sneaky, as an aspect, has a very definite application. You use it when you're Bookworm is a versatile aspect, whether deep in the wild lands or attending
doing something but you don't want anyone to know you're doing it. Being parties. Information is often useful, and a good Bookworm roll at the right
so defined means that it's difficult for other aspects to muscle in on its time can mean the difference between the right choice and absolute disaster.
territory. If a situation demands stealth then it might be possible to use If you're ever stuck and not sure what to do, why not try a Bookworm roll to
something like Graceful or Airy to get through it ... but everyone knows, in see if you can remember something relevant? It's also a useful aspect for long
your heart you really just want to be Sneaky. term projects where research is necessary or helpful. There's overlap between
Nosy and Bookworm, but also an important difference. Nosy is used when
Nosy
you're noticing something right now, or figuring out what's going on in the
Noticing things, figuring out someone's biz. Nosy actions are used when you
moment. Bookworm is used for remembering things you already know, or
just really want to know something. You're trying to work out if she's lying,
studying something over a longer time period.
you're searching for hidden traps, you're observing a monster to work out its
weaknesses.
Whether it's realising that orange slimes are strong against lightning or
figuring out that Princess Debbie isn't telling the whole truth about the
Teapot Situation, Nosy is a good aspect for a curious sort of princess. Using
it to its fullest means asking questions and noticing details, as well as making
action rolls to figure out what's REALLY going on. Remember that you can
use it in flashbacks too, because of course you've been poking your nose into
this difficult person's affairs.

~24~
Sensible
Calming things down, making sound choices, talking sense. Sensible actions
are used when someone needs to be the adult in the room. You're pacifying
an angry chicken, you're telling off some silly fools, you're calmly explaining
to your patron representative how you lost their favourite hat.
A princess with the right personality can get a lot of mileage from this
aspect. Sensibility and a forthright attitude can solve a lot of problems in
Princess World. With that said it's not a cure-all, and a failed action roll can
really put you on the back foot. Still, being a grown up about things is an
important tool in a princess's arsenal, and should not be underestimated.
~25~
Tinker
Inventing, fixing, improving. Tinker is used when something needs to be
better, or go faster, or just exist in the first place. You're trying to make this
broken broomstick fly (even if it never did in the first place), you're trying to
get through a magical barrier, you're inventing an entirely new type of scone.
It's good to have a skilled Tinker around in a frontier kingdom, because so
many things seem to break all the time. Border shields, for example. There
are a lot of long term projects that Tinker could be applicable to, and it's
useful for fiddling with anything mechanical or magical in the field—getting
things open, bypassing magical barriers, mucking around with traps.
Remember that the wild lands isn't just a natural wilderness, it's filled with
all sorts of crazy stuff. Maybe some kind of ancient magical energy conduit
that could be Tinkered into a weapon or trap? Maybe this weirdly-shaped
chunk of scrap is actually a robot, just waiting for someone to come along
and Tinker it into life! With a little creativity and a generous GM, the right
princess can stretch Tinker a long way.
Chatty
Making friends, warming hearts, honest charm. Chatty actions are used in
social situations where you're being open and friendly. You're telling this nice
faction representative about your lovely little kingdom and how nice it would
be if you could afford new shield crystals, you're explaining to this guard that
you got lost looking for the vault, you're getting along famously with this
massive troll. This is also a good aspect to use when baking or cooking.
Making food for yourself or others is a friendly sort of activity.
Chatty can be stretched to use for affable manipulation or good-natured
deception, but something like Foxy is usually more fitting. Chatty is most
suited to situations where the princess is just being really friendly. People
(and even monsters) can find it really hard to refuse such a nice princess.
Chatty princesses often end up getting what they want, leaving a trail of
vaguely confused good impressions behind themselves.
~26~
Stylish
Catching eyes, winning hearts, pulling off that look. Stylish actions are used
when it's all about being the centre of attention. You're the only one anyone's
looking at when you enter the party (distracting everyone from what your
friends are doing in the background), you're perfectly coordinating the
aesthetics of your magic with your outfit, you're leaping elegantly over that
monster's surprised head.
Using Stylish effectively requires some effort, because more than any other
aspect it's all about HOW you're doing something. It's flexible, but shouldn't
be abused. If the action isn't about being looked at and looking good doing it
then maybe Stylish isn't the perfect fit. Stylish princesses need an audience.
Foxy
Subtle persuasion, cunning words, an air of mystery. Foxy actions are used
when you're wrapping someone around your little finger. You're getting the
location of the vault out of this butler without him even realising you're
doing it, you're explaining away your presence so adroitly that the guards
forget to even ask your name, you're making these monsters apologise for
ever even thinking about attacking you.
Foxy, like Stylish, requires effort to use well, but can be very effective.
Remember, it's not just about getting what you want. It's walking away
without anyone even realising what you were up to. The right princess using
Foxy in the right way can get away with murder ... as long as the dice are
kind.
~27~
Bossy
Ordering people around, commanding respect, getting what you want. Bossy
actions are used when you want something and you want it NOW. You're
telling this lazy group of subjects that you need these border shields repaired
today, you're wondering why this impertinent guard is blocking your exit
when you clearly want to leave, you're demanding that this giant elemental
put you down right this instant.
Bossy actions usually involve stating what you want and expecting people to
jump to it. They're about taking command of a situation and making things
go the way they're supposed to—which is, of course, to your complete
convenience. Keep in mind that using a Bossy action doesn't have to mean
you're getting shouty or pushy. You could be calmly stating what's going to
happen. You could just walk into a room and give the workers inside a look
that tells them exactly how you feel about their lack of progress. It's all about
asserting your will upon those around you.
Artsy
Creative endeavours, critical judgement. Artsy actions are used when you
want to ~create~, or judge the creations of others. You're assessing a bunch of
pots to see which ones are worth anything, you're fashioning a mask out of
twigs and leaves, you're improvising a dance to wordlessly express your
peaceful intentions to an elemental.
There's some overlap between Artsy and Tinker, but also an important
difference between the two. Tinker is solid, functional, useful. Artsy is
whimsical, aesthetic, abstract. It's not the most practical aspect, but it's not
trying to be. True to its nature, it will take a creative princess to find useful
actions for Artsy. Keep in mind that it can be used in flashbacks to have
created something that might be useful in the moment.
~28~
Earthy
Gardening, nature, a friend to flowers and animals. Earthy actions are used
when dealing with natural things. You're tracking an elemental through the
wild lands, you're making friends with a squirrel, you're getting the most out
of your blueberry plants.
Earthy is the grounded aspect of Whimsy, useful for tracking, hunting,
identifying or befriending animals and plants (of course you can be friends
with a flower), growing things, even dealing with natural threats like
elementals. Keep in mind that 'natural' can have a very broad scope, in
Princess World. Oh, and remember that even if you make friends with a
squirrel (or a plant or whatever) you can't actually talk to them. Not unless
you've got a special ability that lets you do that. Finally, if you're a
whimsically focused princess then you're probably playing an odder sort of
character. You might like to use Earthy for those rare moments when you're
pulling your head out of the clouds and coming back down to the ground,
accepting that, yep, this situation is actually pretty serious and we'd better not
be silly about it.
Airy
Floaty thoughts, strange judgement, random action. Airy actions are used
when you want to float through a situation or into a solution. You're
innocently wondering aloud why Princess Rebecca is lying, you're bending
over to pick up a coin and incidentally dodging an attack, you're
remembering a random story your great aunt used to tell you that's somehow
impossibly relevant to the current situation.
Airy can be a tricky aspect to deal with. It can be used to gently shape the
narrative, or to just sort of drift through it. Airy princesses tend to float along
and go with the flow, up to the point where they say or do something
seemingly (or actually) random that solves a mystery or reveals a treasure or
proves key to defeating a monster.
~29~
Weird
Wild magic usage, chaotic affinity, general oddness. Weird is used both when
dealing with weirdness and being weird. You're controlling the magic surge
from an exploding elemental, you're having a chat with a ghost, you're
juggling pancakes into a monster's mouth.
Weird is a surprisingly practical aspect, in a frontier kingdom. It's used when
dealing with wild magic, of which there is a lot, especially if you're going to
be hunting down elementals. It can also be used for just plain weird stuff.
Keep in mind that although using Weird in an action might be easy to justify,
it also might not be the most effective approach to problem solving. Fighting
a monster using a fish as your weapon is certainly appropriately Weird, but it
also might not have much of an effect. Escalation can be useful for a Weird
princess in this sort of situation. After all, stochasticity is your ally.
 Kingdom Creation & Growth
Patron Faction
Your kingdom was sponsored by one of the many factions of Princess World. patron could also hint at the kind of things you'll encounter in the nearby
They are your patron. See the Factions section (page 47) for details. (And if wild lands. If you've been sponsored by the Universal Librarians you might
you want a lot more information on the various factions of Princess World, expect there to be a few rogue libraries in the area. If the Hunter Guild is
see Sourcebook #1: Frontier Society.) Choose one and mark them as +1 backing your kingdom, expect monsters and elementals.
relations. However, one of the other factions was opposed to the creation of As for the opposing faction, choose whichever you feel clashes most with
your frontier kingdom. Mark them as -1. your kingdom's focus—or just one that rubs you the wrong way.
If you choose to, you may be particularly favoured by your patron faction. For more details on the factions of Princess World, see the first Frontier
Raise relations to +2. However, members of another faction are not happy Kingdoms sourcebook, Frontier Society.
about this attention. Choose which faction this is and reduce relations by -1.
If you're having trouble choosing a patron, think about what focus you want
your kingdom to have. Monster Hunters could be aligned with the Hunter
Guild, Exploration Unlimited, or maybe Speculation Wildhearts or even the
Silver Masks. Treasure Hunters could be with the Noble Traders or the
Luxury Seekers. Of course, you don't have to have a patron that exactly
meshes with your kingdom's focus. You could be Magic Researchers aligned
with the Silver Masks, expected to make discoveries that could aid in their
elite elemental hunting activities. You could be Wild Claimers aligned with
Afternoon Tea Time, expected to provide treats and possibly even facilities
for their legendary parties. Or maybe you want to be independent, just a
group of princesses striking it out on their own without interest in faction
politics, in which case the casual freedom (and almost complete lack of
resources and influence) of the Sparkle Union might be suitable. Your chosen

~30~
Kingdom Focus
A kingdom's focus is its founding intent, and will determine its direction and
bonus XP trigger:
Monster Hunters: The kingdom is focused on fighting elementals and
monsters. Earn bonus XP if a significant threat is defeated or a worthy prey
hunted.
Treasure Guardians: The kingdom is focused on exploring and looting the
wild lands. Earn bonus XP if a new location is explored or something
valuable is acquired.
Magic Researchers: The kingdom is focused on acquiring relics for the
purpose of study, as well as researching magical phenomenon. Earn bonus
XP if a magical relic is acquired or if a report is submitted.
Wild Claimers: The kingdom is focused on becoming solid, stable, and
prosperous. Earn bonus XP if the border shields are strong, and if significant
progress is made towards expanding the borders or developing the kingdom.
Social Climbers: The kingdom is focused on building its reputation via social
interactions and parties. Earn bonus XP if you have +3 relations with at least
one faction, and if relations with a faction or kingdom are improved.
Players can discuss what kind of kingdom they want to be, what activities
they're most interested in, and how they see the kingdom expanding in the
future. It's best if everyone's excited about the kingdom, so pick a focus that
you all feel good about.
Focus may be changed later, if all princesses agree, at the cost of 4 Standing.
~31~
Kingdom Terrain & Castle
Newly claimed frontier kingdoms occupy a relatively small area, around four
hectares in size, claimed and solidified from the wild lands. The terrain can
be just about anything. Is your kingdom mostly forests, grassy plains, crystals,
candy? Is it fantasy-cliché pretty, volcanic, floating on clouds, really really
spiky? Is there a reason it's like this? How about the controlled kingdom it
borders? Is there a stark divide between your kingdom and the nearby wild
lands, or more of a gradual change?
You'll also have a modest starting castle. It's not going to be very impressive,
but it's yours. Princess World is full of echoes of ideas and shapes and forms
from other worlds, so go ahead and make it the (tiny, janky) castle of your
dreams. Alternately, it could be a newly built basic castle of a standard design.
Ask questions like, do you all have your own rooms or do you have to share?
Is there a common area? Where do you gather to plan things? Is there a place
for your subjects to come see you? What does it look like from the outside?
What can you see when you look out the highest window? Does it have any
special features?
Kingdom Attributes
Generally, the kingdom a group of princesses begin with will be newly
stabilised, tiny, and undeveloped. At the GM's discretion the princesses may
begin with a larger more developed kingdom, or they may begin by helping
out with an already established kingdom, perhaps hoping to eventually be
given responsibility over one of their own. In any case a basic starting
kingdom will have the following attributes:
Tier: 0 Treasure: 2 Chaos: 0
Land: 1 Standing: 0 Wild: 1
Shield: 1 (stable) XP: 0
Tier represents the overall strength and influence of the kingdom and its
princesses. It's used when making action rolls against threats, representatives
of factions, other kingdoms, and so on.
Land represents the size of the kingdom; the amount of wild land that has
been claimed, stabilised, and enclosed by the kingdom's border shields.
Kingdoms may have four improvements per point of Land, and a number of
subject groups equal to Land+1.
Shield represents the strength and quality of the kingdom's protective border
shields. If Shield is equal to Land, the kingdom's shields are 'stable'. If Shield
is higher than Land, the kingdom's shields are 'strong'. If Shield is half that
of Land, the kingdom's shields are 'weak'. Shield strength influences Chaos
Sets The Stage rolls (see pg 66 for details). If Shield ever falls below half of
the kingdom's Land then the border shields are in critical danger of failing.
Unless immediate action is taken the kingdom will fall.
~32~
Treasure represents the valuables and tradeable resources the kingdom holds
in its vault. Without improvements, a kingdom can hold a maximum of eight
Treasure.
Standing represents the kingdom's reputation and political capital. It's
important for advancing Tier, and can be useful at parties or for social
actions. Standing cannot rise higher than 12.
XP represents the ongoing progression of the kingdom, both internally due
to the everyday improvements and maintenances made by its princesses, and
externally as factions take notice and contribute to its development. When a
kingdom's XP reaches ten it resets to zero, and two points worth of
improvements, a new boon, or a new subject group may be added to the
kingdom.
Chaos represents the amount of uncontrolled wild magic within and around
the kingdom. Many things can raise this. If Chaos reaches ten then it resets
to zero and Wild is raised by one.
Wild represents how dangerous and chaotic the wild lands near the kingdom
have become. It's a measure of how dangerous and weird things are out there.
Elementals and groups of monsters in the wild lands will use this value as
their Tier, by default.
Know Your Neighbours
Your kingdom will have two slightly more established frontier kingdoms
nearby, both Tier 1. Write down the names of your neighbouring kingdoms,
marking +1 relations for one and -1 for the other. Ask questions like, what
are their kingdoms like? Are their focuses the same as yours, or different?
Who are the princesses in these kingdoms? Why did you get on with one of
the kingdoms? What did you do to make the other kingdom mad at you?
Have you even met them yet, or are they just biased towards or against you?
What factions are they aligned with? Is one of them aligned with your
opposing faction?
There's also the controlled land kingdom you share a border with; your
connection with more stable and civilised lands. Write down the kingdom's
name, note it as Tier 2, and roll fortune. 1-3: -1 relations, 4/5: 0 relations, 6:
+1 relations. Ask questions like, how does this kingdom feel about your
presence? Do they like having you there, as a sort of shield against the wild
lands? What faction supports them? Did they freely give permission for your
kingdom to be founded, or did they have to be coerced in some way? What
kind of support could they offer your kingdom? Is there anything they need
or want? What struck you as odd about them? What aspect of their kingdom
are you jealous of ? Do your frontier kingdom neighbours also share a border
with this kingdom?
Finally, there's the interest of elementals and monsters in your kingdom—
mostly as a tasty source of delicious refined princess magic. Write down
Elementals & Monsters and put 0 beside it. To begin with, your kingdom is
small and unpowerful, not of especial interest.
~33~
Relations
The general mood between the player princesses' kingdom and other groups,
mostly factions and other kingdoms. If it's a positive number then that group
views your kingdom favourably. If it's a negative number then that group has
a problem with you. Otherwise you're either not on that group's radar or they
don't have any opinion about you one way or the other.
Relations often affect social actions. Increase or decrease effect by your
relations with the group. For example, if your kingdom is Tier 0 and you're
asking for help from a Tier 1 faction then you'll be at limited effect to begin
with. If you have +1 relations with that faction then you increase effect by
one level, bringing you up to standard effect. If you have -1 relations then
decrease effect by one level, taking you down to no effect.
Relations Clocks
For each faction or kingdom with an interest in this area, create a six segment
clock. Ticks may be added to this clock by social actions such as Reaching
Out (see the Free Time section on page 88 for details), doing favours for that
group, making a good impression at parties, and so forth. If the clock is filled,
increase relations with that group by +1 and reset the clock to zero. It's up to
the GM to decide when relations decrease. It might be via a competing
clock, or it might just be an immediate consequence of your actions.
Damaging relations tends to be easier than building them, unfortunately.
For Elementals & Monsters, create a ten segment clock with five segments
filled in. See the Elementals & Monsters section in Ending The Session (pg 99)
for more details on this special relations clock.
Kingdom Improvements
Each new frontier kingdom begins with two improvements. If the princesses
and GM agree then a faction (other than your patron) helped you get one of
the improvements. Write down which faction it was and add +1 to relations,
because they like you. However, the other improvement was at the expense of
one of your neighbouring kingdoms, or otherwise displeases them. Reduce
relations with either that kingdom or their patron faction by -1.
Kingdoms may have four points worth of improvements per Land.
Improvement slots earned via kingdom XP may be reserved until enough
Land has been secured to use them.
Unless specifically noted, each improvement may only be taken once.
Example Buildings & Facilities
Fitness: Gym, sports shop, dojo, athletic field.
Wit: Library, planetarium, bookshop, school.
Kingdom Boons
Each new frontier kingdom begins with one boon. Kingdoms may have any
number of boons, unrestricted by Land or other factors.
Each boon may only be taken once, unless otherwise specified.
Aesthetics Are Also Important
When choosing an improvement or boon take a little time to talk about what
form it takes and how your kingdom built or acquired it. In Princess World
there's often an overlap between mundane and magical construction, and
princesses are usually happy to add their own cosmetic flair to buildings and
such. Maybe a group ventured into the wild lands, hunting and capturing a
rogue building and dragging it back to the kingdom, where the princesses
stabilised it into something usable. Maybe it was delivered from the
kingdom's patron as a gift box that explodes into the improvement when
opened. Or maybe the subjects and princesses just worked together to build

Charm: Bakery, tailor, dance hall, café. it out of what materials were at hand.

Whimsy: Gardens, zoo, atelier, circus. If the princesses want something to be part of their kingdom, for example if
they have a bakery and feel like it could be earning Treasure, see if a boon or
Custom Improvements & Boons
improvement could represent this. Maybe they take the Trade Freedom boon,
It's up to the GM as to what is allowed. Often an existing improvement or
which represents not just the profit from the bakery but also the contacts
boon can be modified to fit what the princesses want. For example, if the
made and gossip heard through customers.
princesses want to be monster hunting experts then the GM could modify
the 'Elemental Experts' boon to be 'Monster Experts' instead, giving the
princesses +1d and increased effect on all actions regarding or involving
monsters.

~34~
 List Of Kingdom Improvements
Special Supplies: Each PC can use one quality item per kingdom affair,
without paying prep. The quality of the item is equal to the kingdom's Tier.
Once Per Day: Each PC can use one quality magic per kingdom affair,
without paying prep.
Skilled Subjects: Choose Fitness, Wit, Charm, or Whimsy. All of your
subjects with this trait are especially skilled and have facilities and equipment
to match, adding +1 quality. You may take this improvement once for each
trait.
Mastery: Your kingdom has facilities that allow princesses to increase their
aspects to master level (four dots). Each core trait requires a separate
improvement to unlock master level for its aspects.
Local Expert: Your kingdom is home to an expert, with facilities to match.
Choose the area of expertise (Healer, Merchant, Scientist, Spy, Elementalist,
Wild Land Scholar etc). The expert has quality equal to the kingdom's
Tier+1. When the expert is available to consult or help with an action that is
within their area of expertise, add dice equal to the expert's quality to the
roll.
Improved Training: Your kingdom has facilities or resources that allow
princesses to more effectively train. Choose Fitness, Wit, Charm, Whimsy, or
Heart. When a free time action is used to train that core trait, or Heart, mark
an extra XP. This improvement may be taken once for each core trait, and
once for Heart.
~35~
Park: Your kingdom has a park, playground, fountain, square, or other area
that is calming and aesthetic. After each free time phase reduce Chaos by
one. This improvement may be taken more than once.
Quality Gear: Your kingdom either produces or has access to particular items
of fine quality. Choose from [weapons and armour], [tools and magic tools],
or [adventuring supplies]. When you use prep during an affair to gain an
item in this category it is automatically of fine quality at no extra cost.
Village: Your kingdom has a small village rather than the collection of tents
and temporary buildings usual for beginning frontier kingdoms. Subjects are
more centralised and secure, gaining +1 scale.
Township: Only available if the kingdom has the Village improvement. Your
kingdom has an actual cute little town with buildings and shops and
everything. Subjects gain an additional +1 scale (+2 in total), and your
kingdom gains one Treasure during each Rewards Earned phase from trade
and taxes.
Amenities: Only available if the kingdom has the Village improvement.
Choose one subject strength. All subject groups in your kingdom may take
this strength for free. This improvement may be taken more than once.
Workshop: Your kingdom has a workshop equipped with tools and resources.
Add +1d to any action spent working on a long term project that involves
creating, repairing, upgrading or modifying something.
Library: Your kingdom has a wealth of research materials and resources. Add
+1d to any action spent working on a long term project that involves research
or writing, or Investigation free time actions.
Tea Room: Your kingdom has an area dedicated to having a nice cup of tea,
perhaps shared with company, as well as some lovely stationery and writing
supplies. Add +1d to any free time action spent improving relations with a
group, including inviting a faction or kingdom to a party you're hosting.
Party Plaza: Your kingdom has an area dedicated to hosting parties. Add one
filled Planning and Decoration clock to every party you host. The party plaza
counts as an unused improvement slot for the purposes of parties. This
improvement may be taken more than once.
Border Defences: More than just a shield, your borders are equipped with
alarms and active defensive measures. If an elemental or anything else
attempts to break through the border, roll the kingdom's Tier against the
invader's Tier to determine how effectively it is repelled. Action rolls on long
term projects to upgrade the kingdom's shields have increased effect. At the
end of each session, remove one tick from the Elementals & Monsters
relation clock. This improvement doesn't count towards your limit.
~36~
Improved Border Defences: Only available if the kingdom has Border
Defences. When rolling against attacks add +1d and increased effect. Action
rolls on long term projects to upgrade the kingdom's shields gain +1d. You
may safely ignore one problem with your kingdom's shields during Chaos
Sets The Stage (ie disregard the first one rolled). These bonuses are in
addition to those gained from Border Defences. This improvement doesn't
count towards your limit.
Castle: That tiny little castle isn't exactly impressive. Every level of this
improvement will make the castle a little bigger, a little fancier, and
permanently reduce the amount of both Standing and Treasure required to
improve your Tier by one each. You can take this improvement up to four
times. This improvement doesn't count towards your limit.
Vault: Your kingdom has a secure storage area for valuables. Each level of this
improvement increases the maximum amount of Treasure that may be stored
by 8. You can take this improvement up to three times. This improvement
doesn't count towards your limit.
 List Of Kingdom Boons
Fighting Fierce: Each PC may add +1 to Sporty, Tough, Earthy or Bossy (up Trade Freedom: Add one Treasure to the kingdom's vault after every
to a maximum of 3). successful kingdom affair. When selling wild land valuables such as treasure
Creatively Inspired: Each PC may add +1 to Artsy, Tinker, Graceful or palace cores increase the Tier of the item by one. This boon may be taken
Weird (up to a maximum of 3). more than once.
Social Butterflies: Each PC may add +1 to Chatty, Airy, Nosy or Stylish (up Friends Like These: For every group with which you have +3 relations,
to a maximum of 3). reduce the Standing and Treasure cost for Tier advancement by one each. If
Books & Capes: Each PC may add +1 to Bookworm, Sensible, Foxy or you have +3 relations with three or more groups, also reduce the Land
Sneaky (up to a maximum of 3). requirement for Tier advancement by one.

Elemental Experts: All PCs gain +1d and increased effect on any action Conflict Bloom: For each group with which you have -3 relations, gain one
involving or regarding elementals, including attempts to reduce Chaos from kingdom XP at the end of each session. You may ignore Tier as a factor when
an elemental's destruction. dealing with a faction or kingdom with which you have -3 relations.

Hurtful: Each PC can take an additional heart scar before retiring. Healing Breeze: Everyone in the kingdom gains +1d and increased effect to

Heartful: Each PC can bear two more Weight before gaining a heart scar. all Recover rolls.

Noble Resilience: Each PC gains +1d to resistance rolls. Unusually Stable: Your kingdom is stable enough to support more land than
usual. You may have one extra subject group and one extra improvement per
Hardened: When the kingdom is at war, free time actions are not reduced.
Land.
Friends To All: PCs from this kingdom can communicate at a very basic
Just Build Up: The Land requirement for Tier advancement is reduced by
level with animals, elementals and monsters that normally cannot talk.
one, but the Treasure cost is increased to the new Tier x 4.
Increased effect on social actions.
Compact Kingdom: Only available if the kingdom has the Just Build Up
Wild Connection: All PCs gain +1d and increased effect when dealing with
boon. The Land requirement for Tier advancement is negated, but the
wild lands obstacles, traps and phenomenon, and when attempting to avoid
Treasure cost is increased to the new Tier x 6 and shields must be strong
conflict with elementals.
(Shield greater than Land) to advance.

~37~
XP For GP: For every four Treasure in your kingdom's vault during the
advancement phase gain one bonus kingdom XP.
Chaos Engine: If Chaos is four or higher, the kingdom's Tier is treated as
one higher when dealing with wild lands threats. If Chaos is eight or higher,
the Tier of all wild lands threats is treated as one lower, to a minimum of
zero. If at least one wild surge is triggered due to the Chaos Sets The Stage
roll, all princesses mark one Heart XP. Whenever Wild increases for this
kingdom, all princesses mark four Heart XP.
On The Edge: If Chaos is six or higher during the advancement phase, gain
two bonus kingdom XP. If Chaos is eight or higher during the advancement
phase, every princess in the kingdom marks two Heart XP.
Fairy Circles: Your kingdom is home to fairies. Treat them as a subject group
that has a scale of 0 and a quality of 1, unaffected by your kingdom's Land or
Tier. Pick a core trait for the fairies and subject strengths and weaknesses as
normal. The fairies do not count towards your subject limit and gain no
advantage from the Village or Township improvements. When using the
Borrow Something Special free time action, increase the result level of your
roll by one (so a miss becomes partial success, partial success becomes a full
success, and a full success becomes a crit). When using Nosy or Bookworm
to learn about something, add +1d/quality if a fairy could offer advice. You
may take this boon more than once; every time after the first add +1 to both
the scale and quality of your fairies.
Calm & Orderly: Reduce Chaos by 1 at the end of each free time phase.
~38~
Good Publicity: Whenever the kingdom gains Standing, it gains one
additional Standing.
Small Comforts: Indulgence rolls made by princesses in this kingdom may
be adjusted up or down by one.
Highly Placed Friend: Gain +1 Standing after every successful kingdom
affair. When using the Borrow Something Special or Reach Out free time
actions, add +1d or potency. This boon may be taken more than once.
Uncomplicated: When the GM rolls complications you may increase or
decrease the roll by one. You may pay 2 Standing to suffer no negative
consequences from a complication (although it still happens). You cannot
negate the consequences from a destructive surge.
Self-Sufficiency: The amount of Treasure that must be paid to increase this
kingdom's Tier is reduced by four, after all other factors are considered. This
boon may be taken more than once.
Overprotective: Magic shields cost only one prep point to use.
Magic Pockets: Storage magic holds up to Tier+5 items or Treasure.
Illusionists: When you use prep for Illusion magic it gains +quality.
Speedsters: When you use prep for Movement magic it gains +quality.
Scry The Planet: When you use prep for Divination magic it gains +quality.
Elementally Attuned: When you use prep for Elemental magic it gains
+quality.
To The Point: This kingdom is particularly suited for Direct approaches.
When using this approach on a kingdom affair you may reroll one of the
engagement roll dice once.
Tactical Espionage Tricksters: This kingdom is particularly suited for Tricky
approaches. When using this approach on a kingdom affair you may reroll
one of the engagement roll dice once.
Shadows Whisper: This kingdom is particularly suited for Stealthy
approaches. When using this approach on a kingdom affair you may reroll
one of the engagement roll dice once.
~39~
Twice Measured: This kingdom is particularly suited for Careful approaches.
When using this approach on a kingdom affair you may reroll one of the
engagement roll dice once.
Smooth Operators: This kingdom is particularly suited for Social
approaches. When using this approach on a kingdom affair you may reroll
one of the engagement roll dice once.
Honest Hearts: This kingdom is particularly suited for Noble approaches.
When using this approach on a kingdom affair you may reroll one of the
engagement roll dice once.
Subjects
Your kingdom begins with one group of subjects, and can gain more through
kingdom XP or long term projects. Your kingdom's terrain, focus and patron
faction could all influence the subjects it attracts. Maybe your kingdom has a
forest, so you've attracted woodcutters, animal hunters, or naturalists. If your
kingdom is mountainous with strange crystal formations you might attract
miners or researchers or jewellers. Wild Claimers might attract farmers,
Magic Researchers might attract scientists, Treasure Guardians might attract
adventurers or merchants. As a starting kingdom you'll likely have less than a
dozen subjects, and they're probably just in tents or other temporary
structures. Improving their standard of living might be an early priority.
When you choose a subject group, assign them an appropriate trait and type.
Some examples:
Fitness: Adventurers, Hunters, Miners, Woodcutters, Explorers.
Wit: Scientists, Teachers, Naturalists, Librarians, Booksellers.
Charm: Bakers, Merchants, Dancers, Diplomats, Party Planners.
Whimsy: Farmers, Artists, Rangers, Clowns, Botanists.
Subjects aren't improvements, so they don't count towards your kingdom's
improvement limit. You may have a number of subject groups equal to your
kingdom's Land+1.
Subject Strengths & Weaknesses
For each subject group, the princesses and GM may choose from zero to two
strengths and an equal number of weaknesses. As well as the listed effects,
strengths and weaknesses should be considered when the subject group is
making or helping with an action roll. See page 42 for a list of strengths, and
page 43 for a list of weaknesses.
Subject Quality
Each subject group has a quality equal to your kingdom's Tier; 0 for a
starting kingdom. Quality represents the overall skill and experience of the
subjects, along with equipment, tools and facilities they have access to. You'll
usually be rolling dice equal to the group's quality when they perform an
action. For a quality of 0, roll two dice and take the lowest.
Subject Scale
Subject groups have a scale equal to your kingdom's Land -1; 0 for a starting
kingdom. Scale can be a factor when assessing effect. At a scale of 0, a subject
group is maybe just three or four people (or just one really big subject),
certainly no more than a dozen. At a scale of one, you probably have between
ten and twenty subjects of that type in the kingdom. At a scale of two,
anywhere from twenty to fifty people. At a scale of three, from fifty to a
hundred people. At a scale of four or more, hundreds of people, almost too
many to count! Who can keep track of all these subjects? When did this
place get so crowded?

~40~
Subject Usefulness
Subjects aren't just there to fill up your kingdom. They can accompany you
into the wild lands, be told to go deal with complications, help with long
term projects, or anything else you bossy little princesses order them to do.
Keep in mind that while subjects are generally loyal and eager to help out
around the kingdom, they're not princesses. They have no magical powers
and will likely be limited in their effect on anything more challenging than
baking some nice cupcakes or dealing with a couple of slimes.
Subject Harm And Healing
Subjects suffer harm similarly to PCs. A subject group can suffer four levels
of harm:
1. Weakened: The subjects have reduced effect.
2. Impaired: The subjects operate with reduced quality (-1d).
3. Broken: The subjects can't do anything until they recover.
4. Fed Up: The subjects are done with your kingdom and leave for less
dangerous places. (Or they could die, it's up to the GM.)
All subject groups may heal at the start of the free time phase. If
circumstances are amenable for recovery, each group removes one level of
harm (or two levels of harm instead, if a princess spends a free time activity
helping them recuperate). If a subject group is lost they may be replaced.
Spend Treasure equal to your Tier+2 and use a free time action to petition
for new subjects.
~41~
Commanding & Leading Subjects
When dealing with subjects you'll generally either be commanding or
leading them. Commanding subjects does not take up a free time action; the
princess is just telling them what to do and trusting them to go do it.
Leading subjects is generally part of a free time action the princess is taking;
she's bringing along the subjects to help her.
Subjects cannot escalate or push themselves. Those are princess things. They
can trade position for effect, though.
Command: When you make a request of your subjects roll their quality to
see how it goes. If a princess is directing, instructing, or otherwise telling the
subjects what to do then roll Bossy or Chatty or another appropriate aspect.
On a success (partial or full), add increased effect or improved position to the
subjects' roll. On a crit, add both and +1d. On a failure or partial success
mark Weight. Dealing with subjects can be so stressful.
Lead: If a group of subjects are accompanying a princess and in a position to
help, roll a set up action for the subjects. If it's not a failure add either
increased effect or improved position to the princess's action. If the subjects
manage to get a crit then the princess enjoys both increased effect and
improved position, and maybe the subjects even took care of part of the
problem themselves. Miracles do happen. If the GM agrees, subjects could
instead help with a princess's action, adding +1d to her roll.
 List Of Subject Strengths
Tough: These subjects are particularly resistant to injury and bounce back
quickly. They recover an extra level of harm during free time.
Crafty: These subjects can get a lot from a little. When they would have no
effect in a task, they have a limited effect instead.
Numerous: You gotta give it to these subjects, they got quantity! This subject
group's scale is equal to the kingdom's Land.
Relaxed: These subjects are a breeze to deal with. Don't mark Weight on a
failure or partial success when commanding them.
Smart: These subjects can be trusted to make good life choices. When
they're handling a task they've been commanded to perform, add +1d to their
roll.
Tenacious: These subjects just don't give up. If they fail a roll they can try
again by marking one level of harm.
Independent: These are strong independent subjects who don't need no
princess. They can't be led and don't get any bonus from being commanded,
but they do have +1 quality.
Versatile: These subjects have diverse interests. Pick an additional trait for
this group, from Fitness, Wit, Charm, and Whimsy.
~42~
Skilled: These subjects are broadly skilled. Pick another type for this group,
appropriate to their trait. (For example, your bakers might also be dancers, or
your woodcutters might also be skilled hunters.)
Supportive: These subjects are always ready to support their princesses.
Acting on set up actions from this group gives +1d.
Attentive: These subjects listen to orders and take good notes. Add +1d to a
princess's roll to command them.
Smitten: These subjects love their princesses so much and just want to make
them happy. When being led add +1d to the subject group's rolls.
Happy: This subject group is very easy to please. Unless something terrible
happens they always count as 'happy' when calculating kingdom XP.
Perfectionists: Given the right conditions these subjects can excel. When
they achieve a full success or better, increase the level of effect by one.
Polite: These subjects are well-versed in etiquette and can be trusted to
behave properly in most social situations. When dealing with social or party-
related matters, add +1d to their rolls.
Comforting: These subjects just make you feel good to have around. If this
subject group doesn't do anything during the session, all princesses may clear
one Weight due to their comforting presence.
 List Of Subject Weaknesses
Cowardly: These subjects are not enthusiastic about fighting or monsters or
danger generally. Reduce quality by -1 when in a dangerous situation.
Scarce: These subjects are lacking in numbers. Their scale is equal to the
kingdom's Land -2, to a minimum of 0. When they have a scale of zero,
there's just one or two of them.
Dense: It's really hard to get anything into these subjects' heads. -1d to a
princess's roll to command them.
Frail: These subjects bruise like peaches. When they roll a partial success or
failure they take one level of harm as an additional consequence.
Panicky: These subjects are no good under pressure. Reduce quality by -1
when in a risky or desperate position.
Difficult: These subjects are such a nuisance to deal with. They refuse to be
led, and can only be commanded by Bossy actions.
Stubborn: These subjects know what they're here for and refuse to do
anything else. If they're bakers, they will only bake. If they're researchers, they
will only research. No compromise! No deviation!
Comfy: These subjects are just so comfy. They will not leave the kingdom.
Chaotic: These are messy subjects who love drama. During the Chaos
Grows phase, increase Chaos by one.
Nervous: These subjects are risk-averse. They cannot trade position for
effect.
Stressful: These subjects are just a lot. Mark one Weight when commanding
or leading them.
~43~
Fussy: These subjects are very hard to please. They will never count as
'happy' for the purpose of calculating kingdom XP, unless something
extraordinary happens.
Unlucky: These subjects can't catch a break. When rolling fortune for them,
roll two dice and take the lowest.
Complicated: These subjects always seem to be in the middle of something.
Every session, roll an extra complication just for them.
Uncouth: These subjects are noisy, rude, and a bit smelly. Unless you can get
them out of sight (and downwind), parties in your kingdom suffer a -1
quality penalty. If they're around when a princess is taking a social action, the
princess suffers reduced effect equal to the subject group's scale.
Unreliable: These subjects are never around when you need them. Roll
fortune whenever a princess wants them to do something. On a 1-3 they're
tangled up in some ridiculous nonsense, or they're all fast asleep and can't be
roused, or they're just nowhere to be found. In any case they won't be any
help this time.
Clumsy: These subjects are good for slapstick antics but not much else. They
have reduced effect on every roll they make.
Wild: These subjects are a bunch of absolute mad lads. They will always
trade position to desperate on every roll they make.
Useless: These subjects are, not to put too fine a point on it, utterly useless.
They can neither be commanded nor led, and can never have a quality higher
than zero.
War Is Not Healthy For Princesses And Other Living Things
If your kingdom's relations with a group drops to -3, you are at war with
them. This doesn't necessarily mean that they're attacking your kingdom, but
they're definitely making life harder for you. If it's a faction, they're blocking
measures that might help you and actively opposing your kingdom's
development, even its existence. If it's another kingdom, they're badmouthing
you to others and taking every opportunity to mess with your princess biz. If
it's elementals & monsters, well, in that case they actually probably are
attacking your kingdom. Free time actions are reduced by one for all
princesses in a kingdom at war. This will last until relations are improved to
-2 or higher. Having relations of -3 or lower with multiple entities does not
further reduce free time actions.
For each group the kingdom has -3 relations with, increase Chaos by one
during the Aftermath phase.
~44~
Kingdom Reputations
New kingdoms have no reputations. Nobody cares enough about this
fledgling little frontier kingdom to have any strong feelings one way or the
other. However, as the princesses strike out into the wild lands, attend
parties, clash with rivals, and build their little slice of this Princess World
into something strong and stable they'll likely cause others to view them in
certain ways. For better or worse.
Reputations are most often gained by interacting with NPCs, such as the
princesses of other kingdoms or faction representatives. It's up to the GM to
decide when a reputation is earned. If the princesses really want to, they can
start a long term project to try to give themselves a new reputation. This
could backfire, though. It's like that one guy who insists everyone call him
Maverick.
Reputations represent the general sentiment felt by a certain group, and as
such are usually defined by a single word or a short phrase, such as 'helpful'
or 'well-meaning but clumsy' or 'oh no, these girls again'.
If a princess is using a reputation in a social roll, she gains increased effect or
improved position. If the GM decides that a reputation works against a
princess in a social roll, they could suffer reduced effect or a riskier position.
The princess's kingdom can only have one reputation with each other
kingdom or faction. This reputation can change, though.
When the princesses of a kingdom develop a new reputation, live up to a
reputation, or subvert or change a reputation, they gain one kingdom XP.
Borders And Shields
The border of a kingdom isn't just an invisible line marking What Is Ours. Upgrading border shields is an involved and expensive affair. Start a new
It's a shield protecting the kingdom from the influence and dangers of the long term project with eight ticks, the cost being two Treasure multiplied by
wild lands. Generally border shields will be anchored to physical objects such the new level. Once the project is complete, increase the kingdom's Shield by
as giant crystals or trees covered in charms or stone pillars inscribed with 1.
glowing runes, or similarly impressive and magical things. Ask questions like,
Claiming New Land
what do the border shields look like? How are they powered? Do they need
Expanding a frontier kingdom isn't a casual thing. It requires dedicated
any kind of resource to keep functioning? What does maintenance involve?
effort and constant vigilance, as well as Treasure to pay for necessary
Expanding the kingdom's borders makes them harder to defend. The wild
resources. Elementals must be removed, monster lairs must be destroyed,
lands are a chaotic, shifting, dangerous area of raw magic. Without magical
strange wild land structures, phenomenon and creatures must be investigated
shielding a kingdom cannot stand; its terrain will warp, its subjects will be
and dealt with, land must be stabilised—and that's before the border shields
exposed to both chaotic magic and dangerous monsters, it's just not a good
are moved. As a suggestion, an initial four segment planning and logistics
time. When a kingdom's Shield is equal to that of its Land, its protection is
clock, which will reveal at least two further four to six segment clocks to
stable. When a kingdom's Shield is higher than its Land, its protection is
represent problems that must be dealt with, then a final six to eight segment
strong, and the princesses may request for any of the dice in the start of
clock to represent the movement of the border shields and stabilisation of
session Chaos Sets The Stage check to be rerolled, once. When a kingdom's
the land. The cost of this could range from no Treasure at all to 1-4 per
Shield is less than that of its Land, its protection is weak, and all 6s in the
clock. It might also involve a kingdom affair or two, which could, at the
start of session Chaos check must be rerolled once.
GM's whim, replace or fill a clock.
A kingdom cannot expand its Land to more than twice its Shield. Doing so
However, hard work comes with reward. Expanding the kingdom awards
would result in the shields failing and the kingdom falling to the wild lands.
four Standing (six if the kingdom's focus is Wild Claimers), and the
Maintaining border shields is routine, but still has a cost. If the border
opportunity for improvement; every Land allows four improvements and
shields are damaged by a wild magic surge or other event then Treasure must
another subject group, as well as counting towards Tier advancement.
be paid equal to Shield, and a free time action must be used to perform
upkeep if it's not the focus of the kingdom affair. If the shields are not
maintained by the end of the session, reduce Shield by 1.

~45~
Kingdom Tier Advancement
Advancing in Tier requires space, stability, Standing, and Treasure.
First, your Land must be at least equal to the new Tier.
Second, your protection must be at least stable (ie your Shield is equal to or
greater than your Land).
Where To Next?
Of course, just because a kingdom is tamed doesn't mean the story is over.
There might be mysteries left unsolved, questions left unanswered,
threads left hanging. The player princesses might be assigned to a new

Third, you must pay twelve Standing. frontier kingdom, or they might be employed as veteran frontier
troubleshooters, sent to troubled kingdoms in need of help. Maybe one of
Fourth, you must pay Treasure equal to the new Tier x 3.
the factions approaches them with an offer of membership, or maybe they
If all of those conditions are fulfilled then pay the Treasure and Standing cost
set out by themselves as an independent party of princesses, determined
and increase your kingdom's Tier by 1. There will probably be a party
to get to the bottom of some oddness that arose while they were
celebrating your kingdom's new status, with representatives from your patron
developing their kingdom. It could also be that some or all of them stick
faction and of course a whole bunch of rival princesses and hostile factions
around, to rule over their newly stabilised kingdom.
just there to yuck your yum. It might be up to your kingdom to host this
party. Meanwhile, elsewhere in Princess World, another group of freshly
If the kingdom is Tier 4 and successfully advances then it is established and graduated young hopefuls are assigned to a burgeoning frontier
stable enough to be considered part of the controlled lands. It is no longer a kingdom...
frontier kingdom. The princesses have succeeded in their task and have
earned a big party and possibly a rest.

~46~
 Factions
There are numerous different groups and organisations in Princess World. They represent different areas of control, ideals, and spheres of influence. For more
information on these factions please refer to the first PW:FK sourcebook, Frontier Society.
Note that having a high Tier patron faction can be a double-edged sword. While it means the faction has more influence over things it also makes swaying
them in the direction you want far more difficult, especially when you're just another powerless little Tier 0 frontier kingdom.

Faction & Big Picture Clocks

These can affect frontier kingdoms in various ways, both positively and
negatively. It's fun to have a mixture of big picture clocks ticking away in the
background, with the locally relevant factions taking positive, negative, or
neutral positions on each.
Generally speaking, frontier princesses cannot directly affect these clocks, but
they can take social actions at parties or use Reach Out free time actions to
sway factions one way or another. Parties are a good place to create new
faction clocks, or to add ticks to existing clocks as conversations go one way
or the other.
Not all factions will have interests in the player princesses' local area. Starting
with four or five factions is about right. You can always introduce more later.
Generally you'll start with your patron faction, the patron factions of your
neighbours, and maybe one or two more that you princesses are interested in.
Aside from the suggested clocks, factions might have more specific goals
locally, or clocks leading up to a dramatic event. For example, Speculation
Wildhearts might Discover Shocking Secrets, or the Wandering Stars might
Stabilise An Impossibly Chaotic Area.

~47~
Faction Keyword Suggestions
Expeditions are extended forays into the wild lands, often lasting for an
eight or ten segment clock. To the kingdom hosting their base camp they
provide Standing, increased relations with the faction, and possibly Treasure
or kingdom XP or other rewards. They take up improvement slots while
they're ongoing, so a kingdom without enough Land won't be in the running
to host one. They might also increase Chaos or bring trouble to the
kingdom's doorstep.
Hunts and Excursions are shorter than expeditions, generally taking place
within the timeframe of a session. They might result in an increase of Chaos
in the area, but could increase relations or have other rewards.
Funding decreases the cost of projects in a specific area (such as research,
shields, or kingdom development), or gives Treasure for the purpose of
performing specific actions (such as using a free time action for research or
training). It generally doesn't come with any drawbacks, but might be at the
cost of something else. For example, if there are competing clocks for
research and party funding then once one is filled the other will be cancelled.
Taxes will cost frontier kingdoms Treasure every session (or with specific
triggers), possibly in return for some benefit such as Standing or kingdom
XP.
~48~
Studies and Inquiries have varying effects, depending heavily on context. For
example, a study into border shields might reveal superior but expensive
techniques to improve shields, allowing frontier kingdoms to increase effect
when upgrading shields at the cost of Treasure.
Blocks will forbid specific activities. It might still be possible for princesses
to perform them, but with an extra layer of red tape or subterfuge necessary.
Tours generally mean a widespread inspection or assessment of some aspect
of frontier kingdoms. It probably means a few project clocks to get that
aspect up to standard. Tours might award some Standing and increased
relations if you're up to spec, but expect to lose relations and possibly pay
penalties of Treasure or Standing if you fail to meet expectations.
Contests are run similarly to those held at parties, and will generally take up
a free time action if a princess wants to participate. They could also be the
focus of a kingdom affair.
Petitions are usually for change or recognition. The effects will vary greatly
depending on context.
[SCI] Scientific Promotion Society (T4)
acquire artefacts, study phenomenon
quite a lot of explosions
Example Clocks
Increased Research Funding
Scientific Expedition
Science Fair Contest
Commission Magic Study
[KDEF] Kingdom Defenders (T4)
protect the weak, punish the guilty
so serious
Example Clocks
Petition For Greater Investigative Authority
Petition For Wild Lands Jurisdiction
Kingdom Corruption Inquiry
[RARC] Royal Architects (T4)
design stuff, build stuff, repair stuff
this whole place would collapse without them
Example Clocks
Increased Construction Funding
Study Into Alternate Construction Techniques
Frontier Kingdom Inspection Tour
~49~
[NOT] Noble Traders (T4)
they have what you want
but oh will you pay for it
Example Clocks
New Frontier Kingdom Tax
Block On Funding Increases
Petition For Freedom Of Trade
[WALL] Strongwall Group (T3)
control expansion, strengthen borders
zero chill
Example Clocks
Block Border Expansion
Block Frontier Kingdom Founding
Border Expansion Tax
Increased Development Funding
[EXU] Exploration Unlimited (T2)
explore the wilds, prod things with sticks
kind of fun but not so responsible
Example Clocks
Deep Wild Lands Expedition
Excursion To Interesting Spot
[LAND] Brave New Lands (T3)
expand borders, secure land, commission studies
unexciting but important
Example Clocks
Border Expansion Funding
Commission Shield Study
[UNL] Universal Librarians (T3)
explore rogue libraries, reclaim lost knowledge
even cooler than they sound
Example Clocks
Rogue Library Excursion
Petition For Priority Rogue Library Access
Funding For Research Training
Block Library Access To Unqualified Princesses
[GUCO] Guidance Collective (T2)
very pleased when everyone is behaving
very scary when they're not
Example Clocks
Annual Cross Stitch Contest
Behavioural Inspection Tour
Assault On Fairy Gem Smuggling Operation
~50~
[HUG] Hunter Guild (T3)
hunt monsters, kill monsters
brag about hunting and killing monsters
Example Clocks
Wild Lands Hunting Expedition
Increased Funding For Anti-Elemental Weapons
[STAR] Wandering Stars (T3)
plunge into the wild lands in moving castles
crazy but amazing
Example Clocks
Block Wild Lands Entry (While Working)
Excursion To Stabilise Chaotic Area
[SLI] Starlight Investigations (T1)
investigate mysteries, solve crimes
Example Clocks
Study Into Investigative Techniques
Puzzle Contest
[NIMO] Nice Monsters (T0)
nice monsters?
I guess?
Example Clocks
Petition For Recognition Of Nice Monster Existence
[ATT] Afternoon Tea Time (T3) [LUX] Luxury Seekers (T1)
wonderful parties, splendid food, marvellous gossip material comfort, glorious food, marvellous drinks
Example Clocks maybe a party, maybe a nap
Study Into Decoration Magic Example Clocks
Increased Funding For Parties Petition For Fluffier Pillows
Funding For Charm Lessons Petition For More Parties

[WILD] Wild Lands Protection Committee (T2) [SUN] Sparkle Union (T0)
protect the wild lands, stop elemental destruction independent princesses having adventures
bit nutty v casual
but maybe they have a point? Example Clocks
Example Clocks Petition For Greater Official Recognition
Block Annual Wild Land Hunt Grand Excursion Into Wild Lands
Study Into Elemental Avoidance Techniques
[PORT] Teleportation Administration (T2)
Tax On Elemental Destruction
the ones who pull you out when things go bad
[SPEC] Speculation Wildhearts (T3) completely nuts
keep tabs on the wild lands Example Clocks
and also everything else Study Into Teleportation Stability
Example Clocks Remove Block On Experimental Teleportation
Petition For Greater Surveillance Power
Study Into Scrying Magic

~51~
[SCAR] Scarred Hearts (T3) [????] Nowhere (T4)
retired princesses don't exist
damaged, sarcastic, powerful but if they did probably spec-ops and spies
Example Clocks but they don't
One Last Job Example Clocks
Who Can Say
[MASK] Silver Masks (T5)
No One Will Ever Know
elite elemental and monster hunters
kind of scary [O] The Circle (T6)
Example Clocks basically in charge of everything
Mega-Elemental Destruction Excursion technically neutral
hard to even get an appointment

~52~
 Playing The Game
Dice Basics & Escalation
The standard dice used in this game is the d6. Rolling with a six-sided dice
represents the most basic, efficient action taken in order to overcome a tricky
situation. However, a lot of princesses aren't much about the most basic
efficient functional action. They want something flashier, something more
interesting, something more effective. They may elect to increase the
difficulty of a roll by escalating to a d8 or even higher. The higher a princess
escalates the dice, the flashier, more impressive, and potentially more effective
the resulting outcome becomes. Of course, it also makes for more explosive
and spectacular failures. Some princesses are all about the drama.
In any case, for each level of escalation increase the size of all dice rolled by
one level, and also increase the effect by one level. If you escalate once,
increase the effect by one level and roll d8s. If you escalate four times,
increase the effect by four levels and rolls d20s.
Progression of dice is as follows:
d6 -> d8 -> d10 -> d12 -> d20
~53~
Rolling The Dice: d6s
When performing a move all dice are rolled at once, and the highest facing
read. When rolling d6s:
If the highest result is a 6 then it's a full success; the move works just as the
princess desired. If more than one six was rolled then it's a critical success,
perhaps dramatically changing the course of the scene or giving some
additional effect. When deciding the effect of a critical success keep in mind
that the princess doesn't just achieve what she was trying to do, but also
enjoys some additional benefit.
If the highest result is a 4 or 5 then it's a partial success; the move works with
consequences or cost, or it doesn't work but without cost.
If the highest result is a 3 or below then things didn't go as planned. This
isn't the same as an outright failure. The move could still work and the
princess might still accomplish what she was trying to do, but definitely not
in the way she intended or wanted. Or maybe it just straight out doesn't
work.
If ALL dice show a 1 then it could be a critical failure or 'fumble'; GM's
choice. Critical failures, just like critical successes, can dramatically alter the
course of a scene. It's not necessarily the worst possible outcome. It might
not even be a failure in the technical sense. But the consequences of the
action should be nothing that any of the player princesses wanted.
Rolling Dice Other Than d6s
Optional Rule: Escalating Risk
For dice other than d6 consult this chart:
As it stands, you're less likely to roll a critical failure the more you
Partial Full Failure/Partial/Full % Chance per Dice
Dice Failure escalate, because the chance of a one coming up decreases the more sides
Success Success (approximate)
d6 1-3 4/5 6 50% / 33% / 17% a dice has. Thus, the Escalating Risk rule: For each level of escalation,

d8 1-5 6/7 8 62% / 25% / 13% ignore one failure result when determining a critical failure. If no 1s are

d10 1-7 8/9 10 70% / 20% / 10%

rolled then it's not a critical failure regardless of the level of escalated risk.

d12 1-9 10/11 12 75% / 17% / 8% For example, if a princess escalates four times to d20s then rolls a 14, 9,
d20 1 - 16 17 - 19 20 80% / 15% / 5% and 1, the 14 and 9 would be ignored and the 1 taken as a critical failure.

If you ever need to roll zero or fewer dice, roll two dice and take the lowest
result. You cannot roll a critical success in this way, although you could (at
the GM's discretion) roll a critical failure.
If a princess escalates once to d8s and rolls a 1 and a 3 then the 3 is
ignored and the 1 taken as a critical failure.
If a princess escalates twice to d12s and rolls a 4 and a 3 then it's a regular
failure, because no 1s were rolled.

If a princess escalates twice to d10s then rolls a 9 and two 1s the result is
a partial success for the 9, not a failure, and therefore not a critical failure.

~54~
Progress Clocks
A progress clock is a circle divided into segments. Make a progress clock
when you need to track ongoing effort, the approach of impending trouble,
the passage of time, progress towards finishing a project, and so on. For
example, each faction or kingdom with which the player princesses have
contact will have a six segment relations clock. This clock earns ticks via
social actions, doing favours for that group, and so on. When the clock is
filled it resets to zero and relations with that group are improved by +1.
Generally, actions will fill progress clocks at the following rate:
Reduced effect will subtract from the number of ticks; -1 for limited effect,
-3 for no effect. For example, if a princess rolls a partial success with limited
effect, she'll fill in one tick on the clock; two ticks for the partial success,
minus one for limited effect. If a princess rolls a full success with no effect
then no ticks are filled; the three ticks for a full success are reduced to zero by
the minus three modifier for no effect.
Partial successes, failures, and fumbles might also come with additional
consequences. GM's choice.

Fumble (all 1s): Zero ticks

Failure: One tick

Partial Success: Two ticks

Full Success: Three ticks

Critical Success: Five ticks

Increased levels of effect (such as from escalating an action) will add to the
number of ticks filled on a clock. For example, if a princess escalates once to
d8s and achieves a partial success (with standard effect) then three ticks will
be added to the clock; two from the partial success, and one tick from the
extra level of effect gained by escalating. If a princess escalates twice to d10s
and achieves a full success (with standard effect) then five ticks will be added;
three from the full success, and another two ticks from the two extra levels of
effect gained by escalating.

~55~
Types Of Dice Rolls
There are four types of rolls that you'll use most often in the game:
Action Rolls
When a princess attempts to do something that's dangerous or troublesome,
they make an action roll to find out how it goes. Action rolls and their effects
and consequences drive most of the game.
There are times when a roll might be made just to see how a character reacts.
For example, the GM might call for all the princesses to make a basic Weird
roll to see who notices some wild lands oddness, or a princess might roll
Sensible to see if she can contain her anger, or Chatty to see how sincerely
she's coming across, or Tough to see how she reacts to a serious injury. In
these cases there are no direct mechanical consequences for failure, no XP is
awarded, and these rolls cannot be escalated.
Free Time Rolls
Between dealing with those pesky kingdom affairs princesses can perform
free time activities in relative comfort. You make free times rolls to see how
much they get done. Free time rolls are made from a controlled position by
default, but position may be traded for effect if the GM agrees it's
appropriate. This usually represents the princess pushing herself, cutting
corners, or foregoing safety measures in order to get more done in a shorter
timespan.
For more details see Free Time (pg 88).
~56~
Fortune Rolls
Fortune rolls are made when something is purely down to luck. The GM can
make a fortune roll to disclaim decision making and leave something up to
chance. How capable is this subject? How badly does that wild magic burst
affect the crops? How many of those falling rocks hit that goat? How does
this kingdom feel about ducks? Is this visiting princess helpful and
competent or selfish and interfering?
Generally a fortune roll will be a single d6, with a 1 representing the worst
possible luck and a 6 representing the best possible luck.
Resistance Rolls
A player can make a resistance roll when their character suffers a
consequence they don't like. The roll tells us how much Weight their
character suffers to reduce the severity of a consequence. When you resist
that level 2 harm 'Broken Leg', you take some Weight and now it's only a
level 1 'Sprained Ankle'. If you resist dropping something fragile, instead you
mark Weight and manage to catch it at the last second.
For more details see Resistance Rolls (pg 74).
Action Rolls
You make an action roll when your character does something with the
potential for failure or consequences. The possible results of the action roll
depend on your character's position. If you're in a controlled position, the
possible consequences are less serious. If you're in a desperate position, the
consequences can be severe. If you're somewhere in between, it's risky—
usually considered the default position for most actions.
Generally, the flow of order for an action is as follows:
1. The player states their goal for the action.
2. The player chooses the aspect they wish to use.
3. The GM sets the position for the roll.
4. The GM sets the effect level for the action.
5. The player may trade position for effect.
6. The player may escalate.
7. The player adds bonus dice.
8. The GM or another player may offer a Hard Choice.
9. The player rolls the dice and we judge the result.
1. Player States Goal
Not just "I attack the monsters", but "I'm trying to get the monsters to run
away, show that I'm a serious threat and make them scared of me." Not just
"I talk to the faction leader", but "I want the faction leader to favour my
kingdom over my rival's." The princess's ideal desired outcome should be
clearly stated in this step.
~57~
2. Player Chooses Aspect
There's a lot of overlap here, but generally the GM and the player should
agree on the appropriate aspect to use. For example, rolling using Tough
when you're trying to pick a lock isn't the most appropriate aspect, but it
could be if you're just trying to kick the door open. The GM might change
the position or the effect depending on the aspect used, and how
convincingly the player explains how they're using it.
3. GM Sets Position
The position is how dangerous or troublesome the action is for the player.
The three positions are:
Controlled: There's a clear opportunity, you have an advantage, there's
nothing in your way.
Risky: You're taking a chance, you're acting on equal footing, you're going
head to head.
Desperate: You're in serious trouble, you're at a disadvantage, you're out of
your depth.
By default, action rolls are risky. The player wants to accomplish something
but there's an obstacle. If it's a particularly dangerous situation, make it
desperate. If it's less dangerous, controlled.
The position of an action isn't related to how difficult the action is. It
represents the severity of consequences for failure (or a partial success). Ask
the question, what happens if this goes wrong? Given the circumstances, how
bad can it get?
4. GM Sets Effect
Just how much will this action accomplish, if successful? Sometimes this will Example: A princess is taking on an enormous fire elemental, all by herself. The
just be a binary pass or fail choice, other times there may be degrees of elemental's Tier is one higher than her kingdom's, and she has her princess weapon
success. The three basic effect levels are: but nothing in particular that gives her potency against fire. The GM judges her

Great: You don't just get what you wanted, but something extra too! effect to be limited; even if she rolls a success, it's not going to do much in this

Standard: You're successful in doing what you were trying to do, at a normal situation.

level.
Limited: You achieve a partial or weakened effect. What didn't you get? Example: A princess is attempting to stop a group of her subjects from panicking,

What remains to be done? after all the brooms in the kingdom come to life. The GM judges the effect to be

The effect level will generally be standard, which can be improved to great standard; she's a princess of the kingdom, known and respected, and they're just

via critical successes or by special abilities, or by the princess choosing to brooms, but she's speaking to a big crowd and trying to calm them quickly.

escalate the dice rolled. However, if the princess is particularly strong and the
obstacle particularly weak then the GM might decide that a success means a Example: A princess is in a controlled lands kingdom, pressed into babysitting a
great effect. On the other hand if the princess isn't prepared, doesn't have the bunch of academy princesses, when a half-dozen slimes attack the group. The
right tools, is fighting above her weight or so forth, then a limited effect frontier princess steps in front of the academy princesses with her weapon in hand,
might be all she can hope for even on a full success. determined to wipe out the slimes and protect her charges. The GM judges the
effect to be great; she's a frontier princess who deals with much worse than this on
5. Player May Trade Position For Effect
a daily basis, and a bunch of slimes aren't going to present any significant threat.
Trading position for effect represents the princess taking riskier actions,
On any level of success the frontier princess isn't just going to defeat these slimes,
cutting corners, sacrificing her own safety in order to get into a more
but she's going to look good doing it, too.
effective position, and so on. In mechanical terms the princess worsens her
position by one level (from controlled to risky, from risky to desperate) and
increases her effect. When in a controlled position you may trade position for
effect twice, worsening your position to desperate and adding +2 effect.

~58~
6. Player Chooses Escalation
After the GM has set the dice level the princess may choose to escalate,
increasing the size of dice in exchange for a flashier outcome and greater
effect. Every level of escalation increases the dice level by one (d6 -> d8 ->
d10 -> d12 -> d20), but also increases the level of effect by one. In addition,
rolling a full success on an escalated action awards 1 XP to the relevant core
trait.
Escalation represents extra flamboyance, more flashy techniques, and possibly
the use of magic. For example, escalating a Sporty action might mean she's
using magic to make herself run faster and jump higher. Alternately, she
might just be leaping around and doing flips and running along walls and
such. Escalating a Bookworm action might mean surrounding herself with
dozens of floating books, flicking through the pages with spectral hands.
Alternately, she might just be reading from seven books at once, set out
normally, while taking notes with one hand and with the other ... eating
potato chips! Escalating a Chatty action might involve minor charm magic
(suspicious if discovered) or illusion magic to make herself look more
interesting or cute to the person she's talking to. Alternately, she might just
be talking so fast and switching subjects with such breathtaking fluidity that
it beggars the mind to witness.
Escalation can make the seemingly impossible possible, but at the cost of a
greater risk of failure and potentially worse consequences if the dice aren't
kind. Spectacular successes, but also spectacular failures.
Note that certain rolls, such as resistance, cannot be escalated.
~59~
Example: All the elementals in the area are combing into a giant mega-elemental.
Stella wants to stop this.
GM: There are a lot of elementals and there's wild magic everywhere. You've only
got your princess weapon, right? Earth versus earth? I don't think you can do
much. You're in a desperate position already, by the way.
Stella: Okay then, what if I escalate?
GM: Hmm ... with the difference in Tiers you'd have to escalate twice just to get a
limited effect.
Stella: I'll escalate three times then, up to a ... would that be a d12? Okay, that's
what I'm doing. Charging my Heartwood Gauntlets with everything I've got,
using magic to enchant my shoes so I'm extra springy and zippy, running and
dodging past the little elementals and wild magic surges then launching myself into
the air, gathering every bit of power I have and crashing straight into the core of
that gathering elemental. Extra effort for another dice, and can I roll with Sporty
because I'm mostly running and jumping to get into position?
GM: Darn tooting you can, sounds amazing. Want a Hard Choice?
Stella: Hit me.
GM: You get slashed and clipped by all those little elementals and floating rocks
you're running past, take a level 1 harm as an additional consequence.
Stella: Huh. Yep, I'll do it. Gonna need every dice I can get here.
GM: Okay. Mark two Weight for pushing yourself, add the level 1 harm 'cut up'
and roll it.
7. Players Add Bonus Dice 9. Player Rolls; Everyone Judges
+1d can be added by pushing yourself (marking two Weight). The results of the dice roll are important, but interpreting them is vital. If the
When in the wild lands princesses can also Channel Wild Magic to add dice highest value is 1-3 (on an unescalated d6 roll) then the action didn't go as
to their roll (see pg 65 for details). planned, but that's not the same as a failure. Sometimes succeeding in an
Other players can give the acting player +1d by saying how they help and unexpected (and negative) way, or even succeeding TOO well, can be more
marking one Weight. interesting. 4/5 is a partial success, which might involve taking a minor
consequence or reduced effect, suffering harm, or ending up in a worse
8. Hard Choice
position (risky from controlled, desperate from risky).
On any roll the GM or another player may offer a Hard Choice. This will
give the acting princess +1d or increased effect, or in some cases negate the
need for a roll entirely, but also result in something happening that they
probably won't like. Some examples:
 Collateral damage, unintended harm.
 Sacrifice Treasure or an item.
 Disappoint a friend or loved one.
 Damage relations with a faction.
 Start and/or tick a troublesome clock.
 Add Chaos to the kingdom or reduce the kingdom's Standing.
 Mark Weight, or clear all Weight and take a heart scar.
 Suffer harm.

~60~
Play It Out
Dealing with a threat, obstacle, situation or anything else that might require
a roll of the dice also requires an approach. How is your princess acting?
What kind of attitude do they have? What aspect of themselves is most
expressed, in this situation?
For example, a princess is dealing with a runaway pig, as you do. She could
yell at it to stop using Bossy, she could run after it using Sporty, she could
utilise her surroundings to improvise a trap using Tinker, she could sing a
special pig-calling song using Bookworm or Earthy.
Keep Moving Forward
Sixes are great, obviously. We all love a six. (Or an eight, or a ten, or twelve,
or that most welcome of sights, the natural twenty.) Most of the time,
though, you're going to be dealing with partial successes if the roll isn't a
complete wash. It's important to remember that a partial success is still a
success, it just means there's some kind of cost or unwanted consequence.
The action still happens and the princess makes progress towards achieving
her goal. She might get thrown around and beaten and discouraged, she
might attract the attention of every elemental in the area, she might put ticks
on three different clocks, but she's moving forward.
GM, balance the consequences you dish out with forward momentum. Tick
those clocks, deal that harm, increase that Chaos, but make sure you're also
letting the princesses make big steps towards what they want. If you're
having trouble thinking of consequences, there's a table in Appendix B (pg
107) that could provide some inspiration.
~61~
Princess, remember the mechanical tools you have available to control the
narrative. You can always resist consequences at the cost of Weight. This is
very powerful! No matter what pain the GM dishes out, you have the option
to just say "Nope!" Of course you then have to deal with mounting Weight
and potential scars, but that's all part of being a princess. Strong heart, easily
scarred.
Effect
In PW:FK, you achieve goals by taking actions and dealing with
consequences. The GM judges the basic effect of the action using the profiles
below. Which one best matches the action at hand—great, standard, or
limited? Each effect level indicates the questions that should be answered for
that effect, as well as how many segments to tick if you're using a progress
clock.
[3] Great
You achieve more than usual. What additional benefit do you enjoy?
[2] Standard
You achieve an expected effect. Is that enough, or is there more left to do?
[1] Limited
You achieve a partial or weak effect. How is your impact diminished? What
effort remains to achieve your goal?
Assessing Factors
To choose an effect level, first start with your gut feeling, given the situation.
Then, if needed, assess three factors that may modify the effect level: potency,
scale, and quality. If the PC has an advantage in a given factor, consider a
greater effect. If they have a disadvantage, consider a reduced effect.
Potency
The potency factor considers particular weaknesses, taking extra time or a
bigger risk, or the influence of magic. Stealthy actions are more potent if all
the lights are extinguished. Weapons are more potent if they are exploiting a
weakness, elemental or otherwise. Study actions are more potent if the
princess is an expert in that field, or if she has adequate time and resources to
devote to the subject. On the other side of things, stealth is less potent in a
well-lit area with little cover. Using a fire weapon against a fire elemental is
less potent. That study action is less potent if the princess is rushed or
doesn't have access to the right materials.
Quality/Tier
Quality represents the effectiveness of tools, weapons, or other resources,
usually summarized by Tier. Fine items count as +1 bonus in quality, stacking
with Tier.
When a princess is dealing with something of the same effective Tier, her
effect will be standard unless there are other factors to consider (such as
potency or scale). When dealing with a higher Tier the princess's effect will
be reduced by the difference between the Tiers. For example, if a player
princess from a Tier 0 kingdom is trying to improve relations with a princess
~62~
representing the Universal Librarians (Tier 3), then the player princess will
begin at no effect—in fact, at one level lower than no effect. She'll have to
figure out how to improve her effect by at least two levels just to get to
limited. On the other hand, if a princess is from a Tier 1 kingdom and
dealing with Tier 0 monsters then she'll be at great effect from the start,
barring other factors such as scale.
When a roll is made 'against Tier', compare the kingdom's Tier to the
target's Tier.
Example: Princess Stella is attempting to bypass a magical barrier. Her kingdom is
Tier 1 and she has fine magic tools so she's effectively Tier 2. The barrier is Tier 3.
Despite her fine tools Stella is outclassed, so her effect will be limited on the barrier.
Relations
Relations mostly affect social actions. Increase or decrease effect by the level
of relations. For example, when asking a favour from a neighbouring
kingdom with +1 relations, the princess would increase her level of effect by
one. When Reaching Out to a faction with which the princess's kingdom has
-2 relations, reduce effect by two levels.
Scale
Scale represents the number of opponents, size of an area covered, scope of
influence, etc. Larger scale can be an advantage or disadvantage depending
on the situation. In battle, more people are better. When infiltrating, more
people are a hindrance.
Putting It All Together
When considering factors, effect level might be reduced below limited,
resulting in no effect, or increased beyond great, resulting in an extreme
effect.
If a PC special ability gives +1 effect it comes into play after the GM has
assessed the effect level.
Also, remember that a princess can push herself (mark 2 Weight) for +1
effect, or escalate (increase dice size) to get increased effect on her action. If
she can figure out a way her princess weapon would be useful in a situation,
that's +1 effect too.
Every factor won't always apply to every situation. You don't have to do an
exact accounting every time, either. Use factors to help you make a
judgement call. Don't feel beholden to them.
~63~
Lead A Group Action
When you lead a group action, you coordinate multiple members of the team
to tackle a problem together. Describe how your character leads the team in a
coordinated effort. Do you shout orders, conjure helpful glowing symbols in
the air, lead by example, or provide royally charming inspiration?
Each PC involved makes an action roll (using the same aspect) and the team
counts the single best result as the overall effort for everyone who rolled.
However, the character leading the group action takes one Weight for each
PC that rolled a failure as their best result.
Escalation may be used as part of a group action but carries a cost. For every
level of escalation used on a roll that is anything less than a full success, one
Weight must be marked. This Weight can be marked by anyone who is part
of the group action.
For example, if a princess escalates once and rolls a failure, one Weight is
paid. If she escalates three times and rolls a partial success, three Weight
must be paid. If a princess escalates four times and rolls a full success, no
Weight needs to be paid for her escalation.
Set Up Actions
When you perform a set up action you have an indirect effect on an obstacle.
If your action has its intended result, any member of the team who follows
through gets increased effect or improved position for their roll. You choose
the benefit, based on the nature of your set up action.
This is a good way to contribute when you don’t have a good rating in the
action at hand. Multiple follow-up actions may take advantage of your set up
as long as it makes sense in the fiction. Similarly, multiple set up actions
could influence a single action roll. For example, one princess could use
Stylish to distract an enemy, another could use Nosy to detect a weak point
(perhaps with improved position due to the first princess's successful
distraction), then a third could use Tough to attack the monster, enjoying
both an extra level of effect and improved position.
Since a set up action can increase the effect of follow-up actions, it's also
useful when the team is facing tough opposition that has advantages in
quality, scale, and/or potency. Even if the PCs are reduced to zero effect due
to disadvantages in a situation, the set up action provides a bonus that allows
for limited effect.
Protect That Smile
If you're in a position to do so, you may step in to face a consequence that
someone else would otherwise face. Describe how you intervene, then suffer
the consequence in their place. You may roll to resist it as normal.
~64~
Escalating Or Trading Position For Effect
After factors are considered and the GM has announced the effect level, a
player might want to escalate their dice for effect. For instance, if they're
going to make a risky roll with standard effect (the most common scenario,
generally), they might instead want to push their luck and escalate their dice
to make it a great effect. Alternately, if appropriate they can make their
position more dangerous (controlled to risky, risky to desperate) in exchange
for an effect bonus.
Example: Stella is sneaking past some elementals. She has spent a prep point to
create a magical distraction and wants to sprint past while the elementals are
diverted.
GM: It's pretty far. I don't think you can make it before your fireworks end. You
can get halfway with a successful Sporty action, but unless you get a crit you're
going to have to be Sneaky to get past the elementals.
Stella: Hmm. My Sneaky sucks. Okay, what if I use magic to make myself faster?
Escalate to a d8 for the Sporty roll, to go extra fast?
GM: That works—or you could make it a desperate action rather than a risky one.
Stella: No, I'll just escalate.
GM: Okay, roll it.
Channelling Wild Magic
When in the wild lands, a princess can attempt to harness and use the
inherent raw magic in the area. In mechanical terms, a princess can use wild
magic to add dice to their roll to a maximum of their Whimsy + 1. (So if a
princess has a Whimsy of 1 they can add up to 2 wild magic dice to a roll.)
However, there are costs and risks to doing this.
First, channelling any amount of wild magic forces an escalation of the
action. It's up to the princess to decide how much she wants to escalate, but
it has to be at least one level (to d8s). The escalation gives bonuses as normal
(increased effect and XP awarded upon full success).
Second, regardless of the outcome, any doubles rolled trigger a localised wild
magic surge. This can take the form of kinetic energy, elemental energy, life
energy, or anything else the GM deems appropriate. It could be beneficial to
the princess, or harmful. If desired, a fortune roll can be made to see how
positive (or negative) the effects are, or you can use the table in Appendix A
of this rulebook (pg 108) to generate a random surge.
The escalation of the roll represents not just the difficulty of controlling wild
magic, but also the often spectacular and explosive effects of doing so. When
wild magic is used it's an opportunity to really get crazy with both successes
and consequences.
The GM should keep track of the total number of wild magic dice used and
wild magic surges that occurred during a session, as this will affect the
kingdom's Chaos. See the Chaos Grows section in Aftermath (pg 83) for
details.
~65~
Chaos
Even in the controlled lands magic is bizarre. Once you get into the deep
wilds, woo! Forget about it. Super weird. Frontier kingdoms are shielded
against the worst of it but even so, they are unavoidably places where there's a
lot of uncontrolled wild magic around. This is represented by Chaos, a
measure of just how weird things are getting in and around your frontier
kingdom.
Chaos increases in a number of ways. Strong emotions can increase Chaos,
especially if a lot of people are feeling the same way, or if one particularly
powerful individual (say, a princess) is in an emotional state. Messing around
in the wild lands can increase Chaos, as can ignoring the wild lands and
allowing elementals and other monsters to gather power (sort of a catch-22
situation there, to be honest). Disorder can increase Chaos. Even something
as seemingly innocuous as an untidy room can have surprisingly serious
consequences.
Elemental Explosions
Elementals are formed of highly compressed wild magic. When an elemental
is destroyed all of that energy is released at once, increasing the kingdom's
Chaos by the elemental's Tier. Nearby princesses may attempt to calm this
explosion, rolling Weird against the elemental's Tier. Each level of effect
reduces the Chaos increase by one, to a minimum of zero. Only one attempt
may be made for each elemental, although other princesses can mark Weight
to help the princess making the roll.
Chaos Sets The Stage
At the beginning of each session the GM should roll a number of dice equal If the kingdom's shields are weak (Shield is less than Land) then reroll all 6s
to the kingdom's Chaos. once.
Any 6s rolled indicate an abatement of Chaos; reduce the kingdom's Chaos Example: Beka's kingdom has a Chaos of 4, and weak shields. The GM rolls 6, 3,
by one. 2, 4. They reroll the 6 and get a 3, resulting in a wild magic surge and no
Any set of doubles indicates a major wild magic surge, which can manifest in reduction in Chaos for the kingdom.
many different ways. See the Wild Magic Surge Examples section, or roll on If Chaos ever reaches ten then the wild magic near the kingdom's borders
the random table in Appendix B (pg 108). has reached a crisis point. Reset chaos to zero and increase the kingdom's
Every 1 indicates a possible weakening of the kingdom's shields. If this isn't Wild by 1. In addition, trigger a wild magic surge as the raw chaotic forces
dealt with by the end of the session, reduce the kingdom's Shield by 1. Shield find an outlet.
problems generally require a free time action to solve. Multiple shield
problems might require multiple actions, or might be represented by a clock
that must be filled. For example, if two 1s are rolled then the GM might
create a four segment clock. If the princesses manage to fill this clock before
the end of the session, their Shield will not decrease. Dealing with shield
problems might also be the focus of this session's affair.
If the kingdom's shields are strong (Shield is higher than Land) then players
may request for any of the dice to be rerolled, once.
Example: Stella's kingdom has a Chaos of 5, and strong shields. The GM rolls 2, 2,
1, 5 and 6. Stella asks for the 1 and one of the 2s to be rerolled, resulting in a 5 and
a 4. There's still a wild magic surge (double 5s), but the shields aren't weakened
and the Chaos is reduced by 1 thanks to the 6.

~66~
Wild Magic Surge Examples
 Warping of terrain; hills become flat, grasslands become swamps, rivers
twist and bend, lakes empty, valleys flood. Enormous rock spikes burst from
the ground. Crystal formations grow from walls and rooftops.
 Monster lairs are created, or monsters break through the borders.
The length that wild magic surge effects persist for is up to the GM.
Generally they'll last a session or two, or until the princesses deal with them
directly (possibly as an affair). If you're having trouble coming up with a wild
surge, try looking at the projects the princesses have, their kingdom focus,

 Life energy causes tools or other inanimate objects to come to life. their relations with factions and other kingdoms, and their goals. What
would mess with those things?
 Personalities swap or change.
If you're still coming up blank, or just want to embrace the chaos and roll for
 A new treasure palace appears near the kingdom's border.
it, dozens of wild surge examples can be found in Appendix B: Random Tables
 All the animals in the kingdom start talking and just won't shut up.
(pg 108).
 Elementals near the kingdom's borders begin merging to create one
enormous mega-elemental.
 Portals start appearing, sucking in everything nearby and depositing it in
random places.
 Illusions begin appearing around the kingdom.
 Every lie told in the kingdom manifests as a little floating puffball.
 The entire kingdom is silenced.
 Thick mist settles over the kingdom, and there's something out there.
 Some of the valuables in the kingdom's vault sprout legs and run for it.

~67~
 Harm And Consequence
The Heart Of A Princess
Princesses are, generally speaking, resilient individuals used to bearing heavy
responsibility. They're tough to hurt and hard to keep down. However,
princesses are not indestructible. They are physical beings of flesh and blood.
If they're cut, they bleed. If they're slammed against a rock by a rogue
elemental, they hurt. If they get hit in the arm by a troll's club, maybe that
arm gets broken. Similarly, the barbed words of a rival princess can cut
straight to the heart. The weight of regret can be more crushing than that
troll's club. It is true that a princess's heart is her greatest strength. It is also
true that the heart of a princess is her most vulnerable weakness.
Consequences
Enemy actions, bad circumstances, or the outcome of a roll can inflict
consequences on a PC. The GM determines the consequences, following
from the fiction and the style and tone established by the game group.
Reduced Effect
This consequence represents impaired performance. The PC's action isn't as
effective as they'd anticipated. You hit the monster, but it's not enough to
stop it from eating the key. You're able to climb the wall, but you're only
halfway up before the dragon spots you. This consequence essentially reduces
the effect level of the PC's action by one after all other factors are accounted
for.
~68~
Complication
This consequence represents trouble, mounting danger, or a new threat. The
GM might introduce an immediate problem that results from the action
right now: the room catches fire, you're disarmed, your kingdom gets +1
Chaos from the elemental attention you're attracting, you lose status with a
faction, the target evades you and now it's a chase, more monsters turn up,
and so on.
Or the GM might tick a clock for the complication. Maybe there's a clock
for the alert level of monsters guarding a treasure. Or maybe the GM creates
a new clock for the suspicion of your host at a party. Fill one tick on a clock
for a minor complication or two ticks for a standard complication.
A serious complication is more severe: reinforcements surround and trap you,
the room catches fire and falling ceiling beams block the door, your weapon
is lost, the kingdom suffers +2 Chaos, your target escapes out of sight, etc.
Fill three or more ticks on a clock for a serious complication.
Don't inflict a complication that negates a success. If a PC tries to corner an
enemy and gets a partial success, don't say that the enemy escapes. The
player's roll succeeded so the enemy is cornered, but maybe they manage to
knock the princess's weapon away, or pull a suspiciously glowing crystal from
their pocket.
Harm And Injury Pushing Yourself
Princesses are pretty tough, and also quite good at avoiding getting seriously Princesses can use their inner determination and strength of heart to push
hurt. Sometimes, though, you just can't help but break a leg or two. themselves to greater heights. For each bonus you choose, mark two Weight.

Harm is usually a consequence of failed action rolls, and comes in a Each bonus may be taken once per action.

delightful variety of shapes and severities. Add +1d to your roll.

1 Harm (Reduced Effect): bruised, split lip, bloody nose, hurt feelings,
drained, creeped out, feeling gross
2 Harm (-1d): sprained ankle, cracked ribs, beaten up, exhausted, scared,
humiliated, shaken by regret, betrayed, poisoned, lost, disappointed
3 Harm (twonked until further notice): crushed, broken limb, all cut up,
terrified, devastated, savagely dragged
Weight
This consequence represents stress and heaviness of heart. Sometimes even
when an action succeeds it costs the princess something. Marking Weight as
a consequence can be due to guilt, pain, embarrassment, anxiety, hurt feelings,
disappointment, or maybe just good old fashioned stress.
Add +1 level to your effect.
Take a normal action while twonked.
Weight
Princesses have a Weight counter with ten steps. Weight represents the
heaviness of the princess's heart and the burden she is bearing; the more she
pushes herself and the more stress she suffers, the heavier the responsibility
she feels and the harder everything seems. If Weight reaches ten then it is
reset to zero and the princess takes a heart scar; see the Heart Scars section
for details.
Once per session, if a princess eats or drinks something new and delicious
she may remove one Weight.

Twonked
'Twonked' is a state of incapacity in which you're able to call encouragement
to your friends and maybe move a bit, but not much more than that. Actually
acting in any useful capacity will cost two Weight for every action roll (see
'Pushing Yourself '). When twonked a princess can elect to be teleported to
safety, most likely back to her castle, unless there are circumstances stopping
teleportation magic from working (this is up to the GM and the laws of
narrative drama).

~69~
Heart Scars
If Weight reaches ten then the princess has pushed herself too far and her
heart will be scarred as a consequence. Reset Weight to zero then pick an
appropriate scar from the list. The emergence of a scar is a dramatic event
and can completely change the course of a scene. The GM has the final say
over how a new scar affects events, and over what actions the princess may
take for the remainder of the affair. Some suggestions for how heart scarring
might play out:
 The princess is immediately whisked out of danger and back to the
castle, to recover and reflect. Her companions may or may not go with her.
 The princess is filled with dramatic power, and immediately utilises this
power in a manner appropriate to her new scar. This could attract the
wrong sort of attention, increasing the kingdom's Chaos.
 The princess is incapacitated by the impact of this new scar, and is
considered twonked. However, if the GM deems it appropriate she may
come back into the scene at a dramatic moment.
~70~
 All focus is upon the princess. Her player takes control of the scene and
it plays out with the newly scarred princess in the spotlight. After the scene
has built to an appropriately dramatic climax, the princess collapses or is
otherwise spent; cutting to a new scene or the aftermath of the affair might
be appropriate.
 The newly scarred princess is able to hide the change that's come over
her well enough that nobody can really say for sure what just happened.
The true effects of the scar will be felt, and perhaps noticed, later.
Whenever a princess takes a heart scar increase her kingdom's Standing and
XP by one each. It's an event that attracts a certain type of unspoken respect
and sympathy, from allies and rivals alike.
 List Of Heart Scars
Regretful: You've made mistakes. You have to be better.
Guilty: Why did you DO that? Why do you always mess up?
Cold: Feelings are a distraction.
Hot: Feelings MATTER!
Overwhelmed: Everything is so complicated. Things just keep piling up. You
just want things to be simple.
Savage: No more polite lies. You'll let them all know exactly what you think
of them.
Impatient: You have no time for those who stand between you and what
must be done. Step aside or be trampled.
Overprotective: As long as they're okay, you're okay. Just don't let them get
hurt. Just don't let them down.
Contentious: WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?
Vindictive: They have wronged you, your friends, your kingdom. They must
be punished. No matter the cost.
Manic: Let's have a party! Let's go fight those elementals! Let's do whatever,
just don't stop! Don't stop!
Withdrawn: You're okay. You can do this. By yourself. Definitely by yourself.
Proud: You did nothing wrong. It's everyone else who's mistaken.
Competitive: Anything's better than losing.
Trusting: They know best. You just have to keep faith. No matter what
happens. Just keep that faith.
~71~
Merciless: Whatever lenience you once had is gone. You will cut those who
oppose you without hesitation.
Reckless: You've survived worse. You'll survive this, too. Or not. Either way.
Idealistic: You're right! You KNOW you're right! If only you could make
them understand!
Blinkered: This is fine.
Relentless: So what if you're heading for ruin. Just as long as it gets done.
Paranoid: Everyone's hiding something. Nobody's free of secrets. The only
sane position is one of suspicion.
Shy: Everyone keeps looking at you, and you don't know how to deal with
that.
Stubborn: No.
Anxious: What if you're just making things worse? What if every decision
you make is wrong? How can you be sure? How can you do this?
Obsessed: Was it that? It was. Just that one thing. That one little thing.
Disillusioned: It's not how you thought it'd be. It's not how they said it'd be.
Is there even any point to this?
Arrogant: This wouldn't have happened if they'd just listened to you. You're
better than them. You're better than everyone.
Selfish: Why does everyone expect you to sort everything out? Someone else
can deal with it. You have your own priorities.
Apathetic: Whatever.
Retirement
Scars are permanent. When a princess gains her fourth scar she must take a
step back from active involvement in kingdom affairs. Let the younger,
brighter princesses deal with them. She's not dead or broken or useless, she
just ... can't do this any more. She can still be a part of the kingdom, but she
is now an NPC. The player must make a new character to continue, possibly
using the legacy rules. The retiring princess may help out in the future, but
entirely under the GM's control. She will be extremely reluctant to
participate in any activities related to the event that caused her retirement.
For example, if she took her fourth scar while fighting elementals in the wild
lands, she won't do anything that might result in a fight or contact with
elementals. If she took her fourth scar while at a party then she will shy away
from social or diplomatic engagements.
~72~
Alternatively, the princess can leave the kingdom for the controlled lands.
This reflects well on the kingdom—clearly this princess has worked hard and
sacrificed a lot to advance her kingdom, and so the kingdom must be worthy.
Immediately add six to the kingdom's Standing. Also, the princess will
probably take an important position in one of the factions or otherwise act as
a positive (if remote) influence. Add her as a Highly Placed Friend boon to
the kingdom. If you like, you may create a new character using the legacy
rules.
When a princess retires due to heart scarring her kingdom gains +1 relations
with the faction Scarred Hearts.
Heart Scars In Play
Taking a heart scar is a dramatic, permanent change to a character, but it
doesn't have to define them going forward. Nobody is just one thing, and
every princess is going to react to a scar differently. Some will accept it, even
embrace it, using it to drive themselves forward. Some will be afraid of this
new facet of themselves. Some will fight against it, striving to be better than
the heavy little darkness deep in their chest. Some will try to ignore it,
throwing themselves into affairs as a distraction. Some will deny its existence,
doing anything to keep from acknowledging their new scar. Some will see it
as a mark of honour, a reminder of what they've sacrificed. Some will see it as
a mark of shame, a reminder of their failure. Some will be able to laugh it off;
it happened, it's not that interesting, let's just move on. Some will find that
they're not able to treat it so lightly.
In this Princess World heart scarring is a known phenomenon. Everyone sort
of knows that it's a risk for princesses, especially frontier princesses.
Accumulating too many isn't the end of a princess, it's mostly just a sign that
she's done enough. There's a level of respect for a princess with heart scars,
sometimes even awe. It means you've been out there. It means you've fought
and pushed yourself, maybe a little too far. It's rare that anyone would blame
a princess for taking a heart scar. Even a princess's rivals usually won't use
her scars against her. After all, they could be next. Still, it's not really
considered a polite conversational topic. In most situations it would be
tremendously rude to ask a princess if she has any scars, akin to asking a
soldier if they've ever killed anyone. Heart scars are spoken of in hushed
tones, when they are discussed at all, with a degree of reverence and delicacy.
~73~
For players, don't be too scared of heart scars. Getting one isn't the end of
the world. From a gameplay point of view there's no mechanical penalty for
taking a scar, your Weight gets completely cleared, and if you use the scar for
roleplaying you get bonus XP. Of course if you get too many you're forced to
retired, but that's not the same as dying. Either your princess becomes an
NPC in the kingdom or she leaves the frontier and takes a position
elsewhere, supporting the place she fought so hard for from afar. It's not the
end of her story.
For the GM, don't be scared to pile on the Weight, but if a princess is close
to gaining a heart scar it can be a good idea to bring it up whenever she takes
action or does anything that could push her over the edge. If a princess is
about to resist a consequence, for example, make sure to tell her that if she
rolls under a certain number then she's going to take enough Weight to gain
a heart scar. Don't blindside princesses, is what I'm saying. In a certain sense,
gaining a scar should feel almost like a choice. The princess chose to push
herself, to resist, to take those risky or desperate actions, to escalate. It all
added up and led to this one moment. In a particularly tense or dramatic
situation, when a princess already has eight or nine Weight, you could even
offer a heart scar as part of a Hard Choice. She doesn't have to roll that
desperate action. She'll have full narrative control of how this thing plays out.
All of her Weight will be cleared. The only price is a scarred heart.
Resistance Rolls
When a princess suffers a consequence they don't want to accept, they may
take Weight to change the outcome. The result of a resistance roll determines
how much Weight must be marked to avoid the outcome.
Resistance is always automatically effective. The GM will tell you if the
consequence is reduced in severity or if you avoid it entirely. Then, you'll
make a resistance roll to see how much Weight your character marks as a
result of their resistance.
You make the roll using one of your character's attributes (Fitness, Wit,
Charm or Whimsy). The GM chooses the attribute, based on the nature of
consequences:
Fitness: Physical harm and effort; being thrown around, taking damage,
falling, exhaustion, trying to keep hold of something.
Wit: Mental harm and effort; magical damage, fatigue from study, messing
up an invention.
Charm: Social harm and effort; making a faux pas, being caught in a lie,
cutting words from a rival princess, negating a drop in relations.
Whimsy: Wild magic & weird harm; consequences of wild magic, messing
up while gardening, averting or negating the effects of wild surges.
Your character marks 6 Weight when they resist, minus the highest die result
from the resistance roll. So, if you rolled a 4, you'd mark 2 Weight. If you
rolled a 6, you'd mark zero Weight. If you get a critical result on your
resistance roll you clear 1 Weight.
~74~
Example: During a scuffle with an elemental, Stella rolls badly and gets slammed
against a tree. It's a desperate situation and a strong elemental so the GM decides
Stella will take the level three harm, 'Crushed'. Stella isn't in the mood to be hurt,
so she chooses to resist. The GM decides this is a Fitness roll. The princess, with her
Fitness of 2, rolls two dice and gets a 2 and a 1. She marks 4 Weight, and the GM
reduces the harm to level 2, 'Bruised Ribs'.
Usually, a resistance roll reduces the severity of a consequence. If you're going
to suffer level three harm, for example, a resistance roll would reduce the
harm to level two instead. Or if you got a complication when you were
sneaking into a monster lair, and the GM was going to mark three ticks on
the Alarm clock, she'd only mark two (or maybe one) if you resisted the
complication.
You may only resist a given consequence once.
The GM also has the option to rule that your character completely avoids
the consequence. For instance, maybe you're fighting a monster and the
consequence is getting disarmed. When you resist, the GM says that you
avoid that consequence completely: you keep hold of your weapon.
The GM may also threaten several consequences at once, then the player
may choose which ones to resist (and make rolls for each).
Magic Shields
Part of a princess's repertoire of tricks is the ability to magically protect
herself. Although they're referred to as 'shields' they can take any form, such
as a glimmering armour aura, a burst of elegant motion that allows a dodge, a
stern glance that stops an arrow in midair, or any other protective magical
effect the princess likes. Generally speaking this protection will work against
physical or magical attacks, but is not effective against social attacks. Not
even a magic shield can defend against the cutting remarks of a rival princess.
The GM will judge when a magic shield can or cannot be used.
Using a shield costs two prep points and reduces harm by one level. If the
shield is of fine quality, either due to the kingdom boon Overprotective or
something else, then it only costs one prep point.
Shields can be used as long as the princess has prep points, although of
course this means that other useful items or magic cannot be used.
~75~
Death
Princesses are not immortal. The death of a character is a possibility within
this game. However, it can only occur if both the GM and player agree. To
state it clearly, when it comes to character mortality players in this game have
full agency. Their character cannot die without their explicit consent.
If the story leads a princess into a situation in which she takes potentially
lethal damage, if the player does not want her to die then she suffers level
three harm and is twonked. If she wants to continue to act then she must pay
two Weight for every action taken.
 Kingdom Affairs
There's no avoiding it. You can't ignore the problem any longer. You've got a dozen other things demanding your attention but this affair in particular needs
to be dealt with right now.
Kingdom affairs are the main 'adventure' part of Frontier Kingdoms, and will form the core of most sessions. They usually involve a serious problem affecting
the kingdom, something that the princesses are going to have to deal with directly. Or maybe the kingdom's patron faction has approached them with a little
favour they need done, or maybe it was one of the other factions, or one of the neighbouring kingdoms, or even one of their subjects. Or maybe the princesses
want to go out and hunt an elemental or two, or search for treasure in the wild lands, or research magical phenomenon, or get cracking on border expansion,
or just find a really good party to attend. Whatever the affair, it's going to require planning, there are going to be obstacles involved, and by the end of it
everyone is probably going to be longing for a cup of tea and a nice long bath.

Planning & Engagement Choose Your Approach

The princesses spend time planning their kingdom affairs. They check maps, There are six different approaches that can be taken, each with a missing
study books, argue about the best approach, consult with experts or their detail that you must provide; Direct, Careful, Tricky, Stealthy, Social, or
subjects, prepare magic and supplies, plan routes, worry about potential Noble. To plan an affair, just pick an approach and add the detail. Then the
dangers, and so on. GM will cut to the action as the first dramatic moments of the affair unfold.
You, the players, will probably still do some of that. But all you ACTUALLY
have to do is choose the type of approach your princesses are taking. The
engagement roll determines how much trouble you're in when the plan is put
into motion.

~76~
 Engagement Approaches In Detail
Direct Careful
Get straight to the point, no mucking around. Research carefully and do this properly.
Detail: The point of attack. Detail: The revealed weakness.
Direct approaches are for princesses who can't be bothered with fiddly Careful approaches are for princesses who like to plan and prepare. The
nonsense. The point of attack could be a place, a person or object, or even detail is a weakness, which can be just about anything. Remember that the
something more abstract like an idea or a belief. engagement roll determines the opening position of the affair. On a poor roll
maybe the princesses' were wrong about the weakness, or weren't able to
Tricky
properly take advantage of it.
Don't be glib.
Detail: The method of deception. Social
Tricky approaches always involve a degree of subterfuge. Think about both Civility, persuasion, tea.
the target and the way the princesses are tricking them, and exactly what Detail: The social connection.
they're trying to accomplish with this. Social approaches involve a contact, which could be someone the princesses
already know or someone new. (Although they'll probably have more luck
Stealthy
with a known and trusted ally than an unknown quantity.) It could involve
Just don't let them notice you.
negotiation, a friendly chat, or maybe just a lot of shouting.
Detail: The point of infiltration.
Stealthy approaches differ from tricky approaches in an important way; Noble
tricky approaches are about deception, while stealthy approaches are about Announce your intentions and engage honourably.
not being noticed at all. Detail: Your reason for being so nice about this.
With a noble approach there is absolutely no deception or trickery, and if
fighting is involved it'll be face to face without any attempt at surprise or
subterfuge.

~77~
The Engagement Roll
Once the players choose an approach and provide the detail the GM cuts to
the action, describing the scene as the princesses begin their affair and
encounter their first obstacle. In order to give everyone an idea of how things
kick off, we use a dice roll. This is the engagement roll.
The engagement roll is a fortune roll, starting with 1d for sheer luck. Modify
the dice pool for any major advantages or disadvantages that apply:
Is the affair aligned with the kingdom's focus? Take +1d.
For example, Magic Researchers going into the wild lands to retrieve a relic.
Are the princesses particularly suited to this approach? Take +1d.
For example, a Social approach with princesses who have high Charm aspects, or
having the Elemental Experts boon on an affair involving elementals.
Are the princesses out of their depth with this approach? Take -1d.
For example, a Stealthy approach with princesses who have no points in Sneaky.
Will the affair be in a familiar or comfortable environment? Take +1d.
For example, if the affair is within the kingdom, or in a place related to a princess's
speciality, or somewhere the princesses have spent significant time previously.
Does the affair take place in a particularly difficult, hostile, or alien
environment? Take -1d.
For example, deep in the wild lands or at a party filled with hostile factions.
Is there an aspect of the affair that could easily go wrong? Take -1d.
For example, it involves a kingdom or faction with negative relations, requires
precise timing, or involves an unreliable person.
~78~
Is the approach especially appropriate? Does it exploit a weakness or
vulnerability? Take +1d.
For example, a Stealthy approach when infiltrating via a secret entrance, or a
Social approach with the detail being a reliable and trusted ally.
Is there anything unsuitable about this particular approach? Is the target
strong against it? Take -1d.
For example, a Noble approach against a tricksy and cunning kingdom, or a Direct
approach against a fortified position or a well-guarded item.
Can any of your friends or subjects help or give advice? Take +1d for each
source of help.
Are any enemies or rivals interfering in the affair? Take -1d for each
interference.
Are there any other elements that you want to consider? Maybe a lower-Tier
target will give you +1d. Maybe a higher-Tier target will give you -1d.
Engagement Roll Results
Crit: Exceptional result. You've overcome the first obstacle and you're in a
controlled position for what's next.
6: Good result. You're in a controlled position when the action starts.
4/5: Mixed result. You're in a risky position when the action starts.
1-3: Bad result. You're in a desperate position when the action starts.
Flashbacks
When an affair is underway you can invoke a flashback to take an action in
the past that impacts your current situation. Maybe you asked your allies to
come in and provide backup against these elementals. Maybe you arranged
with your subjects to be on hand with sacks to carry all this stuff back to the
kingdom. Maybe you spent some time studying the monsters you just ran
into.
The GM sets a Weight cost when you activate a flashback action.
0 Weight: An ordinary action for which you had easy opportunity. Arranging
with your subjects to show up somewhere, coordinating a special signal or
code word with your fellow princesses, studying a specific aspect of
something.
1 Weight: A complex action or unlikely opportunity. Arranging for a disguise
to be hidden at the party, having already Bookwormed about the house
where the faction leaders are meeting.
2+ Weight: An elaborate action that involved special opportunities or
contingencies. Coordinating a balloon with a rope ladder to be sent over your
location just at this moment, uncovering detailed information about the
secret passages that lead to the master control room.
After the cost is paid, a flashback action is handled just like any other action.
Sometimes it will entail an action roll, because there's some danger or trouble
involved. Sometimes a flashback will entail a fortune roll, because we just
need to find out how well things went. Sometimes a flashback won't call for
a roll at all; you just pay the Weight and it's accomplished.
~79~
At the GM's discretion a flashback might be paid for by Treasure or
Standing, rather than Weight. For example, if Chaos is significantly raised
during an affair, to the point that Wild will be increased, you could pay a
Treasure and flashback to taking the free time action Calm The Wilds, thus
reducing Chaos and avoiding that Wild increase.
Flashback Limits
A flashback isn't time travel. It can't undo something that just occurred in
the present moment. For instance, if a faction representative confronts you
about the disappearance of a magical artefact, you can't call for a flashback to
stop her from showing up. She's here now, questioning you. That's
established in the fiction. However, you COULD call for a flashback to show
that you planted that artefact in a rival princess's bag...
Time Paradox
Princesses cannot suffer harm or other consequences in a flashback that
would have affected them in the time leading up to the point when they had
the flashback. In other words, you can't break your arm in a flashback if
you've been operating with two unbroken arms this whole time. Instead of
handing out harm and such as a consequence of flashback actions, the GM
should think about how the princesses' actions in the past might affect them
in the present moment. You could start a clock, increase Chaos, damage
relations, have a rival show up, introduce a threat, or even inflict harm on
them in the present. Linking causes in flashbacks to effects in the present
moment can really bring an affair together.
Prep Points Picking Up Stuff
Princesses are known for their flexibility and adaptability. They'll often come
up with a bit of magic or useful item just at the moment they need it. If a princess wants to take something she finds during an affair, mark off a
Princesses don't need to specifically note what equipment, items, and magic prep point. This includes Treasure; one prep point per point of Treasure
they're carrying. Instead, at the beginning of each new kingdom affair each grabbed. Remember that any princess can mark two prep points to use
princess gets five prep points that they can spend whenever they need storage magic, which holds her kingdom's Tier+3 items or Treasure.
something extra. It might be a tool, mundane or magical. It might be an extra
If a princess wants to take Treasure or specific items along on an affair
weapon, for just those moments when your princess weapon has been
then mark one prep point for each item or point of Treasure carried.
smacked out of your hand by a raging frost elemental and you could really
However, unless the item is absolutely vital to the affair it's usually better
use your trusty flame dagger. It might be a sequence of bombs, each more
to just mark off the prep point at the moment you need the thing.
unlikely than the last. It could also be a pinch of extra magic to make yourself
faster or sneakier, to disguise your appearance, or to summon some magical
fireworks as a distraction.
In any case, whenever you need something during an affair just tell the GM
what you're pulling out and mark off a prep point. If it's particularly rare or
powerful then the GM might rule that it costs two prep points. If you want
an item or magical effect to be of fine quality (+effect when used as part of
an action roll) then it will cost an additional prep point. The GM might also
request justification for why the princess has this particular item, or require a
flashback to explain where and how they acquired or prepared it.
Prep points cannot be regained during an affair. Once they're gone, they're
gone.

~80~
Princess Magic
Princesses sometimes need a little more oomph than usual. The following
magical abilities cost prep points to use, and could be represented by a small
charm, a magic scroll or potion or other item, some extra preparatory study
done before the affair, or just the princess summoning extra power to pull off
a clutch move. If there's a number after the magic then that's how many prep
points it costs, otherwise it costs 1 prep point. If the princess is out of prep
points and wants to use magic it will cost her two Weight per prep point.
Generally, most magic will add increased effect or +1d when used as part of
an action roll. If an additional prep point is used to make the magic fine
quality add both +1d and increased effect to the roll.
If a princess wants to use magic that doesn't fit into any of these categories,
it's up to the GM as to whether she has access to that magic, how effective it
is, and how many prep points it will cost.
~81~
Shield (2)
Resist physical or magical damage, reducing harm by one level. Ineffective
against social harm. See Magic Shields (pg 75) for more details.
Storage (2)
Some kind of pocket dimension, magic chest, or bag of holding situation.
Holds up to Tier+3 Treasure or items until the princess returns to her
kingdom. If Storage magic isn't used, each Treasure or item costs one prep
point to carry.
Illusion
Create the image and/or sound of something, alter your own or someone
else's appearance, conjure magical lights or fireworks to distract or entertain.
Movement
Move fast, jump high, climb like a spider. At the GM's discretion this could
also include limited teleportation or flight.
Divination
Reveal secrets about a person, object, or place, uncover hidden things, see the
possibilities that lie ahead, banish illusions.
Elemental
Fire, water, air, earth, light, darkness; frontier princesses command them all.
At the GM's discretion more out-there elements could also be covered.
 Aftermath
After a kingdom affair is concluded, it's time for a break. The post-affair phase is divided into five segments, as follows:
1 - Rewards Earned
2 - Chaos Grows
3 - Complications
4 - Free Time Activities
5- Winding Down

Rewards Earned
When a kingdom affair is successfully resolved, add 2 Standing. If the affair Kingdom boons such as Trade Freedom or Highly Placed Friend will award
involved a threat that was higher Tier than the kingdom, add +1 Standing their bonuses during this step, and valuables such as treasure palace cores
per Tier higher. If the threat was lower Tier than the kingdom then the may be exchanged for Treasure or other benefits.
Standing reward is reduced by -1 per Tier lower (minimum zero).
If someone promised to pay the princesses they might be awarded Treasure
or receive other benefits. They might also have found Treasure during the
affair.

~82~
Chaos Grows
Chaos increases naturally over time, as wild magic gathers beyond the
borders. After every kingdom affair increase Chaos by 1. Discord and bad
moods also increases Chaos. For every group with which the kingdom has -3
relations, increase Chaos by 1. If time was spent in the wild lands during the
affair then Chaos increases at the following rates, depending on how the
princesses behaved:
Quiet, calm and respectful; no fighting occurred: no extra Chaos.
Mostly okay but maybe a bit rough; any fights resolved quickly: +2 Chaos.
Noisy and stompy; multiple or drawn-out fights: +4 Chaos.
They just went crazy over there; constant rowdy fighting: +6 Chaos.
Next, add Chaos from wild magic dice used and local wild magic surges:
0-2: Mostly safe. No mechanical effect.
3-5: +2 Chaos
6-9: +4 Chaos
Add an additional +1 Chaos for each wild magic dice/surge more than nine.
For example, if eight wild magic dice were used and four wild magic surges
occurred, the kingdom's Chaos would increase by +7.
~83~
If Chaos ever reaches ten, immediately reset it to zero, increase the
kingdom's Wild by 1, and trigger a wild magic surge. See the Chaos section
(pg 65) for more details.
If a kingdom's Wild reaches 5 then the nearby wild lands have become
intensely chaotic and dangerous. This does not necessarily mean an
automatic failure on the part of the princesses, but their inability to calm and
counter the wild lands near their kingdom will certainly be noticed. They
should expect a visit from one of the factions, perhaps their patron, perhaps
the Silver Masks or the Hunter Guild or the Kingdom Defenders, or maybe
the Wandering Stars will arrive in one of their moving castles. Whoever it is
that shows up, they're not going to be particularly warm towards the
princesses. How things progress is up to the GM, but the freedoms of the
player princesses are likely to be restricted and their actions given stern
oversight.
Keeping both Chaos and Wild low should be a high priority. Once Wild
rises there is no simple method to reduce it. It might be possible to lower
Wild via long term projects, but this will likely require considerable resources
and outside help. It's up to the GM as to what is required and who the
princesses will have to appeal to in order to get this done.
Complications Complication Roll Table
Being a princess is an involved affair. You've got all these factions with all
1 Border Problems
their conflicting ideals, you've got your neighbour kingdoms with all their
nonsense, you've got rival princesses with all their drama, you've got 2 Something's Missing

elementals hammering against your borders, you've got the wild lands where 3 Local Trouble
literally anything could become a problem, you've got subjects to protect and
4 Unexpected Visitor
parties to attend and—well, it's just a lot, is all. Frontier kingdoms in
particular come with more than their share of troubles, often unexpected. 5 Could You Possibly...

Thus, complications. 6/7 Wild Nonsense

Once a kingdom affair has been resolved, successfully or unsuccessfully, after
8/9 Elementals Gathering
Chaos has been determined and the princesses are just starting to feel like
they might have earned a nice bath, the GM generates a complication using 10 Monster Lair

the following list. Roll 1d6; the GM can choose to take the face value, or add 11 Living Dungeon
the kingdom's Chaos to the roll. The roll can either be made in the open or
12 Rogue Library
in secret, and the complication can take effect immediately or at an
appropriate moment later on. 13 Treasure Palace

When faced with a complication, princesses can either ignore it or deal with 14+ Destructive Surge
it. Ignoring a complication will often come with a cost (usually Treasure or
Standing), and it could lead to further problems down the line. Dealing with
a complication will often take a free time action, start a progress clock, or
require a kingdom affair to properly sort out. Delegating a complication to
someone else is also an option, such as a group of subjects. Good luck with
that.
For more information on many of these complications please see the second
Frontier Kingdoms sourcebook, The Wild Frontier.

~84~
(1) Border Problems
Either the wild lands border, or the border to the tamed lands, or maybe even
a border with a neighbouring kingdom. Whichever border it is, there's some
kind of trouble happening there. Maybe monsters are gathering in the wild
lands, or there are some weird buildings or items manifesting out there, or
the shields are acting up. If it's one of your neighbouring frontier kingdoms
then maybe they need a favour, or they've got a problem with something
you've been doing, or they're just stirring up trouble. Maybe they think that
you've been moving the border shields to take over THEIR land—or maybe
they've been shifting the border shields to take over YOUR land.
(2) Something's Missing
Maybe it's a subject, maybe it's the bakery, maybe it's your favourite hairclip.
Questions that might be asked include, who took it? Where was it taken?
How can we find it?
If this problem is ignored, the missing thing might just turn up on its own.
Then again, the princesses might not enjoy just where and how the thing
appears...
(3) Local Trouble
Someone in the kingdom is causing trouble. This could be one of the player
princesses, it could be some of your subjects or an expert or some other
personality within the kingdom. Questions to ask include, who's being
troubled? How serious is it? What can we do to fix it or apologise? Who is in
the right here?
~85~
(4) Unexpected Visitor
It might be someone you're happy to see, or the last person you wanted to
turn up at your castle door. The GM might like to make a fortune roll to see
how welcome the visitor is. It could be a faction representative, or a group of
adventurers wanting to camp in your kingdom to do some wild land
exploration. Maybe a group of wandering princesses have arrived in their
travelling castle, parking in the nearby wild lands to calm a severely chaotic
area. It could be a group of Silver Masks hunting down a particularly
dangerous elemental, it could be that nice princess you met at a party
stopping by for a visit, it could just be your rival again, here to mess with your
biz. Whoever or whatever it is, they're not making things any simpler by
being here.
(5) Could You Possibly...
One of the factions needs a favour. It's probably your patron, or one that you
have positive relations with, but then again it might be one that you don't get
along with, or one you haven't had dealings with before. Refusing this
request will either cost Standing equal to the Tier of the faction making the
request, or lower your relations with that faction by one.
Questions to ask include, what is the favour? Why are they coming to you? Is
this something only you can do? Are you going to be rewarded for it?
(6/7) Wild Nonsense
Living right next to the wild lands comes with its own set of challenges. The
raw magic in the area can manifest in all sorts of ways. Maybe there's a sort
of ghost thing hanging around your kingdom now, floating around and
making people uncomfortable. Maybe a group of monsters have turned up,
claiming to be nice and begging for refuge. Maybe it's just regular monsters,
rampaging around and being a nuisance. Maybe all the sheep in the kingdom
have started chanting about taxation without representation.
Whatever it is, it's up to the princesses to decide what to do about it.
(8/9) Elementals Gathering
Elementals are a fact of life in a frontier kingdom. Wild magic sometimes
grounds itself in a twig, or a rock, or a puddle, or just the warmth of a
particularly sunny day, and then that twig or whatever attracts more wild
magic, and before you know it you've got an elemental on your hands.
Elementals tend to grow exponentially, especially once they're big enough to
start moving around on their own. They tend to be simple creatures, not
focused on anything but seeking out more magic to feed on. Know what's a
tasty snack that's just bursting with magic? Frontier kingdom border shields.
So now you've got at least one elemental at your border, its Tier at least equal
to the local Wild, feasting on the magic from the shields. Someone's
probably going to have to do something about that.
~86~
(10) Monster Lair
Monster lairs just pop up everywhere in Princess World, like enormous
malignant toadstools. Even in the tamed lands they're a problem. Anyway,
one has appeared in your kingdom. The GM decides just what kind of
monsters they are and how big the monster lair is. On the positive side of
things, monster lairs usually have Treasure inside.
Questions to ask include, who first spotted the lair? What have the monsters
done already? Can they be reasoned with? Where did the lair pop up? How
do the subjects feel about this?
(11) Living Dungeon
Living dungeons aren't actually alive, even if they do move around and
sometimes breathe and talk. They're not necessarily bad either, although
they're often filled with monsters or rebel princesses seeking shelter. There's
usually Treasure in a dungeon, along with a relic or two. They also have a
dungeon heart, which can be anything from a person to an item to an actual
giant heart. Sometimes you can talk to a dungeon's heart, if you reach it, and
ask it questions, or request a boon, or just have a nice chat.
Living dungeons have a Tier, although it's not related to your kingdom's
Wild. Roll fortune if you like, and take that as the dungeon's Tier. This
determines how big the dungeon is, and possibly also how confusing its
layout is, how deadly and baffling its traps, and how dangerous its denizens.
Questions to ask include, did the dungeon just arrive nearby or was it
uncovered? What does it look like? Is it causing any problems? Has anyone
taken an interest in it?
(12) Rogue Library
Rogue libraries are off-limits to frontier princesses. Well above your level of
expertise, just far too much for you to handle. So if one pops up in the nearby
wild lands, as appears to have just happened, I recommend that you just
spend a free time action Reaching Out to the Universal Librarians and be
done with it, that's the sensible course of action here.
However. Should a princess desire knowledge—perhaps seeking the answer
to a tricky question, or looking for dirt on their rivals, or hoping for books
related to their indulgence or a long term project—then she might dare to
enter the rogue library. Doing so is definitely going to be a challenge, with
the library's Tier being at least the kingdom's Wild and most likely higher.
It's very easy to destabilise a rogue library, too, and they're always filled with
traps and puzzles and often timey-wimey nonsense. If a rogue library
destabilises while you're still inside it then you could easily end up halfway
across Princess World, deep in the wild lands with no clear path home.
Perhaps worse, if the Universal Librarians figure out that you were
responsible for messing up a rogue library then a drop in relations is just
going to be the start of your problems.
Still, all that tempting information is just there. Hard to resist the allure of
knowledge, isn't it, princess.
~87~
(13) Treasure Palace
Excitingly, a treasure palace has appeared in the wilds near the kingdom's
border. It's a big one, too, the Tier at least the kingdom's Wild+1. Ignoring
this won't come with any negative effects, but if you can get inside the palace
quick enough you might be able to snag the core—plus whatever other
treasure is inside. On the other hand treasure palaces are pretty much always
crawling with elementals and other monsters. You might also have to
contend with other treasure hunters. Your rivals from the next kingdom over
have almost certainly noticed it too. So what are you gonna do, princess?
(14+) Destructive Surge
Oh dear. The wild magic around the kingdom has just gone absolutely
bonkers. This isn't a normal wild magic surge, this is something much worse.
Maybe it's a massively destructive storm, or explosions of glowing energy, or
an enormous elemental. Questions include, what form does the surge take?
What damage has it done already? Who can we ask to help us?
In any case, the GM should choose a consequence or make a fortune roll:
1-3: +1 Wild (the surge is like a magnet for elementals and raw magic)
4/5: -1 Shield (the surge severely damages your border shields)
6: -4 Standing or -1 relations with a faction (your kingdom's reputation
suffers)
 Free Time
Princesses aren't just all work work work, you know. In between dealing with kingdom affairs they sometimes manage to grab a few precious hours of free
time. Of course they usually end up spending their free time on kingdom-related things anyway, but still.
During a free time phase each princess may take up to two actions, unless their kingdom is at war (has -3 relations with a group), in which case they may only
take one. Additional actions may be taken at a cost of one Treasure each. If a princess didn't take part in the kingdom affair then she might get an additional
free time action, at the GM's discretion.
Each subject group in the kingdom may also take one action during the free time phase. See the Subjects section (pg 40) for details.

Calm The Wilds Borrow Something Special

Any princess can attempt to reduce the level of Chaos and wild magic near
the kingdom's border. Describe how you are acting to reduce chaos and calm
things down, then make an action roll. Reduce Chaos according to the result:
1-3: -1 Chaos
4/5: -2 Chaos
Using this action allows the princess to either borrow one special item for
herself, or to equip a subject group with common items. For example, she
might know that the next kingdom affair will involve an extended trek into
the wild lands to search for a missing girl, and so request protective
equipment for the search party. Or she might want something special for

6: -3 Chaos herself, maybe an anti-elemental weapon or charm.

Critical: -5 Chaos When using this action, roll the kingdom's Tier. The result indicates the
quality of the item you're borrowing, using the kingdom's Tier as a base. On
Taking a Calm The Wilds action also removes one tick from the Elementals
a partial success, an item of the kingdom's Tier has been borrowed. On a full
& Monsters relations clock.
success, add one to the item's quality. On a crit, add two to the item's quality.
Calm The Wilds rolls may not be escalated.
On a miss, the item is not available. The princess may spend Treasure in
Training order to increase the result of the roll by one per Treasure spent (eg a failure
When you train, mark XP in a core trait or Heart and describe what you're becomes a partial success, partial success becomes full success). Note that a
doing to improve yourself. prep point must be spent to actually use this item during an affair.

~88~
Indulge Indulgence
By spending a free time action the princess may roll a number of dice equal
to the core trait associated with their indulgence, and subtract the highest
result from their Weight. Note that this is always a d6 roll, and cannot be
escalated.
If the result of an indulgence action clears more Weight than the princess has
accumulated then she has fallen into obsession. Choose one negative
consequence:
Overspent: You've accidentally spent too much money on your indulgence. Attract Attention: And not the kind you'd want. The strength of your passion
Pay one Treasure. for this indulgence has made your kingdom a target, either from the wild
Stayed Up Late: You stayed up well past your bedtime pursuing your lands or somewhere else. Increase the kingdom's Chaos by +2.
indulgence. Take the level 1 harm 'drained'. If you already have 'drained' then Manifestation: Princess obsessions can take on physical form. The very spirit
take the level 2 harm 'exhausted'. These harms cannot be resisted, and cannot of your indulgence is following you now, and it's very distracting.
be removed until after the next kingdom affair. It's Complicated: Roll a new complication, from the chart in the Complications
What Day Is It: You're so focused on your indulgence that you lose track of section (page 84), with a d6 (don't add Chaos). It's probably something
time. Either spend an additional free time action or miss the next kingdom personal and related to your indulgence. Whether you get the other
affair (in which case you must play a different character, or else sit it out princesses involved or not is up to you.
entirely).

~89~
Reach Out
There are a lot of things, in this Princess World, that are beyond the If a princess achieves a standard effect on a Reach Out action, the faction's
capabilities of a small unimportant group of frontier princesses. Some clocks position will change for the length of this session. If the princess achieved a
just can't be directly influenced by a princess's actions under normal greater or higher level of effect then the faction's position will change
circumstances. It's only the machinations of factions that can change the permanently, or at least until something significant happens.
course of things. It might take more than a single action to change a faction's position on an
However, you should never underestimate the power of a well-worded letter, issue. In that case the GM should create a clock, with successful Reach Out
or a perfectly timed meet cute, or a productive afternoon of tea and scones actions filling in segments according to the level of effect. Once the clock is
and agendas. With the Reach Out free time action princesses can attempt to filled, that faction will change its stance.
sway a faction, another kingdom, or an Important Person one way or the You may push yourself on a Reach Out action by spending Standing instead
other towards those big picture clocks and their kingdom-affecting of, or as well as, Weight. For example, if you spend 2 Standing and mark 2
consequences. Describe how your princess is acting to influence, then roll an Weight you could increase effect by two levels, or add two extra dice to the
aspect. The GM will set effect based on relations with that faction, Tiers, and roll, or add one extra dice and also increase effect by one level.
the appropriateness of your aspect and approach. On achieving a standard
Improving Relations
effect or better you've successfully swayed the representative towards your
Reach Out can be used to improve relations with a faction, another kingdom,
way of thinking. That faction will, at least temporarily, roll the way you want
or a single Important Person. In that case the level of effect achieved by this
them to on this one matter. If a limited effect is achieved then something else
action translates to ticks on that group's relations clock.
will have to be done. Maybe another free time action will have to be spent, or
Treasure or Standing.
Factions will generally only change their position on an issue by one order of
magnitude at a time. That is, if a faction supports or is opposed to an issue
then a successful Reach Out action will change their position to neutral. If a
faction is neutral on an issue then a successful Reach Out action will push
them into supporting or opposing the matter.

~90~
Requesting Financial Support
Reach Out actions can also be used to exchange Standing for Treasure. On a fumble you receive no Treasure, and have annoyed the faction with your
Reduce Standing by two, choose the faction you're targeting, and roll an request or otherwise damaged relations with them. Reduce relations with
appropriate aspect. Your kingdom's Tier measured against the faction's Tier that faction by -1.
(modified by relations) determines your base level of effect. For example, if On a failure you receive one Treasure.
your kingdom's Tier is 1 and the faction's Tier is 3, and you have +1 relations On a partial success you receive up to two Treasure.
with that faction, then your base level of effect is limited. Remember that you On a full success you receive up to three Treasure.
can spend extra Standing to push yourself on this roll, as well as marking
On a critical success you receive up to five Treasure.
Weight. You can also trade position for effect, or even escalate the action. Of
Increased (or reduced) effect on this action equates to a greater or lesser
course both of those options carry potential consequences, but being a
amount of received Treasure; plus or minus one per level of effect.
frontier princess is all about taking risks to get what you need.
The maximum amount of Treasure that can be gained by this action is equal
Any given frontier kingdom may only request financial support once per
to the faction's Tier. For example, if the faction's Tier is two and you roll a
faction per session. If you want to do it more than once then you're going to
critical success then you receive two Treasure, not four.
have to target a different faction each time. This applies regardless of success
or failure.

~91~
Recover
Like it or not, frontier life comes with its share of injuries. Fortunately, Example: Stella has the level 3 harm 'broken arm' as well as the level 1 harms
princesses naturally recover quickly and as such may always take one recover 'drained' and 'bloody nose'. After filling her healing clock, she removes both level 1
action per free time period without spending an action. Make a roll using harms and reduces her level 3 'broken arm' to a level 2 'arm in cast'.
Tough, applying all bonuses from the kingdom and other sources. (So if the
Take A Break
kingdom has the Healing Breeze boon and a princess with the Healer special
Sometimes you don't want to do anything at all during your free time,
ability, during each free time period all princesses would roll to recover using
despite everything that's going on in the kingdom. Sometimes you want your
their Tough aspect with +1d from Healer and +1d and increased effect from
free time to be, you know, free time.
Healing Breeze, for a total of +2d and increased effect.)
Taking this action means you're not doing anything in particular, or maybe
If a princess has more harm to heal after this then they may spend a free
you are, but it's certainly nothing productive. Feel free to describe what you're
time action to further recover. If you have an expert, subject group, or fellow
doing, or not doing.
princess who can provide treatment roll with their quality or an appropriate
When you take a break, mark one segment in your healing clock and clear
aspect. If you don't have anyone to heal you, roll using your Tough with
one Weight.
reduced effect. Based on the result mark ticks on your healing clock:
Taking a break does not count as indulging your indulgence.
1-3: One segment | 4/5: Two segments
6: Three segments | Crit: Four segments
When you fill your healing clock, reduce each instance of harm on your sheet
by one level then clear the clock. If you have more segments to mark, they
roll over. If there's no more harm to heal you should still mark any overheal,
and use them in the next recover roll the princess makes.
You may heal yourself if you have the Healer special ability.
Note that it's the recovering character that takes the recovery action. Healing
someone else does not cost a free time action for the healer.

~92~
Long Term Projects
When you work on a long term project describe what your character does to
advance the project clock, and roll one of your aspects. Mark segments on the
clock according to your result:
1-3: One segment | 4/5: Two segments
6: Three segments | Crit: Five segments
A long term project can cover a wide variety of activities, such as researching
magical artefacts, investigating a mystery, improving relations, writing
reports, changing your character's indulgence, filling party clocks, and so on.
Based on the goal of the project, the GM will tell you the clock(s) to create
and suggest a method by which you might make progress. They will also tell
you any costs involved, and what special things you might need to advance.
In order to work on a project you might first have to achieve the means to
pursue it, which can be a project in itself. For example, you might want to
make friends with a member of a certain faction, but you have no connection
to them. You could first work on a project to attend parties where you might
have the opportunity to make that first contact. Once that's accomplished,
you could start a new project to form a friendly relationship.
At the GM's discretion a long term project could add an improvement to the
kingdom, but this will likely require large or multiple clocks and special
resources as well as a significant amount of Treasure. You might also need to
involve a faction, which would require Reach Out actions.
~93~
Reports
Part of being a frontier princess is reporting back to your patron faction. Your
focus will help determine what sort of reports you might be expected to
write. Magic Researchers in particular are expected to submit regular reports
on relics and phenomenon they've researched. Treasure Guardians might
write reports on treasures they've found or locations they've looted, Wild
Claimers might write reports about steps they've taken to improve their
kingdom, Social Climbers might write post-action reports on parties, and
Monster Hunters might write journals of their adventurous hunts.
When writing a report create a four segment clock and use relevant actions
to fill it (Bookworm and Sensible are always useful for report writing, but
other aspects might also be effective). Filling one report clock creates a basic
report of quality 0. Each additional four segment clock that is filled increases
the report's quality by one.
When a report is submitted, roll its quality. Add ticks to the faction relations
clock according to the level of success, and an additional tick for each level of
quality. (1-3: One tick, 4/5: Two ticks, 6: Three ticks, Crit: Five ticks.) Note
that neither Tier nor relations are factors here. If the GM is amenable then
Standing, Treasure, kingdom XP, or other rewards could also be given.
For example, a group of princesses have worked hard and put together a
quality 2 report. After submitting the report they roll two dice, getting a one
and a five. Four ticks are added to the relations clock with their patron
faction; two for the dice result, and two for the quality of the report.
Investigate
Princesses often need to research things, or get the hot gossip on a kingdom
or faction, or use magic to look into the nearby wild lands—perhaps
searching for something in particular, perhaps just making sure there aren't
any nasty surprises out there.
If a princess wants information on something, she can use a free time action
to Investigate. She should name her subject of inquiry, describe how she's
investigating, and roll an appropriate aspect; Bookworm is the go-to research
aspect, while Weird and maybe Nosy are suitable aspects for magical
divination. If the princess is using some sort of device to help her then
Tinker might be appropriate. If she's questioning her contacts then a social
aspect like Chatty or Foxy might be useful. Sometimes Tier will come into
play, especially if the thing has defences against divination or is particularly
esoteric. Ultimately it's up to the GM to determine how effective the
princess's approach might be. Princesses may push themselves, escalate, trade
position and so on to increase their effect on this roll.
Success awards hold; one for limited effect, two for standard, three for
greater. Princesses may use hold at any time to ask a question about their
subject of inquiry, which the GM should answer honestly. If the information
gained from these questions can be applied within the context of an action
the princess might gain improved position or increased effect, or an extra
dice in the case of an engagement roll.
Sometimes an investigation is too big to handle with a single action. In that
case the GM will create a long term project clock. Once it's filled the
princess will gain either two or three hold on the subject; GM's choice.
~94~
Example: The princesses have discovered a monster lair in the nearby wild lands,
in an area that also contains things they need for a long term project. One of the
princesses decides to Investigate the monster lair, rolling with Nosy to represent her
efforts; she's using magical divination and also poking around in the nearby area
to see what she turns up. The GM decides that this action will have a standard
effect. She gets a partial success on her roll, which the GM judges to be a limited
effect unless the princess pays two Weight to push it into standard. The princess
decides to just take the limited effect and gets one hold on the monster lair, which
she uses immediately to ask "What weakness does the lair have?"
Example: The princesses are having trouble with a neighbouring kingdom. One
princess decides to Investigate to try to dig up any dirt on them. She rolls using
Bookworm, and describes the action as her princess going through official faction
records, newspapers, party reports, anything publicly available. The GM decides
that this approach will have a limited effect—the princess just isn't likely to turn
up anything juicy. However, she manages to get a critical success on her roll, and so
the GM judges her efforts to have a standard effect. Somehow the princess read
between the lines and connected a bunch of dots, and now has two hold to spend
asking questions about this particular kingdom's less wholesome elements.
 Winding Down
The days of a frontier princess are just packed, this is true. Even her so-called 'free time' is usually spent doing things to help grow her kingdom, or just stop it
from collapsing. But, you know, there are times you just have to say, no, I don't care how much work there is to do, I'm stealing ten minutes and just simply
stopping. Have a cup of tea and a biscuit while you stand on your tiny janky castle's balcony, looking out at the tiny pocket kingdom that is your responsibility.
Perhaps you'll be joined by your fellow princesses, those who you struggle beside each and every day. You might have a nice chat about things, share some
memories of your academy days, talk about your hopes and dreams and what you all might do once this is all over. And then, of course, inevitably, you'll all
get back to work.
The Winding Down segment and downtime discussions offer a chance for you princesses to relax for a moment, to unwind a little, to learn about each other,
and perhaps even yourselves.

Downtime Discussions
Downtime discussions takes place while the princesses are (theoretically)
relaxing, perhaps spending a few minutes watching the sun set together, or as
they all share an evening meal, or at night in between plans for the following
day. Downtime discussions can be about anything, but on the following pages
there are some prompts to kick things off. Pick one or roll for it, then chat
amongst yourselves. Alternately everyone involved could roll or pick
something they'd like to talk about, and you could play out a scene involving
everyone's choices.
Once the discussion has finished everyone involved should decide if it was a
Fitness, Wit, Charm, Whimsy, or Heart conversation. Do this secretly,
perhaps by turning a d6 to a certain side; 1 for Fitness, 2 for Wit, 3 for
Charm, 4 for Whimsy, 5 or 6 for Heart. Everyone reveals their choice
simultaneously, then marks XP in whatever they revealed. If everyone
revealed the same choice, also mark kingdom XP.
Unfortunately time ticks on, and the precious minutes you stole to just sit
around chatting have passed. How indulgent! How unproductive! Back to
work, princess, or perhaps time to sleep. You'll have to wait until the next
session to have another downtime discussion, unless everyone who wants to
keep chatting marks Weight for shirking duties or staying up past bedtimes.
In that case go ahead and pick something else to talk about, or roll again on
the table, and afterwards mark XP again.
Although downtime discussions usually take place during the post-affair
phase, they could also pop up before or even during the session's kingdom
affair. Whenever you've all got a moment to just chat, really. No matter when
they occur, you only get XP for a downtime discussion once per session
unless you pay Weight.

~95~
Beliefs
Frontier princesses live busy lives full of pressing demands and heavy You may form one new belief in each session.
responsibility, with hard decisions to make every day. In such a mercurial and If you act on a belief as part of an action, you may push yourself once without
stressful life it's common to form beliefs, solid things that a princess can hold paying Weight.
on to in the midst of chaos and confusion. At the end of each session, during the advancement phase, if you formed or
Beliefs can be about yourself, another princess, your kingdom, one of the acted on a belief then mark XP, or two XP if it happened multiple times or in
factions, an individual, an aspect of the world such as elementals or monsters, a dramatic way.
other kingdoms, your speciality, a personal code of honour or motto, or Sometimes a belief will be shattered. It's all part of life and growth as a
anything else you might come up with. frontier princess. If you can no longer believe something then cross out the
Princesses can form beliefs at any time during a session, but the Winding belief, mark Weight, and also mark Heart XP.
Down phase is often when they're solidified.
When you form a new belief, write it down. It might be something like "I
can rely on my fellow princesses" or "Our patron faction doesn't care about
us" or "My kingdom is worth fighting for" or "I have to protect her" or "We
can't trust our neighbours" or "I really like ducks." In general, avoid
beginning beliefs with phrases like 'I feel' or 'I think'. If it's a belief, it's
something that your princess is 100% about. Too solid to doubt.

~96~
 Conversation Prompts (1d100)
1) What was the worst argument you ever had? 23) What's your home kingdom like? 42) What's your favourite holiday or special day or
2) Who do you admire most? 24) Is anyone else in your family a princess? event?

3) What's the best compliment you ever received? 25) What's your favourite monster? 43) Where do you feel most safe?

4) What do you all agree about? 26) Is being a frontier princess like you expected? 44) What is your most treasured possession?

5) What was the best meal you ever ate? 27) Do you like being a frontier princess? 45) If you could change one thing about our kingdom,

6) Who or what makes you laugh? 28) Did you choose to be a frontier princess? what would it be?

7) What's the most insulted you've ever been? 29) What is your least favourite food? 46) What do you wish you could do that you can't?

8) Did you ever have a nickname? 30) What is your favourite food? 47) Do you like to cook? What's your go-to meal?

9) What do you miss about the academy? 31) Do you have any phobias? 48) Are you allergic to anything?

10) Who was your favourite teacher? 32) How did you get interested in your indulgence? 49) Do you have any regrets?

11) What was your favourite assignment? 33) How did you choose your speciality? Or did it 50) What's the worst trouble you ever got into?

12) What kind of behaviour can you not stand? choose you? 51) Have you ever been rescued by anyone?

13) What creeps you out? 34) Were you always a princess? If not, how old were 52) Do you have a hero?

14) Are you scared or anything? you when you changed? How did it happen? 53) What's the luckiest thing that ever happened to

15) What's your favourite aesthetic or style? 35) How do you feel about the factions? you?

16) What's your favourite piece of advice or saying? 36) How do you feel about our patron faction? 54) What's the worst stroke of fortune you ever had?

17) What common interest do you all share? 37) How do you feel about our neighbouring frontier 55) If our vault was full to bursting, what would you
kingdoms? spend the Treasure on?
18) What is your least favourite weather or season?
38) How do you feel about our neighbouring 56) Do you think what we do here matters?
19) What is your favourite weather or season?
controlled lands kingdom? 57) Did you have any friends at the academy? What
20) Did you like it at the academy?
39) Do you think you'll stay in this kingdom? were they like?
21) What is your favourite animal?
40) What was your last nightmare? 58) What's your bedroom like?
22) If you could change one thing about yourself, what
41) What's a nice dream you've had? 59) Do you sleep well?
would it be?
60) What's the weirdest thing you've ever seen?

~97~
61) What's the most beautiful thing you've ever seen?
62) What do you think about The Circle or the Silver
Masks?
63) What do you think about the Noble Traders or the
Royal Architects?
64) What do you think about the Strongwall Group or
Brave New Lands?
65) What do you think about the Guidance Collective
or Afternoon Tea Time?
66) What do you think about Exploration Unlimited
or the Hunter Guild?
67) What do you think about the Wandering Stars or
the Universal Librarians?
68) What do you think about the Luxury Seekers, the
Wild Lands Protection Committee, or Nice Monsters?
69) What do you think about the Speculation
Wildhearts or Nowhere?
70) What do you think about the Teleportation
Administration or the Scientific Promotion Society?
71) What do you think about Scarred Hearts or the
Sparkle Union?
72) What do you think about the Kingdom Defenders
or the Starlight Investigators?
73) Do you have any famous family members or
ancestors?
74) Do you have any siblings? Are any of them
princesses?
75) Do you think you're more greedy or generous?
76) What's the worst thing about being a frontier
princess?
77) What do you think of our faction rep?
78) Did you ever have any pets?
79) What do you think of our subjects?
80) Is there anything you're hoping to find in the wild
lands?
81) What do you think about rebel princesses?
82) What do you think about fairies?
83) Do you have any theories about monsters or magic?
84) How did you choose your princess weapon? Or did
it choose you?
85) If you had to change your speciality, what would
you change it to?
~98~
86) How did you feel when you graduated the
academy?
87) Do you think we're doing okay?
88) Do you think we're heading in the right direction?
89) If you had to give a speech to academy princesses,
what would you say?
90) What's more important, Treasure or Standing?
91) Do you think you could be a good teacher?
92) What was your best subject at the academy?
93) Did you research anything interesting at the
academy?
94) Were you ever in any clubs?
95) What do you wish you were better at?
96) What advice would you give to your younger self ?
97) Have you learned anything by being a frontier
princess?
98) If you could quit right now, would you?
99) What would you rather be doing?
100) Are you scared of heart scars?
 Ending The Session
Generally, sessions will end after all princesses have used their Free Time actions and concluded the Winding Down phase. Sometimes, if the players are
pressed for time and an affair is running especially long, a session might end in the middle of an affair. Sometimes an entire session can be dedicated to the
Aftermath phase. All of these scenarios are absolutely fine. However you finish things, at the end of each session comes the advancement phase, during which
you should review XP triggers and award XP to both the princesses and their kingdom.
The end of the session is also the time to roll for and advance big picture clocks.

Elementals & Monsters

Every frontier kingdom has to deal with both monsters and elementals. The
noisier and stompier the princesses are out in the wild lands, the more likely
it is that their little kingdom is going to attract negative attention. When a
kingdom is created make a ten segment relations clock for Elementals &
Monsters and fill in five segments. At the end of each session adjust the
Elementals & Monsters clock as follows:
 For every two points that Chaos increased in this session, add one tick.
 For every wild surge that occurred during the session, add one tick.
Long term projects may be undertaken to drive monsters and elementals
away from the kingdom, if the princesses and the GM can agree on their
effectiveness. Failed rolls or other actions may also increase ticks in this clock
as a consequence.
If the clock is filled, reduce relations with Elementals & Monsters by -1. If
the clock is emptied, improve relations with Elementals & Monsters by +1
(to a maximum of zero, unless the GM decides otherwise; under normal
circumstances frontier kingdoms cannot have a positive relationship with

 If the princesses didn't spend any significant time in the wild lands, Elementals & Monsters). After the relations clock is filled or emptied create

remove one tick. a new ten segment clock with five segments filled.

 For every Calm The Wilds free time action taken, remove one tick.
 If the kingdom has the Border Defences improvement, remove one tick.
There are no specific mechanical effects or penalties for having a lower
Elementals & Monsters relation, beyond the usual reduction in free time
actions for being at war with a group you have -3 relations with (if it gets
that bad). With that said it does represent the interest of wild lands entities
in the kingdom. It's up to the GM to interpret that as they may.

~99~
 Princess Advancement
During the game session:
 When you make a desperate action roll, mark 1 XP in the relevant trait.
 If you fail an action roll and suffer a consequence, mark 1 XP in the relevant trait.
 If you roll a full success on an escalated action, mark 1 XP in the relevant trait.
 The first time you use your speciality during a session, mark 1 XP in Heart.
 For each downtime discussion you are a part of, mark 1 XP in your chosen trait, or Heart.
You can only mark XP once for each action, so for example if you fail a desperate Tough action you only mark 1 XP in Fitness, not 2.
At the end of the session review the following XP triggers. For each, mark 1 XP if it happened once or in a normal sort of way, or 2 XP if it happened
multiple times or in an especially dramatic fashion.
 You dealt with a threat to the kingdom or stood up to a rival.
 Your scars or indulgences led to drama or conflict.
 You ate or drank something new and delicious.
 You embodied the spirit of your speciality.
 You acted on or formed a new belief.
 You escalated an action.
You may mark end-of-session XP in any trait, or in Heart.
When you earn 6 XP in a trait, reset XP in that trait to zero and choose one of the aspects under that trait to improve by one point. Aspects have a maximum
value of 3, or 4 if the kingdom has the appropriate Mastery improvement.
When you earn 8 XP in Heart, reset Heart XP to zero and choose a new special ability.

~100~
 Kingdom Advancement
At the end of the session, review the following kingdom XP triggers and mark 1 kingdom XP for each one that occurred during the session. If a trigger
occurred multiple times or in a dramatic or striking way, mark 2 kingdom XP for it.
 Your focus-specific XP trigger.
Monster Hunters: Threat defeated/prey hunted. Treasure Guardians: New place explored/loot gained. Magic Researchers: Report submitted/relic gained.
Wild Claimers: Shield is Strong/kingdom improved. Social Climbers: +3 relations with faction/relations improved.
 If the princesses discovered something interesting or valuable in the wild lands, mark XP.
 If the princesses had a significant interaction with another kingdom or faction, mark XP.
 If the princesses represented their kingdom at a party or other social event, mark XP.
 If the princesses did something to make their subjects happy, mark XP.
 If the princesses dealt with higher Tier threats or rivals, mark XP.
 If all princesses chose the same conversation type in a downtime discussion, mark XP.
In addition, princesses can gain XP for their kingdom by gaining, living up to, subverting or changing reputations:
 For each new reputation earned, mark XP.
 For each reputation the princesses lived up to, subverted, or changed, mark XP.
When you reach 10 kingdom XP, reset kingdom XP to zero and pick one from the following:
 Choose a new kingdom boon.
 Choose two points worth of kingdom improvements.
 Choose a new group of subjects for your kingdom.
Remember there is a limit of four points worth of improvements per Land, and a kingdom may support a number of subject groups equal to its Land+1.
Advancement bonuses may be reserved until enough Land has been secured to support improvements or new subjects.

~101~
 Appendix A: Session Progression
Pre-Session Complication (pg 84)
Preamble, recap of last session, idle chatter, etc. GM rolls. If they choose, they can add the kingdom's Chaos to the roll. The
Chaos Sets The Stage (pg 66) complication can take place immediately or later. GM's choice.

GM rolls a number of d6 equal to the kingdom's Chaos. All 1s indicate a problem Free Time (pg 88)
with the kingdom's border shields. 6s reduce Chaos by one each. All sets of doubles Each princess gets two free time actions (one if the kingdom is at war). Additional
indicate a wild magic surge. actions may be taken at the cost of one Treasure each. If a princess did not take part
If the GM allows it, princesses (and subject groups) can take a free time action. in this session's kingdom affair she may take an extra free time action, if the GM

Kingdom Affair (pg 76) agrees.

Make the engagement roll and resolve the affair. Each subject group may also take one action in this phase.

[Aftermath] Winding Down (pg 95)

Rewards Earned (pg 82) Downtime discussions can be had, and new beliefs can be formed.

If the affair was a success the kingdom gains +2 Standing. If the princesses were up Advancement (pg 100)
against a higher Tier threat then increase Standing earned by +1/Tier higher. If they XP is awarded first to princesses and then to their kingdom, for all triggers fulfilled
were up against a lower Tier threat then reduce Standing earned by -1/Tier lower during the session.

Promised payment is given, if appropriate. Post-Session

Trade Freedom/Highly Placed Friend/similar boons and abilities give their bonus at Adjust the Elementals & Monsters relations clock (pg 99): +1 tick per two
this point. Chaos/wild surge. -1 tick per Calm The Wilds action. -1 tick for border defences.

Chaos Grows (pg 83) -1 tick if no time was spent in the wild lands.

Increase the kingdom's Chaos by one. For every group with which the kingdom has Big picture clocks are rolled for and increased/decreased.

-3 relations, increase Chaos by one. Increase Chaos depending on how noisy the Cooldown, reflection, discussion of what should happen in the next session, etc.
princesses were in the wild lands. If Chaos ever reaches ten, immediately trigger a
wild surge and increase Wild by one, then reset Chaos to zero.

~102~
 Appendix B: Random Tables
Descriptors (d12 & d6)
1 2 3 4 5 6

1 Chaos Ash Incandescent Bright Claw Dry

2 Illusionary Gnarled Boneless Twisted Sparkling Moonlight

3 Dusty Deep Haunted Unquiet Lost Buried

4 Floating Memory Twilight Calamity Bell Royal

5 Infested Curious Jigsaw Paradoxical Frozen Glorious

6 Fallen Rainbow Cloud Shining Quiet Shadow

7 Midnight Proud Pastel Hive Pandemonium Passive

8 Acorn Layer Fresh Prickly Frozen Tilted

9 Tangled Painted Plaid Fractured Secret Talon

10 Scramble Puff Rolling Block Twin False

11 Butter Patterned Sunshine Glass Vanilla Star

12 Fuzzy Trick Candy Chrome Broken Treasure

~103~
 Places (d12 & d6)
1 2 3 4 5 6

1 Plains Forest Hill Orchard Village Mine

2 Lake Vale Downs Shore River Valley

3 Dale Cove Grotto Gate Plateau Peninsula

4 Mire Highland Brush Island Steps Mesa

5 Bush Dunes Field Wetland Flat Bog

6 Maze Barrens Mountain Jungle Aqueduct Beach

7 Oasis Cavern Stillwater Pit Peak Cave

8 Crevasse Canyon Swamp Ruins Desert Castle

9 Way Wall Roads Heights Meadow Haven

10 Path Barrows Knoll Sink View Sanctuary

11 Nightmare Wreckage Pit Tower Garden Dream

12 Depths Lines Wilds Fragments Reflection Echo

~104~
 Random Monsters (d10 & d6)
1 2 3 4 5 6

1 Mega Elemental Unusually Large Dragon Skeletons (Giant Beasts) Way Too Many Giant Spiders Ghost Mansion Huge Elemental

2 Elementals Gathering Rockbacks Shadow Pit Crunch Moles Skeletons (Animal) Large Bee Nest

3 Dragon Crunch Mole Tunnels Conflicting Elementals Skeletons (Humanoid) Yoghurt Ghosts Evil Jellies

Suspiciously Abandoned Tea Party Grey Mantises Fighting Giant

4 Feral Mermaids
(Savage Tortillas)
Igneous Snails Nasty Fish
Spiders
Slimes Being Cute

5 Lone Elemental Shadows Large Bees Eyelets Too Many Hedgehog Wasps Giant Spider Nest

6 Slimes Goblin Hunting Party Sick Flies Giant Spiders Grey Mantises Hunting Tiny Elemental

Wet Hand Zombies Blocking

7 Wet Hand Zombie Horde Grey Mantises Meditating
Something Important
Shadowbeast So Many Slimes Darkshrooms

8 Giant Spiders (Webs) G-G-G-Ghosts Tiny Horses Excellent Birds Goblin Village Rogue Fairies

9 Travelling Kobolds Eyelet Village Living Chest Out Of Place Elemental Bad Rats Bad Ratting Mermaids

10 Mega Elemental Forming Pixies Masked Fox King Slime Court Treasure Goblin Fairies

~105~

1 2
Water (pond, well, oasis, river,
1 ocean)
Battle (ongoing, past, bones,
2 weapons, damage)
Tree (big, tiny, out of place,
3 artificial)
Pillar (tall, supporting, missing,
4 collapsed)
5 Edge (cliff, shore, change)
Weak Monsters (Slimes, Large
6 Bees, Bad Rats)
Clothing (Arranged, Filthy,
7 Washed, Fabulous)
8 Coins (Ancient, So Shiny, Cursed)
Gatherables (Mushroom Ring,
9 Flower Field, Herbs)
Marker (Danger, Remembrance,
10 New Location)
11 Rebel Princesses
12 Entrance (new, old, secret, trap)
Hill (tiny, jagged, rocky, grassy,
living)
Fire (camp, remains, burning,
eternal, magic)
Bridge (useful, pointless, wrecked) Cave (deep, lair, out of place, light)
Carving (huge, below, above,
natural)
Dark (stars, cave, beneath,
unnatural)
Tough Monsters (King Slimes,
Darkshrooms)
Useless Tools (Broken, Used Up,
Out Of Place)
Valuables (Fake, Hoarded,
Distracting)
Big Nature (Massive Tree, Tall
Rock, Huge Mushroom)
Well (Wishing, Bottomless,
Overflowing)
Academy Princesses
Unstable (wild, ground, building)
Random Things (d12 & d6)
3 4
Hole (deep, shallow, multiple,
magic)
Bones (building, ruins, skeletons,
fish)
Pit (hidden, obvious, leading to)
Engine (dead, vehicle, mill, wheel)
Tricky Monsters (Mimic, Evil Jelly,
Magic Eater)
Broken Containers (Cracked
Barrel, Smashed Crate)
Toys (Workshop, Creepy, Too
Many)
Monster Sign (Huge Cobwebs,
Large Holes, Wreckage)
Shrine (Overgrown, Awaiting
Offering, Spotless)
Frontier Princesses
Crystal (living, worthless,
dangerous)
~106~
Empty (oddly, ruined, burned, flat,
lifeless)
Animal (lair, tracks, mother, lost)
Container (solid, locked, tiny,
guarded)
Danger (immediate, past,
evidence, threat)
Orb (hollow, suspended, cracked)
Dangerous Monsters (Dragon,
Shadowbeast)
Broken Weapons (Hilt, Snapped
Sword, Headless Hammer)
Tools (In Use, Abandoned,
Talkative)
Spooky (Graveyard, Old Mansion,
Dark Cave)
Dwelling (Burnt Cottage, Small
Hut, Stone Tower)
Sparkle Team (adventuring
princesses)
Trap (triggered, broken, waiting)
5 6
Green (overgrown, full of life,
garden)
Shadow (overhead, shady, absent)
Swamp (boggy, life, foetid,
beautiful)
Block (stone, living, many, steps)
Grove (clearing, peaceful,
inhabited)
Elemental
Defaced Sign (Scratched Signpost,
Grafittied Wall)
Weapons (Displayed, Discarded,
Dancing)
Supernatural (Ghostly Presence,
Spooky Lights, Floating Flames)
Forgotten (Hidden Garden, Lost
Vault, Uncovered Ruin)
Faction Princesses (hunters,
librarians, silver masks etc)
Ancient (ruin, natural, false)
Living (stone, wood, objects,
terrain)
Statue (many, huge, destroyed,
beautiful)
Rock (blocking, unusual, magical,
precious)
Thorns (natural, artificial, blocking,
protecting)
Spike (threatening, moving, many)
Monster Lair
Broken Exotic (Shattered
Hourglass, Cracked Mirror)
Books (Poetry, Cooking, Fighting)
Something Lost (Trinket,
Documents, Princess Weapon)
Mystical (Fallen Star, Magic
Crystal, Enchanted Pool)
Wandering Princesses & Moving
Castle
Treasure (chest, palace, goblin,
lost)
 Random Consequences (2d6 + d4)
roll 2d6 + 1d4 once for a risky position, roll 2d6 + 1d4 twice for desperate
if appropriate, roll 2d6 once for a controlled position and take the result from the fourth column
optionally, roll another 2d6 + 1d4 for each level of escalation
1 2 3 4

2 Take Harm, worse than expected Take Harm Take Harm, not as bad as expected

3 +2 Chaos +1 Chaos

New Problem or Threat, worse than what you're New Problem or Threat, not as bad as what you're
4 already dealing with
New Problem or Threat
already dealing with

Loss; lose/break something precious (2 Treasure or

5 more) or your princess weapon
Loss; lose/break something important or at least 1 Treasure

6 Reduced Effect, two levels Reduced Effect, one level

+2 Ticks To Bad Clock +1 Tick To Bad Clock

7 (create one if it doesn't exist, and add one tick) (create one if it doesn't exist)

8 Mark 2 Weight Mark 1 Weight

Position worsens to desperate. If already desperate,

9 it somehow gets even worse.
Position worsens one level

Lost Opportunity; you hesitate, fumble, or lose

10 Lost Opportunity; this approach will not work Lost Opportunity; you're blocked from your target Lost Opportunity; your target moves or is concealed
confidence

11 Social Cost; -1 relations with a faction or group Social Cost; -2 ticks on a social clock Social Cost; -1 tick on a social clock Social Cost; -1 Standing

12 You look silly or bad, but no mechanical consequences

~107~
 Random Wild Surges (d20 & d4)
1 2 3 4
Raw magic begins swirling and cascading, building towards a
1 destructive climax
Invisible walls appear everywhere Dozens of random monsters are spontaneously created Princesses may only speak in rhyme. Failing to do so costs Weight.

Elementals in the area begin congregating, driven to fuse into a A talking (possibly singing) creature appears and won't leave the
2 mega-elemental
Cracks and pits appear as local terrain destabilises
princesses alone
Things that don't normally talk start talking

3 Tea party appears (infested with savage tortillas) Everyone's voice becomes high and squeaky and 'cute' Extremely localised thunderstorm Hostile aura. Peaceful actions cost Weight.

4 Monster lair is created nearby Hair becomes animate Princess specialities are reversed Princesses swap bodies

Everything is suddenly in the style of a specific genre (scifi, fantasy, Everyone has a hat. It can't be removed. If they already had a hat then Princesses feel compelled to sing their actions and thoughts like
5 The area is affected by a Spin
cowboy, etc) their hat now has a hat. they're in a musical. Failing to do so costs Weight.

6 Everything starts dancing. EVERYTHING. Valuables make a run for it no one can speak above a whisper Local flora grows explosively

7 Bouncy music starts playing. Monsters bop to the beat. Princesses grow magnificent beards and mustaches The area is affected by a Freeze Strong scent fills the air (onion, vanilla, rosemary, lemon, etc)

Structures made of materials such as cheese, tofu, or salami manifest

8 everywhere
Terrain warps, becoming rougher and stranger Ghostly illusions or statues of past actions begin appearing Disembodied voice starts narrating, likely in a noirish style

9 An odd mist appears, its colour incongruent with its scent It starts raining something weird (lemonade, slime, coins) Everything that is spoken aloud attempts to become true Everyone's voice becomes deep and cool

10 Peaceful aura. Hostile actions cost Weight. Lies begin physically manifesting Terrain warps, becoming smoother and calmer Princess weapons become animate

11 Princesses turn invisible, even to themselves Terrain warps, becoming prettier and more peaceful Everything spoken sounds incredibly sarcastic Something tiny becomes gigantic

12 Everyone is very sleepy Everything becomes sticky Everyone is very jittery Everything becomes slippery

13 All princesses become their younger selves All princesses become their older selves All princesses become badass future versions of themselves All princesses become alternate reality versions of themselves

14 Everything starts floating Weather reverses violently Clothing/styles are reversed Inanimate objects come to life

15 Princesses become intoxicated Everything becomes wintery Princesses become hyped up Everything becomes summery

16 Everyone becomes incredibly apologetic and regretful Everyone becomes incredibly supportive, but emotional Everyone becomes incredibly petty and gossipy Everyone becomes incredibly cynical, but optimistic

17 Princesses turn into dragons Princesses turn into birds Princesses turn into animals Princesses become chibi

Structures made of materials such as tea cups, books, or playing cards Princesses are healed one level of harm with visible heart symbols,
18 manifest everywhere
Words become bubbles, only released when the bubbles are popped Everyone now wears a mask. It can't be removed.
sparkles, and bloopy sound effects

19 Princesses become translucent and a bit floaty Every action is accompanied by music and sound effects NOBODY HAS AN INDOOR VOICE Treasure palace appears in the nearby wild lands

Dozens of fortunes materialise from ambient luck

20 Tea party appears with delicious food and drink Princesses begin to glimmer and sparkle constantly Butterflies! Butterflies everywhere!
(1d4 Treasure)

~108~
 Appendix C: Quick Reference & Glossary
Core Traits (pg 9)
Fitness, Wit, Charm & Whimsy. The four basic traits
that make up a princess. Each trait has four aspects
beneath it.
A princess's core trait is equal to the number of aspects
beneath it that she has at least one point in. For example, if
a princess has Sporty 1 and Tough 2 then her Fitness is 2.
Core traits are mostly used for resistance and indulgence
rolls.
Aspects (pg 22)
Sporty, Tough, Graceful, Sneaky under Fitness; Nosy,
Bookworm, Sensible, Tinker under Wit; Chatty, gains increased effect.
Stylish, Foxy, Bossy under Charm; Artsy, Airy, Earthy,
Weird under Whimsy. Aspects tell us the sorts of
things a princess is good at; not just what she does, but
how she does it.
Princesses begin with seven points to split between their
aspects. Beginning princesses may not have more than two
points in any single aspect. Later, aspects may be increased
to three via XP, and four if the kingdom has the
appropriate Mastery improvement. Aspects are mostly used
when making action rolls; the princess rolls a number of
dice equal to the points she has in the aspect she's using.
Princess Speciality (pg 10) Generally an indulgence comes into play during the free
The focus for a princess's magic. An intrinsic part of time phase, with a princess taking the Indulge Indulgence
who she is. All princesses have a speciality. action (pg 89) to remove Weight. If a princess does not
When a princess uses her speciality as part of an action, she indulge in her indulgence during a session, she marks one
gains +1d. Weight.
Kingdom Focus (pg 31)
Princess Weapon (pg 12)
The stated means by which a kingdom intends to
Not necessarily something that might conventionally
be recognised as a 'weapon' but nevertheless powerful. advance, and its founding intent.
During the kingdom advancement segment of the end of
Able to be summoned and dismissed at will. Often
related to a princess's speciality. session phase, your kingdom gains XP if it fulfilled certain
When a princess uses her weapon as part of an action, she triggers related to its focus.
Tier
An abstract representation of a given entity's power,
Special Abilities (pg 13)
influence, and resources.
Things that a princess can do that are above and
beyond what's considered 'normal' for most princesses. Many things in this Princess World have a Tier. For an
Often they add bonuses to specific actions, or trigger elemental it represents how powerful (and large) it is. For
a kingdom it represents resources and influence, as well as a
given certain circumstances.
general measure of the power its princesses wield. For an
Princesses begin with two special abilities, and may gain
item it represents quality and power.
more via Heart XP.
Indulgence (pg 18)
The hobby or interest with which a princess relaxes;
something that's just for her in a stressful and busy life
full of expectations and responsibilities.
~109~
Treasure (pg 19)
An abstract representation of resources, favours owed,
promises made, faction support, and actual cash money.
Vital for a frontier kingdom's survival and growth.
Treasure is mostly used to pay for long term projects
(including upgrading Shield and expanding Land), to
upgrade the kingdom's Tier, and to buy extra free time
actions. Princesses may have up to four personal Treasure.
Any more than that must be stored in the kingdom's vault,
which by default can hold up to eight Treasure. If the
kingdom has more Treasure than the vault can hold, it's
lost at the end of the session.
Shield (pg 45)
Border shields vary widely in form, but all have the
same function; to protect the kingdom against wild
magic, monsters, elementals, and other threats.
Without good shields a frontier kingdom will soon
collapse.
The kingdom's Shield represents the strength of its border
shields. If Shield is higher than Land then the kingdom's
shields are strong. If Shield is lower than Land then the
kingdom's shields are weak. If Shield ever falls to half
Land or lower then the kingdom's stability is threatened;
unless Shield is raised before the end of the session, the
kingdom will fall.
Land (pg 32)
Land represents the area that has been claimed, contribute to its development.
stabilised, and enclosed by your kingdom's border
shields. With a Land of one your kingdom is about a
hectare in size; roughly equivalent to four sports fields.
Kingdoms may have four improvements per point of Land,
and a number of subject groups equal to Land+1.
Standing (pg 32)
Your kingdom's reputation and political capital.
Standing is important for advancing Tier, and can be
useful at parties or for social actions. Standing cannot rise
higher than 12.
Chaos (pg 65)
An abstract measure of the uncontrolled wild magic
within and around your kingdom.
Many things raise Chaos. If Chaos reaches ten then it resets
to zero and Wild is raised by one.
Wild (pg 32)
How dangerous and chaotic the wild lands near your
kingdom have become.
Elementals and monsters use Wild as their Tier, by default.
Kingdom XP (pg 101)
The ongoing progression of your kingdom, both
internally due to the everyday improvements made by
~110~
its princesses, and externally as factions take notice and
When a kingdom's XP reaches ten it resets to zero, and two
points worth of improvements, a new boon, or a new
subject group may be added to the kingdom.
Princess XP (pg 100)
An abstract representation of a princess's growth.
When a princess's XP track in a core trait reaches six it
resets to zero, and the princess may increase one of that
trait's aspects by one, to a limit of three (or four if her
kingdom has the appropriate Mastery improvement).
When a princess's Heart XP track reaches eight it resets to
zero, and the princess may choose a new special ability.
Subjects (pg 40)
The non-magical masses, the common people of this
Princess World. In general subjects tend to view
princesses with a mixture of awe, respect, and fear. In
turn princesses tend to view subjects as cute and
precious, but sadly useless.
Your kingdom can support a number of subject groups equal
to its Land+1. Subject groups have a quality equal to their
kingdom's Tier, and a scale equal to their kingdom's Land
-1. New kingdoms begin with one subject group.
Kingdom Improvements (pg 34)
Aspects of a kingdom that make it better, or at least
functionally improved. Improvements often take the
form of buildings or other physical things.
Kingdoms generally gain new improvements via filling
the kingdom XP track, but can also gain them via long
term projects or faction involvement. Your kingdom has
four improvement slots per Land.
Kingdom Boons (pg 34)
Advantages of a kingdom, both inherent and earned.
Boons are sometimes represented by a building, but are
more often part of the landscape or theme, or are
something external affecting the kingdom.
Kingdoms usually gain new boons by filling the kingdom
XP track. There is no limit on the number of boons a
kingdom can have.
Relations (pg 33)
The general mood between your kingdom and other
groups, mostly factions and other kingdoms. If it's a
positive number then that group views your kingdom
favourably. If it's a negative number then that group
has a problem with you. Otherwise you're either not on
that group's radar or they don't have any opinion about
you one way or the other.
Many things can change relations for the worse, but
usually it'll be a consequence for a failed action roll, or just
fallout for the princesses' actions. Changing relations for the
better generally requires Reach Out actions, although doing
favours for other groups can also positively affect relations.
The highest relations you can have with a group is +3, and
the lowest is -3.
Relations Clock (pg 33)
Six-segment clocks that represent how close you are to
improving relations with a given group.
As the princesses take actions to improve relations with a
group their relations clock will gain ticks. When a relations
clock is filled it is reset to zero and your kingdom gains +1
relations with that group.
Kingdom Reputations (pg 44)
How other groups see your kingdom.
Reputations can have an affect on social actions, increasing
or decreasing effect or even changing position. The GM
decides when a reputation has an effect, and when one is
earned or changed. When a new reputation is gained, or an
existing reputation is lived up to, subverted, or changed,
mark 1 kingdom XP.
Kingdom Affair (pg 76)
The main 'adventure' part of Frontier Kingdoms, and
the core of most sessions. Kingdom affairs usually
involve a serious problem, or a favour that's been asked
of them, or something the princesses want to do, such
~111~
as hunt monsters, retrieve a magic relic from the wild
lands, or attend a party.
Engagement Roll (pg 76)
The thing that gets you into the heart of the affair and
tangled up in something interesting, rather than sitting
around talking about what-ifs and maybes for hours.
An engagement roll abstracts the planning of an affair,
and anything the princesses want to explore in detail
can be handled via prep points or flashbacks during the
affair itself.
Engagement rolls are made before a kingdom affair begins,
and require an approach and a detail.
Prep Points (pg 80)
Abstract representation of the preparation a princess
has done. Also represents especially powerful magic
that the princess can use. If you need something during
an affair, mark a prep point and pull it out, because of
course you had it this whole time.
When a prep point is marked off, the princess may say what
they've brought along, or what magic they're using.
Sometimes this will let them take an action, other times it
will add +1d or increased effect to a roll. If two prep points
are marked then the item or magic is of especially fine
quality, giving an increased bonus.
Flashbacks (pg 79)
When an affair is underway you can invoke a flashback
to take an action in the past that impacts your current
situation. If something comes up during an affair that
you wish you'd anticipated, you can use a flashback to
establish that you planned for EXACTLY this
situation.
Using a flashback can cost Weight depending on how
detailed or complicated your plan is. If it's a minor thing
that could easily be planned for then the flashback might
not carry a Weight cost. It's up to the GM. Sometimes
flashbacks cost Standing or Treasure rather than Weight.
Action Roll (pg 57)
The primary means of getting things done. When a
princess makes an action roll she is trying to
accomplish something specific.
Action rolls are made using aspects, and have a position
(controlled, risky, or desperate) and effect level (none,
limited, standard, great). The GM sets position and effect,
but the player may escalate, push themselves, trade position
for effect, and so on, to improve their chances of getting the
outcome they want.
Effect (pg 61)
How much actually gets done by an action. The degree
of accomplishment. The practical effectiveness.
Levels of effect are none, limited, standard, and great.
Many things affect effect, but it's up to the GM to set the
initial effect level of any given action.
Position (pg 57)
How safe you are from consequences. There are three
positions; controlled (safe), risky (not safe), and
desperate (really not safe).
Position concerns the consequences of an action rather than
how difficult it might be. When a princess makes an action
roll from a desperate position she marks XP.
Escalation (pg 53)
Putting more oomph into an action, being more
dramatic, using stronger or flashier magic, adding a
touch of flamboyant spin, generally showing off—
escalation is a way for princesses to do things in an over
the top and (hopefully) more effective way, at the cost
of greater (or more) consequences and a reduced
likelihood of success.
Princesses may escalate most action rolls, but not things like
fortune or resistance rolls. For each level of escalation the
princess trades up to the next largest size of dice, from d6 to
d8 to d10 to d12 to d20. She also increases effect for each
level of escalation. For example, if princess escalates twice
then she rolls d10s instead of d6s, and adds two levels of
effect to her action.
~112~
Pushing Yourself (pg 69)
When a princess summons her inner determination
and strength of heart in order to get things done.
Pushing yourself carries a cost of Weight.
When you push yourself on an action roll, mark two Weight
and either add +1d, increase effect, or act while twonked.
You may push yourself for multiple effects on the same roll.
Trade Position For Effect (pg 58)
Putting yourself in a worse position and potentially
suffering harsher consequences in order to increase the
potential effectiveness of your action.
For each level you worsen your position add one level of
increased effect to your action. For example, if you worsen
your position from risky to desperate then you add +1 effect
to your action.
Consequences (pg 68)
The fallout from an action roll, made softer or harder
by the position the princess is in. Consequences from a
controlled position are far less severe than those from a
desperate position. It's up to the GM to decide what
consequences a princess might suffer, and how harsh
they are.
Consequences might include suffering Harm, marking
Weight, having to deal with a new (bad) clock, reduced
relations or Standing, a loss of items or Treasure, or
anything else the GM can come up with. Remember that
princesses can always choose to resist consequences (at the
likely cost of Weight), or use magic shields to protect herself
(at the cost of Prep).
Resistance Roll (pg 74)
When the GM proposes a consequence, you always
have the option of resisting it at the cost of Weight.
When you resist the consequence is negated or
lessened, and you roll one of your core traits to see how
much Weight you mark.
The GM decides which core trait must be used to resist a
given consequence. Roll dice equal to your trait, then mark
six Weight minus the highest result. On a critical success
clear one Weight. Each consequence must be resisted
separately. If your Weight track is filled then reset it to zero
and take a heart scar.
Weight (pg 69)
The heaviness of a princess's heart; the burden she is
bearing; the stress she is suffering. Too much Weight
leads to a scarring of the heart.
When your Weight track is filled, reset it to zero and take a
heart scar. Weight can be reduced by indulging your
indulgence as a free time action, and once per session if you
eat something new and delicious you can clear one Weight.
Heart Scars (pg 70)
When a princess takes too much Weight her heart is
scarred and she changes forever. This change is
generally a negative thing, often related to the event
that pushed the princess over the edge. Heart scarring
is a known phenomenon, but not one that's spoken
about much. Certainly not polite dinner conversation.
Heart scars never heal, but they don't have to define a
princess. Nobody is just one thing.
When a princess's Weight track is filled it is reset to zero
and the princess must choose how her heart was scarred.
When a princess takes her fourth heart scar she must retire
and either take a back seat or leave the kingdom entirely.
When a princess's heart scar leads to drama or trouble she
marks XP.
Complications (pg 84)
Random issues, sometimes minor, sometimes
unfortunately major, that come up after an affair is
concluded. Chaos can influence complications, at the
GM's discretion.
After a kingdom affair is concluded the GM rolls 1d6 and
consults the complications table (pg 84) to see what problem
has cropped up. If the GM chooses, they can add the
kingdom's Chaos to the complications roll.
Free Time Action (pg 88)
After a kingdom affair is concluded comes the free
time phase, during which free time actions may be
taken. These are things like Calm The Wilds (attempt
to reduce Chaos) or Indulge Indulgence (attempt to
~113~
reduce Weight) or Reach Out (attempt to push groups
into doing what you want).
In each free time phase every princess gets two actions, or
just one if they have -3 relations with one or more groups.
If a princess did not take part in the kingdom affair then
the GM may award her an extra action.
Princess World
The place where all of this happens, a world of wild
chaotic energy that can only be tamed by the efforts of
princesses, those individuals with the ability to channel
and focus magic. The terribly civilised part of the world
is known as the controlled lands, and is made up of
established kingdoms, most of them relatively small.
The Factions (pg 47)
Groups of princesses with shared ideals; the true power
in this Princess World. The vast majority of controlled
lands kingdoms are allied with a faction, and almost
every frontier kingdom has one of the factions as its
patron.
Patron Faction (pg 30)
The faction sponsoring your frontier kingdom, the ones
who pushed for it to be founded in the first place. Your
bosses, so to speak. They're the first ones you should
('should') be turning to when you need help, and
they're the ones you'll answer to when things go wrong.
If they find out, of course. Sometimes what happens in
a frontier kingdom stays in the frontier kingdom.
Faction Representative
An individual representing a faction, often assigned to
a kingdom (especially frontier kingdoms) as the first
point of contact for requests and reports. Also called a
liaison or contact, but most often just 'faction rep'.
Most faction reps have multiple kingdoms to deal with
at any one time, so you'd better have a good reason for
bothering them.
Controlled Lands Kingdom
Also known as a noble kingdom or a tamed kingdom.
Every controlled lands kingdom was once a frontier
kingdom. Their borders are usually unchangeable;
stabilised and boxed in by other kingdoms. Each
kingdom is unique, with its own landscape, theme, and
idiosyncrasies.
Inner Kingdom
In the heart of the controlled lands are the inner
kingdoms, the first kingdoms established, all of them
powerful, most of them relatively large. Life in the
inner kingdoms is far removed from the fronter, and
inner kingdom princesses have a reputation for being a
bit out of touch and precious. Of course, they're also
the ones who make all of the big decisions concerning
the controlled lands.
Princess Academy
The school where young princesses learn how to
control their powers, how to properly behave, and
perhaps to figure out what direction they wish to take, princess society, and there's a deep shared respect
in this Princess World. Located in the inner kingdoms. between fairies and princesses.
Most frontier princesses are recent graduates of the
academy, looking to prove themselves in the wider
world.
Home Kingdom
The kingdom a princess grew up and lived in, before
attending the academy. Often related to her speciality.
Frontier Kingdom
One of the hundreds of kingdoms at the very edge of
the known lands, bordering the chaotic and dangerous
wild lands. The successful establishment of frontier
kingdoms is vital to the continued growth and
prosperity of Princess World.
Frontier Princess
Those brave princesses who fight against the forces of
chaos and entropy to grow their frontier kingdoms into
something strong and lasting. Being a frontier princess
is seen as noble and worthy, a rite of passage, of sorts,
and successfully establishing a kingdom is often the
first step towards bigger and brighter things.
~114~
Fairies
Small flying magical monsters that are companions to
princesses, helpful and loyal. Fairies fill many roles in
Universal Librarians
Highly skilled princesses who seek out rogue libraries
in the wild lands, in order to snatch lost knowledge
from within. Very concerned with the proper archival
and protection of information.
Rogue Library
Dangerously unpredictable places, even for the wild
lands. Filled with monsters, traps, puzzles, and treasure
—often in the form of books, newspapers, papers, and
often written records. The things found in a rogue
library might be from centuries ago, or last Tuesday, or
another world entirely. It's said that nothing is ever
truly lost, in this Princess World; after all, it could
always turn up in a rogue library.
Wandering Stars
Wild and crazy princesses who travel around in their
moving castles, plunging deep into the wild lands,
battling powerful elementals, and calming huge
destructive wild surges before they can erupt. Not often
welcome at the more civilised type of princess party,
but without them things would be even wilder and less
stable than they are now.
Moving Castle
'Castle' is used as a term of convenience, because they
can look like anything. Although quite a few do at least
superficially resemble actual castles, there are also
airships, cottages, mechanical spiders, massive fish
bowls, clockwork owls, crystal clusters, miniature
inverted mountains with legs, giant GIANT giant
living chests, walking trees, and there's at least one that
looks like an enormous banana. The commonality that
all moving castles share is that they're big enough for a
handful of princesses to live in, they're to some degree
self-sufficient, and that they have some means of
moving around, in order to get right to where the big
problems are.
Noble Traders
Financially-minded princesses who put themselves in
charge of most of the trading in this Princess World.
The Noble Traders don't have a monopoly on
economic matters, but wherever there's profit to be
made you're likely to find them. Despite their
reputation for hard-nosed deals and profit-above-all
short sightedness, the Noble Traders are still princesses
and generally have good intentions. They just get really
excited about money, is all.
Fortunes
Copper, silver, and gold coins formed of solidified luck;
the standard currency of Princess World. The exchange
rate goes three copper fortunes to a silver fortune, three
silver fortunes to a gold fortune. One Treasure is
roughly equivalent to ten gold fortunes.
The Wild Lands
Everything that isn't within the borders of the
controlled lands, a dangerous and unpredictable place
of uncontrolled wild magic, monsters, elementals, An explosion of wild magic. Often harmful and
dreams and nightmares. The wild lands is vastly larger
than the controlled lands. If you picture the entirety of
Princess World as an orange, the controlled lands
would be the little green bit at the top, and the wild
lands would be everything else.
Monsters
Solidified magic in an often hostile form. Part of life in
this Princess World. When destroyed monsters usually
poof into candy or food. Often it's delicious.
Groups of monsters generally have a Tier equal to the
kingdom's Wild. Scale is often a factor, when a princess is
dealing with monsters.
Elementals (pg 65)
Layers of magic compressed around a core, such as a
leaf or stone. Elementals feed on magic, such as that
~115~
which powers border shields, and as such are a
common nuisance for frontier princesses.
Elementals generally have a Tier at least equal to the
kingdom's Wild. When destroyed, an elemental releases the
magic it's formed of, raising Chaos by its Tier. Nearby
princesses may attempt to calm and control this explosion,
rolling Weird against the elemental's Tier and reducing the
Chaos increase by one for each level of success.
Wild Surge (pg 67)
destructive, but sometimes with beneficial effects.
Completely unpredictable in nature.
Wild surges can occur when you're near (or in) the wild
lands. Specific triggers include getting doubles on the Chaos
Sets The Stage roll or when channelling wild magic.
Rebel Princesses
Those who have the power of a princess but who are
not, for whatever reason, recognised as a princess.
Generally found in the wild lands, where they use
makeshift shields to stabilise their cramped hideouts.
Rogue Fairies
Fairies whose core gems have been cracked or warped,
or who are just fed up with the state of things. Usually
fiercely individual, cunning, manipulative, and experts
at going unnoticed. Often found with rebel princesses.
Usually the brains of the operation.