<div class="floatright">(https://i.imgur.com/Ae0liHw.png)</div><br/><br/><em>Oh my God.</em><br/><br/>A little gasp - quickly muted - purred from Queen Ileosa Luxora's lips, her violet eyes so very, very wide...Midnight hair framing her lovely features, her golden headdress chiming faintly as she took in the scene before her!<br/><br/>Since she'd awoken, she'd been trying to wrap her head around it. That she<em>was</em>her character, Ileosa Luxora...The voluptuous monarch of the newly-united kingdom of Korsova - That was the name she'd entered in, at least, but it barely warranted mention - feeling everything she was experiencing. This was all so real - Startlingly real, except for the onyx-and-silver band she wore on one wrist...Her gaze going to it, her kingdom's stats scrolling before her field of vision.<br/><br/>Virtual reality or not - Whatever this was! - Queen Ileosa (Actually Callie Liddle, 19, a rather bookish college girl) definitely had a huge job ahead of her!<br/><br/>She drew a deep breath, steeling herself...Sitting up a little straighter, her shapely behind settled on the polished, fur-draped wood of her throne. It was a fine piece, though<em>hardly</em>covered with gold and gems like the cover art had shown - But then again, everyone had to start from<em>somewhere</em>.<br/><br/><em>Humble beginnings indeed, hmmmm?</em><br/><br/>Of course, even if anyone noticed the Queen's brief smile - There was<em>no</em>way they'd have any idea as to what she was thinking! With her hands resting on the armrests of her throne, the lovely Queen affected a thoughtful poise...Even as she realized that her newly-founded kingdom was in a<em>lot</em>of trouble...<br/><br/><em>I really shouldn't have put all those points into Influence and Mana,</em>she thought - But then again, given that she'd spent *hours* at the character generator, it was no surprise Callie hadn't been able to resist! This<em>body</em>- With those curves, that pale perfect skin, that luscious behind - was *so* different from the rather shy part-time librarian's...and she felt<em>amazing</em>!<br/><br/>Lissome legs crossed with a supple scrape, the gauzy streamers of her robe caressing her creamy thighs...<br/><br/><strong>A.) Have them raid nearby border towns for resources.</strong><br/><br/>"Lord Marcus - I know, all too well, that the men are restless," she said, drawing herself to her full height...Swaying to her feet, with a dancer's easy grace! "The winter was a harsh one, and the people lack; Let us turn their energies to what they do best. The border towns are ripe for the plundering - Have our forces begin raiding, once again. After all...That<em>is</em>in their blood."<br/><br/>The lovely monarch held up a slim finger to emphasize her point - "Remember - Our need is for gold and supplies. Have the men raid and plunder as they will...But avoid engagement with larger forces. And...If possible, spare those you can. After all...There might be<em>another</em>way to turn this to our advantage."<br/><br/>Her lips curved in a smile, as she waved him away...Turning her attention to Ibn Al'sad, next-! At his words, her brow furrowed...Her expression oh-so-thoughtful. Another difficult choice - One with no obvious solution!<br/><br/><strong>A.) Put it toward buying food and amenities to relive the harsh winter.</strong><br/><br/>"The welfare of our people comes first," Ileosa said. "I did not take the throne to see them starve - For now, put our funds towards aiding their recovery, after the long winter. The rest can come later."<br/><br/>She did arch a slim eyebrow, at his next words...<br/><br/><em>The Orc Warchief?</em>Well, now...*That* was surprising. She certainly didn't think their leader would want to talk to her - Still, where was the harm? She was definitely short of allies! "Please, make arrangements for the meeting. Receive him with every courtesy...But with caution, of course. Caution is certainly warranted." Perhaps he just wanted to meet her in<em>person</em>...Wouldn't *that* be interesting?<br/><br/>It was, however, the last option that caught her eye the most!<em>Magic...</em>Ileosa thought - She had a natural affinity for it. In fact, it was one of her<em>top</em>talents! "Securing knowledge of magic is a top priority," she said; "Spread word - There shall be rewards in store for those who can bring us such artifacts, relics and tomes...We shall pay better, certainly, than the collectors, merchants and scholars who<em>also</em>seek such things. The same applies to any councilors who locate such things - I, too, shall apply myself to the task once the opportunity presents itself. "<br/><br/>After all...There<em>were</em>adventurers, weren't there? Better to have them working on her behalf - and ploughing that money back into goods and entertainment - than laying idle and causing trouble!<br/><br/>"You have your tasks - Now go forth, as your Queen commands!"