Pick as many Princesses as the number of players. Add all of them to the deck, shuffle, and deal fairly.
Pick any player: their position is the Queenseat (and whoever sits there is called the Queen).
Card facing is important in this game. From now on, hand cards that face towards yourself are called secret cards. Cards that face away (to the other players) are public cards.
The game ends once nobody can Vote anymore. Whoever is the Queen when that happens, wins!
Gameplay happens in rounds.
Each round,
- All players pick a secret card from their Hand: their Vote.
- Once done, reveal these votes simultaneously.
- The Princess with the most votes wins.
- Tied? The one closest to Queenseat, going clockwise, wins.
The Queen gets 1 card of choice (as a public card). All winning voters may pick who receives their card, which can be themselves (public).
For each remaining card, the player must make a choice. (Handle this from the Queenseat again, in clockwise order, until all cards are gone.)
- Either execute the action on the card.
- Or swap places with another player.
The Queen decides who receives your card (public), but they can’t pick themselves.
There are, however, two wrinkles.
- You are not allowed to vote the type you see the most in your neighbor’s hands. (Unless you have no choice.)
- You may only swap places with the Queen if they have fewer public cards of the winning type than you.
That’s it! Have fun!
Below is an overview of all different Princesses in the game. It’s roughly sorted based on how difficult the card’s actions are to understand.
It’s recommended to not include two Animals of similar color in the same game. They have similar actions and might make the game monotone.
The cards explain themselves, but the overview below contains clarifications or extra details.
Whenever you receive cards for an action, you may choose whether to make them public or secret. (Unless the action explicitly states what to do, of course.)
Clarification(s)
An open round means you take turns (starting from Queenseat, clockwise) and play your card faceup.
Backstory
These bees are so tiny that you barely see them coming, barely notice them buzzing around you. But when they dislike what's going on, they will sting you and force you to be vulnerable and open.
Backstory
The Galloping Sun just wants to live a normal, simple life. They take care of the little guy and the small problems, but also understand you sometimes need to fight hard against predators circling you. In their ideal world, everybody gallops together towards a setting sun.
Backstory
These slow, giant beasts lumber and patrol the forest, sharing information and resources. Alone they seem peaceful and harmless, and if they're honest, they are. But in numbers they will trample even the fiercest opposition on their way to the throne.
Clarification(s)
Of course, you must follow up on your promise on what you'll vote next round. (Unless later actions made that impossible.)
Backstory
The elegant swans are loved by all, as they dance around the forest and bring beautiful joy to every heart. Of course, for them the creatures will lower their guard and share their biggest secrets, at only the tiniest push. The swans leave with precious knowledge under their wings; none's the wiser.
Backstory
The weasels fit in wherever there's a gap, almost becoming one with the tree trunks, matching color and expression. They are just as eager to win the throne as anyone else, but they will try it with open and simple actions. Unless it all goes wrong and they will perform the biggest heist of their lives.
Backstory
The cute, innocent martlet does not care much for fighting for themselves. They are a small bird that can fly away if they don't like a place and lay more eggs if they are outnumbered. They are fine with being used as a tool to hand someone else a small victory---because, in practice, this ends up giving them the throne.
Backstory
An aggressive prince with a sword always in Hand. Those who support him would love to wage war against everything. Whatever is in their way, should be forced to comply, or burned to the ground. The same might be true for whomever stands in their way.
Backstory
With their keen eyes, the Eyrie makes the greatest spies. Nothing can stay hidden from them. Keeping secrets just means that, sooner or later, they will find out and abuse them. Because knowledge leads to votes, and votes lead to power.
Clarification(s)
This overrides the usual rule that you can only swap with the Queen if you have at least as many public cards of the winning type. If the action is taken, next round you can only swap following this action's rule.
Backstory
The Chattered Fins still believe in the notion that everyone should be king, taking turns, switching every week. Because nobody listens, they've started to forcefully execute this idea whenever possible. When you walk into that throne room, you might not know who sits on that chair---but you know that the Fins had something to do with it.
Clarification(s)
The Dark action overrides the usual rule that you can only swap with the Queen if you have at least as many public cards of the winning type. If the action is taken, next round you can only swap following this action's rule.
Backstory
The starfish are an odd bunch. Some creatures believe they aren't even alive, while others believe they must be incredibly clever to live without limbs or eyes. Nobody wil ever know the truth, because when they appear, chaos ensues and nobody remembers what happened or why.
Backstory
These serpents have a way of poisoning the leader, whispering in their ear, or literally brainwashing them with their venom. Their actions might often seem useless or stupid at first. But over time, their venom will bear irresistible fruits.
Backstory
The Colorcoats are obsessed with beauty and looks. Their reputation is everything and they'll do anything to save face. They are harmless in the sense that they won't attack you. Their endless kibbling about looks, however, and trying to flip everyone's perception, is certainly harmful to the ears.