The Game

The Game, or Il Gioco in Acirian is a term used to refer to the political machinations of both the nobles and the aristocracy of Aciria. The Game developed after the inception of the Grand Empire of Aciria when both the nobility and aristocracy began smear campaigns against others to gain the favour of the Emperor, eventually developing into an intricate "game" of intrigue which was not only used to gain the favour of the Emperor, but drive forward personal political- and financial ambitions. Extravagant balls hosted by the Emperor, aristocracy or nobility are often associated with the Game. Despite the Game often being associated with driving either personal or familial interests, the Game has been also played against family members for personal gain.

History
During the Free Republic of Aciria, the widespread corruption and the incapable governance enabled the aristocracy and nobility to blatantly strike against those who were in the way of their political or financial ambitions. The formation of the Polizia Amministrativa Imperiale by Giovanni I meant the end of widespread corruption and incapable government officials, which then forced the nobility and aristocracy to develop subtler ways of furthering their political and financial ambitions.

Intrigue
The oldest and to date the most common way to play the Game is intrigue. Employing lesser nobles of the opposing party or the employees of the opposing party to spy on them has created an uneasy atmosphere in many of the larger noble houses, where little is shared with many members of the houses due to lack of trust. Ideally the spies will be able to provide their employer something to blackmail the opposing party.

Assassinations
Assassinations have been long associated with the Game, especially following the rapid rise of House Cremizi in the 1820s. House Cremizi gained infamy following their alleged association with various high profile assassinations, including the nephew of Enrico I.