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At first it is somewhat tricky to be accepted for a town office, however, in my opinion they are of little use. The main benefit is that in these offices there are several opportunities to save some money, like lowering taxes (or raising them, if it will hurt an opponent more than it will hurt you!).
I therefore began my political career only in the third generation of my dynasty - and this was only for testing. It was a worthwhile pursuit, mainly for my successor, since he/she inherits the reputation.
The last in line (i.e. last in line of his successors) was supposed to go for it all which worked out fine.
How do you get into a seat?
When there is an available seat in a chamber, up to 4 people can apply. The person or people in the rank directly above will choose from the candidates who they wish to take the seat. If there is more than one rank directly above, the decision is done by a simple vote.
The exception is the top place in the chamber, for example the Mayor in the Town Council (4th chamber). As this position has no clear superior, all the current members in the chamber vote for whichever candidate they wish to take the seat.
Of course, if a person in the second rank gets voted into the top position, his/her position in the second rank will be freed up for applicants the next day. Remember this if you're in a third rank position and you want to move up!
Strategies:
First of all it obviously pays off having a decent residence as well as a title. Throw in a bit of money and off you go!
If you want to get into an office, the simplest way is to apply and hope for the best. However, if you have the cash and/or opportunity, you can help your cause by improving your relations with the party or parties who will decide your fate. A handy, if expensive, way to increase your favour with someone is by greasing their palm with a bribe.
If you have a house with "The Drawing Room" extension, holding a dinner can be a great way to improve relations with the person or people who will be deciding who gets the position you're eyeing.
I always use the most expensive meal type for the most impact at just a slight cost increase. Also, remember that a poor meal can worsen relations, and that the higher up the political tree you invite, the harder it will be to please them - for the top dogs, you'll need a band in a library if they're going to be impressed!
There is one problem with the feast idea - the party will be held the day (or season as they are the same in the game) *after* you send the invites. This means you can't just invite the people you want to impress when you apply. You need to anticipate what position you intend to apply for and then invite everyone who could be in charge of that when the time comes.
The "Agenda" section in the town hall is a great way to see what the political landscape could look like the next day so you can work out who is best to invite. Remember, even if you invite the wrong people, the improved relations might help at a later date so don't be afraid to invite anyone you can!
These tips may also give a small assistance to your standing with the decision makers:
- Wearing a perfume will greatly improve relations with the first 3 people of the opposite sex. This bonus will last a good few years. Remember - wearing perfume could be illegal.
- A silver chain causes a reputation increase on the urban level. This continues for 3 years after you activate the chain from its inventory.
- The gold chain and the diamond have the same effect on regional level...
- A high value in rhetoric will give your character the charisma to give a good impression to all he/she meets.
- Men can arrange an intimate meeting with up to 4 partners if he has a music room, enabling him to gain strong allys.
Of course, boosting your own status is only half the job. If you can't increase your favour to above the rivals', why not bring his/her's down to below yours?
A good way to do this is to use the "insult". When you insult someone, they will probably respond by challenging you to a duel - if they do not, they will loss face with everyone. Because of this, you should first make sure you will have a significantly better combat rating than them to ensure the duel turns out the way it should. Also, make sure you have an of-age successor, because if the duel fails, you could find your life greatly shortened :)
This should help you on your way to becoming a respected, and rich, public figure. If your income is enough to ensure you can keep your friends impressed and your opponents shamed, you should be able to reach the top of the political tree within 15 years!
Staubsauger - CreaVitargo
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