Lineage

The solo role-playing game of

royal genealogy
Written and designed by G Johnston, Wash Your Hands Games
Cover illustration: Charles VII, King of France, 1403-1461 (Library of
Congress)
Additional illustrations GDJ via Pixabay
Celtic Eels font by West Wind Fonts via Dafont
Version 1.1, designed in Affinity Publisher

Twitter.com/washyourhandg1
Itch.io/washyourhands
 Welcome
L ineage is a sole role playing game. You will chart the lives of
Monarchs and the history of the nation they rule.

Illuminated manuscripts are documents where the text is accompanied

by elaborate, hand drawn patterns and images. They are seen in many
cultures, predating the printing press, when the written word was not
an everyday occurrence. Produced by skilled artisans, illuminated
manuscripts were highly valued by the wealthy and powerful.

When recording the family tree and official history, I would

recommend decorating the text with patterns and images.

You will need:

A pen or pencil

Two, six-sided dice

A sheet of paper to draw a family tree

A notebook to record the official history of the Monarchy

Time

You will be instructed to roll 2D6 (two, six-sided dice) when making
choices and selecting options from tables. For most tables, dice
should be rolled individually, so you have a first and second number.

Rolling is different from rolling

 How to play
A s royal historian it is your duty to maintain a record of the lives
of Kings & Queens, thus ensuring the stability of the kingdom. The
Monarch’s divine right to rule must be evidenced with paperwork and
bureaucracy.

To do this, you will record the lives of Monarchs and their children.

You will keep a family tree with the complete record of the royal line.

You will also keep an official history of the achievements of individual

Monarchs.

B egin with a single Monarch. Choose their name. Using the rules
set out in the following pages, determine:

how they are remembered;

who they married;

the heirs they left behind;

the major events of their lives; and

how they died.

Add their details to the family tree. In the official history write a
paragraph outlining their lives for the benefit of future generations.

Repeat the process for their heir. Following the royal bloodline down
through the generations, defining the complete history of this royal
family and the nation they lead.

In the course of the game you may add additional characters and map
your nation and its neighbours.
C onsider the kingdom the Monarch rules.

Is it an isolated mountain kingdom taking its first faltering steps towards

uniting beneath a single banner? A medieval state of feuding landowners
and petty rivalries? A vast, intersolar empire encompassing every star that
fills the night sky?

How it begins may be very different from how it ends. And every
kingdom comes to an end.

A royal house may fall simply because there are no more heirs to
take the throne. It may fall because of the actions or inaction of the
Monarch.

Some events set out in the following pages are marked:

“D” for Dishonourable;

“U” for Unstable;

“W” for Weak;

These events have instructions to change the score in each category. Each
category begins with a score of zero.

Within the official history, maintain a record of these categories to show

how the Monarchy is regarded. If a category reaches eight or above,
additional events will take place caused by the mounting pressure placed
on a Monarchy which is no longer respected.

These scores will only ever increase. Once respect is lost, it cannot be
regained.
 Cognomen
M onarchs live to be remembered. Not all are remembered fondly.

When a new Monarch ascends to the throne, roll 2D6 to determine

how they are remembered by their people. The name given will give an
indication of their character and the achievements of their reign.

Record the Monarch’s full name in the family tree.

The Bald The Old

The Conqueror The Terrible

The Glutton (D+2) The Beloved

The Drunk (W+2) The Good

The Chaste The Tyrant

The Bloody (U+1) The Wise

The Grim The Reformer

The Pious The Builder

The Just The Impaler (U+3)

The Vain (D+1) The Learned

The Unfortunate The Memorable

The Young (W+1) The Diplomat

The Mad (U+1) The Saint

The Able The Soldier

The Careless The Damned (D+1)

The Cruel The Bold

The Rash The Brave

The Wicked The Glorious

 Spouses
T radition and child bearing are expected. A Monarch must wed.

Roll 2D6 to determine who the Monarch married and how the
Monarch’s spouse is remembered by their people. Record them in the
family tree

The Monarch’s spouse was…

A peasant, known for A peasant, known for

great beauty (D+1) charity (W+1)
A peasant, known for A distant cousin,
rebelliousness (D+1) known for very little
A distant cousin, known A distant cousin,
for intrigue known for wit

A distant cousin, known A distant cousin, known

for charity for military prowess

A distant cousin, known Of a noble house, known

for cruelty for very little
Of a noble house, known Of a noble house, known
for intrigue for wit

Of a noble house, known Of a noble house, known

for charity for military prowess
Of a noble house, known Of a noble house, known
for cruelty for greed
Of a noble house, known Of a noble house, known
for great beauty for rebelliousness
 Of a noble house, known Of a noble house, known
for good fortune for piety

Of a noble house, known Of a foreign noble house,

for bloodlust known for very little

Of a foreign noble house, Of a foreign noble house,

known for intrigue known for wit

Of a foreign noble house, A foreign Monarch, known

known for charity for good fortune

A foreign noble house, A foreign noble house,

known for military prowess known for cruelty
A foreign noble house, A foreign noble house,
known for greed known for piety

Never married and had no A foreign Monarch, known

heirs (D+1) for intrigue
A foreign Monarch, known A close relative, known
for military skill (W+1) for intrigue (U+1)

A close relative, known A close relative, known

for cruelty (U+2) for bloodlust (U+3)

The background and behaviours of a spouse have an impact upon the

life choices made by the Monarch and their descendants. Consider
this when recording what choices a Monarch made.
 Heirs
B loodline is everything. Upon the death of a Monarch the crown
is passed to their heir.

Traditionally power is passed to sons, eldest first, then to daughters,

eldest first. There is no need to follow this rule. Other laws of
succession, both more enlightened and less, are possible.

Once a Monarch has been crowned, roll 2D6 to determine how many
children the Monarch had.

Roll 1D6 and subtract this number to determine how many lived long
enough to wield power. If the resulting number is zero or less than
zero, consider this to mean the Monarch has no surviving heirs.

For each potential heir, roll 1D6. Odd numbers indicate a male heir,
even numbers female. Alternatively, designate numbers to genders as
you see fit.
Give each potential heir a name. Record them on the family tree.
 Historic events
T he events of our lives shape us.

A Monarch directs the destiny of their kingdom, but must also react
to the external forces that compel all mortals.

Events are set out in the following pages. Roll 2D6 to determine a
defining event which occurred during the Monarch’s life time. Roll at
least once, but as many times as you believe appropriate.

Consider the Monarch’s character and the world they live in to decide
their reaction. This reaction may be quickly forgotten, or help define
the kingdom’s path for generations to come.

Record the Monarch’s name, the events and the Monarch’s reaction in
the official history.

A neighbouring nation encroaches upon our borders,

claiming our lands are theirs by ancient right. Our nobles
call for a strong military response.

A foreign spymaster has turned traitor and seeks sanctuary

within our kingdom’s borders. They may hold helpful
information, but protecting them could cause a diplomatic
incident

A plot to usurp the crown is discovered, with the closest

relative of the Monarch as its leader. A harsh response
would protect the crown, but may damage the bloodline

A period of bountiful harvest leads to great surpluses and

positive feelings across the kingdom
The leader of a foreign nation orders that all of our
people currently within their borders be put to death. A
response in kind could cause uprisings, but doing nothing
would appear weak
Earth tremors coincided with a great meteor storm. The
populace fear the end of the world approaches. How
should the Monarch reassure them? Who will reassure the
Monarch?
The Monarch’s closest male relative gathers an army to
launch a claim on the crown of a distant nation. Providing
support could greatly enhance our power, or drag us into
an unwanted conflict

The Monarch’s two closest relatives demand the kingdom

be divide between them upon the Monarch’s death.
Accepting these demands would shatter the kingdom,
refusing them could cause a rebellion

The Monarch’s eldest child is killed by an assassin. The

assassin is captured and interrogated. They implicate a
neighbouring nation in the conspiracy
Advisers suggest boosting the Monarch’s popularity with a
costly festival. This may rally the support of nobles, but
the lower classes are unlikely to be impressed

Settlements just within our borders make it known that

they want their region to become part of neighbouring
state. Accepting these demand may inspire similar
treachery, but refusal may require harsh enforcement
Philosophers theorise that giving greater power to ordinary
people would increase productivity. Could such a radical
idea be true?
A large part of the royal palace requires costly repairs.
Additional taxes could cause irritation, but allowing the
Monarch’s home to fall into disrepair may suggest
weakness
Two neighbouring nations go to war. Both request our
assistance. Can we afford to make enemies? Can we afford
to allow the victor to grow in strength?

A group of foreign nations suggest a treaty, whereby

nations would be bound to protect each others from
invasion. This could guarantee peace or drag us into war.
Religious leaders demand we go to war against unbelievers
in a distant land. Answering this call would be costly, but
would ensure the support of the church

An artisan creates a new work in the name of the

Monarch. The result shocks the court. Should radical
new art be encouraged, or are departures with tradition
dangerous?
A group of nobles are growing in power and rumours
abound that they intend to overthrow the Monarch.
Granting additional freedoms may satisfy them, or could
encourage greater rebellion

A group who are traditionally looked down upon have

become organised. Their leaders demand a change in legal
rights. Should the rights of all be respected, or should the
people know their place?

An incredible new technology has been developed. With

the Monarch’s support, this could transform lives across
the kingdom, forever.

The Monarch’s partner dies. Is this a time of great grief

across the kingdom, or an opportunity to forge new
alliances?
The Monarch’s eldest heir intends to abandon their title
and join a religious order. Should they be force to take a
crown they do not want?
A foreign power, having amassed great military force,
demand tribute, lest they attack. Are we in a position to
defend our borders?

A bandit army lays waste to several outlying villages. A

military response may be expensive. How important are
these villagers, anyway?

Rumours are spread that the Monarch is illegitimate and

undeserving of the crown. Could such a thing be true?
What should be done to people who spread rumours?

A noble openly challenges the Monarch’s authority,

insisting upon a duel. Should the Monarch accept such a
challenge? Can they afford to refuse?

A rare and expensive resource is found just beyond our

kingdom’s borders. The area is mostly undefended. Would
a war with our neighbours be a price worth paying?

A powerful nobleman insists there is a long standing

agreement the Monarch’s firstborn son should marry his
daughter. Can we afford to deny them?

A neighbouring nation grows powerful. Soon, none will

be able to stand in their path. Should we take action to
prevent their growth?

The Monarch has a vision of the future. Is it of a world

they would embrace, or fear?
A great disaster destroys much of the kingdom’s largest
city. What have we lost? Can we afford to rebuild?

A trusted adviser is found to be corrupt, having stolen

funds intended for an essential purpose. Exposing
them would cause great embarrassment. Is corruption
the price we must pay for order?

The Monarch’s heir demands the Monarch abdicate.

Would this be best for the kingdom, or should such
insolence be punished?

An assassination attempt against the Monarch is foiled

at the last moment. Who could do such a thing? Who
let it get this far?

Radical steps are taken to ensure loyalty to the crown.

Kindness or cruelty, which is likely to garner the best
result?
A merchant requests funding for a voyage to distant lands,
with the aim of finding new trade routes. Should we take
such a risky gamble?
 Decline & fall
R espect, or at least fear, are necessary tools to be wielded by any
Monarch

Maintain a record of the score for the categories of “Dishonourable”,

“Unstable”and “Weak”, indicated by the “D”, “U” and “W” found
beside some events.

If any of these categories score eight or more at any time, you must roll
1D6 on the relevant category’s table below for every Monarch going
forward.

Dishonourable
An assassination attempt is made on the Monarch’s life. They
narrowly survive…but the attempt could not have been made
without support from those close to the Monarch. (U+1)

The people refuse to pay taxes. Protests occur across the

kingdom and the royal coffers suffer greatly. The kingdom falls
into disrepair. (W+1)

A group of respected nobles refuse to recognise the Monarch’s

authority, declaring their lands to be an independent state

Religious leaders declare the Monarch guilty of apostasy, calling

on all people of faith to deny the authority of the crown.

Peasants across the kingdom rise up to demand greater rights

for ordinary people and less power for the Monarchy.

Revolution! An armed mob storm the royal palace and execute

the royal family.
 Unstable
Prone to dramatic overreaction, the Monarch has lost the losing
the respect of their court and nobles across the land.

Seeing enemies everywhere, the Monarch orders anyone who is a

potential threat be put to death.

A group of respected nobles refuse to recognise the Monarch’s

authority, declaring their lands to be an independent state (W+1)

The Monarch kills their own heir in a fit of anger

The Monarch has their spouse beheaded and remarries ( roll

for another spouse, roll again for heirs) (D+1)

Filled with rage and fear, the Monarch orders the gates of the
royal palace sealed shut before burning the whole thing to to the
ground, killing all within.

Weak
Peasants openly mock the Monarch. Children sing silly songs,
with the Monarch the butt of every joke (U+1)

Religious leaders demand a percentage of all tax revenues, lest

they declare a holy war against the Monarch’s authority

Nobles demand greater powers to decide the laws within the

territory they control, limiting the Monarch’s authority

A foreign nation demands an unreasonable tribute that cannot

possibly be paid. (D+1)

Outlying areas of the kingdom declare themselves independent

A foreign nation invades, quickly taking control of the

kingdom. The people welcome them with open arms.
 Death
T he end must come to us all. The death of a Monarch is a time
of great change,

Roll 2D6 to determine how the Monarch died.

In battle Of an infected wound

On the privy (W+1) Drowning

Fell from a horse Executed

Of old age Of an ancient curse (U+1)

In a drunken brawl Following a fever

Of a broken heart Of a lingering illness

Suddenly By a betrayal

At the hand of an During a hunt

assassin (W+1)
After a minor injury At the hand of their
successor (D+1)

At the hand of a In their sleep

servant
An “accident” (U+1) By their own hand

Leprosy Crushed
 Starvation Never found

Fell from a great height In a duel

In an explosion Carriage crash

Shot with an arrow Trampled by a horse

Plague In a fire

Decapitated By an animal

T he King is dead, long life the King.

Following the death of a Monarch the crown passes to their heir.

Identify the heir and begin the process anew.

Occasionally a Monarch will die without leaving an heir. The crown

will instead pass to the line of the Monarch’s own siblings. Assume that
the Monarch’s siblings have themselves died. Determine instead the
number of heirs they left behind, using the method explained earlier.

If the Monarch has no siblings, look back farther to the siblings of the
previous Monarch. Each time, if an heir can be found they must be of
the current generation.
These distant princess, of course, were never intended to rule. The
family may have lost its way…
 Succession
L aws of succession must be adhered to for the sake of stability.
The crown passes from parent to child.

If no immediate heir is left to survive the Monarch, the throne will

pass to the children of the Monarch’s own siblings. When this
happens, the Princely Lines table must be used to determine how the
bloodline has changed.

Example:

King Malcolm the drunkard

King John the Brave Peter Alexander

King John dies childless. The crown must

pass to the next generation. Roll to
determine how many children Peter has.

King Malcolm the drunkard

King John the Brave Peter Alexander

Duncan James

Peter had two children, so the crown will pass

to his descendants. Roll once on the Princely
Lines table to determine how the family is
changed. Duncan is crowned King
 Princely lines
When the crown transfers to another line of descendants, roll 2D6
on the following table. Roll once for each generation of Princes &
Princesses who never ruled.

The dice roll will summarise the life of the Prince or Princess. Some
are harmless eccentricities whilst others shift the nature of the royal
family.

Converted religion Obsessed with boats

Conspirator (W+1) Illiterate

Killed several in duels Lived as a monk

Scientist Belligerent drunk (U+1)

Respected soldier Frightened of witches (U+1)

Talented artist Arsonist (U+1)

Self-declared prophet Bad poet (W+1)

Cannibal (D+2, U+2) Lost a limb in battle

Charitable Witty raconteur

 Authoritarian Lost in the frozen regions

Talented cartographer Tortured servants (U+1)

Haunted by voices Gluttonous

Hypochondriac Terror of death

Lost an eye in a bet Obsessive book collector

Possible bastard (D+1) Never spoke in public (W+1)

Cruel to children Champion wrestler

Religious puritan Pirate (D+1)

Hated crowds Had an imaginary twin (U+1)

The lives and behaviours of the parents have an impact upon the life
choices made by their descendants. Consider this when recording what
choices a Monarch made.
 Continue writing the royal family tree and recording the lives of the
Monarchs until the family is no more.

Until the old ways are forgotten and all that remains are names on paper.
W hat brought you here, to this quiet room filled with forgotten
parchments? What purpose does this list of people and events hold,
now that they are gone? Is it done through respect for an bygone era,
or as mockery, or as a warning?
Only the dead exist fully. The lives
of the living are fragmentary,
doubtful, and subject to change;
but the lives of the dead are
complete, free from the sway of
Time, the all but omnipotent lord
of the world. Their failures and
successes, their hopes and fears,
their joys and pains, have become
eternal—our efforts cannot now
abate one jot of them. Sorrows
long buried in the grave, tragedies
of which only a fading memory
remains, loves immortalised by
Death's hallowing touch these
have a power, a magic, an
untroubled calm, to which no
present can attain.
Bertrand Russell
A s royal historian it is your duty to maintain a
record of the lives of Kings & Queens, thus ensuring
the stability of the kingdom.

Build a complete history of a unique nation, as seen

through the eyes of its rulers.

WYH