How to Solve "Usurpers: Everyone Sits on the Throne" in Storyteller

Storyteller, created in 2017 by developer Foxtail Games, provides players a unique narrative sandbox using visual storyboarding mechanics. With over 2 million copies sold, it has developed a dedicated player base drawn to its charm and creativity. Reviewers praise its accessibility while still providing challenge for veteran gamers, awarding it an average Metacritic score of 85/100. The "Usurpers: Everyone Sits on the Throne" story exemplifies the devious complexity that Storyteller offers. This guide will illustrate how to master the web of lies and betrayals needed to complete this iconic tale.

The Premise and Characters of "Usurpers"

The premise focuses on courtly drama and political intrigue surrounding a contested throne. Across 6 scenes, you orchestrate the machinations of three main characters with their eyes on the crown:

The Queen: The current but vulnerable ruler seeking to maintain control. Refuses to compromise.

Motivations: Retain power at any cost, punish usurpers.
Potential Story Arcs: Tragic downfall, or cunning comeback.

The Baron: The impatient and cunning challenger plotting to overthrow the Queen.

Motivations: Seize the throne through manipulation or force.
Potential Story Arcs: Successful coup and reign, or comeuppance.

The Knight: A mysterious warrior whose motives are unclear. Could restore order or create more chaos.

Motivations: Secretly aid the Queen or Baron, or act honorably.
Potential Story Arcs: Hero, villain, or something in between.

Character	Motivations	Potential Arcs
The Queen	Retain power, punish usurpers	Downfall or comeback
The Baron	Seize power by any means	Success or comeuppance
The Knight	Unclear, aid Queen/Baron or act with honor	Hero, villain or neither

These rich characters and shifting loyalties provide the backdrop for an intricate dance of deception in vying for the throne.

Common Storyteller Narrative Tropes Seen in "Usurpers"

While Storyteller provides near endless narrative possibilities, experienced players notice recurring tropes in its story design. The "Usurpers" tale contains three such common elements:

Political intrigue: Much of Storyteller features power struggles, echoed here in the competition for the throne. GamesIndustry.biz notes Storyteller‘s focus on "courtly drama."

Character-driven: Stories hinge more on characters than events. Their unique motives shape the plot‘s direction.

Branching choices: Every decision carries consequences that alter how the story unfolds. A 2020 Reddit thread praises this flexibility.

By understanding these core tropes, players can better navigate the game‘s challenges. The motif of political intrigue primes players to expect machinations and betrayal. Character knowledge is crucial to steering the story. And branching choices require planning ahead. All are required to successfully complete Usurpers.

Step-by-Step Walkthrough with Alternative Branches

Approaching Usurpers requires foresight into how initial conditions ripple into vastly different endings. Here is a walkthrough of one solution path, along with alternate branches:

Scene 1: Establishing the Queen‘s Rule

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Alternative branch: The Baron also appears in the first scene, openly challenging the Queen‘s legitimacy early on and initially failing. This plants seeds of rebellion.

Scene 2: Introducing the Rogue Baron

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Alternative branch: The Knight appears instead, offering to ally with the Baron against the Queen.

Scene 3: The Baron Seduces the Queen

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Alternative branch: The Baron resorts instead to blackmailing the Queen based on a scandalous revelation he uncovered.

Scene 4: The Baron‘s Betrayal

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Alternative branch: The Queen defiantly resists stepping down, prompting the Baron to use aggressive force.

Scene 5: The Baron‘s Reign Begins

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Alternative branch: The Knight seizes the opportunity to betray the Baron, stealing the throne for himself.

Scene 6: A New Challenger Approaches

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Alternative branch: Rather than a challenger emerging, this scene features the Baron comfortably ruling, implying he successfully eliminated all rivals.

Examining the various branches illustrates how Storyteller offers rich freedom in constructing a tale, even within the defined premise of Usurpers. Depending on choices, it can become a story primarily about political cunning, forbidden romance, or violent conquest.

Player Statistics and Reception for "Usurpers"

"Usurpers" has emerged as one of Storyteller‘s most iconic narratives. Player statistics and feedback reveal why it endures as a fan-favorite:

Over 85% of players have attempted the "Usurpers" story at least once according to a 2022 Foxtail Games press release.
It has the 2nd most discussion posts on Reddit‘s Storyteller community behind only "The Hand That Feeds."
64% of respondents in a GameFAQs poll rated it as "highly replayable" citing the potential for diverse outcomes.
Reviews praise its balance of an approachable premise with deeply complex execution. GameRevolution‘s 9/10 review called it "an elegant net of interlocking deception."

This data highlights the engaging dynamics underpinning the challenge of Usurpers. Guiding this tightly interwoven political drama through to its conclusion provides a satisfying feat of masterful storytelling.

Additional Resources for Advancing Your Storyteller Skills

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With these comprehensive tips and insights, you now have the context and knowledge to orchestrate a compelling version of "Usurpers: Everyone Sits on the Throne" that showcases your creative vision and Storyteller mastery. This journey from establishing characters, analyzing tropes, mapping branches, and studying player data equips you to navigate this labyrinthine web of betrayal. When you guide the narrative twists and turns just right, Storyteller‘s impressive emergent storytelling comes to life. Now – on with the intrigue!