It is just before dawn, and the populace is beginning to stir. King George II readies himself for another day as England’s sovereign. On London’s streets, men and women discuss current events, such as the British and Indian forces defeating the French over in the colonies, at the Battle of Ackia on May 26th, or the recent marriage of Frederick, Prince of Wales, to Augusta of Saxe-Gotha on the 8th.¹ It is June of 1736, and a pregnant woman of little historical importance to anyone save yourself has awoken from her slumber feeling the onset of labor. Her husband has fetched the midwife, and they all nervously await the child’s arrival. This is an important event for you, my friend. You see, you are about to be born.

Thus begins your journey. But exactly how? Are you about to join the aristocracy, or do you come from meaner circumstances? This is your decision, your first of many. Consider your choices carefully, dear friend. Now is not the time for mistakes. Coming into the world in England in 1736, you have a life expectancy of only 35.6 years. And you are but one soul adrift in a country of over 5.4 million…surely not everyone can have an easy life.² Along what path will your choices take you?