Making a new introduction to my game. Part I: narrative.

Hi there, my King! Be welcomed in our humble democratic polis...

I am planning on some character customization! Nice that you thought that too! I will be frugal on changing the appearance of the character, because our artist is already very busy. She is a student and will only be able to dedicate 240 hours to the project this year.

I am more excited on customizing the character's abilities/story, as you also mentioned. I didn't think about noble/rich versus middle class or poor, but now that you mention it... this is actually a great idea. In book 8 of Plato's Republic, Socrates seems to be talking about an upper middle class citizen, as he (1) can pretend to be from the people but at the same time (2) had enough resources to live a bohemian lifestyle and be educated by a sophist. I therefore can imagine some advantages of being rich: the character can promote more parties to obtain more happiness, and perhaps is able to perform some tasks with his own money instead of been corrupt. However, a rich character may get unhappy when expropriating the rich, because he identifies with them and/or is friends with them. He may also be less popular, and his threat to expropriate, less credible. So, thanks for this idea; it can totally fit the game.

I was thinking about three other customizations: 

1. Gender: male or female. If the player chooses female... the player will lose the game immediately, prompting an ending expressing how sexist greek society was back then. I think that is funny, will require few resources, and will not be seen as sexist on my part. If the character is male, the game continues. 
2. Whether the character is frugal/disciplined or compulsive (may look for better words). According to Socrates, the democratic man is compulsive, desiring not only what is needed but also excesses, in a pursuit of pleasure. The democratic man drinks too much, eats too much, buys too much, parties too much. Focused on his own liberty and a pursuit of mere happiness (but not truth), the democratic man loses control. I expect players to think a frugal character is best, but a frugal/disciplined character won't go to parties or accept bribes, nor will it corrupt the system. Thus, a frugal character won't be able to rise in power or obtain cheap happiness points as easily. The best choice to win the game is to be compulsive. But I may make it possible to win as frugal... not sure.
3. How unequal the city is: somewhat unequal or extremely unequal. According to Socrates, a populist leader will thrive when there is a lot of inequality, as he can feed off polarization turning the people against the elites and making himself look as a necessary evil. Thus, the best choice here is to go for extremely unequal, although the player will probably think "somewhat unequal" is best. In the game, the strategy of expropriating the rich almost guarantees election when the society is extremely unequal; however, when the society is somewhat unequal, expropriating the rich may not be enough.

What do you think of those choices? Is it bad that I am giving you such spoilers?

Now, with regards to the gods... I can't implement that. Socrates only tangentially mentions god's favor and stuff like that. As this game must base everything on book 8 of Plato's Republic, I cannot incorporate god's punishment. 

In Socrates' view, the city did commit a sin: it preferred vices over discipline, the pursuit of happiness instead of truth, pleasure instead of the common good, liberty in place of responsibility. While the introduction will hint at it, it cannot be too clear. The player has to discover for himself that these sins are causing the city's decay, while at the same time riding on these very sins to win the game as a tyrant.

My king, thanks again for your comments, I hope this effusive answer makes it clear how happy this interaction makes me. 

Cheers,

Pedro