Ondarion Lore and Developer Q&A for The Sims 4: Royalty & Legacy
With the release of The Sims 4: Royalty & Legacy, EA hosted a special Discord Q&A session focused on the lore of the world of Ondarion and its related gameplay mechanics. The developers answered numerous fan questions — ranging from climate and family ties to magical artifacts and scandals. We’ve compiled all the key responses to give you a detailed look at what players can expect in the kingdom of Ondarion.
Climate and Atmosphere of Ondarion
Players were curious whether the climate in Ondarion would be the same across all districts. The developers confirmed that the weather will vary by region: Verdemare will see more rainfall, Dambele will feature sunnier conditions, and Bellacord will have a more temperate climate.
Dynasties, Families, and Character Backgrounds
Why are some characters missing from the family tree?
One popular question concerned the absence of certain well-known characters, including Hermia Kapp and other ancestors. The developers explained that the number of Sims that could be included in the expansion is limited, so they had to prioritize those most important to the story. This even applies to ancestors, but it doesn’t mean they will never return in future projects.
What about Princess Cordelia?
Looking at the family tree, it may seem that Princess Cordelia Thebe is the same character over many years. In-game, however, this is explained through her diaries. They reveal that due to consuming a mysterious potion, rumors about her extraordinary longevity began to spread. To maintain power, she had to assume a new identity and continue her reign under a different name.
Culture, Inspiration, and Collaboration
Players asked whether the expansion would include Arab cultural content alongside African elements. Developers clarified that the pack does not focus on Arab culture — they specifically collaborated with the Pan African Gaming Group (PAGG) to bring the spirit of West Africa into The Sims world, particularly in the Dambele district, both in CAS and Build & Buy items.
Noble Families of Ondarion
How many noble houses are in the game?
Upon installing the expansion, players will find five main noble houses:
- Thebe (home to Cordelia V),
- Abrantes (in Verdemare),
- Darong (in Dambele, connected to the Dreamers from The Sims 2),
- Enzo Alto (in Bellacord),
- Kapp (in Bellacord).
Each family has distinct values and internal culture, adding diversity to the world.
Family relations and descendants
When asked about other family members, such as aunts, cousins, or distant relatives, developers confirmed these characters won’t appear in this expansion due to limits on included Sims.
For the Monty family, developers mentioned that aside from Romeo and Juliette, they have a son, Dante, who is a secret friend of Tybalt’s child.
It was also confirmed that Cordelia V is not pregnant at the start of the game, and Tybalt is currently single but attractive enough to potentially marry and grant his spouse the title of Grand Duchess of Ondarion.
Magical Items of Ondarion
Magic Mirror
In Ondarion, a magical mirror can be found hidden on the shore of a Bellacord lake. It allows Sims to glimpse potential future events, almost like peering into their fate.
Crystal Slipper
The crystal slipper can be obtained in various ways, often through interactions with unique items scattered across Ondarion. It helps players achieve greater success at formal balls, especially during key story moments.
Scandals and Secrets System
The developers confirmed that the expansion includes an extensive scandal system, allowing players to uncover other Sims’ secrets. This mechanic works not only in Ondarion but in any world in The Sims 4.
Some Sims will already have secrets when the expansion is installed, and players can choose whether to become their confidant or reveal the secret for their own benefit.
Noble Titles: From Knight to King
Players asked which titles would be available. Developers listed:
- Knight
- Baronet
- Baron
- Viscount
- Margrave
- Count
- Marquess
- Duke
- Grand Duke
- King
Titles vary by character gender, but players can also create custom title names.
Inheritance of Titles
An elder noble cannot pass multiple titles to a single heir — each character inherits only one title.
Duels and Character Abilities
Some players asked if supernatural beings could duel for the throne (e.g., magical or vampire Sims). Developers explained that such Sims already have magical duels, and when competing for the throne, they act as normal characters using fencing skills.
Secrets, Romance, and Scandals
Players wanted to know who the fathers of Ermelinda Abrantes, Thiago, and Sofia’s children are, and whether this is discoverable in-game. Developers explained that due to character limits, many Sims are single parents, but the expansion offers multiple dramatic family and romantic storylines, some of which depend on player choices.
Unpredictable Scandals
Developers noted that Ondarion already holds several secrets. For example, Cordelia V has a secret lover, and Adekoya Darong has a hidden child with a claim to the dynasty. Whether these secrets are revealed in your game is up to the player.
Rules for Kings and Dynasties
Developers also answered an unusual question: what happens if two rulers decide to marry? Such a union is only possible if both rulers are in different worlds — the game does not allow two Level 10 nobles to rule the same world.
If they decide to live in the same world after marriage, one of them will be demoted in rank.
Balls and Masquerades: Event Features
Players asked how many types of balls can be organized. Developers explained:
- Open Ball — Sims appear in formal attire.
- Dress Code Ball — lets you set formality and color.
- Masquerade — guests must wear masks.
These options give players freedom to decide how to host social events.
Titles for Children
Children of nobles automatically inherit status based on their parents’ achievements. If a parent becomes king or queen, the heir’s title changes to prince or princess — an important element of family drama and storytelling.
Additional Lore Facts
Developers also shared rare details, such as Beatrice — Virgilio’s sister. She is Tybalt Kapp’s eldest daughter and seen publicly as the ideal noblewoman, but secretly finds high society superficial and dreams of meaningful personal relationships.
They also mentioned a special location in Dambele where a Sim can complete a series of trials in honor of Anansi, a hero from African folklore, reflecting PAGG’s cultural influence on Ondarion.
Gossip System Highlights:
- Public WooHoo counts as a scandal.
- Other possible scandals: secret romances, secret children, fake breakup letters, staff affairs, and other dramatic events.
The Ondarion lore Q&A provided players with extensive details about the world, characters, family relationships, and hidden mechanics of the expansion. Alongside what we already learned from trailers and articles, it paints Royalty & Legacy as an expansion with vibrant atmosphere, focusing on dynasties, family conflicts, and player-driven stories.
