How can I prevent semi-independent royal families from rebelling against the empire?
$begingroup$
This global-spanning empire is divided among five royal families, each headed by a prince. The emperor himself leads the empire, with the five princes serving under him. While they owe fealty to the king who has absolute authority over the empire, these families operate semi-independently and control their realms directly, as well as their own security forces and economy. The king holds all secular power by law. however, his right to rule is given to him by the gods, with priests of the theocracy speaking on their behalf.
The selection process of becoming king is administered by the priests themselves in order to prove the future king's worthiness. A series of trials are conducted in which the heads of the five families compete against each other. These contests vary with each selection process, and these princes can participate themselves or elect a champion from their realm to compete on their behalf. The winning prince of these contests is then elected to the position of emperor, and rules until he dies. The four losing princes are ritually sacrificed to the gods. This system is meant to prevent any disputes between rival families as to who is the rightful ruler, and to keep the empire stable.
However, it is possible that a prince or several princes may simply not accept the results. They may lead their families into open rebellion to avoid their honorable fate of being sacrificed for the good of the empire. This is unacceptable, for it would tear the empire apart with various wars.
How would I prevent this from happening?
society empire-building
asked 3 hours ago
IncognitoIncognito
6,09065589
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
This global-spanning empire is divided among five royal families, each headed by a prince. The emperor himself leads the empire, with the five princes serving under him. While they owe fealty to the king who has absolute authority over the empire, these families operate semi-independently and control their realms directly, as well as their own security forces and economy. The king holds all secular power by law. however, his right to rule is given to him by the gods, with priests of the theocracy speaking on their behalf.
The selection process of becoming king is administered by the priests themselves in order to prove the future king's worthiness. A series of trials are conducted in which the heads of the five families compete against each other. These contests vary with each selection process, and these princes can participate themselves or elect a champion from their realm to compete on their behalf. The winning prince of these contests is then elected to the position of emperor, and rules until he dies. The four losing princes are ritually sacrificed to the gods. This system is meant to prevent any disputes between rival families as to who is the rightful ruler, and to keep the empire stable.
However, it is possible that a prince or several princes may simply not accept the results. They may lead their families into open rebellion to avoid their honorable fate of being sacrificed for the good of the empire. This is unacceptable, for it would tear the empire apart with various wars.
How would I prevent this from happening?
society empire-building
asked 3 hours ago
IncognitoIncognito
6,09065589
$endgroup$
1
$begingroup$
What's the tech level?
$endgroup$
– Sasha
2 hours ago
$begingroup$
Can a prince opt out of the trials and not be killed like say a prince knows that one of the other family's is far more powerful in both might and champions and will most likely win anyway (sounds like a shitty deal if you ask me, some princes WILL be more powerful than the rest). Can’t the prince just swear to summit to the winner of the trails instead of partaking, like having a content prince who just wants to rule his realm instead of gunning to become emperor? What stops the princes from killing each other like the Daimyos from Japan were like?
$endgroup$
– Creed Arcon
23 mins ago
$begingroup$
Also what stops the priests from rigging the trails to fit who they want to rule? Like most of the princes are more military focused but the priests do a spelling bee so that one nerd (or a prince that bribed them) has the advantage. Do the princes get a heads up on what the trails will be like beforehand so they can prepare or is it in the moment?
$endgroup$
– Creed Arcon
12 mins ago
$begingroup$
@CreedArcon princes cannot back out of the trials, as they were ordained by the gods and it is his destiny to participate. Yes they are told what trials there will be. And as anyone who has studied world history knows, it is impossible for any priest to be corrupt, for they are moral figures beyond approach. They speak with the authority of the gods and are merely humble servants to their divine will.
$endgroup$
– Incognito
6 mins ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
This global-spanning empire is divided among five royal families, each headed by a prince. The emperor himself leads the empire, with the five princes serving under him. While they owe fealty to the king who has absolute authority over the empire, these families operate semi-independently and control their realms directly, as well as their own security forces and economy. The king holds all secular power by law. however, his right to rule is given to him by the gods, with priests of the theocracy speaking on their behalf.
The selection process of becoming king is administered by the priests themselves in order to prove the future king's worthiness. A series of trials are conducted in which the heads of the five families compete against each other. These contests vary with each selection process, and these princes can participate themselves or elect a champion from their realm to compete on their behalf. The winning prince of these contests is then elected to the position of emperor, and rules until he dies. The four losing princes are ritually sacrificed to the gods. This system is meant to prevent any disputes between rival families as to who is the rightful ruler, and to keep the empire stable.
However, it is possible that a prince or several princes may simply not accept the results. They may lead their families into open rebellion to avoid their honorable fate of being sacrificed for the good of the empire. This is unacceptable, for it would tear the empire apart with various wars.
How would I prevent this from happening?
society empire-building
asked 3 hours ago
IncognitoIncognito
6,09065589
$endgroup$
This global-spanning empire is divided among five royal families, each headed by a prince. The emperor himself leads the empire, with the five princes serving under him. While they owe fealty to the king who has absolute authority over the empire, these families operate semi-independently and control their realms directly, as well as their own security forces and economy. The king holds all secular power by law. however, his right to rule is given to him by the gods, with priests of the theocracy speaking on their behalf.
The selection process of becoming king is administered by the priests themselves in order to prove the future king's worthiness. A series of trials are conducted in which the heads of the five families compete against each other. These contests vary with each selection process, and these princes can participate themselves or elect a champion from their realm to compete on their behalf. The winning prince of these contests is then elected to the position of emperor, and rules until he dies. The four losing princes are ritually sacrificed to the gods. This system is meant to prevent any disputes between rival families as to who is the rightful ruler, and to keep the empire stable.
However, it is possible that a prince or several princes may simply not accept the results. They may lead their families into open rebellion to avoid their honorable fate of being sacrificed for the good of the empire. This is unacceptable, for it would tear the empire apart with various wars.
How would I prevent this from happening?
society empire-building
society empire-building
asked 3 hours ago
IncognitoIncognito
6,09065589
asked 3 hours ago
IncognitoIncognito
6,09065589
asked 3 hours ago
IncognitoIncognito
6,09065589
asked 3 hours ago
IncognitoIncognito
6,09065589
asked 3 hours ago
IncognitoIncognito
6,09065589
6,09065589
1
$begingroup$
What's the tech level?
$endgroup$
– Sasha
2 hours ago
$begingroup$
Can a prince opt out of the trials and not be killed like say a prince knows that one of the other family's is far more powerful in both might and champions and will most likely win anyway (sounds like a shitty deal if you ask me, some princes WILL be more powerful than the rest). Can’t the prince just swear to summit to the winner of the trails instead of partaking, like having a content prince who just wants to rule his realm instead of gunning to become emperor? What stops the princes from killing each other like the Daimyos from Japan were like?
$endgroup$
– Creed Arcon
23 mins ago
$begingroup$
Also what stops the priests from rigging the trails to fit who they want to rule? Like most of the princes are more military focused but the priests do a spelling bee so that one nerd (or a prince that bribed them) has the advantage. Do the princes get a heads up on what the trails will be like beforehand so they can prepare or is it in the moment?
$endgroup$
– Creed Arcon
12 mins ago
$begingroup$
@CreedArcon princes cannot back out of the trials, as they were ordained by the gods and it is his destiny to participate. Yes they are told what trials there will be. And as anyone who has studied world history knows, it is impossible for any priest to be corrupt, for they are moral figures beyond approach. They speak with the authority of the gods and are merely humble servants to their divine will.
$endgroup$
– Incognito
6 mins ago
add a comment |
1
$begingroup$
What's the tech level?
$endgroup$
– Sasha
2 hours ago
$begingroup$
Can a prince opt out of the trials and not be killed like say a prince knows that one of the other family's is far more powerful in both might and champions and will most likely win anyway (sounds like a shitty deal if you ask me, some princes WILL be more powerful than the rest). Can’t the prince just swear to summit to the winner of the trails instead of partaking, like having a content prince who just wants to rule his realm instead of gunning to become emperor? What stops the princes from killing each other like the Daimyos from Japan were like?
$endgroup$
– Creed Arcon
23 mins ago
$begingroup$
Also what stops the priests from rigging the trails to fit who they want to rule? Like most of the princes are more military focused but the priests do a spelling bee so that one nerd (or a prince that bribed them) has the advantage. Do the princes get a heads up on what the trails will be like beforehand so they can prepare or is it in the moment?
$endgroup$
– Creed Arcon
12 mins ago
$begingroup$
@CreedArcon princes cannot back out of the trials, as they were ordained by the gods and it is his destiny to participate. Yes they are told what trials there will be. And as anyone who has studied world history knows, it is impossible for any priest to be corrupt, for they are moral figures beyond approach. They speak with the authority of the gods and are merely humble servants to their divine will.
$endgroup$
– Incognito
6 mins ago
1
1
$begingroup$
What's the tech level?
$endgroup$
– Sasha
2 hours ago
$begingroup$
What's the tech level?
$endgroup$
– Sasha
2 hours ago
$begingroup$
Can a prince opt out of the trials and not be killed like say a prince knows that one of the other family's is far more powerful in both might and champions and will most likely win anyway (sounds like a shitty deal if you ask me, some princes WILL be more powerful than the rest). Can’t the prince just swear to summit to the winner of the trails instead of partaking, like having a content prince who just wants to rule his realm instead of gunning to become emperor? What stops the princes from killing each other like the Daimyos from Japan were like?
$endgroup$
– Creed Arcon
23 mins ago
$begingroup$
Can a prince opt out of the trials and not be killed like say a prince knows that one of the other family's is far more powerful in both might and champions and will most likely win anyway (sounds like a shitty deal if you ask me, some princes WILL be more powerful than the rest). Can’t the prince just swear to summit to the winner of the trails instead of partaking, like having a content prince who just wants to rule his realm instead of gunning to become emperor? What stops the princes from killing each other like the Daimyos from Japan were like?
$endgroup$
– Creed Arcon
23 mins ago
$begingroup$
Also what stops the priests from rigging the trails to fit who they want to rule? Like most of the princes are more military focused but the priests do a spelling bee so that one nerd (or a prince that bribed them) has the advantage. Do the princes get a heads up on what the trails will be like beforehand so they can prepare or is it in the moment?
$endgroup$
– Creed Arcon
12 mins ago
$begingroup$
Also what stops the priests from rigging the trails to fit who they want to rule? Like most of the princes are more military focused but the priests do a spelling bee so that one nerd (or a prince that bribed them) has the advantage. Do the princes get a heads up on what the trails will be like beforehand so they can prepare or is it in the moment?
$endgroup$
– Creed Arcon
12 mins ago
$begingroup$
@CreedArcon princes cannot back out of the trials, as they were ordained by the gods and it is his destiny to participate. Yes they are told what trials there will be. And as anyone who has studied world history knows, it is impossible for any priest to be corrupt, for they are moral figures beyond approach. They speak with the authority of the gods and are merely humble servants to their divine will.
$endgroup$
– Incognito
6 mins ago
$begingroup$
@CreedArcon princes cannot back out of the trials, as they were ordained by the gods and it is his destiny to participate. Yes they are told what trials there will be. And as anyone who has studied world history knows, it is impossible for any priest to be corrupt, for they are moral figures beyond approach. They speak with the authority of the gods and are merely humble servants to their divine will.
$endgroup$
– Incognito
6 mins ago
add a comment |
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
$begingroup$
If I remember correctly, in ancient Japan all the daiymios had to send their sons to reside in the Shogun's castle, where they were held as hostages, as a warranty for the underling's fidelity.
The emperor can use a similar system. Each family has to give their heirs into the complete control of the emperor. Rebelling to the emperor and his designation results into the beheading of the family itself, as all of the heirs will face death.
Be faithful and you lose just one member. Betray, and you lose all your descendants.
answered 3 hours ago
L.Dutch♦L.Dutch
80.4k26192391
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Threat of a curse and a holy crusade.
Since the priests are the ones doing the trials, any action against the will of the god will invoke a curse upon those who defy the will of the One. Anyone siding with them is also be cursed (does not need to be real), causing them to lose even their loyal subjects. Obviously the curse will be a black mark that will cause all other kingdoms to attack them, electing a new noble family. Since the risk of losing nobility is high and the threat of a otherworldly curse is also on the table, I bet only few will try that way. Even if one of the families revolts, it wouldn't be too difficult to subdue them.
answered 2 hours ago
Cem KalyoncuCem Kalyoncu
5,57811033
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Make it so each prince can command their own army, but the army they command is at an opposite end of the empire from the lands they actually control. This, while confusing, prevents any prince from consolidating military power in their home territory and using it against the emperor.
answered 1 hour ago
The Weasel SagasThe Weasel Sagas
1,167121
$endgroup$
add a comment |
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3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
$begingroup$
If I remember correctly, in ancient Japan all the daiymios had to send their sons to reside in the Shogun's castle, where they were held as hostages, as a warranty for the underling's fidelity.
The emperor can use a similar system. Each family has to give their heirs into the complete control of the emperor. Rebelling to the emperor and his designation results into the beheading of the family itself, as all of the heirs will face death.
Be faithful and you lose just one member. Betray, and you lose all your descendants.
answered 3 hours ago
L.Dutch♦L.Dutch
80.4k26192391
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
If I remember correctly, in ancient Japan all the daiymios had to send their sons to reside in the Shogun's castle, where they were held as hostages, as a warranty for the underling's fidelity.
The emperor can use a similar system. Each family has to give their heirs into the complete control of the emperor. Rebelling to the emperor and his designation results into the beheading of the family itself, as all of the heirs will face death.
Be faithful and you lose just one member. Betray, and you lose all your descendants.
answered 3 hours ago
L.Dutch♦L.Dutch
80.4k26192391
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
If I remember correctly, in ancient Japan all the daiymios had to send their sons to reside in the Shogun's castle, where they were held as hostages, as a warranty for the underling's fidelity.
The emperor can use a similar system. Each family has to give their heirs into the complete control of the emperor. Rebelling to the emperor and his designation results into the beheading of the family itself, as all of the heirs will face death.
Be faithful and you lose just one member. Betray, and you lose all your descendants.
answered 3 hours ago
L.Dutch♦L.Dutch
80.4k26192391
$endgroup$
If I remember correctly, in ancient Japan all the daiymios had to send their sons to reside in the Shogun's castle, where they were held as hostages, as a warranty for the underling's fidelity.
The emperor can use a similar system. Each family has to give their heirs into the complete control of the emperor. Rebelling to the emperor and his designation results into the beheading of the family itself, as all of the heirs will face death.
Be faithful and you lose just one member. Betray, and you lose all your descendants.
answered 3 hours ago
L.Dutch♦L.Dutch
80.4k26192391
answered 3 hours ago
L.Dutch♦L.Dutch
80.4k26192391
answered 3 hours ago
L.Dutch♦L.Dutch
80.4k26192391
answered 3 hours ago
L.Dutch♦L.Dutch
80.4k26192391
80.4k26192391
add a comment |
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Threat of a curse and a holy crusade.
Since the priests are the ones doing the trials, any action against the will of the god will invoke a curse upon those who defy the will of the One. Anyone siding with them is also be cursed (does not need to be real), causing them to lose even their loyal subjects. Obviously the curse will be a black mark that will cause all other kingdoms to attack them, electing a new noble family. Since the risk of losing nobility is high and the threat of a otherworldly curse is also on the table, I bet only few will try that way. Even if one of the families revolts, it wouldn't be too difficult to subdue them.
answered 2 hours ago
Cem KalyoncuCem Kalyoncu
5,57811033
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Threat of a curse and a holy crusade.
Since the priests are the ones doing the trials, any action against the will of the god will invoke a curse upon those who defy the will of the One. Anyone siding with them is also be cursed (does not need to be real), causing them to lose even their loyal subjects. Obviously the curse will be a black mark that will cause all other kingdoms to attack them, electing a new noble family. Since the risk of losing nobility is high and the threat of a otherworldly curse is also on the table, I bet only few will try that way. Even if one of the families revolts, it wouldn't be too difficult to subdue them.
answered 2 hours ago
Cem KalyoncuCem Kalyoncu
5,57811033
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Threat of a curse and a holy crusade.
Since the priests are the ones doing the trials, any action against the will of the god will invoke a curse upon those who defy the will of the One. Anyone siding with them is also be cursed (does not need to be real), causing them to lose even their loyal subjects. Obviously the curse will be a black mark that will cause all other kingdoms to attack them, electing a new noble family. Since the risk of losing nobility is high and the threat of a otherworldly curse is also on the table, I bet only few will try that way. Even if one of the families revolts, it wouldn't be too difficult to subdue them.
answered 2 hours ago
Cem KalyoncuCem Kalyoncu
5,57811033
$endgroup$
Threat of a curse and a holy crusade.
Since the priests are the ones doing the trials, any action against the will of the god will invoke a curse upon those who defy the will of the One. Anyone siding with them is also be cursed (does not need to be real), causing them to lose even their loyal subjects. Obviously the curse will be a black mark that will cause all other kingdoms to attack them, electing a new noble family. Since the risk of losing nobility is high and the threat of a otherworldly curse is also on the table, I bet only few will try that way. Even if one of the families revolts, it wouldn't be too difficult to subdue them.
answered 2 hours ago
Cem KalyoncuCem Kalyoncu
5,57811033
answered 2 hours ago
Cem KalyoncuCem Kalyoncu
5,57811033
answered 2 hours ago
Cem KalyoncuCem Kalyoncu
5,57811033
answered 2 hours ago
Cem KalyoncuCem Kalyoncu
5,57811033
5,57811033
add a comment |
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Make it so each prince can command their own army, but the army they command is at an opposite end of the empire from the lands they actually control. This, while confusing, prevents any prince from consolidating military power in their home territory and using it against the emperor.
answered 1 hour ago
The Weasel SagasThe Weasel Sagas
1,167121
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Make it so each prince can command their own army, but the army they command is at an opposite end of the empire from the lands they actually control. This, while confusing, prevents any prince from consolidating military power in their home territory and using it against the emperor.
answered 1 hour ago
The Weasel SagasThe Weasel Sagas
1,167121
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Make it so each prince can command their own army, but the army they command is at an opposite end of the empire from the lands they actually control. This, while confusing, prevents any prince from consolidating military power in their home territory and using it against the emperor.
answered 1 hour ago
The Weasel SagasThe Weasel Sagas
1,167121
$endgroup$
Make it so each prince can command their own army, but the army they command is at an opposite end of the empire from the lands they actually control. This, while confusing, prevents any prince from consolidating military power in their home territory and using it against the emperor.
answered 1 hour ago
The Weasel SagasThe Weasel Sagas
1,167121
answered 1 hour ago
The Weasel SagasThe Weasel Sagas
1,167121
answered 1 hour ago
The Weasel SagasThe Weasel Sagas
1,167121
answered 1 hour ago
The Weasel SagasThe Weasel Sagas
1,167121
1,167121
add a comment |
add a comment |
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1
$begingroup$
What's the tech level?
$endgroup$
– Sasha
2 hours ago
$begingroup$
Can a prince opt out of the trials and not be killed like say a prince knows that one of the other family's is far more powerful in both might and champions and will most likely win anyway (sounds like a shitty deal if you ask me, some princes WILL be more powerful than the rest). Can’t the prince just swear to summit to the winner of the trails instead of partaking, like having a content prince who just wants to rule his realm instead of gunning to become emperor? What stops the princes from killing each other like the Daimyos from Japan were like?
$endgroup$
– Creed Arcon
23 mins ago
$begingroup$
Also what stops the priests from rigging the trails to fit who they want to rule? Like most of the princes are more military focused but the priests do a spelling bee so that one nerd (or a prince that bribed them) has the advantage. Do the princes get a heads up on what the trails will be like beforehand so they can prepare or is it in the moment?
$endgroup$
– Creed Arcon
12 mins ago
$begingroup$
@CreedArcon princes cannot back out of the trials, as they were ordained by the gods and it is his destiny to participate. Yes they are told what trials there will be. And as anyone who has studied world history knows, it is impossible for any priest to be corrupt, for they are moral figures beyond approach. They speak with the authority of the gods and are merely humble servants to their divine will.
$endgroup$
– Incognito
6 mins ago