How can a kingdom keep the secret of a missing monarchy from the public?
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The eleven year old son of the king and queen, prince Jeoffrey, is destined to take the french iron throne after his father passes. One night, an old hag knocks on the castle door and begs to spend the night, to which the prince answers the door and refuses. However, this was a test, as the hag takes her true form as a beautiful witch. After murdering his parents, the witch declares that Jeoffrey has no love or kindness in his heart, and decides to punish him. She curses him with the form of a hideous beast, and transforms his household (servants, maids, staff, etc) into sentient objects that spontaneously burst into song at inopportune moments. The witch declares that this spell can only be broken by the true love of a woman, which must happen before his 21st birthday, or the spell would be made permanent. The witch believes that this would teach him a valuable lesson in decency and humility to prevent him from becoming a murderous psychopath.
It soon becomes apparent that finding true love is the least of Jeoffrey's problems, as the country still needs to be led. Taxes need to be collected, court needs to be held, land needs to be defended from barbarians, etc. On top of that, there are many who would seek to take advantage of the situation and overthrow Jeoffrey. The duties of a traditional monarchy must still be conducted. Being turned into a monster poses serious obstacles. If the people discover what has become of him, out come the torches and pitchforks.
This kingdom must still be led and controlled by the prince while keeping his situation a secret from the public, long enough for him to find true love. How can I make this happen?
reality-check government kingdom
edited 13 hours ago
Cyn
9,11612146
asked 16 hours ago
IncognitoIncognito
6,71775998
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
The eleven year old son of the king and queen, prince Jeoffrey, is destined to take the french iron throne after his father passes. One night, an old hag knocks on the castle door and begs to spend the night, to which the prince answers the door and refuses. However, this was a test, as the hag takes her true form as a beautiful witch. After murdering his parents, the witch declares that Jeoffrey has no love or kindness in his heart, and decides to punish him. She curses him with the form of a hideous beast, and transforms his household (servants, maids, staff, etc) into sentient objects that spontaneously burst into song at inopportune moments. The witch declares that this spell can only be broken by the true love of a woman, which must happen before his 21st birthday, or the spell would be made permanent. The witch believes that this would teach him a valuable lesson in decency and humility to prevent him from becoming a murderous psychopath.
It soon becomes apparent that finding true love is the least of Jeoffrey's problems, as the country still needs to be led. Taxes need to be collected, court needs to be held, land needs to be defended from barbarians, etc. On top of that, there are many who would seek to take advantage of the situation and overthrow Jeoffrey. The duties of a traditional monarchy must still be conducted. Being turned into a monster poses serious obstacles. If the people discover what has become of him, out come the torches and pitchforks.
This kingdom must still be led and controlled by the prince while keeping his situation a secret from the public, long enough for him to find true love. How can I make this happen?
reality-check government kingdom
edited 13 hours ago
Cyn
9,11612146
asked 16 hours ago
IncognitoIncognito
6,71775998
$endgroup$
6
$begingroup$
A monarchy is a system of government, and by extension a country with such a system of government. The person at the top of a monarchy is a monarch. The "household and staff" around the monarch is usually called their court. A monarchy cannot be missing, as it is either abstract notion or, by extenstion, a country. The monarch themself, yes, they can be missing; in such a case the grandees of the land will select a new monarch, possibly after a civil war. A "hideous beast" won't be accepted as the lawful monarch of the country, as most countries required the monarch to be human.
$endgroup$
– AlexP
16 hours ago
1
$begingroup$
Have the old dead king be a terrifying, unpredictable tyrant who had already slaughtered all the other ambitious nobles in the kingdom; all the minor houses are hiding their own similar lack-of-head-of-household secrets. Have it all happen during a coincidental years-long epidemic of The Blinding Pox to keep news spreading slow, visits limited, and neighboring kingdoms disinterested. Finally, have the Regent be big, tough, mean, disfigured...yet for-some-reason loyal and nursing their own secret that prevents him/her from simply usurping.
$endgroup$
– user535733
16 hours ago
8
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I don't know if I am more concerned about a kingdom allowing a prince to answer night knocks on the door or from the total lack of reference to the Beauty and the Beast.
$endgroup$
– L.Dutch♦
15 hours ago
$begingroup$
Very loosely related: there was a conspiracy theory that Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a US Supreme Court Justice, secretly died during a recent surgery, and that it was kept hidden so her seat wouldn't be refilled. She's since made public appearances, but some research into how people believed it was being covered up might give you some interesting perspectives.
$endgroup$
– Lord Farquaad
10 hours ago
$begingroup$
Slightly of topic but you have the perfect set up for someone to make a power grab. Whatever set up the prince uses to hide his secret, he's not going to spend anytime in the public eye.
$endgroup$
– MrDracoSpirit
4 hours ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
The eleven year old son of the king and queen, prince Jeoffrey, is destined to take the french iron throne after his father passes. One night, an old hag knocks on the castle door and begs to spend the night, to which the prince answers the door and refuses. However, this was a test, as the hag takes her true form as a beautiful witch. After murdering his parents, the witch declares that Jeoffrey has no love or kindness in his heart, and decides to punish him. She curses him with the form of a hideous beast, and transforms his household (servants, maids, staff, etc) into sentient objects that spontaneously burst into song at inopportune moments. The witch declares that this spell can only be broken by the true love of a woman, which must happen before his 21st birthday, or the spell would be made permanent. The witch believes that this would teach him a valuable lesson in decency and humility to prevent him from becoming a murderous psychopath.
It soon becomes apparent that finding true love is the least of Jeoffrey's problems, as the country still needs to be led. Taxes need to be collected, court needs to be held, land needs to be defended from barbarians, etc. On top of that, there are many who would seek to take advantage of the situation and overthrow Jeoffrey. The duties of a traditional monarchy must still be conducted. Being turned into a monster poses serious obstacles. If the people discover what has become of him, out come the torches and pitchforks.
This kingdom must still be led and controlled by the prince while keeping his situation a secret from the public, long enough for him to find true love. How can I make this happen?
reality-check government kingdom
edited 13 hours ago
Cyn
9,11612146
asked 16 hours ago
IncognitoIncognito
6,71775998
$endgroup$
The eleven year old son of the king and queen, prince Jeoffrey, is destined to take the french iron throne after his father passes. One night, an old hag knocks on the castle door and begs to spend the night, to which the prince answers the door and refuses. However, this was a test, as the hag takes her true form as a beautiful witch. After murdering his parents, the witch declares that Jeoffrey has no love or kindness in his heart, and decides to punish him. She curses him with the form of a hideous beast, and transforms his household (servants, maids, staff, etc) into sentient objects that spontaneously burst into song at inopportune moments. The witch declares that this spell can only be broken by the true love of a woman, which must happen before his 21st birthday, or the spell would be made permanent. The witch believes that this would teach him a valuable lesson in decency and humility to prevent him from becoming a murderous psychopath.
It soon becomes apparent that finding true love is the least of Jeoffrey's problems, as the country still needs to be led. Taxes need to be collected, court needs to be held, land needs to be defended from barbarians, etc. On top of that, there are many who would seek to take advantage of the situation and overthrow Jeoffrey. The duties of a traditional monarchy must still be conducted. Being turned into a monster poses serious obstacles. If the people discover what has become of him, out come the torches and pitchforks.
This kingdom must still be led and controlled by the prince while keeping his situation a secret from the public, long enough for him to find true love. How can I make this happen?
reality-check government kingdom
reality-check government kingdom
edited 13 hours ago
Cyn
9,11612146
asked 16 hours ago
IncognitoIncognito
6,71775998
edited 13 hours ago
Cyn
9,11612146
asked 16 hours ago
IncognitoIncognito
6,71775998
edited 13 hours ago
Cyn
9,11612146
edited 13 hours ago
Cyn
9,11612146
edited 13 hours ago
Cyn
9,11612146
9,11612146
asked 16 hours ago
IncognitoIncognito
6,71775998
asked 16 hours ago
IncognitoIncognito
6,71775998
asked 16 hours ago
IncognitoIncognito
6,71775998
6,71775998
6
$begingroup$
A monarchy is a system of government, and by extension a country with such a system of government. The person at the top of a monarchy is a monarch. The "household and staff" around the monarch is usually called their court. A monarchy cannot be missing, as it is either abstract notion or, by extenstion, a country. The monarch themself, yes, they can be missing; in such a case the grandees of the land will select a new monarch, possibly after a civil war. A "hideous beast" won't be accepted as the lawful monarch of the country, as most countries required the monarch to be human.
$endgroup$
– AlexP
16 hours ago
1
$begingroup$
Have the old dead king be a terrifying, unpredictable tyrant who had already slaughtered all the other ambitious nobles in the kingdom; all the minor houses are hiding their own similar lack-of-head-of-household secrets. Have it all happen during a coincidental years-long epidemic of The Blinding Pox to keep news spreading slow, visits limited, and neighboring kingdoms disinterested. Finally, have the Regent be big, tough, mean, disfigured...yet for-some-reason loyal and nursing their own secret that prevents him/her from simply usurping.
$endgroup$
– user535733
16 hours ago
8
$begingroup$
I don't know if I am more concerned about a kingdom allowing a prince to answer night knocks on the door or from the total lack of reference to the Beauty and the Beast.
$endgroup$
– L.Dutch♦
15 hours ago
$begingroup$
Very loosely related: there was a conspiracy theory that Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a US Supreme Court Justice, secretly died during a recent surgery, and that it was kept hidden so her seat wouldn't be refilled. She's since made public appearances, but some research into how people believed it was being covered up might give you some interesting perspectives.
$endgroup$
– Lord Farquaad
10 hours ago
$begingroup$
Slightly of topic but you have the perfect set up for someone to make a power grab. Whatever set up the prince uses to hide his secret, he's not going to spend anytime in the public eye.
$endgroup$
– MrDracoSpirit
4 hours ago
add a comment |
6
$begingroup$
A monarchy is a system of government, and by extension a country with such a system of government. The person at the top of a monarchy is a monarch. The "household and staff" around the monarch is usually called their court. A monarchy cannot be missing, as it is either abstract notion or, by extenstion, a country. The monarch themself, yes, they can be missing; in such a case the grandees of the land will select a new monarch, possibly after a civil war. A "hideous beast" won't be accepted as the lawful monarch of the country, as most countries required the monarch to be human.
$endgroup$
– AlexP
16 hours ago
1
$begingroup$
Have the old dead king be a terrifying, unpredictable tyrant who had already slaughtered all the other ambitious nobles in the kingdom; all the minor houses are hiding their own similar lack-of-head-of-household secrets. Have it all happen during a coincidental years-long epidemic of The Blinding Pox to keep news spreading slow, visits limited, and neighboring kingdoms disinterested. Finally, have the Regent be big, tough, mean, disfigured...yet for-some-reason loyal and nursing their own secret that prevents him/her from simply usurping.
$endgroup$
– user535733
16 hours ago
8
$begingroup$
I don't know if I am more concerned about a kingdom allowing a prince to answer night knocks on the door or from the total lack of reference to the Beauty and the Beast.
$endgroup$
– L.Dutch♦
15 hours ago
$begingroup$
Very loosely related: there was a conspiracy theory that Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a US Supreme Court Justice, secretly died during a recent surgery, and that it was kept hidden so her seat wouldn't be refilled. She's since made public appearances, but some research into how people believed it was being covered up might give you some interesting perspectives.
$endgroup$
– Lord Farquaad
10 hours ago
$begingroup$
Slightly of topic but you have the perfect set up for someone to make a power grab. Whatever set up the prince uses to hide his secret, he's not going to spend anytime in the public eye.
$endgroup$
– MrDracoSpirit
4 hours ago
6
6
$begingroup$
A monarchy is a system of government, and by extension a country with such a system of government. The person at the top of a monarchy is a monarch. The "household and staff" around the monarch is usually called their court. A monarchy cannot be missing, as it is either abstract notion or, by extenstion, a country. The monarch themself, yes, they can be missing; in such a case the grandees of the land will select a new monarch, possibly after a civil war. A "hideous beast" won't be accepted as the lawful monarch of the country, as most countries required the monarch to be human.
$endgroup$
– AlexP
16 hours ago
$begingroup$
A monarchy is a system of government, and by extension a country with such a system of government. The person at the top of a monarchy is a monarch. The "household and staff" around the monarch is usually called their court. A monarchy cannot be missing, as it is either abstract notion or, by extenstion, a country. The monarch themself, yes, they can be missing; in such a case the grandees of the land will select a new monarch, possibly after a civil war. A "hideous beast" won't be accepted as the lawful monarch of the country, as most countries required the monarch to be human.
$endgroup$
– AlexP
16 hours ago
1
1
$begingroup$
Have the old dead king be a terrifying, unpredictable tyrant who had already slaughtered all the other ambitious nobles in the kingdom; all the minor houses are hiding their own similar lack-of-head-of-household secrets. Have it all happen during a coincidental years-long epidemic of The Blinding Pox to keep news spreading slow, visits limited, and neighboring kingdoms disinterested. Finally, have the Regent be big, tough, mean, disfigured...yet for-some-reason loyal and nursing their own secret that prevents him/her from simply usurping.
$endgroup$
– user535733
16 hours ago
$begingroup$
Have the old dead king be a terrifying, unpredictable tyrant who had already slaughtered all the other ambitious nobles in the kingdom; all the minor houses are hiding their own similar lack-of-head-of-household secrets. Have it all happen during a coincidental years-long epidemic of The Blinding Pox to keep news spreading slow, visits limited, and neighboring kingdoms disinterested. Finally, have the Regent be big, tough, mean, disfigured...yet for-some-reason loyal and nursing their own secret that prevents him/her from simply usurping.
$endgroup$
– user535733
16 hours ago
8
8
$begingroup$
I don't know if I am more concerned about a kingdom allowing a prince to answer night knocks on the door or from the total lack of reference to the Beauty and the Beast.
$endgroup$
– L.Dutch♦
15 hours ago
$begingroup$
I don't know if I am more concerned about a kingdom allowing a prince to answer night knocks on the door or from the total lack of reference to the Beauty and the Beast.
$endgroup$
– L.Dutch♦
15 hours ago
$begingroup$
Very loosely related: there was a conspiracy theory that Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a US Supreme Court Justice, secretly died during a recent surgery, and that it was kept hidden so her seat wouldn't be refilled. She's since made public appearances, but some research into how people believed it was being covered up might give you some interesting perspectives.
$endgroup$
– Lord Farquaad
10 hours ago
$begingroup$
Very loosely related: there was a conspiracy theory that Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a US Supreme Court Justice, secretly died during a recent surgery, and that it was kept hidden so her seat wouldn't be refilled. She's since made public appearances, but some research into how people believed it was being covered up might give you some interesting perspectives.
$endgroup$
– Lord Farquaad
10 hours ago
$begingroup$
Slightly of topic but you have the perfect set up for someone to make a power grab. Whatever set up the prince uses to hide his secret, he's not going to spend anytime in the public eye.
$endgroup$
– MrDracoSpirit
4 hours ago
$begingroup$
Slightly of topic but you have the perfect set up for someone to make a power grab. Whatever set up the prince uses to hide his secret, he's not going to spend anytime in the public eye.
$endgroup$
– MrDracoSpirit
4 hours ago
add a comment |
6 Answers
6
active
oldest
votes
$begingroup$
Have a regency until the king is normal again
Whatever would have happened to Jeoffrey, there would be a regency. 11 years old is too young to be king, so in any cases, there would have been a regency untill his majority.
Choose a regent that represent the king for the diplomatic visits and such, and make him rule alongside a council.
When he finally found true love, declare him major, and the regency can come to an end.
Regency was quite common, and was a good way to avoid chaos (wich lot of poeple want to avoid), so unless it last longer than few years, it will be accepted
answered 15 hours ago
KepotxKepotx
3,32611432
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Building on the excellent answers involving regency and grief, there's also that old trope: a body double.
In that time period there are no photographs or TV. Only the palace staff would even know what the child-king looked like, and they're, well, in on it.
Find an orphan (or maybe even a cousin) from another kingdom who looks more or less like the king looked before his transformation. Teach him a few basics and let him make an appearance when necessary.
An 11 year old monarch would be expected to appear at official events (like the opening of the town fair or the wedding of some top nobles) and to sit at court to learn, but not to actually make decisions yet. Given that his parents were murdered, it would be wise of the court to keep him mostly out of sight the rest of the time.
answered 13 hours ago
CynCyn
9,11612146
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1
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Beauty and the Beast meets The Prisoner of Zenda ...
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– Jay
10 hours ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
One of the privileges of royalty is that they can be very exclusive of whom they allow in to see them.
The official story will be:
Jeoffrey is in seclusion and mourning the death of his parents, his missing staff were executed for allowing his parents, the king and queen to be murdered.
Guards are posted and given orders that no one shall enter or leave without express written permission. The guards themselves will pick up proclamations that will be delivered to them through a rotating message slot. (think revolving door but for messages/packages.
The proclamations will be then handed to the tax collectors, judges, et cetera, all authenticated by the existence of the royal seal. Eventually, a few trusted advisors will be allowed to meet with Jeoffrey personally, but only one at a time, so that there can never be collaborating witnesses.
answered 14 hours ago
Richard URichard U
5,9511132
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1
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> The guards themselves will pick up proclamations that will be delivered to them through a rotating message slot. Such a thing exists and has use within some monasteries
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– eques
13 hours ago
$begingroup$
Probably no need to have an elaborate story about what happened to the household staff. Just hire new staff and don't bring the subject up. If any one asks what happened to the old butler Charles, just tell the new staff to say that he retired, or quit. Or that they don't know.
$endgroup$
– Jay
10 hours ago
$begingroup$
@Jay prob not, but it would keep curious people away, not wanting to risk his wrath
$endgroup$
– Richard U
8 hours ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Barons, Dukes and Counts, oh my!
If we're talking about monarchies, we're talking about feudalism, and if we're talking about feudalism, we're talking about layered bonds of liege and vassal.
If a select group of people can be informed about Jeoffrey's sudden monsterism, and I don't believe there isn't an answer that requires this in any case, then the path is straightforward: The Dukes, Counts royal, and Baronets are informed of the situation, and tasked with keeping business going as usual.
The notion that a king might meet with a peasant isn't absurd on the face of it; plenty of kings have held all sorts of audiences with all sorts of people, public and otherwise, but for a king to see no peasant whatsoever is also not absurd. An arrangement where the king only sees his court and his direct vassals is perfectly passable, at least for the relatively short timespan of 10 years that this involves.
In fact, the structures of a feudal society allows the king to keep taking petitions from his people, proxied through specially uplifted baronets or through his other vassals; and for him to keep answering petitions.
So TL;DR: The nested, hierarchical structure of feudal society makes a monarch in seclusion essentially a non-issue.
answered 8 hours ago
Williham TotlandWilliham Totland
53629
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1
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Weekend at Duke Bernie's!
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– Mason Wheeler
7 hours ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
The Appeal
As the witch sought to leave, a brave young pushbrown blocked her way.
"Please, Lady Nimue," she pleaded, "If what you said is true, and you do this to teach our lord humility and kindness, pray consider this. What will happen to our land without her lord? At best, his vassals will do as they will. At worst, they will war with each other, trying to take the throne for themselves. So please, I ask you for a small reprieve. During the day... no, for just the afternoon, let the prince resume his true form, so that he may hold court and rule the kingdom."
The witch regarded the former chambermaid thoughtfully. Then her lips creased in a light smile.
"Very well," she agreed. Nimue gestured, and a wave of power passed over them, and settle into another part of the castle.
"In the western meeting room," she pronounced, "while the sun shines through the main window, the curse shall be eased. Any of you who enter the room during that time will regain your original forms. When you leave, or when the sun has fallen, your new shapes will be restored. And know that if you squander this reprieve, it will break. Use the room for any purpose but proper business, and the enchantment will be gone. And you will have to find another way to govern."
So saying, the enchantress vanished in a flurry of rose petals.
Magic must defeat magic
"Go," the prince growled, "Find me anyone. Any hedge magician, or alchemist, or illusionist. There must be another who can break this curse. Or at least find a way to disguise it."
So it was, after a few months search, that the wise old serving fork found the last true alchemist in the kingdom. And while his power and skill were not great enough to gainsay Nimue, lover and student of Merlin, he was able to brew a potion. It was slow to brew, and painful in effect. But it returned the prince to his rightful form for thirteen hours. But the potion itself was not without cost, if consumed more then once in a fortnight, it would tear the imbiber apart. Still, between the prince and his more trusted servants, they could try to keep the peace. It would have to be enough.
Spin Doctoring
"Good people," the cryer exclaimed, "Hear of our great woe. A powerful and arrogant witch set upon our beloved prince. She made sudden and terrible demands, and when our highness bravely refused her, she cursed not just the prince, but his entire court and castle. That curse has made it nigh impossible for the prince to keep court. So we beg of you, our people. Help to keep the kingdom alive, do your duties, and assist others. And if you hear tell of the witch Nimue, report it to the castle, immediately, that we might find her, and undo her magics."
The outcry was great, the people were united against a common foe. Though there were those who sought to take advantage, they were quickly found by the loyal. Or by the more shrewdly neutral. The crown was fractured, but the kingdom was stronger. After all, everything the bards reported was the truth. From a certain point of view.
Kingdom of Masks
Okay, no story blurb this time. But have the prince announce that none may see him, that he will hold court in an elaborate mask. And that all who come to call must also wear masks. Set the nobles against each other, seeing who can match the prince's elaborate and flawless disguise. Offer loaner visors to those who come to court without a mask.
answered 4 hours ago
Xavon_WrentaileXavon_Wrentaile
3,609822
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
So if by any chance you are referring to "The Beauty And The Beast", the story was set in the 18th century. By the end of it (1789-99) the French revolution started and people simply began to "rule themselves". The forest village in the original story was also quite isolated so an absence of their prince might have been interpreted as "they fled the country" or "they have been killed".
"Taxes need to be collected, court needs to be held, land needs to be defended from barbarians.." And this all could and would still be done by electing actual democratic leaders.
answered 16 hours ago
ZeodynZeodyn
997
$endgroup$
1
$begingroup$
I think you are evading the actual challenge of the question.
$endgroup$
– Philipp
7 hours ago
add a comment |
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6 Answers
6
active
oldest
votes
6 Answers
6
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
$begingroup$
Have a regency until the king is normal again
Whatever would have happened to Jeoffrey, there would be a regency. 11 years old is too young to be king, so in any cases, there would have been a regency untill his majority.
Choose a regent that represent the king for the diplomatic visits and such, and make him rule alongside a council.
When he finally found true love, declare him major, and the regency can come to an end.
Regency was quite common, and was a good way to avoid chaos (wich lot of poeple want to avoid), so unless it last longer than few years, it will be accepted
answered 15 hours ago
KepotxKepotx
3,32611432
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Have a regency until the king is normal again
Whatever would have happened to Jeoffrey, there would be a regency. 11 years old is too young to be king, so in any cases, there would have been a regency untill his majority.
Choose a regent that represent the king for the diplomatic visits and such, and make him rule alongside a council.
When he finally found true love, declare him major, and the regency can come to an end.
Regency was quite common, and was a good way to avoid chaos (wich lot of poeple want to avoid), so unless it last longer than few years, it will be accepted
answered 15 hours ago
KepotxKepotx
3,32611432
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Have a regency until the king is normal again
Whatever would have happened to Jeoffrey, there would be a regency. 11 years old is too young to be king, so in any cases, there would have been a regency untill his majority.
Choose a regent that represent the king for the diplomatic visits and such, and make him rule alongside a council.
When he finally found true love, declare him major, and the regency can come to an end.
Regency was quite common, and was a good way to avoid chaos (wich lot of poeple want to avoid), so unless it last longer than few years, it will be accepted
answered 15 hours ago
KepotxKepotx
3,32611432
$endgroup$
Have a regency until the king is normal again
Whatever would have happened to Jeoffrey, there would be a regency. 11 years old is too young to be king, so in any cases, there would have been a regency untill his majority.
Choose a regent that represent the king for the diplomatic visits and such, and make him rule alongside a council.
When he finally found true love, declare him major, and the regency can come to an end.
Regency was quite common, and was a good way to avoid chaos (wich lot of poeple want to avoid), so unless it last longer than few years, it will be accepted
answered 15 hours ago
KepotxKepotx
3,32611432
answered 15 hours ago
KepotxKepotx
3,32611432
answered 15 hours ago
KepotxKepotx
3,32611432
answered 15 hours ago
KepotxKepotx
3,32611432
3,32611432
add a comment |
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Building on the excellent answers involving regency and grief, there's also that old trope: a body double.
In that time period there are no photographs or TV. Only the palace staff would even know what the child-king looked like, and they're, well, in on it.
Find an orphan (or maybe even a cousin) from another kingdom who looks more or less like the king looked before his transformation. Teach him a few basics and let him make an appearance when necessary.
An 11 year old monarch would be expected to appear at official events (like the opening of the town fair or the wedding of some top nobles) and to sit at court to learn, but not to actually make decisions yet. Given that his parents were murdered, it would be wise of the court to keep him mostly out of sight the rest of the time.
answered 13 hours ago
CynCyn
9,11612146
$endgroup$
1
$begingroup$
Beauty and the Beast meets The Prisoner of Zenda ...
$endgroup$
– Jay
10 hours ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Building on the excellent answers involving regency and grief, there's also that old trope: a body double.
In that time period there are no photographs or TV. Only the palace staff would even know what the child-king looked like, and they're, well, in on it.
Find an orphan (or maybe even a cousin) from another kingdom who looks more or less like the king looked before his transformation. Teach him a few basics and let him make an appearance when necessary.
An 11 year old monarch would be expected to appear at official events (like the opening of the town fair or the wedding of some top nobles) and to sit at court to learn, but not to actually make decisions yet. Given that his parents were murdered, it would be wise of the court to keep him mostly out of sight the rest of the time.
answered 13 hours ago
CynCyn
9,11612146
$endgroup$
1
$begingroup$
Beauty and the Beast meets The Prisoner of Zenda ...
$endgroup$
– Jay
10 hours ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Building on the excellent answers involving regency and grief, there's also that old trope: a body double.
In that time period there are no photographs or TV. Only the palace staff would even know what the child-king looked like, and they're, well, in on it.
Find an orphan (or maybe even a cousin) from another kingdom who looks more or less like the king looked before his transformation. Teach him a few basics and let him make an appearance when necessary.
An 11 year old monarch would be expected to appear at official events (like the opening of the town fair or the wedding of some top nobles) and to sit at court to learn, but not to actually make decisions yet. Given that his parents were murdered, it would be wise of the court to keep him mostly out of sight the rest of the time.
answered 13 hours ago
CynCyn
9,11612146
$endgroup$
Building on the excellent answers involving regency and grief, there's also that old trope: a body double.
In that time period there are no photographs or TV. Only the palace staff would even know what the child-king looked like, and they're, well, in on it.
Find an orphan (or maybe even a cousin) from another kingdom who looks more or less like the king looked before his transformation. Teach him a few basics and let him make an appearance when necessary.
An 11 year old monarch would be expected to appear at official events (like the opening of the town fair or the wedding of some top nobles) and to sit at court to learn, but not to actually make decisions yet. Given that his parents were murdered, it would be wise of the court to keep him mostly out of sight the rest of the time.
answered 13 hours ago
CynCyn
9,11612146
edited 10 hours ago
answered 13 hours ago
CynCyn
9,11612146
answered 13 hours ago
CynCyn
9,11612146
answered 13 hours ago
CynCyn
9,11612146
9,11612146
1
$begingroup$
Beauty and the Beast meets The Prisoner of Zenda ...
$endgroup$
– Jay
10 hours ago
add a comment |
1
$begingroup$
Beauty and the Beast meets The Prisoner of Zenda ...
$endgroup$
– Jay
10 hours ago
1
1
$begingroup$
Beauty and the Beast meets The Prisoner of Zenda ...
$endgroup$
– Jay
10 hours ago
$begingroup$
Beauty and the Beast meets The Prisoner of Zenda ...
$endgroup$
– Jay
10 hours ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
One of the privileges of royalty is that they can be very exclusive of whom they allow in to see them.
The official story will be:
Jeoffrey is in seclusion and mourning the death of his parents, his missing staff were executed for allowing his parents, the king and queen to be murdered.
Guards are posted and given orders that no one shall enter or leave without express written permission. The guards themselves will pick up proclamations that will be delivered to them through a rotating message slot. (think revolving door but for messages/packages.
The proclamations will be then handed to the tax collectors, judges, et cetera, all authenticated by the existence of the royal seal. Eventually, a few trusted advisors will be allowed to meet with Jeoffrey personally, but only one at a time, so that there can never be collaborating witnesses.
answered 14 hours ago
Richard URichard U
5,9511132
$endgroup$
1
$begingroup$
> The guards themselves will pick up proclamations that will be delivered to them through a rotating message slot. Such a thing exists and has use within some monasteries
$endgroup$
– eques
13 hours ago
$begingroup$
Probably no need to have an elaborate story about what happened to the household staff. Just hire new staff and don't bring the subject up. If any one asks what happened to the old butler Charles, just tell the new staff to say that he retired, or quit. Or that they don't know.
$endgroup$
– Jay
10 hours ago
$begingroup$
@Jay prob not, but it would keep curious people away, not wanting to risk his wrath
$endgroup$
– Richard U
8 hours ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
One of the privileges of royalty is that they can be very exclusive of whom they allow in to see them.
The official story will be:
Jeoffrey is in seclusion and mourning the death of his parents, his missing staff were executed for allowing his parents, the king and queen to be murdered.
Guards are posted and given orders that no one shall enter or leave without express written permission. The guards themselves will pick up proclamations that will be delivered to them through a rotating message slot. (think revolving door but for messages/packages.
The proclamations will be then handed to the tax collectors, judges, et cetera, all authenticated by the existence of the royal seal. Eventually, a few trusted advisors will be allowed to meet with Jeoffrey personally, but only one at a time, so that there can never be collaborating witnesses.
answered 14 hours ago
Richard URichard U
5,9511132
$endgroup$
1
$begingroup$
> The guards themselves will pick up proclamations that will be delivered to them through a rotating message slot. Such a thing exists and has use within some monasteries
$endgroup$
– eques
13 hours ago
$begingroup$
Probably no need to have an elaborate story about what happened to the household staff. Just hire new staff and don't bring the subject up. If any one asks what happened to the old butler Charles, just tell the new staff to say that he retired, or quit. Or that they don't know.
$endgroup$
– Jay
10 hours ago
$begingroup$
@Jay prob not, but it would keep curious people away, not wanting to risk his wrath
$endgroup$
– Richard U
8 hours ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
One of the privileges of royalty is that they can be very exclusive of whom they allow in to see them.
The official story will be:
Jeoffrey is in seclusion and mourning the death of his parents, his missing staff were executed for allowing his parents, the king and queen to be murdered.
Guards are posted and given orders that no one shall enter or leave without express written permission. The guards themselves will pick up proclamations that will be delivered to them through a rotating message slot. (think revolving door but for messages/packages.
The proclamations will be then handed to the tax collectors, judges, et cetera, all authenticated by the existence of the royal seal. Eventually, a few trusted advisors will be allowed to meet with Jeoffrey personally, but only one at a time, so that there can never be collaborating witnesses.
answered 14 hours ago
Richard URichard U
5,9511132
$endgroup$
One of the privileges of royalty is that they can be very exclusive of whom they allow in to see them.
The official story will be:
Jeoffrey is in seclusion and mourning the death of his parents, his missing staff were executed for allowing his parents, the king and queen to be murdered.
Guards are posted and given orders that no one shall enter or leave without express written permission. The guards themselves will pick up proclamations that will be delivered to them through a rotating message slot. (think revolving door but for messages/packages.
The proclamations will be then handed to the tax collectors, judges, et cetera, all authenticated by the existence of the royal seal. Eventually, a few trusted advisors will be allowed to meet with Jeoffrey personally, but only one at a time, so that there can never be collaborating witnesses.
answered 14 hours ago
Richard URichard U
5,9511132
answered 14 hours ago
Richard URichard U
5,9511132
answered 14 hours ago
Richard URichard U
5,9511132
answered 14 hours ago
Richard URichard U
5,9511132
5,9511132
1
$begingroup$
> The guards themselves will pick up proclamations that will be delivered to them through a rotating message slot. Such a thing exists and has use within some monasteries
$endgroup$
– eques
13 hours ago
$begingroup$
Probably no need to have an elaborate story about what happened to the household staff. Just hire new staff and don't bring the subject up. If any one asks what happened to the old butler Charles, just tell the new staff to say that he retired, or quit. Or that they don't know.
$endgroup$
– Jay
10 hours ago
$begingroup$
@Jay prob not, but it would keep curious people away, not wanting to risk his wrath
$endgroup$
– Richard U
8 hours ago
add a comment |
1
$begingroup$
> The guards themselves will pick up proclamations that will be delivered to them through a rotating message slot. Such a thing exists and has use within some monasteries
$endgroup$
– eques
13 hours ago
$begingroup$
Probably no need to have an elaborate story about what happened to the household staff. Just hire new staff and don't bring the subject up. If any one asks what happened to the old butler Charles, just tell the new staff to say that he retired, or quit. Or that they don't know.
$endgroup$
– Jay
10 hours ago
$begingroup$
@Jay prob not, but it would keep curious people away, not wanting to risk his wrath
$endgroup$
– Richard U
8 hours ago
1
1
$begingroup$
> The guards themselves will pick up proclamations that will be delivered to them through a rotating message slot. Such a thing exists and has use within some monasteries
$endgroup$
– eques
13 hours ago
$begingroup$
> The guards themselves will pick up proclamations that will be delivered to them through a rotating message slot. Such a thing exists and has use within some monasteries
$endgroup$
– eques
13 hours ago
$begingroup$
Probably no need to have an elaborate story about what happened to the household staff. Just hire new staff and don't bring the subject up. If any one asks what happened to the old butler Charles, just tell the new staff to say that he retired, or quit. Or that they don't know.
$endgroup$
– Jay
10 hours ago
$begingroup$
Probably no need to have an elaborate story about what happened to the household staff. Just hire new staff and don't bring the subject up. If any one asks what happened to the old butler Charles, just tell the new staff to say that he retired, or quit. Or that they don't know.
$endgroup$
– Jay
10 hours ago
$begingroup$
@Jay prob not, but it would keep curious people away, not wanting to risk his wrath
$endgroup$
– Richard U
8 hours ago
$begingroup$
@Jay prob not, but it would keep curious people away, not wanting to risk his wrath
$endgroup$
– Richard U
8 hours ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Barons, Dukes and Counts, oh my!
If we're talking about monarchies, we're talking about feudalism, and if we're talking about feudalism, we're talking about layered bonds of liege and vassal.
If a select group of people can be informed about Jeoffrey's sudden monsterism, and I don't believe there isn't an answer that requires this in any case, then the path is straightforward: The Dukes, Counts royal, and Baronets are informed of the situation, and tasked with keeping business going as usual.
The notion that a king might meet with a peasant isn't absurd on the face of it; plenty of kings have held all sorts of audiences with all sorts of people, public and otherwise, but for a king to see no peasant whatsoever is also not absurd. An arrangement where the king only sees his court and his direct vassals is perfectly passable, at least for the relatively short timespan of 10 years that this involves.
In fact, the structures of a feudal society allows the king to keep taking petitions from his people, proxied through specially uplifted baronets or through his other vassals; and for him to keep answering petitions.
So TL;DR: The nested, hierarchical structure of feudal society makes a monarch in seclusion essentially a non-issue.
answered 8 hours ago
Williham TotlandWilliham Totland
53629
$endgroup$
1
$begingroup$
Weekend at Duke Bernie's!
$endgroup$
– Mason Wheeler
7 hours ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Barons, Dukes and Counts, oh my!
If we're talking about monarchies, we're talking about feudalism, and if we're talking about feudalism, we're talking about layered bonds of liege and vassal.
If a select group of people can be informed about Jeoffrey's sudden monsterism, and I don't believe there isn't an answer that requires this in any case, then the path is straightforward: The Dukes, Counts royal, and Baronets are informed of the situation, and tasked with keeping business going as usual.
The notion that a king might meet with a peasant isn't absurd on the face of it; plenty of kings have held all sorts of audiences with all sorts of people, public and otherwise, but for a king to see no peasant whatsoever is also not absurd. An arrangement where the king only sees his court and his direct vassals is perfectly passable, at least for the relatively short timespan of 10 years that this involves.
In fact, the structures of a feudal society allows the king to keep taking petitions from his people, proxied through specially uplifted baronets or through his other vassals; and for him to keep answering petitions.
So TL;DR: The nested, hierarchical structure of feudal society makes a monarch in seclusion essentially a non-issue.
answered 8 hours ago
Williham TotlandWilliham Totland
53629
$endgroup$
1
$begingroup$
Weekend at Duke Bernie's!
$endgroup$
– Mason Wheeler
7 hours ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Barons, Dukes and Counts, oh my!
If we're talking about monarchies, we're talking about feudalism, and if we're talking about feudalism, we're talking about layered bonds of liege and vassal.
If a select group of people can be informed about Jeoffrey's sudden monsterism, and I don't believe there isn't an answer that requires this in any case, then the path is straightforward: The Dukes, Counts royal, and Baronets are informed of the situation, and tasked with keeping business going as usual.
The notion that a king might meet with a peasant isn't absurd on the face of it; plenty of kings have held all sorts of audiences with all sorts of people, public and otherwise, but for a king to see no peasant whatsoever is also not absurd. An arrangement where the king only sees his court and his direct vassals is perfectly passable, at least for the relatively short timespan of 10 years that this involves.
In fact, the structures of a feudal society allows the king to keep taking petitions from his people, proxied through specially uplifted baronets or through his other vassals; and for him to keep answering petitions.
So TL;DR: The nested, hierarchical structure of feudal society makes a monarch in seclusion essentially a non-issue.
answered 8 hours ago
Williham TotlandWilliham Totland
53629
$endgroup$
Barons, Dukes and Counts, oh my!
If we're talking about monarchies, we're talking about feudalism, and if we're talking about feudalism, we're talking about layered bonds of liege and vassal.
If a select group of people can be informed about Jeoffrey's sudden monsterism, and I don't believe there isn't an answer that requires this in any case, then the path is straightforward: The Dukes, Counts royal, and Baronets are informed of the situation, and tasked with keeping business going as usual.
The notion that a king might meet with a peasant isn't absurd on the face of it; plenty of kings have held all sorts of audiences with all sorts of people, public and otherwise, but for a king to see no peasant whatsoever is also not absurd. An arrangement where the king only sees his court and his direct vassals is perfectly passable, at least for the relatively short timespan of 10 years that this involves.
In fact, the structures of a feudal society allows the king to keep taking petitions from his people, proxied through specially uplifted baronets or through his other vassals; and for him to keep answering petitions.
So TL;DR: The nested, hierarchical structure of feudal society makes a monarch in seclusion essentially a non-issue.
answered 8 hours ago
Williham TotlandWilliham Totland
53629
answered 8 hours ago
Williham TotlandWilliham Totland
53629
answered 8 hours ago
Williham TotlandWilliham Totland
53629
answered 8 hours ago
Williham TotlandWilliham Totland
53629
53629
1
$begingroup$
Weekend at Duke Bernie's!
$endgroup$
– Mason Wheeler
7 hours ago
add a comment |
1
$begingroup$
Weekend at Duke Bernie's!
$endgroup$
– Mason Wheeler
7 hours ago
1
1
$begingroup$
Weekend at Duke Bernie's!
$endgroup$
– Mason Wheeler
7 hours ago
$begingroup$
Weekend at Duke Bernie's!
$endgroup$
– Mason Wheeler
7 hours ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
The Appeal
As the witch sought to leave, a brave young pushbrown blocked her way.
"Please, Lady Nimue," she pleaded, "If what you said is true, and you do this to teach our lord humility and kindness, pray consider this. What will happen to our land without her lord? At best, his vassals will do as they will. At worst, they will war with each other, trying to take the throne for themselves. So please, I ask you for a small reprieve. During the day... no, for just the afternoon, let the prince resume his true form, so that he may hold court and rule the kingdom."
The witch regarded the former chambermaid thoughtfully. Then her lips creased in a light smile.
"Very well," she agreed. Nimue gestured, and a wave of power passed over them, and settle into another part of the castle.
"In the western meeting room," she pronounced, "while the sun shines through the main window, the curse shall be eased. Any of you who enter the room during that time will regain your original forms. When you leave, or when the sun has fallen, your new shapes will be restored. And know that if you squander this reprieve, it will break. Use the room for any purpose but proper business, and the enchantment will be gone. And you will have to find another way to govern."
So saying, the enchantress vanished in a flurry of rose petals.
Magic must defeat magic
"Go," the prince growled, "Find me anyone. Any hedge magician, or alchemist, or illusionist. There must be another who can break this curse. Or at least find a way to disguise it."
So it was, after a few months search, that the wise old serving fork found the last true alchemist in the kingdom. And while his power and skill were not great enough to gainsay Nimue, lover and student of Merlin, he was able to brew a potion. It was slow to brew, and painful in effect. But it returned the prince to his rightful form for thirteen hours. But the potion itself was not without cost, if consumed more then once in a fortnight, it would tear the imbiber apart. Still, between the prince and his more trusted servants, they could try to keep the peace. It would have to be enough.
Spin Doctoring
"Good people," the cryer exclaimed, "Hear of our great woe. A powerful and arrogant witch set upon our beloved prince. She made sudden and terrible demands, and when our highness bravely refused her, she cursed not just the prince, but his entire court and castle. That curse has made it nigh impossible for the prince to keep court. So we beg of you, our people. Help to keep the kingdom alive, do your duties, and assist others. And if you hear tell of the witch Nimue, report it to the castle, immediately, that we might find her, and undo her magics."
The outcry was great, the people were united against a common foe. Though there were those who sought to take advantage, they were quickly found by the loyal. Or by the more shrewdly neutral. The crown was fractured, but the kingdom was stronger. After all, everything the bards reported was the truth. From a certain point of view.
Kingdom of Masks
Okay, no story blurb this time. But have the prince announce that none may see him, that he will hold court in an elaborate mask. And that all who come to call must also wear masks. Set the nobles against each other, seeing who can match the prince's elaborate and flawless disguise. Offer loaner visors to those who come to court without a mask.
answered 4 hours ago
Xavon_WrentaileXavon_Wrentaile
3,609822
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
The Appeal
As the witch sought to leave, a brave young pushbrown blocked her way.
"Please, Lady Nimue," she pleaded, "If what you said is true, and you do this to teach our lord humility and kindness, pray consider this. What will happen to our land without her lord? At best, his vassals will do as they will. At worst, they will war with each other, trying to take the throne for themselves. So please, I ask you for a small reprieve. During the day... no, for just the afternoon, let the prince resume his true form, so that he may hold court and rule the kingdom."
The witch regarded the former chambermaid thoughtfully. Then her lips creased in a light smile.
"Very well," she agreed. Nimue gestured, and a wave of power passed over them, and settle into another part of the castle.
"In the western meeting room," she pronounced, "while the sun shines through the main window, the curse shall be eased. Any of you who enter the room during that time will regain your original forms. When you leave, or when the sun has fallen, your new shapes will be restored. And know that if you squander this reprieve, it will break. Use the room for any purpose but proper business, and the enchantment will be gone. And you will have to find another way to govern."
So saying, the enchantress vanished in a flurry of rose petals.
Magic must defeat magic
"Go," the prince growled, "Find me anyone. Any hedge magician, or alchemist, or illusionist. There must be another who can break this curse. Or at least find a way to disguise it."
So it was, after a few months search, that the wise old serving fork found the last true alchemist in the kingdom. And while his power and skill were not great enough to gainsay Nimue, lover and student of Merlin, he was able to brew a potion. It was slow to brew, and painful in effect. But it returned the prince to his rightful form for thirteen hours. But the potion itself was not without cost, if consumed more then once in a fortnight, it would tear the imbiber apart. Still, between the prince and his more trusted servants, they could try to keep the peace. It would have to be enough.
Spin Doctoring
"Good people," the cryer exclaimed, "Hear of our great woe. A powerful and arrogant witch set upon our beloved prince. She made sudden and terrible demands, and when our highness bravely refused her, she cursed not just the prince, but his entire court and castle. That curse has made it nigh impossible for the prince to keep court. So we beg of you, our people. Help to keep the kingdom alive, do your duties, and assist others. And if you hear tell of the witch Nimue, report it to the castle, immediately, that we might find her, and undo her magics."
The outcry was great, the people were united against a common foe. Though there were those who sought to take advantage, they were quickly found by the loyal. Or by the more shrewdly neutral. The crown was fractured, but the kingdom was stronger. After all, everything the bards reported was the truth. From a certain point of view.
Kingdom of Masks
Okay, no story blurb this time. But have the prince announce that none may see him, that he will hold court in an elaborate mask. And that all who come to call must also wear masks. Set the nobles against each other, seeing who can match the prince's elaborate and flawless disguise. Offer loaner visors to those who come to court without a mask.
answered 4 hours ago
Xavon_WrentaileXavon_Wrentaile
3,609822
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
The Appeal
As the witch sought to leave, a brave young pushbrown blocked her way.
"Please, Lady Nimue," she pleaded, "If what you said is true, and you do this to teach our lord humility and kindness, pray consider this. What will happen to our land without her lord? At best, his vassals will do as they will. At worst, they will war with each other, trying to take the throne for themselves. So please, I ask you for a small reprieve. During the day... no, for just the afternoon, let the prince resume his true form, so that he may hold court and rule the kingdom."
The witch regarded the former chambermaid thoughtfully. Then her lips creased in a light smile.
"Very well," she agreed. Nimue gestured, and a wave of power passed over them, and settle into another part of the castle.
"In the western meeting room," she pronounced, "while the sun shines through the main window, the curse shall be eased. Any of you who enter the room during that time will regain your original forms. When you leave, or when the sun has fallen, your new shapes will be restored. And know that if you squander this reprieve, it will break. Use the room for any purpose but proper business, and the enchantment will be gone. And you will have to find another way to govern."
So saying, the enchantress vanished in a flurry of rose petals.
Magic must defeat magic
"Go," the prince growled, "Find me anyone. Any hedge magician, or alchemist, or illusionist. There must be another who can break this curse. Or at least find a way to disguise it."
So it was, after a few months search, that the wise old serving fork found the last true alchemist in the kingdom. And while his power and skill were not great enough to gainsay Nimue, lover and student of Merlin, he was able to brew a potion. It was slow to brew, and painful in effect. But it returned the prince to his rightful form for thirteen hours. But the potion itself was not without cost, if consumed more then once in a fortnight, it would tear the imbiber apart. Still, between the prince and his more trusted servants, they could try to keep the peace. It would have to be enough.
Spin Doctoring
"Good people," the cryer exclaimed, "Hear of our great woe. A powerful and arrogant witch set upon our beloved prince. She made sudden and terrible demands, and when our highness bravely refused her, she cursed not just the prince, but his entire court and castle. That curse has made it nigh impossible for the prince to keep court. So we beg of you, our people. Help to keep the kingdom alive, do your duties, and assist others. And if you hear tell of the witch Nimue, report it to the castle, immediately, that we might find her, and undo her magics."
The outcry was great, the people were united against a common foe. Though there were those who sought to take advantage, they were quickly found by the loyal. Or by the more shrewdly neutral. The crown was fractured, but the kingdom was stronger. After all, everything the bards reported was the truth. From a certain point of view.
Kingdom of Masks
Okay, no story blurb this time. But have the prince announce that none may see him, that he will hold court in an elaborate mask. And that all who come to call must also wear masks. Set the nobles against each other, seeing who can match the prince's elaborate and flawless disguise. Offer loaner visors to those who come to court without a mask.
answered 4 hours ago
Xavon_WrentaileXavon_Wrentaile
3,609822
$endgroup$
The Appeal
As the witch sought to leave, a brave young pushbrown blocked her way.
"Please, Lady Nimue," she pleaded, "If what you said is true, and you do this to teach our lord humility and kindness, pray consider this. What will happen to our land without her lord? At best, his vassals will do as they will. At worst, they will war with each other, trying to take the throne for themselves. So please, I ask you for a small reprieve. During the day... no, for just the afternoon, let the prince resume his true form, so that he may hold court and rule the kingdom."
The witch regarded the former chambermaid thoughtfully. Then her lips creased in a light smile.
"Very well," she agreed. Nimue gestured, and a wave of power passed over them, and settle into another part of the castle.
"In the western meeting room," she pronounced, "while the sun shines through the main window, the curse shall be eased. Any of you who enter the room during that time will regain your original forms. When you leave, or when the sun has fallen, your new shapes will be restored. And know that if you squander this reprieve, it will break. Use the room for any purpose but proper business, and the enchantment will be gone. And you will have to find another way to govern."
So saying, the enchantress vanished in a flurry of rose petals.
Magic must defeat magic
"Go," the prince growled, "Find me anyone. Any hedge magician, or alchemist, or illusionist. There must be another who can break this curse. Or at least find a way to disguise it."
So it was, after a few months search, that the wise old serving fork found the last true alchemist in the kingdom. And while his power and skill were not great enough to gainsay Nimue, lover and student of Merlin, he was able to brew a potion. It was slow to brew, and painful in effect. But it returned the prince to his rightful form for thirteen hours. But the potion itself was not without cost, if consumed more then once in a fortnight, it would tear the imbiber apart. Still, between the prince and his more trusted servants, they could try to keep the peace. It would have to be enough.
Spin Doctoring
"Good people," the cryer exclaimed, "Hear of our great woe. A powerful and arrogant witch set upon our beloved prince. She made sudden and terrible demands, and when our highness bravely refused her, she cursed not just the prince, but his entire court and castle. That curse has made it nigh impossible for the prince to keep court. So we beg of you, our people. Help to keep the kingdom alive, do your duties, and assist others. And if you hear tell of the witch Nimue, report it to the castle, immediately, that we might find her, and undo her magics."
The outcry was great, the people were united against a common foe. Though there were those who sought to take advantage, they were quickly found by the loyal. Or by the more shrewdly neutral. The crown was fractured, but the kingdom was stronger. After all, everything the bards reported was the truth. From a certain point of view.
Kingdom of Masks
Okay, no story blurb this time. But have the prince announce that none may see him, that he will hold court in an elaborate mask. And that all who come to call must also wear masks. Set the nobles against each other, seeing who can match the prince's elaborate and flawless disguise. Offer loaner visors to those who come to court without a mask.
answered 4 hours ago
Xavon_WrentaileXavon_Wrentaile
3,609822
edited 4 hours ago
answered 4 hours ago
Xavon_WrentaileXavon_Wrentaile
3,609822
answered 4 hours ago
Xavon_WrentaileXavon_Wrentaile
3,609822
answered 4 hours ago
Xavon_WrentaileXavon_Wrentaile
3,609822
3,609822
add a comment |
add a comment |
$begingroup$
So if by any chance you are referring to "The Beauty And The Beast", the story was set in the 18th century. By the end of it (1789-99) the French revolution started and people simply began to "rule themselves". The forest village in the original story was also quite isolated so an absence of their prince might have been interpreted as "they fled the country" or "they have been killed".
"Taxes need to be collected, court needs to be held, land needs to be defended from barbarians.." And this all could and would still be done by electing actual democratic leaders.
answered 16 hours ago
ZeodynZeodyn
997
$endgroup$
1
$begingroup$
I think you are evading the actual challenge of the question.
$endgroup$
– Philipp
7 hours ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
So if by any chance you are referring to "The Beauty And The Beast", the story was set in the 18th century. By the end of it (1789-99) the French revolution started and people simply began to "rule themselves". The forest village in the original story was also quite isolated so an absence of their prince might have been interpreted as "they fled the country" or "they have been killed".
"Taxes need to be collected, court needs to be held, land needs to be defended from barbarians.." And this all could and would still be done by electing actual democratic leaders.
answered 16 hours ago
ZeodynZeodyn
997
$endgroup$
1
$begingroup$
I think you are evading the actual challenge of the question.
$endgroup$
– Philipp
7 hours ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
So if by any chance you are referring to "The Beauty And The Beast", the story was set in the 18th century. By the end of it (1789-99) the French revolution started and people simply began to "rule themselves". The forest village in the original story was also quite isolated so an absence of their prince might have been interpreted as "they fled the country" or "they have been killed".
"Taxes need to be collected, court needs to be held, land needs to be defended from barbarians.." And this all could and would still be done by electing actual democratic leaders.
answered 16 hours ago
ZeodynZeodyn
997
$endgroup$
So if by any chance you are referring to "The Beauty And The Beast", the story was set in the 18th century. By the end of it (1789-99) the French revolution started and people simply began to "rule themselves". The forest village in the original story was also quite isolated so an absence of their prince might have been interpreted as "they fled the country" or "they have been killed".
"Taxes need to be collected, court needs to be held, land needs to be defended from barbarians.." And this all could and would still be done by electing actual democratic leaders.
answered 16 hours ago
ZeodynZeodyn
997
answered 16 hours ago
ZeodynZeodyn
997
answered 16 hours ago
ZeodynZeodyn
997
answered 16 hours ago
ZeodynZeodyn
997
997
1
$begingroup$
I think you are evading the actual challenge of the question.
$endgroup$
– Philipp
7 hours ago
add a comment |
1
$begingroup$
I think you are evading the actual challenge of the question.
$endgroup$
– Philipp
7 hours ago
1
1
$begingroup$
I think you are evading the actual challenge of the question.
$endgroup$
– Philipp
7 hours ago
$begingroup$
I think you are evading the actual challenge of the question.
$endgroup$
– Philipp
7 hours ago
add a comment |
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$begingroup$
A monarchy is a system of government, and by extension a country with such a system of government. The person at the top of a monarchy is a monarch. The "household and staff" around the monarch is usually called their court. A monarchy cannot be missing, as it is either abstract notion or, by extenstion, a country. The monarch themself, yes, they can be missing; in such a case the grandees of the land will select a new monarch, possibly after a civil war. A "hideous beast" won't be accepted as the lawful monarch of the country, as most countries required the monarch to be human.
$endgroup$
– AlexP
16 hours ago
1
$begingroup$
Have the old dead king be a terrifying, unpredictable tyrant who had already slaughtered all the other ambitious nobles in the kingdom; all the minor houses are hiding their own similar lack-of-head-of-household secrets. Have it all happen during a coincidental years-long epidemic of The Blinding Pox to keep news spreading slow, visits limited, and neighboring kingdoms disinterested. Finally, have the Regent be big, tough, mean, disfigured...yet for-some-reason loyal and nursing their own secret that prevents him/her from simply usurping.
$endgroup$
– user535733
16 hours ago
8
$begingroup$
I don't know if I am more concerned about a kingdom allowing a prince to answer night knocks on the door or from the total lack of reference to the Beauty and the Beast.
$endgroup$
– L.Dutch♦
15 hours ago
$begingroup$
Very loosely related: there was a conspiracy theory that Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a US Supreme Court Justice, secretly died during a recent surgery, and that it was kept hidden so her seat wouldn't be refilled. She's since made public appearances, but some research into how people believed it was being covered up might give you some interesting perspectives.
$endgroup$
– Lord Farquaad
10 hours ago
$begingroup$
Slightly of topic but you have the perfect set up for someone to make a power grab. Whatever set up the prince uses to hide his secret, he's not going to spend anytime in the public eye.
$endgroup$
– MrDracoSpirit
4 hours ago