Worldbuilding | Revisiting The Nine

What led to rebellion in the first place?

Art by Luke Horsman. Letters by Yours Truly

Before we go backwards, let’s re-establish where things stand.

The 3rd Generation of the 1st Ennead is standing on the precipice of a first of its kind transfer of power. Upon the death of Queen Ellaria Shadoon the 2nd Disentanglement will commence (read about the 1st one here). Word will first be sent to the 8 other houses with representatives on the Nine, alerting them of their monarch’s passing. They will each travel to Ennea after they’ve sent letters to their vassals, making them aware of the same.

This process, known as “the cascade,” is not codified within The Rule of Nine, but was the process of disseminating news the two previous generations preferred when Queens Athenia and Elra passed. It allows for those in positions of power to prepare themselves before news of the monarch’s death becomes too widespread. Remember, the nature and nuance of The Rule of Nine are new to everyone in this Republic Kingdom. And unlike those who hold power, the common folk don’t have much time or interest in keeping up with the political machinations of the elite. Any disruption to the rule of law in Athea could prove catastrophic.

With all of this in mind, it’s clear how delicate The Rule of Nine and the 1st Ennead are. Just as delicate as they are vital to the future of Athea. Considering this, why then did the 1st generation of the Ennead think that this is what their people needed? What led Ellaria’s grandmother to rally her eventual countrymen and women? Why rebel only to create a system as fragile as this?