Rulers are so often related. Power passes from member to member forming a dynasty,

not just with royalty or dictators, but also with representatives in a democracy.

Families pass power or vie with other families for a turn at the top much more than chance would have.

Dynasties seem so natural you may never have deeply considered them,

but you must if you wish to grasp and hold power as long as possible.

Even if you follow the rules for rulers we have discussed,

swaying the keys to power, securing the treasure, and controlling the court,

no man rules forever.

Dictators with resources abundant and power unchallenged still die, and representatives must

contend with death both literal and political. But no matter what kind of ruler you are,

your keys to power value their treasure.

They keep you in your position, not for love of you in particular, but for the rewards you provide in general.

But dead rulers can't distribute treasure.

Thus, as your grave approaches, your key supporters get nervous.

Your impending death forces your keys to plan for your replacement, not just to maintain

their treasure, but also because a dead ruler's surprise without plans in place will lead

to a scramble for power at best and a bloodbath at worst, leaving many keys on the inside now, on the outside after.

This is why, if you happen to be sick, keep it secret.

If your keys even think you might die on them, they must start planning for the next ruler to avoid this.

Which is what makes even a rumor about the ruler's

health concerning. Whispers about your health are a destabilizing poison in the minds of your key

supporters, nearly impossible to remove. To the keys, your replacement is inevitable anyway,

...