'How does one family prevent the rank and file of their Lords' houses from rising up and using their serfs to man an uprising? One family, the absolute concentration of that familial power under one man. But in the shadows, that man is held aloft by the power of the mage council. The one group that have the power to quell rebellion.
Or so the kings thought. And so the mages too thought. That is the true reason for the collapse of the kingdom. Ellethor and the nine houses of Fen'orn found out about the snake in the King's ear. Faragoth, the envoy of the mage's council. It was only a matter of time before they attempted to overthrow the mages and claim the power of the throne for themselves. They saw fit to shape themselves as a Republic, giving power to the everyman, so as to gain public support for the rebellion. One thing the mages did not count on was the farmers, the peasantry, the slaves, and the merchants to all join the lordships in deposing the King.
So when faced with such overwhelming strength, especially that of the General turned traitor, what do you think they did? The mages that is. They folded. Allowed the King to be murdered on his throne, and hoped to remain in control from the shadows. Little did they know of Ellethor and the others' plot to end their reign same as the King's. Faragoth was hung the next day, and the councillors were all slaughtered in their sleep. A few sympathisers had been bought off by Ellethor you see, disarming the council's magical defences that were once thought impenetrable. Lambs to the slaughter. After all, a wizard is only as powerful as their ability to cast a spell. Lay sleeping they are nought but men, like you or I.
Now, will the Lords truly give up their power in the forming of this new republic? Only a fool would suggest so. A ruse, a lark that fooled the grain grower, the sheep herder, the salt miner. No, the Lords will dilute the King's power amongst themselves, sharing the spoils of their war within their own families.'