Haribon (ˈha.ɾi.bon)
Crown Prince of the Tagápulo Empire
"My eldest brother is the most like our father - and the least qualified to rule after him. I believe the Empire needs and deserves better." - Liwayway, Princess of the Tagápulo Empire
Haribon is the eldest son and heir of Emperor Matatag of the Tagápulo Empire. He bears a striking resemblance to his father, especially Emperor Matatag's self-indulgent and narcissistic tendencies. However, he lacks the Emperor's charm and charisma, and has not secured the affections of the populace as a result.
An Uncertain Succession
When Haribon was born, the Empire celebrated their new prince and Matatag officially declared him Crown Prince and heir to the throne. While this declaration has never been retracted, doubts about his fitness to rule have grown over the years, and there are substantial factions who would prefer one of his siblings to inherit instead.
Haribon grew up watching his father indulging himself constantly, and believes that the life of a monarch is one of constant pleasure. Moreover, he thinks that this pleasure is his personal birthright, and that it is the duty of the citizens of the Tagápulo Empire to make sure he receives it, and will become petulant and petty if he is denied anything he has decided he wants. But where Matatag manages to secure his desires through charisma, Haribon simply demands them as his due, and does not understand why the people love his father as a charismatic rascal while detesting him.
His main rival for the throne is his sister, Princess Liwayway. She never directly undercuts Haribon, but always makes sure that his missteps and flaws are on display at the worst times. She has also secured alliances with some of the most important ministers of the Imperial bureaucracy, whose loyalty Haribon assumed he would always have. Haribon is aware that his sister and are not close, but does not believe that she will oppose his coronation, despite what some of his advisors have told him.
Allies and Support
Despite his flaws, there are those in the Empire who believe that Haribon is the only true heir. His strongst support comes from the Tagapangalaga ng Aten, the elite guard which protects the royal family. They are loyal primarily to Matatag, and unless the Emperor chooses to designate a different heir, they will do their utmost to ensure that the Emperor's wishes are carried out. He is also supported by many of the younger nobles of the capital, who attend his parties and wish to live in the indolent splendor he aspires to. Finally, he has the support of his mother, the Empress Tagbawa, who has always favored and indulged her firstborn, and will strongly oppose any move to replace him as the heir.
Undeclared Elements
There are many people of power within the empire who have not made their opinions clear, and who may choose to support Haribon, or attempt to bar him from the throne. The most significant of these is Pangkalahatan Malaking, the leader of the Imperial military. Many believe that the Pangkalahatan is more powerful than the Emperor, and could sieze the throne if he wanted it. He may choose to support Haribon if he sees him as a more tractable option than the alternatives, but many people believe that he prefers Prince Lakas, Haribon's charming and athletic younger brother who has become a hero of the army. Lakas himself has not allied with either of his siblings, and has more popular support than either of them, but claims to have no political ambitions.
Troubled Times Ahead
Haribon has been blind to the maneuvering surrounding the throne, taking it for granted that it will come to him when his father dies. His allies have not been, and many have already made preparations to ensure his coronation. These preparations have triggered similar actions from the supporters of Liwayway, and from those who think Lakas is better than either. Those who follow the politics of the Empire believe that there may be a war over the succession, and that it may cause the Empire to fracture when it comes.
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This article was originally written for Spooktober 2024. You can find all of my Spooktober Articles at Spooktober Central.
This article was originally written for Spooktober 2023. You can find all of my Spooktober Articles at Spooktober Central.
Oh Haribon, you are in for a nasty shock when your father dies, I fear.
Explore Etrea | March of 31 Tales
Oh yeah. He’s not ready at all for the struggle yet to come, and while the outcome is not certain, he’s unlikely to inherit the crown. And if Liwayway convinces their father to declare her the heir (something she’s working on) he’ll be done before he knows it.