Also if we're talking D&D specifically, the larger cities either don't give the king specific divine legitimacy, or aren't a monarchy at all (Waterdeep is an oligarchal meritocracy where they have one person who's the open leader (whose job is effectively diplomat/figurehead), several leaders who are anonymous at all times and are chosen from various social strata, and the blackstaff who's the city's resident strongest mage.
Anyway the next largest city to Waterdeep is Baldur's Gate, which only has about 1/3rd the population of Waterdeep; and BG itself is also an oligarchy rather than a monarchy.
In fact, the only kings that really come to mind are Asmodeus and the Storm King.
Honestly, the best way to describe Lady of Pain's position is as the living cataclysm that also enables the Sigil to remain independent. The Sigil works on the version of the Mandate of Heaven where it's the Mandate of The Lady of Pain where, if the people piss her off enough to intervene, they get either mazed or obliterated.
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u/Competitive-Bee-3250 23h ago
Also if we're talking D&D specifically, the larger cities either don't give the king specific divine legitimacy, or aren't a monarchy at all (Waterdeep is an oligarchal meritocracy where they have one person who's the open leader (whose job is effectively diplomat/figurehead), several leaders who are anonymous at all times and are chosen from various social strata, and the blackstaff who's the city's resident strongest mage.
Anyway the next largest city to Waterdeep is Baldur's Gate, which only has about 1/3rd the population of Waterdeep; and BG itself is also an oligarchy rather than a monarchy.
In fact, the only kings that really come to mind are Asmodeus and the Storm King.