Addendum

Similarly, while you could adjust the level or XP by the age of the candidate, why shouldn't age be an advantage? Unless there are age-based stat penalties, which there probably are. That means we have to consider stats etc. as well, making this an impossible calculation. Considering all this, it's no wonder everything in politics comes down to a fight in the end.

Power Scaling Question

Suppose you have a system in which different classes need different amounts of XP to level. In such a case, should the king's heir be determined by level or total XP? It's all well and good to say magic-users are stronger than fighters of the same level, but if they aren't the same level . . .

The Character of a Conqueror

"My councilors, I have decided to apportion my land among my sons. There will also be a little for my nephews."
"Your Majesty! If you split this immense empire you have created, surely the recipients will each try to attain the supreme position, to say nothing of envious foreigners who will grab as much as they can in our weakness! There can be nothing after your proposal but harvests of war and treachery."
The habit of the great man was to trust his own judgment. Those he had elevated to be his advisors said nothing worthless, and after directing his mind at the objection, he came to agree with it. "I almost made an absurd error. Instead of disposing of the empire in my will, I will divide it now, abdicate, and watch over the chaos. I might write a few poems about battles. The better ones."
Finis

Addendum

That is, if the inheriting family members don't kill one another in the resulting dispute over the priceless legacy, which they most likely will. Whoops!

Future Implementations of Estate Taxes

When spaceships become hereditary, it won't be feasible to break them up and sell the parts. That means a new captain will owe service, possibly a galaxy-ranging quest, a year patroling the space marches, or public transport.

A Premature Inheritance

One day the king called his three sons to the hall where he did justice and accepted what was due him. They arrived all three on the same day, and the courtiers marveled to see their strength and courageous bearing, while the captains admired their eloquence and manners. Elbert came first, the oldest, who had conquered the Velucanni and subjected them to the will of his father. Next entered Elward who had overcome the Baromanni in five battles. They paid tribute after that, though they had never done so before. Third arrived Elhardt, late to leave his own home in which he had settled the daughter of the Wegemanni chief after defeating him in single combat.
"My sons, I am not a king who sees nothing but his court and his treasury. That each of you is now a man capable of ruling a country, is not a matter of ignorance to me. On the contrary, it is my wish and intention to see you all holding the rod, wearing the ring, and doing justice before I die."
It had long been clear that the kingdom's borders had extended so that no one man could govern the territory within. It had long been clear as well that the king was someone who distributed honors and wealth without stint but never an inch of land. The result of the contest between those irreconcilable facts at last became known. Smiles, frowns, and coins were passed around the court.
The king continued. "To Elbert, I grant the county of Preus, where the fruit tastes best out of anywhere in my kingdom but kills you if you eat it. To Elward, I grant the county of Oivre, where the mines produce endless iron and gold that have the special quality of melting in the rain. To Elhardt, I grant the county of Swessen, famous for its beautiful spring that makes you smell worse if you bathe in it."
And that was how the revolt began.
Finis