Rankings

"'What is the Ranking of Kings? Does he have many prominent knights in his service? Does he have many subjects and are his towns thriving? And most of all, is the King himself as powerful as a hero? These conditions determine the ranking of each nation's King.'"

Description
In the world of Ousama Ranking kings are ranked by a mysterious organization that controls the Divine Treasure Vault. The top-ranked king in the world is allowed to enter the vault and choose one treasure. To date every king who has entered has picked the same treasure, and then gone mad.

A king's ranking is determined by a special committee, which considers multiple factors, including on-the-ground analysis from the organization's own judges. This is done for every king upon their ascension to the throne, often as soon as possible.

Divine Treasure Vault
A mysterious vault at the heart of a ruined kingdom, the Divine Treasure Vault forms the basis of the ranking committee's power. It is filled with numerous sealed relics, all of them implied to be magical. Only the #1 ranked king is permitted to enter the vault and choose a relic for themselves.

To date every king has chosen from a case of runed swords. The swords are said to be imbued with the language of the Gods, and if their bearers can learn to interpret the runes they will find the means to achieve their dream. Every king who has chosen a runed sword has gone mad.

Though not confirmed, it's suggested the Divine Treasure Vault is now used as an indirect means for the Gods to control humanity.

Prosperity of the Kingdom
A judge travels around the kingdom to observe and evaluate its population, size and prosperity.

Strength of the King
Kings are asked to fight a special stone golem to analyze their combat strength. King Bosse, the world's strongest man, was able to destroy a golem in one strike.

Quality of their Warriors
Warriors in the service of the king are also evaluated, possibly with the same combat golem used to evaluate kings.

Unknown Rankings
There are several characters who have been, or are implied to have been, kings.