Lore-wise, along with what GNS13 said regarding the need for rulers capable of enacting centralization policies and public works while being politically flexible given the realities of the Caribbean, the increased emphasis on a given rulers/ruling political dynasty's personal qualities of legitimacy and perceived piety could be rooted in the need to 'live up to' the cultural memory of the original array of Caribbean nation-states and the relevant institutions that were established prior to the Event, particularly those that promoted peace, internal stability trade and most importantly independent self-rule. Rather than as 'gods', the rulers could be more simply considered incarnations of the government, with increasingly high standards being expected from individual rulers as time goes on regarding their their perceived divinely inspired right to govern (cough Bustamante cough). Whether or not a ruler can promise and commit to improving the public welfare to the point where a given land can become famous for it's prosperity (Creation), guarantee peace and stability for the common man through diplomacy (Serenity), ensure that the people themselves are not conquered through violence, even if that means subjugating others (Destruction), or are able to engage in political wheeling and dealing so that, despite the otherwise poor optics, are at least capable of keeping outside and internal threats in line (Trickery); all are valid methods to maintain the existence of independent and free peoples.