BB universe

This is the article for universe of the King's Quest Sierra licensed Berkley Boulevard novels. This article compares between the classic King's Quest series (including its strategy guides/Companions, manuals, and other related Sierra games) and the spin off novel trilogy.that was originally published by Berkley Boulevard books.

Background

For more details concerning the novel series treatment on this wiki and special policy notes, see KQ Omnipedia:Canon Policy.

The King's Quest novels were a trilogy based on the characters and world from the King's Quest series. The books are notable as they tell stories between KQ2-3, and KQ4-6 during a period where little information is known. They tend to share a blend of details from both the AGI and KQ1SCI remake to the VGA era games. There may even be some elements taken or inspired from The King's Quest Companion.

While it is largely considered new stories inserted between the events of the games. It does have a few 'issues' with the games portrayal of things. Though most of these discrepancies are easy to explain or reinterpret from perspective of other sources. Alternatively some may view as it's own separate thing, and a 'parallel universe' to the game realities (or other versions of the universe, in other sources), and part of the overall King's Quest Multiverse.

This article describes where the novel series diverges from other material. Discussing and comparing the details from the original games, the manuals, and other spin-off source material (Hoyle I, The King's Quest Companion, The Official Book of King's Quest & Sierra Hint Books) with the details of the novel trilogy..

Note: This wiki more or less treats novels as being equal to the 'original series' 'canon' history (albeit at a more 'secondary status'), and timeline, but acknowledges that there are a few issues (non of the games themselves and the guide material is necessarily 100% consistent as well). Most articles reinterpret things from perspective of other material when issues arise.

Details

Game references

There are very limited references to the game universe and mostly from KQ1 and KQ3. These include basic details from King’s Quest 1 (mostly from the remake). History of the mirror and it’s loss, sorcerer and dragon’s lair, and it’s recovery (paraphrased from manual). General history of Edward also from manual/game. Alexander’s kidnapping, learning spells to escape Manannan is basic summary of the plot of KQ3 (especially paraphrasing similar to one found in KQ3 summaries advertisements: learn spells, defeat Manannan and escape to another land, glossing over any other details in the game).

That being said there are very few references to the games, and very few related to KQ2, KQ4, KQ5 or later. This makes some sense with regards to KQ6 and 7. As the stories take place before those games. KQ5 placement in relation to books is less clear, see below.

Other minor references include:

The descriptions of the castle and moat seem to be a mix of details from KQ1AGI, remake, and KQ5. Including the moat monsters. The hill overlooking castle Daventry in TFC is similar hill in KQ5.

Reference to Graham marrying Valanice from another land, and that land is home to fairies. Appears to be very basic reference to KQ2. The reference to Valanice’s castle may or may not be a reference to Dracula’s castle in that that game.

The TFC cover art is based on Alexander in KQ6 (but has very little to do with the story). Likewise the cover art for See No Weevil appears to be a nod to box art of KQ4.

Grahams heritage

In the books its suggested in Kingdom of Sorrow, that Graham moved into Daventry during the travels of his youth, and is thus only the first generation of his family to live in Daventry. In fact, he may have only moved into Daventry a little over ten years before Kingdom of Sorrow at the time he rescued the treasures, and thus had only been a knight in Daventry for a very short time (though may have been a knight errant in other lands before that). Someone like Seneschel's family had roots that went far back into the kingdom.

In addition the series suggests that Graham was a 'nobody', and would go as far to suggest he has no noble or royal blood on either side of his family (it appears to conflate 'noble' and 'royal' in this case, so it implies Graham could be a 'commoner'/peasant or at the most a freeman). Note: With the exception of also suggesting he might be distantly related to the 'royal family' and thus Edward. As it only talks about there being one 'royal family' and talks about that royal family being much larger having cousins, nieces, and nephews some time before. This suggests that if Graham is related, its only through those who moved out of Daventry and married members in other kingdoms, and apparently mainly the 'common folk'.

In the original series there are a number of sources that state or suggest that Graham was born and raised in Daventry his entire life, and came from a privileged noble class. Perhaps not 'royal/kingly station ' but still a nobleman.

Some sources discuss up to two generations before Graham that lived in Daventry. The original manual for King's Quest on the PCJR implies that Fairy Godmother encountered in the game was a citizen of Daventry, and by proxy suggesting that Graham received his 'godmother' when he was very young. This is not specific of course, but indirectly supports the idea. KQ1 remake talks about him having gone to high school in Daventry (and perhaps a couple of other offhand references to his earlier days), the Companion talks about his father being a knight and nobleman of Daventry, KQ6 hintbook also mentions his father being a knight of Daventry, and Hoyle 1 mentions both his father and Grandfather being Knights of Daventry. The Companion also goes as far to discuss more about Graham's childhood growing up, as well as his academic schools he attended in Daventry...

The original KQ1 manual for PCJR also refers to Graham as a 'noble knight' (although arguably 'noble' has more than one meaning)., and Graham is described as 'princely' in the second version of the manual that replaced it.

With only one other exception in the original material Graham is said to be, or implied to have been a citizen of Daventry since his birth. The only other exception maybe the synopsis given in The Official Book of King's Quest series that seems to suggest Graham was an 'knight errant' who was summoned from another land, and he recently came to Daventry to save it shortly before KQ1, see Introductions (TOBOKQ). Though that source more or less implies nothing about his 'nobility/royalty' status or any other connections to the king (or his childhood background). Still it may have been the source that See No Weevil got the idea that he had just come to Daventry shortly before the events of KQ1.

This wiki takes a loose interpretation of the information to mean that Graham's heritage likely doesn't go back more than three generations. Rather than him only been there a few years before he was made king, he was born in the kingdom.

Incidentally, in the alternate universe in the reboot series also has Graham as a foreigner who moved to Daventry about five years before he became king. However, it maintains the idea that he was of noble birth.

Graham's character

In the novels he is somewhat portrayed as a reluctant ruler. He sees himself as a nobody, someone without any royal/noble blood. That he couldn't get any work done as a king without his wife being there show him the way.

This subverts the idea from the games and other material that not only tie him into the nobility, but also portray him as a strong, confident type.

Extended Royal Family (Edward and Graham related)

Graham and Edward are both mentioned in the context of 'the royal family'.

In the novel series Edward is mentioned all but three times during the course of the series (and perhaps only twice by name in two books), and in the context that he was the late or previous king. In no instance is it mentioned 'why' he passed the land over to Graham. But it can at least be made out that the land was given to Graham, or rather that he became king, when he came to Daventry. But its never mentioned if he was called to Daventry specifically or any other details of that nature.

For those who have only read the books, they will not have a clear explanation as to why Graham received the kingdom, only that it was passed onto him, after he traveled to the kingdom.

Note: Note there is one partial exception which mentions Graham recovering a treasure that Edward once lost, but its not tied into why he obtained the kingdom (and its mentioned in an completely different book, see magic mirror section below).

As to the royal family there are a few references to earlier members of the 'royal family'. See No Weevil also discusses a hallway that has portraits including Edward, and the former kings and queens of the family. Beyond that there is also the reference to the moat monsters being put into a moat by one of Daventry's earliest kings.

As mentioned above, Kingdom of Sorrow also suggests that the 'royal family' used to be much larger in past years.

At one point it mentions that the apartments housed the nephews, nieces, and cousins of the 'royal family'. Likely before Edward, or wouldn't he have chosen one of them to be his heir (or is Graham one of the royal family 'cousins', assuming its less likely that he was a 'nephew/great-nephew, etc'). The wording suggests based on other references to 'royal family' in the book are either Graham's ancestors or at least relatives somehow.

Yes, the book acknowledge that Graham was made king by Edward, shortly after he traveled to Daventry, but seems to imply that he was likely a distant ancestor (possibly cousin or nephew) of the King. Just that his branch of the family has no strong roots within the kingdom, and apparently stripped of its nobility. Perhaps Graham is from a bastard line?.

However in most of the earlier sources its suggested that Edward had no relatives (at least pointing out he had no son or daughter, or children). It is specifically stated in PCJR King's Quest Manual that he had no wife, children or relatives.

This wiki chooses to go with the idea that perhaps it just means no close relatives, and that Graham if related is extremely distant. From a minor family connection, multiple generations removed. Alternatively it could also mean that Valanice (who is confirmed to be from another unnamed country) could be distantly related to the royalty of Daventry (rather than Graham) but this is also not made clear.

Heir to the kingdom

At least during the period when Alexander was missing, the series’ foreshadows the possibility of Rosella becoming queen and ruler of Daventry in the future, specifically calling her the heir of Daventry. The Floating Castle doesn’t even touch on the issue of succession, but acknowledged Alexander as the prince and Rosella as the princess, but doesn’t state who is the heir apparent. Since the series takes place before KQ6 the question of succession is not brought up. In Kingdom of Sorrow Graham contemplates the future one in which Rosella sits on the throne or perhaps Alexander if he returned… thinking of the latter brought sadness to him.

Telgrin usurps the kingdom, becoming King of Daventry, until Alexander defeats him.

Other sources either don’t touch on the issue of who will take over after Graham dies or abdicates, or clearly state that Alexander is next in line. The Companion goes as far to say that Alexander’s wedding unites the two kingdoms. In most sources, it’s simply not touched on if he gave up his inheritance to rule in Green Isles, some sources still consider him to be Crown Prince, or high prince, meaning that he is next in line.

The period between Alexander's kidnapping and his return (no reference to human sacrifice or dragons)

In both Kingdom of Sorrow and See No Weevil take place during the period when Alexander was missing, it shows a period in relative peace. Or in peace as much as Alexander and the family is concerned. Sure the kingdom sees itself a little frozen in Kingdom of Sorrow (its saved at the end), or when Rosella causes an invasion of sloks and weevils (but Rosella cleans it up, with her parents unaware of the events when they get back, as if it never happened).

Even the back of the book blurb for The Floating Castle suggests there had been relative peace until the armies invaded in The Floating Castle, as well as some statements made by Graham in the book itself. There is no direct reference to the attacks by the Three Headed Dragon or anyone kidnapping (other than Alexander's own). There is however an acknowledgement that Alexander escaped from Manannan, and had returned recently, but not much beyond that, and no reference that he saved the kingdom.

There is no evidence of Dragons attacking the kingdom, or human sacrifices of maidens, in any of the books.

In fact in Kingdom of Sorrow Graham encounters a somewhat similar story of a family trying to protect their own lands by sacrificing others to rampaging monsters to appease them... Graham is absolutely mortified and offended by this practice... especially as he learns he is their latest victim... Yet he doesn't make any reference to any similar practice occurring in Daventry to keep a certain dragon at bay... In fact Graham vows if he ever sees this family again they will be locked up in the Castle's darkest dungeon for what they have done (murder, kidnapping, and robbery)... If the Dragon was already rampaging this would make him a hypocrite on some level...

In the original series material some sources may suggest that the earthquakes and the attacking dragon started not long after Alexander was kidnapped, suggesting up to 17 maidens might have even been sacrificed. Although its never specific.

On the other hand a line in KQ3 suggests Rosella remembers a more peaceful time, and wishes Alexander could have seen it... Companion also hints at some more peaceful times in which Rosella was able to learn how to hunt, and other things. See also Rosella's First Quest which presents the kingdom as more or less peaceful when she was only a little girl (though that story is less than a serious source being a cross-over).

This wiki chooses to go with the novels account, in as far that the kingdom was in relative peace up to See No Weevil, and that the attack by the dragons,  human sacrifices and earthquakes probably occurred after See No Weevil. This however doesn't avow him of the crimes in assisting the murder and kidnapping of innocent maidens to sacrifice them to the dragon, and still makes him a bit of a hypocrite when his views of the Tilly and her brothers are taken into consideration...

Note: If sacrifices did occur, things remained peaceful due to the sacrifices (but its still odd that Graham would be critical of human sacrifice hearing another similar story about others, if he was doing it himself).

It's worth noting, and possibly relates, that when Graham discusses 'war' in the Floating Castle which takes place only a few years after Kingdom of Sorrow, he mentions it had been many years since Daventry had to fight. As the book doesn't mention dragon invasions, context would seem that dragon is not considered an 'invader' in which arms were drawn against. Or at least they failed in initial attacks against the dragon. If this is evidence against the appearance of the three-headed dragon existence in the novel centric universe or not is unknown.

Alexander's kidnapping

The novels do acknowledge that Alexander was kidnapped soon after his birth, in particular The Floating Castle, and Kingdom of Sorrow. Manannnan even gets a reference in The Floating Castle. There is no context to his kidnapping as to why. Nor is there any reference to how he escaped, or that he defeated the wizard. There is not much mention of his using magic other than a reference to him "wresting a smattering of magical lore"' (underplaying the difficult spells he actually had successfully completed)' and twice he repeats a couple of magical spell phrases related to the hedge around Morowyn's house, and to access a magical mirror. There are other forms of magic that Alexander uses but these only because he has Owen's staff, which has a form of magic created by 'thought', whatever the caster can think of the staff can create. Which presumably anyone can use.

Nor is there any reference to the fact that Alexander returned to Daventry and used magic to save it (or his sister). In fact if anything the series seems to portray Alexander as more of a competent sword fighter (see below)

While he still is shown to have an interest in magic (if his visits to Morowyn are evidence), he has to go to other magic users for help, and even gains Morowyn's apprentice to help him on his journey. He seems surprised that magic is something inherent to magic users. He is not acknowledged as being a magician and is told he needs to bring a magician along with him.

Alexander does use some other magic towards the end of the story, but only when he's holding Owen's staff, which allows him to do almost anything simply by 'thinking' what he wants the staff to do for him.

In contrast in the KQ3, KQ6, and the Companion he is portrayed as a prodigy magic user, with a keen  interest in the studies of magic, a competent wizard in his own right. He goes on journeys to learn more magic, and use magic to avenge himself of his enemies (destroying the pirates who tries to kidnap him). He even teaches courses on magic in the Royal University.

On the other side of the story, we learn in Kingdom of Sorrow, that Graham acknowledges Alexander's kidnapping (some seven years after the event), and rightfully doesn't know who was involved. But it mentions that he has all but accepted it, and has nearly forgotten about his kidnapped son (other than being reminded by the appearance of young Wiliam, and having a tinge of grief).

In the original game series on the other hand the narrative from KQ3 (and also appearing in various summaries/manuals) is that Graham's grief never abated. It that it, along with the loss of the magic mirror, is probably why Graham started agreeing to sacrifice maidens to the Dragon, including his own daughter, and mostly given up (going as far locking the castle and the his heart up).

Nature of powerful spells

According to the book;

Any spell, no matter how powerful, could always be removed by another magician of sufficient skill...

This however does seem to be in conflict with the Transforming Another into a Cat spell, where as in KQ3, the spell description states that there is no way to reverse the spell, and that the victim is turned into a cat forever.

You have just created a cookie that. when eaten, will turn the victim into a cat. Forever!

However, in KQ5...in perhaps slight retcon to the series, Mordack and Crispin in KQ5 however Manannan and Mordack believe that the spell can be undone by the perpetrator of the spell, and both discovered this after researching about the spell. The Companion theorizes further that there maybe 'other' unknown methods as well.

Placement of the Floating Castle

The bulk of the story seems to be before KQ5... However the last chapter at least does appear as if it would only fit after KQ5. For the entire book and the epilogue Alexander seems to be largely in good spirits, and doesn't even let the fact his Father's spirit has been kidnapped let him down or control him. He dutifully pushes forward until everyone is saved... In the epilogue (likely set after KQ5) he returns to visit his friends now living in woodland home of a wizard he knows, and everyone seems to be good spirits...

However, KQ6 (and related material) tells us that Alexander was suffering from melancholy and depression after events of KQ5 to the point that he could barely function. Partly due to the fact he had fallen in love with Cassima and wanted to see her again, and secondly nightmares possibly from his ordeal as a slave, and also guilt over getting his family kidnapped.

Now this is not the only source to give Alexander adventures between KQ5 and KQ6... The Companion also has him journey to Mordack's Island where he studies the Iconomancy spells, and even writes a book. Possibly a few other adventures. All the while becoming a teacher at the Daventry University (pretty good for someone who more or less lacked a 'formal education'). It also talks about him somehow having communications with Cassima (physically, astral projection, or written its not known).  But most sources go with the idea that he was not capable of doing anything.

This wiki goes the idea that Alexander was 'functional' some of the time. That the loneliness was something that had to have built up over time.

Age of Castle Daventry

The books state the castle has been around since early days of Daventry. The Moat Monsters were placed in most by an early king of Davdntry as a line of defense. One hall has pictures of kings and queens going back to early days of Daventry. On one hand age of Daventry isn’t given directly. The mirror is said to have been used for over 200 years, though it’s not clear if this corresponds to age of the nation or if the treasure was obtained only two hundred years.

In the Companion the castle is said to have been built by Edward, for his Queen Maylie as a wedding present. Meaning in that universe it’s only about a generation old when Graham took over.

In KQ1 remake universe however it’s implied it had been around during reign of the Father of Edward’s parents. The KQ1 manual states that the mirror was used for over 500 years. Of course this isn’t an indication of how old the kingdom is necessarily, but when the kingdom first obtained the mirror.

In KQ4 the manual says the kingdom has been ruled for over thousands of years. However it doesn’t specify if the castle is that old or not.

In KQ8 there are two castles Castle Daventry and the much older Castlekeep Ruins]]. The age of these castle ruins is not known but would likely predated the Tomb of Sir James built just outside of the castle which is said to have been built many years agone.

A Rosella interview with Al Lowe may suggest there is more than one castle in Daventry as she mentions the Royal Summer Palace.

Miscellaneous Dating Issues and timelines

As the Novel timeline notes the novels give alternate ages for the age of the Magic Mirror (200 years), the age when Alexander returned from Manannan (18 years old), and a few other details.

There is more than one way to interpret the stories as either continuation/extension to the games universe and stories (as intended in marketing for the books) or take the books as is stand alone series and stories that differ from the game universes.

In one interpretation of the timeline (Twins timeline), it is much closer to the timeline built from the Companion, or the original trilogy than the timelines built from KQ6 material. That is that KQ6 appears to take place 21-22 years after KQ1 in the timeline if compared side by side, rather than 25 years as it does in the KQ6 hintbook.

The other interpretation is the Siblings timeline which doesn’t mirror any other specific timeline putting a few years between birth of Alexander and Rosella.

This wiki largely considers the dates from the games, manuals, and guides as being more reliable (main history) .

The novels are however not the only source to 'round up' on Alexander's age for the events of KQ3. This also seems to occur with Roberta's synopses in the KQ5 hint book, and an article she wrote in the InterAction magazine.

Scale of Daventry

Daventry is a very small land surrounded by much larger kingdoms. It is roughly 1-2 days across from north to south and a few days to cross from east to west. Part of it reached to the sea to the south and most of the south is bordered by other lands.

In Companion and KQ3 Daventry take up half or most of the continent. Infact it’s said there are many kingdoms the continent is divided into, most of them small and only a day or three's journey by foot in extent. Which is essentially the reverse of novels in which Daventry and Serenia are smaller and lesser kingdoms are larger.

But essentially Daventry is about the size of one of companions lesser kingdoms. And in BB universe kingdoms outside Daventry must be about the size of a great country in scale in a much larger continent…

Graham's appearance (hair color, beard, height, and clothing)

Graham is described as having a blond hair, and beard in Kingdom of Sorrow (though he is shaved and has dark hair on the cover). His hair is brown in See No Weevil. The same authors wrote both.

This is one is not easily explained... outside of hair dyes or magic, or that its actually more of a platinum gray-blonde from aging...

Coincidentally, he does wear a beard in the new King's Quest series universe starting with Chapter 4  (and his 40s-50s).

Graham is said to be short in the books. Of course he's also said to be 5 feet in the KQ1 remake, which goes against other references that state he was six feet such as in the Companion. So no source has been too consistent on that issue.

Another issue is more of an internal issue with the cover and the books. The cover shows Graham wearing a tan version of his normal adventurer's cap. While Graham is described early in the story as wearing some kind of fur-lined cap (it never describes it having a feather). He loses the hat halfway through the story, and never gets it back. There is no evidence that he obtained an alternate hat at any point, and appears to be hat-less when in the Sorrowing Court. This is another case of inaccurate cover art. It is a little out of character for the original series for Graham to go on an adventure without his adventurer's hat.

Coincidentally Graham's appearance on the cover of Kingdom fo Sorrow appears to foreshadow his appearance in the King's Quest Reboot series. As he appears to be wearing a leather armor vest jerkin over a blue shirt, and also wearing armored boots, and a cape.

In the novels only the Floating Castle seems to describe Graham wearing the traditional clothing he wears in the games, although it never gets too specific about their color. But instead it describes them as being plain garments, dressed like a squire or rustic knight. This mirrors the Companion where it describes him as commonly wearing the attire of a Ranger.

The rest of the novels however have him wearing fancier clothing generally. Kingdom of Sorrow even describes his 'favorite shirt' as being an old blue shirt with embroidery, some of the embroidery was unraveling (one would think his favorite shirt is a red shirt in the games).

Castle Daventry

The general shape of Castle Daventry is described as essentially its appearance in KQ5. However internal configurations of the castle plans/blueprints changes in each novel. From Great Hall being described differently each time, to the entrance/foyer/hallway being different in each book. Sometimes the details correspond with KQ1AGI, and other times appear to correspond with KQ1SCI remake. The moat is definitely more out of KQ1SCI, and is filled with moat monsters.

Most sources go with KQ1AGI being the original games (KQ1AGI, KQ2, and KQ3) interpretation of the castle during those periods. This series seems to go with a combination of both original versions and the KQ1 remake. Coincidentally the The Official Book of King's Quest VI appears to do a similar thing with its artwork.

The novels suggest that the castle and moat goes back to one of the earliest kings who,put the moat monsters there. There is also a scene in one of the books of a hallway with paintings of many of the kings and queens who had lived in the Castle over the hundreds of years. As well as the mention of nieces, nephews, and cousins who lived there in the past.

In the Companion it's suggested that the current castle was built by Edward for his queen. In KQ8 Connor visits what was supposed to be the earlier castle of Daventry. However, the series was never fully consistent as KQ1 remake also suggests that Edward's father owned the castle before him.

No easy way to interpret things other than perhaps Edward built and rebuilt/modified sections of the castle perhaps expanding on it. Also that a previous king must have switched to using the castle keep instead of the main Castle before switching back to the current one.

Land of Daventry and surrounding lands

Daventry is said to be a very small country in these books, surrounded by bigger Kingdoms. Daventry appears to relatively small and minor kingdom in scheme of things (with little influence on surrounding lands). Judging by the book title Insects of Serenia and the Surrounding Lands, Volume III: T to Z the land of Serenia has a more prominent position on the continent (or is the largest kingdom).

The Companion, and KQ3 on the other hand suggests that Daventry is one of the four Great countries of the world, the largest of the nations, and population centers. The Companion goes as far to state that Daventry is the greatest of the great countries (and suggesting that its royal family is important to helping balance to the universe representing the forces of Good).

In the BB novels it seems that during the KQ3 period that Daventry is part of Serenia continent in these books. however, According to KQ3 chart maps, and Companion however Serenia is largely missing during that period (the period between KQ1-4). More like the configuration of the lands as seen in The Wizard and the Princess. This wiki goes with the explanation of the split given in Wizard and the Princess manual, with any additional information given in the Companion editions on the issue (about the magic of Harlin and/or magical flux changing the words shape and configuration of lands).

Other than that Daventry doesn't appear much like it did in any of the KQ games or sources. Other than the Town of Daventry being located south of the castle as it is mentioned to be in other sources (manuals, companion, and Official Guide to King's Quest 2nd and 3rd Edition).

The river Merelee River appears to replace the Raging River from the first game, or the River Fools from the Companion in the same general location.

This wiki more or less goes with the game or Companion's explanations and configurations, and mostly treats no source above any another.

One exception some descriptions in The Floating Castle appears to describe the oak tree from KQ1, and another landscape as it was seen in KQ5. A hill overlooking Daventry from its south. Possibly a lake or pond to the west of it.

Some other minor issues such as the name of the mountain ranges included in the books (Glass Mountains, etc), with that of the Great Mountains as discussed in Wizard and the Princess, and King's Quest Companion. or the Snowy Mountains as they were known in other sources.

Continental size of Daventry/Serenia is suggested to be thousands of miles (3000 from east ot west in one example from the Vale of Obscurity/Hibestian Range to the Sea of Barnacles, and over 600 miles north to south), when its closer to only few hundred miles in the original game. The travel between continents and across continents, was around a day to one day to cross, and not weeks in KQ3 and KQ5. It only takes a day or two to cross Daventry from north to south (at least in the portion that The Piper crossed), But some of the other nations surrounding Daventry, takes months to cross the mountains, other lands or the sea (from north to south), The Plains of Jed are four weeks from Daventry to the south. while Westering Mountains, Spasky Hills, and the Vale of Willows lies three weeks to the north of Daventry,  Daventry is said to be a small kingdom within hundreds of miles of land. The eastern edge of the kingdom is only about 4 miles from the castle' and only a few miles to the west, and between one and two days journey between north and south. According to some editions of the Companion a line describes the reverse, with Daventry being a huge nations, and other surrounding nations usually being only 1-3 days journey across.. In KQ3 (and Companion) it only takes about a day from Llewdor to reach Daventry, and less than  a day to cross the mountains into Daventry (first Edition shows continent more or less comprised of the kingdom of Daventry)..

Daventry appears landlocked in most of the novels, surrounded by other nations on all sides, and the Old Woods in between. But in at least one line it might contradict itself as one passage implies Daventry has a port town (which may or may not be Mertili) to the south beyond the Old Woods... Other sources suggest Daventry has a port, even showing Daventry near the sea on maps, and discussing its fleet. The flagship appears in KQ6. Another line form Kingdom of Sorrow discusses how winds from the western sea bring rain to Daventry, while not being clear on distances, might imply that the western sea is not too far from Daventry's western edge, perhaps just beyond the woods there.

Daventry appears to be miles from the nearest mountain range in the novels. Some mountains being as far as 600 miles to the north, and glass mountains lie tens to hundreds of miles to the east. Daventry itself is shown to be surrounded by woods including the Old Woods kingdom of the woodland Faeries. The kingdom is shown to be largely flat with at the most a few hills.

In the original series in both the games and the Companion material Daventry is often portrayed as being a valley surrounded by nearby mountains or at least mountains to one or two sides (at least north and east, see Great Mountains), or sometimes a mountain rises up in the middle of it (see Door into Mountain). While the kingdom is often portrayed as hilly (both gentle and steep) they are much lower than the surrounding mountains.

Financial Politics

Daventry's chest is not mentioned, and in See No Weevil, Oswold, the castle Seneschel gives the idea that the kingdom could go bankrupt if Rosella hires outside contracts. They cost more and will eat into the Kingdom's treasury. Castle Daventry has its own workforce which it finances for less, or differently (perhaps food and lodging)..

This one is not so bad, as even KQ1 second manual, and other sources (KQ6, Hoyle I) suggests that Daventry relies on other forms of currency  (besides gold). These include copper, silver and gold (KQ6, Hoyle I).  There are also other treasures inside the treasury besides the Chest of Gold to rely on, the country also relies on its surplus agricultural goods to sell to other lands for money (KQ1 manual). Finally, Graham is told to collect other lesser treasures he can find on his adventure, to help with the kingdom's growth and rebuilding (KQ1 manual).

Only the Companion suggests that Daventry has no need for treasure, as it already has the Chest of Gold (and makes reference to this at least once per story), however as mentioned other sources already confirm other forms of currency/trade are used. Notably Graham and others almost never bring any of this 'money' with them on journeys and rely on whatever they can find along the way.

The reasoning behind not relying on the Chest of Gold for all transactions, may have a more mundane reason... By abusing the unlimited source of treasure they may potentially devalue Gold (through hyper inflation), and use other forms of currency and treasure to make sure that that never happens. Whatever the case the idea that Daventry could 'run out of money' or need other means of trade or other forms of currency is an issue that has existed since the original version of King's Quest I (at least by the release second manual), and is alluded to throughout the series if one looks carefully.

Daventry’s Peace

In The Floating Castle are curious references to Davenrtry having been at peace for years. That there has been no invading armies, and that Graham and knights have banished all evil (dark elves, ogres, trolls, spirits, etc.) This seems to possibly going back as since he took over the kingdom, or at least after Alexander was kidnapped.

There are no references to anything such as dragon invasion, or Mordack’s invasion (story may take place before KQ5 or mostly does), etc. There is a reference or two to Manannan kidnapping Alexander though. The sloks and weevils invasion was more of an accident, and was quickly mopped up before it caused any long term damage.

The long winter was more to do with with an invasion of a nearby kingdom not Daventry proper, so wouldn’t count.

But in general the kingdom has seen mostly peaceful for years.

Valanice’s life before Daventry

Valanice’s childhood appears to be completely peaceful and there is no indication of the events related to King’s Quest 2. While it’s not known how Graham and Valanice met, nor where they married. Nor do we know exactly when they married (other than it was roughly a little over ten or little over seven years before (based on when Graham became king and when Rosella was born, and/or Alexander's birth if he is older). We only know that she and Matilda moved to Daventry from their homeland to join her husband.

It is mentioned that Matilda had been taking care of Valanice since she was a child, a women and a queen. three separate periods of Valanice’s life her time as a child, then as unmarried woman, and then as a married queen. Which further implies peaceful life growing up.

Hagatha is not mentioned, nor is her kidnapping, nor is tower. Which of course were major events in KQ3 (and mentioned through other story synopses and expanded lore).

Valanice and Matilda's homeland

See Kolyma (novels).

Kolyma is never directly mentioned, and even when her homeland is brought up, it is left 'unnamed', with no specific details. Other than a single reference to living near area where 'fairies' live in her homeland (possibly a reference to the Good Fairy seen in KQ2). KQ2 takes place in the Land of Kolyma ('western Kolyma').

It also states that Matilda (the queen's lady in waiting) watched over Valanice, and that they lived in a castle during the queen's youth, presumably somewhere in that land (of course it doesn't specify where this castle is located it could just as much be a reference to Dracula's castle as anything, or an invention by the author, and a mere coincidence). Finally it mentions that Matilda moved to Daventry, with Valanice, after the queen married Graham.

The final detail is just that Valanice parents included royalty only on one side (similar to the detail about Coignice, the miller's daughter, and Cedric, a prince of Kolyma from the companion).

Of course KQ2 never shows Matilda with Graham when they return to Daventry. However, other material such as King's Quest Companion has a number of characters returning back with them including Fragola, and also sets up plenty of other events before they return (traveling to jungles of Africa to return golden lion to Tarzan). So there is room for them to have visited eastern Kolyma to pick up Matilda before they finally returned home.

Beyond this based on most of the references it seems it probably is just an interpretation of the land as seen in KQ2 (and less likely to be references to the eastern side of the Kingdom, as there is actually nothing is (or almost nothing) known about that land).

The Royal Siblings

The series definitely discusses the fact that Rosella and Alexander are brother and sister. It never states they are twins. In See No Weevil Rosella is said to be seven. There is a moment when Graham contemplates the age of his son while looking at a ten year old boy, and thinks that his son would be almost that age.

This is a little awkward wording, but seven is 'almost ten' rounded. ...and virtually a seven year old boy isn't going to be much different than a ten year old boy. But it still could be interpreted that they aren't twins in this series if taken literally. However, in Graham's thoughts the ten year old boy, was just a 'casual' reminder of his lost son, would have also been a young boy (with similar interests), if he had still been around.

If taken literally it could mean that Alexander was born a few years earlier than Rosella in the novel universe.

Annabel

This goes along with if royal siblings are twins or not. Annabel is established be Rosella's maid since she was an infant. We know of unnamed 'attendant/s' who left the twins unattended in their nursery (in the KQ5 Hintbook, and an article in InterAction magazine (Once Upon a Time in a Land Faraway)) at the time Alexander was kidnapped.

If Alexander and Rosella are not twins in the novels, it might be possible that Annabel was never a maid for Alexander. If Alexander was born a few years earlier (literally teh same age as William), then he might have had his own personal maid or steward who took care of him until his kidnapping.

If they are interpreted to be twins, it would seem less likely a need for more than one main attendant to take care of the twins.

Fairies

Faeries seem to be very different than the 'Fairies" seen in previous games, and guides. However it does suggest 'fay' come in many forms. It also mentions at least a couple of species of fairies. Including woodland faeries, ice faeries, pixies, etc.

Alexander and his nine month journey

The Floating Castle states that Alexander took a nine month journey not long after he returned to Daventry after escaping Manannan. This issue with this is that it essentially means he spent most of the time between KQ4 and KQ5 away from Daventry, without visiting his family. At the most he was in Daventry a couple of months after KQ4 (as suggested by KQ companion), but at worst was gone just after KQ4. With hardly a 'goodbye'. Most sources place only 1 1/2 to 2 years between the end of KQ4 and start of kq5.

Some sources, such as Hoyle I for example suggest he probably stayed around, he had no family other than Manannan and needed time get to know them. The Companion suggests he was there at least a few months while his father recuperated. However, it also does note he went out on a journey to defeat the pirates on the western coast in revenge for capturing him, and another after KQ5 to study Iconomancy at Mordack's Island. Alexander may have also picked up a copy of Fragments from The Sorcery of Old during one of his travels, to study when writing the first of his two books, A Magical Primer.

Finally the companion suggests that he taught at the Royal University.

Like the 'peaceful period' before the sacrifices in KQ3 period, this wiki assumes that he did spend nine months away (even if it did take up most of the time between KQ4 and KQ5), and that he fit in some of these other journeys during that time. But that he may have kept in contact with his family in other ways. But it must be assumed he only taught part time at the university or didn't teach a full time course until he got back after his 9 month journey.

Rosella and Alexander's birthday

Rosella's birthday is made a point of in See No Weevil as upcoming in a couple of weeks. It sets the bulk of the story in end of summer and early fall.

In other sources are less specific such as KQ3 backstory which sets down the idea that Alexander's 18th birthday is coming up. The game is set during the summer.

Some sources such as The Stories So Far place the events of his birthday as being not more than three days after KQ3 . Which is probably a tad too specific... at potentially at odds with the birthdate as portrayed in See No Weevil (even if you assume that it turns Fall in three days) which places it probably a couple of weeks after Summer.

The summaries in the KQ7 Hintbook: A Summary of King's Quest placed the birthday as "...only a few weeks away", somewhat more in line with the See No Weevil's timing for the birthday.

Magicians

The Floating Castle gives an almost opposite definition of "Magician" than that given in the Companion.

Although it can be worked with, to allow for an understanding that allows both versions.

Gnomes ages

The age of Gnomes given seems quite a bit older than the suggested age given for Rumplestiltskin in KQ3 (100). By several hundred years. a gnome that looks 60 is 600 years old.

However by applying the math suggested in the novels that a gnomes appearance is 10x younger than they actually are, then Rumplestiltskin would be about 1000 years old.

Alexander's fighting skill

The Floating Castle which is set before KQ6 suggests Alexander is a good sword fighter and even good enough to train other soldiers.

During the events of KQ6 he doesn't actually seem to be that great of a sword fighter at first glance. However, he might actually be doing exceptionally well considering he is able to keep up with experienced Abdul while using an heavy and unbalanced decorative sword (a major handicap). On side note Alexander’s apparent natural skill in the sword fight in KQ6, was inspiration for the combat in KQ8.

Alexander does show some knowledge of defensive form in how he holds the shield to protect himself from the archer statue, and his general skill with the scythe against the magic rose bush.

The Companion on the other hand flat out says he is not well disciplined in the blade and never had the time to study or improve his sword skills.

The only way to reconcile this is that Alexander is simply competent, and has a certain level of natural talent. That he is able to help however he can to help train other soldiers but just not up to the skill of the experts.

Seneschal vs. Prime Minister

The series introduces the character of Seneschal Oswold is is essentially the head of the castle staff servants and others), an agent or steward (aka a major domus). He seems to hold the same positions as the [Prime Minister]] (see Gerwain) and indeed Seneschal can be another word for Prime Minister in some political systems.

Gerwain appears in KQ2 manual and King's Quest Companion, where its confirmed he was the prime minister at least up to the events of KQ3/KQ4. While Oswold is the Seneschal during the novel trilogy between KQ2 and KQ3, so their positions and power overlap the same period of time.

Both the Seneschal and the Prime Minister in their respective sources appear to be in charge of the castle staff, setting up parties, helping to manage the law and the kingdom (when Graham is not around). And both are Graham's closest advisers when he is around.

This means that the two characters positions overlap, and there is no clear explanation.

Another unnamed minister the Daventry Official appears in KQ8 filling a similar role (this character could be Oswold, his son William (who was to be come the next 'Seneschal'), or someone else).

This wiki considers the Prime Minister Gerwain to be the main chief councilor since he appears in the official game documentation (manuals) and the King's Quest companion. But there is no specific way to explain the overlap.

Magic Mirror and the three treasures

Notably the magic treasures are never brought up except in one example. Even when Kingdom of Sorrow discusses Graham coming to Daventry and taking over the kingdom a little over ten years before, it doesn't mention how or why he was given the kingdom directly. Noting that Edward is mentioned all of about twice and only in the context that he was the previous king. One of these mentions is simply a reference to a painting of him.

The only exception to one of the treasures being mentioned is the magic mirror in The Floating Castle and Alexander remembers the story from apparently how it was told to him, that it had been in the hands of the kingdom for over two centuries (500 in the original manual story) protecting the kingdom, allowing users to see the future and faraway events, that it had been stolen from Edward by a wicked sorcerer who took it to his dark lair. Finally while explains that Graham had recovered it, it doesn't mention that he had been sent on a quest to recover it, however (or any other treasures).

Thus there is nothing related directly mention how Graham received the kingdom from Edward. Beyond that the introduction to the mirror is to set it up to show that the villain had cast a dark spell over the mirror preventing its use to see what was happening during the invasion.

Notably there is no reference to the fact that a similar situation occurred in KQ3, and perhaps everyone acts a tad too surprised by the fact it had been blackened out when that probably should have been more of a clue to what they were facing. However they still ultimately deduce it's probably by a great magic user of some sort that doesn't want to be seen.

Beyond that no other treasure is brought up during the series, even when talking about the kingdom's finances.

Notably in most other sources, the three treasures are mentioned at least in the manual, hint books, or in "About Screens" if a series synopses is available. The Companion at least brings up both the mirror, and the treasure chest at least once per story. The shield is usually overlooked.

Darkening of the Mirror

In the Floating Castle the Wizard Telgrin casts a spell on the magic mirror putting a dark veil over the mirror. A very similar situation that occurred to the mirror in KQ3 and semi-happens in KQ8 as well.

However judging by their surprise and reactions to this and Alexander’s incredulous questioning of his father about such things it’s as if no one had ever experienced such a thing before…

A similarly magically darkly veiled/clouded mirror with evil lieing underneath appeared on KQ8 with Connor able use it to spy briefly on Lucreto before it it blocked completely.

Queen of the Fairy

Ahi'aorina Culatha is said to be the Queen of the Faeries, as if she is the only such queen.

However, so was Genesta in KQ4 (and The King's Quest Companion), and Titania are also treated as they are the only Fairy Queens respectfully. One has to assume there is more than one and each for a different region or world. But originally it seems sourced saw Genesta as the queen for the world of Daventry and KQ7 suggests that Titania is the queen for the world of Eldritch.

Culatha is treated as if she is in control of spring, but according to other sources, so is Mother Nature/Ceres.

The book seems to suggest without Culatha's power winter will come. On the other hand KQ5 related material seems to suggest that Icebella is In charge of winter.

In the Floating Castle however Culatha is said to be 'a queen of Fairie' suggesting she is one of many queens, this does seem to fit.

Royal Education

In the trilogy Rosella at least is portrayed as receiving a proper education, including philosophy, Mathematics, Science, Technology, geology, Geography, History, etc.

In Hoyle I both Graham and Rosella admit to being scientifically and mathematically deficient, and need to learn more. Graham mentions largely only being educated in knighthood, history and how to rule the kingdom, and perhaps somewhat conceitedly, claims to be an excellent ruler because of it.

In the companion Graham somewhat more in line with the kind of education Rosella was said to have in the novel trilogy, and Rosella received a similar education as him (novel trilogy is somewhat more in line with this). Graham (and Rosella) are treated as being a proper scholars and learned in pretty much all,topics including, language, philosophy, literature., and several others. However at the same time technology and lesser extent science is treated as something to be frowned upon, and closer to the unnatural dark magics, and lead to the destruction of the world. Because of this science and technology not readily taught apparently. Thus certain sciences are treated as if they are evil magic. At the same time something that might be considered basic science, is thought to be more of magical and natural properties instead. Clarke's third law is evoked quite a bit. This is a bit different in the novel trilogy where science doesn't seem to have a stigma or taboo.

In KQ1SCI we are told Graham learned Meteorogical style sciences at the Daventry High School, weather, temperatures, and clouds.

Ogres/Trolls banished

According to The Floating Castle, all trolls and ogres and malevolent spirits had been banished from Daventry.

However according to the companion Ogres, trolls, dwarves, elves and gnomes fill the secret spaces of Daventry known only to themselves. This suggests that they still exist in Daventry...

On the other hand it might just mean that Graham forced the evil beings out of sight. Just as he keeps dragons away (Hoyle I) or limited to the innards of the earth.

Character Personalities

Mileage may very, but some of the criticisms of the books is that characters such as Alexander and, in particular, Rosella may seem to be out of character compared to how they appear in other sources.

Rosella for example is portrayed as highly stuckup, pompous, egotistical and selfish. Although these negatives are used to show character growth by the end of her story line. 

Some fans see Rosella in KQ7 to share a similar personality to that of the Rosella in the novels, and also a clear difference between the Rosella in KQ4 to those sources. Where they see her as being kind princess but strong, and adventurous. 

Magic reversed

In The Floating Castle it is stated that 'any spell, no matter how powerful, could always be removed by another magician of sufficient skill".

This of course seems to go against the plot point of the Transforming Another into a Cat spell (Cat Cookie) in which its stated either that once someone eats the cookie they are turned into a cat 'forever!"... Or retconned in KQ5, that "this particular spell can only be undone by the perpetrator of the spell."

Mordack is stated to be a more powerful wizard than Manannan, and not only that the most powerful mage Alexander had ever encountered (which would suggest he was more powerful than Telgrin even).

However, also see Magical laws of Opposites which suggests other possibilities for reversing any spell.

Seasonal changes

In the novels seasons especially change between winter to spring is controlled by Ahi'aorina Culatha (Spirit of Spring/Spring of the Wood) as mentioned above.

In the games weather seems to be controlled by Mother Earth or Mother Nature/Ceres (Lady of Spring).

In some sources such as Companion, Icebella (Queen of Winter) appears to be in charge of winter.