Duke/Duchess of Bornia

Qualifications

Noble Birth: The Duke/Duchess must be a descendant of the founding bloodline.
Leadership Skills: The ability to govern effectively, make sound decisions, and command respect from the nobility and military is essential.
Strong Moral Character: The Duke/Duchess is expected to uphold the Duchy's strict moral code and set a good example for their subjects.
Religious Tolerance: While not necessarily required to be devout themselves, the Duke/Duchess needs to maintain a working relationship with the High Pontiff and respect the faith of their people.

Requirements

• Completion of Training: The heir apparent undergoes rigorous training in statecraft, warfare, and religious history to prepare them for their future role.
• Public Coronation Ceremony: An elaborate ceremony officiated by the High Pontiff formally crowns the new Duke/Duchess, solidifying their authority and divine right to rule.

Appointment

• Automatic Succession: Upon the death or abdication of the current Duke/Duchess, the heir apparent automatically ascends to the throne.
• High Pontiff's Approval: The High Pontiff must officially recognize the succession and bestow their blessing on the new ruler.

Duties

• Secular Governance: The Duke/Duchess oversees the day-to-day administration of Bornia, including managing the treasury, enacting laws, and appointing officials.
• Military Leadership: They serve as the supreme commander of the Duchy's armed forces, responsible for national defense and maintaining order.
• Foreign Policy: The Duke/Duchess negotiates treaties and alliances with other nations, representing Bornia on the world stage.
• Upholding Tradition: They play a crucial role in maintaining Bornia's traditions and cultural identity.

Responsibilities

• Preserving Public Order: The Duke/Duchess is responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of their citizens and maintaining a stable, prosperous society.
• Collecting Taxes: They oversee the collection of taxes to fund the government and military.
• Dispensation of Justice: While the justice system operates independently, the Duke/Duchess can issue pardons and intervene in exceptional cases.
• Maintaining Religious Harmony: They must navigate the relationship between the secular government and the Church, ensuring cooperation and avoiding conflict.

Benefits

• Power and Prestige: The Duke/Duchess holds immense political power and enjoys a life of luxury and privilege.
• Large Personal Staff: They have a dedicated staff to manage their daily affairs and maintain their residences.
• Control of Resources: The Duke/Duchess receives a significant portion of the national income, allowing them to fund their projects and maintain their court.
• Symbol of Bornia: They embody the spirit of the nation and are revered by many citizens.

Accoutrements & Equipment

• Crown: A symbol of their authority and divine blessing, worn during official ceremonies.
• Scepter: A ceremonial staff signifying their power as ruler.
• Royal Robes: Elaborate garments worn on special occasions, reflecting their wealth and status.
• Ducal Armor: High-quality armor worn during wartime or when leading military campaigns.

Grounds for Removal/Dismissal

• Voluntary Abdication: The Duke/Duchess can relinquish the throne voluntarily, usually due to old age or illness.
• High Pontiff's Intervention: In extreme cases, the High Pontiff can declare a Duke/Duchess unfit to rule due to tyranny, blasphemy, or incompetence. However, this is a rare and controversial action that could lead to civil war.

Type

Royalty, Hereditary

Status

Still in Effect

Creation

4 Verdantia 35 AE

Form of Address

His/Her Grace, Duke/Duchess [Name], Your Grace

Source of Authority

Hereditary Lineage, Divine Blessing

Length of Term

Life Term

Related Locations

• Caelum Prime

Related Organizations

• Duchy of Bornia