Cyrus Rex
The Cyrus Rex (feminine: Cyrus Regina) is an ancient title long held by the rulers of the Kingdom of Cyrenica. First established as a Principal role as head of a ruling council, the Cyrus Rex gradually gained increased authority, becoming autocrat of Cyrenica by the rise of the Sullan dynasty. Despite the numerous crises and near collapses of the Cyrenic state over the centuries, the title of Cyrus Rex has maintained a certain air of prestige to Cyrenic citizens cementing its continued existence even as Cyrenica continues in a reduced state.
Appointment
The Cyrus Rex is generally appointed by heredity, with the title passing down from parent to eldest child via agnatic primogeniture. It is also technically allowable for the Regnant Cyrus Rex to adopt a younger member of Cyrenica's elite to become their heir, though in practice succession by adoption has proven incredibly rare, happening twice in the history of the Regnum Cyrenica. Twice in history as well, has the Title of Cyrus Rex been usurped in a Palace Coup.
Duties
The Cyrus Rex is the protector of the Cyrenican Realm, the head of the Cult of Silus, and the peerless head of state for the Regnum Cyrenica. They must therefore be responsible for command and control of the Cyrenic armies, the maintenance of Cyrenic border defenses, keeping up law and order. They are also expected to maintain the good name of Silus, and to, within reason, spread the faith. They are expected in short, to be capable and competent rulers.
Responsibilities
On a daily basis, the Cyrus Rex is responsible for the passage of legislation, and the carrying out of its enforcement, largely through the appointment of civil servants, or the delegation of duties to the civil service. They also carry out certain religious ceremonies, especially during major traditional festivals. In reality a lot of responsibilities are delegated to other people, usually members of the civil service to carry out, with only the largest and most important tasks reserved for the Cyrus Rex.
Benefits
The Cyrus Rex is the de jure ruler of the Regnum Cyrenica, and has access to the state treasury with which to live. They also live in multiple richly appointed palaces located in each of the nine major cities that dominate Cyrenica, with the Palace at Cyrene being the most luxurious of them. The Cyrus Rex is also immune to the laws of the realm, and cannot be imprisoned.
Accoutrements & Equipment
The Cyrus Rex bears a crown, and scepter, and an ancient magical axe as their symbols of office. They also are granted the sole right to wear robes of purple which are tailored to the wearer as part of their coronation. Oftentimes, a Cyrus Rex will have commissioned for them an ornate suit of plate armor that they wear with them on campaign.
History
First created with the formation of the Regnum Cyrenica, the title of Cyrus Rex traditionally was intended as a position as first among equals of the various houses that had historically held sway in the territories that would become Cyrenica. They held presidium over a council that served, as a body, as the functional rulers of the Cyrenic State. It was during the Brother's War at the end of the Era of Forging that slowly saw the centralization of power under the office of the Cyrus Rex.
After the Brother's War, the original Alimentid Dynasty was overthrown and replaced by the Sullans who cemented the centralization of royal power, casting out the ruling council and establishing a dominate. The Sullans would have a comparatively short reign however, as the Regnum Cyrenica was battered by several repeated crises, including the Feloran Invasions, the flight of the Aarakocra, and eventually the Aarumite migrations, and another Palace Coup replaced the Sullans with the Aurelian Dynasty.
Under the reign of the Aurelians the Regnum Cyrenica was stabilized, and its reduced borders heavily fortified against further threats to the power of Cyrenica. The Aurelian Dynasty essentially strengthened and reorganized the state, decentralizing power somewhat by forming a permanent civil service, which operated independently though under the authority of the Cyrus Rex, as well as overhauling tax systems, and reintegrating some of the dwarven houses into the new government.
Cultural Significance
The cultural cache of the Cyrus Rex is significant, as it is perhaps the oldest continuously held governmental title in Galisea, as well as being the autocrat of one of the strongest states in Southern Galisea. The Cyrus Rex is often seen by Cyrenic citizens as a quasi-divine figure, a god or goddess incarnate, living among mortals. This view is not carried over to foreign states however, as the Cyrus Rex is viewed by others as simply another powerful monarch.
Type
Nobility, Hereditary
Form of Address
His/Her/Their/Your Royal Majesty
Alternative Naming
Sun King, Silusian Pontifex
Equates to
King, Grand Prince, Exarch
Source of Authority
(Nominally) Silus, Traditionally other deities
Current Holders
Related Organizations
Related Military Formations
