Vellan Dominate

The Dominate, also called Vellan Dominate and Imperial Dominate, is the absolute ruler of the Vellan Dominion. The title is thought to have originated by simply signifying one warlord as dominant over the others, but by the time to Dominion was properly organized it had taken on a rather ceremonial air. The Dominate's family are referred to as the imperial family, but the role of Dominate is not entirely akin to that of an emperor. The role is not hereditary, though the Dominate often secures the position for a favored heir long prior to their death.

Qualifications

The Dominate is selected by a council of warlords, the highest ranked members of the Dominion's society, who determine one from among them to become the Dominate. This choice is usually a foregone conculsion as failing to select the most powerful Dominate has historically resulted in a great deal of bloodshed by which the weaker choice is slain and a new choice is required. Of course, the family of the current Dominate is often in the strongest position to force the choice so for the past 5 generations the position has effectively been hereditary, even if it is technically not.

Requirements

The Dominate must be a Vellan warlord currently holding a seat on the council. This inherently means the individual in question has significant power, but more than this they must also have the respect of the other seated warlords. While a warlord could take power by force there'd be no chance to keep it for long or enact any meaningful rulership across the Dominion as they would be undermined by the other warlords who would surely ally to depose them. As such, while significan might is a requirement for the position, and some would say the only one that matters, the truth is the council is far more political than combative. Of course, it's still not terribly uncommon for blood to decorate the council chamber stone. One note of significance is the lack of any traditional gender or species requirement. The Dominate is not necessarily a man or human, though the current one is, but rather whoever has shown the strength to truly lead the Dominion to greatness.

Appointment

Once a warlord has been named Dominate there isn't a coronation in the strictest sense. Instead, there is a simple degree distributed throughout the Dominion naming the new Dominate and then a period of horrific violence should any within the Dominion rebel against the council's decision. In modern history, this hasn't been necessary, but throughout Vellan history the violence of the transition has been extensive. The last time this occurred was when the current Dominate's great, great grandmother brutally slew not just those who rebelled, but their entire families down to the youngest heirs and extended relations, burning their lands and homes to dust and scouring their legacy for Vellan history over the next several years.

Duties

The Dominate is responsible for ensuring the strength and security of the Dominion, the prosperity of its people, and the continued expansion of its borders. This is not perhaps a true measure of imperialist expansion, but more a sense that the Dominion is in a strong position. The current Dominate and his previous two forebears have focused on colonization of Aranel to project such strength to the people of the Dominion.

Benefits

The Dominate and any members of their family they choose live in the Imperial Palace in luxury and have access to not only comforts, but also the full strength and knoweldge of the Dominion. While any warlord who is able to become Dominiate is undoubtedly already powerful and prosperous, the opulence of the Imperial Palace is beyond any of them and is seen as a symbol of pride to the people of the Dominion. In some societies the visible decadence of such a leader would be resented by the people, but in Vel the people use the conspicuous consumption of the Imperial family as evidence of Vellan supremacy.

Grounds for Removal/Dismissal

A Dominate's rulership is only ended by one act. Death.

Type

Civic, Political

Form of Address

Imminence is the most prevalent, but other, general honorifics are applied as well.

Equates to

The Dominate is the absolute ruler of the entire Vellan Dominion. This makes the role similar to a king or empreror in other parts of Isesda.

Source of Authority

Military Might, Support of Council of Warlords

Length of Term

Lifetime appointment