Monarch of Xeblisau

The Monarch of Xeblisau is the absolute ruler of the nation of Xeblisau, and rules from the city of Chizhou. While this title is a lifetime appointment, it is not a hereditary title passed down from generation to generation. Rather, it is granted based on a vote by the seventeen great houses of Xeblisau.

Qualifications

The monarch of Xeblisau has few formal requirements, but in the history of the title has primarily been given to wealthy merchants or popular politicians. Prospective individuals generally make themselves known to the public when the previous monarch is nearing retirement or death, either through speeches and rallies, simple name recognition, or great acts of charity. In-fighting and rivalries between the great houses of Xeblisau have largely led to the picking of popular public figures with few loyalties or ties to any of the other houses.

Requirements

The requirements to be elected monarch are fairly simple, but also perhaps frustratingly vague in specifics: the individual must have been raised in Xeblisau, and must be of a species with a lifespan roughly equivalent to that of humans.

Appointment

Though the people have no formal say in the matter, public opinion has generally been an important factor to the great houses. The houses' votes are a matter of public record, and on more than one occasion the public has made their displeasure known through riots and insurrection against who they deemed a poor ruler. Within one year of the previous ruler's death or retirement, a new leader must be appointed by the great houses of the nation. All seventeen houses are granted one vote - those houses with no living members are counted as declining to vote. Votes are tallied and if any prospective leader achieves an absolute majority, they are soon crowned monarch. If no prospective leader can be found in the first vote, additional votes are required until one is agreed upon.

Grounds for Removal/Dismissal

There are no formal methods by which the great houses or public can remove their monarch from office. Nevertheless, it has happened a few times over the course of the nation's existence. Most instances involved the great houses exerting their influence to force them to abdicate the throne, and more recently the priests of Curae have wielded this power. In some cases, rioting and widespread dissatisfaction among the populace lead to a monarch's removal. One such instance occurred in 2042 EC when the monarch at the time, Highness Akihiko Suzu, attempted to prolong his life with magic. Though he was a moderately liked ruler, when the public learned of his new youthful appearance and intention to continue ruling, they were quickly worked into a state of frenzy. Many of his business holdings were burned, and his land seized by the church until he abdicated the throne. Though Suzu survived the ordeal, his businesses never recovered, and his name remains reviled.

Form of Address

Your Highness

Source of Authority

The great houses of Xeblisau

Length of Term

Lifetime

Current Holders