Saint Emperor

The title of Saint Emperor in Outremer is a symbol of divine authority and the embodiment of holy virtue. Known formally as "His Divine Holiness, Most Supreme Esteemed Lord of All That is Good," the Saint Emperor is both a political and spiritual leader, ruling with the combined powers of sainthood and the sacred mandate of Solomon - God of Life. This title not only grants absolute authority over the land but also bestows immense respect and reverence, as the Saint Emperor is seen as Solomon’s chosen champion tasked with enforcing divine justice and purging the world of evil.

Throughout the history of Outremer, the title has evolved, reflecting the structure of its government. During the early days of the Empire of Outremer, the title was Saint Emperor, a designation reserved for the emperor. During its years as a kingdom, the title was changed to Saint King, and in the current Holy Order of Outremer, the equivalent title is Grandmaster. Though the names have changed, the position's supreme authority and divine responsibilities have remained consistent.

The First Saint Emperor: Norman the Lionheart

The first Saint Emperor was Norman "The Lionheart" de Normandie, the legendary founder of Outremer. He set the precedent for what it means to hold this title, embodying the principles of courage, faith, and divine justice. Norman's reign solidified the connection between sainthood and rulership in Outremer, establishing the tradition that the leader of Outremer is not merely a political figure but also a living saint chosen by Solomon.

Requirements for Becoming Saint Emperor

To ascend to the title of Saint Emperor (or its equivalent in other eras, such as Saint King or Grandmaster), a candidate must meet several key requirements:
Noble Bloodline: The candidate must belong to one of the three Great Houses of Outremer:

• House de Normandie (founded by Norman the Lionheart)
• House Robertine (founded by Robert the Strong)
• House Ginemiéres (founded by Saint Louis the Pious and Elesis the Saint)

These houses were founded by the great heroes of Outremer’s early history, and only members of these noble lines are eligible to ascend to the highest position of power.


Sainthood: The candidate must have been granted sainthood by drinking from the Sacred Pool. The Sacred Pool imbues those who drink from it with holy powers, making them saints, which is a crucial step in legitimizing their claim to rule.


High Rank in Society: Finally, the candidate must already hold a position of high rank within the Outremer hierarchy, signifying their status as a leader and a person of influence before being considered for the title of Saint Emperor.

The Elective Nature of the Title

While the title of Saint Emperor is officially elective, in practice it often remains within a single bloodline for generations, particularly that of House de Normandie. This has led to a tradition where the title is often passed down hereditarily from father to son or chosen successor. However, should no clear successor emerge, the title can be decided by the great lords and clergy of Outremer, who hold the authority to elect a new Saint Emperor.

The Divine Role of the Saint Emperor

The Saint Emperor is more than just a ruler—they are seen as the living embodiment of Solomon’s will on earth. They lead crusades, oversee the spiritual well-being of the people, and ensure that Outremer remains a bastion of virtue, honor, and holy justice. Their absolute authority extends over all aspects of governance and religion, making them not only the head of state but also the supreme moral authority.