Duke Eccentric

"It's like a scapegoat, except instead of barnyard animals being sacrificed to appease the Ancient Ones it's a magician being offered up to court. So, same difference."

— A mentor warning his protege

Much like the First Sorceress or the Lady of Bones, the Duke Eccentric is a title within Maraphel traditionally given to a mage of some sort. Like the First Sorceress, there has occasionally been a Duchess Eccentric, but a duke is far more common.
This world contains many magic users who are profoundly bad at their jobs. Maraphel, as the country most thoroughly steeped in magic, has a lot more than average. Since they also have a fairly detailed class system, with a role for every person that has requirements to be fulfilled, there must needs be a role that accounts for those individuals who are both powerful in magic and sources of utter catastrophe.
Thus, the Duke Eccentric.

Qualifications

To be considered for this position, the candidate must have achieved a certain amount of education in the field of magic. This amount varies from generation to generation, but is generally considered to be a large portion of the qualifications. They must be a citizen of Maraphel. Interestingly, they don't have to be any kind of supporter of the current monarch and could have even committed treason of some kind in the past.
Beyond this, they must have achieved a certain level of notoriety. If they haven't caused at least three public disasters, they wouldn't even be considered. More is better, to show a consistent pattern of behavior, but it's not a formal list so that younger people who haven't had the chance to really cause chaos can also be considered.

Requirements

First, the old title holder must have either decisively retired or else died. The latter option is more common, but there are a few who leave the post out of embarrassment.
It is the First Sorceress who oversees the process. Whatever other requirements might be listed, the title of Duke Eccentric ultimately comes down to her opinion. Some sorceresses are more even handed about their choices than others. The king or queen does have veto power if they feel that the individual in question leans too far toward whatever moral leaning opposes the current status quo (see Good and Evil).
Since the process is so subjective, the following list should be considered more of a point of inspiration than a sequence to be followed exactly.

• Blew up some large structure
• Has accidentally disrobed themselves or others in public through the use of magic
• Summoned demons when attempting some other spell
• Opened a portal to some dark world and required someone else to close it
• Flooded their own office
• Transformed themselves into an animal and became incapable of turning themselves back
• Created a cursed object while attempting something innocuous
• Created an illness they were unable to contain
• At least one assistant has quit
• Friends would recommend them for this specific role in society
• Teachers deny ever having trained this individual despite their names being on official documents

There is one final point that is a must. The person must be willing to perform the duties of the Duke Eccentric, and whatever their past, to act for the good of Maraphel.

Appointment

Once the First Sorceress has narrowed down her choices to 3-5 candidates, a competition is held. Usually only 2-3 actually show up to compete due to extenuating circumstances. The qualities of the competition vary. When it is complete, the Duke Eccentric is titled at once in an elaborate ceremony, whether or not they are conscious.

Duties

They are meant to oversee the estate and lands of Fairwiffle, and there is usually a court-appointed assistant to make sure that it doesn't turn to complete insanity.
Otherwise, the duke is the one sent to deal with others of their ilk: the chaos-causers of the magical world. It is their responsibility to stop these individuals, to aid them in fixing their mistakes, and if necessary to take the blame for their actions. It is as much a community service sentence as it is an honor.

Benefits

They are rendered immune from prosecution related to their magic, as long as they don't bring about a true cataclysm. This can be quite valuable, considering the number of accidents that usually surround a duke just to be considered for the role.

Type

Magical, Honorific

Status

In full use in the present day

Form of Address

His Excellency

Alternative Naming

His Royal Magical Patsy

Source of Authority

The King/Queen, the First Sorceress, and assorted mages

Length of Term

Life

Reports directly to

First Sorceress

Related Locations

• Fairwiffle