Qh'énnish honorifics II: Karreth (kɑʁɛθ)
Karreth is an ancient Qhélssénnish title which literally means “great ruler.” From the Qhélssénnish root for tribal headman (KRR), it was initially a title for a militarily successful leader among the tribes. As the Qhélssénns became more sedentary and petty kingdoms formed, karreth was raised to mean something equivalent to "high king," or "the king over kings." In Old Qhélssénnish times, the ideal governance was of a righteous karreth chosen from the ruling houses’ headmen paired with a yeath chosen by the mystical factions of the society in a duumvirate. It was said that the foundation of the two Qh’énnish rebellions were an attempt to restore this system. Although unprecedented, the feminine equivalent would be kàrreth /kɑ̆ʁɛθ/.
The mixing of Qh’énn and Northern Yssian created the Callessai people. With respect to both cultures, karreth became the name for all ruling emperors. The last emperor regnant was the Karreth XIV, but most of the previous bearers of the name were Qh’énnish leaders and likely many were mythic ancestral heroes.
After the dissolution of the Cāllen'ter Empire, there were no karreths. The Qh'énnish tribes declared they had no desire for one absolute ruler. They would rule more equal, and this established the baronial era. Which, contrary to the ethos espoused, had a number of absolute rulers, with each barony being a de facto autonomous kingdom. Eventually, Qh'énnish civil wars lead to the borders that remained for sometime and the eight barons of nominally equal power.
However, it is widely believed that Agschul Dermrhein instigated the Great Thtetū that he might claim the title of karreth and become the absolute ruler of the entire region of Qh'énnshaiyn.
Grounds for Removal/Dismissal
The only way a karreth leaves power is by willing abdication or death. However, in the matter of a civil conflict, the victorious leader can then assume the rank at the defeat (and/or death) of the ruling karreth. Succession by right of conquest is acceptable.
Notable Holders
The first recorded karreth was the semi-mythical Karreth I of the Qhélss (fl. circa 1800 PA). The final karreth was the Callessai emperor Karreth D'Beognong XIV (d. 109 QA).
Qh'énnshaiyn by 包德強
Type
Royalty, Hereditary
Status
The line of karreths ended with the defeat of the Callessai. Officially, the Qh'énns have no interest in reviving the rank. Unofficially, internecine conflict among the barons threatens and a high king might stave off or bring about (another) civil war.
Form of Address
Majesty; Lord Karreth
Alternative Naming
High King; Lord of Lords; Imperial Majesty
Equates to
High king; emperor; shogun.
Source of Authority
From the people, albeit divinely chosen.
Length of Term
Until abdication or death.
First Holder
Past Holders
Related Locations
Related Organizations
What a very cool article I love the history of it how you went from what originally means to it's current ideology
Thank-you Grandmaster. You honour me. I am a huge linguistics/etymology nerd, which this clearly illustrates. In a later writing, I have one character—a bully among a group of labourers—called "Karreth" by his toadies. In short order he sells them out when the politics of the region shift.