Empress (or Emperor, but never again) of Valerick
The Throne of Roses, or the Throne of Thorns as it is also known, is reserved for her holiness, the appointed Empress. At one point it was possible for there to be an Emperor and perhaps their could be, however every time a male has ascended to this position, so far as the histories suggest, the continent has been plunged into chaos and Madness. Valerick has had enough of mad rulers and mad kings. So now enshrined in the halls of all the temples and priesthoods, along with the legal codes of the continent, the doctrine and rule that only a woman of correct lineage, be that Fiorabrynd, Tallium or Valara, the three most revered and loved ruling families in the histories of Valerick, may hold such a position. Currently it is held by Cyndra Fiorabrynd the II, and no known direct descendants of the Tallium or Valara family lineages exist.
Qualifications
Her family lineage is the most important qualification, though her impressive education and intellect, as well as skill at arms and tactics, help.
Requirements
Proper Governance, be female, be pious, be of the Fiorabrynd, Tallium, or Valara families
Appointment
There is normally a coronation ceremony of sorts, though in Cyndra's case not so much. She took the throne by removing the mad Emperor Oberyn's head.
Duties
Be a spiritual and legislative figurehead to keep her many peoples unified within their squabbles. To govern her city of Nightvale well and fairly, to use her power to aid in protecting the interest of all Valarians.
Responsibilities
Governance of an entire continent. Laws, legislation, complex tax and trade rules and controls, amongst all other things one can imagine.
Benefits
She is top of the pile. Can literally go no higher. With all the power, money, wealth, material, respect and political weight which accompanies that fact.
Accoutrements & Equipment
The Throne of course, is distinct, as is her armor and weapon though those are not badges of her title. No her crown is. A golden and silver affair, with many precious stones and minerals set in its prongs. Indeed there are exactly 25, each representing one of the nine nation states, one of the nine Ascended Champion's clergies and seven slivers of true manna crystal, alive and shimmering, clearly able to be drawn upon for magick, representing each of the seven Schools of the Collegiate. Unity's Crown it is called, and is seen as a priceless item, an item truly beyond any sort of monetary measurement of value
Grounds for Removal/Dismissal
As Cyndra herself showed one can remove the person whom sits on the Throne of Roses, however to do such would require a coup or uprising, and generally you would need to kill them to secure your claim. One can also step down so long as there is an heir (at least 14 years of age) available to take the throne and the Valarian Council of Crowns approves such a transfer of power.
History
Many of course have been lost or are struggling to be redefined and properly understood. So much was lost in the Sundering and the centuries of Darkness thereafter. In more recent times however the Siege of Kelethan but a year ago was an important and defining moment for the current Empress.
Cultural Significance
She is seen as the ordained and divine protectorate, ruler, spiritual guide and power of Valerick. This is most strongly true culturally in Nightvale of course, but it is voiced if not always entirely honestly even in the far reaches of the continent, for to believe or speak to openly is dangerous. After all one never knows who may be friends with a Crusader and have loose lips. And the Crusaders take as kindly to criticism of their 'Most Holy Empress' about as well as Witch-Hunter's take to Void-Worshippers, or the Exemplaris take to the Children of Madness, that is to say, poorly. The Crusaders are an....overzealous....bunch regardless of which cloth and clergy they are cut from. As such most folks speak carefully in all but the most trusted company when talking of such affairs, if and when they talk of such matters at all. Most do not, as most regular citizens outside Nightvale care far more about their regional policies, politics and laws, caring and learning far less about such far flung matters. This is of course contrary to the truth and understanding that those far flung matters do have a direct, and sometimes quite major, impact upon their lives.
Status
Totally Active
Creation
The truth of this like much of history, is a muddled and unknown mess now after the Sundering
Form of Address
Empress, My liege, Your Eminence (She despises most of these and those whom interact with her regularly soon enough learn that in the eyes and sight of the people, fine. But in private, just use my name)
Alternative Naming
In private, those she knows well, or closely, dispense with formalities, as oft do her soldiers on campaign. She is not a noble, though of noble blood, and despises the pompous nuance. If Cyndra was good enough for my mother its good enough for this post
Equates to
Supreme Ruler
Source of Authority
The Clergies, her heritage, her people, the throne itself of course, and most do believe some divine providence as well
Length of Term
Life
Current Holders
Related Locations
Related Organizations
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