Shield of the City
The title of Shield is given to the respective leaders of the Free Cities that are scattered across the lands between the High Reaches and Holafiel.
Qualifications
Any contender to the post of Shield will need to have a good record as a military officer, either in a recognised mercenary outfit or adventuring guild, or preferably in the City Guard. They will also need to demonstrate a good grasp of politics and diplomacy along with a willingness to work for the good of their City.
Appointment
How a Shield is appointment mostly depends on the laws of the Free City they will be charged to lead. For example, Eaglehaven's Shield is usually appointed by the High Council and there are laws in place to prevent an heir from being named to inherit the seat. In stark contrast, the Shield for Sidly is a hereditary title and has been held by the Savalon family.
Responsibilities
The Shield is the head of a Free City. They hold the military and judicial powers in the city. As such, they can award knighthoods and have control over the city's armed forces (usually the City Guard and any contracted forces from mercenary or adventuring powers). They assign judges to keep the laws and have the right to head a tribunal if they so choose. Although they do not technically have legislative powers, they usually have the right to summon the High Council with just a day's notice and they can veto a law if they feel it would harm the citizen. They are also the diplomatic figurehead of their city and will be in charge of diplomatic relations.
History
The Conclave met for the first time on the first day of 1730. It is during that meeting that the title of Shield was created. this was a way to both ensure each's cities freedom and make sure they would still be able to work together against the Blanchard Dynasty as they workd to keep their new acquired freedom.
Type
Civic, Political
Form of Address
Lord
Length of Term
Life or until retirement
Current Holders
Related Locations
Related Organizations
Comments