Tyrant of Carafon

The Tyrant is the supreme secular ruler of Carafon, who claims to have divine authority from the gods. He is chosen by a council of priests within the Church of Hidden Radiance, known as the Radiant Council who are also the heads of various religious orders that control different aspects of life in the city. The Radiant Council only ever select from a short list of male candidates on the death of the previous Tyrant. For as long as he lives, the Tyrant has absolute power over all secular matters of law, justice, war and peace, excepting only certain aspects of the political structures of the Church from which he is excluded by long tradition. In religious matters he must defer to the Focus of Light, who leads the Church and the Radiant Council.
The Tyrant appoints a number of governors to oversee different districts and sectors of the city, such as mining, agriculture, trade and defense. The governors are loyal to the Tyrant and report to him regularly.

Qualifications

Tyrants are appointed from the ranks of the Radiant Council. The role is not hereditory and the leaders of the Church of Hidden Radiance ultimately decide who will assume secular command of the city when the previous tyrant dies or is incapacitated. However, whilst in office, the tyrant has a great deal of power over the day to day running of the city and does not need to consult the church. This means that the members of the Radiant Council are careful of the person they will choose and to be chosen by them requires a lot of skilful political manoevering at the critical time.

Benefits

The Tyrant has the right to live with his family in the Tyrant's Palace, the most desirable dwelling in the Cavern City of Carafon, with exclusive access to the open hill top. A retinue of guards are available for his personal security.
In addition, the Tyrant has the right to a quarter of all the wealth extracted in the mines. The Church of Hidden Radiance, claims another quarter and the remaining half passes into the hands of the aristocratic Lords of the Lode who are responsible for organising the mining gangs.
Agents and spies of the Tyrant and the Church in the lower levels of the city, help to ensure that they get their alloted share, watching out for skimming at all levels from the Lords of the Lode downwards.
Although every Tyrant needs to use part of the mining tythe in the upkeep of the city and to pay his soldiers, given that he also extracts taxes from the trade in thyme and spice, the incumbent gains a great deal of personal wealth from fulfilling the role.

Carafon - Tyrant's Treasury - Silver and Sapphires by DMFW with Midjourney

Carafon - Tyrant's Treasury - Gold and Rubies by DMFW with Midjourney

Accoutrements & Equipment

The Tyrant is the only member of the Church of Hidden Radiance who can hold the Tyrant's Sceptre, a rod of office made from solid Carafon silver.

Form of Address

His Radiance

Length of Term

Lifetime

Related Locations

• Cavern City of Carafon

Related Organizations

• The Church of Hidden Radiance