The Champion of the Monarch
The Champion of the Monarch is a title that is conferred upon a person who is held in the highest of the Monarch of Mithambe's trust. In essence, they are the representative of the Monarch's will, and the foremost public enforcer of the Monarch's royal authority over the realm.
Often the closest friend of the Monarch, the Champion is never seen far from their liege's side. It is often envisioned that wherever the Monarch stands, the Champion is never more than three paces away. The stories of their loyalty and unyielding determination to fulfill their liege's will is considered the parts of legends that are proclaimed by storytellers and schoolyard children throughout the Kingdom and well beyond it.
The person who bears the title of the Champion is considered blessed by the common man, being allowed to bathe in the luxury of the Throne; they are also considered cursed by the various nobles that exist throughout the Kingdom, as they shoulder the largest load of the Monarch's vision and purpose. Nevertheless, the Champion is the Monarch's most trusted and capable agent, and each Champion leaves their own unique mark in the history of the Kingdom, if not in the world record of Vinesia itself.
Qualifications
Because of the intimacy of the position, there is no formal set of qualifications that are mandated for the Champion of the Monarch to possess. The Monarch of Mithambe is free to select any individual who they view is capable of performing the duties and responsibilities of the position.
Requirements
There are no formal requirements on who is eligible to be selected as the Champion of the Monarch.
Appointment
The only person who can confer this rank is the Monarch themselves.
When the title of Champion is conferred, the incoming Champion will be presented to the entirety of the Royal Court for all to bear witness. As the rite of the Champion is recited, the Monarch will bless the Champion with their Crozier, and the Champion will then stand, assuming their position to the right of the Monarch.
Duties
As the First of the Retainers, the Champion is not only the Monarch's confidant, but is also the formal leader of the Retainers. Thus, it is the Champion's duty to ensure that the Retainers are taken care of, including lending a supportive ear, and arranging for necessities as required for a Retainer to be kept at optimum performance levels.
As required, the Champion is also present during the interview of promising candidates for a position within the Royal Court, and is one of the assessors of loyalty within the applicant. They may also be present during the interrogation of persons of interest to the Throne, and will relay expedient findings and their opinion of the proceedings to the Monarch.
Responsibilities
The Champion of the Monarch has specific responsibilities, which include:
- Being one of the escorts of the Royal party;
- Securing meeting rooms and public spaces, with the assistance of the Talons;
- Coordinating the Retainers of the Crown and ensuring their activities do not come in conflict with the Monarch's will.
Benefits
As the First of the Retainers of the Throne, the Champion is seen as the third most powerful person in all of Mithambe. Thus, their political sway is significant, as they are considered trusted holders of the Monarch's will and confidant.
With this level of authority, the Champion of the Monarch is also entrusted with the Monarch's Seal, and is an authorized signing officer of the Throne. Their Crest is also ensorcelled that all official Mithambian wards will permit its bearer access, and that they may requisition assistance from any Mithambian citizen or government personnel as their needs dictate.
The compensation of a Champion is significant, and is paid for, even if a Champion is to be retired. In addition, the spouse and children of a Champion are entitled to royal opportunities and grants, in addition to being provided some of the best resources within the rest of the Kingdom.
Accoutrements & Equipment
The Champion of the Monarch is provided with the following:
- Black robes with golden trim, to be worn in official Royal Court business within the Castle;
- The Crest of the Champion, which is a public identifier of their office and doubles as an absolute ward bypass;
- A silk purple stole with golden trim, which may be worn as the Champion sees fit;
- The Seal of the Throne, which is worn as a ring and is custom-made to the Champion's fingers.
Grounds for Removal/Dismissal
It is exceptionally rare for a Champion to be dismissed, typically because a Champion is perhaps the most intimate and loyal bond that the Monarch can make with a person who is not their spouse, and that if a Monarch is killed in action, the Champion is also expected to die in defense of their liege.
In the event of treason, the charge and dismissal may be handled immediately by the Monarch, and the treasonous Champion will be swiftly and brutally executed by the Talons. A new Champion will be selected from the remaining members of the Crown Retainers, and their position will be filled by a suitable candidate whose loyalty will be absolute. Any connections that the treasonous ex-Champion may have possessed will be interrogated, and those who are found guilty will also be brought to swift and bloody justice.
Should a Monarch pass from old age or disease, the Champion (in addition to the rest of the Crown Retainers) will be honorably dismissed, or may be re-instated by the incoming Monarch.
Type
Nobility, Non-hereditary
Status
Active
Creation
The formal creation of the Champion is covered in the New Mithambian Constitution, 1807.
Form of Address
Champion
Alternative Naming
The First Retainer
Source of Authority
The Champion's authority is vested in them by the Monarch of Mithambe.
Length of Term
A Champion will serve until their death, or the death of the Monarch.
Current Holders
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