The Draconic High Lord is the position held by one of the Lords of the Dragon Clans. This position serves an administrative oversight role in the affairs of the Dragon Clans, with the High Lord having a significant sway in decisions made by the Interclan Council. Historically, the role of High Lord was bestowed upon the leader of whichever clan held the most territory and would last for life, however this process has since changed to a single ten-year term, with the role then being passed between clans based upon a consistent schedule. This has greatly simplified the process, as the clans no longer have to deal with the myriad of border disputes that would occur following the death of a High Lord.
Duties
The duties of the High Lord can best be divided into peacetime and wartime responsibilities. During wartime, the High Lord gains a significantly larger degree of power than they have in peacetime, though even these powers are limited.
Peacetime
During times of peace, the High Lord primarily acts as a mediator in matters before the Interclan Council. The High Lord lacks the direct ability to vote on matters before the Council, however they can break ties. This lack of a direct vote is designed to encourage communication between the High Lord and the other Clan Lords, which serves as a filter for the High Lord's individual opinions and beliefs. Outside of votes, the High Lord is also responsible for overseeing and responding to matters that involve the unified Dragon Clans. This is primarily done through the use of ambassadors, though occasionally matters will require the deployment of military resources. In these instances, the High Lord requires approval from at least two-thirds of the Interclan Council to begin the initial deployment, but once this approval is granted, the High Lord is given sole authority on how military assets should be used. Should the Council deem the deployment to be no longer necessary, the Council can vote to withdraw their approval by the same margin.
Wartime
During times of war, the powers of the High Lord expand significantly. In order for wartime powers to be allocated to the High Lord, either the Interclan Council must unanimously approve a declaration of wartime authority, or a foreign power must have directly attacked Dragon Clan territory. When wartime authority has been granted, the High Lord becomes sole arbiter over all matters that come before the Council. While the Council does retain some ability to override the High Lord, it requires a unanimous vote by all other Clan Lords to do so.
