Qel'tath
The major noble houses that are now part of the Sh'areen Calipahte are in control of regions of the nation. Each such house has by royal decree one individual that is solely and ultimately responsible for the house and its domain. Qel'tath is the title of such a person.
The title dates back before the full expanse of the Caliphate, however. Most of the really ancient houses used the name for the head of the family long before then. It stems from an ancient Sha'ree word simply meaning decorated or dressed - referring to the ritual garb of artefacts that came with the position. With time the word grew to refer to this specific function and as the Caliphate expanded and conquered the areas previously controlled by these families, the title settled into its current meaning.
Appointment
Houses have the right to choose their Qel'tath in whichever way they choose. In almost all cases, it is a hereditary title in one form or another, but the exact rules vary. Typically, houses have a ritual to connect the holder to the wellbeing of the house through magic. But how this is achieved and what it means differs.
Responsibilities
From the perspective of the Caliph, the Qel'tath functions as both the person to talk to rather than having to figure each individual house out and as the single person held responsible if something goes wrong or to reward if things go well. As far as the central government is concerned, the Qel'tath is the house.
From the perspective of the house and its domains, the Qel'tah is the one ultimately responsible for coordinating its efforts. For most houses, the Qel'tath holds a lot of power, if nothing else because they know the head of the family's relationship to the central government. the Qel'tath usually acts as the highest judge, the leader of any internal military forces, chief diplomat, and much more.
Grounds for Removal/Dismissal
Every house has rules for when a Qel'tath steps down. There is often a retirement age, but sometimes it relies on the leader themselves to step down or for a challenger to take them on. In most cases, the position is held for life unless some other condition is met. There are no examples of terms shorter than a decade.
Type
Nobility, Hereditary
Alternative Naming
High Lord/High Lady
Current Holders
Reports directly to
Related Organizations
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