The Doge of Carandor
The Doge of Carandor is a figure of immense power and prestige, embodying the pinnacle of earthly authority within the kingdom. Both a political leader and a living symbol of the state's unity, the Doge wields unrivaled influence over the governance of Carandor, while also basking in the opulence and exclusivity of the Doge’s District. Though the position lacks the divine mandate once claimed by the now-extinct Tystar monarchy, the Doge's station is no less revered—or feared.
The Doge of stands as the apex of mortal authority in Golgatha, reigning not by divine right but by the will of the Noble College, a council of the most powerful and influential noble houses. This unique system, though born of compromise after the fall of the Tystar monarchy, is far from perfect. It combines the splendor of monarchy with the intrigue of aristocracy, placing the Doge in a precarious position: they are both the ruler and the figurehead of a kingdom eternally balancing on the edge of noble ambition and collective rule.
Origins and Selection
The rank of Doge was established in the aftermath of a violent betrayal: the assassination of the last king, Leomund Tystar, by his four trusted lieutenants. In the chaos that followed, these lieutenants sought to stabilize Carandor through a new form of governance. The Dogal system was born, creating a leader elected every twenty years by and from the nobility. This oligarchic system shifted power away from hereditary monarchs and placed it into the hands of an elite class, allowing the nobility to control who ascends to the throne-like position of Doge. These same lieutenants also founded the four great Houses of Carandor: Vanderbilt, Médici, Borgia, and D'Este.
While technically an elected official, the Doge is far from a mere public servant. Nobles vie for the position in Dogal elections, engaging in intricate games of alliances, betrayals, and persuasion. The campaigns are as much about prestige and bloodlines as they are about political ideology. Only the wealthiest, most influential nobles with impeccable lineage can hope to claim the title, ensuring that the Doge always emerges from the uppermost echelons of society.
The Noble College and Its Influence
The Noble College, housed within the Doge’s District, plays a critical role in the Doge’s rise to power. This proto-parliament, steeped in tradition and political maneuvering, gathers to elect a new Doge whenever the office becomes vacant. The College serves as a reminder that, while the Doge holds supreme authority during their twenty-year term, their position is ultimately a gift from the aristocracy—a gift that can be as fleeting as it is coveted.
The Noble College's rule in times of crisis, however, is a subject of grim memory. The most notorious example occurred no more than 40 years ago, when the sudden death of the Doge left the kingdom leaderless. The College, fractured by petty rivalries and endless debate, spent a full decade embroiled in disputes over the next election. This period of interregnum, now known as the Decade of Discord, was marked by civil unrest, lawlessness, and economic stagnation. Without a Doge to centralize authority, factions within the nobility clashed violently, leading to countless deaths and a crippling loss of wealth and stability across Carandor. The scars of this era remain fresh in the minds of Golgatha’s citizens, a bitter reminder of the chaos that can arise when the Noble College oversteps its bounds.
Lifestyle and Symbolism
The Doge’s life is one of unparalleled luxury and isolation. Within the Doge’s District, the Doge resides in a sprawling palace surrounded by Dogal gardens, a private sculpture park, and a serene personal lake. These opulent spaces are closed to the public, reserved for the Doge, their family, and a select few nobles and invitees. The Legendary Parties Cup victors are among the only commoners ever allowed to glimpse this world of splendor, attending an annual ball in honor of their triumph.
The Doge’s appearance is meticulously crafted to project authority and grandeur. They wear a ceremonial dogal crown, an intricate piece of gold and obsidian adorned with jewels said to represent the unity of Carandor’s noble houses. Their robes are woven with threads of silver and crimson, symbolizing their role as both protector and ruler. Every detail, from their attire to their demeanor, is calculated to reinforce their status as the highest mortal authority.
The Doge’s Dual Image
The Doge is both revered and feared. To the nobility, they are a peer elevated to supremacy—a figurehead who embodies the collective will of the aristocracy. To the common folk, the Doge is a distant, almost mythical figure, their power immense but their presence rarely felt outside the bounds of the Doge’s District. For some, the Doge represents stability and prosperity; for others, they are a symbol of the entrenched inequality that defines Carandor.
Legacy and Succession
Every Doge leaves a legacy, marked by their twenty-year reign. Some are remembered as reformers, others as tyrants or visionaries. The end of a Doge's term—whether through retirement, death, or more unsavory means—ushers in a new era of intrigue and ambition as the nobility prepares for the next Dogal election.
The Doge’s power is vast but ephemeral. Though they stand at the pinnacle of Carandor’s hierarchy, their position is not guaranteed beyond their term, and they must always navigate the treacherous waters of noble politics. This precarious balance ensures that the Doge remains a compelling figure—a ruler bound by duty, ambition, and the unrelenting scrutiny of their peers.
Qualifications
Must be of nobility
Appointment
The Noble College, a form of proto-parliament, is an organization in the Noble District where the nobles congregate to elect a new Doge.
Responsibilities
As the supreme ruler of Carandor, the Doge holds dominion over every aspect of governance:
- Military Power: The Doge commands Carandor’s armies, including the elite Obsidian Brigade, and is responsible for the kingdom's defense and expansion.
- Judicial Authority: The Doge acts as the ultimate arbiter of law, overseeing legal disputes and issuing decrees that carry the weight of absolute judgment.
- Economic Control: The Doge manages the treasury, sets trade policies, and regulates the vast wealth flowing through Golgatha’s Merchant District.
- Cultural Leadership: As a patron of the arts and architecture, the Doge ensures that Golgatha remains the glittering jewel of Carandor, sponsoring grand galas, sculpture commissions, and public celebrations.
Despite this immense power, the Doge's authority is not without constraints. The nobility acts as a check on the Doge, ensuring that their interests are prioritized. However, this delicate balance of power often leads to shadowy political machinations, as nobles seek to undermine or control the Doge while maintaining the appearance of loyalty.
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