Charter for the Highest Defender
The first act of government after the official recreation of the Office of Kingship. After the supposed destruction of Archan by Rhaegos Geldmen in the Last Light, the surviving nobles were unable to co-operate- their shared aim of defending the realm and defeating a common enemy was now gone, and without the role of military commander, there was no senior authority to which decisions could be deferred. Without the need to commit any resources to the war effort, nobles soon developed personal guards to enforce their own desires, such as taking over important work centres or demanding priority in council or court. The lack of authority led to chaos within Ironsgate, with soldiers irritating and angering the settled inhabitants; even some noble families, like the Ap Fairs and Mouvants, tried to seize control through unsuccessful coups. Records suggest that Lord Rickard was almost persuaded by his tenants to force the rest of the Coalition out, regardless of what might happen to them. Fearing this, many of the oldest families decided that an ultimate decision maker was needed, someone who could be advised and informed but also supersede the personal, petty interests of the noble ranks. It would take more than a year to decide who, with several personal affronts exchanged, but ultimately Ulric Geldmen, son of Tyvon Geldmen and brother to Rhaegos, leader of the Vanguard in the Last Light, was chosen- partly due to his recognisability, partly due to his record of decisive and intelligent leadership, but largely due to the neutrality of his family history, the Geldmens arising from an independent stock instead of a vassal to any surviving family. Thus, a year and 4 months after the decisive battle, the Council of Survivors signed the Charter, recognising Ulric's authority in civil and military matters, so long as his conduct was not contrary to the will of the common good or the dictations of the 9 Titans. The document has been revised over the years, either in favour of the nobility to accuse a king of tyranny, or in the name of the king by pointing out their assured authority only secondary to the Gods. However, its basic principles still inform the government of the Goldman family to the modern day.
Purpose
to establish the office of King, with all its powers and authority but also its limitations.
Type
Decree, Governmental
Medium
Paper
Authoring Date
501 AC
Location
Signatories (Characters)
Signatories (Organizations)
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