Archon (ahr-kon)
Archons or Praetorians, as they were formerly called, are considered the most powerful magic users in all of Alluvia. They are given a position of power within Excelsior and are the leaders of the The Ivory Assembly.
Known to be one of the most revered and respected members of the Concord, archons themselves helm the progress of arcane development and technological advancements. It is one of the highest honors one can receive in the field of magic. They are considered the leaders of the city of Excelsior and are largely involved in the political structures of The Concord.
Qualifications
Archons are usually appointed to areas of expertise, most concerning research into the arcane arts. How an archon is appointed depends on the needs of the Concord, as archons helm different departments regarding their expertise. (e.g., department of Education, department of technological innovation) The qualifications of being an archon are stringent and are as follows:
- Proficiency in the field of expertise: The candidate must be the most proficient member of their field. Anything less will not be accepted.
- Alluvion graduate: The candidate must finish eight years minimum of study in Alluvion, the school for the arcane arts.
- Alluvion professor: Must have at least six years of tenure in Alluvion Academy.
- Contribution to Excelsior: The candidate must present valid and sufficient portfolios and achievements about their field to be able to qualify for the title of archon
- Peer-reviewed: A candidate's track record must be extensively scrutinized before coming into office. The candidate must have sufficient scholarly credibility as well as the respect of the majority of their peers.
Requirements
The requirements for an archon do not discriminate when it comes to the physical aspects of the candidate but largely scrutinize their ability to lead their field of expertise. Archonship is not a title that is given; it is earned - even mages of the highest caliber can merely hope to be chosen as a candidate. An archon represents the best of the best.
Appointment
There are two ways a candidate can be appointed to this rank:
- Appointment by Concord monarchs: The ruling monarchs of The Concord must unanimously agree to appoint the candidate. They are first decided by a board of trustees consisting of their peers and the current archons of the Ivory Assembly; before they are presented as candidates for the monarchs to choose. If the board cannot choose a candidate, then the monarchs cannot appoint an archon. The candidate must receive a seal of approval from the Excelsior board first.
- Appointment by an archon: In such cases where an appointment is direly needed, the current leading archon shall present a candidate of their choosing to become the next in line for a position. This is a rare case, however and is only done in times of dire importance such as war or crises like the unprecedented death or expulsion of an archon. This must be first approved by a majority of the Ivory Assembly and the monarchs of The Concord
Duties
An archon is mired with many duties and responsibilities as they are the cornerstone and figurehead of the arcane community of the Concord. The duties of an archon are as follows but are not limited to:
- Counseling: The archons swear allegiance to the ruling monarchs of the Concord's four kingdoms. And with that, they provide their unequivocal counsel in matters they can provide aid with (mostly arcane).
- Progress: Archons constantly strive to better their department's expertise and spearhead the progression of their mission and vision, whether it'd be research into a particular field of study, creation of new technological advancements with the aid of magic, or teaching new magic users how to use their gifts properly.
- Combat: When called to, archons are ready to defend the Concord with their life. Though usually used as a last line of defense, archons are powerful mages that have achieved the highest possible arcane attainment in all of Alluvia. They are a force to be reckoned with.
Responsibilities
Archons hold quite an executive position from within the hierarchy of Excelsior. Their responsibilities are mainly doling out policies and taking care of the overall health of their departments. As well as acting as counsel and advisors to the ruling monarchs. They have quite a macro perspective in their responsibilities, usually giving out ordinances and making sure that the greater vision of their goal is properly executed under the chain of command.
Benefits
Archons are compensated quite well for their efforts. They are given a minor noble title and their plot of land from within Genevan borders; however, most archons tend to keep to their research instead of dabbling in petty politics. Archons have access to the largest repository of confidential information in the realm and therefore are the most knowledgeable about well-kept secrets not known by the rest of the world. They are given access to travel to every kingdom within the Concord, have no need to pay for the use of government-owned establishments, and generally are well received within Concord borders.
Accoutrements & Equipment
There are no specific accouterments or trinkets associated with being an archon. However, they are easily noticeable due to lower members' uniform dress code being distinct from their own attires. Their unique clothing makes them stick out from the rest of the crowd.
Grounds for Removal/Dismissal
An archon that is found to have committed the acts that follow will be removed from their position posthaste:
- Treason: Archons that have conspired against any of the sovereign states will be removed from their position and will be executed immediately.
- Violation of the Ethos: Archons who have been found to have violated the moral code of the Ethos set to ensure that the delicate balance of the natural forces are preserved will be immediately stripped of their title and turned Tranquil.
History
The archons, or praetorians as they were called during their first formation in the 4th Age of Mortals, were instrumental in the propagation of arcane arts as a study.
Praetorians
Before the founding of Excelsior, the archons used to be a group of scholarly researchers named the Praetorians. While the newly forming civilizations would use the arcane as a weapon to subjugate their enemies, the Praetorians would study the intricacies of the art form. One could say that the Praetorians were the archons' predecessors in that light. Excelsior was merely a group during those times, a stark contrast to the autonomous city-state it is at present. Due to the members being predominantly human, they were allowed and invited to join Prophet Zelderon's civilization as researchers into the arcane. Seeing as they were threatened with execution if they refused, they obliged.
While working for the Luxemtraeger, they collaborated with Gareth Syngar, the order's chief epistemological expert at the time and who would later become one of the three pillars of Geneva. The Praetorians were given a post and privileges within Luxemtraeger's society. One such notable Praetorian was Etrioch Pavus, who demonstrated much potential. He was a first-generation student of the Praetorians' founder, Veneficus, and is most known to be one of the founding members of Excelsior.
After the fall of Zelderon's empire, Pavus advised Gareth, the Wise, to form an academic society dedicated to understanding the natural world and its intricacies. Gareth agreed and asked Pavus to aid him in assembling individuals in charge of helming such an ambitious task. And the academic, autonomous state of Excelsior was formed.
Historical Relevance
The historical relevance of the archons is closely tied to the events that unfolded during Geneva's formation and the signing of the Unified Concordance Treaty. Archons were first known to be researchers; only two members of the original assembly were known to be users of the arcane. Their first and foremost goal was the proliferation of reason, truth, and scientific evidence. As the arcane was part of the natural order - it was inevitably the subject of their craft as well. As Excelsior was formed, however, the world changed alongside them, and new mortals found themselves possessing magic. This event was known to be the Arcane Convergence, where an increased rate of people have been reported to be able to wield the arcane at an alarming rate.
Type
Magical, Honorific
Status
Active
Form of Address
His/Her Eminence
Alternative Naming
Praetorian (retired)
Source of Authority
The monarchs of the Concord
Length of Term
Indefinite until the title is revoked by way of veto
First Holder
Current Holders
Past Holders
Reports directly to
Related Locations
Related Organizations
Comments