Archon

Uzhul appoints Archons to rule over each province of his world spanning Iron Empire. Archons hold immense power and authority, including power over life and death over any of their subjects. However, they serve at the will of the Destroyer, and should they displease him, they are replaced by someone more fitting.

Appointment

Uzhul himself arrives at the province to appoint an Archon. The old Archon, if still alive, kneels before the God Emperor in obedience, to be slain or reassigned. Then the newly appointed Archon kneels before the God Emperor to swear an oath of servitude. A sacrifice -- either the former Archon or a prison/offering -- is slain, and Uzhul anoints the new Archon in their blood before bequeathing on them a Bloodiron Circlet as a sign of office. The new Archon leads all their armies in a ceremonial salute: HAIL UZHUL. HAIL UZHUL. HAIL UZHUL.

Duties

The Archon is an envoy of the Iron-Throned God himself. They are obligated to obey the will of Uzhul, enforce the laws of the Amanu, defend the empire against its enemies, and expand it to bring the enemies of order to heel. An archon who fails to enforce the laws of the Amanu or expand their empire is subject to replacement.
Functionally, the Archon is head of state and supreme commander of a province and its armed forces.

Benefits

Loyalty and obedience from armed forces, access to powerful magical weaponry, resources upon their whim and demand (so long as their demands do not contradict the laws or weaken the empire). Archons live lives of extravagance.

Accoutrements & Equipment

While every Archon customizes their own equipment, all of them wear a Bloodiron Circlet as a sign of office. This accursed crown grants them protection, but its whispered that Uzhul can hear traitorous thoughts of anyone wearing a circlet, and reach out through it to crush or incinerate them.

Grounds for Removal/Dismissal

According to the laws of the Amanu, any Archon who disobeys the laws, fails to uphold the laws, fails in their duties as Archon, becomes unfit for office or "no longer fulfills the will of the God Emperor" can be replaced. In the case of true abject failure, this usually takes the form of a blood sacrifice.

Type

Royalty, Military

Form of Address

Lord Archon

Source of Authority

Appointed by Uzhul, God Emperor of the Empire

Length of Term

Life

Reports directly to

God Emperor

Related Organizations

• The Iron Empire