Second King of Phelin
Qualifications
The Second King of Phelin is chosen by the future Grand King of Phelin. In most cases he is a sorcerer, military leader or strategist, or someone skilled in politics. At other times he is simply someone the Grand King trusts already as a close friend or lover. While it is ideal that he have a background seen as beneficial by the court, the ultimate decision on who will be the Second King falls to the Grand King.
Requirements
The Second King must formally marry the Grand King and both Queens in a ceremony held at the capital city of Ryal. However, he is not permitted to father any children with either Queen, or he will be punished by the court for possibly creating conflict for the throne. That punishment usually involves castration. In order to prevent this, he is required to drink an herbal tea that causes temporary infertility.
Appointment
The Second King is crowned in the same ceremony that crowns the Grand King and Queens following the death of the previous Grand King.
Responsibilities
The Second King serves as the Grand King's spymaster, receiving and dealing with reports from spies throughout the country in times of war and peace. During peace the position serves to ensure any threats are uncovered and dealt with quickly. If the Second King is a sorcerer, he will often also serve as the court sorcerer for the Grand King. He is also the Grand King's closest advisor and confidant.
Benefits
The Second King's family are named as nobles following his marriage to the Grand King or future Grand King, which often includes a gift of land with the title. This title is retained by the family in future generations.
Accoutrements & Equipment
Inside the castle at Ryal, the Second King has a throne and crown of gold, only slightly smaller than the Grand King's. Outside the castle, when needed, he wears a cord of gold and blue that is draped from his right shoulder to left hip.
Grounds for Removal/Dismissal
The Second King can only be removed by the Grand King, or by death. While the court may punish him for serious offenses, such as fathering a child, only the Grand King can remove his title. This has never occurred.
History
The position of Second King was created when Grand King Caolan wished to marry his lover and general, Kian, after removing the Overlord of Berk from Phelin. Caolan had been convinced by his mentor, Ardan of Ryal, that fathering a legitimate heir was the only way to show appreciation to the army that had assisted him in overthrowing the foreign occupiers. Still unwilling to lose Kian, Caolan established the Phelinian Royal Marriage custom that endured even after his reign ended.
Cultural Significance
The marriage between the Grand King, Second King, and Queens, has allowed for greater acceptance of same-sex and multiple-partner relationships throughout Phelin since its creation. How others outside Phelin view it varies by the culture, but it has helped with acceptance in many circumstances.
Notable Holders
Second King Kian (b. 331 - d. 399)
Second King Kemen (b. 352 - d. 430)
Second King Arion (b. 400 - d. 461)
Second King Arion is the only one to be castrated for fathering a child with one of the Queens.
Second King Perrin (b. 424 - d. 501)
Second King Kedar (b. 455 - d. 510)
Second King Dirk (b. 495 - d. 536)
Second King Dirk is the only one to act as regent for an underage heir for any length of time, assisting Pontus with his rule until he was of age to be coronated himself.
Second King Binh (b. 515 - d. 560)
Second King Shelton (b. 534 -)
Second King Coulta (b. 559 -)
