High King
"The title of 'High King' was one that rose out of the vanity of the high elves of Mélamar. Not content with their kingdoms, they expanded them through marriage and conquest. This resulted in kings claiming to be lord over multiple realms, but that wasn't enough for these kings. Their additional titles made them more prestigious, yes, but they were still 'just' kings and that was unacceptable. For centuries, these elves would perform glorious deeds and invent epithets for themselves, until one found the solution to ease their vanity, for a time. This clever elf beseeched the gods of Mélamar and obtained the right to title himself the 'High King' of his realm, thereby placing himself above his peers, at last."
Noble Titles of the Elves, by Everit Whisper
Requirements
By law of the Elven Court of Ceres, only an elf can hold the title of High King. Unlike some other laws restricting positions to those of elvish blood, there is no loophole that allows half-elves to hold the title. The three nations in Ceres that utilize the title have different laws regarding who may ascend to the throne. In Elunania, bastards may not become High King, regardless of whether or not they have been legitimized. In Ilythiir, only an adult dark elf of the House of Velfaern may become High King. In Andustara, only elves descended from one of the houses involved in the unification may take the throne.
Grounds for Removal/Dismissal
While the high kings of Elunania and Ilythiir hold the title for life and cannot be forced to abdicate, the high kings of Andustara are beholden to the Council of Princes. Should the high king of Andustara act in such a way that jeopardizes the authority of the Council or the legitimacy of the monarchy, a councilman may begin a vote to force the high king to abdicate. Should the vote succeed with three-quarters majority, the high king will be stripped of his position and the heir will be ascend to the throne.
Cultural Significance
Ilythiir and Elunania
In Ilythiir and Elunania, the title is used most closely to its Mélamarian origins, in Elunania particularly. They wield absolute power over their dominion and derive their right to rule from divine appointment. The high kings of Ilythiir are worshipped as living saints by their subjects, chosen by the gods to rule them. Andustara
In the Union of Andustara, the High King is the symbol tying the constituent kingdoms together through their oaths of fealty to the High King. Unlike Ilythiir and Elunania, the high kings of Andustara hold very little power over their realm and are supposed to leave the affairs of the union to the Council of Princes.
In Ilythiir and Elunania, the title is used most closely to its Mélamarian origins, in Elunania particularly. They wield absolute power over their dominion and derive their right to rule from divine appointment. The high kings of Ilythiir are worshipped as living saints by their subjects, chosen by the gods to rule them. Andustara
In the Union of Andustara, the High King is the symbol tying the constituent kingdoms together through their oaths of fealty to the High King. Unlike Ilythiir and Elunania, the high kings of Andustara hold very little power over their realm and are supposed to leave the affairs of the union to the Council of Princes.
Type
Nobility, Hereditary
Creation
852 AR
Form of Address
His/Her Majesty
Alternative Naming
f. High Queen
Equates to
Emperor
Source of Authority
Divine
Length of Term
Life
Current Holders
Related Organizations
Comments