Autarch (Title)
Literally meaning "Self-Ruler", the Autarch is the title bestowed on the absolute ruler and highest religious arbiter of the Khazigiri Empire. The Autarch is a title passed by family inheritance with the blessing of the five Heirodules, who are the highest non-ruler religious figures in the Empire. Normally this blessing is assumed and unquestioned, but historically there has been some conflict between the roles over the twelve thousand year history of the Empire.
Qualifications
The Autarch is the title inherited through the firstborn child of the previous Autarch upon his or her death, resignation or abdication, with the approval at majority (16 years of age) of all five Heirodules. The Heirodules themselves are also a religious title passed on primarily by inheritance, though it can also be bestowed by election by the Archbishops. Heirodule is primarily a religious title that exists for the sole function of confirming the rise to rulership of the new Autarch, though in practice they also manage the administration of Basilidean Celestialism throughout the Empire. One is normally elevated to the rank of Autarch for life. Usually the family of the Autarch is not one of the families of the Heirodules, though there have been exceptions in the course of Imperial history.
The Autarch must be worthy of their title, as deemed by the five highest religious authorities in the Empire. They also must have the support of the Army and the Navy in fact, if not by law, for their rule to have any teeth within the Empire they rule.
Requirements
Confirmation by all five of the Heirodules is required, though in times of distress the confirmation can occur after de facto ascension, and at some points in history conflict within the ranks of the Heirodules led to controversial resolutions and/or the execution of the dissenter by the Autarch in order to meet the letter of the law.
Type
Religious, Special
Equates to
If Emperor Constantine were also the Pope - or more exactly, the semi-divine Pharaoh - it might come close to this title; its closest analog is the status of the Persian divine kings.
Current Holders
Comments