High King of the Sovereign Lands

The High King (or Queen, as existed before Hesper) serves as head delegate for the sovereign States of the land. Their title was established during the first Moot of Lords, incidentally where and when the gods were renounced. While the title is largely honorific, the High King holds the most power in the delegate council that determines laws and customs for the sovereign lands. Ultimately in times of crisis, their word is law unless a King from one of the sovereign States opposes their ruling.

Requirements

The title is typically hereditary, although there was a break and shift in the familial line during 116 REA where there were no heirs. In that circumstance, another Moot of Lords was held, and the first High Queen was crowned out of the gathered Kings of the sovereign States.

Appointment

A new High King is crowned in the event of the previous High King either stepping down or dying. The coronation is mostly ceremonial, and the High King takes up their duties a little before the celebration (mostly to put things in order), but it symbolizes their appointment to the rank to the public. In the case that the High King dies before the heir is old enough (being younger than nineteen or twenty), a regent is put in place until the Crown Prince is ready to take the throne.

Duties

The High King has their share of domestic and international duties, mostly following the socio-economic climate including embargos, import and export decisions, and tariffs. They also have the duty of making laws with the rest of the delegate council.

Responsibilities

In a more societal scene, the High King acts as the face of the sovereign lands and attends court sessions and galas to keep the nobles and common folk at ease.

Benefits

The title of High King comes with the wealth of their home country as well as the wealth of the sovereign lands (although the collective wealth is governed and budgeted by the delegate council). The Ivory Palace serves as the home and centerpiece of the High King's reign, and its grounds is at their disposal. Additionally, the title holds the adoration and respect of (most) of the sovereign land's common folk.

Accoutrements & Equipment

There is the coronation crown, a gaudy, heavy accessory that only sees the light of day during the crowning of a new High King. Otherwise, the crown seen in social events and court is a lightweight circlet of vine-like metal and jewels.

Notable Holders

There have been four High Kings in total since 0 REA.

The first began his rule at 52 years of age and ruled successfully for thirty-four years.
The second, High King Taro's firstborn son, began ruling in 34 REA at the young age of 19. He ruled until 81 REA when he was assassinated by wild outlanders.
High King Finch's sickly son took the throne and ruled for 35 years. He was finally taken by illness in 116 REA, and being infertile, he left no successors.
With no heirs to the throne, another Moot of Lords was held and Hesper's mother was named as High Queen.

Type

Nobility, Hereditary

Creation

The title of High King was defined during the first Moot of Lords in 0 REA when the gathered kings of the land renounced the gods and created the sovereign lands.

Source of Authority

The High King is given the authority of the sovereign crown by the Moot of Lords. Any declaration against the king must go through the Moot of Lords.

Length of Term

The High King holds the title for life, or until they step down, either out of age or decreasing health.

Current Holders