Governor

As appointed officials, governors are some of the most high ranking bureaucrats in the Phurzic Dominion. Assigned to supervise and rule the largest provincial divisions in the Dominion along with large population, they are typically experienced politicians, senators and aristocrats from the elite of Phurzic society. Their rule tends to be assisted by a number of Phurzic bureaucrats such as scribes, accountants and lesser senators who assist and advise them as rulers. Unlike the Decarchs to which they answer to, they are not limited to a particular term length and may rule for life as long as those in the capital approve of their rule. If not, then they will be asked to step down for a new candidate, which could take time due to the speed of communication taking days or even weeks even with white-griffins to send for transport. In the event of refusal, then the individual would be forcefully removed from power. In a worst case scenario of a declaration against the government such as hiring mercenaries or encouraging local forces to fight for them, the other governors would be granted permission to raise their own armies and raid the rebel’s land. The Eye’s agents, known as the Black Eyes would be sent to infiltrate and assassinate problematic governors and any local politicians suspected of treacherous action against the Dominion. In terms of duties, the governors always have a overseeing role over the running of the governate, and possess the sole right to command armies assuming permission from the capital. What varies in more specific degrees depends on the governate’s own local governments and what Phoz has determined is best for the nation. Governors in regions with well developed local political systems like Gurd, Altyn or Zcaroth will have a merely supervisory role over local politics, ensuring taxes are collected and no rebellions get out of hand. In border territories prone to foreign attack or governates judged as being particularly restless, the governors have almost dictatorial power to act as they see fit, ensuring the defence of the nation from threats external and internal. Even with these authoritarian powers, governors are not without supervision and fellow senators will report to the Decarchs in the capital in the event of tyranny, which may result in their removal as was the case for Harrold Zurek ‘the Brutal’, assigned over Mekonia in 438-447AF to oversee the centaurs. This governor’s methods against Jaxyart invaders were brutal even by Mekonian standards, but his treatment of his own people was even worse, leading to his overthrowing with Phurzic help, with his capture and execution leading to the Treaty of Meka in 448, where the Mekonian chieftains were granted more autonomy as to their rule to prevent such abuse from happening again in such a vital border province. Regardless of duty, governors aRe only able to raise armies in any capacity besides foreign invasion with express permission from the Decarchs, and are forbidden from warring with fellow governors unless treason has been committed. Mercenaries to use before permission from Phoz arrives, or to raid and pillage the lands of other governors is not explicitly noted against in the constitution and with slow communication is difficult for Phoz to enforce against, meaning governors will often launch ‘soft’ wars against one another for minor territorial disputes. They may escalate into full scale wars should the central government wane or be occupied by civil unrest or even war

Qualifications

Needs to have served at least five years in the senate, particularly in administrative or military duties. For male governors also needs to have at least five years in military service.

Grounds for Removal/Dismissal

Grounds for removal from office include;

Demonstrable corruption such as using taxes for personal wealth. Gross incompetence Raising military assets without consent of the Decarchs. Excessive or unnecessary punishment of criminals or rebellious elements. Despotic behaviour such as executing without trials. Repeatedly sacking or appointing ministers without wider consultation

History

As the Dominion began to expand into regions outside of the Phurzic heartlands, even before its first civil war, the decision was made to assign non-Phurzic territories under Phurzic authority and administration to help assimilate them into Phurzic cultural and political spheres, while freeing the Decarchs more to focus on Phurzia’s own governing and general political matters. The territories of Buzon and Erutea (the latter would be later absorbed into Phurzia and become a part of Slithia) would be organised into the first governates under the rule of the Vrain Xupsalonshtzitzvi and the centaur Cimoxes (whose grandson would later try and usurp the Dominion in its infancy), noted for their good administration and assurance in establishing control over these border regions, bringing order to these regions plagued by instability after the Fires. The old home of the Olmese empire, a hodgepot of warlords and petty kingdoms was taken following Camoyes’s attempted usurping over a period of twenty years, and reorganised into the territory of Tosh-Olom, after the ancient city it once was home to. With Olm itself destroyed in the collapse and numerous sackings, a new capital was built to the southeast of the great city, known as Phazol, a few hundred miles to the north of the infamous warriors of Mekonia.

Type

Civic, Political

Creation

76AF in the Council of Unbroke.

Equates to

Is compared in some ways to the feudal barons and dukes of Evergnon, although their power is not hereditary (unless coincidentally selected by the Decarchs) and they can only raise armies in the event of emergency.

Reports directly to

Decarchy

Related Locations