High Sovereign

The High Sovereign is the head of state in the Jirithkaen empire. Although the title is now mostly ceremonial, the High Sovereign is still widely respected by the people of the empire.

Appointment

The ruling High Sovereign always has a single successor who is named heir to the throne. When the High Sovereign dies, the Sovereign Heir ascends to the position. Traditionally, High Sovereigns only had one child to avoid potential power struggles.

Due to their cultural views on marriage and children, Jirian and Othkaen High Sovereigns would typically handle the question of succession differently. Jirian High Sovereigns would adopt a successor when they took the throne, while any biological children they may have would be adopted by other families and would have no claim to royal lineage or the throne. If the Sovereign Heir died before their parent, another child would be adopted into the royal family and would be given the title instead.

Othkaen High Sovereigns often had large families, but would only name their eldest child as Sovereign Heir. The others would be acknowledged as members of the royal family but would be raised by other noble houses across the empire. Although a younger child would not necessarily be named Heir if the current Heir died, they would be more likely candidates for the title.

Duties

The High Sovereign makes an appearance at all national celebrations, and will often prepare a speech or perform some ceremonial role. Their words and presence are expected to inspire their people and represent the power, honor, and prosperity of the empire.

Grounds for Removal/Dismissal

The High Sovereign can step down at any time they choose and allow the Sovereign Heir to take their place. A High Sovereign cannot be forcibly removed from their position, but their actual political power is so limited that this rarely matters.

History

For most of its history, the empire of Jirithkae was jointly ruled by two Sovereigns who each had equal authority over the nation.

In 1758 when the empire retook its land after the rule of the Old Thurnetorrian Empire, the position of High Sovereign was established to give the nation a strong central ruler. Conflict between the two Sovereigns had contributed to Jirithkae's defeat during the Brigettian Conquests, so a central political figure who could make firm executive decisions was established to make the empire stronger.

The High Sovereigns ruled with near absolute authority until the Silver Revolution. In 1813, Jirithkaen citizens revolted against High Sovereign Varun Patekar, a particularly harsh and tyrannical leader whose high taxation, over spending, strict laws, and particularly brutal military actions during the Rhenacian War had made him incredibly unpopular among imperial citizens.

After a year of civil war, the revolution eventually succeeded. Patekar was executed and all future successors were stripped of their near absolute governmental power. The High Sovereign became a ceremonial position, and the empire instead became led by the Imperial Senate.