The Martocrat

The ruler of the Darcassian Empire, the authority behind the Empire's Technology, and the militant head of the Imperial Vennacti. The Martocrat is a powerful figure indeed and he is the one all citizens of the Empire swear fealty to.

Qualifications

The biggest qualification is that the Martocrat must be of pure Zarmudan blood. While the religious angle is not heavily emphasized, much of the Martocrat's legitimacy comes from their claim as the God of War. As time has passed and more Darcassians intermarry, diluting their original pure Zarmudan blood, fulfilling this qualification has become harder to maintain. The Martocrat is chosen from the vaulted ranks. Competition is fierce as it is the current ranking Martocrat that chooses the next one. Sometime at the start of their reign a Martocrat will have already made their decision. Often the nominee is someone that is especially favored by the current Martocrat. At the same time a Martocrat's own immediate family are considered. These are called Martocrat Prospective and (depending on age) they are mentored personally by the Martocrat. Despite the title, there is little indication of a Prospective becoming the next Martocrat as they are also competing against the vaulted ranks. Martocrat Prospective can be a title one has all their lives and yet never become the Martocrat.

Responsibilities

The Martocrat is charged with approving technological advancement, dictating foreign policy, complete command of the Army (with some restrictions) and his least fulfilled role as the religious head of the Empire.

History

In the chaotic days of the Zarmudan Civil War, Hamun the Martyr came forth to lead the Darcassians to a glorious new future. Before earning the epithet of Martyr Hamun had been a true renaissance man. He was a master of warfare, a patron of technological advancement, and a religious teacher. In fact, before leading the Darcassians he was actually on pilgrimage to Zarmuda and seeking the process of ascension like many others. The name Martocrat draws on two different distinctions. The first being Martyr and the second being the literal embodiment of Mars, the War God. Hamun would ultimately give his life in the fight for Darcassian independence. Many people revere the Martocrat as continuing to embody the ideas of martyrdom, of truly giving oneself to the public good. Some however put more importance on the Martocrat's divine heritage, revering him as the War God Mars reborn.

Cultural Significance

There are three ideals of the Martocrat. The first is heavily related to the idea of the Martocrat as Martyr. Seeing as how the very first gave his life for the Empire, it is fair that many continue to view the position as the ultimate expression of Martyrdom. The Martocrat is solely devoted to the Empire and thus has little time for any other duties or for himself. It is a position that demands one's entire effort, body and soul. The second is the idea of the Martocrat as Mars himself, the War God. This is a smaller sect but one that is firmly entrenched in the military. Third is the idea of the Martocrat as the final say in any type of technological progress. As a patron to science and advancement, this aspect of the Martocrat is that of scientist over Emperor.

Notable Holders

There have been Five Martocrats since the Empire's Founding. The Darcassians are on their Sixth. I. Hamun the Martyr, the first Martocrat though during his lifetime he never held it as an official position. He inspired the Darcassian people to revolt after the destruction of their homeland at the hands of the God Kings. Though he was eventually slain his movement carried on until Darcassia became an independent nation. His sacrifice gave birth to the title of Martocrat. II. Abelech the Apostate, Hamun's second in command and the first man to officially hold the position of Martocrat. He brought the Fatherland to its knees, with the Statesman forced to make a deal to keep Abelech from seizing total victory. Though the God Kings were not overthrown Abelech led the Empire through the turbulent period of the War of Zealots and Martyrs. III. Zolira the Revolutionary, the first and only female Martocrat, Zolira guided the Empire through its reconstruction. She installed the vaulted ranks leading to a more organized Empire. She also paved the way for non-Darcassians to become citizens. The Geneticists and Roboticist Parties are formed during her rule. IV. Graf the Tyrant, known for reforming the Imperial Vennacti, Graf was called a Tyrant because of his constant antagonization of the Fatherland and the God Kings. His rule came to a quick end when he was struck by lightning during a freak engineering accident. V. Halicar the Engineer, a commoner, Halicar rose to power after discovering Zerizite. The first tests of the mineral took place under his rule. He had planned to invade Minuba once it was discovered Zerizite flourished there but passed away before he could launch the invasion. VI. Weyr the Militant, once Quartermaster General of the Imperial Palace, Weyr commanded the invasion of Minuba. He is the current Martocrat as of 3544 AA.

Type

Civic, Political

Form of Address

Mars Militant, Head, Body, and Soul of the Empire

Alternative Naming

The Imperial Martyr, His or Her Majesty Mars

Equates to

Martocrat would be similar to an Emperor. Darcassians are quick to point out that the Martocrat is not an Emperor as he is fully supported and beloved by his populace unlike those so called God Kings in Zarmuda.

Length of Term

Lifetime Appointment

Related Organizations