Juighissas
The Juighissas are the rulers of the two Rennos of Onfalu, the Rennu de Casteddu and the Rennu de Turri. Although the title is declined in the feminine form in honour of Juighissa Eleonora, it is not precluded to any gender. The title is hereditary but the choice of the succession is on the hands of the previous holder of the title who can choose to abdicate or leave in inheritance in favour of any of their children, including adoptive ones, or to their spouse. The chosen successor must then present themselves to the Consiliu de Meris so that their righteousness can be evaluated and recognised by the representatives of the people. Only in a handful of instances the Consiliu rejected the candidate in favour of the second choice of the previous holder. In accordance with the content of the Carta de Liga, the successor needs to also meet, within 10 days of proclamation, with the Meri 'e Janas, the ruler of the fairy people, in their territory, to renovate the pact of alliance with them.
The main duty of the Juighissa is to administer justice and legiferate in the best interest of the people. It is expected in this to be coadiuvated by the Consilu de Meris and the local authorities, but retains the last degree of judgement where an agreement can't be reached at lower levels or when the crime is considered to affect the whole nation. The Juighissa is also bound to serve and update the Carta de Logu keeping unaltered its focal principles.
Cultural and historical significance
The title holds a fundamental historical and cultural significance for Onfalu's people, as it's been kept virtually unaltered since the death of the Juighissa Eleonora and her efforts to unify the island and free it from colonizers. For the S'ards the title represent the unity of their people and land, even if now divided in two political entities, and their self determination. It's also the representant of human justice in all the realm. For the Janas it represents, as underwriter of the Carta de Liga their patron among the humans.
Type
Nobility, Hereditary
Form of Address
Most Righteous
Alternative Naming
Rei and reina
Love that the default is the feminine form. :D
Eleonora is quite a big thing for us and part of what she did, she did because she was a woman. If things ended as they end in my alternate history, it would have been just fair to honour her like this.
And also: my world, my rules :P