Rogue King

The Rogue King is a gender-neutral title that indicates the leader of all the people on the wrong side of the law in Scalespiral. Although his seat of power is the The Gem of the Copper Isles, and most of his operations will likely occur within the Copper Isles, he has influence across Scalespiral. In addition to presiding over every thief, brigand, fancy lady, cut-purse, assassin, and other ne’er-do-wells, the Rogue King is often considered the voice of the people and can call riot to influence or depose any ruler, although no King has ever called riot outside of the Copper Isles.

Requirements

Must be a member of an unsavory and criminalized profession in order to claim the title, or at least well-known in criminal circles.

Appointment

Rogue King is a conquest title; a ne’er-do-well becomes Rogue King by defeating the previous holder of the position, either in an formally-challenged honor duel or during a direct assassination (ie, you cannot hire someone to do the assassination for you).  Incidental deaths also count, as long as the ne’er-do-well is the direct cause of death, and not directing another person who caused the death.  Most title transfers occur when the current Rouge King is becoming too much of a tyrant, for no one knows better than the ne’er-do-wells of Scalespiral that power corrupts.
If a Rogue King dies due to the actions of people in power (ie, the Queen of the Copper Isles or similar figure sends their army or police to kill him), dies of old age, dies with no ne’er-do-well directly responsible (ie mauled by a bear or falls to plague), or decides to retire, then the court of the Rogue King will elect a new Rogue King democratically, with each member of the court getting a single vote. (Note that democratic ascension has only occurred four times in the history of the title - one rogue stepped down, one was killed by order of the Queen of the Copper Isles, one died of the Burning Plague, and one died via bear on an expedition to another city in the Southern Continent.  No Rogue King has ever died of old age)

Duties

The Rogue King’s duties are to the ne’er-do-wells and common people.  He resolves disputes amongst various criminals, and ensures that their activities continue to fly below the radar of the authorities.  The Rouge King takes a 10% tithe of any crimes that happen in the Gem, a 5% tithe of crimes in the Copper Isles outside the Gem, and a 1% tithe elsewhere in Scalespiral.  This money is then used to maintain the court and to aid the common people through feasts, bribes to police, and other necessities.
In addition to maintaining the ne’er-do-wells, the Rouge King also acts as the voice of the commoners.  He can, at any time, call a riot of commoners to descend upon the ruling center of any city, to express displeasure with the current choices being made.  This riot may be formed for a variety of purposes, from changing a law or position, to deposing the ruler entirely.  A riot is only called in extreme circumstances, though, and most Rouge Kings will never call one during their time, as it requires the purpose of the riot to hold widespread support among the common folk.

Type

Professional

Form of Address

Majesty

Source of Authority

Strength of knowledge; criminals of Scalespiral

Length of Term

Lifetime

Related Locations

• The Gem of the Copper Isles