Strategos
"What I think is irrelevant. What the High Solar thinks is irrelevant. The Strategos has ordered it, so it has to happen. End of story."The Strategos is a civil title and military rank within the Kalriv Empire. He is the ultimate commander-in-chief of the Kalriv Legions, the leader of the Guardian caste, and the most powerful civil magistrate within the Empire. He is also considered the de facto monarch of the Empire and is deferred to by all Kalriv regardless of caste membership, military or social rank. The Strategos is based out of the Venderan Ziggurat, the most important religious and civil building within the Empire, in the holy city of Var Kalriv. It is one of the most ancient ranks within the Kalriv people, pre-dating the Empire to the founding of Var Kalriv itself, alongside the High Solar.
-Legate Jiril Sanathan of the Sunburst Legion to one of his officers
Requirements
To be considered for the role, a Strategos must firstly have served within a legion in a command capacity for at least five years. They must also be of the Guardian caste, and must be able to demonstrate an honourable and long military tradition within their family. As military service does not admit women, a Strategos must also be male.
Appointment
There are two methods that can be used to appoint a new Strategos; firstly, the current Strategos can simply appoint his successor with the witnessing of the Sun Legates and the High Solar of Venderus.
Secondly in the absence of a living Strategos, candidates may be nominated by their respective legion's Legate. These candidates are then assessed for competency, skill and fitness by the Sun Legates, who then debate and decide upon a candidate. That candidate is then assessed by the High Solar, who conducts sacrifices and consults Venderus on their choice.
If the Solar priesthood reject a candidate, another vote is held by the Sun Legates until a choice that satisfies both parties is made. In practicality, few High Solars ever reject a candidate, as doing so usually incurs the wrath of the Sun Legates.
Responsibilities
As the Strategos serves as both a military commander and the highest civil magistrate, his responsibilities lie both with the military and the state apparatus itself.
From a military standpoint, the Strategos' primary responsibility is commanding his troops, leading his armies and formulating policy and strategy with the assistance of the Sun Legates and provincial governors. He also appoints and dismisses Sun Legates as required.
From a civil standpoint, the Strategos is regularly communicating with Solar administrators and Guardian magistrates (the prefects, operating in major cities, and provincial governors). While many of the civil responsibilities can be delegated to administrators and magistrates, the Strategos ultimately has the final say on any civil matter within the Empire and can rule by decree. As the leader of the Guardians, the Strategos also presides over and settles disputes within the caste that do not fall under civil or military oversight.
Benefits
As part of his position, the Strategos is effectively the most powerful individual in the Kalriv Empire, and can dictate matters of policy as he sees fit. He can also veto any matter of policy put forwards by other officials such as governors or the High Solar. Commanding the Legions also effectively puts the largest, best equipped and most skilled military force on the face of the planet at his direct disposal.
Accoutrements & Equipment
The Strategos wears the bronze cuirass issued to all Kalriv officers; however unlike the other cuirasses of this type, this is emblazoned with the stylised rising sun emblem of the Kalriv Empire on the chest. The Strategos also wears an open-faced helm with heavy cheekguards, with a stylised sunburst mounted onto the top, not unlike a crown or wreath.
Grounds for Removal/Dismissal
Strategoi can only be removed by death. As a result, Strategoi are usually removed by assassination- and very few other than the Sun Legates or the Solar priesthood could pull an assassination off.
Type
Nobility, Military
Form of Address
Strategos
Var (First Name)
Var (First Name)
Equates to
Archon (Helikan League / independent city-states)
Dux (Solathi)
King / Queen
Dux (Solathi)
King / Queen
Length of Term
Life
Related Locations
Related Organizations
Comments