Count

In the lands of Bedlam, the title of Count is appointed by the Grand Vox of the Most Illuminated Church of Bedlam. A landowner who receives the title is given the endorsement of the church. A count or countess is responsible for the governance of a province, holding the highest authority over the cities and townships. The endorsement of the church, which is corrupt at its highest levels, gives the Count a "god-given authority" that can often be used in a manipulative or totalitarian fashion.
Counts are required by the church to maintain and employ a guard of no less than 1 soldier for every 20 citizens. The counts are also expected to provide security to citizens as well as patrolling the wilderness and trade routes associated with their province. Taxes are collected to support the Count's government, usually against the purchase of alcohol, tobacco, and goods such as furniture, clothing, and livestock. Food stuffs, firewood, coal, and medicine are expected to be non-taxable. Each count must provide at least one church building for every 100 individuals. Cathedrals are often built for larger populations. The churches subside on private donations or tithing. A count's tithing counts towards her standing in the church, further increasing her right to rulership.
Counts are permitted to rule their provinces with near complete autonomy. Only the church and it's affairs are considered separate from the rule of a count. Counts are able to issue permits to non-church religious, spiritual, magical, or cults after a considerable fee is paid, renewed each year. If an organization fails to pay for it's permit or refuses, a count is able to disband or dissolve the organization as she sees fit. Counts who have coastal provinces are expected to maintain an armada in accordance with their population for the protection of the coastal regions and shipping lanes. A count may also adhere to their own religious practices as long as they also revere the primary church of Bedlam, in the form of tithing specifically.
Counts may, with either the approval or a vote of "no-contendere," may wage war against another nation or even against another province of Beldam. Some wars declared hundreds of years ago are still considered to be active. A count may pass on rulership to a legitimate offspring. If a count dies without an heir or declares their own heirs ineligible, another count may lay claim to the province as abandoned. Several wars have been fought when more than one count claims an abandoned province. The church is technically unable to appoint a count, but their approval and appointment is considered a requisite. There are at least two provinces currently considered abandoned, but ruled by an unappointed count who is considered at war with any contesting counts and indeed the church itself.

Qualifications

The church qualifies a count as "a man or woman of significant wealth and standing among the church. One who demonstrates the ability to maintain order and security. A person of sound judgement and displaying leadership and a reasonable disposition."

Requirements

A count must possess suitable wealth to provide security for her province. The count must also receive appointment from the Grand Vox in order to be officially recognized.

Appointment

The church will appoint a count during a special ceremony, where the Grand Vox will place a medal known as "The Ribbon of Saint Ghalahadrid" around the count's neck and will declare them as "god-granted ruler and guardian of the province of..."

Duties

Enforcing church mandates. Acting as a moral authority on behalf of the church. Maintaining the religious supremacy of the church.

Responsibilities

Providing security and an army/armada. Providing suitable buildings for the church to conduct their business and services. Providing judicial decisions or appointing Viziers (judges). Declaring economic policies and the fair-taxation of the populace. Providing libraries, schools, universities, hospitals, museums, and theaters. Enforcing codes and laws regarding the use of magic. Providing basic weaponry for self defense to the citizens.

Benefits

Monetary, political influence, religious influence, and possession of significant land and resources.

Accoutrements & Equipment

The Ribbon of Saint Galahadrid.

Grounds for Removal/Dismissal

The church under the auspices of the Grand Vox may declare a count as "incommunicato," effectively rendering them under judgement. A quorum of church bishops and other counts, in good standing, can deliver a judgement either sustaining their title or revoking it. Once the title of count is revoked, the count is considered excommunicated and the province as "rogue." Other counts may lay claim to the province. A count can be granted official governance of a province, but not actually hold rule over said province if the "rouge count" refuses to relinquish power.

History

The title was first created and assigned during the Most Illuminated Church of Bedlam Primary Conference.

Cultural Significance

The Count is considered the god-given rule of a province. They have full and final authority over their province, save for church grounds and matters covered under the doctrines of the church relating to religious practice.

Notable Holders

Count Garreth Von Carrathorn

Type

Nobility, Non-hereditary

Status

Title is in effect.

Creation

The Bedlam Doctrine of Civil Rule

Form of Address

Your Rulership

Alternative Naming

Countessa (wife of a count/countess), Vizcount (Husband of a count/countess) - Form of address "Your Reverence"

Source of Authority

The Most Illuminated Church of Bedlam

Length of Term

Lifetime