High King

The position of High King is currently the highest possible rank that an individual may receive within the fae realm of Lyfeldea. Every kingdom within Lyfeldea has a single High King who resides over the nation and ensures its prosperity and peace among its citizens.

Requirements

Aetherial abilities are highly regarded in princes and other potential High Kings in all Lyfeldean kingdoms, with most refusing to crown any individual male who does not possess an aetherial ability, unless there is a strong hereditary succession pattern that is accepted, like in the case of Hwajaegi. These rarer magical abilities are regarded for a number of reasons, including their ability to provide the wielder with magic beyond what is normal among majority of Lyfeldean citizens, thus providing the High King with a better chance at protecting his kingdom from any threats or enemies. If a High King were to possess the ordinary magic that the normal citizens of Lyfeldea possess, then it would be difficult for him to hold his position in the event of a challenge or uprising by a mass of people with the same powers, or ones that are strong against his own elemental affinity. Typically, a High King will possess both the elemental magic that their kingdom is known for alongside an aetherial form of magic. For example, the High King of Hwajaegi, the Kingdom of Flames, is able to wield fire elemental magic and resurrect himself from the dead using his aetherial ability.
While a High King does not necessarily require an upbringing in a noble or royal household, one must still have an understanding of politics, economy, agriculture, leadership and etiquette in order to be a successful monarch, alongside other qualities such as good communication that aid an individual in being a good leader.

Appointment

The appointment of a male fae as a High King is typically via hereditary succession, often with specific ceremonies and rituals conducted as part of the coronation process. For example, in the kingdom of Reyncester, the prince must undertake the Trials of Reyncester, a series of three tasks required to be completed by the future High King as proof of his suitability for the position. In Okmalu, a prince is declared the High King after a meeting with leaders of all the tribes residing within the kingdom. At any point during this time of counsel, a son of one of the other tribal leaders may challenge the current prince to instead become the High King. These challenges are typically decided by a hand-to-hand combat duel. If the challenger succeeds, his tribe takes over the primary rule of Okmalu, with all other tribal leaders acting as representatives in his government and council.

Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of a High King to maintain peace, administer justice for serious criminal activity, and create and uphold the law within their kingdom. A High King also needs to work in collaboration with the other Lyfeldean High Kings to ensure harmony and unity between themselves and the continent as a whole. High Kings also act as a sounding board for their citizens and regularly hold counsel with their people, ensuring that their opinions are heard and ideas be actioned, if they are reasonable requests. High Kings in Lyfeldea also possess the ability to grant anyone access to their continent in the form of a magical blessing that allows the individual to pass through the Sororibus Egis, and thus these monarchs must be especially careful and selective about who they allow in and out of Lyfeldea.

Benefits

Lyfeldean High Kings have complete access to the royal treasury of their respective kingdom and are permitted residence in the palace or castle of their kingdom’s capital. They are also provided a plethora of staff to assist them in everything from cooks for meals and maids for dressing to guards for protection and scholars for documenting meetings or missives.

Accoutrements & Equipment

Each Lyfeldean High King has a ceremonial crown that they are required to wear on special occasions, each studded with gems in their kingdom’s respective colours. For example, the crown belonging to the High King of Kawatsuki is complete with glittering silver and pink crystals, those being the colours on the kingdom’s emblem. There are also ceremonial dress that each is required to wear, also on special occasions, the tailoring and style of which is unique to each kingdom and their culture.

Grounds for Removal/Dismissal

In most cases, a High King is only removed from his position by death or when he decides to retire to the realm beyond, which is what the fae call their perceived afterlife. In some kingdoms, however, a High King is able to be challenged out of his position, for example, in Okmalu and Fleuroyaume.

Type

Royalty, Honorific / Ceremonial

Related Locations

• Lyfeldea