Aphichn Thom
Aphichn Thom (Large/Big Noble in common) are the highest rank of nobility in Yura. The title was first formally introduced by Megawati Angara, who sought to define noble roles (in so doing her goal was to weaken satrapal power). The smallest group of nobles in Yura this group includes less than about seventy members. All members of the Aphichn Thom are landed, and these lands all include Hereditary Monopolies granted to their ancestors and inherited by their descendants. (The land held may be in multiple different Satrapies but the Aphichn Thom is associated with the Satrap which consituted the initial land grant). These commercial and resource monopolies are exclusively held and granted to Aphichn Thom, as it is these enterprises from which they wield immense monetary power. These monopolies also grant each Aphichn Thom a seat on the council of any guild that profits from their monopolies, thus they are referred to as Seated Lord/Lady. Because of the nature of their wealth and status, and its required hereditary nature, Aphichn Thom almost never marry outside of their own class. As such many of the families are linked generations in blood, further strengthening their status. In the rare cases when marriage to a differnt class is permitted or, even more rarely, the rank itself is granted (this granting has happened twice since the found of The Empire of Yura) the new individual is required to sever all previous ties, familial or otherwise. Aphichn Thom are generally arrogant and aloof from even other nobles, and tend to be heavily in favor of centralization and passing checks on Satrapal power. While this motive may seem counterintuitive to ensuring their own authority, Yura's structure is such that, as power becomes more centrally consolidated, the Aphichn Thom are consistently the only group that is elevated into the center. Thus, while centralization strips all other nobles and notables of their power, its move grants the Aphichn Thom more. Almost all are ardent supporters of The Imperial League.
Requirements
There exists only one requirment to become an Aphichn Thom:
-The holder can trace their direct ancestory to the orginal holder or grantee of a Hereditary Monopolies
OR
-The holder can trace thr direct ancestory of their spouse to the orginal holder or grantee of a Hereditary Monopolies (see above)
Appointment
Aphichn Thom, while an offical title, is a status conferred on entire famlies. Thus, if one member of a family is an Aphichn Thom, usually the whole family has the status. Despite this usually being the case, children can only be conferred the title if their parent or legal guardain has the status. Aphichn Thom appointments are entirely internal affairs, and the pomp and ceremony that happens with the passing of the primary title (e.g. the father/mother passing it to their child) varies based on the family. The title can be conferred on an indvidual by the Emperor/Empress of Yura or the Grand Vizier usuing their auhtority granted through Silver Speech.These appointments are extremely rare and have only happened twice since the creation of the title under Megawati Angara.
Duties
Aphichn Thom are expected to act with a certain level of deocrum given their stats, an attitude first termed by Megawati Angara as "Silver Sovereignty." Despite the regimented rules associated with Silver Sovereignty the only other moral olbiation of Aphichn Thom involves charity. Aphichn Thom are expected to donate to charity, espeically as it relates to the workers in their Hereditary Monopolies.
Responsibilities
Aphichn Thom are required first and foremost to administer their Hereditary Monopolies. How they choose to administer these monopolies are left up to the Aphichn Thom, but they are expected to be profitable. If a monopoly becomes unporofitable or, in very rare cases, bankrupt the Aphichn Thom is required to reverse the siutation immediately (depending on the Satrap or Emperor/Empress of Yura the time can vary). In theory failure to make the monopoly solvent could result in the title of Aphichn Thom being stripped, but usually the Aphichn Thom is able to find financial help from other Aphichn Thom, for although most are aloof they are known to help each other, as the monopolies can rely on complex supply chains to function.
Accoutrements & Equipment
There is no specefic equipment given to an Aphichn Thom, though most dress regally to impress their "lessers" and reinforce their status.
Grounds for Removal/Dismissal
An Aphichn Thom can be stripped of their Herditary Monopoly by their ruling Satrap or the Emperor. This action can only take place if their monoploy has become completly insolvent or bankrupt and, as mentioned above, this is a rare occurance.
History
The title of Aphichn Thom was created in 475 AL (1185 AC) by the newly crowned Empress Megawati Angara. Observing the disunity caused by the First White~Black Succession by the great autonomy given Satraps in their realms she sought to curb their authority. Megawati's son Hecai Angara, though only sixteen, was the first the present a solution to this problem, which plagued his mother throughout the majority of her reign. Megawati never gave her son credit, a slight in a long-list of slights she inflicted on her eldest child, and declared the title later that year. During the formation of the title Megawati summoned heads of many of the leading guilds and pressured them into accepting the change. Compromising the guild leaders accepted as long as one of their own would be given the title. Hecai Angara protested this compromise, but Megawati agreed. (The great irony is that most current Aphichn Thom see the members of the guilds they oversee as lesser or common.)
Cultural Significance
Aphichn Thom hold a highly signifigant role in Yuran society, as rank and defference to rank are hallmarks of Yuran culture. They represent the apex of noble power and are second only to the Satraps in domestic Satrapal politcal authority. While similar to nobles of other realms on Pronis, the regimented nature of their actions (in regards to decorum and charity) and the necessity of them to hold specefic lands or resource deposits, differentiates them from foreign counterparts. They respresent the greatest check and, in some cases, threat to Satrapal power and influence.
Type
Nobility, Hereditary
Status
The current position of Aphichn Thom and its limitations were defined and outlined in the Treaty of Redress
Creation
The title was first formally established by Megawati Angara but the title, its roles, and powers have been altered numerous times.
Form of Address
His/Her Seated Lord/Lady
Source of Authority
An Aphichn Thom is empowered by their bloodline, which can be traced to the original grantee of a Hereditary Monopoly
Length of Term
An Aphichn Thom serves for life
Current Holders
Reports directly to
Related Organizations
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