Benefactor of Regalia
Overview
The Benefactor of Regalia is an Imperial title created by the Imperial Senate in Autumn 385YE. They are charged with handling the permanent amendment of other Imperial titles to grant them legal ownership of certain items which are commonly called "regalia". The original motion to create the title stated that it would have the power to amend an Imperial title once each session, this was amended by the Constitutional Court during scrutiny to instead be once each summit.
Occasionally an interested group, such as the Black Tablet, will offer a regular stipend or item to an Imperial title if they have a certain responsibility or restriction. Though the Benefactor of Regalia cannot amend a title to add or remove responsibilities nor implement a restriction they are exceptionally well placed to identify such opportunities and their responsibility to secure items of regalia for Imperial titles could see them being recognised as the first point of contact for such offers.
Responsibilities
The Benefactor of Regalia has a responsibility to secure items of regalia for Imperial titles, and liaise with Imperial citizens who have valuable magical items they believe would help those titles fulfil their own responsibilities. By taking advice from the Conclave and Synod they can make judgements as to whether an item will actually be helpful to an Imperial title. Then, when they are satisfied they can use their power of announcement to permanently make such an item the legal property of another Imperial title.
Powers
Oh aye that's exactly what they need. Does the Imperial Warmage need to carry around a half dozen artefact Quiet Words to dole out like Good Walder?
Leontes the Scribe in scrutiny after Autumn Equinox 385YEBestowing Regalia
Once per summit the Benefactor of Regalia can make an announcement in the Senate to amend an Imperial title to grant it regalia. Only one Imperial title can be amended by the Benefactor of Regalia each season but any number of pieces of regalia can be granted to the title in a single announcement. To use this power the Benefactor of Regalia should provide the Speaker for the Senate with a written summary of what they are announcing so that it can be added to the agenda for the next Senate session. No voting is possible by the Senate at this point, as the power has been delegated to the Benefactor of Regalia. The Imperial Synod may, however, choose to exercise their veto over the Benefactor's decision.
Appointment
The Benefactor of Regalia is appointed during the Winter Solstice each year. The title is selected by unanimous decision of the Highborn senators. If a unanimous decision cannot be reached, the title may be appointed by the Imperial Senate instead.
The title can be held by any Highborn citizen, and they can be revoked by the General Assembly, the Highborn National Assembly, and by the Assembly of the Nine.
Recent Elections
The table to the right shows the citizens who have been elected to hold this title in the years since Empress Britta died.