Champion of Vigilance
Overview
The Champion of Vigilance is an Imperial title that was created by the Imperial Senate in Winter 383YE. The title would confer custodianship of the artifact Pilgrim's Shield known as Bawn-Watch, were it to be recovered and gifted for that purpose.
Responsibilities
The Champion of Vigilance is intended to serve as an inspiration to the Pilgrims of the faith and laity as to what it means to be vigilant, particularly in a military context. They are also charged with bearing and protecting the shield known as Bawn-Watch. Historically the bearers of Bawn-Watch formed, along with the bearers of the other Pilgrims shield, the “Seven Pilgrims” band.
Powers
Regalia of the Champion of Vigilance
The Champion of Vigilance bears Bawn-Watch, the unique Pilgrim's Shield. If the Champion of Vigilance loses their position, then the item must be given to the new Champion with all haste. The Champion is encouraged to take all appropriate precautions to keep this item safe, and is expected to do everything within their power to recover it if it is lost.
At present, Bawn-Watch has been lost to the Empire. Even if it is located, until it is provided and becomes formal regalia, there is no legal obligation to provide the shield to the title-holder.
Appointment
The Champion of Vigilance is chosen every Summer Solstice by a judgement of appointment by the Assembly of Vigilance.
Any Imperial citizen may hold this title. They can be revoked by the General Assembly, the Vigilance Assembly, and the Assembly of the Nine.
| Summit | Nation | Elected | Votes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer Solstice 385YE | Navarr | Lindir Thornheart | 26 Votes |
| Summer Solstice 384YE | Navarr | Ravadi Founders' Dance | 90 Votes |
| Spring Equinox 384YE | Navarr | Ravadi Founders' Dance | 152 Votes |
Recent Elections
This title is currently held by Lindir Thornheart; it will be reelected at Summer Solstice 386YE. The table to the right shows the citizens who have been elected to hold this title in the years since Empress Britta died.
History
The shield Bawn-Watch was created by Ezkiah the Benefactor, greatest smith of the Highborn along with six other shields. Each was gifted to a different hero, forming a company known as the “Seven Pilgrims”.
Bawn-Watch was first carried by Leia the Hawk, a Navarri known for escorting priests to and from isolated steadings watching over the vallorn. Passed from Champion to Champion, or selected by the priests of Vigilance when this was not possible, it remained an enduring inspiration to the faithful of the Empire.
At the battle of Reikos in 367 YE the Seven Pilgrims of the day charged an entire Druj army on their own, allowing the outmatched Imperial forces time to quit the field in good order. Bawn-Watch was lost along with the other six shields.
Historically the Shield was passed from Champion to Champion; the Synod has ended this tradition through the creation of a formal title, following the example set by the creation of the Champion of Courage.