Guardian of Britta's Memorial

Overview

The Guardian of Britta's Shrine is an Imperial title created by the Imperial Senate in Winter 376YE. The position of guardian is a sinecure, requiring minimal responsibility but offering a regular income.

Following the death of Empress Britta in 376YE, heroic efforts recovered her body and many of her effects from the Thule barbarians. The body was interred in the swamps of Kallavesa while her personal accoutrements were placed in a shrine of white granite in Necropolis. The eternal flame that burns in the courtyard before the memorial serves as a place of pilgrimage for those wishing to meditate on and show their respects to the departed Empress, whose inspirational example is already seen by many as re-igniting the flame of Imperial Pride following the disastrous reigns of Empress Giselle, Emperor Hugh and Emperor Walter.

Some controversy surrounds the sinecure; it is regarded as unconstitutional since it creates votes in the Synod but is appointed by the Senate, allowing the Senate undue influence the Synod. It is also very unusual in that it provides votes in the Synod but does not provide votes in the Highborn elections. The motion was not struck down by magistrates at the time, however, and so the title stands.

Responsibilities

The Guardian oversees the shrine dedicated to the memory of the dead Empress, and ensures the eternal flame is not extinguished.

Powers

A Portion of Liao

The sinecure provides five measures of liao to the Guardian each season, to be used as they see fit.

Voice in the Synod

The Guardian of Britta's shrine may sit in the Imperial Synod, and possesses 10 votes in Synod affairs (or an additional 10 votes if they already have a congregation). They may use these votes in any assembly they are eligible for.

it is important to note that this sinecure does not give the holder any ability to participate, or gain extra votes, in the election of Highborn senators.

Selection

The guardian is a Highborn national position appointed by the Senate. Under normal circumstances it will be appointed by unanimous vote of the Highborn Senators.

Because this is a national position, the title can only be held by a Highborn citizen.

Removal

The Guardian serves has tenure and serves until they die, step down or are revoked.

The Keeper can be revoked by the Highborn assembly, the the General assembly or the Assembly of Nine.

History

The first Guardian of Britta's Tomb is Ruth of Highguard, a Steward of the Dead belonging to the Cenotaph chapter of Necropolis.