High chief of Arthesia
During the War against the kingdom of Gysia, the Arthesian tribes sought to unite their forces to defend their homes against the Gysian army that was invading them. But one question arose: who would lead all of these newly united tribes and clans, and this was the answer.
Qualifications
In the City of Forno, the capital of Arthesia, a tournament is held in a large arena. There, all eligible candidates must participate in a Boyeken Battle tournament, or be disqualified. The tournament is held over a week's time, in the middle of the month of October, the same month of the country's founding, while the week chosen is to take advantage of the full Veosian moon. Candidates from the 7 elder families take turns fighting in pairs until one candidate wins against everybody else. The winner is then proclaimed High Chief after a short ceremony.
Requirements
To become High chief, a candidate must be a member of the 7 elder families, who ruled the 7 clans that formed the initial coalition against the kingdom of Gysia. The candidate must be a male over the age of 25, and be one of the following shapeshifter species: Wolfkins, Lyxnkin, Otterkin, Deerfolks, or Birdfolks.
Appointment
After the candidate wins the tournament, the loosing candidates surrounds the winner and bend the knee, acknowledging his new found authority over them. The winning candidate then exits the arena and walks across the city under the applause of the citizens and the people coming to see the tournament. Finally, the winner is crowned in the city's large Suriat temple.
Duties
The role and duties of the High Chief is to govern and lead the myriad of clans of Arthesia, especially in cases of internal trade and territorial disputes, and in general, keep the peace. The high chief and the envoys they send also represent all of the Arthesian clans when in comes to foreign policy and diplomacy.
Grounds for Removal/Dismissal
A High Chief has never been removed from their post since the formation of the country, 17 years ago. However, a method was written down in the Treaty of Arthesian Unity, the document that founded the country. The process consists of a majority vote by all 7 elder family senior members. If the vote is successful, the High Chief is dismissed and a new one is chosen.
Type
Nobility, Non-hereditary
Creation
The position was first crafted within the Treaty of Arthesian Unity.
Form of Address
High Chief (name)
Equates to
In other countries, the rank of High Chief may be equivalent to a king and an army captain joined together. The structure in which the High Chief works in is very similar to the position of Halse in the Confederation of Ru'mensh, who also rule a large region split into numerous separate clans.
Source of Authority
The council of Elder Families
Length of Term
For life, or until removal or retirement.
Current Holders
Related Locations
Related Organizations
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