The nation of Rakal and many other monarchies follow a standardized model for their royal court. The Court is composed of various roles depending on the needs of the Royal Sovereign and the nation as a whole. Most courts have no more than six councillors, but occasionally there are as many as thirteen. This is more common in larger kingdoms or with inexperienced monarchs who need additional guidance.
Non-Council Positions
Royal Sovereign
The Royal Sovereign is the ultimate ruler of their nation, with the support and guidance of their Councilors, but all decisions ultimately rest with them. They typically hold titles such as King, Queen, Emperor, or similar, depending on their culture. The method of selecting the Royal Sovereign varies from nation to nation; some choose hereditary succession, while others use combat or elections to determine who will occupy the throne.
Royal Consort
The Royal Consort is the spouse of the Royal Sovereign, and usually has no inherent authority unless granted by their partner. They usually have a paired title with their spouse, such as King/Queen or Emperor/Empress.
Royal Heir
The Royal Heir is usually the next in line to inherit the throne or head of the noble house. Like their other parent, they have no inherent authority and their power is granted by the Sovereign. The Heir typically holds titles such as Lord/Lady, Prince/Princess, or other similar titles depending on the culture.
Royal Confidant
The Royal Confidant is a trusted friend of the Sovereign who is given the position of being a safe and confidential ear for the reigning monarch to share his or her thoughts and ideas. Though the Confidant has no official duties unless granted a traditional Council position, they may be able to give orders on behalf of the Sovereign due to the deep trust between them. In addition, the Confidant may act as the Sovereign's representative in Council meetings when necessary. The Royal Confidant does not usually have an associated title and may not even be recognized by the Council or the nation, depending on the culture.
Council Positions
Steward
The Steward is a position often considered to be one step below the Sovereign. The Steward acts as a general advisor to the monarch, handling many smaller, day-to-day decisions on behalf of the Sovereign. They often bear a title such as "Hand of the King" or "Royal Advisor".
Sovereign Protector
The Sovereign Protector is the personal bodyguard of the Sovereign and is often responsible for overseeing palace security. In some cultures, they may also have command of the city guard or the royal military. Common titles for this position include "Kingsguard" or "Housecarl".
Treasurer
The Treasurer is responsible for managing the financial affairs of the royal court and the nation. They oversee the collection and distribution of taxes, manage the national budget, and track the flow of wealth in and out of the kingdom. In some cultures, the treasurer may also be responsible for managing the treasury and national reserves. The treasurer is often given a title such as "Master of Coin" or "Royal Treasurer". In some societies, the Treasurer may report to the Steward, while in others the duties of the Treasurer may fall to the Steward himself.
Chancellor
The Chancellor is responsible for the nation's foreign affairs, including diplomacy, negotiations, and alliances with other countries. They work to understand the politics and events of neighboring nations and advise their ruler on matters of international relations. In the case of Rakal, each state's Chancellor also serves as their representative to the Confederate Assembly, which is responsible for governing the entire Confederation.
Spymaster
The Spymaster is responsible for gathering intelligence and monitoring any secrets or sensitive information that could affect the kingdom. They are also responsible for ensuring that the confidential orders of the Sovereign are carried out. They often have titles such as "Lord of Whispers" or "Scoutmaster".
Marshal
The Marshal is the councilor in charge of the royal military when the Sovereign is not in direct command. It is their duty to ensure that the Royal Army is well-trained, well-equipped and properly maintained. They are responsible for overseeing military operations and strategic planning in times of war or conflict. They usually have titles such as "High Commander" or "Lord General".
Captain of the Guard
The Captain of the Guard is responsible for leading and commanding the Royal Guard, which is charged with defending the Sovereign, the Palace, and the Capital, in order of importance. However, if there is already a Sovereign Protector or Marshal, they would be responsible for defending the Sovereign and the Palace, and the Captain of the Guard would focus on defending the capital.
Majordomo
The Majordomo is responsible for managing the staff and maintaining the palace to ensure it is suitable for the nobility. Although not always a council position, almost all courts have a majordomo who oversees the day-to-day running of the palace. Those who hold a council position as Majordomo may have additional duties, such as maintaining morale among the palace staff and in the capital.
Master of Ceremonies
The Master of Ceremonies is responsible for overseeing ceremonial events and maintaining the cultural traditions of the kingdom. They ensure that all official functions and ceremonies are conducted correctly, and may be responsible for organizing banquets, balls, and other social events on behalf of the Sovereign. They may also be responsible for finding suitable performers or entertainment to please the Sovereign and keep morale high in the kingdom.
Supreme Justice
The Supreme Justice is the highest legal authority in the nation, responsible for interpreting and enforcing the law. They preside over the court system and oversee the judges and other legal officials. It is their duty to ensure that justice is served and that the laws are applied fairly and impartially. In some cases, they may have the power to bring a criminal before the Sovereign for judgment, especially in cases of high crimes.
Royal Physician
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The Royal Physician is responsible for the health and well-being of the Sovereign, the Councilors, and the citizens of the realm. They advise the Sovereign on public health matters and oversee the nation's medical resources, including food and medical supplies. They may also be responsible for the physical and mental health of the court, including tending to injuries and illnesses and advising on diet, exercise, and hygiene.
Court Mages
Courts often have at least one Court Mage, but their specialty will vary depending on the needs of the nation.
Court Wizard
The Court Wizard advises the ruler on magical matters, especially those of an arcane nature. They are responsible for the maintenance of magical artifacts and the training of new wizards. They also provide and stock potions on behalf of the court. They may also conduct research into new magical practices and be tasked with finding solutions to supernatural threats facing the kingdom.
Court Cleric
The Court Cleric is a high-ranking religious official who advises the ruler on matters of faith and provides guidance on religious matters. They are responsible for ensuring that the religious practices of the kingdom are consistent with the beliefs of the sovereign and the people. Depending on the culture, they may also be responsible for maintaining and protecting sacred relics and holy sites.
Court Druid
The Court Druid advises the sovereign on matters of the natural world and is responsible for maintaining the royal gardens. Court Druids are the rarest of the court mages, as some rulers do not want to hear that their nation's expansion is harming the environment or natural habitats. Court Druids are most common among the Elves and Fera, who value living in harmony with nature.
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