Lord Warden

In Dominicus Felinus, there are ever only four Lord Wardens in the kingdom. They are responsible for the governance of the four regions of the kingdom, including general governance, military protection and any defense measures against the Grimmfell. General administration of the regions is usually done by a civilian council, perhaps by members of the Hospitaliers. But the general details are left to each individual Lord Warden.

 

Qualifications

To become a Lord Warden, a Warden must be first and foremost, highly respected among the ranks, have contributed significantly to defense of the kingdom against the Grimmfell, and be amongst the most powerful magic users in the kingdom after the members of the royal family. Usually they are nominated from the ranks of Grand Marshal, as the experience there will help guide them once they truly start to govern a region. Formal nomination is from the Council of Flowers, with official recognition from the Head Seer of the Order, and the monarch of the kingdom.

 

Duties and responsibilities

Lord Wardens are active members in the Council of Flowers, which meet four times each year after the Rite of Flames, in Nepetanopolis. At the Council of Flowers, they report on any detected activities in the Misty Vale and among humans in the living world. They also advise on any potential military actions that may affect the kingdom. They also weigh in and execute on any demotions or expulsions. Promotions and confirmations of Lord Marshals and Senschals must be done by the Lord Wardens.   Of the ceremonies and rites, Lord Wardens are required to join the Exarch in the Rite of Flames four times a year in Nepetanopolis, then the local one held at the regional capital. Specifically the Lord Warden of the Eastern Reaches is required to escort the Exarch in the procession to bless the Misty Vales in the last rite of the year in the winter season.   The final trials of Trainee Wardens also require at least two Lord Wardens to be present at the trials. There they are responsible for tracking and verifying the results, as well as ensuring the safety and security of the Trainees. In extreme cases, Lord Wardens may need to enter the Trial Grounds themselves.   The special operations group that monitors human activities tied to the Grimmfell falls under the jurisdiction of the Lord Warden of the Eastern Reaches. Routine monitoring reports are given directly by the Lord Warden to the monarch, the Head Seer, and the Exarch. Each Lord Warden individually appoint the Grand Marshals for their region and promotions of Senschals.

 

Benefits and hazards

Lord Wardens usually reside in the governer mansion located in the capital cities of each region. Usually richly furnished, and spacious enough to allow several cats and even humans to cohabit together, the manors are also well-maintained by a team of servants appointed by the Hospitaliers. Lord Wardens usually have a stipend of 10 taels of silver Nepeta leaves per month. This is usually used to purchase any additional necessary goods, especially where summoners are involved. While few Lord Wardens usually retire, should any need to step down and retire, they are usually allowed a small house in the countryside, well furnished with a small stipend to live out the rest of their existence in relative peace.   But living out in relative peace is quite rare. Lord Wardens are held to a much stricter code of conduct. And due to their greater powers, human Warlocks of the Grimmfell find Lord Wardens extremely tempting vessals to bend to the Grimmfell. Hence, majority of Lord Wardens if facing expulsion, usually will have all powers stripped at minimum, with final death more common.

Ceremonial Colors

For more formal ceremonies, such as the Rite of Flames, Lord Wardens in human form wear a knee-length white cotton tunic, long black slacks, boots, and an olive green colored robe, with purple inner lining in reference to the colors of the catnip plant's leaves and flowers. The material may vary based on the seasons, such as lighter linen for summer and heavier velvet or fur for winter. Five catnip leaves, plated in gold, are pinned at the neck to indicate rank.   In cat form, the uniform is much simpler, involving a thicker collar that's mostly green, intertwined with threads of purple, with five golden mint leaves hung at the front.