Council of Oaths and Steel

Membership in the Council of Oaths and Steel is both prestigious and tightly controlled. Seats are held by:

• The Grand Duke of Drupraisil - Presiding Seat
• The High Marshal of the Duchy - Commander of the United Forces
• The Lord Seneschal - the chief steward
• The Baronial Elect (The Speaker for all the Barons - chosen from among the duchy’s barons)
• The Knight-Commandants of the three Premier Orders
• The Herald-Master of Drupraisil
• The Chancellor of Midburry (legal representative and archivist)
• Mint Warden
• Councilor at Large- Representitive to the Council of Duchies

The name of the Council reflects its dual foundation:

Oaths — The binding force of Drupraisil’s feudal system, referencing vows of loyalty, honor, truth, and duty sworn by knights and nobles alike.

Steel — A symbol of martial vigilance. Drupraisil’s knights are renowned for their prowess, and steel represents both military might and the discipline required to wield it responsibly.

Together, the name conveys that Drupraisil is governed by those who hold themselves to the highest standards of both honor and readiness.

Meetings and Ritual

Sessions of the Council are held within Stonehall Keep, in the Chamber of the Iron Standard. Before debate begins, members place a hand upon the Iron Standard—a weathered banner-pole said to date back to Drupraisil’s founding—and speak the traditional Charge:

“By oath unbroken and steel unsheathed, we stand for Drupraisil.”

Only after this rite may formal discourse begin.

The Council functions as the Grand Duke’s primary source of counsel, judgment, and national oversight. It is empowered to draft decrees, mediate noble disputes, approve levies, regulate knightly orders, and oversee the mustering of Drupraisil’s famed heavy cavalry. While the Grand Duke holds ultimate authority, most decisions of consequence traditionally pass through the Council for debate and certification.

Notable Traditions

• The Standing of Blades — Knights seeking a seat must present their sword before the Council and recite their lineage and deeds.
• The Iron Moot — An emergency session called only during times of war or dragon-threat.
• The Oath Renewal — A triennial ceremony reaffirming loyalty to the Grand Duke and the Zocan Empire.

While Drupraisil maintains its own traditions and autonomy, the Council acknowledges the suzerainty of the Zocan Empire. The Council oversees the duchy’s imperial obligations, including tribute, troop levies, and adherence to imperial edicts regarding currency, minting, and taxation. Drupraisil’s longstanding loyalty has earned it unusual respect—and occasional scrutiny—from the imperial court.