Cardinal of Prosperity
Overview
Each of the eight virtue assemblies appoints a Cardinal to represent and lead them. The Cardinal of Prosperity represents the Prosperity Assembly, and is part of what is arguably the post powerful of the Assemblies, the Assembly of the Nine. While they are still able to raise only a single judgement for consideration by their peers in the Imperial Synod each season, they possess a number of specific legal powers that allow them to guide and influence the Assemblies.
The recent Severin encyclical prompted a great deal of discussion around the role of the cardinals in the Imperial Synod.
Responsibilities
The Cardinal of Prosperity is assumed to provide leadership to the priests and pilgrims dedicated to that virtue. They are expected to be well versed in matters of Prosperity, and of The Way in general, so that they can speak with authority on matters related to the study of Prosperity, and of doctrine. Prominent citizens who are guilty of breaking the law but believe their actions were rooted in Prosperity will often approach the Cardinal to plead clemency on their behalf, so a familiarity with the law may also prove helpful.
As a member of the Assembly of the Nine, the Cardinal of Prosperity can wield considerable influence over the politics of the Empire. In particular the Assembly has the power to veto any constitutional motion passed by the Imperial Senate. This allows the Assembly to uphold their constitutional obligation to "ensure the virtuous behaviour of the Empire".
Powers
Cardinal of Prosperity
The Cardinal of Prosperity has the powers common to all cardinals: membership of the Assembly of the Nine; the ability to call for further scrutiny on a judgement raised in any assembly by a member of the Synod (rather than by the Tribunes); appoint the gatekeeper of Prosperity and any other titles designated as virtuous appointments selected by the Cardinal of the Assembly of Prosperity.
Virtue Appointments
A virtue title might be designed in such a way that it is appointed by the Cardinal alone. Currently they have the power to appoint the Gatekeeper of Prosperity, an important position that controls the distribution of true liao; and the Curator of the Printer's Guild Museum, a title who oversees a sinecure dedicated to preserving and supporting the Printer's Guild Museum of Wonders.
Additional Powers
The Cardinal of Prosperity may possess additional powers, not shared with their fellow cardinals, either through the action of the Imperial Senate or through opportunities presented to them. Occasionally, a particularly prosperous Imperial citizen may look specifically to the cardinal for inspiration. Using such powers would generally require them to raise a suitable judgement in the Assembly of the Nine.
Appointment
The Cardinal of Prosperity is appointed during the Winter Equinox by the Assembly of Prosperity, and must be a member of that assembly. Selection is by a judgement of appointment raised by the Tribune in the standard manner.
The elections for the cardinals are considered to be legally equivalent positions restricted by virtue. This means that if you change your virtue assembly then you must abstain from voting in a election if it occurs less than four events after the previous election in your previous virtue assembly. If you are in any doubt about your eligibility then you should consult the Tribune, or Merlot the civil service overseer of elections who can advise you.
The judgement to appoint a cardinal will typically close at 6pm on the Saturday of the summit. These times may differ if an unscheduled appointment is required but there are always at least three hours for nominations and three hours for voting. After that time, the candidate with the most support is declared cardinal.
The Cardinal of Prosperity serves until the next scheduled election for the title. They can be revoked by the General Assembly, or by the virtue assembly of Prosperity.
| Summit | Nation | Elected | Votes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter Solstice 385YE | Dawn | Darian Numbers | 192 Votes |
| Winter Solstice 384YE | Dawn | Darian Numbers | 253 Votes |
| Winter Solstice 383YE | Dawn | darian numbers | 171 Votes |
| Winter Solstice 382YE | Highguard | Onan of the Chantry of the Silver Skull | 134 Votes |
| Winter Solstice 381YE | The Marches | Cesare Enzo Di Trivento | |
| Winter Solstice 380YE | Ricardo Almieda Desmondo di Tassato | ||
| Winter Solstice 379YE | The League | Ophelia Sanguineo Rezia di Tassato | |
| Spring Equinox 379YE | Wintermark | Edythe Dunne | |
| Winter Solstice 378YE | Peter Keeper of Kingstoke | ||
| Winter Solstice 377YE | The League | Ynez di Caricomare | |
| Autumn Equinox 377YE | The League | Ynez di Caricomare | |
| Winter Solstice 376YE | Alexandru Vintla |
Recent Elections
This title is currently held by Darian Numbers; it will be reelected at the next summit. The table to the right shows the citizens who have been elected to hold this title in the years since Empress Britta died.
Further Reading
Core Brief
Additional Information