Cardinal of Vigilance
Overview
Each of the eight virtue assemblies appoints a Cardinal to represent and lead them. The Cardinal of Vigilance represents the Vigilance 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 Vigilance is assumed to provide leadership to the priests and pilgrims dedicated to that virtue. They are expected to be well versed in matters of Vigilance, and of The Way in general, so that they can speak with authority on matters related to the study of Vigilance, and of doctrine. Prominent citizens who are guilty of breaking the law but believe their actions were rooted in Vigilance 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 Vigilance 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 Vigilance
The Cardinal of Vigilance 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 Vigilance and any other titles designated as virtuous appointments selected by the Cardinal of the Assembly of Vigilance.
Appointment
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 Vigilance, an important position that controls the distribution of true liao.
Additional Powers
The Cardinal of Vigilance 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 vigilant Imperial citizen may look specifically to the cardinal for inspiration, such as happened recently when the Silent Bell sought the approval of the Synod. While the Assembly of the Nine ultimatley went a different way, the ability to direct these vigilant investigators could have been the sole province of the Cardinal. Using such powers generally requires them to raise a judgement in the Assembly of the Nine.
Appointment
The Cardinal of Vigilance is appointed during the Spring Equinox by the Assembly of Vigilance, 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 Vigilance serves until the next scheduled election for the title. They can be revoked by the General Assembly, or by the virtue assembly of Vigilance.
| Summit | Nation | Elected | Votes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Equinox 386YE | Navarr | Gaelen Embercast | 174 Votes |
| Spring Equinox 385YE | Navarr | Gaelen Embercast | |
| Spring Equinox 384YE | Navarr | Gaelen Embercast | 116 Votes |
| Spring Equinox 383YE | Dawn | Ancél Watcher | 96 Votes |
| Spring Equinox 382YE | The League | Irada Von Temeschwar | |
| Spring Equinox 381YE | The League | Irada von Temeschwar | |
| Spring Equinox 380YE | The League | Irada von Temeschwar | |
| Spring Equinox 379YE | Highguard | Silas of the Suns of Couros | |
| Spring Equinox 378YE | Dawn | Marrok de Carsenere | |
| Spring Equinox 377YE | Varushka | Petra Petrivna Melikov | |
| Winter Solstice 376YE | Varushka | Sirka Parakgoosier Bashnya |
Recent Elections
This title is currently held by Gaelen Embercast; it will be reelected at Spring Equinox 387YE. 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