Champion of Ambition
Overview
The Champion of Ambition is an Imperial title that was created by the Imperial Senate in Winter 383YE. The title would confer custodianship of the artifact Pilgrim's Shield known as Excelsis, were it to be recovered and gifted for that purpose.
Responsibilities
The Champion of Ambition is intended to serve as an inspiration to the Pilgrims of the faith and laity as to what it means to be ambitious, particularly in a military context. They are also charged with bearing and protecting the shield known as Excelsis. Historically the bearers of Excelsis formed, along with the bearers of the other Pilgrims shield, the “Seven Pilgrims” band. It is a martial title.
Powers
Regalia of the Champion of Ambition
The Champion of Ambition bears Excelsis, the unique Pilgrim's Shield. If the Champion of Ambition loses their position, then the item must be given to the new Champion with all haste. The Champion is encouraged to take all appropriate precautions to keep this item safe, and is expected to do everything within their power to recover it if it is lost.
At present, Excelsis has been lost to the Empire. Even if it is located, until it is provided and becomes formal regalia, there is no legal obligation to provide the shield to the title-holder.
Appointment
The Champion of Ambition is chosen every Summer Solstice by a judgement of appointment by the Assembly of Ambition.
Any Imperial citizen may hold this title. They can be revoked by the General Assembly, the Ambition Assembly, and the Assembly of the Nine.
| Summit | Nation | Elected | Votes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer Solstice 386YE | Wintermark | Eldrid Vestardottir | 152 Votes |
| Spring Equinox 386YE | Wintermark | Eldrid Vestardottir | 124 Votes |
| Summer Solstice 385YE | Highguard | Alfmund "Flame of Tian" Fordwinsson | 122 Votes |
| Autumn Equinox 384YE | Highguard | Alfmund Fordwinsson | 100 Votes |
Recent Elections
This title is currently held by Eldrid Vestardottir; it will be reelected at Summer Solstice 387YE. The table to the right shows the citizens who have been elected to hold this title in the years since Empress Britta died.
History
The shield Excelsis was created by Ezkiah the Benefactor, greatest smith of the Highborn along with six other shields. Each was gifted to a different hero, forming a company known as the “Seven Pilgrims”.
Excelsis was first carried by Uris of Rising Spear, a Highborn cataphract. Passed from Champion to Champion, or selected by the priests of Ambition when this was not possible, it remained an enduring inspiration to the faithful of the Empire.
At the battle of Reikos in 367 YE the Seven Pilgrims of the day charged an entire Druj army on their own, allowing the outmatched Imperial forces time to quit the field in good order. Excelsis was lost along with the other six shields.
Historically the Shield was passed from Champion to Champion; the Synod has ended this tradition through the creation of a formal title, following the example set by the creation of the Champion of Courage.