Champion of Prosperity
Overview
The Champion of Prosperity is an Imperial title that was created by the Imperial Senate in Winter 383YE. The title would confer custodianship of the artefact Pilgrim's Shield known as Glistering, were it to be recovered and gifted for that purpose.
Responsibilities
The Champion of Prosperity is intended to serve as an inspiration to the Pilgrims of the faith and laity as to what it means to be prosperous, particularly in a military context. They are also charged with bearing and protecting the shield known as Glistering. Historically the bearers of Glistering formed, along with the bearers of the other Pilgrim's Shields, the “Seven Pilgrims” band. It is a martial title.
Powers
Regalia
The Champion of Prosperity bears Glistering, the unique Pilgrim's Shield. If the Champion of Prosperity 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.
Glistering has been reclaimed by the Empire. The ongoing situation with the shield is largely unknown, but importantly there is no legal obligation to provide the shield to the title-holder.
Appointment
The Champion of Prosperity is chosen every Spring Equinox by a judgement of appointment by the Assembly of Prosperity.
Any Imperial citizen may hold this title. They can be revoked by the General Assembly, the Prosperity Assembly, and the Assembly of the Nine.
| Summit | Nation | Elected | Votes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Equinox 386YE | The Marches | Hugh Farrier | 111 Votes |
| Spring Equinox 386YE | The Marches | Hugh Farrier | 200 Votes |
| Spring Equinox 385YE | The Marches | Hugh Farrier | 168 Votes |
| Autumn Equinox 384YE | Navarr | Hamoch Iron Hill | 40 Votes |
Recent Elections
This title is currently held by Hugh Farrier; 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.
History
The shield Glistering 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”.
Glistering was first carried by Pietro the Golden, captain of a Leagueish free company. Passed from Champion to Champion, or selected by the priests of Prosperity 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. Glistering 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.