Champion of Wisdom
Overview
The Champion of Wisdom 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 Measure, were it to be recovered and gifted for that purpose.
Responsibilities
The Champion of Wisdom is intended to serve as an inspiration to the Pilgrims of the faith and laity as to what it means to be wise, particularly in a military context. They are also charged with bearing and protecting the shield known as Measure. Historically the bearers of Measure 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 Wisdom
The Champion of Wisdom bears Measure, the unique Pilgrim's Shield. If the Champion of Wisdom 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, Measure 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.
Following WInter 379YE, the shield was belived to be in the hands of Zamashka, Prince of Votika, in the Principalities of Jarm, having been acquired from Tharim and the other "sovereign-lords of the Wasteland". It passed from there into the hands of the House of Princes - the Jarmish government - who offered it to the Empire along with several other inducements in return for a ritual text of Brotherhood of Tian. The Imperial Conclave declined to provide the ritual, and as of Autumn 386YE, the exact disposition of the shield is again unclear.
Appointment
The Champion of Wisdom is chosen every Autumn Equinox by a judgement of appointment by the Assembly of Wisdom.
Any Imperial citizen may hold this title. They can be revoked by the General Assembly, the Wisdom Assembly, and the Assembly of the Nine.
| Summit | Nation | Elected | Votes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Equinox 386YE | Urizen | Valens Leos | 44 Votes |
| Autumn Equinox 385YE | Urizen | Valens Leos | 119 Votes |
| Autumn Equinox 384YE | Navarr | Silk Splinterspear | 200 Votes |
Recent Elections
This title is currently held by Valens Leos; it will be reelected at Autumn 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 Measure 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”.
Measure was first carried by Sister Carmena the Peacemaker, whose efforts brought Dawn and the Marches from the brink of bloodshed during the notorious War of the Sisters crisis. Passed from Champion to Champion, or selected by the priests of Wisdom 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. Measure 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.