Master of Defence of the Scholars of the Sword Academy
Overview
The Master of Defence of the Scholars of the Sword Academy is an Imperial title awarded to a citizen of the League. The Scholars of the Sword Academy was commissioned by Achille di Sarvos of the League as Bearer of an Imperial Wayleave during the Autumn Equinox 384YE, with work being completed shortly before the Winter Solstice 384YE. Almost as soon as it opened, the School courted controversy thanks to the decision to include a number of Urizen sword scholars on the staff. During the Spring Equinox 385YE, that controversy was addressed in a mandate upheld by the League National Assembly, that led to Holberg's bravos being encouraged to study the works of Emperor Frederick and engage in spirited debate with the sword scholars. It also saw a number of educators from across the Empire employed to teach swordplay and their own particular philosophies. As of Summer 385YE, the place is bustling, with students from all walks of life across Holberg (and in some cases beyond) keen to attend. The full impact of a school dedicated to turning out adept swordmasters with a taste for philosophy and liberty has yet to be felt, however.
While the title is officially "Master of Defence of the Scholars of the Sword Academy", many citizens of Holberg shorten it to Master of Defence.
Responsibilities
The Master of Defence of the Scholars of the Sword Academy has no particular responsibilities; they simply receive a seasonal income from the academy. If the Scholars of the Sword Academy were to be threatened in any way, it would be the responsibility of the Master to deal with those threats. Likewise, if any opportunity relating to the Academy presented itself, they would make any decisions needed to take advantage of it.
Powers
Master's Stipend
The Master of Defence of the Scholars of the Sword Academy receives an income of 1 Throne, 6 Crowns, and 7 Rings. When it first opened its doors, the stipend was slightly lower but enthusiasm for studying at the Academy grew alonside controversy, raising the amount by a third for as long as the Academy remains popular.
Appointment
The Master of Defence of the Scholars of the Sword Academy is selected by unanimous decision of the the League senators. If a unanimous decision cannot be reached, the title may be appointed by the Imperial Senate instead.
The title can be held by any League citizen. The Master has tenure, and serves until they die or step down. They can be revoked by the General Assembly, the League National Assembly, and by the Assembly of the Nine.
| Summit | Elected |
|---|---|
| Winter Solstice 384YE | Professor Bartolomau Vinnemakker von Holberg |
Recent Elections
This title is currently held by Professor Bartolomau Vinnemakker von Holberg. This title has tenure, the occupant may hold the title until it is revoked, they die or they relinquish the position. The table to the right shows the citizens who have been elected to hold this title in the years since Empress Britta died.
The Title in Play
The role does not provide additional information about events in the Empire, nor allow the player holding it to request special reports or downtime actions. These details are assumed to be below the abstraction layer. The title holder is encouraged to create their own stories about their activities within reasonable limits and to get involved in events appropriate to their title during the game, but they do not have any powers beyond those explicitly listed in the section on powers.
These details exist partly to provide context and character to the role - and partly to allow our writers to use the title as a plot hook. Plot that involves the position will be rare - but all the campaign positions in Empire have these details to create the potential for it to happen.