Dawn monarchy update - Revision history

Matt: Text replacement - "Senate" to "Senate"

2026-01-15T22:26:43Z

Text replacement - "Senate" to "Senate"

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:26, 15 January 2026
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	Over the centuries since the Empire was formed there have been a few moments when Dawn has contemplated the restoration of an independent ruling monarchy. The most notable incident took place in 137YE during the reign of [[Empress Varkula]]. Dawnish unhappiness with the political outcome of the [[Holberg]] campaign was widespread and a dozen prominent Dawnish nobles were discovered to be gathering support for a plan to make Marthe of House Edwillion, Queen of Dawn. Marthe was a great bull-necked woman, widely considered the most successful [[general]] from the Holberg campaign and beloved in Dawn as much for her awesome fighting demeanour on the tourney field as her military genius.		Over the centuries since the Empire was formed there have been a few moments when Dawn has contemplated the restoration of an independent ruling monarchy. The most notable incident took place in 137YE during the reign of [[Empress Varkula]]. Dawnish unhappiness with the political outcome of the [[Holberg]] campaign was widespread and a dozen prominent Dawnish nobles were discovered to be gathering support for a plan to make Marthe of House Edwillion, Queen of Dawn. Marthe was a great bull-necked woman, widely considered the most successful [[general]] from the Holberg campaign and beloved in Dawn as much for her awesome fighting demeanour on the tourney field as her military genius.

	Had they taken any action, the plotters would have faced charges of subverting the agencies of state, but the Empress was disinclined to leave the matter to the magistrates. Instead she made a public address in the [[~~Senate\|~~Senate]] spelling out in no uncertain terms the unique role of The Throne as the head of the Empire. In her inimitable acerbic style she explicitly threatened Dawn, but made it clear that she would use the full powers of The Throne against ''any'' nation that sought to divide and undermine the Empire in this way. At the very least, she would ensure that such a nation immediately lost all military support, and would be left to face the [[Druj\|barbarians]] alone. There are no records of what follows, so it appears that Varkula's threat appears to have been sufficient to cow the rebellious nobles.		Had they taken any action, the plotters would have faced charges of subverting the agencies of state, but the Empress was disinclined to leave the matter to the magistrates. Instead she made a public address in the [[Senate]] spelling out in no uncertain terms the unique role of The Throne as the head of the Empire. In her inimitable acerbic style she explicitly threatened Dawn, but made it clear that she would use the full powers of The Throne against ''any'' nation that sought to divide and undermine the Empire in this way. At the very least, she would ensure that such a nation immediately lost all military support, and would be left to face the [[Druj\|barbarians]] alone. There are no records of what follows, so it appears that Varkula's threat appears to have been sufficient to cow the rebellious nobles.

	There are some clear alternatives that would avert the crisis of having two heads of state. One is the [[Wintermark_history\|route taken by Wintermark]], when they joined the Empire. The Mark retains the traditional regalia of their monarch, the [[Crown of Three Tears]], but when they joined the Empire the last King gave the crown to the Kallavesi mystics and they granted it the champion best able to inspire the nation. There would be considerable resistance to such an approach in Dawn - the monarchical tradition is seen by many as the natural corollary to the nobility of the houses. But it ''might'' be possible to persuade people to rename and re-purpose the title to something that held less status - for Dawn to cease to be a monarchy.		There are some clear alternatives that would avert the crisis of having two heads of state. One is the [[Wintermark_history\|route taken by Wintermark]], when they joined the Empire. The Mark retains the traditional regalia of their monarch, the [[Crown of Three Tears]], but when they joined the Empire the last King gave the crown to the Kallavesi mystics and they granted it the champion best able to inspire the nation. There would be considerable resistance to such an approach in Dawn - the monarchical tradition is seen by many as the natural corollary to the nobility of the houses. But it ''might'' be possible to persuade people to rename and re-purpose the title to something that held less status - for Dawn to cease to be a monarchy.

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial Synod" to "[[Synod"

2026-01-15T12:42:19Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Synod" to "[[Synod"

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:42, 15 January 2026
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	Much of the assumptions about the position of the monarch of Dawn are a consequence of centuries of tradition that have built up since Dawn was founded - and then adapted at the point where Dawn joined the Empire. Traditions are important in the Empire, adherence to them is regarded as a virtuous act of [[Pride]], so most people do not surrender them lightly. The Dawnish are not pig-headed though - they will adapt their traditions where there is a clear need to do so - if they are given effective leadership.		Much of the assumptions about the position of the monarch of Dawn are a consequence of centuries of tradition that have built up since Dawn was founded - and then adapted at the point where Dawn joined the Empire. Traditions are important in the Empire, adherence to them is regarded as a virtuous act of [[Pride]], so most people do not surrender them lightly. The Dawnish are not pig-headed though - they will adapt their traditions where there is a clear need to do so - if they are given effective leadership.

	The [[~~Imperial~~ Synod]] and even more importantly, the Dawnish Assembly, are the primary source of such leadership. The Dawnish characters who attend Anvil for the summits do not control the views of the Dawnish people - but they can directly influence them via the judgements passed by their [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies\|Assembly]]. An appropriately worded [[statement of principle]] can begin this process, especially one passed with a [[Judgement#Greater_Majority\|greater majority]]. If it creates an [[opportunity]] for a [[mandate]], then that may bring about significant lasting change if it is passed and spread across the nation.		The [[Synod]] and even more importantly, the Dawnish Assembly, are the primary source of such leadership. The Dawnish characters who attend Anvil for the summits do not control the views of the Dawnish people - but they can directly influence them via the judgements passed by their [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies\|Assembly]]. An appropriately worded [[statement of principle]] can begin this process, especially one passed with a [[Judgement#Greater_Majority\|greater majority]]. If it creates an [[opportunity]] for a [[mandate]], then that may bring about significant lasting change if it is passed and spread across the nation.

	There are crucial limitations on what any assembly can achieve however. The [[Highguard\|Highborn]] Assembly is ''never'' going to convince the Highborn people that they should stop bothering to [[Highguard_culture_and_customs#Washing_and_cleanliness\|wash]] no matter how many votes such a statement of principle attracts. A greater majority in favour would not convince people of the virtue of a lack of cleanliness; rather any judgement that ran counter to the central traditions of a nation would simply convince people that their assembly had taken leave of its senses.		There are crucial limitations on what any assembly can achieve however. The [[Highguard\|Highborn]] Assembly is ''never'' going to convince the Highborn people that they should stop bothering to [[Highguard_culture_and_customs#Washing_and_cleanliness\|wash]] no matter how many votes such a statement of principle attracts. A greater majority in favour would not convince people of the virtue of a lack of cleanliness; rather any judgement that ran counter to the central traditions of a nation would simply convince people that their assembly had taken leave of its senses.
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	It is not possible to be certain in advance what the impact of a statement of principle will be. Any statement may influence the way people think and feel about a subject - the greater the majority the more emphatic any influence is likely to be. However the impact will always be limited to the way people view the issue - creating change that produces direct game effects requires a [[mandate]]. These may come in response to a statement passed by the assembly or they may arise spontaneously reflecting the moods of the people. With any mandate we will always ''try'' to make transparently clear what the outcome of passing that mandate would be - so player-characters know the effects before they decide whether or not to support it.		It is not possible to be certain in advance what the impact of a statement of principle will be. Any statement may influence the way people think and feel about a subject - the greater the majority the more emphatic any influence is likely to be. However the impact will always be limited to the way people view the issue - creating change that produces direct game effects requires a [[mandate]]. These may come in response to a statement passed by the assembly or they may arise spontaneously reflecting the moods of the people. With any mandate we will always ''try'' to make transparently clear what the outcome of passing that mandate would be - so player-characters know the effects before they decide whether or not to support it.

	It is important to be aware that it is difficult and expensive for the [[~~Imperial~~ Synod]] to change their mind. NPCs in the Empire setting experience a powerful [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serial_position_effect#Primacy_effect primacy effect]. If a greater majority of the Dawnish Assembly pass a statement of principle lauding the Imperatrix as the rightful Queen of Dawn then that has a significant lasting effect on how people view the Imperatrix in Dawn. If they later pass a judgement saying that Empress Lisabetta is insufficiently glorious then that is less effective than it would otherwise have been. This directly flows from core game design elements that decisions are expensive and difficult to reverse. The Assembly can't explain that new facts have come to light and claim that they were all wrong the first time, without undermining confidence in their ability to make wise judgements.		It is important to be aware that it is difficult and expensive for the [[Synod]] to change their mind. NPCs in the Empire setting experience a powerful [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serial_position_effect#Primacy_effect primacy effect]. If a greater majority of the Dawnish Assembly pass a statement of principle lauding the Imperatrix as the rightful Queen of Dawn then that has a significant lasting effect on how people view the Imperatrix in Dawn. If they later pass a judgement saying that Empress Lisabetta is insufficiently glorious then that is less effective than it would otherwise have been. This directly flows from core game design elements that decisions are expensive and difficult to reverse. The Assembly can't explain that new facts have come to light and claim that they were all wrong the first time, without undermining confidence in their ability to make wise judgements.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Yael.jpg\|Caption=Yael of Felix's Watch, First Empress Reborn\|align=left\|width=300}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Yael.jpg\|Caption=Yael of Felix's Watch, First Empress Reborn\|align=left\|width=300}}

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial Senate" to "[[Senate"

2026-01-15T12:42:14Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Senate" to "[[Senate"

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:42, 15 January 2026
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	Over the centuries since the Empire was formed there have been a few moments when Dawn has contemplated the restoration of an independent ruling monarchy. The most notable incident took place in 137YE during the reign of [[Empress Varkula]]. Dawnish unhappiness with the political outcome of the [[Holberg]] campaign was widespread and a dozen prominent Dawnish nobles were discovered to be gathering support for a plan to make Marthe of House Edwillion, Queen of Dawn. Marthe was a great bull-necked woman, widely considered the most successful [[general]] from the Holberg campaign and beloved in Dawn as much for her awesome fighting demeanour on the tourney field as her military genius.		Over the centuries since the Empire was formed there have been a few moments when Dawn has contemplated the restoration of an independent ruling monarchy. The most notable incident took place in 137YE during the reign of [[Empress Varkula]]. Dawnish unhappiness with the political outcome of the [[Holberg]] campaign was widespread and a dozen prominent Dawnish nobles were discovered to be gathering support for a plan to make Marthe of House Edwillion, Queen of Dawn. Marthe was a great bull-necked woman, widely considered the most successful [[general]] from the Holberg campaign and beloved in Dawn as much for her awesome fighting demeanour on the tourney field as her military genius.

	Had they taken any action, the plotters would have faced charges of subverting the agencies of state, but the Empress was disinclined to leave the matter to the magistrates. Instead she made a public address in the [[~~Imperial~~ Senate\|Senate]] spelling out in no uncertain terms the unique role of The Throne as the head of the Empire. In her inimitable acerbic style she explicitly threatened Dawn, but made it clear that she would use the full powers of The Throne against ''any'' nation that sought to divide and undermine the Empire in this way. At the very least, she would ensure that such a nation immediately lost all military support, and would be left to face the [[Druj\|barbarians]] alone. There are no records of what follows, so it appears that Varkula's threat appears to have been sufficient to cow the rebellious nobles.		Had they taken any action, the plotters would have faced charges of subverting the agencies of state, but the Empress was disinclined to leave the matter to the magistrates. Instead she made a public address in the [[Senate\|Senate]] spelling out in no uncertain terms the unique role of The Throne as the head of the Empire. In her inimitable acerbic style she explicitly threatened Dawn, but made it clear that she would use the full powers of The Throne against ''any'' nation that sought to divide and undermine the Empire in this way. At the very least, she would ensure that such a nation immediately lost all military support, and would be left to face the [[Druj\|barbarians]] alone. There are no records of what follows, so it appears that Varkula's threat appears to have been sufficient to cow the rebellious nobles.

	There are some clear alternatives that would avert the crisis of having two heads of state. One is the [[Wintermark_history\|route taken by Wintermark]], when they joined the Empire. The Mark retains the traditional regalia of their monarch, the [[Crown of Three Tears]], but when they joined the Empire the last King gave the crown to the Kallavesi mystics and they granted it the champion best able to inspire the nation. There would be considerable resistance to such an approach in Dawn - the monarchical tradition is seen by many as the natural corollary to the nobility of the houses. But it ''might'' be possible to persuade people to rename and re-purpose the title to something that held less status - for Dawn to cease to be a monarchy.		There are some clear alternatives that would avert the crisis of having two heads of state. One is the [[Wintermark_history\|route taken by Wintermark]], when they joined the Empire. The Mark retains the traditional regalia of their monarch, the [[Crown of Three Tears]], but when they joined the Empire the last King gave the crown to the Kallavesi mystics and they granted it the champion best able to inspire the nation. There would be considerable resistance to such an approach in Dawn - the monarchical tradition is seen by many as the natural corollary to the nobility of the houses. But it ''might'' be possible to persuade people to rename and re-purpose the title to something that held less status - for Dawn to cease to be a monarchy.

Hailmur: /* Nobility */

2024-02-19T17:33:46Z

Nobility

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:33, 19 February 2024
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	==Nobility==		==Nobility==
	In Dawnish society, a noble is any Dawnish citizen who has successfully completed a [[Dawn_culture_and_customs#The_Test_of_Mettle\|Test of Mettle]] and thereby been recognized as a member of a noble house. Nobility confers certain legal rights - most significantly the right to ~~partake in the tourney~~ to elect a senator - but it also brings significant prestige in Dawn where it is widely regarded as the first step on the path to a glorious life. Inherent in the very nature of a Test of Mettle is the fundamental idea that the citizen who takes it is Dawnish - and will join the house as a member of their nobility if they are successful. Anyone might set a test for someone - but if they are not the [[earl]] of a noble house setting the test for a Dawnish citizen seeking to become a member of their house then by definition the test is not a Test of Mettle.		In Dawnish society, a noble is any Dawnish citizen who has successfully completed a [[Dawn_culture_and_customs#The_Test_of_Mettle\|Test of Mettle]] and thereby been recognized as a member of a noble house. Nobility confers certain legal rights - most significantly the right to [[Dawn_leadership#Favour\|confer their favour]] to elect a senator - but it also brings significant prestige in Dawn where it is widely regarded as the first step on the path to a glorious life. Inherent in the very nature of a Test of Mettle is the fundamental idea that the citizen who takes it is Dawnish - and will join the house as a member of their nobility if they are successful. Anyone might set a test for someone - but if they are not the [[earl]] of a noble house setting the test for a Dawnish citizen seeking to become a member of their house then by definition the test is not a Test of Mettle.

	Testing people to see their worth is a profoundly Dawnish tradition. The Imperial [[Test of Citizenship]] and [[Test of Arms]] both derive from Dawnish traditions of testing young citizens to see if they are ready to pursue a path to glory. Key points in Dawnish life are punctuated by tests - the [[Dawn_culture_and_customs\|Tests of Mettle, Ardour, and Resolve]] are the best known of these. Testing someone is far more than just a mechanism to demonstrate whether or not a candidate is worthy - by its very nature a challenging test encourages the errant ~~yeoman~~ to glorious ends in pursuit of triumph. A good test stretches the one who attempts it, driving them to achieve more, pushing them to attain glory and granting them an opportunity to demonstrate it. And a great test can also bring glory to the house that sets it.		Testing people to see their worth is a profoundly Dawnish tradition. The Imperial [[Test of Citizenship]] and [[Test of Arms]] both derive from Dawnish traditions of testing young citizens to see if they are ready to pursue a path to glory. Key points in Dawnish life are punctuated by tests - the [[Dawn_culture_and_customs\|Tests of Mettle, Ardour, and Resolve]] are the best known of these. Testing someone is far more than just a mechanism to demonstrate whether or not a candidate is worthy - by its very nature a challenging test encourages the errant yeofolk to glorious ends in pursuit of triumph. A good test stretches the one who attempts it, driving them to achieve more, pushing them to attain glory and granting them an opportunity to demonstrate it. And a great test can also bring glory to the house that sets it.

	How Dawnish nobles regard citizens of other nations tends to vary from house to house. A few noble houses maintain that Dawnish nobility is the pinnacle of Imperial civilisation, beyond the reach of members of other nations. However most nobles are prepared to accept that a citizen of another nation is capable of pursuing and achieving glory and there are many and varied circumstances where a Dawnish earl or noble might deem it appropriate to set a test for such a citizen. They might wish the citizen to prove themselves for some reason - or they may use a test to encourage them - helping them to achieve glory. In rare cases passing such a test might be the precondition a house sets to treat another Imperial as their social equal - such a thing would be the nearest equivalent to a Test of Mettle that a house might set for a member of another nation.		How Dawnish nobles regard citizens of other nations tends to vary from house to house. A few noble houses maintain that Dawnish nobility is the pinnacle of Imperial civilisation, beyond the reach of members of other nations. However most nobles are prepared to accept that a citizen of another nation is capable of pursuing and achieving glory and there are many and varied circumstances where a Dawnish earl or noble might deem it appropriate to set a test for such a citizen. They might wish the citizen to prove themselves for some reason - or they may use a test to encourage them - helping them to achieve glory. In rare cases passing such a test might be the precondition a house sets to treat another Imperial as their social equal - such a thing would be the nearest equivalent to a Test of Mettle that a house might set for a member of another nation.

Matt: /* Yael */

2024-02-12T12:13:19Z

Yael

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:13, 12 February 2024
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	There is no traditional or constitutional support for this idea; the tradition is that the current Throne is entitled to stake a claim to the position of monarch of Dawn. Citizens who have had past life visions of being an emperor or empress are not unknown - but none ever merited such an offer. But in the four hundred years since the Empire was founded no-one else has ever reported a true liao vision of being the First Empress. Yael's claims were more significant because of their magnitude - not just that she was the First Empress reborn - but that she was a paragon returned from the beyond the Labyrinth.		There is no traditional or constitutional support for this idea; the tradition is that the current Throne is entitled to stake a claim to the position of monarch of Dawn. Citizens who have had past life visions of being an emperor or empress are not unknown - but none ever merited such an offer. But in the four hundred years since the Empire was founded no-one else has ever reported a true liao vision of being the First Empress. Yael's claims were more significant because of their magnitude - not just that she was the First Empress reborn - but that she was a paragon returned from the beyond the Labyrinth.

	Had the Dawnish nobility opted to recognize Yael's right and [[A_spiritual_prism#Exultation\|declared her Queen of Dawn]] on the tourney field, then it would have created a constitutional conflict between The Throne and the monarch. We should have called this out in the text of the original wind of fortune that followed the Synod judgement. We failed to do so because we didn't adequately map out the consequences of such an action so we didn't notice at the time. As part of the Empire, Dawn cannot have two different heads of state to whom people give their [[Loyalty]]. The consequences of such an action - and the different ways it might have been resolved are no longer relevant since Dawn took a different route.
	<div style="width: 600px; float: right;">		<div style="width: 600px; float: right;">
	<quote by="Dawn National Assembly, Ser Criseyde, 380YE Winter Solstice, Upheld 102 - 50">		<quote by="Dawn National Assembly, Ser Criseyde, 380YE Winter Solstice, Upheld 102 - 50">
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	</quote>		</quote>
	</div>		</div>
			Had the Dawnish nobility opted to recognize Yael's right and [[A_spiritual_prism#Exultation\|declared her Queen of Dawn]] on the tourney field, then it would have created a constitutional conflict between The Throne and the monarch. We should have called this out in the text of the original wind of fortune that followed the Synod judgement. We failed to do so because we didn't adequately map out the consequences of such an action so we didn't notice at the time. As part of the Empire, Dawn cannot have two different heads of state to whom people give their [[Loyalty]]. The consequences of such an action - and the different ways it might have been resolved are no longer relevant since Dawn took a different route.

	The potential for Yael to be proclaimed the monarch of Dawn shows clearly that such a thing ''is possible'' - but to have any credibility with the Dawnish people the candidate would have to recognized by the Dawnish Assembly as truly extraordinary. The Imperatrix had the right by dint of being the single person selected by the Empire from the millions of living citizens to sit on the Throne. Yael's entitlement was based on her claim to be not just a living paragon, but the greatest human being that ever lived reborn, the individual whose glorious deeds brought Dawn into the Empire and created the modern monarchy. Yael demonstrates that ''any citizen whose deeds were similarly glorious'' might be recognized to have a similar entitlement - but that shouldn't be confused with the idea that the Dawnish people will accept anyone as their king or queen, nor does it remove the dramatic consequences such a decision might have.		The potential for Yael to be proclaimed the monarch of Dawn shows clearly that such a thing ''is possible'' - but to have any credibility with the Dawnish people the candidate would have to recognized by the Dawnish Assembly as truly extraordinary. The Imperatrix had the right by dint of being the single person selected by the Empire from the millions of living citizens to sit on the Throne. Yael's entitlement was based on her claim to be not just a living paragon, but the greatest human being that ever lived reborn, the individual whose glorious deeds brought Dawn into the Empire and created the modern monarchy. Yael demonstrates that ''any citizen whose deeds were similarly glorious'' might be recognized to have a similar entitlement - but that shouldn't be confused with the idea that the Dawnish people will accept anyone as their king or queen, nor does it remove the dramatic consequences such a decision might have.
	[[Category:Dawn]] [[Category:Game Design]]		[[Category:Dawn]] [[Category:Game Design]]

Cyph: Spelling correction

2023-04-09T21:12:34Z

Spelling correction

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:12, 9 April 2023
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	Had they taken any action, the plotters would have faced charges of subverting the agencies of state, but the Empress was disinclined to leave the matter to the magistrates. Instead she made a public address in the [[Imperial Senate\|Senate]] spelling out in no uncertain terms the unique role of The Throne as the head of the Empire. In her inimitable acerbic style she explicitly threatened Dawn, but made it clear that she would use the full powers of The Throne against ''any'' nation that sought to divide and undermine the Empire in this way. At the very least, she would ensure that such a nation immediately lost all military support, and would be left to face the [[Druj\|barbarians]] alone. There are no records of what follows, so it appears that Varkula's threat appears to have been sufficient to cow the rebellious nobles.		Had they taken any action, the plotters would have faced charges of subverting the agencies of state, but the Empress was disinclined to leave the matter to the magistrates. Instead she made a public address in the [[Imperial Senate\|Senate]] spelling out in no uncertain terms the unique role of The Throne as the head of the Empire. In her inimitable acerbic style she explicitly threatened Dawn, but made it clear that she would use the full powers of The Throne against ''any'' nation that sought to divide and undermine the Empire in this way. At the very least, she would ensure that such a nation immediately lost all military support, and would be left to face the [[Druj\|barbarians]] alone. There are no records of what follows, so it appears that Varkula's threat appears to have been sufficient to cow the rebellious nobles.

	There are some clear alternatives that would avert the crisis of having two heads of state. One is the [[Wintermark_history\|route taken by Wintermark]], when they joined the Empire. The Mark retains the traditional regalia of their monarch, the [[Crown of Three Tears]], but when they joined the Empire the last King gave the crown to the ~~Kallevesi~~ mystics and they granted it the champion best able to inspire the nation. There would be considerable resistance to such an approach in Dawn - the monarchical tradition is seen by many as the natural corollary to the nobility of the houses. But it ''might'' be possible to persuade people to rename and re-purpose the title to something that held less status - for Dawn to cease to be a monarchy.		There are some clear alternatives that would avert the crisis of having two heads of state. One is the [[Wintermark_history\|route taken by Wintermark]], when they joined the Empire. The Mark retains the traditional regalia of their monarch, the [[Crown of Three Tears]], but when they joined the Empire the last King gave the crown to the Kallavesi mystics and they granted it the champion best able to inspire the nation. There would be considerable resistance to such an approach in Dawn - the monarchical tradition is seen by many as the natural corollary to the nobility of the houses. But it ''might'' be possible to persuade people to rename and re-purpose the title to something that held less status - for Dawn to cease to be a monarchy.

	The obvious alternative route involves a very different change. The constitutional conflict presented by having two different heads of state would also be avoided if Dawn chose to leave the Empire. If Dawn were once again a sovereign nation, then they would be free to chose their own law and could elect a ruling monarch. Disgruntled nations have contemplated independence from the Empire before - but have usually been put off by the potential costs. Few nations are confident of being able to face the barbarians alone. Just losing access to the power of the Sentinel gate alone could damage their military capabilities - assuming that such a nation still found it worthwhile to continue to meet with the other nations at Anvil.		The obvious alternative route involves a very different change. The constitutional conflict presented by having two different heads of state would also be avoided if Dawn chose to leave the Empire. If Dawn were once again a sovereign nation, then they would be free to chose their own law and could elect a ruling monarch. Disgruntled nations have contemplated independence from the Empire before - but have usually been put off by the potential costs. Few nations are confident of being able to face the barbarians alone. Just losing access to the power of the Sentinel gate alone could damage their military capabilities - assuming that such a nation still found it worthwhile to continue to meet with the other nations at Anvil.

Matt: First First Empress Link Link

2020-08-03T10:46:23Z

First First Empress Link Link

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:46, 3 August 2020
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	__TOC__		__TOC__
	==Sovereignty==		==Sovereignty==
	Since the foundation of the Empire, there has never been a Dawnish monarch who wasn't also [[the Throne\|the reigning Throne]]. According to the Dawnish history, the nation joined the nascent Empire at the point where the First Empress became the Queen of Dawn. Such membership was more de facto than legal however, with the tourney to elect the First Empress serving as a rallying ground for noble houses on either side of the argument. However arguable just as significant was the decision not to elect a monarch after the death of the First Empress. Had the Dawnish nobility not taken that decision, the course of history might be very different.		Since the foundation of the Empire, there has never been a Dawnish monarch who wasn't also [[the Throne\|the reigning Throne]]. According to the Dawnish history, the nation joined the nascent Empire at the point where the [[First Empress]] became the Queen of Dawn. Such membership was more de facto than legal however, with the tourney to elect the First Empress serving as a rallying ground for noble houses on either side of the argument. However arguable just as significant was the decision not to elect a monarch after the death of the First Empress. Had the Dawnish nobility not taken that decision, the course of history might be very different.

	By general acclaim the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monarch monarch] is the head of state for the Dawnish nation. There is no legal standing for such an arrangement - Imperial law is very clear that the Throne is the head of the Imperial state. But the existence of a separate head of state for Dawn does not cause any legal or constitutional conflicts, ''provided the title is combined with the Throne''.		By general acclaim the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monarch monarch] is the head of state for the Dawnish nation. There is no legal standing for such an arrangement - Imperial law is very clear that the Throne is the head of the Imperial state. But the existence of a separate head of state for Dawn does not cause any legal or constitutional conflicts, ''provided the title is combined with the Throne''.

Dre at 22:14, 2 April 2018

2018-04-02T22:14:55Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:14, 2 April 2018
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	In Dawnish society, a noble is any Dawnish citizen who has successfully completed a [[Dawn_culture_and_customs#The_Test_of_Mettle\|Test of Mettle]] and thereby been recognized as a member of a noble house. Nobility confers certain legal rights - most significantly the right to partake in the tourney to elect a senator - but it also brings significant prestige in Dawn where it is widely regarded as the first step on the path to a glorious life. Inherent in the very nature of a Test of Mettle is the fundamental idea that the citizen who takes it is Dawnish - and will join the house as a member of their nobility if they are successful. Anyone might set a test for someone - but if they are not the [[earl]] of a noble house setting the test for a Dawnish citizen seeking to become a member of their house then by definition the test is not a Test of Mettle.		In Dawnish society, a noble is any Dawnish citizen who has successfully completed a [[Dawn_culture_and_customs#The_Test_of_Mettle\|Test of Mettle]] and thereby been recognized as a member of a noble house. Nobility confers certain legal rights - most significantly the right to partake in the tourney to elect a senator - but it also brings significant prestige in Dawn where it is widely regarded as the first step on the path to a glorious life. Inherent in the very nature of a Test of Mettle is the fundamental idea that the citizen who takes it is Dawnish - and will join the house as a member of their nobility if they are successful. Anyone might set a test for someone - but if they are not the [[earl]] of a noble house setting the test for a Dawnish citizen seeking to become a member of their house then by definition the test is not a Test of Mettle.

	Testing people to see their worth is a profoundly Dawnish tradition. The Imperial [[Test of Citizenship]] and [[Test of Arms]] both derive from Dawnish traditions of testing young citizens to see if they are ready to pursue a path to glory. Key points in Dawnish life are punctuated by tests - the [[Dawn_culture_and_customs\|Tests of Mettle, Ardour, and Resolve]] are the best known of these. Testing someone is far more than just a mechanism to demonstrate whether or not a candidate is worthy - by ~~it's~~ very nature a challenging test encourages the errant yeoman to glorious ends in pursuit of triumph. A good test stretches the one who attempts it, driving them to achieve more, pushing them to attain glory and granting them an opportunity to demonstrate it. And a great test can also bring glory to the house that sets it.		Testing people to see their worth is a profoundly Dawnish tradition. The Imperial [[Test of Citizenship]] and [[Test of Arms]] both derive from Dawnish traditions of testing young citizens to see if they are ready to pursue a path to glory. Key points in Dawnish life are punctuated by tests - the [[Dawn_culture_and_customs\|Tests of Mettle, Ardour, and Resolve]] are the best known of these. Testing someone is far more than just a mechanism to demonstrate whether or not a candidate is worthy - by its very nature a challenging test encourages the errant yeoman to glorious ends in pursuit of triumph. A good test stretches the one who attempts it, driving them to achieve more, pushing them to attain glory and granting them an opportunity to demonstrate it. And a great test can also bring glory to the house that sets it.

	How Dawnish nobles regard citizens of other nations tends to vary from house to house. A few noble houses maintain that Dawnish nobility is the pinnacle of Imperial civilisation, beyond the reach of members of other nations. However most nobles are prepared to accept that a citizen of another nation is capable of pursuing and achieving glory and there are many and varied circumstances where a Dawnish earl or noble might deem it appropriate to set a test for such a citizen. They might wish the citizen to prove themselves for some reason - or they may use a test to encourage them - helping them to achieve glory. In rare cases passing such a test might be the precondition a house sets to treat another Imperial as their social equal - such a thing would be the nearest equivalent to a Test of Mettle that a house might set for a member of another nation.		How Dawnish nobles regard citizens of other nations tends to vary from house to house. A few noble houses maintain that Dawnish nobility is the pinnacle of Imperial civilisation, beyond the reach of members of other nations. However most nobles are prepared to accept that a citizen of another nation is capable of pursuing and achieving glory and there are many and varied circumstances where a Dawnish earl or noble might deem it appropriate to set a test for such a citizen. They might wish the citizen to prove themselves for some reason - or they may use a test to encourage them - helping them to achieve glory. In rare cases passing such a test might be the precondition a house sets to treat another Imperial as their social equal - such a thing would be the nearest equivalent to a Test of Mettle that a house might set for a member of another nation.

	Passing such a test doesn't make you Dawnish, and by definition it doesn't make you a Dawnish noble. You can't be part of a Dawnish noble house if you're not Dawnish and you can't be a Dawnish noble if you're not a member of a noble house. Taking such a test may prove your worth, it may be a precondition for aid, support, or merely respect - testing can be used for many things. But in the eyes of Dawnish folk, the tradition of glorious Dawnish nobility is reserved for those who chose to be Dawnish.		Passing such a test doesn't make you Dawnish, and by definition it doesn't make you a Dawnish noble. You can't be part of a Dawnish noble house if you're not Dawnish and you can't be a Dawnish noble if you're not a member of a noble house. Taking such a test may prove your worth, it may be a precondition for aid, support, or merely respect - testing can be used for many things. But in the eyes of Dawnish folk, the tradition of glorious Dawnish nobility is reserved for those who chose to be Dawnish.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Discussion.jpg\|align=right\|title=A member of the ~~Imperatrixes~~ guild speaks with two nobles of House Ossienne\|caption=Political tensions are growing between The Throne and the nobles of Dawn.\|width=500}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Discussion.jpg\|align=right\|title=A member of the Imperatrix's guild speaks with two nobles of House Ossienne\|caption=Political tensions are growing between The Throne and the nobles of Dawn.\|width=500}}

	==Suitability==		==Suitability==
	The primary demand that the Dawnish people have for their monarch is that the individual should be glorious. When the Dawnish armies march they want to do so in the knowledge that the serve a glorious King or Queen. The Senate may at times provide effective government to the Empire, but even ~~it's~~ most staunch supporters are unlikely to describe the horse-trading of votes that regularly takes place there as ''[[glory\|glorious]]''. The Throne is a more inspiring symbol by far - partly by design - but the occupant is chosen by the Senate and may struggle to be more glorious than the house that raised them up. But nobody can become monarch of Dawn without the approval of the Dawnish nobility - as such the position holds a unique role in Dawnish hearts - a figure that can reflect the glory they all aspire to.		The primary demand that the Dawnish people have for their monarch is that the individual should be glorious. When the Dawnish armies march they want to do so in the knowledge that the serve a glorious King or Queen. The Senate may at times provide effective government to the Empire, but even its most staunch supporters are unlikely to describe the horse-trading of votes that regularly takes place there as ''[[glory\|glorious]]''. The Throne is a more inspiring symbol by far - partly by design - but the occupant is chosen by the Senate and may struggle to be more glorious than the house that raised them up. But nobody can become monarch of Dawn without the approval of the Dawnish nobility - as such the position holds a unique role in Dawnish hearts - a figure that can reflect the glory they all aspire to.

	To ensure that the monarch is worthy of the title - worthy of the love of the Dawnish people, they are first judged by the nobles. The selection of the Dawnish monarch stretches back to the earliest histories when the first King's heir - Circe the Swan ordained that rather than inherit the title, the new monarch would be chosen by tourney. Arwaine the Bold won the first tourney setting in place a tradition that has stood for centuries. After Dawn joined the Empire, the tradition was adapted with the understanding that only The Throne might stand in the tourney, but that any noble could take the field against them if they felt them to be unworthy of the honour. In effect the tourney to elect the monarch became a ''test'' for the new throne, judged by the nobility of Dawn to see if they were worthy to bear the title.		To ensure that the monarch is worthy of the title - worthy of the love of the Dawnish people, they are first judged by the nobles. The selection of the Dawnish monarch stretches back to the earliest histories when the first King's heir - Circe the Swan ordained that rather than inherit the title, the new monarch would be chosen by tourney. Arwaine the Bold won the first tourney setting in place a tradition that has stood for centuries. After Dawn joined the Empire, the tradition was adapted with the understanding that only The Throne might stand in the tourney, but that any noble could take the field against them if they felt them to be unworthy of the honour. In effect the tourney to elect the monarch became a ''test'' for the new throne, judged by the nobility of Dawn to see if they were worthy to bear the title.
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	The [[Imperial Synod]] and even more importantly, the Dawnish Assembly, are the primary source of such leadership. The Dawnish characters who attend Anvil for the summits do not control the views of the Dawnish people - but they can directly influence them via the judgements passed by their [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies\|Assembly]]. An appropriately worded [[statement of principle]] can begin this process, especially one passed with a [[Judgement#Greater_Majority\|greater majority]]. If it creates an [[opportunity]] for a [[mandate]], then that may bring about significant lasting change if it is passed and spread across the nation.		The [[Imperial Synod]] and even more importantly, the Dawnish Assembly, are the primary source of such leadership. The Dawnish characters who attend Anvil for the summits do not control the views of the Dawnish people - but they can directly influence them via the judgements passed by their [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies\|Assembly]]. An appropriately worded [[statement of principle]] can begin this process, especially one passed with a [[Judgement#Greater_Majority\|greater majority]]. If it creates an [[opportunity]] for a [[mandate]], then that may bring about significant lasting change if it is passed and spread across the nation.

	There are crucial limitations on what any assembly can achieve however. The [[Highguard\|Highborn]] Assembly is ''never'' going to convince the Highborn people that they should stop bothering to [[Highguard_culture_and_customs#Washing_and_cleanliness\|wash]] no matter how many votes such a statement of principle attracts. A greater majority in favour would not convince people of the virtue of a lack of cleanliness; rather any judgement that ran counter to the central traditions of a nation would simply convince people that their assembly had taken leave of ~~it's~~ senses.		There are crucial limitations on what any assembly can achieve however. The [[Highguard\|Highborn]] Assembly is ''never'' going to convince the Highborn people that they should stop bothering to [[Highguard_culture_and_customs#Washing_and_cleanliness\|wash]] no matter how many votes such a statement of principle attracts. A greater majority in favour would not convince people of the virtue of a lack of cleanliness; rather any judgement that ran counter to the central traditions of a nation would simply convince people that their assembly had taken leave of its senses.

	Even if the Assembly does successfully influence the prevailing mood - it ''cannot'' dictate what the outcome of such a change will be. A statement of principle calling for Dawn to have their own independent monarch drawn from the Dawnish nobility might succeed, but it is exceptionally difficult to do so without creating support for the idea of an independent Dawn. A statement seeking to change the tenure of the monarch of Dawn would only succeed if it changed views on the nature and status of the title.		Even if the Assembly does successfully influence the prevailing mood - it ''cannot'' dictate what the outcome of such a change will be. A statement of principle calling for Dawn to have their own independent monarch drawn from the Dawnish nobility might succeed, but it is exceptionally difficult to do so without creating support for the idea of an independent Dawn. A statement seeking to change the tenure of the monarch of Dawn would only succeed if it changed views on the nature and status of the title.

Dre at 12:56, 3 February 2018

2018-02-03T12:56:34Z

Show changes

Rafferty at 15:17, 6 November 2017

2017-11-06T15:17:10Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:17, 6 November 2017
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	Had they taken any action, the plotters would have faced charges of subverting the agencies of state, but the Empress was disinclined to leave the matter to the magistrates. Instead she made a public address in the [[Imperial Senate\|Senate]] spelling out in no uncertain terms the unique role of the Throne as the head of the Empire. In her inimitable acerbic style she explicitly threatened Dawn, but made it clear that she would use the full powers of the Throne against ''any'' nation that sought to divide and undermine the Empire in this way. At the very least, she would ensure that such a nation immediately lost all military support, and would be left to face the [[Druj\|barbarians]] alone. There are no records of what follows, so it appears that Varkula's threat appears to have been sufficient to cow the rebellious nobles.		Had they taken any action, the plotters would have faced charges of subverting the agencies of state, but the Empress was disinclined to leave the matter to the magistrates. Instead she made a public address in the [[Imperial Senate\|Senate]] spelling out in no uncertain terms the unique role of the Throne as the head of the Empire. In her inimitable acerbic style she explicitly threatened Dawn, but made it clear that she would use the full powers of the Throne against ''any'' nation that sought to divide and undermine the Empire in this way. At the very least, she would ensure that such a nation immediately lost all military support, and would be left to face the [[Druj\|barbarians]] alone. There are no records of what follows, so it appears that Varkula's threat appears to have been sufficient to cow the rebellious nobles.

	There are some clear alternatives that would avert the crisis of having two heads of state. One is the [[Wintermark_history\|route taken by Wintermark]], when they joined the Empire. The Mark retains the traditional regalia of their monarch, the Crown of Three Tears, but when they joined the Empire the last King gave the crown to the Kallevesi mystics and they granted it the champion best able to inspire the nation. There would be considerable resistance to such an approach in Dawn - the monarchical tradition is seen by many as the natural corollary to the nobility of the houses. But it ''might'' be possible to persuade people to rename and re-purpose the title to something that held less status - for Dawn to cease to be a monarchy.		There are some clear alternatives that would avert the crisis of having two heads of state. One is the [[Wintermark_history\|route taken by Wintermark]], when they joined the Empire. The Mark retains the traditional regalia of their monarch, the [[Crown of Three Tears]], but when they joined the Empire the last King gave the crown to the Kallevesi mystics and they granted it the champion best able to inspire the nation. There would be considerable resistance to such an approach in Dawn - the monarchical tradition is seen by many as the natural corollary to the nobility of the houses. But it ''might'' be possible to persuade people to rename and re-purpose the title to something that held less status - for Dawn to cease to be a monarchy.

	The obvious alternative route involves a very different change. The constitutional conflict presented by having two different heads of state would also be avoided if Dawn chose to leave the Empire. If Dawn were once again a sovereign nation, then they would be free to chose their own law and could elect a ruling monarch. Disgruntled nations have contemplated independence from the Empire before - but have usually been put off by the potential costs. Few nations are confident of being able to face the barbarians alone. Just losing access to the power of the Sentinel gate alone could damage their military capabilities - assuming that such a nation still found it worthwhile to continue to meet with the other nations at Anvil.		The obvious alternative route involves a very different change. The constitutional conflict presented by having two different heads of state would also be avoided if Dawn chose to leave the Empire. If Dawn were once again a sovereign nation, then they would be free to chose their own law and could elect a ruling monarch. Disgruntled nations have contemplated independence from the Empire before - but have usually been put off by the potential costs. Few nations are confident of being able to face the barbarians alone. Just losing access to the power of the Sentinel gate alone could damage their military capabilities - assuming that such a nation still found it worthwhile to continue to meet with the other nations at Anvil.