Cardinal of the Way

The Cardinal guides the Assembly of the Way.

Overview

Each of the eight virtue assemblies appoints a Cardinal to represent and lead them. The Cardinal of the Way represents Assembly of The Way, and is part of what is arguably the post powerful of the Assemblies, the Assembly of the Nine. While they are still able to raise only a single judgement for consideration by their peers in the Imperial Synod each season, they possess a number of specific legal powers that allow them to guide and influence the Assemblies.

The recent Severin encyclical prompted a great deal of discussion around the role of the cardinals in the Imperial Synod.

Responsibilities

The Cardinal of the Way is assumed to provide leadership to the priests and pilgrims dedicated to no particular virtue. They are expected to be well versed in matters of the Way in general, so that they can speak with authority on matters related to the wider practice of the faith, and of doctrine. Prominent citizens who are guilty of breaking the law but believe their actions were rooted in understanding of the Way may sometimes approach the Cardinal to plead clemency on their behalf, so a familiarity with the law may also prove helpful.

As a member of the Assembly of the Nine, the Cardinal of the Way can wield considerable influence over the politics of the Empire. In particular the Assembly has the power to veto any constitutional motion passed by the Imperial Senate. This allows the Assembly to uphold their constitutional obligation to "ensure the virtuous behaviour of the Empire".

Powers

Cardinal of the Way

The Cardinal of the Way has the powers common to all cardinals: membership of the Assembly of the Nine; the ability to call for further scrutiny on a judgement raised in any assembly by a member of the Synod (rather than by the Tribunes); appoint the gatekeeper of the Way and any other titles designated as virtuous appointments selected by the Cardinal of the Assembly of the Way.

Virtue Appointments

A virtue title might be designed in such a way that it is appointed by the Cardinal alone. Currently they have the power to appoint the Conscience of the Senate, a powerful political position that represents the faithful of the Empire in the Imperial Senate.

Additional Powers

The Cardinal of the Way may possess additional powers, not shared with their fellow cardinals, either through the action of the Imperial Senate or through opportunities presented to them. Occasionally, a particularly virtuous Imperial citizen may look specifically to the cardinal for inspiration. Using such powers generally requires them to raise a judgement in the Assembly of the Nine.

Appointment

The Cardinal of the Way is appointed during the Winter Solstice by the Assembly of the Way, and must be a member of that assembly. Selection is by a judgement of appointment raised by the Tribune in the standard manner.

The elections for the cardinals are considered to be legally equivalent positions restricted by virtue. This means that if you change your virtue assembly then you must abstain from voting in a election if it occurs less than four events after the previous election in your previous virtue assembly. If you are in any doubt about your eligibility then you should consult the Tribune, or Merlot the civil service overseer of elections who can advise you.

The judgement to appoint a cardinal will typically close at 6pm on the Saturday of the summit. These times may differ if an unscheduled appointment is required but there are always at least three hours for nominations and three hours for voting. After that time, the candidate with the most support is declared cardinal.

The Cardinal of the Way serves until the next scheduled election for the title. They can be revoked by the General Assembly, or by the virtue assembly of the Way.

Recent Elections

The table to the right shows the citizens who have been elected to hold this title in the years since Empress Britta died.

Further Reading

Core Brief

• Assembly
• Cardinal
• Judgements
  • Appointment
  • Challenge
  • Change of Doctrine
  • Inquisition
  • Mandate
  • Recognition
  • Revocation
  • Rewarding
  • Sanction
  • Statement of Principle
  • Veto
  • Writ of Consecration
  • Writ of Excommunication
• Member of the Synod

Additional Information

• Synod Positions
  • Conscience of the Senate
  • Gatekeeper
  • Virtue Inquisitor
  • Tribune of the Synod
• Religious Crime
• Imperial Theology
• Inspirations
  • Paragons and Exemplars
  • Known Exemplars
  • Signs of the Paragon and Exemplar
  • Schools of Thought
  • Inspirational Location