Keeper of the Sapphire Stair

Overview

The Keeper of the Sapphire Stair is an Imperial title awared to a League citizen. It is a National position, appointed by unanimous decision of the League senators.

Associated with the Sapphire Stair in Tassato, the keeper is paid a portion of each toll paid for use of the lock. The majority of the monies raised goes to the maintenance and operation of the marvellous locks, but the keeper is assigned enough to ensure a comfortable lifestyle. Perhaps more importantly, this sinecure also brings with it a certain amount of influence in the politics of the city itself due to the influence it grants the holder over trade along the Vassa. As such, control of the sinecure is hotly contested by guilds on both sides of the river and on the irregular occasions when the sinecure must be re-appointed, competition to influence the League senators is extremely fierce.

The Keeper is almost always from Tassato. While there have been incidents where League citizens from other cities have been appointed to the position they have rarely found their tenure to be very satisfying. They either moved to Tassato and became involved in the politics of the city, or they found themselves shunned, villified, harassed and on one very unfortunate occasion during the reign of Empress Brannan, murdered for their temerity in involving themselves directly in a Tassatan matter.

The previous Keeper of the Sapphire Stair was Rebeca Porteiro di Tassato, a naga member of the Gilt Moth camorra - a wealthy guild from northern Madeiras known for, among other things, trade in fine cloth, dark ale and Navarr goods. Exiled from the city proper nearly two centuries ago following some scandal or other, the guild stays neutral in political affairs. Rebeca herself is known to be a rake, a bravo, and a hellraiser, and has a reputation for daring amorous adventures and remarkable skill with the sword. Rumour suggests that she was appointed to the position in 366YE following the successful seduction of all three League senators.

During Winter 379YE, Rebecca Porteiro di Tassato suffered a fatal injury, and the title passed to Domitila Sanguineo Rezia di Tassato (after some unfortunate misunderstandings around which of the two beautiful Rezia sisters had been appointed to the position). Following this new appointment there has been an increase in argument and political maneuvering between those associated with the 'Stair - including some calls for increased political representation of the lockworkers' guilds.

Responsibilities

The title holder is expected to ensure that the Sapphire Stair remains open and in a state of good repair. The actual job of operating the lock falls to civil servants and local labourers, mostly domiciled in the fortified village of Cevia. While the title comes with a comfortable house on the banks of the Vassa, few Keepers actually spend much time there preferring the entertainments of the city of Tassato.

Powers

Comfortable Income

As a sinecure, the Keeper of the Sapphire Stair provides an income drawn from the tolls paid by merchants using the lock.

The holder of the sinecure receives 20 Crowns in income each season.

Appointment

The Keeper of the Sapphire Stair is appointed by unanimous decision of the senators of the League. If a unanimous decision cannot be reached, the title may be appointed by the Imperial Senate instead.

The title can be held by a citizen of the League. The Keeper 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.