Champion of Prosperity

Overview

The Champion of Prosperity 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 Glistering, were it to be recovered and gifted for that purpose.

Responsibilities

The Champion of Prosperity is intended to serve as an inspiration to the Pilgrims of the faith and laity as to what it means to be prosperous, particularly in a military context. They are also charged with bearing and protecting the shield known as Glistering. Historically the bearers of Glistering formed, along with the bearers of the other Pilgrims shield, the “Seven Pilgrims” band.

Powers

Regalia of the Champion of Prosperity

The Champion of Prosperity bears Glistering, the unique Pilgrim's Shield. If the Champion of Prosperity 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, Glistering 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.

Appointment

The Champion of Prosperity is chosen every Spring Equinox by a judgement of appointment by the Assembly of Prosperity.

Any Imperial citizen may hold this title. They can be revoked by the General Assembly, the Prosperity Assembly, and the Assembly of the Nine.

Summit	Nation	Elected	Votes
Autumn Equinox 386YE	The Marches	Hugh Farrier	111 Votes
Spring Equinox 386YE	The Marches	Hugh Farrier	200 Votes
Spring Equinox 385YE	The Marches	Hugh Farrier	168 Votes
Autumn Equinox 384YE	Navarr	Hamoch Iron Hill	40 Votes

Recent Elections

This title is currently held by Hugh Farrier; it will be reelected at Spring 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 Glistering 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”.

Glistering was first carried by Pietro the Golden, captain of a Leagueish free company. Passed from Champion to Champion, or selected by the priests of Prosperity 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. Glistering 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.