Guardian of Britta's Memorial

Overview

The Guardian of Britta's Shrine was an Imperial title created by the Imperial Senate in Winter 376YE. The position of guardian was a sinecure, requiring minimal responsibility but offering a regular income.

Following the death of Empress Britta in 376YE, heroic efforts recovered her body and many of her effects from the Thule barbarians. The body was interred in the swamps of Kallavesa while her personal accouterments were placed in a shrine of white granite in Necropolis. The eternal flame that burns in the courtyard before the memorial serves as a place of pilgrimage for those wishing to meditate on and show their respects to the departed Empress, whose inspirational example is already seen by many as re-igniting the flame of Imperial Pride following the disastrous reigns of Empress Giselle, Emperor Hugh and Emperor Walter.

Some controversy surrounded the sinecure; it was regarded as unconstitutional since it created votes in the Synod but was appointed by the Senate, allowing the Senate undue influence the Synod. The motion was not struck down by magistrates at the time, however, and so the title stood.

The first Guardian of Britta's Tomb was Ruth of Highguard, a Steward of the Dead belonging to the Cenotaph chapter of Necropolis. In Autumn 379YE, a delegation of Highborn and Winterfolk visited the shrine and removed the personal effects of the Young Empress. They were reunited with her body in Kallavesa. As news spread, the stream of pilgrims traveling to the shrine dropped to a trickle and then largely petered out. By the beginning of the Spring Equinox 380YE, the title of Guardian had become a purely ceremonial title, providing neither votes nor liao.

Responsibilities

The Guardian oversees the shrine dedicated to the memory of the dead Empress, and ensures the eternal flame is not extinguished.

Powers

The Guardian has no legal powers.

Appointment

The Guardian of Britta's Shrine is appointed during the Winter Solstice each year. The title is selected by unanimous decision of the Highborn 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 Highborn citizen. The Guardian is appointed annually. They can be revoked by the General Assembly, the Highorn National Assembly, and by the Assembly of the Nine.

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.