Master of the Imperial Mint
So, to summarize Master, we've no bloody money, no bloody mithril, and no bloody hope of getting any? Right - I move we pass the motion anyway. I don't give two shits where the ruddy Freeborn get the Mithril from. You don't plough another person's field.
Walter Brewer, Senator for UpwoldOverview
The Master of the Imperial Mint is based in Tassato and has ceremonial responsibility for producing all Imperial coinage and protecting it against forgers. The position of Master of the Mint comes with an opulent apartment in Tassato overlooking the river as well as a position on the Imperial Bourse. By tradition the Master is able to address the Imperial Senate at their own behest or on the instruction of the Bourse.
This Bourse position is reserved for a citizen of The League who presents the largest bid. Part of the payment is used to pay for the expenses incurred in running the mint, the remainder is taken by the Senate treasury. It does not produce any material wealth, but many a skilful occupant has found ways to turn a cheap seat on the Bourse to a profit.
Responsibilities
The title was created during the reign of Emperor Giovanni, under the direct sponsorship of The Throne. Giovanni saw the title as a vital go-between for the Bourse and the Senate, able to keep both groups appraised of important matters. While this may have been the intent, when the title was created it was given no specific responsibilities. Some Masters favour the Bourse, while others attempt to convince their fellow seat holders to cooperate with the Senate rather than pursue pure profit. Most walk a fine line between houses, however, avoiding becoming too tied to one or the other. Many see the relative freedom of the Master as a necessary component of the office - and as the seat cannot be revoked, it tends to be somewhat moot.
Powers
Member of the Senate
The Master of the Mint is a member of the Senate. They are entitled to enter the Senate chamber at the start of a Senate session and participate in the debates. They do not have the power to raise motions or to vote on a motion.
Right of Address
The Master of the Mint has the right to make a Senate address once per summit. This is intended to allow them to present important information for the senators consideration. To make an address, the Master must inform the Speaker for the Senate of their intention, so that the Speaker can add the address to the agenda for the next Senate session.
Seat on the Bourse
The Master of the Imperial Mint is a Bourse position. It is an Imperial title that grants the right to participate on the rare occasion when the Imperial Bourse as a body is required to make a decision, and take part in any auction of appointments.
Access to the Accounts
Each season the Master of the Mint receives a briefing from the office of the Imperial Treasury, and a summary of the Imperial accounts. This usually involves a meeting with the auditor (currently Gerard La Salle). Only the Master of the Imperial Mint is privy to this information, and they have complete freedom as to how they use it and who they share it with.
Proxy
The Master of the Imperial Mint may appoint a proxy.
Appointment
The Master of the Mint is appointed during the Spring Equinox each year. Election is by open auction, overseen by the civil service.
The title may only be held by a League citizen. As a title appointed through the Bourse, they cannot be revoked by the Imperial Synod.
| Summit | Elected | Bid |
|---|---|---|
| Spring Equinox 386YE | Tristan Ramson von Holberg | 15 thrones |
| Spring Equinox 385YE | Tristan Ramson von Holberg | 51 thrones |
| Spring Equinox 384YE | Gancio | 86 thrones |
| Spring Equinox 383YE | Lieselotte van Holberg | 41 thrones |
| Spring Equinox 382YE | Lieselotte van Holberg | 25 thrones |
| Spring Equinox 381YE | Lieselotte van Holberg | 10 thrones |
| Spring Equinox 380YE | Fererro | |
| Spring Equinox 379YE | Fererro | |
| Spring Equinox 378YE | Guillamo de Tassato | |
| Winter Solstice 377YE | Guillamo de Tassato | 18 thrones |
| Winter Solstice 376YE | Nicolo Barossa De Tassato |
Recent Elections
This title is currently held by Tristan Ramson von Holberg; 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.