Guardian of Britta's Memorial

Overview

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

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 surrounds the sinecure; it is regarded as unconstitutional since it creates votes in the Synod but is 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 stands.

Powers and Functions

The shrine is considered to be a congregation. As such, the holder of the title may sit in the Imperial Synod, and possesses 10 votes in Synod affairs (or an additional 10 votes if they already have a congregation).

The sinecure also provides five measures of liao to the Guardian each season, to be used as they see fit.

Selection

The title is selected by unanimous decision of the senators of Highguard. They must present a unanimous decision, or it falls to the Senate to make the decision in the same manner that they would select a General in the event that the Senators of a nation are not in agreement - all candidates put themselves forward and there is a vote of the Senate.

Removal

The Guardian serves until they die, step down or are revoked.

The Guardian can be revoked by the Highborn assembly, the General Assembly or the Council of Eight.

History

The first Guardian of Britta's Tomb is Ruth of Highguard, a Steward of the Dead belonging to the Cenotaph chapter of Necropolis.