Champion of Pride
Overview
The Champion of Pride 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 Ajax, were it to be recovered and gifted for that purpose.
Responsibilities
The Champion of Pride is intended to serve as an inspiration to the Pilgrims of the faith and laity as to what it means to be Ambitious, particularly in a military context. They are also charged with bearing and protecting the shield known as Ajax. Historically the bearers of Ajax formed, along with the bearers of the other Pilgrims shield, the “Seven Pilgrims” band.
Powers
Regalia of the Champion of Pride
The Champion of Ambition bears Ajax, the unique Pilgrim's Shield. If the Champion of Pride 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, Ajax 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 Pride is chosen every Winter Solstice by a judgement of appointment by the Assembly of Pride.
Any Imperial citizen may hold this title. They can be revoked by the General Assembly, the Pride Assembly, and the Assembly of the Nine.
| Summit | Nation | Elected | Votes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter Solstice 385YE | Wintermark | Kali Keen-Eye | 195 Votes |
| Winter Solstice 384YE | Wintermark | Kali | 86 Votes |
| Spring Equinox 384YE | Dawn | Kaywenn Du Launcet | 106 Votes |
Recent Elections
This title is currently held by Kali Keen-Eye; it will be reelected at the next summit. 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 Ajax 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”.
Ajax was first carried by Sir Hugh Brocking (also known as the Peacock of Astolat), a Dawnish poet, author and swordsman. Passed from Champion to Champion, or selected by the priests of Pride 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. Ajax 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.