Claviger of the Basilica of Cora Holdfast

Overview

The Claviger of the Basilica of Cora Holdfast is an Imperial title created by the Imperial Senate in Summer 381YE. The position of claviger is a sinecure, requiring minimal responsibility but offering a regular income of liao, and additional votes in the Imperial Synod.

The title is a little bit of a mouthful; informally the holder is sometimes being referred to as Cora's Claviger.

Responsibilities

The Claviger oversees the Basilica of Cora Holdfast in Reikos that houses the inspirational tomb of the exemplar of Loyalty. If the basilica or the tomb were to be threatened, it would be the responsibility of the Claviger to face those threats; likewise should any opportunity related to the shrine arise they would decide how to respond.

Powers

Bounty of Liao

The sinecure provides nine measures of liao to the Claviger each season, to be used as they see fit.

Voice in the Synod

The Claviger receives eighteen votes in the Imperial Synod. They may use these votes in any appropriate assembly, following the normal rules for votes provided by a Sinecure.

Appointment

The Claviger is a virtue appointment appointed by judgement of the Loyalty assembly.

The Guardian has tenure and serves until they die or step down. They can be revoked by the General Assembly, the League National Assembly, and the Assembly of the Nine.

Basilica of Cora Holdfast

A fusion of Highborn and Navarri styles and materials (made from Reikos white granite and Therunin weirwood), the basilica to Cora Holdfast in High Chalcis is part meditative shrine and part meeting hall for people to come and organise from across the Empire.

The front of the complex is a long wooden hall where visiting pilgrims are encouraged to meet their fellows over food and drink, share their ideas and problems and offer support to each. It is a noisy and busy place but one that frequently inspires pilgrims to appreciate how they can help each other get things done and live the Loyalty that Cora exemplified.

At end of the hall is a large square domed stone chamber that is quieter and more somber. A white granite statue of the Exemplar stands on a raised platform in the centre with its lifelike carving showing her with her arms crossed looking upon pilgrims with a listening but challenging expression. Scenes of Cora's life and Signs are displayed on the surrounding walls in mosaics to educate and inspire, while underneath the statue are hundreds of small pigeonholes where pilgrims leave written oaths and promises that they want to acknowledge or seek help in keeping. These are cleared daily but it is customary that those who leave a written oath or promise take away and wear a slip of pink ribbon as a token of their pilgrimage and commitment.