Cardinal of Courage
Overview
Each of the eight virtue assemblies appoints a Cardinal to represent and lead them. The Cardinal of Courage represents the Courage Assembly, and is part of what is arguably the most powerful of the Assemblies, the Assembly of the Nine. While they are still able to raise only a single judgement for consideration by their peers in the Imperial Synod each season, they possess a number of specific legal powers that allow them to guide and influence the Assemblies.
The recent Severin encyclical prompted a great deal of discussion around the role of the cardinals in the Imperial Synod.
Responsibilities
The Cardinal of Courage is assumed to provide leadership to the priests and pilgrims dedicated to that virtue. They are expected to be well versed in matters of Courage, and of The Way in general, so that they can speak with authority on matters related to the study of Courage, and of doctrine. Prominent citizens who are guilty of breaking the law but believe their actions were rooted in Courage will often approach the Cardinal to plead clemency on their behalf, so a familiarity with the law may also prove helpful.
As a member of the Assembly of the Nine, the Cardinal of Courage can wield considerable influence over the politics of the Empire. In particular the Assembly has the power to veto any constitutional motion passed by the Imperial Senate. This allows the Assembly to uphold their constitutional obligation to "ensure the virtuous behaviour of the Empire".
Powers
Cardinal of Courage
The Cardinal of Courage has the powers common to all cardinals: membership of the Assembly of the Nine; the ability to call for further scrutiny on a judgement raised in any assembly by a member of the Synod (rather than by the Tribunes); appoint the gatekeeper of Courage and any other titles designated as virtuous appointments selected by the Cardinal of the Assembly of Courage.
Virtue Appointments
A virtue title might be designed in such a way that it is appointed by the Cardinal alone. Currently they have the power to appoint the Gatekeeper of Courage, an important position that controls the distribution of true liao.
Additional Powers
The Cardinal of Courage may possess additional powers, not shared with their fellow cardinals, either through the action of the Imperial Senate or through opportunities presented to them. Occasionally, a particularly courageous Imperial citizen may look specifically to the cardinal for inspiration, such as happened recently with the warden Wardens of the Souls Road. Using such powers generally requires them to raise a judgement in the Assembly of the Nine.
Appointment
The Cardinal of Courage is appointed during the Summer Solstice by the Assembly of Courage, and must be a member of that assembly. Selection is by a judgement of appointment raised by the Tribune in the standard manner.
The elections for the cardinals are considered to be legally equivalent positions restricted by virtue. This means that if you change your virtue assembly then you must abstain from voting in a election if it occurs less than four events after the previous election in your previous virtue assembly. If you are in any doubt about your eligibility then you should consult the Tribune, or Merlot the civil service overseer of elections who can advise you.
The judgement to appoint a cardinal will typically close at 6pm on the Saturday of the summit. These times may differ if an unscheduled appointment is required but there are always at least three hours for nominations and three hours for voting. After that time, the candidate with the most support is declared cardinal.
The Cardinal of Courage serves until the next scheduled election for the title. They can be revoked by the General Assembly, or by the virtue assembly of Courage.
| Summit | Nation | Elected | Votes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer Solstice 386YE | Imperial Orcs | Tulva | 114 Votes |
| Summer Solstice 385YE | Highguard | Melchior of Adina's Charge | 86 Votes |
| Summer Solstice 384YE | Dawn | Lady Clarice Novarion | 208 Votes |
| Summer Solstice 383YE | Dawn | Lady Clarice Novarion | 156 Votes |
| Summer Solstice 382YE | Dawn | Lady Clarice Novarion | |
| Summer Solstice 381YE | Wintermark | Jorma Steelhail | |
| Summer Solstice 380YE | Levitia of Endsmeet | ||
| Spring Equinox 380YE | Highguard | Nina of Cantiarch's Hold | |
| Summer Solstice 379YE | Highguard | Asher of Felix's Watch | |
| Summer Solstice 378YE | Highguard | Asher of Felix's Watch | |
| Autumn Equinox 377YE | Highguard | Asher of Felix's Watch | |
| Spring Equinox 377YE | Highguard | Lazarus | |
| Winter Solstice 376YE | Beorn Y'Basten |
Recent Elections
This title is currently held by Tulva; it will be reelected at Summer Solstice 387YE. The table to the right shows the citizens who have been elected to hold this title in the years since Empress Britta died.
Further Reading
Core Brief
Additional Information