Sartania/Constitution of New Sartania

The Sartanian Revolution: The Constitution of a new Sartania

* The reason for revolution
Sartania was ruled by Edward for many years. Under his reign, the bonds with our federated partners deteriorated badly. His negligence brought us to the verge of destruction. That could not be the will of Sartan, nor was this to be the future for our beloved home, Sartania.

Under Edward, it was impossible for new nobles to advance in rank. He monopolised power by being both a duke and Pontifex and blocked any calls for change, and so the rebellion was started to overthrow Edward von Raven Heart. Its goals were to establish a new government that would guarantee a strong future for Sartania, to strengthen the bonds between the federation, to make sure justice and equality ruled in Sartania and to give all nobles the chance to better themselves.

* The choice of government
The rebels decided after much deliberation that a Tyranny was the only way to ensure such monopolisation of power could never happen again. The Dictator would be the sole ruler but would be bound by the Constitution of Sartania, written and signed before the rebellion started. He would be obligated to make every decision for the betterment of Sartania. He must do everything possible to improve the quality of life, safety and opportunity for the people of Sartania. The voice of the people will be heard.

Edit: After the rebellion, the choice was made to stay a Theocracy instead. Sartan is our only god, now and always. Sartania was a Theocracy, and will stay one. The terms used in the rest in the Constitution will be changed to those used in a Theocracy.
=> 1 December 2007

* Internal Politics
No family may hold more than one position. Those positions include Pontifex, Paladin Primus, Haruspex Maximus, Fiduciary, Duke, region lord and the Marshals of the two Sartanian armies. This restriction is so every noble can have the opportunity to better him or herself. Every position will be included in a council, military or political, to strengthen the bonds of the Sartanian nobles. In these councils, everyone will be free to speak their minds.

Edit 1: 'Second-in-command' of an army is also counted as a position. Being a Sponsor is not.
=> 1 December 2007

Edit 2: Anyone who already holds a position when awarded another must give up one of them. There will be no exceptions.
=> 1 December 2007

The Pontifex is free to assign all positions and decisions will be made based on the capability and loyalty of the noble. If someone abuses their position to increase their own status, wealth or power, they will be removed from that position.

If a noble disagrees with the actions of a council member or other position holder, they may send a message to the realm council or Pontifex to protest or ask for a review of positions. Frivolous protests will not be tolerated. Protests will be taken seriously and investigated.

Referendums will be held at regular intervals to review the work of the council members. The Pontifex does not have to abide by the result of the referendum, but it will be used as a guide. A referendum should be seen as a chance for nobles to promote themselves if someone is not doing their job.

* International Politics
Sartanian nobles will treat all foreign nobles with respect. Sartania is a Theocracy where religion is extremely important. We have one god and this may cause some tensions with other religions or Theocracies, but this should never be a reason for Sartanian nobles to show disrespect.

Edit: Removed the following sentence: Sartania is a Tyranny and many people will be jealous about the power the Dictator has, or will be against any for of a Tyranny. This can result in insulting or other provocations. Replaced it with: We have one god and this may cause some tensions with other religions or Theocracies, but this should never be a reason for Sartanian nobles to show disrespect
=> 1 December 2007

Every council member shall maintain good relations with our federated partners. A strong bond on every level (political, military, judicial and economic) will increase the strength of the federation, which is the most important inter-realm bond for Sartania.

* Military Policy
The Paladin Primus is in overall command of the military. His orders are law and will not be ignored. If they are, fines will follow. Under him, the two Marshals shall ensure everyone is correctly deployed in battle, keep the discipline in their armies and ensure the orders of the Paladin Primus are followed correctly. If they fail to perform their job, they will be removed from their position.

The Paladin Primus, Pontifex and Marshals will form a military council to promote discussion of military strategy. Any ideas, thoughts or plans may be sent to the council.

Edit: The second-in-commands and other military advisors may also be members of the council.
=> 1 December 2007

* Judicial Policy
The Haruspex Maximus will ensure order is kept within the realm. He may fine or ban people and enforce the laws of the Realm. Realm laws are subject to the Constitution, which is the basis for a just realm.

Other council positions can request a fine, but only after discussion with the Haruspex Maximus. Any violation of this Constitution will result in a ban or fine, as determined by the Haruspex Maximus. He will ensure this Constitution and the realm laws are followed by every noble.

The Haruspex Maximus is also responsible for the dungeons. Foreign prisoners will be treated with respect, and torturing will not be tolerated unless demanded by the Pontifex or Paladin Primus. The Haruspex Maximus has the final say. Money may be taken from enemy prisoners, and execution or deportation of infiltrators is also allowed.

* Economic Policy
The Fiduciary must monitor the food reserves of the realm and will ensure every region has enough food to prevent starvation. Federated realms will have the first opportunity to purchase any surplus food.

The Fiduciary must also monitor the taxes to ensure each council member receives a sufficient amount of gold. Regions will provide a minimum of 10% to the realm, and hoarding of gold will result in a fine and loss of position.

Edit: The minimum was lowered to 10% from 20% because of a change in behaviour of the peasants. If a region's income is so low the lord cannot support themselves and their knights, exceptions can be made.
=> 1 December 2007

* Religious Policy
Sartan is our god, and his church is the only religion publicly tolerated within Sartanian lands. No temples of other religions will be allowed, but nobles may be members of other religions as long as they do not practice them in public.

* Changes to the Constitution
Changes to the Constitution can be made through council vote and referendum. Amendment requests may be sent to the realm council, who will discuss it amongst themselves and then vote. If three vote in favour of the change, it will be put to a referendum of the entire realm. A majority vote of 2/3 is needed for the change to be accepted.

This Constitution was written by: Ascanius of the Brotherhood and Jannes Danlawer, 18 August 2007

This Constitution was signed by: Ascanius of the Brotherhood and Jannes Danlawer, 18 August 2007

This Constitution has been edited by: Jannes Danlawer, 1 December 2007
=> Most important: all Tyranny titles have been changed to the Theocracy titles.