Government System
Whether the ruler of the greatest empire to ever exist, or the lowliest peasant in a strange new land, the government system will change how you carry out your day to day actions.
There are certain similarities between them. For example, the same basic roles exist in every realm: Ruler, General, Judge, and (except on the South-East Island/South-West Island) Banker. They have different official titles in different government systems, and can be either elected or appointed, depending again on the system of government. All realms collect taxes from their regions, but the share which must be given to region commanders varies. Naturally, there are many more subtle differences between them, and the attitudes of troop leaders in a Democracy or Republic may be quite different from those in a Theocracy or Tyranny.
Monarchy
| Monarchy | |
|---|---|
| Ruler: | King/Queen |
| General: | High Marshal |
| Judge: | Arch Priest(ess) |
| Banker: | Royal Treasurer |
The monarchy is a firmly established system of a strong King/Queen on the throne, checked in power by the Arch Priest(ess). These men, along with the other councillors, have all the say in the realm. It is these people who will decide the fate of men and realm alike.
Some monarchs are more benevolent than others; ranging between allowing each their voice to all but forbidding anything but following orders.
Of course, in a monarchy there is no voting. A monarch is voted for once, and they remain until they removed in one of many different fashions. The Arch Priest(ess)is subject to the same fate. The monarch has the ability to appoint the Royal Treasurer and Field Marshall when those post are vacated. Prestige carries with it great weight when voting for a new king; the most prestigious and aristocratic have far more say then the common soldier. For judges, all votes are equal.
A monarchy can be very good or very bad for Lords; taxes on regions can range anywhere from slightly more than half to all but a pittance.
Tyranny
| Tyranny | |
|---|---|
| Ruler: | Dictator |
| General: | General |
| Judge: | Executor |
| Banker: | Banker |
The ultimate power trip for a ruler, Tyranny ensures that there is one person with the vote, with true power in the realm. This person is the ruler. Other council positions still exist but are much reduced compared to other governments. The destiny of the realm, in the end, lies on the rulers shoulders.
As with monarchy, the ruler is elected just once. Once elected, the ruler appoints all other positions in the realm.
The slight benefit for the average noble is that all votes are equal; no matter rank or prestige. However, since all power ultimately lies with the ruler, it is not as much of a blessing as it would seem.
Lords will love or hate a tyranny. Depending on the whims of their ruler, they may have to give up all their region's earnings to the realm, or give up less than half and keep the rest for themselves.
Republic
| Republic | |
|---|---|
| Ruler: | Prime Minister |
| General: | Minister of Defence |
| Judge: | Grand Justiciar |
| Banker: | Minister of Finances |
The republic is one step before true equality between people. Power is shared among people; however the older and more experienced receive their due by having greater power. Rulers have to make sure to keep their people happy, for they and their judge undergo monthly elections.
Lords and those with positions enjoy a greater voice in who they choose to lead their realm compared to others. For judges, all are equal. In return for this power, lords are expected to send anywhere between just over half to almost all of their region's income to the treasury.
Democracy
| Democracy | |
|---|---|
| Ruler: | Chancellor |
| General: | Minister of Defense |
| Judge: | Supreme Judge |
| Banker: | Minister of Finances |
Let the citizens rejoice, for all free men are given equal voice! Notice that this does not include women, slaves, peasants...
All positions are elected for once a month, which each man's vote being equal to the next. Lords are expected to provide over half to the greater part of their region's income for the greater good of the realm.
It is also good to remember that this genre Democracy is not the same as what the modern ideology of Democracy is. The original Democracy was a council of kings, where BattleMasters version might be better described as a council of nobility.
Theocracy
| Theocracy | |
|---|---|
| Ruler: | Pontifex |
| General: | Paladin Primus |
| Judge: | Haruspex Maximus |
| Banker: | Fiduciary |
A theocracy is ruled by the church. Thus, the ruler is expected to be most pious and provide example in spiritual matters for the rest of the realm. The flock also elects monthly their priests of war and money; the general and the banker. However, the judge, as the protector of the faith, is too important to be disturbed from his solemn duty by petty political feuds in the realm, and is thus under direct appointment of the ruler.
Clearly whatever powers the realm worships will bless the worthy, and they will rise to greater station. Thusly, those of greater station will have greater say in who guides the productivity and safety of their realm. However, for rulers, all men are equal before the powers.
Lords are blessed with having to give up only half to a maximum of three-quarters of their region's income to the realm and church. The lord who tends to his people will be well rewarded.
Anarchy
Anarchy is indicative of one of two situations. The more common is reorganization. This happens when, for one reason or another, a suitable canidate for rulership can not be found. In this instance those in the capital region have the opportunity to seize power by garnering the most votes for themselves and reform the Government.
Unfortunately, the second does involve realms that fall. This is a condition where again no one suitable is found, but for very different reasons. This is a descend into states of anarchy. No place to put a capital, no rule, no guidance, no hope.