Government System

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Revision as of 23:26, 11 August 2013 by Revan (talk | contribs) (Removed some outdated info)
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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 Banker. Different official titles can be chosen for each position, and a position 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 nobles in a Democracy or Republic may be quite different from those in a Theocracy or Tyranny.

Whilst this page lists the default titles for government positions within each system, as well as whether those positions are appointed or elected by default, rulers are able to change all aspects of government when in power. Thus it is possible to find a monarchy that allows some measure of regular voting or a republic that relies heavily on appointments.

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). Along with the other councilors, they have all the say in the realm and can decide its fate.

Some monarchs are more benevolent than others; ranging between allowing each their voice, to monarchs who all but forbidding anything but following orders.

Of course, in a monarchy there is no monthly 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 High Marshal when those posts are vacated.



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 ruler's 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.



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; with Dukes powerful enough that they hold permanent positions on the realm council. Rulers have to make sure to keep their people happy, for they and their judge undergo monthly elections.




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 slaves or peasants... All positions are voted for once a month, with each man's vote being equal to the next.

It is also good to remember that this type of Democracy is not the same as the modern concept of Democracy. The original Democracy was a council of kings, whereas BattleMaster's version might be better described as a council of nobility: democratic as far as the nobles themselves are concerned, but oligarchic from the point of view of the peasantry.



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.



Anarchy

Anarchy is indicative of one of two situations. The more common is reorganization. This happens when, for one reason or another, a suitable candidate 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 descent into states of anarchy. No place to put a capital, no rule, no guidance, no hope.

See Also