Westgard/Constitution

A draft for a Constitution of the Kingdom of Westgard, penned by Alessia de Medici. It has not yet been published.

Constitution of the Kingdom of Westgard

Preamble: For generations, the Kingdom of Westgard, also known as the Kingdom of Humanity, has stood at the forefront of Dwilight. The Kingdom of Westgard earned its reputation and its nickname through honour, valour, and service to the nobility spanning the entire Continent. The Constitution of Westgard is to serve as means to guide the future nobility.

Composition of the Kingdom: The Kingdom has a clear structure, from the lowest of the noble caste, all the way up to the High King. Each has their place in the Kingdom of Westgard, and it is essential that the roles of each is clearly outlined. It is ever important to know that Government Roles coexist with the feudal hierarchy. One should not be surprised if, for example, the High Adjudicator owes direct fealty to a lord.

• High King: The High King, or Queen, is where the true power of the Kingdom of Westgard lies. He is the ultimate authority, holds the ultimate security, and his hands are ever on the reins. His responsibilities entail all responsibilities of the realm, and as such is key that he is able to delegate to the High Council of Westgard, and the Kingdom’s Government Council. The High King has traditionally held a demesne, though may choose not to.

• Lord Commander: The Lord Commander of Westgard serves as General of the Kingdom of Westgard, and its armies. It is the responsibility of the Lord Commander to guide all armies of the Kingdom of Westgard, ensuring maximum security for the realm. He has, at his disposal, the Military Council of Westgard. The Military Council can be used as he, and the High King, see fit.

• High Adjudicator: The High Adjudicator of Westgard serves as Judge of the Kingdom of Westgard, and its peoples. It is the role of the High Adjudicator to uphold the laws of the Kingdom, and to be an exemplar of righteousness, loyalty, honour, and decisiveness.

• Master of the Mint: The Master of the Mint serves as Banker of the Kingdom of Westgard, and steward of its grain.

• Duke: Dukes work more closely with the High King, as well as their vassal lords. The responsibilities of the Duke grow more as the size of their demesne grows.

• Lord: Lords are appointed to regions for the duration of their lifetimes. The appointment only ends when they either choose to abdicate, or step back from noble life for so long. There are no means to ever oust a Lord from their position short of banning them from the realm, where they have every right to take their region with them. They are governors of regions, subservient to their Dukes.

Rights and Responsibilities of All Feudal Lords

With the many rights of the feudal lord, they also have their share of responsibilities. They owe fealty to their liege, their Duke (potentially including the High King of Westgard), as is always the case in our good feudal system. We are no peasant village, and so order must be maintained, and the authority of the Duke made clear. Some responsibilities are negotiable with the Duke, and include specific taxes that the Duke receives from his Lords. Others, though, are not. It is essential that all granaries are open for the Master of the Mint.

Rights and Responsibilities of City Knights and Lords

Living in the city, knights and lords will almost certainly find themselves with fatter pockets. As such, it is a duty for knights (and especially lords) to share their finances. Lords may choose to raise taxes on their knights, leaving them comfortable taxes and adjust over time to cover their needs, or allow them greater freedom.

Rights and Responsibilities of Rural Knights and Lords

To serve rural regions is a challenge, and one that must be commended. Budgets are tighter, monster or undead hordes will cross your paths, though you will likely not need to worry about the stress of handling vassals. Nonetheless, it is important for all of Westgard to recognise this sacrifice, and to commend it through more than just words. Until city nobles are able to share finances appropriately, there must be mechanisms in place to allow for this to more fairly happen. This could include dukes lowering taxes, or more. This line in the Constitution is written for a dedicated to do more, and to continue bettering their lives. Communication for gold is key, as well as learning to predict when you may need more.