Political System

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  • Lore

  • July 3rd, 2024

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The Asgarthan Republic is deliberative in nature, which entails active citizen participation in the political and judicial life of the Peninsula. The political framework is structured around a strict separation of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Each branch is further divided into several autonomous and complementary organs to prevent any one branch from exerting dominance over the others. This system aims to foster balance and ensure that decisions are made through deliberation, consensus, and adherence to principles of justice and democracy.

Legislative Power

It is the legislative branch that proposes, drafts, and votes on laws. It is divided into three organs:

The Agora

The role of the Agora is to convey the recommendations of the executive to the citizens and to propose laws regarding issues identified by the executive. The proposals or alternatives are then presented to the population, outlining the stakes and potential consequences of each solution.

The Quorum

Asgarthan citizens can vote on all or part of legislative proposals and strategic decisions, depending on their level of engagement with politics. However, every five years, a group of citizens is randomly selected to form a Quorum, ensuring that a minimum number of citizens can vote.

The Armarius

Once the votes are cast and counted, the ratified laws are drafted by the Armarius, a branch of the Ordis. The Armarius refines the texts and ensures that the laws properly integrate into the legal corpus.

Executive Power

The executive power, or Trusted Council, is responsible for enforcing the laws passed by the legislative branch. It is also tasked with implementing the decisions of the people, making necessary choices to achieve set objectives. Like the legislative branch, it is divided into three distinct organs:

Monarch

Avkan ruun-Heshkari, Basileus of Asgartha The Basileus, elected for a usual term of ten years, arbitrates the sessions of the Council. In cases of tie votes, the Basileus has the authority to decide the direction he deems most appropriate.

The Conclave

The Conclave gathers representatives from each Faction, the annually elected Archons. These spokespersons advise the Basileus based on the perspective of their sponsoring organization.

The Chancellery

The Chancellery was created to serve as a counterbalance to the Factions. This assembly of politicians and scholars, who are not affiliated with any Faction, advises the Basileus in the interest of the people and society at large. Each member of the Chancellery is assigned to a specific area of expertise, often related to the Archon they represent as a citizen counterpart.

Judicial Power

The judicial power is segmented into two complementary triads, representing on one side law enforcement and on the other side judicial organs.

Law Enforcement

The Aegis

The Aegis, overseen by the Ordis, is the organization responsible for ensuring the security of the citizens of Asgartha. They constitute a law enforcement force.

The Damocles

The Damocles, directly managed by the Asterion, has as its primary prerogatives to counter external threats related to the Tumult and to intervene in places where civilization is not as developed. In certain enclaves, they assist the Aegis when their manpower is insufficient. However, the Damocles also serves as a political police force, uncovering potential conspiracies that may target the government.

The Aspis

These citizen militias, composed of volunteers, can take up arms to defend Asgartha when the need arises.

Justice

The Libra

The Libra, overseen by the Ordis, is tasked with administering justice throughout the Peninsula. It is before the Libra, whether in the Tribunal or other Courts of Justice, that violators of the order are judged.

The Misericordia

In contrast to the Libra and its prosecutors, the Misericordia defends the interests of those who have violated Asgarthan laws. As defense attorneys, the advocates of the Misericordia represent their clients, explaining their actions and motivations to persuade the citizen jury.

The Citizen Juries

Every significant trial involves a Citizen Jury, randomly selected from the population. This panel is responsible for rendering a verdict after hearing arguments from the Libra prosecutors and the defense advocates.

Others

The Bravos Fyrds

The Bravos have the ability to summon Fyrds, assemblies of Companies that can provide support to the military forces of Asgartha when needed. However, this opportunity has materialized only on rare occasions.

The Kuninguard

The Kuninguard is the personal guard of the Basileus, loyal to the office rather than the individual. It is responsible for the security of the leader of the Republic and acts solely on his orders.

List of the Rulers of Asgartha

The lineage of High Kings (Kuningas) and Queens (Kuningatar)

  • Rune : 0-42 AC
  • Cwaith : 42-70 AC
  • Ayxas : 70-86 AC
  • Akash : 87-122 AC
  • Ekaterina ruun-Caellach : 122-130 AC

The Reign of the Four Factions

  • Council of Archons : 130-194 AC

The Federation

  • Nerveti Ensar : 194-208 AC
  • Kaja ruun-Aksoy : 208-224 AC
  • Cecere Arundhani : 224-235 AC
  • Marcus Sune : 235-254 AC

The Republic

  • Morwen Durward : 254-264 AC
  • Hiram Akadori : 264-274 AC
  • Assura ruun-Caellach : 274-284 AC
  • Manssur : 284-291 AC
  • Geirr Aveskamp : 291-301 AC
  • Itzamna ruun-Heeren : 301-305 AC
  • Ndidi Dewitt : 305-315 AC
  • Caetano Acciai : 315-325 AC
  • Annuska Valiont : 325-335 AC
  • Ausra ruun-Aksoy : 335-345 AC
  • Constantine Setseg : 345-355 AC
  • Carnelian ruun-Tamrat : 355-361 AC
  • Avkan ruun-Heshkari : 361-392 AC

Political Evolution

Sedentarization Period

ruled by a Council of Tribes

The various leaders of the surviving communities sit on a council that administers the daily affairs of the Tribes. Few remember these chiefs

Foundation of Asgartha

Elective Parliamentary Monarchy

In the early stages of its history, Asgartha was a City. As it developed, Asgartha expanded into neighboring territories, particularly to develop agriculture and harvest other natural resources. Asgartha then became the name of the region, while the City became the capital and took the name of Arkaster. When humanity was ready to organize itself, Rune became the High King and surrounded himself with heroes - the Rune Knights - to govern. One of them, Caellach, later founded the Ordis, and another, Heshkari, founded the Bravos. Rune's daughter, Aysun, founded the Yzmir.

Settlement of the Oasis

Epistocratic Oligarchy

Kuningatar Katinka ruun-Caellach realizes that the growing population is starting to feel cramped. She senses that the key to the future lies in the untouched lands of the Peninsula. She knows that the four Alteration Factions - Ordis, Bravos, Yzmir, and Lyra - are best suited to lead the settlement of these largely unexplored territories. She decides to delegate power to them with the goal of achieving this objective, under the condition that the Factions return it at the completion of their endeavor.

Regional Development

Stochastic Federation

For a long time, the priority shifts to the development of the other regions of Asgartha. From Caer Kettria to Suspira, passing through Caer Arcolano and Caer Esvander, regional governors gain significant importance, with the central government becoming an organizational relay allowing each region to thrive. The position of Basileus is created. A random draw among experts in their field determines who will serve at their table. This system of random appointment ensures fairness and competence.

Consolidation

Deliberative Republic

The end of the Civil War marks the beginning of the period known as the "Consolidation" of the Asgarthan Protectorate. Morwen Durward, who succeeded Marcus Sune in 254 AC, realizes his predecessor's dream of transforming the Kingdom into a Republic. Durward abdicates and convenes a democratic referendum to establish the foundations of the new Constitution, leaning towards participatory democracy where the people shape policy in close collaboration with elected officials. Following new elections, Durward is re-elected as Basileus. However, he resigns voluntarily in 264 AC, at the end of his 10-year term in office.