Hovell’s Government
Overall Ruler
Hovell is currently ruled by three Warlords; formally known as ‘War Rex’ or ‘War Regina’ of whatever holding they own (Ex: War Regina of Lux, War Rex of Darkhaven, etc.) They are the most powerful people in all of Hovell and each rule over one of the city-states that dominate the region.
This system of leadership has been in effect since the end of the Elder Drakes’ reign after three individual rulers of that time came to a stable agreement to keep their people somewhat organized. This, however, did not or does not stop the Warlords from constantly having wars with each other. Whether it be for petty arguments or serious matters, nothing is above starting a war over it.
The current Warlords are:
- The War Regina Ramona The Radiant of Lux.
- The War Regina Callista Adored of Idothea.
- The War Rex Aelous The Mighty of Darkhaven; Aelous has been missing since the end of the War of Seasons. Before that, Aelous was serving as the acting Warlord in place of his granddaughter, who is currently 10 years old. Since his disappearance, Aelous’ Archiduxs have been ruling for his granddaughter until his return.
Regional Rulers
The Archidux/Archiducissa are the regional rulers of Hovell and are the trusted advisors of the Warlords. They are tasked with looking after individual cities assigned by their warlord so that they don’t have to do everything themselves (Even though they technically still do). Each warlord is only able to assign three Archiux at one single time, making for a total of 9 Archidux/Archiducissa at one single time in Hovell. Warlords can appoint anyone of any age and from any background as their Archidux so long they understand their duties and understand the culture of Hovell. All Archidux/Archiducissa can be identified by their golden olive leaf crowns.
Each Archidux/Archiducissa has their own court; similar to how the Archidux/Archiducissa help support the warlords in upkeeping their cities, their courts help support the Archidux while they are watching over the cities. Courts usually consist of eight people.
The current Archidux and Archiducissa of Hovell are as follows:
Lux
Archiducissa Nyx The Radiant of Lux
Archiducissa Candida Sincere of Lux
Archidux Liberius The Freed of Lux
Idothea
Archiducissa Chrysa The Perfect of Idothea
Archiducissa Aurelia Aflame of Idothea
Darkhaven
Archidux Modestus The Wise of Darkhaven
Archidux Renatus Magnetic of Darkhaven
Archiducissa Seraphina The Divine of Darkhaven
Rulers within cities
Hovellian cities, while usually influenced mostly by ‘nobility’, do have that many inner-cities leaders. Instead, most places in Hovell have a Legionnaire fix their problems while also representing them in the Archiduxes’ court. If there are problems happening within a city that the Archidux don't know about, it's the Legionnaire’s job to let it be known to the Archidux so that either the Archidux themselves or the Warlord can handle it.
Other positions of power
The Necromancers of Warlords; the trusted servants of the Warlords. While Hovell does have its grievances with the advanced nation of Ironbrook, both of their leaders emply necromancers in positions of power.
The Skylords; A term used to refer to the eldest heirs of the warlords.
Legionnaires; A group of high-ranking soldiers that are a part of the three main legions that dominate the region; The Legion of Lux, The Legion of Idothean, and The Legion of Darkhaven. They have proven their worth to not only their commanding generals and Warlords, but also to the people of their city-state. When not in war, they are tasked to commune with the people of their city-state and address any problems that they may be having. Whether it be dealing with the problem themselves or bringing to the attention of an Archidux, they are required to do so.
Baro/Baronissa; A term that refers to any person of higher social ranking; ‘Noblewomen/men’.
The High Sentinel; The Leader of the united Hovellian force known as the Sentinels, a police force made up of forces provided by the three main legions to enforce the common laws that the Warlords all share while also keeping watch for any of the infamous Talons trying to operate in any city-state. The people of Hovell already have a strained relationship with the ‘advanced’ nation of Ironbrook and their secretive assassins constantly thinking they can just wander into Hovell, disrespecting their customs while also breaking Hovellian laws, make it no better. The High Sentinel oversees the protection of Hovell itself, regardless of the city-state and their opinions on the current Warlords. It is seen as highly taboo to be a High Sentinel, an attempt to undermine a Warlord’s claim.
Generals; Acting commanders within the main legions. They carry out the Warlord’s military commands while also overseeing the state of the legion itself in place of their Warlord.
Inheritance
The Warlords have earned their right to rule Hovell with an iron fist by proving themselves to their people and everyone else around them. Those with the strongest armies and the strongest support have always held the title. The eldest children of past Warlords, known as Skylords, usually inherit all of their parents’ support and property which automatically allows them to gain the title after their death. This system also applies to all of what is considered the ‘nobility’ of Hovell. All power and influence can be or will be passed on to descendants at any time where their predecessor can not hold on to such things any longer.
In the event that there are identical siblings or family, power and influence are given equally but usually the firstborn always gains more than their siblings. This has caused many civil wars amongst families but none have left any lasting effect on Hovell.
Rising & Falling
High social Influence, military presence, and support is key to holding power in Hovell. All of Hovell’s ‘nobility’ are based on their social influence, wealth, and their power in Hovellian society. Those who cannot inherit any of those things or prove themselves to the people of their city-state are forever stuck as lowly labourers and petty thieves.