Stormherald Government
The stormherald Republic of the Spire operates, on paper, as a democracy. Their leaders are chosen through elections, though only members of one of the twenty Societies that make up their government have the right to vote.
Lady of the Spire
The head of state of the stormheralds holds the title of Liege of the Spire. They rule for a ten-year term after being elected by members of the Societies, political and scientific factions that form the foundation of the Republic of the Spire’s government.
The role of Liege of the Spire comes with power and responsibility in equal measure. They are first and foremost responsible for keeping law and order in the Republic, and ensuring that their society continues to progress forwards in cultural and technological development. They hold the Heads and senior members of the Societies accountable and ensures they remain stable and serve their purpose. A Liege of the Spire must step in and make changes to avoid one Society becoming too dominant over the others, even if it means acting against their own Society. They are generally autonomous and have great power in the Republic, though their Council can hold votes to veto their choices. While in power, Lieges of the Spire are exempt from most lawsuits, though are judged by their Council at the end of their term. |
Elections
The election of the next Liege of the Spire is an important affair within the Republic. Every ten years, the Societies convene to elect a new Liege of the Spire. Each Society picks one potential candidate for Liegeship to put forth. The requirements for candidacy are as follows:
Once candidates have been selected, all members (save the twenty candidates themselves) of the Societies can vote on who they would prefer as Liege. Refusing to vote - or at least to submit a ballot - can be grounds for removal from their Society, so few abstain from making some choice. Voting is usually done in-person, though arrangements can be made to take them through mail for Society members living abroad. Votes are then counted by a group of dragons randomly selected, in equal numbers, from each Society.
Tampering with the election of the next Liege of the Spire is a serious crime, and one of the few misdeeds that can result in the death penalty in the Republic of the Spire.
The previous Liege of the Spire is expected to serve with the new one as an advisor for a year; during this period they support the new leader and may be put on trial in front of the Council for any misdeeds committed during their term.
- Each candidate must have been a member of their respective Society for at least ten years.
- They must have the blessing of the Head of their Society.
- They cannot currently be the Head of a Society or have been previously chosen as Liege of the Spire.
- Although traditional, candidates do not need to be female, and there have been Lords and Lieges of the Spire in the past.
- They must be at least part stormherald.
- Chosen candidates do not need to consent to being put forth as a candidate, should their Society believe they are their best representative.
Once candidates have been selected, all members (save the twenty candidates themselves) of the Societies can vote on who they would prefer as Liege. Refusing to vote - or at least to submit a ballot - can be grounds for removal from their Society, so few abstain from making some choice. Voting is usually done in-person, though arrangements can be made to take them through mail for Society members living abroad. Votes are then counted by a group of dragons randomly selected, in equal numbers, from each Society.
Tampering with the election of the next Liege of the Spire is a serious crime, and one of the few misdeeds that can result in the death penalty in the Republic of the Spire.
The previous Liege of the Spire is expected to serve with the new one as an advisor for a year; during this period they support the new leader and may be put on trial in front of the Council for any misdeeds committed during their term.
The Council
The Council serves as secondary government officials and provides specialized insight and support to the Lady of the Spire. Each Society sends five members; their current Head and four individuals selected based on popularity and talent. It is not unusual for past Ladies of the Spire to serve in the Council after their term ends. They vote on motions and can limit the powers of the Lady of the Spire if more than three quarters oppose a decision she is about to make.
Unlike for Ladies of the Spire and Society Heads, there is no limit on the potential length of time a Councillor may serve so long as they have the continuing support of their Society.
Unlike for Ladies of the Spire and Society Heads, there is no limit on the potential length of time a Councillor may serve so long as they have the continuing support of their Society.
The Societies
Societies are powerful political and scholarly factions that form the bedrock of the Republic of the Spire’s government, as well as help them remain on the cutting-edge of the Realm’s technological development.
There are currently twenty Societies, each with its own unique roles and responsibilities. They are responsible for regulating and improving their fields. Society membership is required for the full privileges of citizenship, allowing a dragon to vote, participate in politics, and receive access to Society research and funding.
While not impossible, it is very rare for an individual to be a member of more than one Society, although collaboration between them is common. One can leave their Society for another, although doing so too many times can result in you being viewed as untrustworthy and get denied membership into any of them in the future.
There are currently twenty Societies, each with its own unique roles and responsibilities. They are responsible for regulating and improving their fields. Society membership is required for the full privileges of citizenship, allowing a dragon to vote, participate in politics, and receive access to Society research and funding.
While not impossible, it is very rare for an individual to be a member of more than one Society, although collaboration between them is common. One can leave their Society for another, although doing so too many times can result in you being viewed as untrustworthy and get denied membership into any of them in the future.
The Twenty Societies
As of modern times, there are twenty Societies forming the Republic’s government. You may read about them in detail at the link below:
Choosing a Society Head
The Heads of each Society are elected by their members and hold their position for ten years. They hold authority over their Society as a whole, and give their blessing for their Society’s candidate for Liegeship of the Spire.
The requirements to run for such a position are as follows:
Once the period for new candidates to sign up has ended, an election is held and members of the Society vote. Once the election is over, a random group of senior members from the other Societies are brought in to count and see who the new Head will be.
The requirements to run for such a position are as follows:
- Must gain the endorsement of at least fifty members of their Society to become a candidate.
- They must have been a member of their Society for at least fifteen years.
- Must only be a member of one Society, or renounce membership of all others.
- Cannot currently be the Head of their Society. Previously elected individuals can try for leadership again in the future, but cannot be elected for back-to-back terms.
Once the period for new candidates to sign up has ended, an election is held and members of the Society vote. Once the election is over, a random group of senior members from the other Societies are brought in to count and see who the new Head will be.