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Ladies First |
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The history of the ordinary surface world records that most governments and monarchies were Patriarchal, or headed by men. Kings, male presidents, pharaohs... Well, guess what! Despite the fact that they are mostly an equalistic race, the Pretas as still slightly feministic in politics. Not that they have the raving 'girl power' attitude of the Amazon's, but it is more common to have an Empress on the thrown than an Emperor. Women are also more respected as the house head and often as community leaders. This Matriarchal style is something the Pretas ancestors managed to pick up from their Drow neighbors centuries ago. The Empress has final decision in all matters concerning herself and her empire in general, though she is always obligated to hear out her advisors and the voice of the Pretian Public. |
Males are not fully out of the picture - far from it! When an Empress is not present or is incapable of ruling (which can be often) the High Priest will rule in her place. The High Priest has pretty much the same obligations as the Empress, except he has to have a majority of the Counsel's support when taking action in certain areas - such as creating or changing laws, handling major political matters, solving matters in the imperial court, etc. Sometimes he might defer to the Empress herself (if she's merely away or can otherwise communicate). The position of High Priest is given by public vote and can be held by any citizen of the Pretas nation, regardless of their class standing. |
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Pretian Council |
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The Counsel is composed of 13 Pretian citizens, voted to those positions by the public. Only a specific number is chosen from each of the social classes to represent the people and the end result is meant to create a balance in the judgment of the Counsel: Two males and two females from the Servant/Worker Caste, two males and two females from the Merchant/Farmer Caste, two females and one male from the Noble Caste, and one male and one female from the Warrior Caste. This might sound unbalanced in the favor of the Servant and Merchant Castes, but because they are the larger classes (aside from the Warrior Caste) their opinion is more valued. The Warrior Caste, though second largest and more revered, has fewer members on the Counsel to ensure that all war issues will be decided mostly by the representatives who better understand what the nation can handle. |
The Warrior Caste understands and agrees with that condition. The Noble Caste has on less male to allow the position of High Priest to exist. (Before the war, the Pretas were very feministic like the Drow. They've changed views since then, but just haven't changed their older traditions) The counsel handles most of the ruling in the imperial courts, save a some matters that are left to the Empress or High Priest to weigh. They are the advisors of the Empress and the Voice of the people, which gives them a fairly large load to carry. Below the Counsel are judicious officials, protectorate controllers and imperial heralds. (AKA - local judges, police and political speakers) |
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The Right of Reign |
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In the event that the Empress is not ruling properly, is ill or is otherwise disabled the High Priest (with the Counsel's full backing) and force her to step down. At that point either the High Priest or the next female in line will assume the thrown. Empress is the only government position that is passed through the family line. (The Demetri dynasty has lasted over four-hundred years to this point.) |
All others, from High Priest and down are elected by the populous. No one can nominate themselves, they must be voted into the running by a certain number of people (sometimes without their knowledge) then approved by the current Counsel, High Priest and/or Empress. Then set before all of Val'Daray (the capital city) to be tested, judge (and sometimes greatly humbled) all before the final vote. It's tough, but the Pretas know the importance of very good leaders. | |||||
Val'Daray Palace Grotto Across the basalt fields and rivers of lava, high above the molten lake and surrounded by deathly sharp stalagmites stands the great citadel of Val'Daray Palace. Separated from the main city, it's roads are guarded by ancient dragons and archer turrets. It is said that the upper castle alone can house the entire capitol city populous, not to mention the thousands of underground passages and caverns that hide an armory large enough to equip the masses... Plus it's got a great view of the badlands. Really! You should go see! |
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