Exarch

Exarchs are planetary despots within the Hiterian Empire. They gain their role through pure meritocracy, through some combination of cunning, guile, manipulation, force, conquest, outright lies, and charisma. 
Each Exarch is personally empowered by Exades in a profane ritual; for many Exarchs, this is their only visit to Throneworld, for to return for most Exarchs means being escorted to a painful death by the Aiwa. All Exarchs were once normal humans of various castes of Hiterian society who, having gained their role, are chosen to become possessed by A'yon spirits. The spirits rule their physical bodies, but each Exarch -- depending on the strength of their will -- exert their own personality and desires upon the world they have gained governorship of. Within confines of the caste system and the will of Exades, they may do as they please upon their worlds. 
Any Exarch may be deposed at any time by the power hungry; they hold power only by the force of their own will, brute strength, and their ability to command the loyalty of those around them. No Exarch is directly appointed by Exades, who desires pure merit and the seizure of power. But once a person becomes an Exarch, they are powerful with Hiterian civlization.
An alternative to planetary conquest for an aspirant is the challenge of the Pit upon Throneworld. On a calendrical cycle, champion Shai will come from every system under the rule of Hiteria to compete in a fight to the death. The winner becomes Exarch of a newly conquered system. To win this contest is considered the highest possible honor for a Shai. No Shai who has become Exarch this way has ever been deposed from their world.
When an Exarch dies a natural death, a successor may be appointed and it is up to that successor to maintain his claim through the inevitable civil war that will ensue. In this way, Exades and all Hiterians believe, their civilization culls the weak and remains strong.
Category:Third Trilogy
Category:Civilizations
Category:Culture
Category:Class
Category:Politics