Monarchy of Thornia

The **monarchy of the Thornian Empire** (and formerly of Great Thornia), officially the **Crown of Thornia** (or just *the Crown*), is the institution led by the Emperor (formerly King or Queen) of Thornia. The monarch rules as the head of state, through the Crown, over the territories of Thornia and whatever external possessions it may occupy in its name. The current ruling house is the **House of Thornia** (being the founding and sole royal house, it has the distinction of being named after the nation).

The monarchy's power has waxed and waned since the founding of the modern Thornian nation in January 2020. It began as a series of institutions, which gradually increased in political influence. The House of Thornia gradually gained control of these institutions through its existing leadership positions throughout the Umic world. The monarchy was overthrown numerous times, and every restoration did not involve the House of Thornia fighting for its own return. Instead, the House of Thornia had complicated relationships with the political factions or parties which replaced them, going as far as to fund and advise them.

As late March 2023, the monarchy's powers have reached new heights. For the first time, the monarchy holds near-complete power over the entirety of the country. However it has implemented checks and balances to ensure that local, regional demands and necessities are met.

## Political status

According to the Constitution of (the former) Great Thornia, the Crown exercises some executive and judicial powers. It has the right to rule-by-decree (within the bounds of the constitution) if the Citizen's Assembly cannot meet a quorum for extended periods of time or could not meet frequently. In regards to warfare, it can declare war, call a draft, and form alliances.

The end of the Thornian Civil War of 2021-2022 saw the House of Thornia return to power through the country's renewed republican institutions. However, the ensuing political chaos that saw various indigineous factions in Thornia's then-colonial territories rising up in organised rebellion led to the monarchy getting pushed aside by hardline nationalists in Thornia's Territorial Defence Forces and legislature. Monarchists and veterans of the Northern Revolutionary Socialist Party helped to establish the Reformist Party, which came to dominate the country's politics for much of the rebellions of 2022.

Attempts to appease Umic nationalists led to Thornian-era republicanism being swept aside for a new republic movement which integrated historic Umic institutions like the Citizen's Assembly and the title of Ezgeriet. The country was also reformed into the Imperial Federation of Thornia after a compromise was reached between regionalists and imperialists. A second indigineous rebellion saw the various indigineous factions attempt to form a united front. However, the introduction of Chen Empire mercenaries led to the Aphthonic/Tsapansal and Boravian factions joining forces with the Thornian government. During this time, the House of Thornia regained its throne, albeit ruling over a significantly reduced and short-lived Kingdom of Thornia.

As luck would have it, the bungling of the Siege of Dobrado led to a series of events which shone a spotlight on the Thornian monarchy's drastically better management of its army compared to the Tsapansal and Boravian armies. Intense public support led to the overthrow of the hardline members of the rebel governments, the voluntary submission of the rump governments to the House of Thornia, and the 13 March Proclamation which finally brought the entire Thornian world under the direct rule of one monarch.

## Symbols

### Emblem

The sweet berry bush is the official emblem of the Crown and is framed above doors of the residences of the monarch. It is also used in international events to represent Great Thornia.

### Banners

The yellow Eight Arms Banner that serves as the national ensign of Great Thornia is also the Royal Banner that represents the Crown. Its higher cost of production often means that it has to be substituted by the banner of the NRSP (which has been convenient as of late due to the monarchy's control of the party despite its previous republican association).

An alternative banner is flown in Aphthonis due to it being easily reproducible using white banners. Aphthonis also has the distinction of being able to have its own royal banner due to it having been a separate realm in the past in personal union with Goruid. Thus, the Aphthonis Royal Banner also serves as the de facto banner of the province.

### Landmarks

In Elysia's city squares, stone brick obelisks are used to fly banners of the Crown, the nation, and the region. These serve as meeting points for the villager population of the city.

The Crown generally does not construct major monuments or landmarks to itself or the state, viewing it as 'frivolous' and wasteful of resources.

## Royal residences

The monarchy owns several residences and estates throughout Great Thornia, and one estate in Ume City, Umia. It has three palaces (the Royal Residence in Palus Urbem, the Royal Lodge in Petrodis, and a mansion in the Ume City estate), and two additional residences in Elysia (an apartment unit) and Volovna (a bungalow). The palaces are considered landmarks of their own, representing the monarchy's wealth and appreciation or mastery of the arts.