Triarchy

As the name implies, the Triarchy is a government in three parts.

## **The 10 Families**

The strongest families in the tower who are key allies to the Red King & to the Church of the Pointed Star. Each of the 10 families are said to have venerable bloodlines. It is said in rumors that the oldest members of the families were there during **Genesis**, a wildly debated era in history in which the Tower was created. Each of the family heads would argue in favor of their bloodlines extending that long back, however the specifics are not often stated. Each family has massive amounts of power, wealth & control over a floor. Their influence extends past this though, as their members (both) Acers and Ascenders often exert their family's influence wherever they go. It is common for the citizens of a floor to know the names of the 10 families, as members are spread out evenly throughout the tower.

### Designated Powers / Responsibilities

The 10 families have responsibilities to uphold to maintain the Triarchy.

1. A large majority of the standing army is put together by members of the 10 families. Vassal families are also expected to provide soldiers for the Triarchy. Families that are unable to provide a decent sum of soldiers for the family are heavily penalized.
2. They are responsible for pushing forward the entire GDP of the tower, many of the most important companies and industry is generated by members of the 10 families or their vassals, because of this, said companies are given tax breaks so long as they provide supplies for the Triarchy when asked.
3. They are responsible for protecting the Red King, 3 of his royal court (which are the second children of each respective family) are expected to accompany him at all times.

The 10 families have several powers given to them in return. Any ties are decided by the Grand Architect.

1. They have the ability to impose taxes (with approval from the Red King), and may oppose him with a 2/3 majority.
2. They have the ability to create laws (with approval from the Red King) and may oppose him with a 3/4 majority.
3. They have the ability to remove laws or make laws void (with approval from the Red King) and may oppose him with a 2/3 majority.

## The Church of the Pointed Star

Combining the worship of four patron deities, the Church of the Pointed Star is the primary religion worshiped throughout the tower. Those who worship the Church attend every Thursday, and bring gifts, such as their crops, or a product / service they normally provide. For example a farmer might bring a basket filled with fresh food, or a cobbler might provide free services to those that need it. The symbol of the Church, the Four Pointed Star represents the four gods that embody the entire religion.

The Four Pointed Star
 Auguso, God of Autumn & Harvests | Intelligence, Patience
 Vierni, God of Winter & Death | Cunning, Deference
 Prima, God of Spring & Verdure | Love, Peace, Nature

## The Red King

He alone stands atop the tower, and rules it with his might. The Red King directly controls the standing army of the Triarchy, and is above any law. Within his army there are several different organizations. The Red King himself is said to have never been beaten in a fair fight, by anyone.