Flamen Canialis

The **Flamen Canialis** is the title given to the official resident dog of the Executive Mansion of Valoria. The officeholder is appointed by the prime minister, but reports to no higher office. The Flamen Canialis formally oversees the Musifex Maximus.

The office has been held by Maya since January 3rd, 2023.

## FC Bella

On February 4th, 2006, the Executive Mansion adopted a puppy found in a cardboard box on a sidewalk in downtown Boston. Although her origins are unsure, she was presumed to be a mix between a Formosan mountain dog and a Jack Russell terrier. PM Eric Henderson's eldest son named her Bella, and she was formally instated as Flamen Canialis a few weeks after her adoption.

In April 2012, the Executive Mansion adopted a second dog, named Filou. He was given the title "Proflamen Canialis," and said to "serve as an assistant and deputy to FC Bella in carrying out her duty." A puppy, PM Charles Reynolds announced he expected Filou to bring "youth and vibrancy" to the flamen's office. In the weeks following his appointment, the prime minister expressed disappointment at his lack of energy, and "excessive consumption of food and treats," although cited an inability to dismiss Filou based on Bella's "approval and like-minded behavior."

In March 2015, when the Executive Mansion appointed Rihjaya as Musifex Maximus, PM Anthony Collins described Bella's relationship with Rihjaya as "initially unfriendly, but working towards rapport." The Executive Mansion continued to release statements that Bella and Rihjaya's relationship remained somewhat strained, suggesting this could be due to “a number of ideological differences."

In 2020, PM Julia Anne-Claire announced Bella and Rihjaya's relationship had greatly improved since he first took office, noting "the Flamen's age may have played a role in her newfound wisdom and tranquility." David Mitchell, who had ran against Anne-Claire for prime minister in 2019, said he "noted the implication the Flamen did not possess wisdom and tranquility before."

Bella died on August 12th, 2021, aged 15. PM Arthur Reinhardt, who had assumed office only twelve days prior, declared he was "deeply saddened by the Flamen's passing, but grateful and honored to have been able to work alongside her." She was given a formal state funeral.

## FC Filou

Upon Bella's death, PF Filou was assumed to be her successor. The Executive Mansion, however, did not name Filou as Flamen immediately, instead observing a "ten-day national mourning period." On August 22nd, 2021, Filou was formally named Flamen Canialis.

In late 2022, the Executive Mansion released reports stating Filou's intentions to retire, citing "old age and ever-increasing interest in his dining quarters." The Executive Mansion said he would seek out a suitable successor before formally stepping down, vowing to "find the youth and vibrancy once expected of me."

On Christmas Day 2022, PM Reinhardt introduced Valoria to a four-month old bernedoodle puppy named Maya in an Instagram post, hinting at the Flamen's potential successor.

## FC Maya

On January 3rd, 2023, only a few days after being introduced to Valoria, Reinhardt announced he had accepted Filou’s resignation letter. Filou was appointed Flamen Canialis Emeritus, which would allow him to “remain in an advisory role to the young new Flamen," who was announced to be Maya.

Boston premier Valerie Minerva, who was at the time speculated to be preparing a run for prime minister against Reinhardt, said it was “irresponsible” to appoint such a “young and inexperienced candidate to such an important office,” to which the Executive Mansion released a photograph of Maya sitting at a table across from Musifex Maximi Rhijaya and Leah, with Filou sitting next to her, captioned “hard at work.” Minerva replied to the photograph saying "she certainly seems dedicated."

Since her appointment as Flamen, the Executive Mansion has released a number of statements and photographs detailing her work. She has been described as "loyal and loving," although "at times distracted."

## Functions and Roles

The Flamen Canialis' only formal role is to oversee the Musifex Maximus in their duties. In more recent years, however, the holders of these offices have been used by politicians to connect with voters, garner support, and foster confidence in government. Photographs of various politicians interacting with the Flamen are released regularly, and often are the source of banter between politicians.

Although the Flamen and Musifex roles were originally formed as jokes, some researchers believe their presence makes a positive contribution to Valoria:

> "They're the source of more lighthearted political banter, allowing politicians who might differ vastly in political opinion to connect on at least some common ground. Ultimately, I think it reminds our politicians that there's one real goal they're all working towards: bettering Valoria."
> - Dr. Jon Ellis, researcher at Tufts University
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