Arkhein; To Rule

Arkhein; To Rule is a book uncovered through use of Study-related Inquiries.

## Description

Arkhein; To Rule was sought out by Rover Custard Augustine as his influence continued to grow across the continent, and so his attention returned back to his home city and its rulership. Whether through intent to elevate himself to such a position, or for sake of understanding those at the helm to a greater extent, his research was targetted towards the requirements necessary to get elected an Archon of Rydoon, and the process to go about doing such a thing.

## Reading

### Completed by Rover Custard Augustine

#### Definitions & Expectations

Archon etymologically is derived from the Celestial word *Arkhein*, translated as "to rule" by most scholars. Argument has subsequently arisen whether those soulmarked as *Arkhein* are those chosen by Tohmos, as was said to have occurred during Aita's Second Gift, and thus specifically chosen through means of bloodline or destiny - although the latter would likewise fall under the domain of Divinus too - or whether this is simply a modification of the word in the simplest sense, as they are individuals chosen "to rule".

Unsurprisingly, the Archon, and the greatest amongst their plutocratic number, the Archonos, are expected to serve the interests of the Hollow Concord, acting to maintain its dominance on the continental scale, encouraging its residents to partake in all manner of commercial, civilian and military interests. Along with the Archons, there are four other positions that sit upon the Hollow Concord's Conclave, that of Stregarch, Navarch, Midarch & Hierarch.

#### Eligibility Requirements

Despite popular belief, it is not necessary for an individual to have been born upon the soil and stone considered the territory of the Hollow Concord for an individual to seek election to the position of Archon. Nonetheless, it is an unusual occurrence in such a situation, but through acts that selflessly serve the Concord, along with recommendations from individuals of the Concord - and the Conclave itself, besides - a foreigner may join their number, although never yet so as an Archon, instead more as the other roles within the Conclave, as leader of the Rydooni army or navy as Stregarch or Navarch, commander of the Evzos as Midarch, or guiding the populace in spiritual matters as Hierarch. With the exception of the lattermost, the Hierarch, who is chosen from the ecclesiastics of the isle of Golgyra, the others, Stregarch, Navarch and Midarch, are chosen by appointment directly by the Archons themselves.

Though a few passing exceptions have existed historically, for the last one hundred years every individual that has held the title of Archon hails from the *Blessed* caste of society, equivalent to the high aristocracy of the wider continent. Some have decried this as simply a symptom of individuals of such a group having the time, money and influence to position themselves appropriately, but as the Hierarch is quick to remind, this is simply a reality of the truth echoed from Aita's Second Gift - some amongst the population are chosen by the True to ascend and guide the Principal Races, so naturally it is from amongst them the Archons would be chosen. Nonetheless, should an election loom, an applicants must prove that they are deemed appropriate for the role from all members of the Hollow Concord's society, and thus must seek public and formal declarations of approval in sufficient quantity from the castes of the populace, *Praised* to *Blessed*.

#### The Election

By nature of the terms and pledges of service taken by the Archons, elections to the position of role are infrequent, but met with great fanfare when such an event does occur. Tradition dictates that the post must be filled before the next Kroan Games takes place, regardless of the reason for the previous Archon's absence, and so canvassing occurs with the upmost promptness. As such, and as can be expected, many individuals will spend much of their lives forging the connections they would need to vouch for their suitability, for the first round of voting calls for societal votes - one for each of the *Praised*, *Honoured*, *Virtuous* and *Blessed* castes, which leaves no more than four final candidates. From these, the Archons and the Hierarch, but not the Stregarch, Navarch or Midarch, chose the one they deem more suitable to join their number. In the case of a split vote, the Hierarch's vote serves as the deciding factor.

Once chosen, the new Archon is declared publicly during the opening ceremony of the Kroan Games, and is expected to partake in at least one of the events that year. The more superstitious amongst the populace are quick to comment on the success of the Archon, declaring it predictive of their time in the role. After serving in the role for a decade, an individual can seek to gain the title of Archonos, the formal leader of Conclave, and the Hollow Concord as a whole, for which the other Archons likewise vote. After two years of holding the title of Archonos, the remaining Archons may choose to either extend the Archonos' reign for another two years or elect another from their number as Archonos in their place. Rarely, though not entirely unheard of, a third option may be evoked, by which unanimous agreement not only demotes the Archonos from their title, but strips them of Archonhood likewise, after which a new replacement is sought. There is, however, no law against the relegated noble from running again - although the remaining Archons' role in choosing one to join their number is likely to stifle their attempts at re-ascension.

#### Service

Tenure of the title of Archon is maintained indefinitely by a successfully elected candidate, unless the following occurrences occur:

1. The active and willing resignation of the position without evidence of coercion, duress or other external factors.
2. The passing of an individual, by means natural or otherwise.
3. An individual is absent from the post for a year and a day, whether by personal intent or factors outside of their control. If the latter, appeals are encouraged upon their return, but may not be upheld.
4. Unanimous vote from all other Archons declaring the individual unfit for office, usually after a series of incidents pertaining to the part of Rydoon under their charge, or a serious breach of their pledge to the good of the Hollow Concord as a whole.