A Treatise on the Political Structure of Angoria
by Eryndril Belshade, Scholar of Olara and Chronicler of Governance
written Shepherds 1 (Age of New Hope)
Angoria, a nation defined as much by its enduring traditions as by its resilience in the face of countless upheavals, is governed by a unique and sophisticated system rooted in both communal cooperation and hierarchical oversight. At the heart of this system lies the Five Houses, the pinnacle of Angorian governance, supported by the Court and the Judges, forming a structure as intricate as it is robust.
The Foundations of Governance
The Court
The Court serves as the most accessible tier of Angorian governance, an assembly open to any citizen in good standing. Within its halls, grievances are aired, disputes resolved, and criminal matters adjudicated. The Court embodies the spirit of Angorian egalitarianism, allowing the populace a direct voice in governance.
The Judges
Above the Court sits the council of 99 Judges, individuals elected by the Court itself. The Judges deliberate on matters too complex or contentious for the Court to resolve. They preside over issues of law and governance, and their rulings shape the lives of all Angorians. They also arbitrate disputes brought forth by provincial ministers, ensuring balance and fairness across the realm.
The Five Houses
At the apex of Angorian governance stand the Five Houses, ancient institutions entrusted with the ultimate stewardship of the realm. Each House governs a specific domain, acting as both a counterweight to the others and a unifying force for the nation. While House membership is officially merit-based, it is customary – and indeed expected – for the children of House members to ascend within their birth House. The Revered Court serves as the principal avenue for new initiates, offering a ceremonial process through which they are ritually welcomed and integrated into their prospective House.
The 1st House: The House of Law
The House of Law, also known as the Royal House, is the cornerstone of Angorian governance. Tasked with overseeing law, order, and the operation of the judicial system, it also supervises the Judges, the Courts, and the town watch. The House of Law consists of elected officials and their appointed councils and administrators; city and district governance is all run by representatives of the House of Law.
Historically the seat of monarchs, the House of Law has remained officially vacant since the abdication of Queen Niobe Theia following the establishment of the Angorian Empire.
In times of great crisis, the throne may be occupied by a scion of another House, but it is tradition that the throne be relinquished once stability is restored. Failure to do so invokes the responsibility of the 5th House to depose the monarch. During such time that a monarch rules over the House of Law, its historical purpose takes effect and all officials then take direct orders from the head, a true monarchy taking the place of the previous governance.
Significant ascensions include:
– King Hektor McMorrin during the Emperion Isoba’s invasion.
– Queen Rosalind Tenshadow and her daughter Sybil Tenshadow during the Deadward’s fall.
– Radovan, Dmitrei, and Nika Torevir during the Godstomb Crisis and the Istran Warlords’ rise.
– Jorund McMorrin during the Imperium’s invasion and the Emperor’s death.
– Thelia McMorrin during the War of New Hope
The 2nd House: The House of War
Commanding Angoria’s land-based military forces, the House of War governs the nation’s fortresses, soldiers, and elite troops. Known for its rigorous training of commanders and warriors, it ensures the kingdom’s defenses are ever-ready. This House is currently ruled by the McMorrin family and their cadet branches.
The 3rd House: The House of Trade
The House of Trade oversees Angoria’s commerce, diplomacy, and naval forces. Its purview includes taxation, trade agreements, and the maintenance of the nation’s economy. The Torevir family and its cadet branches preside over this House, their influence woven deeply into Angoria’s mercantile network.
The 4th House: The House of the People
This House safeguards the wellbeing of Angoria’s citizens. Responsible for festivals, religious observances, and the distribution of essential goods, the House of the People ensures the prosperity and unity of the nation. House Wildcloak recently supplanted the entrenched Tenshadow family, marking a rare shift in the House’s leadership.
The 5th House: The House of Secrets
Known as the House of Shadows, this House governs the collection of knowledge, the practice of magic, and the realm of espionage. Tasked with rooting out corruption and safeguarding Angoria from external threats, it also holds the solemn duty of deposing rogue monarchs. Members of this House are prohibited from ascending to the 1st House, preserving their impartiality. The Naïlo family currently rules this enigmatic House.
The Legacy of the 1st House
The Royal House of Angoria, though vacant in peacetime, remains a potent symbol of unity and authority. Its throne, left open after Queen Niobe Theia’s abdication, serves as a reminder of the balance between power and responsibility. The enduring tradition of relinquishing the throne after crises highlights Angoria’s commitment to shared governance.
The Royal House has been occupied sparingly, only in moments of dire need, such as invasions or existential threats. Each ascension marks a turning point in Angorian history, reinforcing the nation’s resilience and adaptability.
Final Thoughts
The Five Houses represent the pinnacle of Angorian governance, a system that balances the needs of its citizens with the responsibilities of leadership. Rooted in merit, tradition, and accountability, these institutions have guided Angoria through countless trials, ensuring its survival and prosperity in an ever-changing world.