The cultures of Qaiyore surround their rulers with various pieces of symbolic regalia. While the exact types and forms vary from nation to nation, the following are the most common (in no particular order): * Crown * Throne * Sword * Scepter * Jewelry However, different cultures place different emphases on these items. For instance, in Avaerean culture (which survives somewhat today in Bel'Adne and Milakanur), the primary symbol of kingship has always been the sword, the most famous being the legendary Golden Sword of Rian a'Avaerrand. This suggests that kingship among the Avaereans was strongly tied to military leadership. In Mir, the Crown and the Scepter are the important symbols. In this case, the Crown represents the ancient line of kings, while the Scepter began as the symbol of the authority of the Archmages. Technically, the King of Mir and the Archmage of Mir are seperate offices that happen to be held by the same person. Interestingly enough, the current holder of both offices, Eubratosa Celamyrsa, is almost universally addressed and referred to as "Archmage Eubratosa" rather than by his full title "Archmage-King". This, perhaps, demonstrates which office the Mirrish place more importance in. In Sedonia, the important symbol is the Throne of Bucerad in the Imperial Palace in Thalsedon. When speaking of his monarch, a Sedonian will refer to "the Throne" as a Burcancy might refer to "the Crown". Sedonians generally refer to an Emperor's enthronement rather than his coronation. "Kings can be crowned anywhere," they say in Sedonia, "but Emperors must sit on Bucerad's Throne." This was not always the case, but it became first tradition, then law, after the end of the Kinstrife Wars of 950-987 which started following the death of Emperor Tomas VI "the Excessively Virile" without his designating a clear heir apparent from among his grandchildren. The use of a throne as a symbol in Sedonia contrasts with the Avaeran sword, suggesting that to the Sedonian mind, the role of a ruler is to sit, think, and administrate, rather than lead his armies personally into battle. Indeed, no Sedonian Emperor has personally commanded his Legions in battle since Raden IX & his son, Bucerad XVIII during the Second Ice Demon War of 1280-1288. ---------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, send mail to celandra-off@phoenyx.net.
