Principality of Savoy

The Principality of Savoy Coat of Arms of The Principality of Savoy Capital: San Luciano Languages: Common (in official documents) Various at local levels Religion: Church of the Canon Royal Family: House de Savoie Government: Absolute Monarchy Prince of Savoy: Olivier the Younger Lady Chancellor of Savoy: Vasileia Ekaterini Basrid Lord Vicechancellor of Savoy: Matyas Basrid Lord Commander of Savoy: Elijah Keen Lord Vizier of San Luciano: William Alstion Lord Scrivener of Savoy: Philippe Sainte-Blandine Lord Mariner of Savoy: Gowthur and Malcolm Douglas Grand Knight of Savoy: Sir Ulrich von Alstreim Preceded by: Commonwealth of Sutica (In Dissolution) Duchy of Savoy (In Abeyance)

The Principality of Savoy is the successor-state to the defunct Commonwealth of Sutica, which was dissolved in 40 S.A. by Oliver Renault after the passing of Queen Johanna of Sutica. The Principality is largely home to the Savoyard culture, though it does have a minority of Hyspians and Reinmaren who remain from the previous Commonwealth.

History

The Principality of Savoy finds its roots in the old Duchy of Savoy and the Reformed Kingdom of Oren, from which the Principality claims cultural heritage through its Savoyard rulers. In the years from 1834 to 1836, the Commonwealth of Sutica saw a massive influx in Savoyard immigrants, in which they soon became the majority of the very sparsely-populated Kingdom. Following the end of the Sutican Civil War, the Savoyard population led by then-regent of Sutica Olivier Renault Ashford de Savoie proclaimed the dissolution of the Commonwealth. From there, he proclaimed the creation of the Principality of Savoy and himself as its new absolute monarch [1]. The dissolution had the support of the Savoyard population within Sutica as well as many native Suticans who felt the old regime had not done enough to strengthen Sutica's power in southern Almaris. Despite this, there was a very small minority of Waldenians who felt that they had been cheated of their heritage due to the Barclays no longer being in power. Yet, this led to naught as the new Savoyard regime had the overwhelming support of the people.

In the opening months of Savoy's existence, Prince Olivier Renault's reign was extremely popular and he quickly set to work establishing new laws for his domain. He and the Savoyard government soon released the Lex Savoia, which was a codex of laws to dictate how Savoy would enforce the peace in its borders [2]. His Government also soon released The Royal Courts of Savoy, detailing Savoyard courtly culture as well as detailing the members of the Nobility and Royalty in a clear document [3].

Government

The Principality of Savoy is a constitutional monarchy that is broken down into three estates; the Patricians, the Plebians, and the Serfs. In addition, the Prince of Savoy is afforded his own council of personal advisors known as the Pricy Council who are tasked with governing different aspects of Savoyard life.

The Privy Council

The Privy Council holds collective responsibility for the maintenance and administration of the Principality. Above all, the Privy Council is tasked with the duty to aid and advise the Prince, and may be amended at will by him. The Privy Councillors are bestowed the distinction of Lord for the duration of their tenure upon the council and are to be addressed by the courtesy of Excellency. The Privy Council is chaired by the Lord Chancellor and may convene without the presence of the Prince. In prolonged absences, interregnum, or minority the Privy Council is invested with the Regency of the Principality.

The Three Estates

I. The Patricians

The Patrician, by virtue of high office and birth, are the highest of the classes in the realm. Their status is hereditary, and the paterfamilias act as the head of the household. They have a duty to uphold and preserve Savoy’s traditions and customs through service to their liege, and dedication to their polity. Patrician families are expected to contribute to His Serene Highness’ prosperity through socage or military tenure in His Serene Highness’ personal levy. All Patricians have the inviolable right to set a duel upon those of their class, and them of the Plebeian classes; a Plebeian may do the same of their class, but not of those above him.

List of Savoyard Peerage Houses

• House of Savoy-Drusco
• House of Barclay
• House de Bar
• House von Alstreim
• House of Mareno
• House of Keen
• House of Sainte-Blandine
• House of Jazloviecki
• House of Douglas

II. The Plebians

The Plebeian class is characterised by their libertas. That is, they are free men, but are distinguished from the Patrician's through virtue of being commoners. Plebeians broadly reside within the metropolis of San Luciano. Manufacturers, craftsmen and artisans by trade, their contribution to the Principality is immeasurable.The Plebeians are represented by the Seigneur of Savoy, a person of their class who they elect to sit in the Assembly, and who has a hand in city administration. Whilst the Plebeians enjoy libertas, some fields of high office are promised to the Patrician. The many Plebeians of Savoy serve the Patrician through a transaction-based system of clientele. In exchange for numerous services, including the creation or resourcing of goods, Plebeians are secured by their patron in money, protection, or favours.

III. The Serfs

The serf class is the lowest of the estates. They include farmers, labourers, and servants. Serfs are obliged to their lord through a complex system of socage or military tenure. Although being the primary labour force of the Principality, serfs have limited participation in government due to the existing contract with their liege lord. While serfs may vote in the election of the Seigneur, this is granted by city officials begrudgingly, and is only given to the paterfamilias of each serf household.