Principality of Savoy
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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.
Government
- This information about the Savoy Government is taken from the Springtime Edict.
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.
I. The Lord Chancellor
The Principality’s foremost minister is invested by the Prince to direct the government and execute his will. The Lord Chancellor wields penultimate authority in the Principality and may convene the Privy Council. The Lord Chancellor is granted the Signet of St. Humbert of Bar and is charged with the custody of the Great Seal of the realm.
II. The Vicegerent
The Principality’s tertiary authority is the Viceregent, seconding the Lord Chancellor. They do not possess any specific portfolio, and their main duty is to assist the Princely Chancellery in all its efforts. The Vicegerent is granted the Signet of St. Lucien of Ulmsbottom.
III. The Lord Marshal
The Principality’s highest military appointment is the Lord Marshal, holding the highest rank achievable by a serving member of the Esheveurd Brigade. The Marshal commands absolute authority over the military second to the Prince, and is granted the authorities to maintain, regulate and administrate the standing army of the Principality. The Marshal is granted the Signet of St. Peter of Gaekrin.
IV. The Lord Scrivener
The Principality’s chief notary official is the Lord Scrivener. The Lord Scrivener is entrusted with the drafting of the Prince’s personal edicts alongside overseeing the bureaucratic motions of governmental legislation regarding the publishing and keeping of documents. The Scrivener is granted the Signet of St. Adrian of Leuvaarden and is charged with the custody of the Privy Seal of the Prince.
V. The Lord Commissioner
The Principality’s foremost diplomatic officer, the Lord Commissioner is entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining the external diplomatic relations of the Principality, including the establishment of diplomatic offices, and conducting foreign affairs on behalf and in the stead of the Prince. The Commissioner is granted the Signet of St. Johannes.
VI. The Lord Steward
The Stewardry of the Principality is delegated to the Steward, who shall have full responsibility to maintain, regulate, and administrate residential and commercial properties. The office shall be divested with the command over the Principality’s ledgers. The Steward is granted the Signet of St. Catherine of Felsen.
VII. The Lord Exchequer
The finances of the Principality are invested into the Exchequer, who heads the Princely Treasury and is the chief accountant of the land’s income and expenditure. The Lord Exchequer is granted the Signet of St. Tobias.
VIII. The High Justiciar
As the Principality’s chief legal advisor, the High Justicar is responsible for maintaining, regulating, and administering Princely law and overseeing the courts of the realm. The High Justiciar is granted the Signet of St. Daniel.
IX. The Princely Coroner
The Principality’s foremost intelligence services are in the responsibility of the Princely Coroner. They shall be responsible for military, domestic, and foreign intelligence. They shall undertake analyses for the operation of government. The Princely Coroner is granted the Signet of St. Richard of Adrianople.
X. The Grand Knight Fealty is the most pristine quality; it is loyalty that has made the character of many figures of renown. The eternal knights of Savoy are the reflection of its honor: the princely charge bestowed upon this title is an arduous path like no other. The Grand Knight of Savoy is responsible for organizing the training of the squires and knights, to reflect their stature as stalwart men of prestige. In his duties, the Grand Knight is charged with the survey of His Highness’s land. The Grand Knight is granted the Signet of St. Edmond of Lachsin.
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 Savoy Patrician Houses
- The House of Alstion
- The House of Alstreim
- The House of d'Anpalais
- The House of Ashford d'Aryn
- The House of Ashford de Falstaff
- The House of Barclay
- The House of Basird
- The House de Brellad
- The House of Helane
- The House de Orsella
- The House of Rothesay
- The House di Sarola
- The House de Rivera
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.
