Monarch
Contents
His (or her) Royal Majesty, our Monarch
Head chapter officer
Monarch, in the world
A monarch (see sovereignty) is a type of ruler or head of state. Monarchs almost always inherit their titles and are rulers for life; that is, they have no term limit. Historically monarchs have been more or less absolute rulers. Modern monarchs are often figureheads who either have power but do not exercise it personally, or have little power. However, there are others with substantial or absolute power. Monarchs usually represent a larger monarchical system which has established rules and customs regarding succession, duties, and powers. A nation ruled by a monarch is called a monarchy. Those arguing against the concept of Monarchy are often, but not always, republicans.
The word "monarch" derives from Greek monos archein, meaning "one ruler," and referred to an absolute ruler in ancient Greece. With time, the word has been succeeded in this meaning by others, like autocrat or dictator, and the word monarch in modern usage almost always refers to a traditional system of hereditary rulership
Monarchs in Amtgard
Monarch is the highest official in an Amtgard chapter, elected by the dues paying populace from the declared candidates who have passed Crown Quals. Terms are for six months, and in most corpora no more than two consecutive terms may be served. The term of a Monarch is often referred to as a reign. The first five monarchs of the Burning lands were chosen by Right of Arms but on September 12 1987, The club voted 34 to 23 for election rather than trial by combat to choose the next monarch.
Being a monarch at any level is very taxing. Give your monarch the support and loyalty that they deserve.
For a Kingdom, the Monarch is called the King or Queen. For smaller chapters, the term would be Duke (or Duchess) for a Duchy (or Grand Duchy), Baron (or Baroness) for a Barony, and Sheriff for a Shire. If they are being used, there could also be a Prince for a Principality.
Look here for a listing of all the first monarchs of the 12 kingdoms. Also see the page about the First Five Monarchs of amtgard and the Monarchy page for a listing of the monarchies of Amtgard everywhere.
Responsibilities of the office
It is the monarchs duty to preside over all events occurring during their reign. To settle disputes and mend old rivalries. Should their be a tie in any election or vote the monarch has the right to break that tie.
Being monarch is supposed to be fun, you have very few written responsibilities. Your real job is making sure that everyone else does their job. This is a lot harder than it sounds. And remember that your reign will defined not just but what you do but what every other officer does as well. What every event planner does, every feast-o-crat. Good or bad, it will be your fault.
Rewards of the office
Holding the office of monarch in it's self at one time and to this day in many places was enough to earn a Crown Belt. If you up hold the office well you might be eligible for the title of Duke. If you hold the office more than once you can earn the title of Arch Duke or Grand Duke.
Variant honorifics used by a Kingdom Monarch
Variants on the Titles Given to Former Monarchs
Local Monarch's Guide (this is a helpful book, not a code of behavior or recognized as an amtgard document by the CoM.
