Cymrea
25-09-2007, 09:07
Kingdom of Cascadia
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f18/Chancellor_Rune/Nationstates/UECFlag.jpg
National Motto: Pulvis et umbra sumus
National Anthem: Cascadia Excelsior!
Attributes within The World
Government/Politics: Hereditary Monarchy
Traits: Agriculturalists, Industrialists
Races: Mixed, though mainly Caucasian.
Religion: Simple Christian, Protestant
Chief Commander: Tactician
National Happiness Percentage: 70%
National Food Percentage: 83%
Three-Year Income: $3,900,000,000
National Loyalty Percentage: 38%
Introduction
The Kingdom of Cascadia is a modest nation on the western coast of North America. Formed out of the turmoil of events during what is now historically referred to as The End, Cascadia is a generally peaceful nation of hard working people who request and require a strong, benevolent leader to protect and provide the populous.
After The End, the world fell apart. Population centers raged out of martial control and spiralled downward into chaos and anarchy. Terror and might ruled the day as people were either predators or prey. As often happens in such situations, leaders are born and made. Some rise of their own accord, some are thrust into positions of power. In the northwestern region of North America, strong, courageous - and most importantly, moral - men and women managed to establish order within the bounds of many cities. The former Canadian cities of Vancouver and Victoria strove to press their control toward each other, setting up a safe corridor between the cities. At the same time Seattle and Portland did much the same, just as San Francisco, and Oakland were including Sacramento into a triad of peace and order. It wasn't long before the leaders of the seven coastal cities began to talk, and then negotiate. In 1965, the city of Portland hosted the Council of Seven at which the leaders of each of the seven major cities discussed, debated, and ultimately constructed a viable region in which the people of the northwest could live in peace and safety. In November of that year, the Council of Seven signed the Cascadia Act of Investiture into existence and reorganized much of the North American west coast into the Kingdom of Cascadia. It was decided that a monarchy, founded in meritocracy would be the most advantageous form of government in the post-End world, and so The Act established the royal and noble houses that would govern the nation. Thus far, the governing houses have marked their rule with reason, justice, and peace - Cascadia is a nation brimming with hope for a better future.
During The End, many lives were lost and many families shattered. One peculiar attribute of Cascadians is that new family names were established along with the nation. As part of a popular trend following the back-to-basics ideals, a large number of family names were derived from latin names for certain flora and fauna. This trend holds particularly true for the royal and noble Houses, and may have indeed been the compelling factor behind the continuation and propogation of the trend.
On the much-diminished and recovering world stage, Cascadia tends toward isolationism and neutrality, tempered by a genuine, if contradictory, desire to establish embassies and partnerships abroad.
Overview
Official Legal Name: Kingdom of Cascadia
Official Conventional Name: Cascadia
Geography: Cascadia is composed of southwestern British Columbia, western Washington, western Oregon, and northern California.
Capital City: Portland
Major Cities: Oakland, Sacramento, San Francisco, Seattle, Vancouver, Victoria
Census: Approx. 2,290,000 (1965)
Demonym: Cascadian, Cascadians
Official Languages: English (national language), Latin (administrative language)
Religions: Protestant 80%, Simple Christian 10%, Aboriginal Spirituality 6%, Druidic 4%
Government: Absolute Monarchy, succession by primogeniture
Formation: 3 November 1965 [Cascadia Act of Investiture]
Legal System: Cascadian Royal Law
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Nobility and Geographic Investiture
Kingdom
The entire nation of Cascadia and all its holdings constitute the Kingdom; ruled by the King or Queen.
Duchy
Generally drawn along the boundaries of former states and provinces; ruled by a duke or duchess.
Barony
The largest cities and their surrounding areas, and some territories such as the Queen Charlotte Islands; ruled by a baron or baroness.
March
Smaller cities and the largest towns and their surrounding areas; ruled by a margrave or marquess.
Shire
The remaining towns and villages too small to be marches; ruled by a prefect.
Government
Head of State and Government: Monarch
Queen Rhiannon o Corvida Regina
Legislature: Circle of Archons
The legislative council consisting of the senior nobility of the realm, as appointed by the monarch. Rulers of the duchies and baronies are the nominal members, currently numbering eleven, and serve for life.
Marcus o Aquila, Duke of Washington
Caetlyn o Axipita, Baroness of Victoria
Morgan o Delphina, Duchess of British Columbia
James o Dracona, Duke of California
Randall o Grypa, Baron of Sacramento
Sarah o Leona, Duchess of Oregon
Elizabeth o Lupa, Baroness of San Francisco
Patrick o Querica, Baron of Oakland
Dylan o Rova, Baron of Seattle
Gareth o Ursa, Baron of Vancouver
Sion o Vulpa, Baron of Portland
Executive Cabinet: Royal Senate
Royal Senate is the official term used to describe what other nations might call the Cabinet, with many of the same titles and offices that were used in ancient Rome. The official duty of the Senate is merely to carry out the orders of the sovereign and Circle of Archons, but their status as advisors have made them highly influential. Senators are appointed from civilian families to their ministries by the sovereign with recommendations from the Circle of Archons.
Minister of Foreign Affairs: (Praetor Extraterritorialis) is the senator in charge of international relations, embassies and ambassadors, and the diplomatic corps. The current Praetor Extraterritorialis is Meredith Aurelia Rhys-Jones
Minister of Domestic Affairs: (Praetor Infraterritorialis) is the senator in charge of homeland departments such as customs and immigration. The current Praetor Infraterritorialis is Martin Caratacus.
Minister of Agriculture: (Consul Agrestis) is the senator in charge of crops and livestock, and heads the agricultural departments and agencies. The current Consul Agrestis is Lucius Grey.
Minister of Industry: (Consul Fodis) is the senator in charge of terrestrial natural resources, including lumber, ores, and minerals, and heads the industrial departments and agencies. The current Consul Fodis is Edward Lloyd.
Minister of Oceans: (Consul Maritimis) is the senator in charge of aquatic resources, including fish, and heads the maritime and environmental departments and agencies. The current Consul Maritimis is Gareth Kingston
Minister of Finance: (Quaestor) is the senator in charge of national revenues, tax collections, and government expenditures, and heads the financial departments and agencies. The current Quaestor is Devonicus Royce.
Minister of Commerce: (Consul Aedilis) is the senator in charge of international trade, imports and exports, and heads the commercial departments and agencies. The current Consul Aedilis is Victoria Jenkins
Minister of Public Works: (Praetor Aedilis) is the senator in charge of public utilities, sanitation and government services, and heads the departments and agencies of public works. The current Praetor Aedilis is William Griffin.
Minister of Public Safety: (Consul Tutis) is the senator in charge of national safety standards and heads the safety departments and agencies. The current Consul Tutis is Mary Thomas Davids.
Minister of Justice: (Consul Iuris) is the senator in charge of the federal courts, police and corrections, and heads the justice departments and agencies. The Current Consul Iuris is George Cranston.
Minister of Education: (Consul Eruditis) is the senator in charge of education, academic standards, and the preservation of traditional Welsh culture and heritage, and heads the education departments and agencies. The current Consul Eruditis is Catrina Dixon.
Minister of Human Resources: (Consul Civitatis) is the senator in charge of labour, social development and civil rights, and heads the social departments and agencies. The current Consul Civitatis is Veronica Mendes.
Minister of Health: (Consul Salutis) is the senator in charge of health and wellness, food and drug standards, hospitals, and the Cascadian Medical Association, and heads the health departments and agencies. The current Consul Salutis is Dean Tyrell
Minister of Transport: (Consul Transportatis) is the senator in charge of roads and highways, civilian ground, air, naval transportation authorities, and heads the transportation departments and agencies. The current Consul Transportatis is Richard Smith.
Minister of Defence: (Consul Legatus) is the senator in charge of national defence and military affairs, and heads the defence departments and agencies. The current Consul Legatus is Shawn Cambrius.
Command Officers: (Praetor Legatus) are the officers in charge of the three military branches, the Command General, Command Admiral, and the Command Marshal. While technically within the purview of the Minister of Defence, the Command Officers are each accorded a voice in the Senate. The current Praetori Legati are Command General William Atkinson, Command Admiral Fiona Spain, and Command Marshal Christopher Azurius.
Judiciary: Supreme Court of Cascadia
The Supreme Court of Cascadia stands at the apex of the Cascadian judicial system, which resembles the form and style of the former Commonwealth nations. The Supreme Court consists of nine Prime Justices, appointed for life by the monarch from among the superior courts, though Prime Justices may choose to retire. Candidates must be from civilian (non-noble) families and may not hold any other remunerative office during their term. The duty of the judiciary is to advise the monarch in legal matters, to uphold Royal Cascadian Law, and to adjudicate legal matters at all levels.
Royal Cascadian Diplomatic Corps
The office of appointed representatives of the sovereign of Cascadia to foreign nations. Each ambassador is referred to as Legatus Extraterritorialis and, with his/her staff, administers the daily operations of the embassy and carries out diplomatic dutie in the nation of his/her charge.
Royalty, Nobility, and Peerage
King / Queen
Primus of the Royal House, absolute ruler and sovereign monarch of the Kingdom of Cascadia. The rank is denoted by the title Rex (male) or Regina (female) at the end of the name. The King or Queen holds the Seven Tributes. The monarch also holds the rank of Aegis Commander of the Royal Cascadian Forces. Properly addressed as: His/Her Majesty.
Royal Style: by the Grace of Divinity, (King/Queen) of Cascadia and all Her Territories, Holder of the Seven Tributes, Aegis of the Realm, Protector of the Faiths.
Grand Prince / Grand Princess
Royal consort of the King or Queen. Properly addressed as: His/Her Majesty.
Prince / Princess
Sons and daughters of the reigning sovereign including the Heir Apparent and any Heirs Presumptive. Regardless of noble title, capable royal progeny are very often military commanders or high administrators. Properly addressed as: His/Her Highness.
Duke / Duchess
Primus of the ruling House in a given duchy or the realm. Properly addressed as: His/Her Grace.
Baron / Baroness
Primus of the ruling House in a given barony of the realm. Properly addressed as: His/Her Eminence.
Margrave / Marquess
Primus of the ruling House in a given march of the realm. Properly addressed as: His/Her Excellency
Prefect
Primus of the ruling House in a given shire of the realm. Properly address as: His Lordship/Her Ladyship
Primus
The head and ruler of a House, regardless of gender, and a hereditary position that is the birthright of the first-born child. The rank is denoted by the inclusion of “o” between given and House names. Properly addressed as: High Lord or High Lady.
Praetor
The seneschal of a House, regardless of gender. Usually the second-born brother or sister of the Primus. Should anything befall the Primus, the Praetor’s duty is to act as House steward until the late Primus’ heir is of an age to assume rule of the House. Should no heir be available, the Praetor becomes Primus. Properly addressed as: Lord or Lady
Knight
The lowest title of nobility, and non-hereditary. The title is granted by the sovereign, at the request of the local nobility, to a civilian or military officer who has served the realm with distinction. A parcel of land is routinely granted along with the title, though the opportunity is most often given to soldiers from prominent local families. Properly addressed as: Sir or Dame.
The Seven Tributes
Once the Council of Seven had chosen the royal House that would rule Cascadia, each of the seven cities insisted on having some part in the investiture of the monarch, as a symbol of unity and loyalty. The finest artisans in the region laboured to produce master works of craftsmanship of such quality that Queen Rhiannon formally incorporated them as The Seven Tributes that each Cascadian monarch will Hold as symbols of both the sovereignty of the Kingdom and the unity of the seven original baronies. Certain Tributes may be worn and/or used at any given time, but in the highest ceremonies, when the sovereign bears all seven, the full and combined effect is rather awe-inspiring.
The Seven Tributes are:
Raven Throne of Victoria - Crafted from fine ebony wood and hand-carved over every inch with ravens in fanciful stylings, life-like, and in the Pacific Coast native tradition; in flight, on guard, and displayed. The dark birds are representative of solemnity, harbingers of a past that cannot be forgotten. The Throne is overlarge, an imposing seat, and the carvings give no consideration for the sitter. In fact, uncushioned as it is, no monarch will ever sit comfortably upon the Raven Throne.
Lion Crown of Vancouver - Wrought of materials both precious and mundane, it's the British crown that Canada might have once devised given its druthers, with a modern twist. The design is four lions rampant alternating with dogwood blossoms, above which are eight half-arches surmounted by a compass rose. Within is a royal blue velvet cap, lined with Canadian white mink. The Crown is made of chrome-plated tungsten, representing strength and longevity, and is set with onyx, diamonds, sapphires, and pearls. The surmounting compass rose is set with the first - and so far only - Crown Jewel of Cascadia, the Star of Cascadia. The blue diamond was originally mined in the Northwest Territories in the former Canada and weighs in at a modest 311.95 carats (62.39g). The Crown is heavy and was never meant to rest easy on the head of the sovereign.
Winged Sword of Seattle - Forged from steel reclaimed from aircraft at the Boeing complex, the Sword represents the ability to exert martial force and the willingness to do so, for Cascadia and for her friends and allies abroad. In the style of a traditional longsword, the blade is just short of a meter long with a fuller running most of its length and a full tang that is peened into a pommel of wings. The grip is wrapped in black leather and blue velvet; the cross-guard's full angelic-winged design, coupled with the pommel, gives the Sword its name. Mainly for ceremonial use, the Sword is the device by which the sovereign of Cascadia confers honours and occupies the Throne in times when the sovereign cannot physically attend assemblies of the Circle of Archons. When worn, it adorns the sovereign's right hip.
Ebon Shield of Oakland - Hand-carved from local oak wood from a grove that has stood in the area since its original settlement and stained a rich dark ebony, the Shield represents the royal duty to protect and defend Cascadian subjects and allies. The Shield is round, in the style of a traditional targe, banded in and with an umbo of chrome-plated tungsten. Currently, the Shield is completely unadorned but for the name of Cascadia's first sovereign, Rhiannon o Corvidae Regina, and the dates of her reign. The official royal policy is that the names of future sovereign will be carved into the Shield in succession, spiralling inward toward the umbo, until the face of the shield is filled. At that time, a new Shield will be commissioned and the previous one retired. In times of ceremony, the Shield is worn on the sovereign's left arm.
Rose Helm of Portland - Smithed from northwestern steel in the capital of the realm - known as the City of Roses - the Helm represents the loyalty of the subjects of Cascadia as evidenced in the reciprocal desire to protect the royal head. Designed in the fashion of a medieval great helm, the top is crafted to evoke the Lion Crown with its rampant lions, though alternated with roses. In honour of Cascadia's first sovereign the Royal Rosarian Society of Portland christened the Best Rose of 1965 the "Rhiannon Rose" and its image is used in the helm. The ventilation and the visor are also designed with the shapes and images of Rhiannon Roses. The whole Helm is polished to a high shine and gleams brightly as it is cradled in the right arm of the sovereign.
Golden Chain of San Francisco - Forged in red gold to resemble the colour of the city's famous bridge, the Chain represents the binding of the sovereign to the subjects of Cascadia and vice versa, standing also for duty and discipline. The collar of alternating anchors and starfish symbolize the maritime traditions of the area, and the starfish are also evocative of the former United States flag. The badge is a dove representing both St. Francis of Assissi, for whom the city is named, and a symbol of the peace for which Cascadia strives. The Chain is worn around the neck of the sovereign, though rests more upon the shoulders.
Sovereign Seal of Sacramento - A ring of epic proportions, the Seal is crafted from chrome-plated tungsten and set with onyx, diamonds, and sapphires that represent Cascadia's national colours. The signet itself is a great intaglio of symbols from each of the Tributes and is used on royal documentation and missives. The Sovereign Seal represents the authority and power of the sovereign to rule Cascadia and her subjects. It is worn on the sovereign's second finger of the right hand.
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f18/Chancellor_Rune/Nationstates/UECFlag.jpg
National Motto: Pulvis et umbra sumus
National Anthem: Cascadia Excelsior!
Attributes within The World
Government/Politics: Hereditary Monarchy
Traits: Agriculturalists, Industrialists
Races: Mixed, though mainly Caucasian.
Religion: Simple Christian, Protestant
Chief Commander: Tactician
National Happiness Percentage: 70%
National Food Percentage: 83%
Three-Year Income: $3,900,000,000
National Loyalty Percentage: 38%
Introduction
The Kingdom of Cascadia is a modest nation on the western coast of North America. Formed out of the turmoil of events during what is now historically referred to as The End, Cascadia is a generally peaceful nation of hard working people who request and require a strong, benevolent leader to protect and provide the populous.
After The End, the world fell apart. Population centers raged out of martial control and spiralled downward into chaos and anarchy. Terror and might ruled the day as people were either predators or prey. As often happens in such situations, leaders are born and made. Some rise of their own accord, some are thrust into positions of power. In the northwestern region of North America, strong, courageous - and most importantly, moral - men and women managed to establish order within the bounds of many cities. The former Canadian cities of Vancouver and Victoria strove to press their control toward each other, setting up a safe corridor between the cities. At the same time Seattle and Portland did much the same, just as San Francisco, and Oakland were including Sacramento into a triad of peace and order. It wasn't long before the leaders of the seven coastal cities began to talk, and then negotiate. In 1965, the city of Portland hosted the Council of Seven at which the leaders of each of the seven major cities discussed, debated, and ultimately constructed a viable region in which the people of the northwest could live in peace and safety. In November of that year, the Council of Seven signed the Cascadia Act of Investiture into existence and reorganized much of the North American west coast into the Kingdom of Cascadia. It was decided that a monarchy, founded in meritocracy would be the most advantageous form of government in the post-End world, and so The Act established the royal and noble houses that would govern the nation. Thus far, the governing houses have marked their rule with reason, justice, and peace - Cascadia is a nation brimming with hope for a better future.
During The End, many lives were lost and many families shattered. One peculiar attribute of Cascadians is that new family names were established along with the nation. As part of a popular trend following the back-to-basics ideals, a large number of family names were derived from latin names for certain flora and fauna. This trend holds particularly true for the royal and noble Houses, and may have indeed been the compelling factor behind the continuation and propogation of the trend.
On the much-diminished and recovering world stage, Cascadia tends toward isolationism and neutrality, tempered by a genuine, if contradictory, desire to establish embassies and partnerships abroad.
Overview
Official Legal Name: Kingdom of Cascadia
Official Conventional Name: Cascadia
Geography: Cascadia is composed of southwestern British Columbia, western Washington, western Oregon, and northern California.
Capital City: Portland
Major Cities: Oakland, Sacramento, San Francisco, Seattle, Vancouver, Victoria
Census: Approx. 2,290,000 (1965)
Demonym: Cascadian, Cascadians
Official Languages: English (national language), Latin (administrative language)
Religions: Protestant 80%, Simple Christian 10%, Aboriginal Spirituality 6%, Druidic 4%
Government: Absolute Monarchy, succession by primogeniture
Formation: 3 November 1965 [Cascadia Act of Investiture]
Legal System: Cascadian Royal Law
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Nobility and Geographic Investiture
Kingdom
The entire nation of Cascadia and all its holdings constitute the Kingdom; ruled by the King or Queen.
Duchy
Generally drawn along the boundaries of former states and provinces; ruled by a duke or duchess.
Barony
The largest cities and their surrounding areas, and some territories such as the Queen Charlotte Islands; ruled by a baron or baroness.
March
Smaller cities and the largest towns and their surrounding areas; ruled by a margrave or marquess.
Shire
The remaining towns and villages too small to be marches; ruled by a prefect.
Government
Head of State and Government: Monarch
Queen Rhiannon o Corvida Regina
Legislature: Circle of Archons
The legislative council consisting of the senior nobility of the realm, as appointed by the monarch. Rulers of the duchies and baronies are the nominal members, currently numbering eleven, and serve for life.
Marcus o Aquila, Duke of Washington
Caetlyn o Axipita, Baroness of Victoria
Morgan o Delphina, Duchess of British Columbia
James o Dracona, Duke of California
Randall o Grypa, Baron of Sacramento
Sarah o Leona, Duchess of Oregon
Elizabeth o Lupa, Baroness of San Francisco
Patrick o Querica, Baron of Oakland
Dylan o Rova, Baron of Seattle
Gareth o Ursa, Baron of Vancouver
Sion o Vulpa, Baron of Portland
Executive Cabinet: Royal Senate
Royal Senate is the official term used to describe what other nations might call the Cabinet, with many of the same titles and offices that were used in ancient Rome. The official duty of the Senate is merely to carry out the orders of the sovereign and Circle of Archons, but their status as advisors have made them highly influential. Senators are appointed from civilian families to their ministries by the sovereign with recommendations from the Circle of Archons.
Minister of Foreign Affairs: (Praetor Extraterritorialis) is the senator in charge of international relations, embassies and ambassadors, and the diplomatic corps. The current Praetor Extraterritorialis is Meredith Aurelia Rhys-Jones
Minister of Domestic Affairs: (Praetor Infraterritorialis) is the senator in charge of homeland departments such as customs and immigration. The current Praetor Infraterritorialis is Martin Caratacus.
Minister of Agriculture: (Consul Agrestis) is the senator in charge of crops and livestock, and heads the agricultural departments and agencies. The current Consul Agrestis is Lucius Grey.
Minister of Industry: (Consul Fodis) is the senator in charge of terrestrial natural resources, including lumber, ores, and minerals, and heads the industrial departments and agencies. The current Consul Fodis is Edward Lloyd.
Minister of Oceans: (Consul Maritimis) is the senator in charge of aquatic resources, including fish, and heads the maritime and environmental departments and agencies. The current Consul Maritimis is Gareth Kingston
Minister of Finance: (Quaestor) is the senator in charge of national revenues, tax collections, and government expenditures, and heads the financial departments and agencies. The current Quaestor is Devonicus Royce.
Minister of Commerce: (Consul Aedilis) is the senator in charge of international trade, imports and exports, and heads the commercial departments and agencies. The current Consul Aedilis is Victoria Jenkins
Minister of Public Works: (Praetor Aedilis) is the senator in charge of public utilities, sanitation and government services, and heads the departments and agencies of public works. The current Praetor Aedilis is William Griffin.
Minister of Public Safety: (Consul Tutis) is the senator in charge of national safety standards and heads the safety departments and agencies. The current Consul Tutis is Mary Thomas Davids.
Minister of Justice: (Consul Iuris) is the senator in charge of the federal courts, police and corrections, and heads the justice departments and agencies. The Current Consul Iuris is George Cranston.
Minister of Education: (Consul Eruditis) is the senator in charge of education, academic standards, and the preservation of traditional Welsh culture and heritage, and heads the education departments and agencies. The current Consul Eruditis is Catrina Dixon.
Minister of Human Resources: (Consul Civitatis) is the senator in charge of labour, social development and civil rights, and heads the social departments and agencies. The current Consul Civitatis is Veronica Mendes.
Minister of Health: (Consul Salutis) is the senator in charge of health and wellness, food and drug standards, hospitals, and the Cascadian Medical Association, and heads the health departments and agencies. The current Consul Salutis is Dean Tyrell
Minister of Transport: (Consul Transportatis) is the senator in charge of roads and highways, civilian ground, air, naval transportation authorities, and heads the transportation departments and agencies. The current Consul Transportatis is Richard Smith.
Minister of Defence: (Consul Legatus) is the senator in charge of national defence and military affairs, and heads the defence departments and agencies. The current Consul Legatus is Shawn Cambrius.
Command Officers: (Praetor Legatus) are the officers in charge of the three military branches, the Command General, Command Admiral, and the Command Marshal. While technically within the purview of the Minister of Defence, the Command Officers are each accorded a voice in the Senate. The current Praetori Legati are Command General William Atkinson, Command Admiral Fiona Spain, and Command Marshal Christopher Azurius.
Judiciary: Supreme Court of Cascadia
The Supreme Court of Cascadia stands at the apex of the Cascadian judicial system, which resembles the form and style of the former Commonwealth nations. The Supreme Court consists of nine Prime Justices, appointed for life by the monarch from among the superior courts, though Prime Justices may choose to retire. Candidates must be from civilian (non-noble) families and may not hold any other remunerative office during their term. The duty of the judiciary is to advise the monarch in legal matters, to uphold Royal Cascadian Law, and to adjudicate legal matters at all levels.
Royal Cascadian Diplomatic Corps
The office of appointed representatives of the sovereign of Cascadia to foreign nations. Each ambassador is referred to as Legatus Extraterritorialis and, with his/her staff, administers the daily operations of the embassy and carries out diplomatic dutie in the nation of his/her charge.
Royalty, Nobility, and Peerage
King / Queen
Primus of the Royal House, absolute ruler and sovereign monarch of the Kingdom of Cascadia. The rank is denoted by the title Rex (male) or Regina (female) at the end of the name. The King or Queen holds the Seven Tributes. The monarch also holds the rank of Aegis Commander of the Royal Cascadian Forces. Properly addressed as: His/Her Majesty.
Royal Style: by the Grace of Divinity, (King/Queen) of Cascadia and all Her Territories, Holder of the Seven Tributes, Aegis of the Realm, Protector of the Faiths.
Grand Prince / Grand Princess
Royal consort of the King or Queen. Properly addressed as: His/Her Majesty.
Prince / Princess
Sons and daughters of the reigning sovereign including the Heir Apparent and any Heirs Presumptive. Regardless of noble title, capable royal progeny are very often military commanders or high administrators. Properly addressed as: His/Her Highness.
Duke / Duchess
Primus of the ruling House in a given duchy or the realm. Properly addressed as: His/Her Grace.
Baron / Baroness
Primus of the ruling House in a given barony of the realm. Properly addressed as: His/Her Eminence.
Margrave / Marquess
Primus of the ruling House in a given march of the realm. Properly addressed as: His/Her Excellency
Prefect
Primus of the ruling House in a given shire of the realm. Properly address as: His Lordship/Her Ladyship
Primus
The head and ruler of a House, regardless of gender, and a hereditary position that is the birthright of the first-born child. The rank is denoted by the inclusion of “o” between given and House names. Properly addressed as: High Lord or High Lady.
Praetor
The seneschal of a House, regardless of gender. Usually the second-born brother or sister of the Primus. Should anything befall the Primus, the Praetor’s duty is to act as House steward until the late Primus’ heir is of an age to assume rule of the House. Should no heir be available, the Praetor becomes Primus. Properly addressed as: Lord or Lady
Knight
The lowest title of nobility, and non-hereditary. The title is granted by the sovereign, at the request of the local nobility, to a civilian or military officer who has served the realm with distinction. A parcel of land is routinely granted along with the title, though the opportunity is most often given to soldiers from prominent local families. Properly addressed as: Sir or Dame.
The Seven Tributes
Once the Council of Seven had chosen the royal House that would rule Cascadia, each of the seven cities insisted on having some part in the investiture of the monarch, as a symbol of unity and loyalty. The finest artisans in the region laboured to produce master works of craftsmanship of such quality that Queen Rhiannon formally incorporated them as The Seven Tributes that each Cascadian monarch will Hold as symbols of both the sovereignty of the Kingdom and the unity of the seven original baronies. Certain Tributes may be worn and/or used at any given time, but in the highest ceremonies, when the sovereign bears all seven, the full and combined effect is rather awe-inspiring.
The Seven Tributes are:
Raven Throne of Victoria - Crafted from fine ebony wood and hand-carved over every inch with ravens in fanciful stylings, life-like, and in the Pacific Coast native tradition; in flight, on guard, and displayed. The dark birds are representative of solemnity, harbingers of a past that cannot be forgotten. The Throne is overlarge, an imposing seat, and the carvings give no consideration for the sitter. In fact, uncushioned as it is, no monarch will ever sit comfortably upon the Raven Throne.
Lion Crown of Vancouver - Wrought of materials both precious and mundane, it's the British crown that Canada might have once devised given its druthers, with a modern twist. The design is four lions rampant alternating with dogwood blossoms, above which are eight half-arches surmounted by a compass rose. Within is a royal blue velvet cap, lined with Canadian white mink. The Crown is made of chrome-plated tungsten, representing strength and longevity, and is set with onyx, diamonds, sapphires, and pearls. The surmounting compass rose is set with the first - and so far only - Crown Jewel of Cascadia, the Star of Cascadia. The blue diamond was originally mined in the Northwest Territories in the former Canada and weighs in at a modest 311.95 carats (62.39g). The Crown is heavy and was never meant to rest easy on the head of the sovereign.
Winged Sword of Seattle - Forged from steel reclaimed from aircraft at the Boeing complex, the Sword represents the ability to exert martial force and the willingness to do so, for Cascadia and for her friends and allies abroad. In the style of a traditional longsword, the blade is just short of a meter long with a fuller running most of its length and a full tang that is peened into a pommel of wings. The grip is wrapped in black leather and blue velvet; the cross-guard's full angelic-winged design, coupled with the pommel, gives the Sword its name. Mainly for ceremonial use, the Sword is the device by which the sovereign of Cascadia confers honours and occupies the Throne in times when the sovereign cannot physically attend assemblies of the Circle of Archons. When worn, it adorns the sovereign's right hip.
Ebon Shield of Oakland - Hand-carved from local oak wood from a grove that has stood in the area since its original settlement and stained a rich dark ebony, the Shield represents the royal duty to protect and defend Cascadian subjects and allies. The Shield is round, in the style of a traditional targe, banded in and with an umbo of chrome-plated tungsten. Currently, the Shield is completely unadorned but for the name of Cascadia's first sovereign, Rhiannon o Corvidae Regina, and the dates of her reign. The official royal policy is that the names of future sovereign will be carved into the Shield in succession, spiralling inward toward the umbo, until the face of the shield is filled. At that time, a new Shield will be commissioned and the previous one retired. In times of ceremony, the Shield is worn on the sovereign's left arm.
Rose Helm of Portland - Smithed from northwestern steel in the capital of the realm - known as the City of Roses - the Helm represents the loyalty of the subjects of Cascadia as evidenced in the reciprocal desire to protect the royal head. Designed in the fashion of a medieval great helm, the top is crafted to evoke the Lion Crown with its rampant lions, though alternated with roses. In honour of Cascadia's first sovereign the Royal Rosarian Society of Portland christened the Best Rose of 1965 the "Rhiannon Rose" and its image is used in the helm. The ventilation and the visor are also designed with the shapes and images of Rhiannon Roses. The whole Helm is polished to a high shine and gleams brightly as it is cradled in the right arm of the sovereign.
Golden Chain of San Francisco - Forged in red gold to resemble the colour of the city's famous bridge, the Chain represents the binding of the sovereign to the subjects of Cascadia and vice versa, standing also for duty and discipline. The collar of alternating anchors and starfish symbolize the maritime traditions of the area, and the starfish are also evocative of the former United States flag. The badge is a dove representing both St. Francis of Assissi, for whom the city is named, and a symbol of the peace for which Cascadia strives. The Chain is worn around the neck of the sovereign, though rests more upon the shoulders.
Sovereign Seal of Sacramento - A ring of epic proportions, the Seal is crafted from chrome-plated tungsten and set with onyx, diamonds, and sapphires that represent Cascadia's national colours. The signet itself is a great intaglio of symbols from each of the Tributes and is used on royal documentation and missives. The Sovereign Seal represents the authority and power of the sovereign to rule Cascadia and her subjects. It is worn on the sovereign's second finger of the right hand.