Bordevarian Traditions

Political Traditions

The Ducal Councils

The political history of Bordevar is unique in many aspects, but one thing that has always been present are its Ducal Councils and the roles they must fill. Each Ducal Council is uniquely tied to a Bordevarian Region, and are made up of Dukites, Sheriffs and Royal Rangers. Senators now also sit on the Ducal Council since the creation of The Concord. Each Title fulfills a different role on the Ducal Council, and as such has different election methods culturally tied to their relevance.

Senator: Elected by the Ducal Council of their Region. Any may stand, but a Layfolk Senator is considered strange.

Duke/Duchess/Dukite: Any Noble of the Duchy may stand. Nobles of the Duchy vote.

Sheriff: Any Commoner of the Duchy may stand. Commoners of the Duchy vote.

Royal Ranger: Only Kings Rangers may stand. If there is a Throne (Bordevarian or otherwise), the Throne chooses the Royal Ranger. If there is no Throne, candidates are elected by popular vote, where the electors are:

Military Traditions

Allies and Steel

In times before, the title of Knight was reserved for those of great martial prowess. While this definition has shifted to those who accomplish great deeds, the traditions of tourneys have remained. In times of old, the tourney grounds were pseudo-religious spaces of great import to the people of the Realm, while the tourney ground in Passage has not attained such status, it may in time. In the election of a Champion of the King, a tradition known as the Tourney of Steel is required.

The Tourney of Steel is a simple affair. It is a mass bout where all Competitors must fight at once, competing to the fullness of their ability and equipping themselves as they see fit. Combat abilities are allowed, as are magic items, but potions are considered poor form, as is being under the effect of any ceremonies. Competitors are not allowed to be assisted by others prior to entering the field and being under the effect of any spells such as empower is also considered dishonorable.

Any may stand for Champion of the King, though it is traditional for Knights to stand, and Competitors should be introduced as it is considered poor form to introduce yourself. Importantly, Live Steel must be used during the Tourney of Steel, and injuries are common and expected. It is considered wise to have healers on hand to prevent accidental death.

In the case of electing a General of either a Brigade or Banner, the method differs. Where once it was commonplace to fight for the Title, now it is understood that a General is not necessarily defined by their ability to fight but their ability to lead and be trusted. As such, the election methods for Brigadier and Banneret are as follows:

Brigadier: Commonfolk may stand, even if they are a Knight. Only Commonfolk Priests (Defined as "Individuals with Votes in the Church") may vote. They each have one vote no matter how many votes they have in the Church.

Banneret: Knights may stand, be they Noble or Common. Knights vote, even if they are candidates.

Economic Traditions

Fiefdoms and Stewards

While commanding and leading is a knightly endeavor, the direct management of powerful resource sites and mercantilism was seen as beneath the knightly endeavors during Bordevars time, something that has faded slightly over the ensuing centuries. However it still remains prominent when determining ownership of the most important and profitable commissions. When determining ownership of a Realmic Deed, Bordevarians face a unique circumstance.

It is a popular vote, where the only individuals able to vote are those Bordevarians who have spent four or more experience on combat skills. However the only individuals able to stand as candidates are Bordevarians who have not spent more than four or more experience on combat skills.